SAT OwlMade up of more than 2,000 islands scattered across the western ______ Micronesia is home to dozens of distinct languages and cultures. Many of its islands are low-lying coral atolls.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Pacific;
Pacific,
Pacific
Pacific—
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
"Made up of more than 2,000 islands scattered across the western Pacific" is an introductory phrase that describes Micronesia, the subject of the main clause. A comma separates an introductory phrase from the main clause.
Choice A uses a semicolon, but the introductory phrase is not an independent clause.
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