Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
its
B
it’s
C
they’re
D
their
Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is the use of possessive determiners. The singular possessive determiner “its” agrees in number with the singular noun “the North Sea” and thus indicates that the shores are those of the North Sea.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because “it’s” is the contraction for “it is” or “it has,” not a possessive determiner.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because “they’re” is the contraction for “they are,” not a possessive determiner.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the plural possessive determiner “their” doesn’t agree in number with the singular noun “the North Sea.”