Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
parks and
B
parks
C
parks;
D
parks,
Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is the coordination of main clauses within a sentence. This choice uses a semicolon to correctly join the first main clause (“The Mission…parks”) and the second main clause that begins with “it.”
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. When coordinating two longer main clauses such as these, it’s conventional to use a comma before the coordinating conjunction.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a run-on sentence. The two main clauses are fused without punctuation and/or a conjunction.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because it results in a comma splice. Without a conjunction following it, a comma can’t be used in this way to join two main clauses.