Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A
writers
B
writers,
C
writers—
D
writers;
Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is punctuation between a subject and a verb. When, as in this case, a subject (“Generations of mystery and horror writers”) is immediately followed by a verb (“have been influenced”), no punctuation is needed.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the subject and the verb.