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Standard English Conventions / Boundaries Difficulty: Easy

In forecasting weather events, meteorologists sometimes discuss the role of atmospheric rivers. What are atmospheric rivers, and how blank Part of the water cycle, atmospheric rivers are narrow channels of moisture moving through the atmosphere. In certain conditions, these “rivers” can release some of their moisture as precipitation. 

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

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Explanation

Choice C is the best answer. The convention being tested is end-of-sentence punctuation. This choice correctly uses a question mark to punctuate the coordinated interrogative clauses "What are atmospheric rivers" and "how do they affect our weather," both of which ask direct questions.

Choice A is incorrect because a period can’t be used in this way to punctuate an interrogative clause, such as "how do they affect our weather," at the end of a sentence. Choice B is incorrect because the structure requires an interrogative clause and a question mark at the end of the sentence. Choice D is incorrect because the structure requires an interrogative clause at the end of the sentence.