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Standard English Conventions / Form, Structure, and Sense Difficulty: Medium

In January 1776, Thomas Paine published Common Sense, an appeal for freedom from the British monarchy that famously helped ignite the desire for independence among the American colonists. After the colonies achieved their independence, Paine moved to Paris, where the provocative blank would contribute to another revolution—the French Revolution.

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

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Explanation

Choice B is the best answer. The conventions being tested are the use of plural and possessive nouns. The singular possessive noun "author’s" correctly indicates that the political writings are those of Thomas Paine, and the plural noun "writings" correctly indicates that multiple works by Paine are being discussed.

Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "author’s," not the plural noun "authors." Choice C is incorrect because the context requires the plural noun "writings," not the singular possessive noun "writing’s." Choice D is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "author’s" and the plural noun "writings," not the plural possessive nouns "authors’" and "writings’."