Question 135·Hard·Boundaries
The documentary crew followed mountaineer Tashi Dorje for two _____ filmed his training on the Himalayan slopes, interviewed his Sherpa mentors, and—after a grueling summit attempt—captured his triumphant return.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, first check whether the text before the blank forms a complete sentence. Then examine the text after the blank: if it’s a list or explanation (not a full independent clause), a colon is often correct; if it’s a full independent clause, consider a semicolon or period (with proper capitalization).
Hints
Confirm the first part is complete
Insert “years” mentally and see whether “The documentary crew followed … for two years” could end with a period.
Decide what kind of material follows
Look at what comes after the blank: is it a full sentence with its own subject, or is it a list of actions?
Match punctuation to function
Which punctuation mark is used after a complete sentence to introduce a list of details that specify it?
Test the semicolon rule
A semicolon should be followed by an independent clause. Check whether the words after the blank have their own subject.
Step-by-step Explanation
Check what comes before the blank
With each choice inserted, the words before the punctuation become: “The documentary crew followed mountaineer Tashi Dorje for two years”. This is a complete sentence (independent clause).
Check what comes after the blank
After the blank is a list of actions: “filmed …, interviewed …, and … captured ….” This is not an independent clause because it does not restate the subject (there is no subject like “they” before “filmed”).
Choose punctuation that can introduce a list after a complete sentence
A colon can be used after a complete sentence to introduce a list that explains or specifies it.
Eliminate the other punctuation marks
- A semicolon must be followed by an independent clause, but “filmed …” has no subject.
- A period would create a sentence fragment (“filmed …” would stand alone).
- A comma cannot correctly separate a complete sentence from a new finite verb (“filmed”) with no subject.
Therefore, the correct choice is years:.