Set 11: Boundaries (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The analysis of the voting _______ suggests that demographic shifts significantly influenced the election outcome.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question tests your understanding of sentence boundaries and punctuation. 'Patterns' is plural, so use 'span' (not 'spans'). Nonessential clause with 'which' needs commas on both sides. To determine the correct answer, examine where complete thoughts begin and end. Look for independent clauses that need proper separation. A period, semicolon, or appropriate conjunction can correctly join or separate these ideas. When analyzing sentence boundaries, pay attention to how ideas flow from one sentence to the next. Correct punctuation ensures clarity and prevents confusion for readers. Review the options carefully to identify which choice creates proper sentence structure.
Key Evidence:
• "patterns (plural)"
• "nonessential clause"
• "commas both sides"
Why others are wrong: C (Missing comma before 'which' AND 'spans' is singular.), A ('That' for essential clauses; but essential clause wouldn't have closing comma.), D ('Spans' is singular; 'patterns' is plural. Also missing closing comma.).
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