Set 13: Boundaries (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The orchestra performed Beethoven's Ninth _______ the audience responded with a prolonged standing ovation.
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. Two independent clauses joined by 'and' require a comma before the conjunction. 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:
• "two independent clauses"
• "coordinating conjunction"
Why others are wrong: B (Colon is incorrect before coordinating conjunction.), D (Semicolon shouldn't precede a coordinating conjunction.), A (Missing comma before 'and' when joining independent clauses.).
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