Set 11: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
The manuscript _______ by scholars for centuries, was finally translated using advanced computational linguistics.
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. 'That had puzzled by scholars for centuries' is an essential clause identifying which manuscript. Essential clauses use 'that' without commas. 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:
• "essential clause"
• "that (no comma)"
Why others are wrong: A ('That' shouldn't be preceded by a comma.), B (If using 'which' with comma, it's nonessential; but 'that' without comma is cleaner here.), D ('Which' for essential clauses needs comma, but then wouldn't match closing comma structure.).
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