8

Set 12: Boundaries

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The study found that exercising _______ improves mood and reduces stress levels.

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

A. regularly✓ Correct
B. regularly,
C. regularly;
D. regularly:

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of sentence boundaries and punctuation. No punctuation should separate the gerund phrase 'exercising regularly' from its verb 'improves.' 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:

• "subject-verb connection"

• "no interruption"

Why others are wrong: D (Colon incorrectly separates subject from verb.), B (Comma incorrectly separates subject from verb.), C (Semicolon incorrectly separates subject from verb.).

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