1

Set 15: Boundaries

Explanation

Answer: D

PASSAGE

The research team, comprising experts from three different _______ published its findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

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

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

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of sentence boundaries and punctuation. 'Comprising experts from three different universities' is a nonessential phrase. It needs a closing comma to match the opening comma after 'team.' 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:

• "nonessential phrase"

• "comma to close"

Why others are wrong: B (Missing closing comma for nonessential phrase.), A (Colon is incorrect; should be comma.), C (Semicolon is incorrect; should be comma.).

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