Set 15: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
The chef prepared the meal with great _______ however, the restaurant received a poor review.
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. 'However' is a conjunctive adverb. Two independent clauses with conjunctive adverb require semicolon before it. 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:
• "conjunctive adverb (however)"
• "semicolon before"
Why others are wrong: A (Em dash is less appropriate than semicolon here.), C (Colon is incorrect before 'however.'), D (Comma creates comma splice before conjunctive adverb.).
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