Set 15: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
The research team's findings, _______ statistically significant, will need to be replicated before they can be considered conclusive.
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. 'While statistically significant' is a concessive phrase set off by commas. 'While' alone is sufficient before the adjective. 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:
• "concessive phrase"
• "comma already present before"
Why others are wrong: C ('Although they are' is wordier and doesn't fit the parenthetical structure.), D ('Being' is unnecessary and wordy.), A (Double comma after 'findings' would be incorrect.).
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