Set 8: Boundaries
Explanation
PASSAGE
The scientist's hypothesis _______ initially skeptical of, eventually gained widespread acceptance.
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. 'Which colleagues were initially skeptical of' is a nonessential clause. Use comma before 'which.' 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 clause"
• "comma + which"
Why others are wrong: C (Missing comma to set off nonessential clause.), B ('That' is for essential clauses and can't be used with preposition + comma structure.), D (Semicolon would create a fragment.).
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