Set 11: Boundaries (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The scientist _______ theories revolutionized physics, received the Nobel Prize.
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. 'Whose theories revolutionized physics' is an essential clause identifying which scientist. Essential clauses don't need commas. 'Whose' shows possession. 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:
• "essential clause"
• "whose (possessive)"
Why others are wrong: A (Comma makes it nonessential, but we need to identify WHICH scientist.), C (Semicolon would create a fragment.), B ('Who's' means 'who is'—wrong form. Need possessive 'whose.').
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