Set 8: Boundaries (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The statistics show that crime _______ in the neighborhood decreased by 15 percent last year.
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. 'Rates' agrees with the plural verb 'decreased' and the context (statistics show rates). No comma separates subject from verb. 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:
• "rates (plural to match 'decreased')"
• "no comma before verb"
Why others are wrong: C (Comma incorrectly separates subject from verb AND 'rate' is singular.), A (Comma incorrectly separates subject from verb.), B ('Rate' is singular; should be plural to match context.).
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