8

Set 1: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

The genome sequencing project, which has taken researchers more than a decade to _______ will provide invaluable insights into human evolutionary history.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. complete:
B. complete,✓ Correct
C. complete
D. complete;

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of sentence function and text organization. The relative clause 'which has taken researchers more than a decade to complete' is nonessential. A comma closes this clause before the main verb 'will provide.' Each sentence in a well-constructed text serves a specific purpose. Consider what role this sentence plays in the argument: does it introduce, support, contrast, or conclude an idea? Understanding why an author includes specific sentences helps you grasp the overall argument. Each sentence should serve a clear purpose: introducing ideas, providing evidence, acknowledging counterarguments, or drawing conclusions. Identify the role to understand the structure.

Key Evidence:

• "The genome sequencing project, which has taken"

• "will provide invaluable insights"

Why others are wrong: A (A colon doesn't fit for closing a relative clause.), C (Missing punctuation fails to close the nonessential relative clause.), D (A semicolon is too strong for closing a relative clause.).