Set 13: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The telescope's primary mirror, which measures 10 meters in _______ is capable of detecting light from galaxies billions of light-years away.
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 function and text organization. The relative clause 'which measures 10 meters in diameter' is nonessential. A comma after 'diameter' closes this clause before the main verb 'is capable.' 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 telescope's primary mirror, which measures"
• "is capable of detecting"
Why others are wrong: C (Missing punctuation fails to close the nonessential relative clause.), A (A semicolon is too strong for closing a relative clause.), B (A colon doesn't fit for closing a relative clause.).
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