7

Set 2: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The expedition leader, renowned for her previous achievements in polar _______ assembled a team of experienced scientists and seasoned explorers.

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

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

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of sentence function and text organization. The participial phrase 'renowned for her previous achievements in polar exploration' is parenthetical. A comma closes this phrase before the main verb 'assembled.' 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 expedition leader, renowned for her previous achievements"

• "assembled a team"

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