Set 7: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The enzyme's activity, which researchers _______ for over a decade, appears to play a crucial role in cellular repair mechanisms.
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. 'Researchers' is plural, requiring 'have studied.' The present perfect indicates action continuing to the present (over a decade). 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:
• "which researchers _______"
• "for over a decade"
Why others are wrong: A ('Studied' doesn't convey ongoing action as well as present perfect with 'for over a decade.'), D ('Studying' is a participle; the relative clause needs a finite verb.), B ('Has studied' is singular; 'researchers' is plural.).
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