Set 8: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The treaty, signed after years of negotiation, _______ lasting peace between the two nations for over a century.
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 treaty' is singular and 'signed after years of negotiation' is parenthetical. 'Ensured' (past tense) describes a historical result. 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 treaty, signed after years of negotiation"
• "for over a century"
Why others are wrong: A ('Ensures' is present tense; 'signed' indicates past context.), C ('Has ensured' is present perfect; 'for over a century' with historical treaty suggests past tense.), B ('Ensuring' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.).
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