Set 8: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Neither the economic sanctions imposed by Western powers nor the diplomatic pressure exerted by neighboring _______ succeeded in compelling the regime to reform its policies.
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. With 'neither...nor,' no comma is needed before the verb. 'Nations' (plural and closest to verb) agrees with 'succeeded.' 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:
• "Neither the economic sanctions...nor the diplomatic pressure exerted by neighboring _______"
• "succeeded in compelling"
Why others are wrong: D (A semicolon incorrectly separates the subject from its verb.), C (A colon incorrectly separates the subject from its verb.), A (A comma before the main verb is unnecessary in this construction.).
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