Set 9: Form, Structure & Sense (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The research team, determined to solve the mystery, _______ tirelessly for three years before finally achieving a breakthrough.
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 research team' is singular (collective noun acting as a unit). 'Worked' (past tense) matches 'before finally achieving' (past context). 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 research team, determined to solve the mystery"
• "before finally achieving a breakthrough"
Why others are wrong: A ('Works' is present tense; context is past ('before finally achieving').), B ('Working' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.), D ('Work' is base/plural form; team (singular) and past context need 'worked.').
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