Set 10: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
The artifacts, dating back more than three thousand years, _______ remarkably well despite being buried in damp soil.
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. 'Artifacts' is plural, requiring plural 'were preserved.' The parenthetical phrase 'dating back more than three thousand years' doesn't change subject number. 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 artifacts, dating back"
• "remarkably well despite"
Why others are wrong: A ('Was preserved' is singular; 'artifacts' is plural.), C ('Has been preserved' is singular; 'artifacts' is plural.), D ('Preserving' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.).
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