Set 12: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
Whether the novel should be classified as literary fiction or genre fiction _______ to be a matter of ongoing debate among critics.
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. 'Whether the novel should be classified' is a noun clause acting as a singular subject. It requires the singular verb 'continues.' 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:
• "Whether the novel should be classified"
• "to be a matter of ongoing debate"
Why others are wrong: B ('Continue' is plural; the noun clause is singular.), C ('Have continued' is plural; the noun clause is singular.), D ('Continuing' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.).
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