Set 13: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
The treaty's ratification, opposed by isolationists in both political _______ marked a significant shift in the nation's foreign policy orientation.
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 participial phrase 'opposed by isolationists in both political parties' is parenthetical. A comma closes this phrase before the main verb 'marked.' 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's ratification, opposed by isolationists"
• "marked a significant shift"
Why others are wrong: B (A semicolon is too strong for closing a participial phrase.), A (A colon doesn't fit for closing a participial phrase.), C (Missing punctuation fails to close the parenthetical phrase.).
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