Set 13: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
Vincent van Gogh's paintings are valued at millions of dollars _______ during his lifetime, he sold only one painting.
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. 'However' is a conjunctive adverb joining two independent clauses. It needs a semicolon or period before it and a comma after it. Since there's no period option, 'today, however,' uses commas to set off 'however.' 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:
• "are valued at millions of dollars"
• "during his lifetime, he sold only one painting"
Why others are wrong: D ('However' needs commas on both sides when used as an interrupter.), C (Missing the comma after 'however' creates a comma splice.), B (Missing the comma before 'however' is incorrect punctuation.).
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