Set 13: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
The ecosystem's resilience depends not only on species diversity but also on the complex interactions among species, each of which _______ a unique ecological role.
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. 'Each of which' is singular (each species plays a role). The relative pronoun 'which' refers to 'species,' but 'each' makes it singular. 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:
• "species...each of which"
• "a unique ecological role"
Why others are wrong: A ('Playing' is a participle; the relative clause needs a finite verb.), C ('Have played' is plural; 'each' is singular.), B ('Play' is plural; 'each' is singular.).
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