Set 15: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
The constitution, ratified after months of heated debate, _______ a foundation for democratic governance that would endure for over two centuries.
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 constitution' is the subject, and the sentence describes a past event. 'Established' (past tense) is the main verb. 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 constitution, ratified after months of heated debate"
• "would endure for over two centuries"
Why others are wrong: C ('Establishing' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.), A ('Establishes' is present tense; 'ratified' and 'would endure' indicate past.), D ('To establish' is an infinitive; the sentence needs a finite verb.).
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