3

Set 9: Form, Structure & Sense

Explanation

Answer: B

PASSAGE

The orchestra's performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony _______ the audience last night, earning a ten-minute standing ovation.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. moving
B. moved✓ Correct
C. moves
D. has moved

Detailed Answer Explanation

This question tests your understanding of sentence function and text organization. 'Last night' indicates a specific past time, requiring simple past tense 'moved.' 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:

• "last night"

• "earning a ten-minute standing ovation"

Why others are wrong: C ('Moves' is present tense; 'last night' requires past tense.), D ('Has moved' is present perfect, but 'last night' needs simple past.), A ('Moving' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.).

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