Set 10: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The constitution establishes three branches of government: the legislative, which makes _______ the executive, which enforces law; and the judicial, which interprets law.
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. This is a complex list with internal commas. Semicolons are used to separate major items in the list, so 'law;' correctly ends the first item before the second item begins. 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:
• "three branches of government:"
• "the executive, which enforces law; and the judicial"
Why others are wrong: D (No punctuation fails to separate this complex list item from the next.), A (A colon introduces lists/explanations, not list item divisions.), B (A comma would create confusion since items have internal commas.).
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