Set 10: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The satellite's trajectory, calculated by a team of engineers, _______ it through the asteroid belt with minimal risk of collision.
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. 'Trajectory' is singular. The parenthetical phrase 'calculated by a team of engineers' doesn't affect subject-verb agreement. 'Guides' is the singular present tense 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 satellite's trajectory"
• "through the asteroid belt"
Why others are wrong: D ('Guide' is plural; 'trajectory' is singular.), C ('Guided' could work as past tense, but context suggests ongoing guidance.), B ('Guiding' is a participle; the sentence needs a main verb.).
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