Set 11: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The cheetah is the fastest land animal, _______ speeds of up to 70 miles per hour in short bursts.
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. 'Reaching' is a present participle that creates a participial phrase modifying 'cheetah.' This construction adds information without creating a comma splice. 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 fastest land animal"
• "speeds of up to 70 miles per hour"
Why others are wrong: B ('To reach' as an infinitive doesn't fit here logically or grammatically.), A ('It can reach' creates a comma splice between two independent clauses.), C (While grammatically possible, it's wordier than the participial phrase.).
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