Set 12: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The elephant, the largest land animal, _______ remarkably well despite its massive size.
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 elephant' is singular, requiring singular verb 'swims.' The appositive 'the largest land animal' is parenthetical and doesn't change subject-verb agreement. 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 elephant"
• "despite its massive size"
Why others are wrong: A ('To swim' is an infinitive; the sentence needs a finite verb.), C ('Swimming' is a participle, not a main verb.), B ('Swim' is plural form; 'elephant' is singular.).
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