Set 12: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The bald eagle, once endangered due to pesticide use, has made a remarkable recovery. Conservation efforts _______ the banning of DDT contributed to the species' resurgence.
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 sentence needs a participial phrase to modify 'conservation efforts.' 'Including' is a present participle that correctly introduces additional information about the efforts. 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:
• "Conservation efforts _______ the banning"
• "the species' resurgence"
Why others are wrong: C ('They included' creates a comma splice with an independent clause.), B ('That included' would need a relative clause structure; doesn't fit grammatically here.), D ('To include' suggests purpose, which doesn't make sense here.).
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