Set 13: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The emperor, despite facing numerous internal rebellions and external _______ managed to maintain control of the vast territory for nearly two decades.
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 phrase 'despite facing numerous internal rebellions and external threats' is an interrupting prepositional phrase that must be closed with a comma before resuming the main clause with 'managed.' 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 emperor, despite facing"
• "managed to maintain control"
Why others are wrong: B (A semicolon is too strong; this closes an interruption, not an independent clause.), D (A colon doesn't fit for closing an interrupting phrase.), C (Missing punctuation fails to close the interrupting phrase.).
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