Set 14: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The study examined whether participants who _______ regular exercise demonstrated improved cognitive function compared to sedentary individuals.
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 study examined' sets up past tense. 'Participants who engaged' maintains consistent past tense within the relative clause. 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 study examined"
• "demonstrated improved cognitive function"
Why others are wrong: C ('Engaging in' is a participle; the relative clause needs a finite verb.), B ('Engage in' is present tense; main verb 'examined' is past.), A ('Engages in' is singular; 'participants' is plural.).
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