Set 7: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
After the American Civil War ended in 1865, the period of _______ began, during which the nation attempted to rebuild the South.
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. No punctuation is needed after 'Reconstruction' because 'began' continues the sentence. The nonessential clause 'during which...' should be set off by a comma before it (which is already present). 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 period of _______ began"
• "during which"
Why others are wrong: C (A colon introduces lists or explanations, not verb phrases.), B (A dash would set off an interruption, but 'began' is the main verb, not an interruption.), D (A semicolon separates independent clauses; this sentence continues with 'began.').
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