Set 9: Form, Structure & Sense (Intermediate)
Explanation
PASSAGE
The researchers found that participants who slept less than six hours _______ more likely to report symptoms of depression.
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 subject is 'participants who slept less than six hours' (plural). It requires the plural past tense verb 'were' to match 'found' in the main 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:
• "participants who slept"
• "found that"
Why others are wrong: D ('Is' is present tense; the sentence uses past tense 'found.'), C ('Was' is singular; 'participants' is plural.), A ('Being' is not a complete verb form here.).
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