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Difficulty: MediumSubordination and Coordination

In the early nineteenth century, Mary Anning combed the cliffs of Lyme Regis to find fossilized marine reptiles. She lacked formal scientific training, she was able to identify and reconstruct specimens that challenged the established geological theories of her era.

Which of the following choices is the best revision of the underlined portion?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. Although she lacked formal scientific training, she was able to identifyAnswer
  3. C
    She lacked formal scientific training. Because she was able to identify
  4. D
    She lacked formal scientific training; being able to identify

Answer

The correct answer is the option that starts with the subordinating conjunction 'Although' and uses a comma to connect the dependent clause to the main clause.
The correct option is the one that introduces the first clause with the subordinating conjunction 'Although'. This structure transforms the first independent clause into a dependent clause, which can then be properly joined to the subsequent independent clause using a comma, clearly expressing the contrast between her lack of training and her accomplishments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original sentence structure of the underlined portion.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'She lacked formal scientific training' and 'she was able to identify and reconstruct specimens...', which are joined only by a comma.
This is a comma splice, which is a major grammatical error that must be resolved by proper coordination or subordination.
2
Determine the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The clauses present a relationship of contrast: despite lacking formal training, she was highly capable of identifying specimens.
Choosing a conjunction that correctly reflects this contrastive relationship is necessary for both logical and grammatical correctness.
3
Evaluate the choices for correct grammar and logical cohesion.
Subordinating the first clause with 'Although' creates a dependent clause that naturally connects to the independent clause with a comma, resolving the splice and establishing the correct contrast.
This revision produces a grammatically sound complex sentence structure that conveys the intended meaning.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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