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Difficulty: HardSemicolons

Discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of a Greek island, the Antikythera mechanism has astonished historians of science; indeed, its complex gear systems suggest that ancient Greeks had achieved a level of technological sophistication previously thought impossible until the modern era.

Which choice represents the correct punctuation and phrasing for the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. NO CHANGEAnswer
  2. B
    science, indeed, its
  3. C
    science; because its
  4. D
    science; indeed, it's

Answer

The correct option is the original phrasing, which uses a semicolon and the conjunctive adverb 'indeed' followed by a comma and the possessive pronoun 'its'.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses linked by the conjunctive adverb 'indeed'. It also correctly uses the possessive pronoun 'its' rather than the contraction 'it's'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
The first clause ('Discovered in a shipwreck... historians of science') is independent. The second clause ('its complex gear systems suggest... modern era') is also independent.
To determine whether a semicolon is appropriate, we must verify that it separates two independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences.
2
Evaluate the joining punctuation and transitions.
A semicolon is required to join these two independent clauses when a conjunctive adverb like 'indeed' is used. The conjunctive adverb must be followed by a comma.
Joining two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunctive adverb without a semicolon creates a comma splice.
3
Check the spelling and usage of the possessive pronoun.
The possessive pronoun 'its' is required to modify 'complex gear systems'. The contraction 'it's' would translate to 'it is complex gear systems', which is incorrect.
This step eliminates choices that confuse the possessive pronoun with the contraction.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to link two independent clauses, especially when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Semicolons

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