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Difficulty: Very hardSubordination and Coordination

Deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs required researchers to abandon the assumption that the script was purely logographic, representing whole [1] words, instead, they had to recognize that the writing system was logo-syllabic, combining word-signs with phonetic signs that represented individual syllables.

Which option is the correct replacement for the underlined portion marked [1]?

  1. A
    words, instead, they had to recognize
  2. words; instead, they had to recognizeAnswer
  3. C
    words, they had to recognize
  4. D
    words; because they had to recognize

Answer

The choice that reads 'words; instead, they had to recognize' is correct because it properly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and uses the conjunctive adverb 'instead' to signal contrast.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The conjunctive adverb 'instead' is followed by a comma, which logically connects the contrast between the initial assumption of a purely logographic script and the reality of a logo-syllabic writing system.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses in the passage.
Identify that 'Deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs required researchers to abandon the assumption that the script was purely logographic, representing whole words' and 'they had to recognize that the writing system was logo-syllabic...' are both independent clauses.
To determine the correct punctuation and conjunctions needed, we must know if the clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two independent clauses.
The second clause presents a contrasting correction to the assumption mentioned in the first clause.
Understanding the logical transition ensures we choose the correct coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction, or conjunctive adverb.
3
Test the punctuation rules for joining independent clauses.
Two independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon, a period, or a comma combined with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Joining them with only a comma and a conjunctive adverb like 'instead' is a comma splice error.
This helps eliminate grammatically incorrect options like the original text and the option with just a comma.
4
Select the option that correctly punctuates and joins the clauses.
The option using a semicolon followed by 'instead,' is grammatically correct and logically sound.
It successfully avoids run-on, comma splice, and fragment errors while maintaining the correct logical relationship.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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