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Difficulty: HardSubordination and Coordination

In 1912, German meteorologist Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that the Earth's continents were once joined in a single supercontinent. Despite his peers ridiculed the idea for its lack of a driving mechanism; Wegener spent the rest of his life gathering geological and paleontological evidence to support his hypothesis.

Which choice best completes the sentence, establishing a logical and grammatically correct relationship between the clauses?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. Although his peers ridiculed the idea for its lack of a driving mechanism, WegenerAnswer
  3. C
    His peers ridiculed the idea for its lack of a driving mechanism, Wegener
  4. D
    Because his peers ridiculed the idea for its lack of a driving mechanism, but Wegener

Answer

The correct option is the one starting with 'Although his peers...', which uses the subordinating conjunction 'Although' to set up a dependent clause and connects it to the main clause with a comma.
The correct option correctly uses the subordinating conjunction 'Although' to introduce a dependent clause ('Although his peers ridiculed the idea for its lack of a driving mechanism'), which is then correctly separated from the main independent clause ('Wegener spent...') by a comma. This creates a clear, grammatically correct transition showing contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two clauses.
The first clause describes the opposition Wegener faced ('his peers ridiculed the idea'), and the second clause describes Wegener's actions in response ('Wegener spent the rest of his life...'). This suggests a relationship of contrast or concession.
Identifying the logical relationship helps choose the correct subordinating or coordinating conjunction.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the original underlined portion.
The original text uses 'Despite' as a conjunction (which is incorrect since it is a preposition) and uses a semicolon to separate the clauses, which is incorrect because the first part is not an independent clause.
This helps determine if a change is needed.
3
Evaluate the remaining options for grammatical correctness.
The option beginning with 'Although' correctly sets up a dependent clause of concession and joins it to the independent clause with a comma. The option beginning with 'His peers' creates a comma splice. The option beginning with 'Because' and containing 'but' creates a sentence fragment.
This identifies the only grammatically correct and logically appropriate option.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Subordination and Coordination

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