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Difficulty: Very hardSentence Fragments

The standard theory suggests that the architectural ruins of Göbekli Tepe were constructed by hunter-gatherers who had not yet settled into agricultural communities. A recent analysis of plant remains, however, which challenges this timeline by suggesting that early cultivation may have occurred parallel to the site's construction.

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

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. B
    A recent analysis of plant remains, however, challenges this timeline, it suggests that early cultivation may have occurred parallel to the site's construction.
  3. A recent analysis of plant remains, however, challenges this timeline, suggesting that early cultivation may have occurred parallel to the site's construction.Answer
  4. D
    A recent analysis of plant remains, however, challenges this timeline; suggesting that early cultivation may have occurred parallel to the site's construction.

Answer

The choice that provides the main verb 'challenges' and uses the participle 'suggesting' to modify the independent clause.
The correct choice removes the relative pronoun 'which', allowing 'challenges' to serve as the main finite verb for the subject 'A recent analysis'. It then correctly uses a comma followed by the present participle 'suggesting' to introduce a modifying participial phrase, resulting in a grammatically complete and clear sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical issue in the underlined portion.
The subject 'A recent analysis' is followed by a relative clause starting with 'which', leaving the main subject without a predicate verb and creating a sentence fragment.
Every complete sentence must contain at least one independent clause with a subject and a corresponding finite verb.
2
Evaluate choices to ensure a main finite verb is provided.
Removing the relative pronoun 'which' allows 'challenges' to function as the main verb, resolving the fragment.
Providing a main verb connects the subject to a complete action.
3
Check the punctuation and structure of the remaining clauses.
A comma followed by the present participle 'suggesting' correctly introduces a modifying participial phrase, avoiding comma splices and semicolon fragments.
Connecting clauses properly ensures the sentence does not violate punctuation rules like those governing independent and dependent clauses.

Key Concept

Recognizing and correcting sentence fragments caused by relative clauses that leave a main subject without a finite verb.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Sentence Fragments

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