Examkin

Sentence Structure and Formation

444 questions

All types444Multiple choice368Ordering15Fill in the blank61
Question 281Question →

Read the sentence below. The introductory phrase 'Although historically classified as a dwarf planet' acts as a modifier. To prevent a dangling modifier, the subject of the main clause must be the logical entity being modified. Fill in the blank with the single proper noun that correctly completes the sentence.

Fill in the blanks below

Although historically classified as a dwarf planet, remains a primary subject of study for astronomers seeking to understand the outer reaches of our solar system.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

Pluto
The proper noun 'Pluto' is the correct answer because it represents the actual celestial body that is historically classified as a dwarf planet. Placing 'Pluto' immediately after the introductory modifying phrase ensures that the modifier clearly and logically describes the subject of the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the introductory modifying phrase.
The phrase 'Although historically classified as a dwarf planet' describes a physical celestial body, not a concept, status, or orbit.
To avoid a dangling modifier, the subject of the main clause must be the noun that is directly described by this introductory phrase.
2
Determine the correct logical subject.
The proper noun 'Pluto' represents the actual celestial body that was classified as a dwarf planet.
Using possessive forms like 'Pluto's status' or 'Pluto's orbit' as the subject would incorrectly suggest that the status or orbit itself was classified as a dwarf planet.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting dangling modifiers by ensuring the introductory modifying phrase is immediately followed by the noun it logically modifies.
Question 282Question →

To reconstruct the medieval banquet, the culinary historian spent months translating old manuscripts, sourcing rare spices, and recreated the cooking methods of the era.

Which choice best maintains a parallel structure in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: recreating the cooking methods

Answer

recreating the cooking methods
The correct answer maintains parallel structure by using the gerund form 'recreating', which matches the grammatical pattern of 'translating' and 'sourcing' in the list of the historian's activities.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the list of activities in the sentence.
The sentence lists three actions the culinary historian performed: translating old manuscripts, sourcing rare spices, and the underlined action.
Recognizing a list of items is the first step to determining if parallel structure is required.
2
Analyze the grammatical structure of the non-underlined items in the list.
The first two items, 'translating old manuscripts' and 'sourcing rare spices', both begin with gerunds ('-ing' verbs acting as nouns/modifiers).
To maintain parallel structure, all items in a list must share the same grammatical form.
3
Select the option that matches this grammatical structure.
The gerund form 'recreating' matches the '-ing' pattern of 'translating' and 'sourcing'.
This completes the parallel series grammatically and logically.

Key Concept

Parallel structure requires that words, phrases, or clauses in a list or comparison share the same grammatical form.
Question 283Question →

In 1903, Mary Anderson observed a New York streetcar driver struggling to see through sleet. She quickly designed a hand-operated squeegee to clear the windshield, manufacturing companies rejected her invention as a distraction to drivers.

Which of the following options represents the most grammatically correct and logical version of the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Although she quickly designed a hand-operated squeegee to clear the windshield, manufacturing companies

Answer

Although she quickly designed a hand-operated squeegee to clear the windshield, manufacturing companies
The correct answer successfully resolves the comma splice by placing the subordinating conjunction 'Although' at the beginning of the first clause. This turns it into a dependent clause, which is correctly joined to the subsequent independent clause by a comma, while also establishing the logical relationship of contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the boundary and relationship between the two clauses in the underlined portion.
The two clauses are 'She quickly designed a hand-operated squeegee to clear the windshield' and 'manufacturing companies rejected her invention as a distraction to drivers.'
Analyzing clause boundaries helps determine whether the sentence contains a comma splice or coordination error.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the original sentence.
The original sentence joins two independent clauses with only a comma, which is an incorrect construction known as a comma splice.
This confirms that the original text needs to be changed.
3
Assess the options to find a grammatically correct way to join these clauses that maintains logical relationships.
Introducing the subordinating conjunction 'Although' at the beginning of the first clause makes it dependent, which allows it to connect correctly to the independent main clause using a comma.
Subordination corrects the comma splice and properly establishes the contrasting relationship between Mary Anderson designing the wiper and the companies rejecting it.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Question 284Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

Astrophysicists use gravitational lensing to map the distribution of dark matter in distant galaxy clusters. When light from a background galaxy passes near a massive foreground cluster, the cluster’s gravity acts like a giant lens. This bends and distorts the light into arcs and multiple images, consequently, these cosmic mirages reveal the total mass of the lens, including both visible stars and invisible dark matter. By analyzing the distortions, researchers can construct detailed dark matter maps.

Which option best replaces the underlined portion to ensure the sentence is grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This bends and distorts the light into arcs and multiple images; consequently, these cosmic mirages

Answer

The option that uses a semicolon and the transitional adverb 'consequently' to separate the two independent clauses: 'This bends and distorts the light into arcs and multiple images; consequently, these cosmic mirages'.
The correct option uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses: the first clause describes how the light is bent and distorted, and the second clause explains what these cosmic mirages reveal. When a conjunctive adverb like 'consequently' is used to introduce the second independent clause, a semicolon must precede it, and a comma must follow it. This structure resolves the comma splice without introducing new errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two main clauses in the underlined portion and the surrounding text.
The first clause is 'This bends and distorts the light into arcs and multiple images' (independent), and the second clause is 'these cosmic mirages reveal the total mass...' (independent).
Understanding the grammatical status of the clauses helps determine what punctuation is needed to join or separate them.
2
Evaluate the punctuation joining the two independent clauses.
Joining two independent clauses with only a comma before the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' creates a comma splice.
Independent clauses must be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a comma coupled with a coordinating conjunction.
3
Evaluate the remaining options to find the correct correction.
The option with a semicolon before 'consequently' and a comma after it correctly separates the two independent clauses. The option starting with 'Consequently, because...' creates a dependent clause fragment. The option placing a comma before 'that is shaped...' incorrectly punctuates a restrictive relative clause.
A semicolon is the appropriate mark to link related independent clauses, while subordinating conjunctions and misplaced restrictive commas create fragments or punctuation errors.

Key Concept

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
Question 285Question →

Meteorologists use weather balloons to gather data from the upper atmosphere. These balloons carry instruments called radiosondes high into the sky, they measure temperature, humidity, and pressure. This valuable information is then transmitted back to ground stations for analysis.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: high into the sky to measure

Answer

high into the sky to measure
The correct answer replaces the comma and pronoun with the infinitive phrase 'to measure'. This resolves the comma splice by converting the second independent clause into a dependent infinitive phrase that grammatically modifies the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical issue in the underlined portion.
The original sentence joins two independent clauses ('These balloons carry instruments called radiosondes high into the sky' and 'they measure temperature, humidity, and pressure') with only a comma, which is a comma splice error.
Independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone.
2
Evaluate the choices to find one that resolves the comma splice without introducing new errors.
Changing the verb phrase to an infinitive phrase ('to measure') eliminates the second independent clause, turning it into a modifier that describes the purpose of carrying the instruments.
An infinitive phrase does not require a coordinating conjunction or semicolon to link with the main clause.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting comma splices by changing clause structure
Question 286Question →

Designed by the legendary architect Julia Morgan, nearly three decades were spent constructing Casa Grande, the main building of the Hearst Castle estate.

Which of the following versions of the underlined portion results in the most logical and grammatically correct sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Casa Grande, the main building of the Hearst Castle estate, was constructed over nearly three decades

Answer

The correct answer is the option that states 'Casa Grande, the main building of the Hearst Castle estate, was constructed over nearly three decades' because it resolves the dangling modifier by putting the correct subject immediately after the introductory phrase and avoids other grammatical errors.
The option that begins with 'Casa Grande' and ends with 'was constructed over nearly three decades' is correct because the subject 'Casa Grande' is logically described by the introductory modifier 'Designed by the legendary architect Julia Morgan'. It also completes the sentence with a passive verb phrase that avoids fragments or comma splices.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and determine what it logically describes.
The introductory phrase 'Designed by the legendary architect Julia Morgan' describes a structure or building that was designed, not a time frame or action.
An introductory participial modifier must logically describe the subject of the clause that immediately follows it.
2
Evaluate the choices to locate the logical subject directly after the comma.
Only 'Casa Grande' can logically serve as the subject modified by Julia Morgan's design, ruling out options that place 'nearly three decades' or 'the construction' in the subject position.
To fix a dangling modifier, the true receiver of the modifying action must be positioned as the subject of the main clause.
3
Check the grammatically aligned choices for structural and punctuation errors.
The choice beginning with 'Casa Grande' that forms a comma splice is eliminated, leaving the passive construction that completes the sentence grammatically.
A sentence must not only fix modifier errors but also avoid other punctuation and structural issues such as comma splices or fragments.

Key Concept

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 287Question →

In the sixteenth century, Dutch cartographers revolutionized mapmaking by incorporating mathematical projections to represent the curved Earth on flat paper. Which allowed sailors to navigate long-distance ocean voyages with unprecedented accuracy. This advancement fundamentally changed global exploration and trade.

Which of the following choices is the best edit for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: , which allowed sailors to navigate long-distance ocean voyages with unprecedented accuracy.

Answer

The option that replaces the period with a comma followed by the relative pronoun 'which' to connect the relative clause to the preceding independent clause.
The correct option correctly uses a comma followed by the relative pronoun 'which' to join the dependent relative clause to the preceding independent clause. This integrates the relative clause into the sentence, resolving the fragment error.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to determine if it is a complete sentence.
The original text starting with 'Which' is a dependent relative clause and cannot stand alone, making it a sentence fragment.
Relative clauses require an independent clause to attach to in order to be grammatically complete.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the options that connect the fragment to the preceding sentence.
Changing the period to a comma before 'which' correctly joins the relative clause to the main clause, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Commas are appropriate for attaching non-essential relative clauses to the end of a main clause.
3
Check the remaining options for other grammatical errors.
The option with ', this' creates a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma. The option with '; which' is incorrect because a semicolon must separate two independent clauses, whereas 'which allowed...' is a dependent clause.
This step ensures that correct punctuation rules for independent and dependent clauses are followed and that incorrect options are systematically eliminated.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments and Clause Integration
Question 288Question →

An environmental scientist is writing a report on a wetland field study. Arrange the following segments to construct a grammatically correct sentence that maintains a parallel structure.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

To assess the health of the wetland, the field team planned to document the native plant species, measure the water acidity levels, and record the population of migratory birds.
The correct order begins with the main clause introducing the team's plans, followed by the full infinitive phrase 'to document the native plant species' to establish the grammatical pattern. The remaining actions are parallel bare infinitives, with the coordinating conjunction 'and' correctly introducing the final item in the sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory independent clause that sets up the action of the sentence.
The segment 'To assess the health of the wetland, the field team planned' must come first as it contains the main subject ('the field team') and verb ('planned').
An independent clause or main introducing phrase must establish the sentence structure before any list items can be introduced.
2
Determine the first item in the list of planned activities.
The segment 'to document the native plant species,' must follow the introduction.
The verb 'planned' requires the infinitive marker 'to' (i.e., 'planned to document'). This initial 'to' establishes the grammatical framework for the subsequent items in the parallel list.
3
Arrange the remaining items to maintain a consistent grammatical structure and logical flow.
The segment 'measure the water acidity levels,' must come next, followed by 'and record the population of migratory birds.'
To maintain parallel structure, the remaining actions in the list must be bare infinitives ('measure' and 'record') that share the initial preposition 'to'. The segment beginning with the coordinating conjunction 'and' must go at the very end to properly close the list.

Key Concept

Parallel structure in infinitive lists
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 289Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

Bioluminescent fungi grow on decaying wood in damp forests around the world. These organisms emit a soft green glow known as foxfire. This light attracts nocturnal insects, they help disperse the fungus's spores.

Which of the following options best replaces the underlined portion to make the sentence grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: This light attracts nocturnal insects, which help

Answer

This light attracts nocturnal insects, which help
The correct option resolves the comma splice by using the relative pronoun 'which' to introduce a dependent adjective clause. This structure properly links the explanation of how the insects help to the noun 'insects' in the main clause, making the sentence grammatically complete.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical issue in the underlined portion of the sentence.
The original text consists of two independent clauses ('This light attracts nocturnal insects' and 'they help disperse the fungus's spores') joined by only a comma, which is a comma splice error.
Recognizing comma splices allows us to rule out incorrect sentence boundaries.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a correction that connects the clauses legally without creating a fragment.
Changing 'they help' to ', which help' turns the second clause into a dependent relative clause that modifies 'insects', successfully correcting the splice.
Changing an independent clause into a relative clause is a standard method of repairing run-on sentences.

Key Concept

Correcting comma splices by subordinating one of the independent clauses using a relative pronoun.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 290Question →

The sentence below contains a dangling modifier error because the action in the introductory phrase is not performed by the subject that immediately follows it. Read the sentence and select the phrasing from the list below that correctly completes the sentence. Which phrasing should be filled in the blank to ensure the modifier is placed correctly?

List of options:
- a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes was reconstructed by the climatologist
- it was possible for the climatologist to reconstruct a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes
- the climatologist reconstructed a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes
- the reconstruction of a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes was completed by the climatologist

Fill in the blanks below

By analyzing the core samples retrieved from the Antarctic ice sheet, .
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Answer

the climatologist reconstructed a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes
The introductory phrase 'By analyzing the core samples retrieved from the Antarctic ice sheet' describes an action ('analyzing'). The noun that immediately follows the comma must be the logical subject performing this action. The climatologist is the person who analyzed the core samples. Therefore, starting the main clause with 'the climatologist' establishes a logical and grammatically correct relationship between the modifier and its subject.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and the action it describes.
The introductory phrase is 'By analyzing the core samples retrieved from the Antarctic ice sheet,' which describes the action of analyzing core samples.
Before resolving a dangling modifier, you must identify what action is being performed and who or what is logically performing that action.
2
Determine the logical subject of that action.
A person must perform the action of analyzing core samples. In this context, that person is the climatologist.
The introductory modifier must directly modify the noun that performs the action.
3
Select the clause where the logical subject immediately follows the comma.
The clause beginning with 'the climatologist' must follow the introductory phrase, resulting in: 'By analyzing the core samples retrieved from the Antarctic ice sheet, the climatologist reconstructed a detailed timeline of prehistoric atmospheric changes.'
This construction ensures the modifier is placed adjacent to the noun it modifies, eliminating the dangling modifier.

Key Concept

Introductory modifier placement and dangling modifiers
Question 291Question →

In 1964, radio astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson detected a persistent background hiss in their Holmdel horn antenna. They meticulously cleaned the equipment and even removed nesting pigeons, nevertheless, the noise remained.

Which of the following choices best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: pigeons, but the noise remained.

Answer

The option containing 'pigeons, but the noise' is correct because it uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' to link the two contrasting independent clauses.
The correct answer properly resolves the punctuation and coordination of the sentence. The phrase 'pigeons, but the noise' successfully joins the first independent clause with the second independent clause using a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' to convey contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structure of the sentence.
The sentence is composed of two independent clauses: 'They meticulously cleaned the equipment and even removed nesting pigeons' and 'the noise remained'.
Knowing whether the clauses are independent or dependent determines the appropriate punctuation and conjunctions needed to connect them.
2
Analyze the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The clauses express a relationship of contrast: despite cleaning the equipment, the hiss persisted.
The selected conjunction must logically represent this relationship of contrast.
3
Evaluate the grammatical correctness of the options.
A comma combined with the coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly and grammatically joins two independent clauses expressing contrast.
This avoids sentence fragments, comma splices, or illogical transitions.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 292Question →

In the sentence below, a portion of the text is underlined.

Though initially dismissed as mere decorative patterns by early explorers, Yuri Knorozov eventually deciphered the Mayan glyphs in the mid-twentieth century.

Which of the following choices represents the most effective and grammatically correct version of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: the Mayan glyphs were eventually deciphered by Russian linguist Yuri Knorozov

Answer

The correct answer is the option that changes the subject of the main clause to 'the Mayan glyphs', resulting in: 'the Mayan glyphs were eventually deciphered by Russian linguist Yuri Knorozov'.
The correct option resolves the dangling modifier by introducing 'the Mayan glyphs' as the subject of the clause immediately following the introductory modifier. Since the glyphs are what early explorers dismissed as decorative patterns, this placement is logical. Additionally, the phrase forms a complete, grammatically correct independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory modifying phrase and determine what it logically describes.
The phrase 'Though initially dismissed as mere decorative patterns by early explorers' must describe something that could be dismissed as patterns, which is the Mayan glyphs, not the linguist Yuri Knorozov.
To avoid a dangling modifier, the noun phrase immediately following the introductory comma must be the logical subject of that modifier.
2
Evaluate the options to find one that places 'the Mayan glyphs' as the subject immediately following the comma, while maintaining grammatical completeness.
The option containing 'the Mayan glyphs were eventually deciphered by Russian linguist Yuri Knorozov' places the correct subject first and contains a complete independent clause.
This fixes the dangling modifier without introducing other errors like sentence fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Question 293Question →

Archaeologists studying the ancient Andean temple complex at Chavín de Huántar have discovered that its subterranean galleries function as acoustic resonators. Because the stone conduits project and amplify the sound of shell trumpets. The design of the labyrinth suggests that the builders intended to disorient and awe initiates during ceremonies.

Which of the following options best corrects the underlined portion to make the sentence grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: resonators, projecting and amplifying

Answer

The correct option is the one that uses a comma followed by the participial phrase 'resonators, projecting and amplifying'.
The correct option replaces the period with a comma and changes the verb forms to participles ('projecting and amplifying'). This turns the fragment into a participial modifier that describes the acoustic resonators, creating a single, grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion and the surrounding context.
The underlined text creates a period after 'resonators', followed by a new sentence starting with 'Because'.
This separation leaves a dependent clause ('Because the stone conduits project and amplify...') standing alone as a fragment, which is grammatically incorrect.
2
Evaluate the choices to see which one resolves the fragment without introducing new errors.
The choice using a semicolon before 'because' is incorrect because semicolons must separate independent clauses. The choice using a comma followed by 'they project' creates a comma splice. The choice using a comma followed by a participial phrase ('projecting and amplifying') successfully integrates the information into the main sentence.
A participial phrase can modify the preceding clause and doesn't require a coordinating conjunction or semicolon, thus correcting the fragment.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Question 294Question →

The Aztecs developed a unique agricultural method known as chinampas to sustain their growing population in the Valley of Mexico. These raised gardens were constructed by layering mud, lake sediment, and decaying vegetation within shallow lake beds. Willow trees were planted along the borders of these rectangular plots, their roots anchored the soil and prevented erosion.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ; their roots anchored the soil and prevented erosion.

Answer

The choice that uses a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses: '; their roots anchored the soil and prevented erosion.'
The correct choice resolves the comma splice by replacing the comma with a semicolon. Since both 'Willow trees were planted along the borders of these rectangular plots' and 'their roots anchored the soil and prevented erosion' are independent clauses, a semicolon is a grammatically proper way to separate them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses before and after the underlined portion.
The clause before the comma ('Willow trees were planted along the borders of these rectangular plots') and the clause after the comma ('their roots anchored the soil and prevented erosion') are both independent clauses.
Identifying the clause boundaries helps determine if a run-on sentence or comma splice exists.
2
Select the appropriate punctuation or conjunction to connect the two independent clauses.
A semicolon is the correct grammatical choice to link these two independent clauses because it resolves the comma splice without creating a fragment or restrictive comma error.
Semicolons are standard punctuation marks used to connect two closely related independent clauses.

Key Concept

Run-on Sentences and Comma Splices
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 295Question →

The sentence below describes the primary responsibilities of a marine biologist on a research vessel. Complete the sentence by writing the correct form of the verb 'record' in the blank to maintain parallel structure.

Fill in the blanks below

On a typical expedition, a marine biologist is responsible for collecting water samples, measuring ocean temperatures, and the migration patterns of local whale populations.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

recording
The correct verb form is the gerund 'recording' because it matches the -ing participle structure of the preceding elements in the list ('collecting' and 'measuring'), which function as objects of the preposition 'for'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the items in the list of responsibilities within the sentence.
The list contains 'collecting water samples', 'measuring ocean temperatures', and the blank followed by 'the migration patterns...'.
To maintain parallel structure, all items in a list or series must share the same grammatical format.
2
Determine the grammatical form of the completed items in the list.
Both 'collecting' and 'measuring' are gerunds (verb forms ending in -ing that function as nouns).
This establishes the grammatical pattern that the third item in the list must follow.
3
Convert the base verb 'record' into the corresponding gerund form to complete the parallel structure.
The gerund form of 'record' is 'recording'.
Using 'recording' ensures that all three elements in the series are parallel gerund phrases.

Key Concept

Parallel structure requires that coordinate elements in a sentence (such as items in a list) match in grammatical form.
Question 296Question →

Although marine biologists have long studied the complex vocalizations of humpback whales, their understanding of the social structure of these pods is still in its infancy. Because these animals often travel thousands of miles through open ocean, which makes long-term observation incredibly difficult.

Which of the following choices is the most grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: infancy, because these animals often travel thousands of miles through open ocean, making

Answer

The correct option is the one that connects the dependent clause to the main clause with a comma, ending with 'infancy, because these animals often travel thousands of miles through open ocean, making'.
The correct choice properly resolves the sentence fragment by attaching the dependent adverbial clause beginning with 'because' to the independent clause. Using a comma and changing 'which makes' to the present participle 'making' allows the sentence to flow continuously and correctly without grammatical errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion in the context of the sentence structure.
The text after the period begins with 'Because' and contains a relative clause 'which makes...', meaning it lacks an independent clause and is a sentence fragment.
Identifying that the original construction contains a sentence fragment allows us to eliminate the option to make no changes.
2
Evaluate the punctuation choices linking the clauses.
Using a semicolon is incorrect because the second part is not an independent clause. Using a comma followed by 'these animals... this makes...' creates a comma splice between two independent clauses.
Semicolons require independent clauses on both sides, while a comma cannot join two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
3
Select the option that properly subordination-links the clauses.
Connecting the dependent clause to the main clause with a comma and using the participle 'making' eliminates the fragment and is grammatically correct.
This establishes a clear, logical relationship between the humpback whales' migration and the difficulty in observing them within a single, unified sentence structure.

Key Concept

Avoiding sentence fragments by properly connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Question 297Question →

The architectural firm's proposal for the new community center focused on maximizing natural light, minimizing environmental impact, and to integrate local materials into the design.

Which choice best maintains parallel structure in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: integrating local materials into the design

Answer

integrating local materials into the design
The correct answer maintains parallel structure by using the gerund form 'integrating', which matches the other gerunds in the series: 'maximizing' and 'minimizing'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the items in the list to determine their grammatical form.
The first two items are 'maximizing natural light' (gerund phrase) and 'minimizing environmental impact' (gerund phrase).
Parallel structure requires all items in a list or series to share the same grammatical structure.
2
Analyze the underlined portion and the choices for grammatical consistency.
The underlined phrase 'to integrate...' is an infinitive phrase, which violates parallelism. The only option that uses a gerund phrase is 'integrating local materials into the design'.
To maintain parallel structure, the final item must also be a gerund phrase starting with an '-ing' verb.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 298Question →

In 1915, chemist Alice Ball developed the first successful treatment for leprosy by isolating the active ingredients of chaulmoogra oil. Although her method became the standard of care for decades, but she did not receive immediate recognition for her breakthrough due to her untimely death and a colleague's attempt to claim the work.

Which of the following choices is the best replacement for the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Although her method became the standard of care for decades, she did not receive

Answer

Although her method became the standard of care for decades, she did not receive
The correct option removes the redundant coordinating conjunction 'but' from the second clause. This allows the subordinating conjunction 'Although' to properly introduce a dependent clause, which is correctly joined by a comma to the main independent clause that follows.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses in the original sentence.
The clause starting with 'Although' is dependent, while the clause starting with 'she did not receive' would normally be independent. However, the insertion of 'but' at the start of the second clause makes it coordinate, leaving the sentence without a main independent clause.
Every complete sentence must contain at least one independent clause to be grammatically correct.
2
Evaluate the choices to find one that correctly coordinates or subordinates the clauses.
The option that removes 'but' and keeps the comma correctly structures the sentence as a dependent clause followed by an independent clause. The option that uses a comma to join two independent clauses creates a comma splice. The option with the semicolon incorrectly separates a dependent clause from an independent clause.
Choosing the option that removes the redundant coordinating conjunction 'but' establishes a proper subordinate relationship between the clauses.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:45s
Question 299Question →

While exploring the depths of the Mariana Trench, marine biologists discovered several new species of extremophiles. These organisms thrive near hydrothermal vents that spew superheated, mineral-rich water into the ocean. The high pressure and extreme heat would kill most terrestrial life, however, these bacteria have evolved specialized proteins that remain stable under pressure. Which of the following versions of the underlined portion is correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: life; however, these bacteria have evolved

Answer

life; however, these bacteria have evolved
The correct answer correctly separates the two independent clauses using a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. This resolves the comma splice while maintaining the logical relationship between the two complete thoughts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses surrounding the underlined portion.
Clause 1 ('The high pressure and extreme heat would kill most terrestrial life') and Clause 2 ('these bacteria have evolved specialized proteins that remain stable under pressure') are both independent clauses capable of standing alone as sentences.
Recognizing the structure of the clauses is necessary to determine how they should be punctuated.
2
Evaluate the punctuation and transition words connecting these clauses.
The word 'however' is a conjunctive adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. Therefore, using a comma before 'however' to join two independent clauses is grammatically incorrect.
This helps rule out options that lead to a comma splice or run-on sentence.
3
Verify the correct punctuation method for separating independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
The clauses must be separated by a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it, or divided into two separate sentences.
This confirms the correct grammatical choice.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting comma splices and run-on sentences using proper punctuation and conjunctions.
Question 300Question →

A study of urban vertical farming suggests that such systems are highly efficient, using significantly less water than traditional agriculture, maximizing vertical space, and they can minimize transportation costs by bringing produce closer to consumers.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion best maintains parallel structure in the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: minimizing

Answer

The option 'minimizing' correctly completes the list with a present participle phrase to match the structure of the preceding elements.
The correct option 'minimizing' uses the present participle form of the verb, which perfectly aligns with the grammatical structure of the previous items in the list: 'using' and 'maximizing'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements in the series or list within the sentence.
The sentence lists three beneficial features of urban vertical farming: 'using significantly less water...', 'maximizing vertical space...', and the underlined portion.
Parallel structure requires all elements in a series to share the same grammatical form.
2
Determine the grammatical form of the non-underlined elements in the series.
Both 'using' and 'maximizing' are present participles (-ing verb forms).
This establishes that the third element must also be a present participle to maintain parallelism.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that uses a present participle.
The option 'minimizing' matches the present participle form, whereas 'NO CHANGE' ('they can minimize') is a clause, 'to minimize' is an infinitive, and 'minimized' is a past participle/past tense verb.
Selecting 'minimizing' ensures grammatical consistency and correctness.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure in lists requires all items in a series to share the same grammatical structure.
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Sentence Structure and Formation Practice Questions — ACT — Page 15 | Examkin