Examkin

Sentence Fragments

82 questions

Question 1Question →

The botanist spent several months studying the rare orchid in the cloud forest. Because she wanted to document its unique pollination process.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: forest because she wanted to document

Answer

The correct choice is the option that removes the punctuation and capitalization to connect the dependent clause beginning with 'because' to the main independent clause, creating a single grammatically correct sentence.
The correct option correctly joins the dependent clause to the main independent clause without any punctuation, creating a single, grammatically complete sentence that flows naturally.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to determine the relationship between the clauses.
The clause starting with 'Because' is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
A dependent clause starting with a subordinating conjunction requires an independent clause to complete its thought.
2
Evaluate the choices to see which one correctly connects the dependent clause to the preceding independent clause.
Removing the period and capitalized 'Because' to write 'forest because she wanted to document' successfully links the two clauses.
An adverbial dependent clause that follows an independent clause generally does not require any punctuation separating them.

Key Concept

A sentence fragment occurs when a dependent clause is punctuated as a complete sentence. Connecting the dependent clause to an adjacent independent clause resolves the fragment.
Question 2Question →

The oceanographers spent several weeks tracking the migration of blue whales in the Pacific Ocean. Hoping to understand how changing water temperatures affect their travel routes.

Which of the following choices best corrects the underlined portion to ensure the sentence is grammatically complete?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ocean, hoping to understand

Answer

The correct choice is 'Ocean, hoping to understand' because it resolves the fragment by attaching the participial phrase to the main clause.
The correct choice is 'Ocean, hoping to understand' because it resolves the sentence fragment by attaching the participial phrase to the preceding independent clause with a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original underlined text and determine if it forms a complete sentence.
The phrase starting with 'Hoping to understand' is a participial phrase that lacks a subject and a conjugated verb, making it a sentence fragment.
To identify sentence structure errors and choose the correct grammatical resolution.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a version that resolves the fragment without creating new punctuation or structure errors.
Using a comma to attach the participial phrase to the preceding independent clause is the grammatically correct solution.
To ensure the sentence contains both a subject and a verb and flows logically without punctuation errors.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Question 3Question →

The research team successfully isolated the gene responsible for the enzyme's production. A discovery that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: production, a discovery that could lead

Answer

production, a discovery that could lead
The correct option correctly replaces the period with a comma, turning the fragment into an appositive phrase that modifies 'production' and creating a single, grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to determine if a grammatical error exists.
The text following the period, 'A discovery that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders,' has no main verb. It is a sentence fragment.
A complete sentence requires a subject and a verb that expresses a complete thought.
2
Evaluate how to connect the fragment to the preceding independent clause.
Using a comma allows the phrase starting with 'a discovery' to act as an appositive modifying the noun 'production' in the main clause.
Appositive phrases must be joined to their independent clauses using a comma.
3
Verify that the other choices do not introduce new punctuation errors.
A semicolon requires independent clauses on both sides, which rules out the option using a semicolon. Using a comma with a subject-verb clause ('this discovery could lead') without a coordinating conjunction creates a comma splice, ruling out that option.
Eliminating options with semicolon errors and comma splices ensures the final choice is grammatically sound.

Key Concept

Correcting sentence fragments by integrating dependent phrases into the main clause using appropriate punctuation.
Question 4Question →

During the Middle Ages, crop rotation systems significantly increased food production in Europe, especially after the introduction of the three-field <u>system. Which allowed</u> farmers to leave only one-third of their land fallow each year, rather than half.

Which of the following options represents the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: system, which allowed

Answer

system, which allowed
The correct answer correctly attaches the dependent relative clause starting with 'which' to the main independent clause using a comma. This resolves the sentence fragment while maintaining proper punctuation for a non-essential relative clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion and the surrounding text to determine if it forms a complete sentence.
The clause starting with 'Which allowed' is a dependent relative clause that lacks a main independent subject-predicate structure. Separated by a period, it stands alone as a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a version that connects the dependent clause to the main clause without creating punctuation errors.
Using a comma followed by the relative pronoun 'which' properly connects the non-restrictive relative clause to the preceding independent clause.
Non-restrictive relative clauses must be attached to the independent clause they modify using a comma.
3
Verify that other options introduce grammatical errors.
Replacing the period with a comma and 'this' results in a comma splice, while using a semicolon before 'which' creates a semicolon fragment.
Independent clauses cannot be joined with just a comma, and semicolons can only join two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Question 5Question →

Urban heat islands present a growing challenge for modern climatologists. Because concrete and asphalt absorb more solar radiation than natural landscapes do. This phenomenon causes cities to experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: climatologists because concrete and asphalt absorb more solar radiation than natural landscapes do. This

Answer

The correct choice is the option that joins the clauses without punctuation, creating a grammatically sound sentence.
The correct option removes the punctuation between 'climatologists' and the subordinating conjunction 'because', thereby integrating the dependent clause into the main clause and correcting the sentence fragment. It also keeps 'This' as the start of the next independent clause, creating two complete, grammatical sentences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to identify if it contains a sentence fragment.
The clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'Because' is a dependent clause punctuated as a complete sentence, which forms a fragment.
Identifying the error type helps narrow down the correct grammatical structure required.
2
Evaluate the proposed options to determine which one connects the dependent clause to the preceding independent clause or makes it complete.
The correct choice removes the punctuation after 'climatologists' to seamlessly attach the dependent clause, forming a single grammatically correct sentence.
Connecting a dependent clause to its main clause eliminates the fragment.
3
Check the remaining options for other grammatical errors, such as comma splices or semicolon errors.
The option with the semicolon creates a semicolon fragment error, and the option with the comma splice incorrectly joins two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
Verifying the distractors ensures that the chosen option is the only grammatically correct selection.

Key Concept

Recognizing and correcting sentence fragments by properly connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses.
Question 6Question →

The following passage is an excerpt from an essay about urban planning.

[1] The primary challenge facing the architectural firm was not the zoning restrictions or the budget limitations. But rather the community's resistance to the modern design, which many residents felt clashed with the historic character of the neighborhood. [2] In response, the lead architect proposed a series of public forums to address these concerns directly.

Which of the following options represents the most effective way to revise the underlined portion of the sentence to ensure that the passage is grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: limitations, but rather

Answer

limitations, but rather
The correct option resolves the sentence fragment by replacing the period with a comma. This joins the coordinating prepositional phrase ('but rather the community's resistance...') to the preceding independent clause, completing the parallel 'not... but rather' comparison within a single grammatically correct sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion and the surrounding sentence structure.
The sentence ending in 'limitations' is complete, but the subsequent sentence beginning with 'But rather' lacks a subject and a finite verb, making it a sentence fragment.
To identify the grammatical error in the original passage.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two parts of the sentence.
The passage presents a contrast using the correlative construction 'not [X] but rather [Y]', which requires the two elements to be contained within the same sentence.
To determine the appropriate grammatical connection between the contrasting elements.
3
Compare the punctuation options to connect the clauses correctly.
A comma is the correct punctuation mark to join these elements, whereas a semicolon would create a fragment and a period leaves the fragment unresolved.
To select the option that avoids both fragments and comma splices.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Question 7Question →

The team of marine biologists spent three months tracking the migration patterns of humpback whales. Having documented their behaviors with underwater cameras and acoustic sensors. They compiled the findings into a comprehensive study on ocean acoustics.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: humpback whales, documenting their behaviors with underwater cameras and acoustic sensors before compiling

Answer

humpback whales, documenting their behaviors with underwater cameras and acoustic sensors before compiling
The correct choice seamlessly integrates the modifying phrases into the main sentence. By changing 'Having documented' to 'documenting' and connecting it with a comma, the sentence correctly presents the team's actions without fragments or comma splices.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical components of the original underlined portion.
The phrase 'Having documented their behaviors with underwater cameras and acoustic sensors' lacks both a subject and a conjugated verb that can stand alone.
To determine whether the original sentence contains a sentence fragment.
2
Analyze the relationship between the surrounding clauses.
The first part ('The team... humpback whales') and the last part ('compiled the findings...') are parts of a logical sequence that describe the biologists' actions.
To understand how the elements of the sentence should be joined.
3
Evaluate the incorrect options for errors such as punctuation misuse or comma splices.
Using a semicolon before 'having' is incorrect because it separates a phrase rather than an independent clause. Inserting 'they documented...' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
To eliminate grammatically flawed distractors.
4
Verify that the chosen option creates a single, coherent, and grammatically complete sentence.
By using the participial modifiers 'documenting' and 'before compiling', the sentence smoothly connects all ideas into one main clause.
To ensure the final choice has no errors and flows naturally.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 8Question →

The museum curators recently restored a collection of centuries-old silk tapestries. Because the delicate fibers had degraded significantly from exposure to light and humidity.

Which of the following options represents the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined text?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tapestries, because the delicate fibers had degraded

Answer

The correct revision connects the main clause with the dependent clause using a comma, resolving the fragment without creating a comma splice or semicolon error.
The correct option connects the independent clause describing the curators' restoration with the dependent clause explaining the reason using a comma. The clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'because' is dependent and cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. Connecting it with a comma creates a single, grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses around the underlined text.
The first clause ('The museum curators recently restored a collection of centuries-old silk tapestries') is independent. The second clause ('Because the delicate fibers had degraded...') is a dependent clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'Because'.
Identifying clause types helps determine whether a punctuation mark is joining complete thoughts or creating a fragment.
2
Check the original punctuation for grammatical errors.
A period separates the independent clause from the dependent clause, making the second clause a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be properly connected to an independent clause.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the correct way to connect the clauses.
Connecting the dependent clause with a comma is correct. Semicolons cannot be used here because the second clause is not independent. Removing 'because' and keeping the comma creates a comma splice.
This process eliminates the option with a semicolon fragment and the option with a comma splice, leaving the grammatically correct choice.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:45s
Question 9Question →

During the Renaissance, cartographers in Venice created highly detailed sea charts to assist merchants navigating the Mediterranean. The archivist discovered a series of these maps. Which illustrated the shifting coastlines and ports that have since disappeared under the rising tide.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: maps that illustrated

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the fragment with 'maps that illustrated', creating a grammatically correct relative clause that modifies the preceding noun.
The correct choice connects the relative clause directly to the noun it modifies ('maps') within the same sentence, correcting the fragment and forming a single, coherent independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the underlined text.
The clause beginning with 'Which' is a dependent relative clause that modifies 'maps'.
This is necessary to determine if the underlined text contains a complete independent thought or is a fragment.
2
Evaluate the original sentence structure to check for fragments.
The dependent relative clause is separated from the independent clause by a period, which creates a sentence fragment.
This identifies why the original punctuation is grammatically incorrect.
3
Assess the options to find a grammatically sound correction.
The option using 'maps that illustrated' correctly joins the description to the main noun without introducing a semicolon fragment or a comma splice.
This selects the choice that forms a complete, grammatically correct sentence.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 10Question →

The decipherment of Linear B by Michael Ventris in 1952 proved that the Mycenaeans spoke an early form of Greek; the script's precursor, Linear A, remaining largely undeciphered because of the brevity of the surviving inscriptions and the lack of a bilingual text.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Greek; the script's precursor, Linear A, remains largely undeciphered

Answer

Greek; the script's precursor, Linear A, remains largely undeciphered
The correct option is the one that uses a semicolon to separate two complete, independent clauses and utilizes the finite verb 'remains' instead of the participle 'remaining'. Both 'The decipherment of Linear B by Michael Ventris in 1952 proved that the Mycenaeans spoke an early form of Greek' and 'the script's precursor, Linear A, remains largely undeciphered because of the brevity of the surviving inscriptions and the lack of a bilingual text' are independent clauses, so joining them with a semicolon is grammatically correct.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause structure of the original sentence.
The sentence contains two main clauses: the decipherment of Linear B proving that the Mycenaeans spoke early Greek, and Linear A remaining undeciphered.
Understanding the boundaries of each clause helps determine what punctuation and verb forms are grammatically required.
2
Analyze the second clause to see if it is independent.
In the original sentence, the phrase 'the script's precursor, Linear A, remaining largely undeciphered' has a participle ('remaining') rather than a finite verb, making it a fragment.
A complete sentence or independent clause must contain a subject and a finite verb.
3
Determine the correct punctuation to link the two independent clauses.
The first clause is independent. The second clause, when corrected to use the finite verb 'remains', is also independent. Two independent clauses can be joined using a semicolon or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.
Using a semicolon is appropriate to link two closely related independent clauses, whereas using a comma alone results in a comma splice.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between independent clauses and fragments to choose proper punctuation and verb forms.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 11Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion that may require revision.

Discovered in a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera at the turn of the twentieth century, the Antikythera mechanism has long fascinated archaeologists and historians alike. Although initially appearing to be nothing more than a corroded lump of bronze and wood. Subsequent X-ray imaging revealed a complex system of gearwheels capable of tracking astronomical cycles.

Which of the following choices, if used to replace the underlined portion, results in a grammatically correct sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: While it initially appeared to be nothing more than a corroded lump of bronze and wood, subsequent

Answer

The option that starts with 'While' and connects the clauses with a comma is correct.
The correct choice resolves the sentence fragment by turning the initial dependent clause into a subordinate clause starting with 'While' and joining it to the subsequent independent clause with a comma, creating a complete and grammatically sound sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to identify the grammatical issue.
The clause 'Although initially appearing to be nothing more than a corroded lump of bronze and wood' begins with a subordinating conjunction ('Although') but lacks a finite verb and a main clause, making it a sentence fragment.
Before looking at the options, the structural issue of the original passage must be identified.
2
Evaluate the choices to find a version that resolves the fragment without introducing new grammatical errors.
The option using a semicolon creates a punctuation error by separating a dependent clause. The option using 'It initially appeared...' creates a comma splice because it joins two independent clauses with only a comma. The option starting with 'While' and using a comma correctly subordinating the first clause to the main clause.
Each choice must be checked against standard rules of sentence structure, punctuation, and clause joining.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 12Question →

Hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor support unique ecosystems. Where specialized bacteria convert toxic chemicals into usable energy.

Which of the following options is the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: ecosystems, where specialized bacteria convert

Answer

ecosystems, where specialized bacteria convert
The correct option is the one that connects the dependent relative clause to the preceding main clause using a comma. Because the second clause begins with the relative adverb 'where', it is dependent and must be attached to the independent clause to resolve the sentence fragment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to determine if the sentences are complete.
The clause 'Where specialized bacteria convert toxic chemicals into usable energy' starts with a relative adverb and lacks a main independent clause, making it a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
2
Determine the correct punctuation to join the dependent clause to the main clause.
The dependent relative clause should be joined to the preceding independent clause with a comma.
A comma is used to attach non-essential relative clauses to the main clause, creating a grammatically complete complex sentence.
3
Evaluate the incorrect choices to rule out other errors.
Semicolons cannot be used because the second clause is dependent, and removing 'where' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
Semicolons require independent clauses on both sides, and comma splices are grammatically incorrect.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting sentence fragments by connecting dependent relative clauses to independent clauses.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 13Question →

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Daguerreotype process revolutionized visual culture by capturing highly detailed images on silver-plated copper sheets. Because the exposure times required several minutes of immobility, meaning that portrait subjects often had to use metal head braces to remain completely still.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Because the exposure times required several minutes of immobility,

Answer

The choice that provides the introductory dependent clause starting with 'Because' and ending with a comma, followed by the independent main clause.
The correct choice removes the word 'meaning that' and keeps the subordinating conjunction 'Because'. This successfully creates an introductory dependent clause followed by a comma and a complete independent clause ('portrait subjects often had to use...'), forming a grammatically complete complex sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the original sentence and determine why it is incorrect.
The original sentence contains a dependent clause starting with 'Because' and a modifying phrase starting with 'meaning that', but lacks any independent clause, making it a sentence fragment.
A grammatically complete sentence must contain at least one independent clause with a subject and a verb that can stand alone.
2
Evaluate the choices to find one that resolves the fragment without creating other errors.
Removing 'meaning that' and placing a comma after 'immobility' turns the second part of the sentence into the main independent clause, resolving the fragment.
The subordinating conjunction 'Because' makes the first clause dependent, which is then correctly joined to the main independent clause by a comma.
3
Verify that the other choices do not introduce new grammatical errors.
The choice starting with 'Since' followed by a semicolon incorrectly attempts to link a dependent clause and a participle phrase. The choice starting with 'The exposure times' creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
Semicolons must connect two independent clauses, and independent clauses cannot be joined solely by a comma.

Key Concept

Avoiding sentence fragments by ensuring every sentence contains at least one independent clause, and properly joining dependent and independent clauses.
Question 14Question →

The following passage is an excerpt from an essay about the history of urban planning.

In the mid-nineteenth century, urban reformers championed the creation of public parks to provide green spaces for city dwellers. These parks, which were envisioned as places of social harmony. They allowed residents to escape the crowded, industrial environment of the era.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These parks, which were envisioned as places of social harmony,

Answer

The correct choice is the phrase that turns the fragment into a single, cohesive sentence by setting off the dependent clause with commas: 'These parks, which were envisioned as places of social harmony,'.
The correct answer successfully connects the subject 'These parks' with the verb 'allowed' by setting off the relative clause 'which were envisioned as places of social harmony' with commas. This resolves the sentence fragment in the original text and creates a single, grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion and the surrounding context to identify the grammatical issue.
The first statement, 'These parks, which were envisioned as places of social harmony,' is a fragment because it lacks a main verb.
A complete sentence requires at least one independent clause containing a subject and a verb.
2
Evaluate the proposed options to see which one eliminates the fragment while maintaining proper punctuation and structure.
The option containing 'These parks, which were envisioned as places of social harmony,' connects this phrase to the verb 'allowed' in the next clause, forming a single grammatically correct sentence.
By removing the period and the pronoun 'They,' the sentence correctly uses a relative clause to modify 'These parks' and links it to the main verb 'allowed.'

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 15Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, first discovered in 1977 near the Galápagos Rift, support thriving ecosystems in complete darkness. These communities, relying on chemosynthetic bacteria that convert toxic hydrogen sulfide into organic matter. This process forms the foundation of a food web entirely independent of sunlight.

Which of the following choices represents the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: These communities rely on chemosynthetic bacteria that convert toxic hydrogen sulfide into organic matter. This

Answer

The option that changes the participle 'relying' to the finite verb 'rely' and uses a period to separate the two independent clauses.
The correct choice changes the participle 'relying' to the finite verb 'rely,' which provides the verb needed to make the first clause a complete independent sentence. It also uses a period to correctly separate this sentence from the next independent sentence starting with 'This process.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined portion to see if it forms a complete sentence.
The subject is 'These communities', but the only verb-like word in the clause is the participle 'relying', which cannot act as a main verb. This leaves the clause as an ungrammatical sentence fragment.
A complete sentence requires both a subject and a finite verb to express a complete thought.
2
Evaluate the choices to find which one corrects the fragment.
Changing the participle 'relying' to the finite verb 'rely' provides the necessary verb to make 'These communities rely on...' a complete independent clause.
The main clause must contain a finite verb to resolve the fragment.
3
Verify that the punctuation between the new independent clause and the next independent clause is correct.
Separating the two independent clauses with a period is grammatically correct. Joining them with a comma creates a comma splice, and using a semicolon after a dependent clause starting with 'which' creates a fragment.
Independent clauses must be separated by a period, a semicolon, or a coordinating conjunction with a comma.

Key Concept

Recognizing and correcting sentence fragments by ensuring clauses have finite verbs, and separating independent clauses with appropriate punctuation.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 16Question →

Although the mathematician’s groundbreaking theorem solved a century-old paradox, the proof, which relied on complex multidimensional geometry that few of his peers could fully comprehend; and failing to gain immediate acceptance in the wider scientific community.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: the proof, which relied on complex multidimensional geometry that few of his peers could fully comprehend, failed

Answer

the proof, which relied on complex multidimensional geometry that few of his peers could fully comprehend, failed
The correct option resolves the sentence fragment by providing the finite verb 'failed' as the predicate for the main subject 'the proof'. This creates a complete independent clause to follow the introductory dependent clause. The parenthetical relative clause starting with 'which' is properly enclosed in commas.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure of the sentence to locate the main subject and verb of the independent clause.
The sentence begins with a dependent clause introduced by the subordinating conjunction 'Although' ('Although the mathematician’s groundbreaking theorem solved a century-old paradox'). This means the remaining part of the sentence must function as a complete, independent clause.
Every complete sentence containing a dependent clause must also contain at least one independent clause with a subject and a finite verb.
2
Evaluate the underlined portion to see if it provides a complete independent clause.
The subject is 'the proof', followed by a relative clause 'which relied...'. The rest of the underlined portion is '; and failing'. Semicolons must separate independent clauses, but 'and failing...' is not independent. Furthermore, 'failing' is a non-finite participle, meaning the subject 'the proof' lacks a finite main verb to complete its clause.
To identify if a clause is a fragment, verify that it has a subject and a verb that can express a complete tense and thought.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that provides a grammatically complete main clause without introducing other errors.
The choice replacing the semicolon and participle with a comma and the finite verb 'failed' successfully provides a main verb for the subject 'the proof', resolving the fragment. The choice using a comma followed by 'it failed' creates a comma splice. The choice using two participle phrases keeps the clause as a fragment.
The correct choice must establish a subject-verb pair for the independent clause while avoiding punctuation errors like comma splices.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Question 17Question →

In 1967, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell detected a series of highly regular radio pulses while analyzing chart recorder data. Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin. She and her advisor soon realized the pulses were coming from a rapidly spinning neutron star.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin, she and her advisor

Answer

The choice that connects the introductory dependent clause with the independent clause using a comma: 'Although she jokingly labeled the initial signals "LGM-1" (for 'Little Green Men') to acknowledge their seemingly artificial origin, she and her advisor'
The correct option properly uses a comma to connect the introductory dependent clause (which starts with 'Although') to the main independent clause. This forms a single, grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause structure around the underlined portion to determine if the sentences are complete.
The clause starting with 'Although' is a dependent clause because 'Although' is a subordinating conjunction. The subsequent clause 'She and her advisor soon realized...' is independent.
Identifying the clause type helps determine the correct punctuation required to connect them.
2
Select the correct punctuation to join the dependent clause to the independent clause.
When a dependent clause introduces a sentence, it must be followed by a comma before the independent clause begins.
Using a period or semicolon creates a sentence fragment since a dependent clause cannot stand alone.
3
Compare the options to find the one that uses a comma without introducing other errors.
The option using a comma correctly connects the clauses, while the option removing 'Although' and using a comma creates a comma splice.
This ensures the final sentence is grammatically correct and cohesive.

Key Concept

Sentence fragments and subordinating conjunctions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 18Question →

In the context of the passage below, which of the following choices is the best revision of the underlined portion?

The Cassini spacecraft was launched to study Saturn and its moons in 1997. Although it did not reach the planet until 2004.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 1997, although it did not reach

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the period with a comma to join the dependent clause to the preceding independent clause.
The correct option replaces the period with a comma, which properly connects the dependent clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'although' to the preceding independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses in the passage.
The clause 'The Cassini spacecraft was launched to study Saturn and its moons in 1997' is independent. The clause 'Although it did not reach the planet until 2004' is dependent because it begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Although'.
Understanding clause types is necessary to identify sentence fragments.
2
Evaluate the grammar of the original sentence.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence. Thus, the original phrasing contains a sentence fragment.
This confirms that a revision is required, ruling out the option to make no change.
3
Compare the remaining options to find the correct punctuation.
A comma is the correct punctuation to join an introductory or trailing dependent clause to an independent clause. A semicolon creates a fragment because the second clause is dependent, and removing the subordinating conjunction while keeping only a comma creates a comma splice.
This ensures the final sentence is grammatically correct and complete.

Key Concept

A dependent clause starting with a subordinating conjunction must be joined to an independent clause with appropriate punctuation, rather than standing alone as a sentence fragment.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 19Question →

The following passage contains an underlined portion.

Archivists working to preserve early wax cylinder audio recordings face unique chemical challenges. Because the organic compounds in the wax degrade when exposed to fluctuating humidity; they must store the cylinders in climate-controlled vaults.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Because the organic compounds in the wax degrade when exposed to fluctuating humidity, they must store

Answer

Because the organic compounds in the wax degrade when exposed to fluctuating humidity, they must store
The correct answer properly repairs the sentence structure by replacing the semicolon with a comma. Since the sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Because', the first clause is dependent and must be joined to the main independent clause using a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical components of the sentence.
The clause starting with 'Because' is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence, while the clause starting with 'they must store' is an independent clause.
Understanding the structure of the clauses helps determine the appropriate punctuation needed to connect them.
2
Evaluate the punctuation separating the two clauses.
The original text uses a semicolon. Semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses, not a dependent clause and an independent clause.
Using a semicolon after a dependent clause creates a fragment, which is grammatically incorrect.
3
Select the punctuation that correctly connects an introductory dependent clause to an independent clause.
A comma is the correct punctuation mark to place after an introductory dependent clause before the main clause begins.
This establishes a clear relationship between the cause and effect while maintaining sentence completeness and avoiding fragments or comma splices.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting sentence fragments caused by improper punctuation or dangling dependent clauses.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 20Question →

Read the sentence below and analyze the underlined portion:

Because the red panda shares several anatomical features with both raccoons and bears. Scientists struggled for decades to classify it.

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

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Because the red panda shares several anatomical features with both raccoons and bears, scientists

Answer

The option that connects the introductory dependent clause to the main clause using a comma: 'Because the red panda shares several anatomical features with both raccoons and bears, scientists'
The correct option connects the dependent introductory clause to the independent main clause using a comma. The word 'Because' introduces a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. By placing a comma after 'bears' and changing the capitalized 'Scientists' to lowercase, the fragment is resolved.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical nature of the opening clause beginning with 'Because'.
The clause 'Because the red panda shares several anatomical features with both raccoons and bears' is a dependent clause because it starts with a subordinating conjunction.
A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought, meaning it cannot stand alone as a sentence.
2
Determine how to connect this dependent clause to the main clause 'scientists struggled for decades to classify it'.
An introductory dependent clause must be followed by a comma before the main clause begins.
Using a period or a semicolon creates a fragment, whereas removing the subordinating conjunction entirely while keeping only a comma results in a comma splice.

Key Concept

Identifying and correcting sentence fragments caused by dependent clauses
Estimated Time:45s
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Sentence Fragments Practice Questions — ACT | Examkin