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Difficulty: EasyColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

The following passage is about photosynthesis. Complete the passage by entering the punctuation mark that should replace the blank to correctly join the two independent clauses.

Answer:Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy【;】 this biological pathway is essential for sustaining life on Earth.

Answer

A semicolon (;), colon (:), or dash (—) can correctly join the two independent clauses.
A semicolon, colon, or em dash is correct because it successfully links two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. The first clause ('Photosynthesis is the process...') and the second clause ('this biological pathway is...') are both complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause preceding the blank.
The clause 'Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy' is independent because it contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
Identifying the clause structure is necessary to apply correct punctuation rules.
2
Analyze the clause following the blank.
The clause 'this biological pathway is essential for sustaining life on Earth' is also independent because it contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
Establishing the relationship between the two clauses determines the valid punctuation options.
3
Select a punctuation mark that can link two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.
A semicolon, colon, or dash can be used to join the two independent clauses, whereas a comma alone cannot.
Joining two independent clauses directly requires a stronger mark of punctuation than a comma to avoid a comma splice.

Key Concept

Using semicolons, colons, or dashes to join independent clauses.
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Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

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