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Difficulty: MediumColons, Semicolons, and Dashes

First developed in the classical world, the astrolabe was a sophisticated analog calculator used by astronomers and navigators to solve problems relating to time and the position of celestial bodies. In the medieval Islamic world, scholars made significant advancements to the instrument's design ______ they added specialized plates that allowed users to determine the precise times of daily prayers and align themselves toward Mecca.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. A
    design, they
  2. design: theyAnswer
  3. C
    design; which they
  4. D
    design they

Answer

design: they
The correct option correctly uses a colon to connect two independent clauses. The clause preceding the colon is independent, and the clause following it is also independent and directly explains the advancements made to the design. This meets the grammatical criteria for colon usage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clause before the blank.
The clause 'In the medieval Islamic world, scholars made significant advancements to the instrument's design' is independent because it contains a subject ('scholars') and a verb ('made') and can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Identifying the grammatical nature of the first clause helps determine what punctuation can follow it.
2
Analyze the clause after the blank.
The clause 'they added specialized plates that allowed users to determine the precise times of daily prayers and align themselves toward Mecca' is also independent because it contains a subject ('they') and a verb ('added') and can stand alone.
Knowing that both clauses are independent narrows down the correct punctuation options to those that can join independent clauses.
3
Determine the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause explains and elaborates on the specific 'significant advancements' mentioned in the first clause.
A colon is appropriate here because it introduces an explanation or elaboration of the preceding independent clause.

Key Concept

Colons are used to join two independent clauses when the second clause explains, illustrates, or details the first.
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Topics

Colons, Semicolons, and Dashes

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