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Difficulty: HardClause Boundaries and Linking

In many songbird species, juvenile males acquire their unique songs by imitating adult tutors during a critical, time-limited developmental window. Young zebra finches, for example, must be exposed to tutor songs within their first eighty days of _______ they will fail to develop the complex, species-typical vocalizations required for successful courtship.

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

  1. A
    life, otherwise,
  2. B
    life otherwise
  3. life; otherwise,Answer
  4. D
    life, although

Answer

The correct choice is the option containing 'life; otherwise,' because it uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses, followed by the conjunctive adverb 'otherwise' and a comma.
The correct choice is the option containing 'life; otherwise,' because it properly links the two independent clauses. A semicolon is used to separate the independent clauses, and the conjunctive adverb 'otherwise' is followed by a comma to establish the consequential relationship between the clauses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the text surrounding the blank to identify the boundary between the clauses.
The text contains two independent clauses: 'Young zebra finches, for example, must be exposed to tutor songs within their first eighty days of life' and 'they will fail to develop the complex, species-typical vocalizations required for successful courtship.'
Identifying that both clauses can stand alone as complete sentences helps determine the correct punctuation or coordinating conjunction needed to link them.
2
Determine the logical relationship between the two independent clauses.
The second clause describes the negative consequence of failing to meet the condition stated in the first clause. The transition needs to mean 'if not' or 'or else'.
This establishes that a transitional word expressing consequence or negative condition, such as 'otherwise', is semantically necessary.
3
Select the option that conforms to standard English conventions for joining independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb.
The option using a semicolon followed by 'otherwise' and a comma correctly avoids a comma splice or run-on sentence.
Two independent clauses joined by a conjunctive adverb must be separated by a semicolon (or a period) before the adverb, typically followed by a comma.

Key Concept

Joining independent clauses using a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb.
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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