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Question

Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

Lichenometry is a dating technique used by geomorphologists to estimate the age of exposed rock surfaces based on the growth rates of specific lichen species. By measuring the maximum diameter of individual lichens on a glacial moraine, researchers can determine when the glacier ______ method is particularly useful for deposits that are less than a few thousand years old.

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

  1. retreated; thisAnswer
  2. B
    retreated, this
  3. C
    retreated this
  4. D
    retreated because this

Answer

retreated; this
The correct answer correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses: the first ending with the verb indicating the glacier's retreat, and the second beginning with the pronoun reference to the dating method. A semicolon is a standard and grammatically correct way to link closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the boundary between the clauses in the sentence.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: 'By measuring the maximum diameter of individual lichens on a glacial moraine, researchers can determine when the glacier retreated' and 'this method is particularly useful for deposits that are less than a few thousand years old.'
Recognizing where one independent clause ends and the next begins is necessary to select the appropriate punctuation or conjunction.
2
Evaluate the grammatical rules for connecting two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses can be joined by a period, a semicolon, a colon, or a comma paired with a coordinating conjunction (such as 'and', 'but', or 'so').
Applying standard punctuation rules ensures the sentence is grammatically correct.
3
Determine which option correctly connects the clauses without introducing grammatical or logical errors.
The option using a semicolon properly links the two independent clauses, whereas the other options create comma splices, run-ons, or illogical causal links.
Selecting the option with the semicolon conforms to standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Joining two independent clauses using punctuation or conjunctions without creating comma splices, run-ons, or illogical relationships.
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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