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Difficulty: EasyClause Boundaries and Linking

The rain shadow effect occurs when a mountain range forces moist air upward, causing it to cool and release precipitation on the windward slope. By the time the air mass crosses the summit and descends the leeward side, it is depleted of ______ this dry air creates a semi-arid region on the far side of the mountains.

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

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

Answer

moisture;
The correct option ends with a semicolon, which is standard punctuation used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the boundary between the two independent clauses in the sentence.
The two clauses are 'By the time the air mass crosses the summit and descends the leeward side, it is depleted of moisture' and 'this dry air creates a semi-arid region on the far side of the mountains.'
Both parts can stand alone as complete sentences, meaning they are independent clauses that must be linked properly.
2
Evaluate the grammar rules for linking independent clauses.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined with just a comma (comma splice) or with no punctuation (run-on). They must be linked with a semicolon, a period, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
This determines the allowable punctuation choices.
3
Choose the option that correctly separates the clauses without introducing logical errors.
The option containing a semicolon is the only choice that correctly separates the two independent clauses without error.
It resolves the clause boundary correctly and maintains standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Clause boundaries and linking using semicolons to connect independent clauses.
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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