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Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

In the late 1960s, cognitive scientist Eleanor Rosch challenged the prevailing view that human categorization is based entirely on arbitrary linguistic rules. Rosch argued that certain category members are universally recognized as more representative than ______ a sparrow, for instance, is widely perceived as a more prototypical bird than a penguin is, regardless of the observer's native language.

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

  1. others; Answer
  2. B
    others,
  3. C
    others
  4. D
    others, but

Answer

others;
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses: the main clause ending with 'others' and the subsequent clause beginning with 'a sparrow.' A semicolon is an appropriate punctuation mark to link closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the two clauses surrounding the blank.
The first clause ('Rosch argued that certain category members are universally recognized as more representative than others') and the second clause ('a sparrow, for instance, is widely perceived as a more prototypical bird than a penguin is...') are both independent clauses.
Identifying clause types is necessary to determine the correct punctuation and conjunctions needed to link them.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause serves as an illustration or example of the statement made in the first clause.
Understanding the semantic relationship helps choose the correct coordinating conjunction or transition word, if any is used.
3
Determine the appropriate punctuation or coordinating conjunction to link two independent clauses.
Two independent clauses can be joined by a semicolon (without a coordinating conjunction), a period, or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction that accurately reflects their relationship.
Only certain grammatical structures can legally connect independent clauses without creating run-ons or comma splices.
4
Eliminate incorrect options based on grammatical and semantic errors.
The option with a comma alone results in a comma splice; the option with no punctuation results in a run-on sentence; and the option with a comma and 'but' is semantically incorrect because 'but' indicates contrast rather than illustration.
This leaves the semicolon option as the only grammatically and semantically correct choice.

Key Concept

Connecting Independent Clauses
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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