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Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

In the field of paleoethnobotany, phytoliths—microscopic silica structures formed within plant tissues—are invaluable because they can survive for thousands of years after the surrounding organic material decays. By analyzing these durable microfossils, researchers can reconstruct ancient agricultural ______ identifying the exact plant species from phytolith shapes alone remains a significant challenge due to structural variations.

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

  1. A
    practices, however,
  2. B
    practices
  3. practices; however,Answer
  4. D
    practices, so

Answer

practices; however,
The sentence contains two independent clauses. The first independent clause is 'By analyzing these durable microfossils, researchers can reconstruct ancient agricultural practices,' and the second is 'identifying the exact plant species from phytolith shapes alone remains a significant challenge due to structural variations.' To connect two independent clauses, a semicolon must be used. Furthermore, because the second clause presents a contrast to the first, the conjunctive adverb 'however' is appropriate and must be followed by a comma.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause boundaries in the sentence.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'By analyzing these durable microfossils, researchers can reconstruct ancient agricultural practices' and 'identifying the exact plant species from phytolith shapes alone remains a significant challenge due to structural variations.'
Determining where one independent clause ends and the next begins is necessary to select the correct punctuation and linking words.
2
Analyze the relationship between the two independent clauses.
The second clause presents a limitation or contrast to the first clause.
Understanding the logical connection helps choose the right transition word or conjunction.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that grammatically and logically connects the clauses.
The option with a semicolon followed by 'however' and a comma correctly joins the two independent clauses while expressing a contrast.
A semicolon is a standard way to link independent clauses, and 'however' is the correct conjunctive adverb for contrast.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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