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Question

Difficulty: HardClause Boundaries and Linking

For decades, paleoanthropologists debated whether Neanderthals possessed the cognitive capacity for symbolic thought, often portraying them as lacking artistic expression. Recent discoveries of decorated raptor talons and pigment-stained shells at multiple archaeological sites across Europe have challenged these older assumptions ______ these symbolic artifacts strongly suggest that Neanderthals engaged in complex cultural practices long before the arrival of modern humans.

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

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

Answer

The choice with '; indeed,' is correct because it uses a semicolon to properly separate two independent clauses and the conjunctive adverb 'indeed' to emphasize the connection between them.
The correct answer contains a semicolon followed by the transition word 'indeed' and a comma. This structure is grammatically correct because a semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses, and 'indeed' logically serves to emphasize the evidence presented in the second clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure before and after the blank to identify the types of clauses.
The clause before the blank ('Recent discoveries... assumptions') is independent. The clause after the blank ('these symbolic artifacts... modern humans') is also independent.
Knowing that we have two independent clauses dictates that we must use appropriate punctuation or a coordinating conjunction to separate them.
2
Evaluate punctuation and transition options for linking two independent clauses.
A semicolon is a grammatically correct way to link two independent clauses. Combining a semicolon with the conjunctive adverb 'indeed' and a comma correctly establishes the logical flow.
Standard English conventions require a period, semicolon, colon, or comma plus a coordinating conjunction to link independent clauses.
3
Eliminate grammatically incorrect alternatives.
The option with ', indeed,' creates a comma splice. The option with 'indeed' creates a run-on sentence. The option with '; although' is incorrect because it uses a semicolon before a dependent clause.
A comma alone cannot link two independent clauses, nor can they be joined without punctuation. A semicolon cannot precede a dependent clause started by a subordinating conjunction.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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