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Difficulty: EasyClause Boundaries and Linking

In the field of contemporary cognitive psychology, researchers have frequently observed that taking brief breaks during prolonged, high-focus tasks is essential for preventing mental fatigue. Continuous concentration on a singular task eventually depletes a person's limited executive resources ______ periodic intervals of rest allow the prefrontal cortex to recharge and restore performance.

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

  1. resources, butAnswer
  2. B
    resources, therefore,
  3. C
    resources
  4. D
    resources because

Answer

The correct answer is the option ending with 'resources, but', which correctly uses a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' to connect the two independent clauses.
The sentence presents two independent clauses: the first describes the negative effect of continuous concentration on executive resources, and the second describes the positive recovery provided by rest. The option containing 'resources, but' correctly links these two clauses using a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but', establishing a grammatically sound structure and a logical contrast between the two statements.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the boundary between the two clauses in the sentence.
The first independent clause ends at 'resources' and the second independent clause begins at 'periodic'.
Determining where one independent clause ends and another begins is necessary to apply correct punctuation and conjunctions.
2
Analyze the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The first clause describes resource depletion (negative), while the second clause describes cognitive recovery (positive), representing a contrast.
Selecting the appropriate linking element requires understanding the semantic connection between the two thoughts.
3
Select the grammatical construction that successfully connects the two independent clauses.
Using a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' satisfies the grammatical and logical requirements.
Standard English requires either a semicolon, a colon, a period, or a comma plus coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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