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Difficulty: MediumClause Boundaries and Linking

In the mid-twentieth century, archaeologists restoring the frescoes of Pompeii faced a significant dilemma: the paraffin wax coating applied by early conservators to preserve the paintings had instead darkened over time. This obscured the vibrant pigments underneath _______ conservators had to develop novel chemical solvents that could selectively dissolve the wax without damaging the ancient plaster.

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

  1. A
    , consequently,
  2. ; consequently,Answer
  3. C
    , but
  4. D
    consequently

Answer

; consequently,
The correct choice uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, followed by the conjunctive adverb 'consequently' and a comma to logically connect the cause (obscured pigments) and the effect (the need for new solvents).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clause boundary in the sentence.
The sentence contains two independent clauses: 'This obscured the vibrant pigments underneath' and 'conservators had to develop novel chemical solvents...'.
Locating the boundary helps determine the type of punctuation or conjunction needed to connect them grammatically.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause describes the result or consequence of the first clause (the obscured pigments led to the development of new solvents).
This determines the appropriate transitional word to use.
3
Select the option that conforms to standard English conventions for linking two independent clauses.
The option containing a semicolon followed by 'consequently' and a comma is the correct choice, as it avoids run-on or comma splice errors while conveying the correct cause-and-effect relationship.
A semicolon is required to link two independent clauses when not using a coordinating conjunction (like 'and' or 'so').

Key Concept

Linking independent clauses using appropriate punctuation and conjunctive adverbs.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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