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Question

Difficulty: EasyClause Boundaries and Linking

Many desert plants have evolved specialized root systems that are uniquely adapted to survive in extremely arid environments. The saguaro cactus, for instance, grows a shallow network of roots that spreads horizontally from its ______ this extensive structure allows the cactus to absorb water rapidly from even the briefest rainfall events.

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

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

Answer

base;
The option ending with a semicolon correctly links two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Since both 'The saguaro cactus... grows a shallow network of roots that spreads horizontally from its base' and 'this extensive structure allows...' can stand alone as complete sentences, a semicolon is appropriate to separate them.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the two clauses surrounding the blank.
The first clause ('The saguaro cactus... grows a shallow network of roots that spreads horizontally from its base') and the second clause ('this extensive structure allows...') are both independent clauses.
Identifying the clause types is necessary to determine the appropriate punctuation or coordinating conjunction needed to connect them.
2
Determine the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause explains the benefit or function of the structure mentioned in the first clause. The relationship is explanatory, not contrastive.
This helps rule out inappropriate coordinating conjunctions like 'but'.
3
Select the correct punctuation to link the independent clauses.
A semicolon is the standard way to link two independent clauses when no coordinating conjunction is used.
It avoids both a comma splice and a run-on sentence while maintaining grammatical correctness.

Key Concept

Semicolons are used to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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