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Difficulty: HardClause Boundaries and Linking

During the construction of early Gothic cathedrals in twelfth-century France, master builders encountered unprecedented structural challenges as they attempted to build taller vaults than ever before. To solve the problem of lateral thrust, they began incorporating pointed arches and ribbed vaulting to distribute weight more ______ this crucial architectural innovation allowed for thinner, lighter walls punctuated by expansive stained-glass windows.

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

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

Answer

efficiently;
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to link the two independent clauses. Semicolons are standard punctuation marks for separating related independent clauses without the need for a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses in the sentence.
The first clause is 'To solve the problem of lateral thrust, they began incorporating pointed arches and ribbed vaulting to distribute weight more efficiently' and the second clause is 'this crucial architectural innovation allowed for thinner, lighter walls punctuated by expansive stained-glass windows.'
Analyzing sentence structure is necessary to identify where clause boundaries lie.
2
Determine if the clauses can stand alone.
Both clauses contain a subject and a verb and express a complete thought, meaning they are both independent clauses.
The type of punctuation or conjunction required depends on whether the clauses are independent or dependent.
3
Check the punctuation conventions for linking independent clauses.
Two independent clauses must be linked by a period, a semicolon, a colon, or a comma combined with a coordinating conjunction.
This step ensures the chosen punctuation conforms to Standard English conventions.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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