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Difficulty: HardClause Boundaries and Linking

In art history, the term *chiaroscuro* refers to the dramatic contrast between light and shadow used to create a sense of three-dimensional volume on a flat surface. Renaissance painter Caravaggio pioneered a heightened version of this technique known as *tenebrism* ______ his paintings feature figures emerging from near-total darkness to intensify the emotional drama of the scene.

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

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

Answer

The choice that uses a semicolon and the transitional adverb 'indeed' followed by a comma.
The correct choice is the one that uses a semicolon followed by 'indeed' and a comma. The passage presents two independent clauses. A semicolon is required to connect them without creating a comma splice or run-on sentence. The adverb 'indeed' correctly emphasizes the connection, confirming that Caravaggio's paintings illustrate the pioneering of tenebrism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the structure of the two clauses surrounding the blank.
The clause before the blank ('Renaissance painter Caravaggio pioneered a heightened version of this technique known as tenebrism') and the clause after the blank ('his paintings feature figures emerging from near-total darkness to intensify the emotional drama of the scene') are both independent clauses.
To determine the correct punctuation and linking words needed to join them.
2
Analyze how independent clauses can be joined grammatically.
They can be separated by a period, joined by a semicolon, or joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
To eliminate grammatically incorrect options.
3
Evaluate the logical relationship between the two clauses.
The second clause illustrates and reinforces the statement in the first clause, so a transition of emphasis like 'indeed' is appropriate, whereas a contrast transition like 'although' is incorrect.
To determine the semantically correct transition.

Key Concept

Clause Boundaries and Linking
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Topics

Clause Boundaries and Linking

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