Soru

Zorluk: OrtaPunctuation of Nonessential Elements

Deep within Earth's lower mantle, temperatures and pressures are high enough to synthesize unique crystalline structures. The mineral bridgmanite ______ remains unstable and rapidly decomposes when brought to the surface. Consequently, geophysicists must study this abundant substance indirectly by simulating the extreme conditions of the deep Earth in high-pressure laboratory chambers.

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

  1. A
    , which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume—
  2. —which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume—Cevap
  3. C
    —which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume,
  4. D
    —which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume

Cevap

The correct choice is the option that sets off the nonessential clause 'which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume' with matching em dashes on both sides.
The text setting off the nonessential relative clause with matching em dashes is correct because nonessential elements must be set off by matching pairs of punctuation (such as two em dashes, two commas, or two parentheses). In this sentence, the relative clause 'which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume' is nonessential and must be separated from the main clause using matching em dashes on both sides.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Identify the nonessential element in the sentence.
The relative clause 'which constitutes approximately thirty-eight percent of the planet's total volume' is nonessential because removing it does not alter the core meaning of the independent clause.
Determining whether a clause is essential or nonessential dictates how it must be punctuated.
2
Check the options for matching pairs of punctuation.
The correct option must use matching punctuation marks on both sides of the nonessential clause, such as two commas or two em dashes.
Standard English conventions require nonessential elements to be set off symmetrically.
3
Eliminate options with asymmetrical punctuation.
Options that mix a comma with an em dash, or fail to provide a closing punctuation mark, are incorrect.
Asymmetry violates punctuation rules for parenthetical elements.

Anahtar Kavram

Punctuation of Nonessential Elements
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