Question

Which of the following is the most effective way to combine these two sentences? A) thrive; it is B) thrive, is C) thrive. It's D) thrive and is

Short answer

thrive. It's

Step-by-step solution

Option A: thrive; it is

This option uses a semicolon followed by "it is." However, using a semicolon here does not produce a complete and independent sentence after the semicolon, making it an incorrect choice.

Option B: thrive, is

This option uses a comma followed by "is." Using a comma here creates a comma splice, which is a grammatical error where two independent clauses are connected by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. This choice is not effective.

Option C: thrive. It's

This option ends the first sentence with a period and starts the second sentence with the contraction "It's." This method effectively combines the two sentences by providing proper punctuation and maintaining clarity.

Option D: thrive and is

This option uses the coordinating conjunction "and" followed by "is." While "and" can be used to connect two independent clauses, the fragment "and is" does not form a complete sentence, making this choice ineffective. In conclusion, the most effective way to combine these two sentences is: C) thrive. It's

Key concepts

SAT Grammar Questions

SAT Grammar questions assess a student's ability to apply foundational grammar rules within the context of comprehensive editing. One common area this includes is the recognition of sentence structure and the ability to correctly combine sentences for clarity and flow. Students must demonstrate their understanding of how different sentences can be linked to convey a single, coherent message.

When tackling these questions, it is critical to evaluate options for coherence and grammaticality. Sometimes, this may involve choosing between punctuation marks, such as a semicolon or period, or deciding if a coordinating conjunction is needed to connect ideas meaningfully. The goal is to produce sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also stylistically fitting within the passage's context.

Combining Sentences

Combining sentences effectively is a key skill evaluated on the SAT Writing and Language Test. It involves merging two or more sentences in a way that maintains the meaning and improves the readability of the text.

To achieve this, students should be adept at various methods, such as using conjunctions, semicolons, and even full stops, depending on the situation. The challenge lies in preserving the original intent and ensuring that the combined sentence is not only clear and concise but also grammatically correct. Effective sentence combining skillfully enhances writing's fluidity and can eliminate unnecessary repetition.

SAT Punctuation Rules

Understanding SAT punctuation rules is fundamental to success on the Writing and Language Test. Proper punctuation helps convey the appropriate pauses and connections between ideas, which is crucial for clear communication. Whether it's avoiding comma splices by using a semicolon, or employing a full stop to separate independent clauses, each punctuation mark serves a specific purpose.

Students must know how to use commas, semicolons, and periods accurately to prevent run-on sentences and fragments, and to ensure clarity. A solid grasp of these rules allows for correct sentence structure and aids in the effective combining of sentences, as evidenced in the provided exercise and solution.