Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) Enriching one's life and community, is well worth regularly delving into great books. (C) Enriching one's life and community is well worth regularly delving into great books. (D) Enriching one's life and community; is well worth regularly delving into great books.

Short answer

Choice (C) is correct; no punctuation is needed between subject and predicate.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Sentence Components

We are given several versions of a single sentence. The components of importance are the subject "Enriching one's life and community" and the predicate that follows it, which is "is well worth regularly delving into great books." We need to determine if a punctuation mark is needed or if any changes are required.

Assess Punctuation and Grammar

(A) has no punctuation between the subject and predicate, which is grammatically correct. (B) contains a comma before "is," creating an unnecessary pause, as this structure does not require a pause. (C) also does not use punctuation between subject and predicate, keeping a correct, clean sentence structure. (D) uses a semicolon, which separates independent clauses but is unnecessary here because this is not the case.

Determine the Correct Choice

The presence of a comma in (B) and semicolon in (D) interrupts the flow inappropriately. Both (A) and (C) are structurally and grammatically correct, but since they are effectively the same, the best choice that reflects no awkward pauses and proper grammar is (C).

Key concepts

Grammar and Punctuation

In English, grammar and punctuation play crucial roles in crafting clear and accurate sentences. Correct punctuation helps to relay the intended meaning of a sentence while maintaining clarity.
When it comes to sentences like the one in our exercise, here's what to keep in mind:

• Avoid unnecessary punctuation. Unrequired commas or semicolons can disrupt the flow of a sentence.
• The main goal of punctuation is to guide the reader through the sentence, helping them understand complex ideas easily.
• Use commas to separate elements in a series or to join independent clauses with coordinating conjunctions. However, don’t use them between a subject and its predicate unless there's a specific reason like a modifying phrase.
• A semicolon should separate two independent clauses. It connects them tightly while avoiding the abruptness of a period.
  The sentence in our exercise does not contain two independent clauses, so a semicolon is inappropriate.

Mastering the rules of punctuation allows you to enhance readability and ensure your writing is not only correct but also engaging.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is all about how you build your sentences to convey your message effectively. Understanding this concept enables you to craft sentences that are engaging and grammatically sound.
Here's how sentence structure works in practice:

• The core of any sentence is its subject and predicate. The subject tells us what the sentence is about, and the predicate tells us something about the subject.
• A simple sentence structure involves a single main subject and predicate. This allows for straightforward communication. Our exercise showcases this ideal with structure like, "Enriching one's life and community is well worth regularly delving into great books."
• Complex sentences may include subordinate clauses for added detail but should maintain a clear main clause to ensure readability.
• Elements like commas or conjunctions help to define relationships between clauses. They indicate to the reader the scope and importance of different parts of the sentence.

Good sentence structure makes your writing more accessible and gives you the tools to express intricate ideas effectively.

English Language Skills

Developing strong English language skills is a process that encompasses understanding grammar, vocabulary, and effective communication.
Here's how you can work on refining these skills:

• Regularly read a variety of texts. It improves your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structures.
• Practice writing frequently. Start with simple sentences and gradually work your way to more complex structures.
• Feedback is crucial. Learn from others, whether peer reviews or instructor feedback.
• Listen to or watch English media. This helps with comprehension and provides insight into natural language patterns.

In our exercise, mastering language skills will also help you better identify sentence components and understand how small punctuation changes can impact meaning.
By focusing on these skills, you prepare yourself not just for exams like the PSAT, but also for effective communication in everyday life.