Question

Which of the following provides the best combination of the underlined sentences? (A) Additionally to the Juan de Fuca plate is the following, a plate that comprises part of the Cascadia subduction zone. (B) What is more, the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate is comprised with the Cascadia subduction zone. (C) Furthermore, the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate is the major component which partially comprises the zone, known as the "Cascadia subduction" zone. (D) Then there is the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate, which comprises part of the Cascadia subduction zone.

Short answer

(D) conveys the relationship clearly and correctly.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the context

Read through each option to understand what they are trying to convey. Each option relates to the role of the Juan de Fuca plate in the Cascadia subduction zone.

Analyze language and structure

Examine each option for grammatical correctness and clarity. Pay attention to word order and phrase structure in each answer choice.

Evaluate clarity and accuracy

Consider how each option communicates the relationship between the Juan de Fuca plate and the Cascadia subduction zone. The correct choice should clearly express that the Juan de Fuca plate is part of the zone.

Selection based on clarity and precision

Select the statement that is both grammatically correct and clearly conveys the intended relationship. Option (D) "Then there is the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate, which comprises part of the Cascadia subduction zone" is clear and accurate.

Key concepts

Sentence Correction

Sentence correction involves evaluating and improving sentences for clarity and grammatical accuracy. During PSAT preparation, a common area of focus is understanding how to construct sentences that are not only grammatically correct but also clear and concise.

This specific exercise required assessing different sentence constructions to see which best expressed a factual relationship. Here, the main focus was to convey that the Juan de Fuca plate is part of the Cascadia subduction zone.

Common errors to watch for in sentence correction include:

• Subject-verb agreement: Ensure the subject of the sentence matches the verb in number and person.
• Redundancy: Avoid using unnecessary words that do not add meaning to the sentence.
• Parallel structure: Create a balance within sentences, especially when using lists or comparisons.

The chosen option, (D), "Then there is the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate, which comprises part of the Cascadia subduction zone," uses simple language and a straightforward structure that leaves no room for ambiguity. This clarity makes it the best choice, as it remains true to the facts and is easy to understand.

Grammar Analysis

Grammar analysis is the process of dissecting each part of a sentence to ensure it is used correctly and effectively. For PSAT preparation, you should focus on both the individual components of sentences and how they fit together as a whole.

Key grammatical components to analyze include:

• Nouns and pronouns: Ensure nouns and their pronouns agree in number and gender.
• Verbs: Check tense and ensure consistency throughout the passage.
• Modifiers: Words or phrases that modify another word should be correctly placed to avoid confusion.
• Clauses: Know the difference between independent and dependent clauses to build complex yet coherent sentences.

Option (D) correctly uses a relative clause, "which comprises part," to provide additional but essential information about the Juan de Fuca plate in relation to the subduction zone. This clear grammatical structure enhances the readability and informative quality of the sentence.

Tectonic Plates

Understanding tectonic plates is a key aspect of Earth sciences, relevant for both PSAT preparation and broadening general scientific knowledge. The Earth's crust is divided into large slabs called tectonic plates, which float on the semi-fluid layer of the mantle. These plates are constantly moving, although very slowly, due to geological processes such as subduction.

The focus in this exercise was on the Juan de Fuca plate, which forms part of the Cascadia subduction zone.

• What is a subduction zone? A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is being forced under another. This can lead to geological activities such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• The Juan de Fuca Plate: It is a small tectonic plate located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, playing a crucial role in the geological dynamics of the area.

Understanding these concepts is important not only for geography quizzes but also when considering real-world implications, such as earthquake preparedness.