OpenSAT

Question #N100

A group of researchers studied the effects of a new type of fertilizer on crop growth. They found that the fertilizer significantly increased the yield of corn, but it had no effect on the yield of wheat. This finding suggests that ______.

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

A. the fertilizer’s effects on corn were more significant than on wheat, and wheat plants may need a different kind of fertilizer.

B. the fertilizer’s effects on corn were more significant than on wheat, however wheat plants may need a different kind of fertilizer.

C. the fertilizer’s effects on corn were more significant than on wheat, for example wheat plants may need a different kind of fertilizer.

D. the fertilizer’s effects on corn were more significant than on wheat, but wheat plants may need a different kind of fertilizer.

Reveal Answer Go Back

Correct Answer is: D

Choice D is the best answer because it uses the conjunction "but" to correctly indicate that the two clauses in the sentence have a contrasting relationship. The first clause states that the fertilizer increased corn yield, while the second clause states that the fertilizer had no effect on wheat yield. This is a contrast. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they don’t use the conjunction "but" correctly. The word "and" in choice A incorrectly suggests that the two clauses have a continuing relationship, and the words "however" in choice B and "for example" in choice C don’t correctly indicate that the two clauses in the sentence have a contrasting relationship.