The research team has concluded that the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus is to minimize contact with infected individuals. The team’s conclusion is based on data from previous studies, which have shown that the virus is easily transmitted through close contact. It’s important for individuals to understand that they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Which choice best combines the underlined sentences at the end of the passage, while preserving the meaning and the style of the original text?
A. It’s important for individuals to understand that they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick; however, they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
B. It’s important for individuals to understand that they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, although they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
C. It’s important for individuals to understand that they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, since they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
D. It’s important for individuals to understand that they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick; because they can help to stop the spread of the virus by following simple guidelines, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Choice D correctly combines the underlined sentences with a semicolon, which is appropriate because the second sentence explains the reason for the first sentence. The conjunction "because" helps to clarify the relationship between the two sentences and makes the meaning clearer.