OpenSAT

Question #N161

The scientists concluded that the __changes in the environment on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam were not necessarily the direct consequence of the dam’s construction. __

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

A. changes, in the environment, on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam were not necessarily the direct consequence of the dam’s construction.

B. changes in the environment on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam, were not necessarily the direct consequence of the dam’s construction.

C. changes in the environment, on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam were not necessarily the direct consequence, of the dam’s construction.

D. changes in the environment on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam were not necessarily the direct consequence of the dam’s construction.

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Correct Answer is: D

The best answer is D because it uses the correct punctuation. When a modifying phrase, such as "in the environment on the banks of the Provo River downstream of the Jordanelle Dam," is added to a sentence, it should be separated by commas. In this case, the phrase is not essential to the meaning of the sentence and can be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, it should be set off with commas. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they use incorrect punctuation. Choice A is incorrect because it adds an unnecessary comma after "environment." Choice B is incorrect because it uses a comma to set off a phrase that is essential to the meaning of the sentence and can't be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence. Choice C is incorrect because it uses a comma after "consequence," which is not a necessary punctuation mark.