Question #N162
The author of the article, a renowned expert in climate science, argued that the effects of climate change are *already* being felt by many parts of the world, and that, if not addressed, these effects *will continue to grow* more severe.
Which choice best combines the underlined portions of the passage into a single, correctly punctuated sentence?
A. already being felt by many parts of the world, and that, if not addressed, these effects will continue to grow more severe.
B. already being felt by many parts of the world, and if not addressed, these effects will continue to grow more severe.
C. already being felt by many parts of the world, and that if not addressed, these effects will continue to grow more severe.
D. already being felt by many parts of the world, and that if not addressed, these effects will continue to grow more severe.
Correct Answer is: B
The correct choice avoids a comma splice, which is created when a comma is used to join two independent clauses without a conjunction. The correct choice also eliminates unnecessary punctuation and maintains the logical flow of the sentence.