OpenSAT

Question #N701

The use of a semicolon in a sentence, often used to separate two closely related independent clauses, can be a stylistic choice that makes writing more concise and sophisticated. For example, in the sentence "The sky was clear, but the air was cold; we knew that a snowstorm was coming." the semicolon separates the two independent clauses, which each could stand alone as a sentence. The first clause describes the weather, while the second clause describes the implication of the weather. What is the main idea of the text?

Which choice best states the main idea of the text?

A. The semicolon is a punctuation mark used to join two independent clauses together.

B. The semicolon should only be used to separate two closely related independent clauses in a sentence.

C. The semicolon is a punctuation mark used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related.

D. The semicolon is a punctuation mark used to make writing more sophisticated.

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Correct Answer is: C

The text describes the semicolon as a punctuation mark that is used to separate two independent clauses that are closely related. This is the main idea of the text, as it explains the primary function of the semicolon in writing.