Question #N763
In the early 1900s, the American author and social reformer, Jacob Riis, documented the living conditions of New York City’s poorest residents. The result was “How the Other Half Lives,” a book that exposed the horrors of poverty and overcrowding in the city. His work was groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed. Riis’s book—and the photographs he took—helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing. It is considered a landmark work of social realism.
Which of the following is the most effective way to combine the sentences "His work was groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed" and "Riis’s book—and the photographs he took—helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing"?
A. Riis's work was groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed, and his book helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing.
B. Riis's work was groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed, and, as a result, his book helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing.
C. Riis’s work, groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed, helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing.
D. Groundbreaking for its use of photography to illustrate the social issues he discussed, Riis's book helped to bring about the reforms that led to the improvement of tenement housing.
Correct Answer is: C
Choice C is the most effective way to combine the sentences because it uses a participial phrase to connect the two ideas. This creates a more concise and elegant sentence.