Question #N802
A new study suggests that people who experience a sense of awe often have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who do not. The researchers involved participants in various activities, including watching a film about the universe, visiting a botanical garden, and listening to a live symphony performance. They found that after participating in awe-inspiring activities, participants reported feeling more connected to the world and more at ease.
Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion in this passage?
A. They found that, after participating in awe-inspiring activities, participants reported feeling more connected to the world and more at ease.
B. They found that after participating in awe-inspiring activities, participants reported feeling more connected to the world, and more at ease.
C. They found that after participating in awe-inspiring activities, participants reported feeling more connected to the world; and more at ease.
D. They found that after participating in awe-inspiring activities, participants reported feeling more connected to the world, more at ease.
Correct Answer is: D
Choice D correctly combines the two sentences by using a comma to separate the two independent clauses and no conjunction because the second clause is merely elaborating on the first clause, so the sentence is grammatically correct.