OpenSAT

Question #N94

A group of scientists conducted a study to determine if a new type of fertilizer increased crop yields. They planted a specific type of fruit tree in two different plots of land. One plot was treated with the new fertilizer, while the other plot was treated with a standard fertilizer. After several months, the scientists measured the height of each fruit tree in both plots. They found that the fruit trees in the plot that was treated with the new fertilizer had a higher average height than the trees in the control plot, which was treated with the standard fertilizer.

Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion to create a grammatically correct and stylistically effective sentence?

A. The scientists measured the height of each fruit tree in both plots; they found that the fruit trees in the plot that was treated with the new fertilizer had a higher average height than the trees in the control plot, which was treated with the standard fertilizer.

B. The scientists measured the height of each fruit tree in both plots, and they found that the fruit trees in the plot that was treated with the new fertilizer had a higher average height than the trees in the control plot, which was treated with the standard fertilizer.

C. The scientists measured the height of each fruit tree in both plots, finding that the fruit trees in the plot that was treated with the new fertilizer had a higher average height than the trees in the control plot, which was treated with the standard fertilizer.

D. The scientists measured the height of each fruit tree in both plots, and found that the fruit trees in the plot that was treated with the new fertilizer had a higher average height than the trees in the control plot, which was treated with the standard fertilizer.

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Correct Answer is: C

Choice C is the best option because it combines the sentences using a participial phrase, which is grammatically correct and stylistically effective. The participial phrase "finding that…" is a concise and elegant way to connect the two sentences. The other choices create grammatical errors or are less effective stylistically.