Question #N967
The following text is adapted from a passage about the role of animals in ancient Egyptian religion. "Bastet was the goddess of protection, joy, and motherhood, and in some cases, the goddess of the home." "The ancient Egyptians believed that cats had a close connection to the afterlife, and that the souls of dead cats were sent to the Underworld." Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Which choice best combines the two sentences above?
A. The ancient Egyptians believed that cats had a close connection to the afterlife; and that the souls of dead cats were sent to the Underworld.
B. The ancient Egyptians believed that cats had a close connection to the afterlife, and that the souls of dead cats were sent to the Underworld.
C. The ancient Egyptians believed that cats had a close connection to the afterlife that the souls of dead cats were sent to the Underworld.
D. The ancient Egyptians believed that cats had a close connection to the afterlife, the souls of dead cats were sent to the Underworld.
Correct Answer is: B
The correct answer is B because the comma before 'and' properly separates two independent clauses that are joined by a coordinating conjunction. The other choices are incorrect because they either use incorrect punctuation or improperly fuse the clauses.