Question 1·Easy·Boundaries
Electric scooters offer a convenient way to travel across _____ riders should always wear helmets to reduce the risk of injury.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, first test each side of the blank for independence. Then choose the appropriate joining pattern (comma + coordinating conjunction, semicolon, or semicolon + conjunctive adverb with a comma). Eliminate options that create run-ons, misused colons, or missing commas around conjunctive adverbs.
Hints
Figure out how many sentences you have
Check whether the words before and after the blank could each stand alone as complete sentences.
Consider the relationship
Decide whether the second part adds, contrasts, or explains the first.
Match to a joining pattern
If both sides are complete sentences, consider comma + coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, or a semicolon + conjunctive adverb (with a comma).
Eliminate boundary errors
Watch for a missing comma before a coordinating conjunction and for a missing comma after a conjunctive adverb like "however."
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify clause structure
Read each side of the blank:
- "Electric scooters offer a convenient way to travel across campus"
- "riders should always wear helmets to reduce the risk of injury"
Both are independent clauses with their own subjects and verbs.
Determine the relationship
The second clause contrasts with the first: scooters are convenient, yet safety precautions are still necessary.
Recall correct joining patterns
To join two independent clauses, use one of the following:
- A comma plus a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)
- A semicolon by itself
- A semicolon plus a conjunctive adverb (like "however") followed by a comma
Match choices to rules and select the answer
Evaluate each option where the blank appears:
- "campus but" lacks the required comma before a coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses.
- "campus: however," misuses a colon; colons introduce explanations or examples, not simple contrast.
- "campus; however" omits the comma that should follow "however" when used after a semicolon.
Therefore, "campus, but" correctly and concisely joins the clauses.