Question 132·Hard·Boundaries
Renowned for her meticulous field observations, behavioral ecologist Yolanda Ruiz sought to demonstrate that capuchin monkeys’ use of tools was not instinctive—rather, it emerged gradually as juveniles experimented with _____ critics argued that her sample size was too small.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, first identify whether each side of the blank could be an independent clause. If the second clause begins with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS, including “yet”), use the pattern: independent clause + comma + conjunction + independent clause. Also check capitalization: semicolons don’t end sentences, so the next word usually shouldn’t be capitalized.
Hints
Locate complete sentences
Check whether the words before the blank form a complete sentence, and whether “critics argued that her sample size was too small” could also stand alone.
Decide how “yet” is functioning
If “yet” links two independent clauses (like “but”), what punctuation is typically used right before it?
Watch for capitalization after a semicolon
A semicolon doesn’t end a sentence, so the following word is usually not capitalized unless it’s a proper noun.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the clauses on each side of the blank
Before the blank is an independent clause (main verb: “sought”):
“Renowned for her meticulous field observations, behavioral ecologist Yolanda Ruiz sought to demonstrate that capuchin monkeys’ use of tools was not instinctive—rather, it emerged gradually as juveniles experimented with stones …”
After the blank is another independent clause:
“critics argued that her sample size was too small.”
Apply the coordinating-conjunction rule
When a coordinating conjunction like “yet” joins two independent clauses, use a comma before the conjunction:
Eliminate the incorrect punctuation choices
- No punctuation before “yet” creates a run-on.
- A semicolon does not end a sentence, so the next word should not be capitalized (so “; Yet” is not standard).
- A colon is not used immediately before a coordinating conjunction like “yet.”
Select the correct choice
The choice that correctly uses a comma to join the two independent clauses with “yet” is “stones, yet.”