Question 163·Easy·Boundaries
Origami, the art of paper folding, originated in Japan. Over centuries, artists have developed countless _____ however, the tradition has retained its core principle of transforming a single sheet of paper. anікo.aі ЅАТ Questіοn Ваnk
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundary questions, first decide whether the material on each side of the blank is an independent clause. Then look for key signals like conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover): if they connect two independent clauses within one sentence, you typically need a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it. Finally, if a period is an option, verify the next word’s capitalization as written.
Hints
Check for a conjunctive adverb
Look at the first word after the blank. If it’s a word like however or therefore, you’re probably dealing with a conjunctive adverb linking two complete sentences. Ѕourсe: аniкο.аi
Test whether each side could stand alone
Read the text before the blank as a sentence by itself, and then read the text after the blank (ignoring the transition word). If both are complete sentences, a single comma will not be enough.
Use the SAT rule for "however"
Between two independent clauses, however is typically preceded by a semicolon (or a period if you start a new sentence) and followed by a comma.
Check capitalization if you consider a period
If you try a period, the next word must be correctly capitalized as written in the prompt. If it’s lowercase, the period option cannot be correct.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the structure around the blank
Read the sentence with the blank:
- Before the blank:
Over centuries, artists have developed countless designs - After the blank:
however, the tradition has retained its core principle of transforming a single sheet of paper
The first part is an independent clause. The second part is also an independent clause, introduced by the conjunctive adverb however. © аniko.ai
Recall the rule for conjunctive adverbs between independent clauses
When a conjunctive adverb like however, therefore, or moreover connects two independent clauses in one sentence, you generally need:
- a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb, and
- a comma after the conjunctive adverb.
So the punctuation before however should be a semicolon (or a period, if you start a new sentence).
Eliminate punctuation that would be incorrect here
- A comma before
howeverwould create a comma splice because it tries to join two independent clauses with only a comma. - A period would start a new sentence, but the next word in the prompt is lowercase (
however). On the SAT you can’t change capitalization, so the period option would produce an incorrect sentence beginning. - A colon is used to introduce an explanation, example, or list; it is not the standard way to set up a contrast introduced by
however.
Choose the punctuation that correctly links the clauses
The only choice that correctly links two independent clauses before a conjunctive adverb (and fits the given capitalization) is the semicolon.
Therefore, the correct answer is designs;.