A punctuation question tests how sentence parts join. Start by reading the words on each side of the blank, then test whether each part can stand alone. A full sentence needs a subject, a main verb, and no word making it depend on another sentence. Match the punctuation to those parts: periods separate full sentences, semicolons join them, commas separate opening dependent clauses from main clauses, and dashes mark breaks or set off extra details. Don't use a pause as proof that a sentence ends.
Hints
- Hint 1
Read the first part from the start, not only from the time. Look at the word that introduces the museum's closing time.
- Hint 2
Test each side as a full sentence. Does the first part finish its thought, or does its opening word leave you waiting for what follows?
Step-by-step
Test what can stand alone
Step 1Test the opening part
Read the opening part from Although. Can it stand alone? The subject is the museum, and its main verb is closes, but Although means even though, so it leaves us waiting for the rest of the thought. The opening part can't stand alone. It's a dependent clause, a group of words with a subject and verb that needs a main clause to finish the sentence.
- Step 2
Test what follows
What finishes that thought? After the blank, visitors are allowed to remain has its own subject, visitors, and main verb, are allowed. The rest tells us where they can stay and until when, so this part is a full sentence. A period or semicolon can't join these parts because the opening part isn't a full sentence.
- Step 3
Attach the opening part
How should we attach the opening Although clause? An opening dependent clause takes a comma before the main clause. The version p.m., adds that comma after the time abbreviation, where the opening clause ends. Choice D.