A punctuation question tests how to join or separate the words around a blank. Split where the punctuation changes, then test whether each part can stand alone with a subject and a main verb. Check what each join needs: a semicolon joins full sentences; a comma needs a joining word such as and. A colon follows a full sentence and introduces an explanation, example, or list. Without punctuation or a joining word, two full sentences run together.
Hints
- Hint 1
Split after the word that completes “limited battery.” Ask whether the words before that split can stand alone as a sentence.
- Hint 2
Now read the words after that split, including the short word in every choice. Check who or what can operate, and ask whether that part could stand alone as a sentence.
Step-by-step
Split and test both parts
Step 1Test the first part
Complete The solar rover has a limited battery with life, which appears in every choice, and split after life to test the punctuation. Can the first part stand alone? The rover is its subject, who or what the sentence is about, and has is its main verb, which says what the subject does or is. So the first part is a full sentence.
- Step 2
Test the second part
What about the part after the split? Each choice puts it before can operate for only about eight hours before recharging. It is the subject, and can operate is the main verb, so the second part also stands alone. Even though it refers back to the rover, it starts a new full sentence.
- Step 3
Choose a complete join
The comma in life, it can't join two full sentences, and life it leaves them running together. In life: and it, the colon doesn't replace the comma needed before and. A semicolon can join two full sentences, so life; it joins these sentences correctly. Choice C.