A punctuation question with a joining word tests how two parts of a sentence connect. Read around the blank and find each side's subject and main verb. Then check how the parts connect: a comma joins full sentences with a joining word; a semicolon usually joins them without one. A colon introduces an explanation, example, or list, while a dash marks a sudden break or added comment. Test what the words need rather than relying on a pause.
Hints
- Hint 1
Start with the words before the blank and find the subject and main verb. Can that part stand alone once you add the noun shared by all the choices?
- Hint 2
Read past and and check whether the words that follow can stand alone. Do they have their own subject and main verb?
Step-by-step
Test both sides of the join
Step 1Complete the first thought
In participants practiced various mindfulness, participants is the subject and practiced is the main verb, the verb that says what they did. Add techniques, the noun all the choices give, and the first side can stand alone. Choosing the punctuation now depends on whether the words after the blank form another full sentence.
- Step 2
Find the second subject
Does the part after and have its own subject? In they used them to reduce stress, they is the subject and used is the main verb. Even though they refers back to the participants, it gives this part its own subject, so the second side is a full sentence too.
- Step 3
Use the ordinary join
What punctuation belongs before and they used them to reduce stress? When and joins two full sentences, we normally place a comma before it. The second part continues by telling us another thing the participants did, so a comma before and joins the two parts. The choice techniques, gives us that comma. Choice B.