Question 246·Hard·Boundaries
While some biologists accept that ending the practice of monoculture farming will increase biodiversity, others contend that the transition—requiring substantial shifts in equipment, labor, and land-use planning—should proceed _____ abrupt policy changes could destabilize food supplies and raise prices.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, identify whether the words after the blank form an independent clause (a complete sentence) or a dependent clause. If it’s dependent (often introduced by words like “because,” “although,” or “when”), don’t use a period or semicolon before it; keep it attached to the main clause with appropriate (often no) punctuation.
Hints
Check the clause after the blank
Read from “because” to the end. Does that part express a complete sentence on its own, or is it explaining a reason that depends on the earlier clause?
Think about what semicolons and periods do
Semicolons and periods are generally used to separate complete sentences. Would the part starting with “because” be a complete sentence if it were separated?
Look for punctuation that interrupts “because”
A subordinating conjunction like “because” should be followed smoothly by its clause. Watch for punctuation that awkwardly breaks that connection.
Step-by-step Explanation
Recognize the decision being tested
All four choices place “because” after “gradually,” but they differ in the punctuation around it. This is a sentence-boundary/punctuation question.
Identify the structure after “because”
The text after the blank is:
abrupt policy changes could destabilize food supplies and raise prices.
When preceded by “because,” it becomes a reason clause: “because abrupt policy changes could destabilize food supplies and raise prices.” A clause beginning with “because” is dependent (it can’t stand alone as a complete sentence).
Eliminate choices that create boundary errors
- A semicolon should join two independent clauses, so it cannot be used right before a dependent “because” clause.
- A period would start a new sentence, but a sentence beginning with “Because …” here would be a fragment.
Choose the grammatically correct attachment
The dependent “because” clause should attach directly to the main clause, so no sentence boundary should be placed between “gradually” and “because.” Therefore, the correct choice is “gradually because.”