A punctuation question with the same linking word in every choice tests where a full sentence ends. Compare marks that do the same job, then split at the blank. Can each side stand alone with a subject, a main verb, and no word that makes it depend on another sentence? Periods and semicolons need full sentences on both sides; a comma or no mark can attach words that can't stand alone.
Hints
- Hint 1
To follow the sentence before the blank, read past the description between dashes and find who contends what.
- Hint 2
Test the words after the blank together with their opening linking word. Do they stand alone, or do they give a reason that depends on the earlier sentence?
Step-by-step
Compare, split, and attach
Step 1Find what the sentence breaks need
Compare the semicolon version and the period version at the blank. What does each need? Both need full sentences on each side of should proceed _____ abrupt policy changes. Both marks need the same test here, so let's check whether the words on each side can stand alone.
- Step 2
Find the complete statement
After the opening contrast, others contend gives us the main subject and verb. What do they contend? The words that the transition lead to should proceed. The sentence is complete once the missing word says how the transition should proceed. The description between dashes adds details without changing that structure, so the first side can stand alone.
- Step 3
Test the reason with its opening word
Can the words after the blank stand alone? abrupt policy changes could destabilize food supplies and raise prices has a subject and main verbs, so it looks complete. But every version begins that part with because, meaning for the reason that, which makes it depend on the earlier sentence. Here, the risk to food supplies explains why the transition should proceed that way, so the because part depends on the earlier sentence.
- Step 4
Attach the reason without splitting it
The version with commas around because cuts that linking word off from abrupt policy changes, the subject of the reason it introduces. Since because belongs with the words that follow it, gradually because attaches the reason without cutting it apart. Choice C.