A punctuation question tests whether you can tell which parts can stand alone. Set aside shared words in parentheses, then split where the punctuation changes. Test each side: it needs a subject, a main verb saying what the subject does or is, and no opening word making it depend on more. Two full sentences need a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word. An opening part that can't stand alone takes a comma before the full sentence.
Hints
- Hint 1
Set aside the phrase in parentheses and read each side of the blank on its own. Can each part stand alone as a sentence?
- Hint 2
Look at the word that opens the sentence. Does it let the first part stand alone, or make it wait for what comes next?
Step-by-step
Split and test each side
Step 1Test the opening part
Set aside the shared phrase in parentheses and split at the blank. Can Although the art installation appeared spontaneous stand alone? The installation is the subject, and appeared is the main verb, which tells us what the subject does or is. But the opening word makes us wait for what happened despite that appearance, so the opening part depends on what follows.
- Step 2
Find the full sentence
Now read its construction required months of meticulous planning. Can these words stand alone? They tell us what required the planning, its construction, and use required as the main verb. No opening word makes them wait for more, so this part is a full sentence.
- Step 3
Attach the opening part
How do we attach an opening part that depends on a full sentence? Put a comma where the opening part ends. The phrase in parentheses belongs with the installation's appearance, so the comma goes after the closing parenthesis. Choose (at first glance), to attach the opening part to the full sentence. Choice A.