Painted motifs differ between two groups of bowls excavated at neighboring sites, so an older typology assigned the groups to separate cultural traditions. That classification remained influential after mixed assemblages were found at both _____ microscopic wear patterns reveal that both groups were used to process the same foods, suggesting that their makers shared everyday practices.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundary questions containing supplementary information, temporarily remove the supplementary phrase and identify the sentence structure underneath it. If complete independent clauses appear on both sides, use punctuation strong enough to separate them, while also preserving any comma needed to introduce the supplementary phrase.
Hints
Examine the middle phrase
Determine whether “a result that surprised the excavators” is a complete sentence or supplementary information about the preceding statement.
Check both sides of the main boundary
Find the subjects and verbs in the material before the middle phrase and in the clause beginning with “microscopic wear patterns.” Then choose punctuation that can separate those sentence units.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the supplementary phrase
The phrase “a result that surprised the excavators” comments on the classification's continued influence. It is supplementary, so a comma should separate it from the preceding clause.
Locate the independent clauses
“That classification remained influential after mixed assemblages were found at both sites” is an independent clause. “Microscopic wear patterns reveal that both groups were used to process the same foods” is also an independent clause.
Punctuate the boundary
Because the second independent clause begins after the supplementary phrase, a semicolon should follow “excavators.” Thus, the phrase is introduced by a comma and followed by a semicolon.