PSAT Writing and Language Question 531: Answer and Explanation

Question: 531

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. It takes a lot to melt me my nature is quite unreactive.
• C. It takes a lot to melt me: while my nature is quite unreactive.
• D. It takes a lot to melt me; my nature is quite unreactive.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) The underlined section contains two independent clauses: they could be full sentences by themselves. Accordingly, we need to separate the two clauses. Choice (D) uses a semicolon to do this. Choice (A) is a comma splice. Choice (B) is a run-on sentence. Choice (C) would be acceptable if we had used a colon and maintained the two initial clauses. However, the use of "while" changes the second clause from independent to dependent, which doesn't function.