Question

For the following question, refer to the passage titled "The Scientist Experiments" on the Unit Test Reading Passages sheet. Answer the question to improve elements of the passage such as sentence structure, word choice, overall organization, tone, and voice.

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portions of sentences 10 and 11 (reprinted below)?
she waters the seed every day, watches for changes. and then she dutifully records what happens.
responses
A. every day. then she watches for changes. then she dutifully records what happens.
B. every day, watches for changes, and dutifully records what happens.
C. every day, and watches for changes, and also dutifully records what happens.
D. every day, before watching for changes, and records what happens.
E. every day, watches for changes, and dutifully

Answer 1

The best version is option B, which concisely lists the scientist's daily routine actions and uses parallel structure to enhance the sentence's clarity and readability.

Step-by-step explanation:

When determining the best version of the underlined portions in sentences 10 and 11 of the passage, it is essential to consider elements like sentence structure, tone, and voice. The sentence 'she waters the seed every day, watches for changes, and dutifully records what happens' maintains a concise and clear expression that meshes well with the enumerative and methodical actions of the scientist.

The use of commas in this sentence construction allows for a list of actions without unnecessary conjunctions, which helps maintain a pace that reflects the routine and systematic nature of scientific observation and data recording. The best choice from the given options is B: every day, watches for changes, and dutifully records what happens. This choice adopts a parallel structure that aids in clarity and readability, characteristics that are crucial for scientific writing.