1. Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion
Answer: A
The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
This combination clearly states the poet's reluctance and provides the reason for it in a single, coherent sentence.
A) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
This option effectively combines the two sentences and includes the reason for the poet's reluctance. However, it is somewhat wordy due to the phrase "the reason for that was because," which can be simplified for better clarity and conciseness.
B) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
This option succinctly combines the two ideas into one clear sentence. It directly connects the poet's reluctance with the rationale behind it without unnecessary wording, making it straightforward and effective, but it is not the correct answer.
C) Because the poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
This option incorrectly reverses the relationship between the two ideas. It implies that the lack of custom is the reason for the poet's reluctance, which misrepresents the intent of the original sentences.
D) The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
While this option conveys the correct relationship between the poet's reluctance and the custom, the comma before "because" is unnecessary and disrupts the flow of the sentence, making it less effective than option A.
Conclusion
Option A is the best choice as it combines the two sentences while maintaining clarity and connection between the poet's reluctance and the reason for it. Although option B is effective, it lacks the nuanced phrasing that A provides. Options C and D misinterpret or disrupt the intended meaning, further solidifying A as the superior choice.