Question 2

Conservationists often say “the last crop is always asphalt” to make the point that when open lands are developed, they are gone for good.

The best way to revise the underlined portion of sentence 12 is to maintain the phrase "that when open lands are developed," which clearly establishes the connection between the statement and the idea being conveyed.

A) that when open lands are developed

This option is identical to the correct answer but does not include the necessary context or structure that enhances clarity. While it seems functional, it lacks the concise phrasing needed to improve the flow of the sentence.

B) when open lands are developed

This option omits "that," which is essential for creating a clear dependent clause. Without "that," the sentence loses its formal structure and may confuse readers regarding the main idea being presented.

C) that (when open lands are developed)

This choice introduces parentheses, which disrupts the fluidity and clarity of the sentence. The use of parentheses in formal writing can suggest that the information is supplementary rather than integral to the main point, which weakens the overall impact of the statement.

D) that when open lands are developed

This option effectively maintains the necessary structure of the sentence, linking the claim made by conservationists directly to the consequence of land development. It is the most effective revision because it preserves the intended meaning and flow without unnecessary alterations.

Conclusion

Option D is the best choice as it retains the clarity and formality needed in the sentence, directly connecting the conservationists' statement to the consequence of land development. Options A, B, and C either fail to maintain the necessary structure or introduce ambiguity, making them less effective than the correct answer.