14. Which is the best way to revise the underlined portion of sentence 12? Conservationists often say 'the last crop is always asphalt' to make the point that, when open lands are developed, they are gone for good.
Answer: B
Revising the underlined portion to include appropriate punctuation improves clarity.
Using option B, "that, when open lands are developed," appropriately introduces the dependent clause with a comma, enhancing the readability of the sentence.
A) that—when open lands are developed—
This option incorrectly uses em dashes to set off the dependent clause. Em dashes suggest a stronger break in thought than commas, which is not warranted in this context, making the sentence less fluid.
B) that, when open lands are developed
This option correctly uses a comma to introduce the dependent clause, maintaining the flow of the sentence. The comma helps clarify the relationship between the main clause and the dependent clause, making the meaning clearer.
C) that (when open lands are developed)
Using parentheses in this option implies that the information within them is supplementary or less important, which does not suit the intended meaning of the sentence. This choice disrupts the flow and may confuse the reader regarding the significance of the clause.
D) that when open lands are developed,
While this option removes the comma before the dependent clause, it creates a run-on sentence because it fails to properly separate the clauses. This lack of punctuation can lead to confusion regarding the sentence structure and intended meaning.
Conclusion
Option B is the best choice as it effectively clarifies the relationship between the main and dependent clauses with appropriate punctuation. The other options either misplace punctuation or alter the intended emphasis, leading to potential misunderstandings. Proper punctuation is key in conveying the permanence of land development as expressed in the original statement.