Digital SAT Reading and Writing Practice Question #1184
Test your problem-solving accuracy on this official-caliber item. Select an answer choice to check your reasoning instantly.
Consider whether the information 'inhabits the abyssal zone' is essential to identify *which* predatory fish is being discussed, or if it merely provides additional, descriptive detail.
Recall the punctuation rules for non-restrictive (non-essential) clauses, especially when they begin with 'which.' How are such clauses typically set off from the rest of the sentence?
⚡ Hack the Test speed shortcut: Use the 'Remove It' Test. For clauses starting with 'which' or 'that,' try mentally removing the clause from the sentence. If the sentence still makes complete sense and retains its core meaning without the clause, then the clause is non-essential (non-restrictive) and *must* be set off by commas. If removing it changes the meaning or makes the sentence unclear, it's essential (restrictive) and should *not* have commas (and typically uses 'that'). Applying this to the sentence: 'This predatory fish [which inhabits the abyssal zone] uses a glowing appendage...' If we remove the bracketed part, we get 'This predatory fish uses a glowing appendage...' This sentence still makes perfect sense, confirming that 'which inhabits the abyssal zone' is non-essential information. Therefore, it requires commas around it, making Option C the clear choice.
The question asks to choose the option that best maintains the sentence's meaning and conforms to the conventions of standard English, specifically focusing on punctuation and clause type. The key to solving this problem lies in understandi...
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