Question

read the passage, then answer the question that follows.
scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies having a pastime reduces stress. it can improve mood, help memory, and strengthen friendships. relaxing hobbies such as knitting or bird - watching reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. some hobbies, such as sports and clubs, encourage friendships, and numerous studies have found a connection between relationships and happiness.
which revision best corrects the underlined sentence?

• scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies. having a pastime reduces stress.
• scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies, having a pastime reduces stress.
• scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies, but having a pastime reduces stress.
• scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies; however, having a pastime reduces stress.

Explanation:

The original underlined sentence has a comma splice (two independent clauses joined by just a comma). We need to correct the punctuation or conjunction. Option A uses a period to separate the two independent clauses, making them two complete sentences, which is correct. Option B incorrectly combines them with a comma (still a comma splice issue in terms of the relationship; the second clause is not a dependent clause of the first). Option C uses "but" which illogically shows contrast (the two ideas are not contrasting). Option D uses a semicolon with "however" which is incorrect punctuation (a semicolon and "however" can't be used together like that; "however" should be preceded by a semicolon or a period and start a new sentence with a capital letter). So Option A is the best correction.

Answer:

A. Scientists have studied the benefits of hobbies. Having a pastime reduces stress.