Question

technology takeover
(1) take a look around you. (2) what is it you see? (3) phones, televisions, computers, laptops, monitors, tablets. (4) technology is overtaking our lives. (5) gone are the days of answering a phone attached to a house wall, building a puzzle, or playing outside. (6) everyone is glued to their devices. (7) no wonder people have so many neck strains and lower back pain.
(8) while there are benefits to using technology. (9) the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. (10) for example, the use of technological devices takes people away from having real, live conversations with others. (11) sure, theres texting and emailing, but the personal touches and connections made with being in front of actual others is more meaningful. (12) because we can see one anothers expressions and interpret tones in our speech. (13) not to mention, we can provide hand gestures and other non - verbals to communicate how we truly feel.
(14) yes, technology is great when we are remote or far away from our family, friends, and other relatives. (15) however, if we stayed attached to them 24 / 7, we lost the personal contact humans need and desire. (16) its necessary and okay to use technology for work and personal needs; just do so in small doses. (17) staying addicted to them is where the problem lies. (18) balance is key. (19) use in moderation. (20) remember, personal connection comes first.
which is the best way to combine sentences 18 and 19?
a balance is key; use them in moderation.
b balance is key, but use in moderation.
c balance is key use in moderation.
d balance is key, yet use in moderation.

Explanation:

• Sentence 18: "Balance is key."
• Sentence 19: "Use in moderation."
• Option A: "Balance is key; use them in moderation." uses a semicolon to correctly connect two independent clauses. The pronoun "them" clearly refers to technological devices mentioned earlier.
• Option B: "Balance is key, but use in moderation." The conjunction "but" is not appropriate as there is no contrast between the two ideas.
• Option C: "Balance is key use in moderation." is a run - on sentence.
• Option D: "Balance is key, yet use in moderation." The conjunction "yet" implies a contrast that is not present.

Answer:

A. Balance is key; use them in moderation.