Question

read the sentences below.

the new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists recommendations. fewer accidents occurred.

which combines the sentences to create one complex sentence?

• the new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists recommendations; fewer accidents occurred.
• based on the scientists recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted, and fewer accidents occurred.
• based on the scientists recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted so that fewer accidents occurred.
• the new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists recommendations, and fewer accidents occurred.

Explanation:

Analyze the original sentences

The original text contains two independent clauses:

1. "The new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists' recommendations."
2. "Fewer accidents occurred."

The goal is to combine these into a single complex sentence.

Define a complex sentence

To form a complex sentence, we must join at least one independent clause with at least one dependent clause. This is typically achieved using a subordinating conjunction (such as because, although, since, or so that) to turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: "The new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists' recommendations; fewer accidents occurred."
• This uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses, creating a compound sentence, not a complex sentence.
• Option 2: "Based on the scientists' recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted, and fewer accidents occurred."
• This joins two independent clauses with the coordinating conjunction and, creating a compound sentence.
• Option 3: "Based on the scientists' recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted so that fewer accidents occurred."
• This uses the subordinating conjunction so that to introduce the dependent clause "so that fewer accidents occurred." This successfully creates a complex sentence.
• Option 4: "The new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists' recommendations, and fewer accidents occurred."
• This joins two independent clauses with the coordinating conjunction and, creating a compound sentence.

Identify the correct choice

Option 3 is the only option that correctly uses a subordinating conjunction to create a complex sentence.

Answer:

• (A) The new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists' recommendations; fewer accidents occurred.
• (B) Based on the scientists' recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted, and fewer accidents occurred.
• (C) Based on the scientists' recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted so that fewer accidents occurred. (Correct answer)
• (D) The new safety requirements were enacted based on scientists' recommendations, and fewer accidents occurred.