Question

if the underlined segment has an error, select the answer option that corrects the error. if the segment is correct as is, select
o change.\

cities in warmer climates are often unprepared for snowfall. an inch of snow causes no difficulties in buffalo, but it can shut down atlanta, closing roads and schools.

buffalo but it
buffalo, it
buffalo, but; it
no change

Explanation:

Analyze the original sentence structure

The sentence consists of two independent clauses:

1. "An inch of snow causes no difficulties in Buffalo"
2. "it can shut down Atlanta, closing roads and schools"

Evaluate punctuation rules for joining independent clauses

To connect two independent clauses, standard English grammar requires a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (such as "but").
The original underlined segment uses ", but" to connect these two clauses: "...in Buffalo, but it can...".

Assess the given options

• "Buffalo but it": Lacks the necessary comma before the coordinating conjunction "but" to separate independent clauses.
• "Buffalo, it": Creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma and no coordinating conjunction.
• "Buffalo, but; it": Incorrectly uses a semicolon immediately after the coordinating conjunction.
• "No change": Correctly retains the comma followed by the coordinating conjunction "but".

Answer:

• (A) Buffalo but it
• (B) Buffalo, it
• (C) Buffalo, but; it
• (D) No change (Correct answer)