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:

A complex sentence should have one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, or show a clear causal or subordinate relationship. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Uses a semicolon, which makes it a compound sentence (two independent clauses), not complex.
• Option 2: Uses "and" to connect two independent clauses, making it a compound sentence.
• Option 3: "Based on the scientists’ recommendations" is a dependent phrase, "the new safety requirements were enacted" is an independent clause, and "so that fewer accidents occurred" shows the purpose (a subordinate clause), creating a complex sentence with a clear causal relationship between enacting requirements and reducing accidents.
• Option 4: Uses "and" to connect two independent clauses, making it a compound sentence.

Answer:

C. Based on the scientists’ recommendations, the new safety requirements were enacted so that fewer accidents occurred.