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.\

during a heat wave, elderly people who do not have air-conditioning can become dangerously dehydrated.

wave elderly
wave; elderly
wave. elderly
no change

Explanation:

Analyze the sentence structure

The sentence begins with an introductory prepositional phrase: "During a heat wave". This is followed by the main independent clause: "elderly people who do not have air-conditioning can become dangerously dehydrated."

Evaluate punctuation rules

An introductory prepositional phrase at the beginning of a sentence is typically followed by a comma to separate it from the main clause, especially when it helps prevent misreading or is relatively long. The original sentence uses a comma: "During a heat wave, elderly people...".

Compare answer options

• "wave elderly": Removes the comma, which is less clear because "wave" and "elderly" run together.
• "wave; elderly": A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses, but "During a heat wave" is a dependent prepositional phrase, not an independent clause.
• "wave. Elderly": A period would create a sentence fragment ("During a heat wave.").
• "No change": Keeps the correct comma separating the introductory phrase from the main clause.

Answer:

• wave elderly
• wave; elderly
• wave. Elderly
• No change (Correct answer)