Question

Revising and Editing

Follow the directions below to complete this section.

Wanda is writing an informational essay about the International Space Station. In her essay, four sections of text have been underlined. In each instance, the underlined text may require a correction or revision. Read Wanda’s article, paying special attention to the underlined text, and then answer the questions that follow.

The International Space Station
(1) The International Space Station is often referred to by its acronym, the ISS. (2) It is a marvel of human achievement. (3) Just a century ago, who could have imagined that we’d have people permanently living in orbit?
(4) The ISS is a relatively small space and only houses about seven astronauts at a time. (5) The ISS also functions as a space laboratory. (6) The astronauts on board conduct a variety of experiments in biology, physics, astronomy, materials science, and space science.
(7) This space station also allows people from different backgrounds to work together in the name of science. (8) In space, there aren’t country boundaries but rather, everyone is looked at as an equal, as a scientist. (9) It’s too bad it can’t be like that on Earth too, we would be so much happier if it was. (10) But in the meantime, at least humans can enjoy such peaceful harmonious conditions on the ISS.


Which revision corrects the comma splice in sentence 9?
A. It’s too bad it can’t be like that on Earth too we would be so much happier if it was.
B. It’s too bad it can’t be like that on Earth, too, we would be so much happier if it was.
C. It’s too bad it can’t be like that on Earth too, We would be so much happier if it was.
D. It’s too bad it can’t be like that on Earth, too; we would be so much happier if it was.

Answer 1

D. The semicolon correctly joins the two independent clauses and fixes the comma splice.