The International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet. Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.

Question

Which sentence effectively combines the two sentences above using a subordinating conjunction? Select the two correct answers.

A. Although the International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.
B. After the International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.
C. After the International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.
D. The International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, and Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.
E. The International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet because Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.

Answer 1

The two correct answers that effectively combine the sentences using a subordinating conjunction are:

A. Although the International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.

B. After the International Astronomical Union determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria needed to be considered a planet, Pluto was downgraded to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006.

(Note: Option C is identical to option B and is thus not an additional correct answer.)