Problem 802 - 1,001 GED Practice Questions For Dummies

Question

Select the best sentence from among the given choices. (A) If you're hoping to turn a personnel passion into a successful business, you need to ask yourself a simple question: Can it make a profit? (B) If you're hoping to turn a personnel passion into a successful business you need to ask yourself a simple question: Can it make a profit? (C) If you're hoping to turn a personal passion into a successful business, you need to ask yourself a simple question: Can it make a profit? (D) If you're hoping to turn a personal passion into a successful business you need to ask yourself a simple question: Can it make a profit?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option (C) is the best sentence among the given choices because it has the correct spelling of "personal" and the proper punctuation with a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Step 1: Compare option (A) to (B)

First, let's compare option (A) to (B). They both have the same spelling of the word "personnel" instead of "personal". The only difference is that option (B) does not have a comma before "you need to ask yourself a simple question". We know that it's common to put a comma before a coordinating conjunction (like "you") if it separates two independent clauses. Therefore option (A) would be better than (B) in terms of punctuation.

Step 2: Compare (A) to (C)

Now, let's compare option (A) to (C). Both options have correct punctuation, but option (C) has the correct spelling of "personal" instead of "personnel". Since "personal passion" is the intended meaning, option (C) is better than option (A).

Step 3: Compare (C) to (D)

Finally, let's compare option (C) to (D). The only difference between these two options is that option (D) doesn't have a comma before "you need to ask yourself a simple question". As mentioned in step 1, since a comma should be placed before a coordinating conjunction separating two independent clauses, option (C) is better than (D) in terms of punctuation.

Step 4: Choose the best sentence

Having compared all the given options, we can conclude that option (C) is the best sentence among the given choices. It has the correct spelling of "personal" and the proper punctuation with a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Key Concepts

Punctuation Rules

Understanding punctuation is crucial for clear and effective writing. Punctuation marks serve as signals in a sentence, guiding readers through your ideas in a logical order. The problem discussed revolves around the importance of using a comma correctly.

In the example, the comma comes before the coordinating conjunction "you," which separates two independent clauses in the sentence. Here's why this is important:

• An independent clause is a sentence that can stand alone because it expresses a complete thought. It has both a subject and a predicate.
• Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses that are similar in structure but different or contrasting ideas. Common coordinating conjunctions include "for," "and," "nor," "but," "or," "yet," and "so."
• A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction when it links two independent clauses, helping to avoid potential confusion by signaling the break between two ideas.

Proper punctuation not only improves readability but also ensures the clarity of your message.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is fundamental to constructing clear and coherent sentences. A good understanding of sentence structure allows you to convey your thoughts accurately.

Consider the sentence from the exercise: "If you're hoping to turn a personal passion into a successful business, you need to ask yourself a simple question: Can it make a profit?" Here, you can see how the sentence is organized:

• The sentence begins with a conditional clause "If you're hoping to turn a personal passion into a successful business" which sets a context or condition.
• This is followed by an independent clause "you need to ask yourself a simple question," which expresses the main idea or action.
• Colons are particularly useful because they introduce a particular idea, explanation, or a piece of direct speech, as displayed in the question "Can it make a profit?"

This structure not only establishes relationship between ideas but also clarifies their direct impact on each other. Without proper sentence structure, ideas can become muddled or ambiguous.

Grammar Correction

Correct grammar is indispensable for producing polished and professional writing. Grammar involves the rules that govern the structure of language, including syntax, word choice, and forms. In this exercise, the choice between "personnel" and "personal" is important for delivering the intended meaning.

Here's how to make correct grammar choices:

• Be aware of homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. In the exercise, "personnel" and "personal" could be easily confused because they sound similar.
• "Personal" means relating to a particular person or showing someone's personality. On the other hand, "personnel" refers to employees or staff members.
• Always check the context of a sentence to ensure you are using words that correctly match the intended meaning.

Effective grammar correction involves choosing words that accurately convey your thoughts and meaning, ensuring your audience understands the message as intended.