Digital SATReading and Writing: Expression of IdeasMedium
A historian is describing the strategic importance of ancient trade routes. She wants to emphasize that these routes were not merely economic arteries but also crucial conduits for cultural exchange and technological diffusion. Which phrase most effectively conveys this dual role?
- AThese routes served as economic arteries; additionally, they were also conduits for cultural exchange.
- BThese routes, in addition to being economic arteries, sometimes facilitated cultural exchange.
- CThese routes functioned not only as vital economic arteries but also as indispensable conduits for cultural exchange and technological diffusion.
- DWhile primarily economic arteries, these routes also had a role in cultural exchange and technological diffusion.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. These routes functioned not only as vital economic arteries but also as indispensable conduits for cultural exchange and technological diffusion.
The phrase 'not only... but also' is a strong correlative conjunction that effectively emphasizes the dual and equally important roles of the trade routes, highlighting that both aspects were significant and intertwined, rather than one being secondary.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While grammatically correct, 'additionally, they were also' is less impactful and less concise than the 'not only... but also' construction for emphasizing a dual, intertwined role.
- B. The phrase 'sometimes facilitated' weakens the emphasis on cultural exchange, making it seem less crucial than intended.
- D. The phrase 'While primarily' suggests that the economic role was more important and cultural exchange was secondary, which contradicts the goal of emphasizing their equal cruciality.
Correlative Conjunctions for Emphasis
Pairs of conjunctions that connect grammatically equal elements in a sentence, often used to emphasize a dual or reciprocal relationship between ideas.
- Used to show balance or comparison.
- Common pairs: 'not only... but also,' 'either... or,' 'neither... nor,' 'both... and.'
- Helps to create parallelism and impact.
Memory trick: Make your point POP, don't just state it; give it a special 'zing'!