SSATSuite
Know Your Keywords — Writing

Point 5The Case of “Though”

What do we see?

IC + though + ICthough as a strong transition. IC + though + IC + ICthough as a subordinating conjunction.

What do we understand?

A. IC + though + IC (though as a strong transition):

  1. If a period or semicolon is available, choose it to avoid a run-on or comma splice.
  2. If not, choose colon or dash.
  3. Valid shapes: IC . / ; / : / — though , IC or IC , though . / ; / : / — IC.

B. IC + though + IC + IC (though as a subordinating conjunction): follow IC . / ; / : though IC , IC — that is, IC. DC, IC.

Question 1 of 6

Recent analysis of 617 Patroclus—a binary Trojan asteroid orbiting the Sun in Jupiter’s gravitational zone—has confirmed its composition to be dark and carbon-rich, suggesting a primitive origin. Such interpretations are ultimately ______ the object’s dark surface coloring may result from exposure to radiation and micrometeorite impacts rather than from intrinsic compositional properties.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?