DIRECTIONS: In the passage below, certain phrases are underlined and numbered <x>. The question will present alternatives for the underlined part. In most cases, you are to choose the one that best expresses the idea, makes the statement appropriate for standard written English, or is worded most consistently with the style and tone of the passage as a whole. If you think the original version is the best, choose "NO CHANGE". Read the passage and answer question <13>. The Spine -Good spine health is important for every person. The human spine support the weight of the head, protects the body's organs, and receives <1> the gravitational pull that helps with posture. Comprised of 33 bones, each called vertebra, the spine is divided into five regions: cervical, <2> thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal. Vertebra are named according to the region where they are located along the spine and in numerical order. Discs serve as cushions between each vertebra. Nerves run along the spine, carrying signals between the spine and the rest of the body. There are many reasons why people experience problems with their spine. Some people like us are born <3> with defects such as spina bifida, which stunts infant <4> brain and spine development. Trauma to the spine can also create problems, in addition <5> when the damage is irreversible. Paralysis happened <6> when the spine is injured beyond repair, and may result in loss of function in the arms or legs. Another reason for damage is the body's natural deterioration. As a person ages, the spine wears out. The discs that separate each vertebra lose moisture, and nerves that run alongside the spine can become more narrow, which <7> decreases the spines <8> ability to absorb pressure, especially when walking, jogging, or jumping. Prevention is the best way to maintain a healthy back. There are varieties of ways that people keep themselves pain free and functioning at optimum levels. Sleeping on your back with a pillow under the knees supports its <9> natural curve during the night.
When sitting at a desk, keeping ears, shoulders, and hips in line while resting the back firmly against the chair helps with posture. Standing straight with relaxed shoulders, hips, and knees will eliminate undue pressure on the spine. Walking with your head held high, chin tucked, and toes pointed forward will prevent slouching. Plus, you will look fantastically confident. <10> Diet and sunshine are also important for back health, well-balanced <11> foods build lean muscles that support the spine. Lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty <12> of water to keep the body hydrated are best choices for a daily regimen.
While Vitamin D is found in many foods such as salmon and green leaf lettuce. The <13> sunshine is a body's best source. At least ten minutes of day <14> sunlight will strengthen bones and provide energy to the body's systems, encouraging the body to stand straighter. <15>
- NO CHANGE
- lettuce, the
- lettuce, although the
- lettuce: the
Answer(s): B
Explanation:
Why option B (“lettuce, the”) is the best choice
The original wording “…such as salmon and green leaf lettuce.” ends with a noun phrase that is not parallel to the preceding item (salmon). Adding a comma after lettuce creates a clear, natural pause that separates the two examples, making the list easier to read. Option B introduces the article the after the comma, turning lettuce into an appositive that refers back to the preceding noun (green leaf). This yields the phrase “salmon and green leaf lettuce, the,” which, when read in context, correctly signals that the is the definite article introducing the next clause or explanation (e.g., “…the vitamin D source”). The construction preserves the standard written-English tone of the passage: it avoids an unnecessary colon or conjunction that would disrupt the flow, and it does not add an extra clause that would change the meaning. Option A (NO CHANGE) leaves the list unbalanced; salmon and green leaf lettuce are not parallel, which can cause a subtle readability issue in formal writing. Option C (“lettuce, although the”) injects a concessive conjunction (although) that is not justified by the surrounding context; the passage is stating a fact, not contrasting ideas, so the addition is stylistically inappropriate. Option D (“lettuce: the”) uses a colon where a comma would be more suitable; a colon implies an explanation that follows, but the sentence does not introduce a clarifying statement after the, making the punctuation misleading.
Summary – Option B provides the only punctuation that correctly separates the two items in the list, maintains parallelism, and fits the neutral, explanatory tone of the passage, whereas the other options either leave the list unbalanced, add an unjustified conjunction, or misuse a colon.
Reference:
The College Board – SAT Writing & Language Test Guide (official style-rule explanations for punctuation and parallel structure). https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/writing-and-language Purdue OWL – Comma Usage with Appositives and Lists (concise, scholarly guidance on proper comma placement). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/punctuation/comma_use.html