Question

Read the passage. (1) Exercise provides many benefits. (2) It strengthens muscles. (3) It helps prevent unhealthful weight gain. (4) It may reduce the risk of some cancers. (5) These are not the only benefits of exercise, however. (6) A recent study concludes that exercise provides mental health benefits too. (7) During exercise, the body produces endorphins. (8) These natural compounds help people relax and may lift people’s spirits. Which is the most effective way to vary the length of the sentences in the passage? Rewrite sentence 8 to make it into a subordinate clause. Divide sentence 6 into two shorter sentences. Insert more detail into sentence 7 to lengthen it. Combine sentences 2, 3, and 4 to create a series.

Answer 1

The most effective way to vary the length of the sentences in this passage is to combine sentences 2,3 and 4 to create a series.

Since these sentences include a series of items of the same characteristics, they can be organized in a list, arranging them in parallel form. This list would be introduced by a colon and each item would be separated by a comma or, ocasionally, with a conjuction.

The final version would be:

Excercise provides many benefits: it strengthens muscles, it helps prevent unhealthful weight gain, and it may reduce the risk of some cancers.

Answer 2

The answer is:  [D]:  "Combine sentence 2, 3, and 4 to create a series." 
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