SAT OwlOrganisms ______ thrive in extreme conditions, such as boiling hot springs or highly acidic lakes, are known as extremophiles. Studying them helps scientists imagine where life might exist on other worlds.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
, that
that
that,
, that,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
"That thrive in extreme conditions" is a restrictive clause: it identifies which organisms are called extremophiles. Restrictive clauses beginning with "that" are not set off with commas. Any comma here would separate the clause from the noun it defines, or the subject from its verb.
Choice A puts a comma before "that," but a clause starting with "that" is essential to the meaning and should not be set off with commas.
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