SAT OwlMount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa. Despite its location near the ______ its summit has been capped with glaciers for thousands of years.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
equator,
equator;
equator.
equator:
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
"Despite its location near the equator" is an introductory phrase, not a complete sentence. A comma separates it from the main clause "its summit has been capped with glaciers." A semicolon, period, or colon would leave the introductory phrase stranded as a fragment.
Choice C turns "Despite its location near the equator" into a sentence fragment.
Got it wrong? On SAT Owl, Owl looks at the answer you chose and explains the exact mistake, then gives you similar questions until it sticks. Get your predicted SAT score free.