MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

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Prepare for the MTEL Communication Literacy Skills Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each providing hints and explanations. Get fully equipped for your exam!

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Which of the following is a function of a coordinating conjunction?

  1. To introduce a dependent clause

  2. To connect two independent clauses

  3. To express cause and effect

  4. To indicate time sequence

The correct answer is: To connect two independent clauses

A coordinating conjunction serves the specific function of connecting two independent clauses. Independent clauses are complete thoughts that can stand alone as sentences. By using a coordinating conjunction, such as "and," "but," or "or," you can effectively link these clauses together to form more complex sentences. This connection helps to clarify relationships between ideas and can enhance the flow and coherence of writing. For instance, in the sentence "She wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain," the conjunction "but" connects two independent clauses, allowing for a smoother transition between contrasting ideas. Understanding this function is crucial for effective sentence construction and improving overall writing quality. The other options do not describe the role of coordinating conjunctions, as they pertain to other types of conjunctions or grammatical elements.