MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What type of conjunction is used to connect grammatically equal elements?

1. Subordinating conjunction

2. Coordinating conjunction

3. Correlative conjunction

4. Conjunctive adverb

The correct answer is: Coordinating conjunction

The correct answer is a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are specifically designed to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal or similar in structure. Common examples of coordinating conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," and "yet." When elements are joined by a coordinating conjunction, it creates a balance in the sentence, allowing for a clearer relationship between the connected elements. For instance, in the sentence "I would like coffee and tea," "and" effectively connects two nouns that are equal in structure. Subordinating conjunctions, on the other hand, are utilized to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause, indicating a relationship that is not equal. Correlative conjunctions work in pairs to connect equal elements, but they do not function alone as coordinating conjunctions do. Conjunctive adverbs, while they can link independent clauses, serve more as transition words and do not connect elements within the same grammatical category. Thus, the role of coordinating conjunctions is crucial for establishing clear and equal connections in sentence structure.