Question

read the sentences.
there were five original iroquois nations. in the early 1700s, the tuscarora joined the confederacy as the sixth.
which is the best way to combine these two sentences?
there were five original iroquois nations, in the early 1700s, the tuscarora joined the confederacy as the sixth.
there were five original iroquois nations; in the early 1700s, the tuscarora joined the confederacy as the sixth.
there were five original iroquois nations in the early 1700s because the tuscarora joined the confederacy as the sixth.
there were five original iroquois nations, in the early 1700s the tuscarora; joined the confederacy as the sixth.

Explanation:

The correct option uses a semicolon to connect two closely related independent clauses, which logically shows the relationship between the original five Iroquois Nations and the Tuscarora joining as the sixth. The first option uses a comma splice (incorrect punctuation for two independent clauses). The third option incorrectly uses "because" which implies a causal relationship that does not exist. The fourth option uses a misplaced semicolon that breaks the sentence incorrectly.

Answer:

B. There were five original Iroquois Nations; in the early 1700s, the Tuscarora joined the Confederacy as the sixth.