Question

what is the most effective way to combine sentences 9 and 10? a. soon after the construction of the third floor was completed, the tower began to lean slightly. b. then the construction of the third floor was completed when the tower began to lean slightly. c. the leaning of the tower began as soon as the construction of the third floor was completed. d. the construction of the third floor was completed soon and then the tower began to lean slightly.

Explanation:

To combine sentences 9 and 10 effectively, we need a cohesive structure that shows the correct sequence of events: first the third floor was completed, then soon after, the tower began to lean slightly. Option A uses "Soon after" to clearly link the completion of the floor to the start of the lean, creating a logical and grammatically smooth combined sentence. The other options either use incorrect transition words, awkward phrasing, or reverse the logical order of events.

Answer:

A. Soon after the construction of the third floor was completed, the tower began to lean slightly.