Sentence Completion: Arctic Survival

Grammatical Structure Analysis

The sentence "__________ in the frozen wastes of Arctic takes special equipment" requires a subject that performs the action implied by "takes special equipment". We need to evaluate the options based on their grammatical function and suitability as the subject.

Evaluating the Options

• Option A: To survive - This is an infinitive phrase. Infinitive phrases can function as nouns and serve as the subject of a sentence. Using "To survive" as the subject emphasizes the general act or necessity of surviving, which logically requires special equipment in the Arctic. Example: "To err is human."
• Option B: Surviving - This is a gerund (a verb ending in -ing used as a noun). Gerunds can also function as the subject of a sentence. While grammatically possible, "To survive" often fits better when stating a general requirement or concept.
• Option C: Survival - This is a noun. Nouns can serve as subjects. "Survival in the frozen wastes..." is grammatically correct, but the infinitive "To survive" focuses more directly on the action necessitating the equipment.
• Option D: That survival - This phrase includes a demonstrative pronoun and a noun. It is less likely to function smoothly as the subject in this specific sentence structure compared to the other options.

Conclusion

The infinitive phrase "To survive" functions effectively as the subject, representing the general action that necessitates special equipment in the harsh Arctic environment. It provides the most direct and common construction for this type of statement.