When connecting an independent clause and a dependent clause. We use a comma ONLY if... (select one)
the independent clause is first

the sentence is longer than ten words

the dependent clause is first

the dependent clause is shorter than the independent clause

According to the Purdue OWL, an independent clause is “a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.” A dependent clause is “a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought.” Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction

Independent clause can stand on their own and come first, while the dependant clause (Depends on the independent clause) comes last

"Carla broke her back last week, after falling down the stairs."

"Carla broke her back last week" can stand on it's own, and "after falling down the stairs"cannot. so the correct answer is

A. The independent clause is first

the price of our current war is high; it costs money and it costs lives.

but it does not cost our pride. it does not cost the guilt that would arise from knowing that we did nothing to intervene while our neighboring nations fell to despotic leaders.

it does not cost the terror of knowing that our allies are unstable. it does not cost the fear that we, too, will be next to fall.

which sentence most accurately explains why the speaker's use of the parallel structure is effective in this passage?

a. it underscores that disagreement will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly.

b. it makes the speaker seem like a decisive and capable leader.

c. it emphasizes reasons to fight and inspires listeners to aid the war effort.

d. it establishes the speaker's credibility by acknowledging the difficulties of war.