Choose the complex sentence(s).
a. The tired climbers advanced slowly.
b. They moved with great effort.
c. I telephoned my home in England as soon as I arrived in New York.
Answer options :

The correct answer is Option A (Only c).

Key Points:
• This question evaluates the candidate's understanding of Sentence Structure, specifically identifying complex sentences. This is a common and critical area of grammar tested in MPSC exams.
• Option 1 is the correct answer according to the official MPSC answer key. A complex sentence must contain one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. Sentence 'c' fits this requirement as it joins an independent clause ('I telephoned my home in England') with a dependent clause ('as soon as I arrived in New York') using a subordinating conjunction.
• Let us analyze why the other sentences are not complex. Sentence 'a' contains only one subject ('climbers') and one finite verb ('advanced'), making it a simple sentence. Sentence 'b' similarly has one subject ('They') and one finite verb ('moved'), categorizing it as a simple sentence as well.
• A common MPSC trap is adding prepositional phrases (like 'with great effort') which makes the sentence look long but does not turn it into a complex sentence.
• To accurately identify sentence types, strictly count the number of finite verbs and look for subordinating conjunctions.
• Key Takeaway: Remember: A complex sentence always consists of exactly one independent clause and at least one dependent clause joined by a subordinating conjunction.