Which word would connect two independent clauses in a sentence?

A conjunction is the correct choice because it specifically serves to connect two independent clauses, allowing for a more complex sentence structure. For instance, words like "and," "but," and "or" are conjunctions that link clauses together. When you want to join two complete thoughts into a single sentence, a conjunction is essential in showing their relationship and improving the flow of the writing.

In contrast, nouns serve as subjects or objects in a sentence but do not have the function of linking clauses. Predicates represent the action or state of being in a sentence, also lacking the role of connecting independent thoughts. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to provide additional context, but they do not join independent clauses. Thus, the ability of conjunctions to connect independent clauses makes them the appropriate choice in this context.