Final answer:
A dependent clause must connect to an independent clause using a comma to form a complete sentence and avoid being a fragment. Semicolons join two independent clauses, whereas a comma is needed to attach a dependent clause to an independent one.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. To avoid being a sentence fragment, a dependent clause must connect to an independent clause. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.
For example, 'If you chase two rabbits, you will lose them both,' where the first part is a dependent clause connected to an independent clause. The correct way to combine a dependent clause to complete its meaning is by using a comma when it precedes the independent clause, as in 'Because she believes education is essential, she is going to be a schoolteacher.' You would not use a semicolon in this case since semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses, such as in 'It rained heavily during the afternoon; however, we still managed to have a picnic.'
Overall, B: Connects to an independent clause using a comma is the correct answer, as this allows the dependent clause to provide additional information to the complete sentence formed by the independent clause.