Read this sentence from a reflective essay and think about why the writer used a coordinating conjunction:
I was learning Spanish at the time, and I figured it would be a great way to improve my academic skills while also helping my community.
Why does the writer combine two sentences using the coordinating conjunction and?
1. The conjunction adds interest and variety to the sentences.
2. The conjunction makes a strong connection between the ideas.
3. The conjunction shows the time relationship between the ideas.
4. The conjunction links a short sentence to a longer sentence.