This question is based on the following paragraph.

(1) Brenda would have liked to have taken her vacation at the beach. (2) However, the weather forecast on the television called for rain. (3) Also, her fiancé, Max, wanted to vacation in the mountains. (4) After a heated discussion, Brenda and Max decided to compromise. (5) They would spend their vacation time at Spring Lake. (6) That way, Jack could fish and Brenda could enjoy swimming.

10. In sentence 4, what is "After a heated discussion"?

A. An independent clause
B. A prepositional phrase
C. A dependent clause
D. An adjective phrase

To determine the answer to this question, we need to analyze the sentence in question. Sentence 4 states, "After a heated discussion, Brenda and Max decided to compromise."

"After a heated discussion" is an introductory phrase that provides additional information about the main action of the sentence, which is "Brenda and Max decided to compromise."

Based on this analysis, we can conclude that "After a heated discussion" is functioning as a dependent clause.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

C. A dependent clause.