dependent/independent clause confusion

A CLAUSE is any part of a sentence that contains a SUBJECT and a VERB.

If it can stand on its own as a full sentence, it's an INDEPENDENT CLAUSE. In your example sentence, "others suggest the reduction of software prices..." is the independent clause. That could stand on its own as a grammatically complete sentence.

The word WHILE in the 1st part of the sentence creates a DEPENDENT CLAUSE, because "while" suggests a contrast in 2 ideas: "While A..., B..."

Some propose to combat. --> this would be an independent clause, because it could be a fully sentence.

While some propose to combat. --> this would be an incomplete sentence. There's nothing to contrast the "while" part to. Therefore, anything starting with WHILE is a dependent clause.

Likewise, the clause that you highlighted starting with "WHO" is a dependent clause: "...people who copy software illegally." The word WHO is a subject, and COPY is a verb, but the clause can't stand on its own as a full sentence, so it's a dependent clause.

Does that help?

For more information about clauses (with examples), check out our free video: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... video/1154

Cheers,
Brent