Digital PSAT Reading and Writing Practice Question 172: Answer and Explanation

Question: 172

When the skin and the natural flora are compromised and not strong enough to fight off the attack, the body's second line of ______________________

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  • A. defense-the innate immune system-kicks in.
  • B. defense-the innate immune system, kicks in.
  • C. defense the innate immune system-kicks in.
  • D. defense the innate immune system; kicks in.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) The innate immune system is a parenthetical phrase: eliminate it, and the sentence still functions acceptably. It can be surrounded with either two commas or two dashes to differentiate it from the main clause. Choices (C) and (D) both neglect the necessary preceding punctuation. Choice (B) starts with a dash, but then uses a comma. It is necessary to be consistent with whichever one (comma or dash) begins the parenthetical phrase.

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