PSAT Writing and Language Question 168: Answer and Explanation

Question: 168

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. space travel: an idea
• C. space travel, an idea
• D. space travel. An idea

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

C

Difficulty: Medium

Category: Sentence Structure: The Basics

Getting to the Answer: Determine whether a clause is independent or dependent to decide between a comma and a semicolon. The clause is dependent, as it contains only a noun ("an idea") and a relative clause to modify it. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses, so it cannot be used here. A comma is the appropriate punctuation mark to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause in the sentence. Choice (C) is the correct answer.