PSAT Writing and Language Question 532: Answer and Explanation

Question: 532

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. Chemists casually refer to me, as the basis of all plant and animal life,
• C. Chemists casually refer to me as the basis of all plant and animal life,
• D. Chemists casually refer to me as the basis of all plant and animal life

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

(C) There are two independent clauses here, with "so" used as a conjunction to unite them. Choice (A), by placing a comma after "chemists," breaks the first independent clause. Choice (B) incorrectly treats the phrase as an appositive. Choice (D) is a run-on sentence. Choice (C) is correct; it adds no unnecessary commas while still managing to insert the required one after "life."