PSAT Writing and Language Question 590: Answer and Explanation

Question: 590

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. Some outcomes, may spell disaster for your company: others may create exceptional financial returns for the shareholders.
• C. Some outcomes—may spell disaster for your company—others may create exceptional financial returns for the shareholders.
• D. Some outcomes may spell disaster for your company; others may create exceptional financial returns for the shareholders.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) There are two independent clauses, with the first ending at "company" and the second beginning at "others." Choice (A) is a comma splice. Choice (B) is flawed in multiple ways, but the first mistake is with the inclusion of an unnecessary comma after "outcomes." Choice (C) incorrectly attempts to employ a parenthetical phrase. Choice (D), however, correctly links the two independent clauses with a semicolon.