PSAT Writing and Language Question 600: Answer and Explanation

Question: 600

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. occupations: categories
• C. occupations; or categories
• D. occupations, or categories

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

(A) A dash is needed to set off the parenthetical phrase in the same way the parenthetical phrase is ended, namely with another dash. Choices (B) and (C) are incorrect because a complete sentence must come before a semicolon or a colon. Choice (D) would start the parenthetical phrase with a comma even though it ends with a dash. This would be fine if the phrase instead ended with a comma.