PSAT Writing and Language Question 684: Answer and Explanation

Question: 684

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. tends—universally, as it were toward net
• C. tends—universally as it were, toward net
• D. tends—universally, as it were—toward net

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) This is the only option that sets off the parenthetical phrase with the same sort of punctuation on either side, i.e., a dash. Commas can also set up parenthetical phrases, but a comma must be placed both before and after the phrase.