The museum's centerpiece _______ a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece _______ attracts thousands of visitors annually.

10
reading

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A

, a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece,

B

a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece

C

—a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece,

D

—a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece—

Correct Answer: D

Choice D is the best answer. This question tests dash usage for emphatic appositives.

  1. Context clues: The appositive provides important, emphasized information about the centerpiece.
  2. Meaning: Dashes can set off appositives for emphasis.
  3. Verify: "The museum's centerpiece—a 15th-century Renaissance masterpiece—attracts..." gives proper emphasis.

💡 Strategy: Use dashes instead of commas when you want to add emphasis to an appositive.

Choice A is incorrect because commas work but don't provide the emphasis dashes do. Choice B is incorrect because some punctuation is needed. Choice C is incorrect because dashes must be paired.

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Set 6: Boundaries 6