Historian Sarah Bond uses the term "polychromy" to describe the painted reality of ancient Greek statues. Bond notes that museums long presented these figures as stark white ______ even though evidence of vibrant pigment was scientifically irrefutable, the monochrome aesthetic remained popular.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
ideals, in that context,
ideals; in that context,
ideals in that context,
ideals, in that context
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text consists of two independent clauses. The first explains the historical context of the "white" statues. The second clause ("in that context, even though...") elaborates on the consequence. A semicolon is the correct punctuation to join these two related independent clauses.
Choice A is incorrect because it creates a comma splice by joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Choice C is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence. Choice D is incorrect because the lack of punctuation between independent clauses causes a run-on.