French _______ depicted light and movement in open-air settings, transforming the art world in the late 19th century.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Impressionists, especially Claude Monet,
Impressionists, especially Claude Monet
Impressionists—especially Claude Monet
Impressionists—especially Claude Monet,
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The phrase "especially Claude Monet" is a nonrestrictive parenthetical element that provides an example. It must be set off by commas on both sides (after "Impressionists" and before "depicted").
Choice B is incorrect because it is missing the closing comma after "Monet." Choice C is incorrect because it uses a dash at the beginning but no punctuation at the end. Punctuation must be consistent. Choice D is incorrect because it pairs a dash with a comma, which is grammatically inconsistent.