The collectors managed to acquire some of the gallery's most ___________ rare oil paintings and five charcoal sketches.

5
writing

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

A

prized- several

B

prized; several

C

prized, several

D

prized several

Correct Answer: D

Choice D is the best answer. No punctuation is needed between the adjective "prized" and the noun phrase "several rare oil paintings."

Choice A is incorrect because a dash creates an unnecessary break in the phrase. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon creates a sentence fragment. Choice C is incorrect because a comma separates the adjective from the noun it modifies.