In the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing methods. The spinning jenny, the water frame, and the steam engine were a few inventions of this burgeoning era.
Which choice most effectively combines the two sentences?
In the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing methods: the spinning jenny, the water frame, and the steam engine were a few inventions of this burgeoning era.
In the late 18th century, manufacturing methods were transformed by inventions some inventions, such as the spinning jenny, the water frame, and the steam engine, were members of the burgeoning era.
In the late 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed manufacturing methods: for example, the spinning jenny, the water frame, and the steam engine.
A few inventions of the burgeoning era that took place in the late 18th century were: the spinning jenny, the water frame, and the steam engine; these inventions transformed manufacturing.
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. It uses a colon to introduce the list of examples (inventions) that support the first clause.
Choice B is incorrect because it creates a run-on sentence. Choice C is incorrect because "for example" followed by a list is a fragment if not attached correctly. Choice D is incorrect because "that took place in the late 18th century" is redundant.