Question #N1026
The author of the text wants to emphasize the importance of the scientist’s discovery. Which of the following choices best helps to accomplish that goal by adding a modifier to the sentence? The scientist’s discovery—which was made by studying fossils—proved critical to deciphering the human genetic code.
Which choice provides the most effective and grammatically correct modifier for the sentence?
A. The scientist’s discovery, which was made by studying fossils, proved critical to deciphering the human genetic code.
B. The scientist’s discovery, which was made by studying fossils, proved critical to deciphering the human genetic code.
C. The scientist’s discovery, proved critical to deciphering the human genetic code, was made by studying fossils.
D. The scientist’s discovery, which was made by studying fossils, proved critical to deciphering the human genetic code.
Correct Answer is: A
Choice A provides the most effective modifier because it uses a non-restrictive clause to provide additional information about the scientist's discovery without changing the meaning or grammatical structure of the sentence. The comma after 'fossils' is needed because the clause is nonrestrictive.