Question #N1125
The invention of the printing press in the 15th century was a pivotal moment in the history of communication, ushering in a new era of widespread literacy and knowledge dissemination. Before the printing press, the vast majority of books were copied by hand, a process that was both time-consuming and costly. As a result, access to books was limited to a small, privileged few.
Which choice best completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. Consequently, the invention of the printing press had a profound impact on society, enabling the spread of ideas and knowledge to a much wider audience.
B. Consequently, the invention of the printing press had a profound impact on society, enabling the spread of ideas and knowledge to a much wider audience.
C. Consequently, the invention of the printing press had a profound impact on society, enabling the spread of ideas and knowledge to a much wider audience.
D. Consequently, the invention of the printing press had a profound impact on society, enabling the spread of ideas and knowledge to a much wider audience.
Correct Answer is: A
Choice A is the best option because it uses a semicolon to properly join the two independent clauses. Choice B uses an incorrect comma, creating a comma splice. Choice C uses an incorrect dash. Choice D uses an incorrect colon, creating a run-on sentence. Therefore, only Choice A conforms to the conventions of Standard English.