Question #N116

Which choice correctly punctuates the following sentence? The poet Maya Angelou, a great American writer and activist, was known for her powerful prose, her stirring speeches, and her deep commitment to social justice.
A. The poet Maya Angelou, a great American writer and activist was known for her powerful prose, her stirring speeches, and her deep commitment to social justice.
B. The poet Maya Angelou, a great American writer and activist, was known for her powerful prose her stirring speeches, and her deep commitment to social justice.
C. The poet Maya Angelou, a great American writer and activist, was known for her powerful prose, her stirring speeches, and her deep commitment to social justice.
D. The poet Maya Angelou a great American writer and activist, was known for her powerful prose, her stirring speeches, and her deep commitment to social justice.

Correct Answer is: C

The sentence contains a nonrestrictive appositive phrase, which provides additional information about the poet Maya Angelou. Nonrestrictive appositives are set off by commas. Choice C correctly uses commas to set off the appositive phrase.