Question #N1198

In 1929, Amelia Earhart, an American aviation pioneer, became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Despite this accomplishment, Earhart, who had earned a reputation for courage and skill, continued to push the boundaries of aviation. In 1932, she became the first woman to make a solo nonstop flight across the United States, from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, to Derry, Northern Ireland. Earhart's accomplishments helped pave the way for women in aviation, and her pioneering spirit inspired generations of pilots.

Which choice best combines the sentences at the underlined portion to create a grammatically correct and effective sentence?
A. Despite this accomplishment, Earhart, who had earned a reputation for courage and skill, continued to push the boundaries of aviation.
B. Despite this accomplishment, Earhart, who earned a reputation for courage and skill, continued to push the boundaries of aviation.
C. Despite this accomplishment, Earhart continued to push the boundaries of aviation, and she had earned a reputation for courage and skill.
D. Despite this accomplishment, Earhart earned a reputation for courage and skill, continued to push the boundaries of aviation.

Correct Answer is: B

The best way to combine the two sentences is to create a nonrestrictive clause to modify the subject "Earhart." The clause "who earned a reputation for courage and skill" should be set off by commas because it is nonrestrictive.