OpenSAT

Question #N1430

The first recorded use of the word “jazz” to describe music was in the early 1900s, but the music that the word referred to had already been around for a while. The earliest form of jazz came out of African American culture, which was, in turn, influenced by both European musical traditions and West African musical traditions, giving it a distinctly American sound. But, some historians argue that the earliest forms of jazz were not recognized as “jazz” until after the invention of jazz music’s most important instrument: the saxophone. Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

A. For instance, the earliest forms of jazz were not recognized as “jazz” until after the invention of jazz music’s most important instrument: the saxophone.

B. For instance, the earliest forms of jazz were not recognized as “jazz” until after the invention, of jazz music’s most important instrument, the saxophone.

C. For instance, the earliest forms of jazz were not recognized as “jazz” until after the invention of jazz music’s most important instrument; the saxophone.

D. For instance, the earliest forms of jazz were not recognized as “jazz” until after the invention of jazz music’s most important instrument, the saxophone.

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Correct Answer is: A

The text tests the punctuation of a nonessential element. Choice A is the best answer because it correctly sets off the nonessential element "the invention of jazz music’s most important instrument: the saxophone." with a pair of commas. The other choices are incorrect because they either incorrectly use a comma or incorrectly use a semicolon or a dash to set off the nonessential element. A semicolon is used to separate two main clauses or to separate items in a complex series, and a dash is used to separate a nonessential element from the rest of a sentence or to indicate an abrupt shift in thought. The use of a dash in the other choices is incorrect because there is no abrupt shift in thought or break in the sentence.