Question #N156

The new cafe on Main Street is known for its delicious pastries, which are made with fresh, local ingredients. The cafe also has a wide selection of coffee drinks, and its baristas are highly skilled in creating latte art. The cafe is open until 10 p.m. every night, offering a late-night option for those seeking a sweet treat or a caffeine fix. The cafe is already a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Which choice provides the best punctuation for the underlined portion of the passage?
A. pastries, which are made with fresh, local ingredients,
B. pastries which are made with fresh, local ingredients,
C. pastries, which are made with fresh, local ingredients;
D. pastries; which are made with fresh, local ingredients,

Correct Answer is: A

The underlined phrase "which are made with fresh, local ingredients" is a nonrestrictive clause because it provides additional information about the pastries but does not change the meaning of the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses are set off with commas. Choice B is incorrect because it fails to use a comma after the introductory word "which." Choice C is incorrect because it uses a semicolon to separate the nonrestrictive clause, but semicolons are used to separate two independent clauses. Choice D is incorrect because it uses a semicolon and a comma to separate the nonrestrictive clause, which is incorrect.