OpenSAT

Question #N418

The article discusses the impact of climate change on the world’s oceans. It states that “The ocean’s acidity, is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is causing a number of changes to marine ecosystems.” Which choice shows the correct way to punctuate the underlined portion of the sentence?

Which choice shows the correct way to punctuate the underlined portion of the sentence?

A. The ocean’s acidity, is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

B. The ocean’s acidity, is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

C. The ocean’s acidity is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

D. The ocean’s acidity is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,

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Correct Answer is: C

The phrase “is rising due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere” is a nonessential clause that modifies the noun “acidity.” Nonessential clauses should be set off with commas. Choice A is incorrect because a comma should not be placed after a nonessential clause. Choice B is incorrect because a comma should not be placed before a nonessential clause. Choice D is incorrect because a comma should not be placed before and after a nonessential clause.