Question #N469

While many people believe that the act of writing is a solitary endeavor, the process of creating a story often involves feedback from a variety of sources. These sources might include editors, beta readers, or even friends and family. The process of getting feedback can be challenging; however, the writer’s ability to take criticism constructively and to make changes to their work is a crucial skill that is essential to crafting a successful story.

Which of the following choices provides the most effective punctuation for the final sentence of the passage?
A. However, the writer’s ability to take criticism constructively and to make changes to their work is a crucial skill that is essential to crafting a successful story.
B. However; the writer’s ability to take criticism constructively and to make changes to their work is a crucial skill that is essential to crafting a successful story.
C. However, the writer’s ability to take criticism constructively and to make changes to their work is a crucial skill that is essential to crafting a successful story;
D. However, the writer’s ability to take criticism constructively and to make changes to their work is a crucial skill; that is essential to crafting a successful story.

Correct Answer is: A

Choice A is correct. The sentence is correctly punctuated with a comma. The comma separates the introductory phrase "however" from the independent clause that follows it, and no other punctuation is needed between the independent clauses. Choice B is incorrect because a semicolon is not used correctly in this context. Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses, and they are not used to separate an introductory phrase from a main clause. Choice C is incorrect because a semicolon is not used correctly in this context. Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses, and they are not used to separate an independent clause from a phrase that modifies the first clause. Choice D is incorrect because a semicolon is not used correctly in this context. Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses, and they are not used to separate an independent clause from a phrase that modifies the first clause.