Question #N48

The Great Wall of China, one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the world, was constructed over many centuries, and itโ€™s a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Which choice completes the sentence so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
A. And it is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
B. As it is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
C. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
D. Because it is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Correct Answer is: C

Choice C creates a correctly punctuated sentence. The text establishes the Great Wall of China as a popular tourist destination, and the second clause simply states that it attracts millions of visitors each year. Because the two clauses express similar ideas, a comma is the most appropriate punctuation to join them. Choice A is incorrect because it creates a comma splice, a run-on sentence. Choice B is incorrect because it creates a comma splice, a run-on sentence. Choice D is incorrect because it creates a comma splice, a run-on sentence.