Question #N619
The term "tapioca" is derived from the indigenous Tupinambá language of Brazil. The word was originally spelled "tupi'óka," and it referred to the starchy root of the cassava plant, which was a staple food for the Tupinambá people. The root of this plant is still a popular food source throughout South America and the Caribbean, where it is used in desserts and other dishes.
Which choice provides the best way to combine the sentences at the end of the passage into a single sentence with correct punctuation?
A. The root of this plant is still a popular food source throughout South America and the Caribbean, where it is used in desserts, and other dishes.
B. The root of this plant is still a popular food source throughout South America and the Caribbean, where it is used in desserts and other dishes.
C. The root of this plant is still a popular food source throughout South America and the Caribbean; where it is used in desserts and other dishes.
D. The root of this plant is still a popular food source throughout South America and the Caribbean, where it is used in desserts, and other dishes.
Correct Answer is: B
Choice B is correct. The comma after "Caribbean" separates the two independent clauses in the sentence. The comma after "desserts" is necessary because it separates items in a series. Choices A and D are incorrect because they contain extra commas. Choice C is incorrect because it uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses, which is not grammatically correct.