Question #N646

The author of the novel _The Great Gatsby_ was a master of vivid imagery, using language to create memorable pictures in the reader’s mind. For instance, when describing the extravagant parties thrown by Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald writes, "The orchestra had to play a terrible waltz, each turn a slower and slower circle of people."

Which choice provides the best punctuation for the sentence?
A. slower, and slower
B. slower, and, slower
C. slower and slower
D. slower and, slower

Correct Answer is: C

The sentence uses a series of adjectives to describe the circle of people, so commas are needed to separate the adjectives. The correct answer is "slower and slower" because this choice uses commas to separate the adjectives, but does not use unnecessary commas. Choice A uses unnecessary commas to separate the adjectives. Choice B uses unnecessary commas to separate the adjectives and create a comma splice. Choice D uses unnecessary commas to separate the adjectives and create a comma splice.