Question #N822
The first time I saw her, she was sitting on a park bench, reading a book. Her long, flowing hair cascaded down her back, and her bright, blue eyes sparkled with intelligence. She wore a simple, white dress that seemed to glow in the sunlight. It was a perfect summer day, and the world seemed to be at peace.
Which choice best revises the underlined portion of the passage to create the most effective and concise sentence?
A. She wore a simple white dress, that seemed to glow in the sunlight.
B. She wore a simple white dress, which seemed to glow in the sunlight.
C. She wore a simple, white dress that seemed to glow in the sunlight.
D. She wore a simple white dress, and it seemed to glow in the sunlight.
Correct Answer is: C
Choice C is the best revision because it creates a concise and effective sentence. The phrase “that seemed to glow in the sunlight” is a restrictive clause, which means that it is essential to the meaning of the sentence. Restrictive clauses are not set off by commas. The other choices are incorrect because they create comma splices or nonrestrictive clauses, which are unnecessary and awkward in this sentence.