Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

Question

The ____ two centuries mislabeled on a monastery shelf before a visiting scholar recognized the handwriting.

Accepted Answer

A. manuscript — a single bound volume — spent. An interrupting phrase opened with a dash must be closed with a dash: 'The manuscript — a single bound volume — spent decades…'

Answer

B. manuscript — a single bound volume, spent — The interruption opens with a dash but closes with a comma; the pair must match.

Answer

C. manuscript, a single bound volume — spent — The marks are mismatched in the other order.

Answer

D. manuscript — a single bound volume spent — The interruption never closes, so the sentence loses its structure.

Standard English Conventions practice question

Answer: A. manuscript — a single bound volume — spent

Why the other answers are wrong

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