Question

Choose which of the following uses these marks of punctuation correctly.

a. In America, Edgar Allan Poe was long regarded as a minor writer (an author) of melodramatic poems and thrilling tales of mystery and suspense.
b. In America, Edgar Allan Poe was long regarded as a minor writer—and author of melodramatic poems and thrilling tales of mystery and suspense.
c. [in america,] edgar allan poe was long regarded as a minor writer—and author of melodramatic poems and thrilling tales of mystery and suspense.
d. in america, edgar allan poe was long regarded as a minor writer and author of melodramatic poems and thrilling tales of mystery and suspense.

Answer 1

The correct use of punctuation from the options provided is sentence b, which effectively uses an em dash to emphasize Edgar Allan Poe's authorship. Option b is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

When evaluating the use of punctuation in the provided sentences regarding Edgar Allan Poe, it is important to consider the accuracy and grammatical correctness. The sentence must begin with a capital letter, be punctuated correctly, and present information clearly. Taking these points into consideration, the sentence that uses punctuation correctly is:

b. In America, Edgar Allan Poe was long regarded as a minor writer—and author of melodramatic poems and thrilling tales of mystery and suspense.

This sentence correctly uses an em dash to add emphasis on the subsequent description, demonstrating a more informal yet effective stylistic choice for conveying the information about Poe's writings. The other options either have issues with capitalization, lack appropriate punctuation, or do not provide the same emphasis and clarity.

In conclusion, the correct option regarding the punctuation in relation to Edgar Allan Poe's reception in America is option b.