Final answer:
The correct punctuation for the sentence is option a, where a comma is used to add additional information about the main clause in the sentence. It's the most appropriate punctuation for adding a descriptive clause, unlike the colon or semicolon in the other options.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct punctuation for the sentence provided should be option a: 'My brother was accepted at Troy State University, his first choice.' In this case, a comma is used to add a non-restrictive clause which provides extra information about the main clause. It's not essential to the meaning of the sentence but adds additional context.
The use of the colon in option b is incorrect in this context because it suggests that what follows is an explanation or elaboration of what precedes, which is not the case here. The semicolon in option c is also incorrect because it is typically used to link two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, which does not apply to this sentence.
Here are some other examples for clarity:
- The folks at my school voted against having makeup classes on Saturday.
- When I asked my little brother if he was hooked on video games, he went, 'Of course I am not!'
- She approached the dude who was standing by the door, and they started talking; then they chilled for a while.