Question

framton was nervous; he avoided loud places. *
a. correct as written
b. framton was nervous; he avoided loud places
c. framton was nervous, he avoided loud places
d. framton was nervous: he avoided loud places

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze punctuation rules. A semicolon is used to separate two independent clauses (complete thoughts) that are related. The original sentence "Framton was nervous; he avoided loud places." has two independent clauses separated by a semicolon, which is correct. Option B is missing the period at the end. Option C uses a comma to separate two independent clauses, which creates a comma splice (incorrect). Option D uses a colon, which is inappropriate here as a colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation, not to separate two independent clauses. So the original sentence is correct as written.

Answer:

A. Correct as written