Question 207·Hard·Boundaries
Tsitsi Dangarembga's 1988 novel Nervous Conditions introduced the character Tambu—a determined young woman navigating colonial-era Zimbabwe. Its sequel, _____ continues Tambu's story, tracing her time at a missionary school and her growing disillusionment.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For boundaries questions, locate the core subject–verb structure first so you don’t separate them incorrectly. Then decide whether the inserted phrase is nonessential renaming information (an appositive) that should be enclosed with matching punctuation. Avoid semicolons/colons unless the words before them form a complete independent clause.
Hints
Identify the core sentence
Temporarily cover up the inserted sequel information. What are the main subject and verb of the sentence?
Notice the comma before the blank
There is already a comma before the blank. If the blank contains extra renaming information, what punctuation would typically finish setting that information off?
Check for an independent clause before the punctuation
A semicolon or colon usually needs a complete sentence before it. Do you have a complete sentence before the punctuation in this case?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the core sentence
Cover up the inserted sequel information to see the core structure:
“Its sequel continues Tambu's story …”
The main subject is Its sequel, and the main verb is continues.
Recognize the inserted phrase as an appositive
The blank supplies the sequel’s title and year, which rename “Its sequel” (nonessential appositive information).
Since there is already a comma before the blank (“Its sequel,”), the punctuation at the end of the inserted appositive should normally close the interruption so the sentence can return to the verb “continues.”
Eliminate punctuation that doesn’t fit the grammar
- A semicolon and a colon generally require a complete independent clause before them. “Its sequel, The Book of Not (2006)” is not an independent clause because it still needs the verb “continues.”
- A dash creates an abrupt break and is not the standard way to close an appositive that was opened with a comma.
Choose the punctuation that correctly closes the appositive
A comma correctly closes the appositive and keeps the subject connected to its verb:
“Its sequel, The Book of Not (2006), continues Tambu's story …”
Therefore, the correct choice is The Book of Not (2006),.