Fans of science ﬁction will ______ multiple references to classic sci-ﬁ stories in Janelle Monáe’s song lyrics, including her
recurring nods to the plot of the 1927 sci-ﬁ ﬁlm Metropolis.
appreciate the
appreciate. The
appreciate, the
appreciate: the
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested here is punctuation between a verb and object. No punctuation is
needed between the verb ("appreciate") and its object ("the multiple references..."). The object helps complete the idea of the
verb—in this case, it explains what fans of science ﬁction will appreciate—and any punctuation between the two results in an
ungrammatical sentence.
Choice B is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the verb and its object. Choice C is incorrect because no
punctuation is needed between the verb and its object. Choice D is incorrect because no punctuation is needed between the
verb and its object.