I picture it as a botanical utopia: a place where flora is respected

Hello, everyone. I am writing in response to requests from giddi and NavjotSingh above. To be direct, there is no correct answer here between (A) and (B). The other answer choices are grammatically incorrect, but there is no reason why semicolons would be preferred in this sentence over commas. It is not as though semicolons could not be used, as I will explain below, just that there are no grounds on which to dismiss the answer with commas instead. First, some grammar basics on how to use the colon with either a semicolon or comma.

1) I went to the store to purchase a few items: kale (one of my favorites); cabbage; and carrots.
The sentence is correctly punctuated because one of the items in the list contains internal punctuation in the form of parentheses. If any item in such a list contains commas, parentheses, or em dashes (--), then semicolons are typically used to separate each item to avoid any problems with intended meaning. Compare a related sentence to the first above:

2) I went to the store to purchase a few items: kale, one of my favorites, cabbage, and carrots.
It is unclear whether one of my favorites refers to kale or cabbage, so semicolons would be necessary.

In the sentence at hand, we see no internal punctuation in any of the three items in the list. The sentence and answer choices:



(C), (D), and (E) can be eliminated because of the semicolon after utopia. A semicolon is used to join two independent clauses or, as discussed earlier, to separate items in a list when that list contains internal punctuation. In (C) through (E), from a place... on is all an extended appositive phrase modifying utopia, NOT a clause. Note that you also use a colon, rather than a semicolon, to introduce the list.

To get to the real heart of the matter, between (A) and (B), it is really a matter of preference whether to use semicolons or commas. It is okay to use semicolons if the items in the list are themselves lengthy, but there is no hard-and-fast rule about a word count that constitutes what lengthy means. I cannot argue that the where clauses are short, but neither can I argue against the use of commas.

If you chose (A) or (B), I would say your answer was fine. I guarantee this question would not appear as is on the GMAT™. Does that mean it should be scrapped? Not at all. It just means that you should learn what you can from it and apply that knowledge to other similar questions you may across in your studies.

I hope that helps. If you have further questions, feel free to ask.

- Andrew