Question

Read the excerpt from “Votes for Women,” a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why I shouldn't – I think I'll see women handle the ballot. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Twain’s words?
A)As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame . . . a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why I shouldn't . . . I think I'll see women handle the ballot.
B)As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer . . . I shouldn't – I think I'll see women handle the ballot.
C)As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer – and there is no reason why I shouldn't . . . .
D)As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer . . . I think I'll see women handle the ballot.

Answer 1

Answer:

D )As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame – a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer . . . I think I'll see women handle the ballot.

Explanation:

Ellipsis are a punctuation mark used to shorten a quotation. Of course, when using them, one must pay attention on shortening it properly.

The meaning of the quotation and its message must remain unchanged, which means that only digressions and interposed phrases or sentences can be removed from the original quotation.

Of all given options, only option D) preserved the original meaning of this Twain's quotation.