Correct Placement of Colon in a Sentence

Explanation:

The correct placement for a colon in the sentence about Charles Dickens's famous opening line is just before the quoted text begins, which is option D.

Explanation:

The correct placement for a colon in the provided sentence is just before the quotation begins. This indicates that what follows the colon is an example or explanation of what was mentioned before it. Therefore, the sentence punctuated correctly would be: Charles Dickens was responsible for one of the most famous opening lines in a novel ever: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

This follows the convention exemplified in a similar instance: "The crier said those dreaded words: “The King is dead! Long live the king!”" where the colon introduces the exact words that were said. Therefore, the answer is option D.