Explanation
Correct answer: A.
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested is subject-modifier placement. This choice makes the noun phrase “the South Side Writers Group” the subject of the sentence and places it immediately after the modifying phrase “established in 1936 by African American novelist Richard Wright.” In doing so, this choice clearly indicates that the South Side Writers Group—and not another noun in the sentence—was established in 1936 by Richard Wright.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Chicago writers” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the Chicago writers were established in 1936 by Richard Wright.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “writers” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that the writers were established in 1936 by Richard Wright.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because it results in a dangling modifier. The placement of the noun phrase “Chicago” immediately after the modifying phrase illogically suggests that Chicago was established in 1936 by Richard Wright.