70). Unlike a typical automobile loan, which requires a fifteen- to twenty-percent down payment, the lease-loan buyer is not required to make an initial deposit on the new vehicle.
(A). the lease-loan buyer is not required to make
(B). with lease-loan buying there is no requirement of
(C). lease-loan buyers are not required to make
(D). for the lease-loan buyer there is no requirement of
(E). a lease-loan does not require the buyer to make
71). . In his research paper, Dr. Frosh, medical director of the Payne Whitney Clinic, distinguishes mood swings. which may be violent without their being grounded in mental disease, from genuine manic-depressive psychosis.
(A). mood swings, which may be violent without their being grounded in mental disease, from genuine manic-depressive psychosis
(B). mood swings, perhaps violent without being grounded in mental disease, and genuine manic-depressive psychosis ,
(C). between mood swings, which may be violent without being grounded in mental disease, and genuine manic-depressive psychosis
(D). between mood swings, perhaps violent without being grounded in mental disease, from genuine manic-depressive psychosis
(E). genuine manic-depressive psychosis and mood swings, which may be violent without being grounded in mental disease
72). Paleontologists believe that fragments of a primate jawbone unearthed in Burma and estimated at 40 to 44 million years old provide evidence of a crucial step along the evolutionary path that led to human beings.
(A). at 40 to 44 million years old provide evidence of
(B). as being 40 to 44 million years old provides evidence of
(C). that it is 40 to 44 million years old provides evidence of what was
(D). to be 40 to 44 million years old provide evidence of
(E). as 40 to 44 million years old provides evidence of what was
Answers -
70). Choice E, the best answer - correctly uses a parallel construction to draw a logical comparison: Unlike a typical automobile loan,... a lease-loan....
A - incorrect - illogically compares an automobile loan, an inanimate thing, with a lease-loan buyer, a person.
C - incorrect - buyers makes the comparison inconsistent in number as well as illogical.
B, D - incorrect - are syntactically and logically flawed because each attempts to compare the noun loan and a prepositional phrase: with lease-loan buying in B and/or the lease-loan buyer in D. These choices are also imprecise and awkward.
71). The best choice is C - uses the idiomatically correct expression distinguishes between x and y and because it provides a structure in which the relative clause beginning "which may be violent" clearly modifies "mood swings".
A, B, D, E - incorrect - use distinguishes in unidiomatic constructions. Additionally, their in A is intrusive and unnecessary, and the modifier of mood swings in B and D (perhaps violent) is awkward and less clear than the more developed clause which may be violent.
72). D, the best choice - correctly follows estimated with to be. The other choices present structures that are not idiomatic when used in conjunction with estimated.
A - incorrect - unidiomatic
B, C, E - incorrect - all mismatch the singular verb "provides" with its plural subject "fragments" .Further in C and E, what was is unnecessary and wordy. In choice C, the use of the verb phrase estimated that it is produces an ungrammatical sentence.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 67, 68, 69
67). Carbon-14 dating reveals that the megalithic monuments in Brittany are nearly 2, 000 years as old as any of their supposed Mediterranean predecessors.
(A) as old as any of their supposed
(B) older than any of their supposed
(C) as old as their supposed
(D) older than any of their supposedly
(E) as old as their supposedly
68). The only way for growers to salvage frozen citrus is to process them quickly into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns.
(A) to process them quickly into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns
(B) if they are quickly processed into juice concentrate before warmer weather returns to rot them
(C) for them to be processed quickly into juice concentrate before the fruit rots when warmer weather returns
(D) if the fruit is quickly processed into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns
(E) to have it quickly processed into juice concentrate before warmer weather returns and rots the fruit
69). Some bat caves, like honeybee hives, have residents that take on different duties such as defending the entrance, acting as sentinels and to sound a warning at the approach of danger, and scouting outside the cave for new food and roosting sites.
(A) acting as sentinels and to sound
(B) acting as sentinels and sounding
(C) to act as sentinels and sound
(D) to act as sentinels and to sound
(E) to act as a sentinel sounding
Answer -
67). B is the best choice – “older than” makes the point of comparison clear. B also uses the adjective "supposed" correctly.
A, C, E – incorrect – Illogical comparison - The expression as old as indicates equality of age, but the sentence indicates that the monuments by Brittany monuments predate the Mediterranean 2,000 years
D, E – incorrect – adverb “supposedly” used to modify the noun phrase “Mediterranean predecessors”.
68). The best choice is E - has parallel infinitives and uses “to” to refer unambiguously to citrus fruit. The cause-and-effect also expresses the relationship between the return of warmer weather and the rotting of the fruit. For parallelism, the linking verb “is” should link two infinitives : The only way to salvage. . . is to process.
A – incorrect - the plural pronouns “them” and “they” do not agree with the singular noun “citrus”.
B, C, D – incorrect - do not begin with an infinitive. and all present pronoun errors : the plural pronouns “them” and “they” grammatically refer to citrus or fruit and doesnot/cannot refer to farmers.
69). B is the best choice - Because the verb phrases used to describe the bats' duties are governed by the phrase different duties such as, they should each be expressed in the present participial (or "-ing") form to parallel “defending” and “scouting”. Only B uses the correct idiom, and observes parallelism.
A, C, D, E - incorrect - all violate parallelism by employing infinitives (to. . . ) in place of participial destinations.
(A) as old as any of their supposed
(B) older than any of their supposed
(C) as old as their supposed
(D) older than any of their supposedly
(E) as old as their supposedly
68). The only way for growers to salvage frozen citrus is to process them quickly into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns.
(A) to process them quickly into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns
(B) if they are quickly processed into juice concentrate before warmer weather returns to rot them
(C) for them to be processed quickly into juice concentrate before the fruit rots when warmer weather returns
(D) if the fruit is quickly processed into juice concentrate before they rot when warmer weather returns
(E) to have it quickly processed into juice concentrate before warmer weather returns and rots the fruit
69). Some bat caves, like honeybee hives, have residents that take on different duties such as defending the entrance, acting as sentinels and to sound a warning at the approach of danger, and scouting outside the cave for new food and roosting sites.
(A) acting as sentinels and to sound
(B) acting as sentinels and sounding
(C) to act as sentinels and sound
(D) to act as sentinels and to sound
(E) to act as a sentinel sounding
Answer -
67). B is the best choice – “older than” makes the point of comparison clear. B also uses the adjective "supposed" correctly.
A, C, E – incorrect – Illogical comparison - The expression as old as indicates equality of age, but the sentence indicates that the monuments by Brittany monuments predate the Mediterranean 2,000 years
D, E – incorrect – adverb “supposedly” used to modify the noun phrase “Mediterranean predecessors”.
68). The best choice is E - has parallel infinitives and uses “to” to refer unambiguously to citrus fruit. The cause-and-effect also expresses the relationship between the return of warmer weather and the rotting of the fruit. For parallelism, the linking verb “is” should link two infinitives : The only way to salvage. . . is to process.
A – incorrect - the plural pronouns “them” and “they” do not agree with the singular noun “citrus”.
B, C, D – incorrect - do not begin with an infinitive. and all present pronoun errors : the plural pronouns “them” and “they” grammatically refer to citrus or fruit and doesnot/cannot refer to farmers.
69). B is the best choice - Because the verb phrases used to describe the bats' duties are governed by the phrase different duties such as, they should each be expressed in the present participial (or "-ing") form to parallel “defending” and “scouting”. Only B uses the correct idiom, and observes parallelism.
A, C, D, E - incorrect - all violate parallelism by employing infinitives (to. . . ) in place of participial destinations.
Gmat Sentence Correction 65, 66
65). The Wallerstein study indicates that even after a decade young men and women still experience some of the effects of a divorce occurring when a child.
(A) occurring when a child
(B) occurring when children
(C) that occurred when a child
(D) that occurred when they were children
(E) that has occurred as each was a child
66). Since 1981, when the farm Journal began, the number of acres overseen by professional farm-management companies have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million. an area that is about Colorado 's size.
(A) have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, an area that is about Colorado 's size
(B) have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, about the size of Colorado
(C) has grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, an area about the size of Colorado
(D) has grown from 48 million up to nearly 59 million, an area about the size of Colorado 's
(E) has grown from 48 million up to nearly 59 million, about Colorado 's size
Answers -
65). Choice D is best. The phrasing “a divorce that occurred when they were children” correctly uses the relative clause that occurred to modify a divorce and includes a pronoun and verb (they were) that refer unambiguously to their antecedent. men and women.
A – incorrect - the singular child does not agree with the plural men and women. Further this choice incorrectly introduces the when... phrase with occurring [occurring is a progressive verb indicating continuity in present, however we are concerned with the divorce that occured when men or women(now) were children], thus illogically making divorce the grammatical referent of when a child.
B – incorrect - replaces child with children but otherwise fails to correct a 's structure and errors of logic.
C – incorrect – corrects only the error created by occurring.
E – incorrect - includes an incorrect verb tense (has occurred) and replaces wrongly “when” with “as”. Further “each was” improperly refers to men and women.
66). C is the best answer - An area about the size of Colorado clearly describes a rough equivalence between the area of Colorado and the area overseen by the companies.
A, B – incorrect - the plural verb “have” does not agree with the singular subject “number”.
D, E – incorrect - unidiomatic; the correct expression is "from x to y".
(A) occurring when a child
(B) occurring when children
(C) that occurred when a child
(D) that occurred when they were children
(E) that has occurred as each was a child
66). Since 1981, when the farm Journal began, the number of acres overseen by professional farm-management companies have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million. an area that is about Colorado 's size.
(A) have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, an area that is about Colorado 's size
(B) have grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, about the size of Colorado
(C) has grown from 48 million to nearly 59 million, an area about the size of Colorado
(D) has grown from 48 million up to nearly 59 million, an area about the size of Colorado 's
(E) has grown from 48 million up to nearly 59 million, about Colorado 's size
Answers -
65). Choice D is best. The phrasing “a divorce that occurred when they were children” correctly uses the relative clause that occurred to modify a divorce and includes a pronoun and verb (they were) that refer unambiguously to their antecedent. men and women.
A – incorrect - the singular child does not agree with the plural men and women. Further this choice incorrectly introduces the when... phrase with occurring [occurring is a progressive verb indicating continuity in present, however we are concerned with the divorce that occured when men or women(now) were children], thus illogically making divorce the grammatical referent of when a child.
B – incorrect - replaces child with children but otherwise fails to correct a 's structure and errors of logic.
C – incorrect – corrects only the error created by occurring.
E – incorrect - includes an incorrect verb tense (has occurred) and replaces wrongly “when” with “as”. Further “each was” improperly refers to men and women.
66). C is the best answer - An area about the size of Colorado clearly describes a rough equivalence between the area of Colorado and the area overseen by the companies.
A, B – incorrect - the plural verb “have” does not agree with the singular subject “number”.
D, E – incorrect - unidiomatic; the correct expression is "from x to y".
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 63, 64
63). Among lower- paid workers, union members are less likely than non union members to be enrolled in lower- end insurance plans imposing stricter limits on medical services and requiring doctors to see more patients, and spend less time with each.
A). imposing stricter limits on medical services and requiring doctors to see more patients, and spend
B). imposing stricter limits on medical services , requiring doctors to see more patients, and spending
C). that impose stricter limits on medical services, require doctors to see more patients, and spend
D). that impose stricter limits on medical services and require doctors to see more patients, spending
E). that impose stricter limits on medical services, requiring doctors to see more patients and spending
64). one automobile manufacturer has announced plans to increase the average fuel efficiency of its sport utility vehicles by 25 percent over the next five years, amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and representing the first significant change in the fuel efficiency of any class of passenger vehicle in almost two decades.
A). amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and representing
B). amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and it would represent
C). an increase that would amount to roughly five miles per gallon and it would represent
D). an increase that would amount to roughly five miles per gallon and would represent
E). which is an increase amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, representing
Answer -
63). D is the best choice.
A,B – incorrect - insurance plans are not imposing anything
C – incorrect – Plans can’t spend time - plans that impose X, (that) require Y and (that) spend Z
E – incorrect - plans that impose X, (that) requiring Y and (that) spending Z. - Lacks Parallelism and plans can't spend less time
64). D is the best choice.
A,B,E -- incorrect -- What is amounting ? – an increase – Thus option C or D
C -- incorrect -- “it” is not required.
A). imposing stricter limits on medical services and requiring doctors to see more patients, and spend
B). imposing stricter limits on medical services , requiring doctors to see more patients, and spending
C). that impose stricter limits on medical services, require doctors to see more patients, and spend
D). that impose stricter limits on medical services and require doctors to see more patients, spending
E). that impose stricter limits on medical services, requiring doctors to see more patients and spending
64). one automobile manufacturer has announced plans to increase the average fuel efficiency of its sport utility vehicles by 25 percent over the next five years, amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and representing the first significant change in the fuel efficiency of any class of passenger vehicle in almost two decades.
A). amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and representing
B). amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, and it would represent
C). an increase that would amount to roughly five miles per gallon and it would represent
D). an increase that would amount to roughly five miles per gallon and would represent
E). which is an increase amounting to roughly five miles per gallon, representing
Answer -
63). D is the best choice.
A,B – incorrect - insurance plans are not imposing anything
C – incorrect – Plans can’t spend time - plans that impose X, (that) require Y and (that) spend Z
E – incorrect - plans that impose X, (that) requiring Y and (that) spending Z. - Lacks Parallelism and plans can't spend less time
64). D is the best choice.
A,B,E -- incorrect -- What is amounting ? – an increase – Thus option C or D
C -- incorrect -- “it” is not required.
Gmat Sentence Correction 61, 62
61). Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February, 1968.
A) Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February, 1968.
B) Although not announced until February, 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted.
C). Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star had not been announced before February, 1968.
D). The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, but the discovery was not announced until February, 1968.
E) The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February, 1968, while it was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.
62). During the same period in which the Maya were developing a heiroglphic system of writing, the Aztec people also developed a written language, but it was not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya and was more pictographic in nature.
A). but it was not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya and was
B). but it was not as highly sophisticated as the Maya, being
C). but, not as highly sophisticated as the Maya's, was
D). not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya, however, being
E). not as highly sphisticated as the Maya's however, it was
Answer -
61). Best answer choice is D
A – incorrect – usage of past perfect tense incorrect here.
B – incorrect – dangling modifier—“Although not announced”…. “ graduate student Jocelyn Bell”
C – incorrect – dangling modifier – “observed”.. “discovery of”
E – incorrect – usage of “while” is wrong here. Further the sentence conveys the idea that the pulsar was announced which is wrong – sighting was announced instead.
62). A is the best choice.
B– incorrect – wrong comparison – comparing system of writing with Maya. Further options having “being” in them must be avoided on GMAT
C, D, E – incorrect –Subject of the sentence not clear.
E – incorrect – run-on sentence
A) Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February, 1968.
B) Although not announced until February, 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted.
C). Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star had not been announced before February, 1968.
D). The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, but the discovery was not announced until February, 1968.
E) The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February, 1968, while it was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.
62). During the same period in which the Maya were developing a heiroglphic system of writing, the Aztec people also developed a written language, but it was not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya and was more pictographic in nature.
A). but it was not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya and was
B). but it was not as highly sophisticated as the Maya, being
C). but, not as highly sophisticated as the Maya's, was
D). not as highly sphisticated as that of the Maya, however, being
E). not as highly sphisticated as the Maya's however, it was
Answer -
61). Best answer choice is D
A – incorrect – usage of past perfect tense incorrect here.
B – incorrect – dangling modifier—“Although not announced”…. “ graduate student Jocelyn Bell”
C – incorrect – dangling modifier – “observed”.. “discovery of”
E – incorrect – usage of “while” is wrong here. Further the sentence conveys the idea that the pulsar was announced which is wrong – sighting was announced instead.
62). A is the best choice.
B– incorrect – wrong comparison – comparing system of writing with Maya. Further options having “being” in them must be avoided on GMAT
C, D, E – incorrect –Subject of the sentence not clear.
E – incorrect – run-on sentence
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 60
60). A star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole after it passes through a red giant stage, depending on mass.
(A). A star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole after it passes through a red giant stage, depending on mass.
(B). After passing through a red giant stage, depending on its mass, a star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(C). After passing through a red giant stage, a star's mass will determine if it compresses itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(D). Mass determines whether a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(E). The mass of a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will determine whether it compresses itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
Answer -
60). D is the best choice -- Mass determines whether a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(Read the sentence without the words stated in orange color.)
A - incorrect -- dangling modifier...(depending on mass)
B - incorrect -- "its" refers to the red giant stage's mass.
C - incorrect -- star's mass will determine if it compress itself...again here it refers to mass rather than star.
E - incorrect -- Mass of start after passing....it is star that is passing and not the mass.
(A). A star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole after it passes through a red giant stage, depending on mass.
(B). After passing through a red giant stage, depending on its mass, a star will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(C). After passing through a red giant stage, a star's mass will determine if it compresses itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(D). Mass determines whether a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(E). The mass of a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will determine whether it compresses itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
Answer -
60). D is the best choice -- Mass determines whether a star, after passing through the red giant stage, will compress itself into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black hole.
(Read the sentence without the words stated in orange color.)
A - incorrect -- dangling modifier...(depending on mass)
B - incorrect -- "its" refers to the red giant stage's mass.
C - incorrect -- star's mass will determine if it compress itself...again here it refers to mass rather than star.
E - incorrect -- Mass of start after passing....it is star that is passing and not the mass.
Gmat Sentence Correction 58, 59
58). There are hopeful signs that we are shifting away from our heavy reliance on fossil fuels: more than ten times as much energy is generated through wind power now than it was in 1990.
A). generated through wind power now than it was
B). generated through wind power now as it was
C). generated through wind power now as was the case
D). now generated through wind power as it was
E). now generated through wind power than was the case.
59). The computer company has announced that it will purchase the color-printing divison of a rival company for $ 950 million, which is part of a deal that will make it the largest manufacturer in the office color-printing market.
A). million, which is part of a deal that will make
B). million, a part of a deal that makes
C). million, part of a deal making
D). million as a part of a deal to make
E). million as part of a deal that will make
Answers -
58). C is correct answer - correct idiom “as X as Y”
A,B,D – incorrect – no clear referent for “it”
E – incorrect – “than” is used incorrectly in this option.
59). E is the best choice.
B,C,D – incorrect –wrong tense usage -- present tense is used instead of future tense
A – incorrect – “which” –referrent not clear..
Note – Always remember a participle phrase as in C here, is used for an event in the past or which is going on at present but never for the future – the reason why again C is wrong. C is basically changing the meaning of the sentence.
A). generated through wind power now than it was
B). generated through wind power now as it was
C). generated through wind power now as was the case
D). now generated through wind power as it was
E). now generated through wind power than was the case.
59). The computer company has announced that it will purchase the color-printing divison of a rival company for $ 950 million, which is part of a deal that will make it the largest manufacturer in the office color-printing market.
A). million, which is part of a deal that will make
B). million, a part of a deal that makes
C). million, part of a deal making
D). million as a part of a deal to make
E). million as part of a deal that will make
Answers -
58). C is correct answer - correct idiom “as X as Y”
A,B,D – incorrect – no clear referent for “it”
E – incorrect – “than” is used incorrectly in this option.
59). E is the best choice.
B,C,D – incorrect –wrong tense usage -- present tense is used instead of future tense
A – incorrect – “which” –referrent not clear..
Note – Always remember a participle phrase as in C here, is used for an event in the past or which is going on at present but never for the future – the reason why again C is wrong. C is basically changing the meaning of the sentence.
Gmat Sentence Correction 56, 57
56). Some patients who do not respond therapies of depression may simply have received inadequate treatment, having, for example been prescribed a drug as a dosage too low to be effective or having been taken off a drug too soon.
(A). having, for example been prescribed a drug as a dosage too low to be effective or having been
(B). having, for example, a drug prescription that was ineffective because the dosage was too low, or being
(C). as, for example, having too low of a dosage of prescribed drug for it to be effective, or being
(D). when they have, for example, been prescribed too low a drug dosage for it to be effective, or were
(E). for example, when they have a drug prescription with a dosage too low to be effective, or been
57). Officials at the United States Mint believe that the Sacagawea dollar coin will be used more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than four quarters, which weigh 5.67 grams each.
(A). more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than
(B). more as a substitute for four quarters than the dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far lighter than
(C). as a substitute for four quarters more than for a dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far less than
(D). as a substitute for four quarters more than the dollar bill because its weight of only 8.1 grams is far lighter than it is for
(E). as a substitute more for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than it is for
Answers -
56). A is the best choice. “having….been” is correct usage as it maintains parallelism.
B – incorrect – idea conveyed by this option is that a drug prescription was ineffective which cannot be true.
C – incorrect -- parallelism is violated here – having … being
D – incorrect -- wrong tense and violating parallelism
E – incorrect -- violating parallelism
57). C is the best choice.
A,D,E – incorrect – violating parallelism – it should be “weighs” and not “weights”
B – incorrect – incorrectly comparing “as a substitute” with “four quarters”
(A). having, for example been prescribed a drug as a dosage too low to be effective or having been
(B). having, for example, a drug prescription that was ineffective because the dosage was too low, or being
(C). as, for example, having too low of a dosage of prescribed drug for it to be effective, or being
(D). when they have, for example, been prescribed too low a drug dosage for it to be effective, or were
(E). for example, when they have a drug prescription with a dosage too low to be effective, or been
57). Officials at the United States Mint believe that the Sacagawea dollar coin will be used more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than four quarters, which weigh 5.67 grams each.
(A). more as a substitute for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than
(B). more as a substitute for four quarters than the dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far lighter than
(C). as a substitute for four quarters more than for a dollar bill because it weighs only 8.1 grams, far less than
(D). as a substitute for four quarters more than the dollar bill because its weight of only 8.1 grams is far lighter than it is for
(E). as a substitute more for four quarters rather than for the dollar bill because its weight, only 8.1 grams, is far less than it is for
Answers -
56). A is the best choice. “having….been” is correct usage as it maintains parallelism.
B – incorrect – idea conveyed by this option is that a drug prescription was ineffective which cannot be true.
C – incorrect -- parallelism is violated here – having … being
D – incorrect -- wrong tense and violating parallelism
E – incorrect -- violating parallelism
57). C is the best choice.
A,D,E – incorrect – violating parallelism – it should be “weighs” and not “weights”
B – incorrect – incorrectly comparing “as a substitute” with “four quarters”
Gmat Sentence Correction 54, 55
54). A new phenomena, which is visible at Managua's major intersections, are waves of vendors and beggars, which include many children and mob cars at the stoplights.
(A) A new phenomena, which is visible at Managua's major intersections, are waves of vendors and beggars, which include many children and
(B) Visible at Managua's major intersections are waves of vendors and beggars with many children, new phenomena that
(C) A new phenomenon visible at Managua's major intersections is waves of vendors and beggars, many of them children, who
(D) Phenomenally new waves of vendors, beggars, and many children are visible at Managua's major intersections, which
(E) A wave of vendors and beggars, many of whom are children, are visible at Managua's major intersections, where they are a new phenomenon and
55). To meet the rapidly rising market demand for fish and seafood, suppliers are growing fish twice as fast as their natural growth rate, cutting their feed allotment by nearly half and raising them on special diets.
(A). their natural growth rate, cutting their feed allotment
(B). their natural growth rate, their feed allotment cut
(C). growing them naturally, cutting their feed allotment
(D). they grow naturally, cutting their feed allotment
(E). they grow naturally, with their feed allotment cut
Answers -
54). C is the best choice.
A,E - incorrect -- Subject-Verb Agreemant
B - incorrect -- phenomenon cannot rob cars.
D - incorrect -- very awkward , changes the meaning of the sentence
55). D is the correct answer - parallelism is maintained -"growing....cutting...raising...". Further antecedent of “they” is clear i.e “the fish”
C - incorrect -- after “as fast as” we need a clause.
A, B - incorrect -- wrong comparison -- cannot compare verb with noun --- growing fish (verb) with growth rate (noun).
B, E - incorrect -- violating parallelism.
(A) A new phenomena, which is visible at Managua's major intersections, are waves of vendors and beggars, which include many children and
(B) Visible at Managua's major intersections are waves of vendors and beggars with many children, new phenomena that
(C) A new phenomenon visible at Managua's major intersections is waves of vendors and beggars, many of them children, who
(D) Phenomenally new waves of vendors, beggars, and many children are visible at Managua's major intersections, which
(E) A wave of vendors and beggars, many of whom are children, are visible at Managua's major intersections, where they are a new phenomenon and
55). To meet the rapidly rising market demand for fish and seafood, suppliers are growing fish twice as fast as their natural growth rate, cutting their feed allotment by nearly half and raising them on special diets.
(A). their natural growth rate, cutting their feed allotment
(B). their natural growth rate, their feed allotment cut
(C). growing them naturally, cutting their feed allotment
(D). they grow naturally, cutting their feed allotment
(E). they grow naturally, with their feed allotment cut
Answers -
54). C is the best choice.
A,E - incorrect -- Subject-Verb Agreemant
B - incorrect -- phenomenon cannot rob cars.
D - incorrect -- very awkward , changes the meaning of the sentence
55). D is the correct answer - parallelism is maintained -"growing....cutting...raising...". Further antecedent of “they” is clear i.e “the fish”
C - incorrect -- after “as fast as” we need a clause.
A, B - incorrect -- wrong comparison -- cannot compare verb with noun --- growing fish (verb) with growth rate (noun).
B, E - incorrect -- violating parallelism.
Gmat Sentence Correction 52, 53
52). Byron possessed powers of observation that would have made him a great anthropologist and that makes his letters as a group the rival of the best novels of the time.
(A) makes his letters as a group the rival of
(B) makes his letters as a group one to rival
(C) makes his letters a group rivaling
(D) make his letters as a group the rival of
(E) make his letters a group which is the rival of
53). The expected rise in the price of oil could be a serious impact to industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility to have an economy free of inflation.
(A) be a serious impact to industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility to have
(B) seriously impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility to have
(C) seriously impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility of having
(D) have a serious impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility to have
(E) have a serious impact on industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility of having
Answers -
52). Correct answer - D
A,B,C - incorrect - subject verb agreement - powers....make
E - wordy
53). E is the best choice.
A,B,C - incorrect -- Always remember in GMAT --impact should remain a noun; a proposal can have an impact.(The only thing that can be impacted is a wisdom tooth).
D - incorrect - "possibility of" is correct idiom. Further "diminish" instead of "impede" is more appropriate to use here.
(A) makes his letters as a group the rival of
(B) makes his letters as a group one to rival
(C) makes his letters a group rivaling
(D) make his letters as a group the rival of
(E) make his letters a group which is the rival of
53). The expected rise in the price of oil could be a serious impact to industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility to have an economy free of inflation.
(A) be a serious impact to industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility to have
(B) seriously impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility to have
(C) seriously impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility of having
(D) have a serious impact on industrialized nations and severely impede the possibility to have
(E) have a serious impact on industrialized nations and severely diminish the possibility of having
Answers -
52). Correct answer - D
A,B,C - incorrect - subject verb agreement - powers....make
E - wordy
53). E is the best choice.
A,B,C - incorrect -- Always remember in GMAT --impact should remain a noun; a proposal can have an impact.(The only thing that can be impacted is a wisdom tooth).
D - incorrect - "possibility of" is correct idiom. Further "diminish" instead of "impede" is more appropriate to use here.
Gmat Sentence Correction 50, 51
50). In large doses, analgesics that work in the brain as antagonists to certain chemicals have caused psychological disturbances in patients, which may limit their potential to relieve severe pain.
(A) which may limit their potential to relieve
(B) which may limit their potential for relieving
(C) which may limit such analgesics’ potential to relieve
(D) an effect that may limit their potential to relieve
(E) an effect that may limit the potential of such analgesics for relieving
51). The man was always aware, sometimes proudly and sometimes resentfully, that he was a small-town Midwesterner who was thrust into a world that was dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than him.
(A) who was thrust into a world that was dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than him
(B) who had been thrust into a world that was dominated by more wealthy, educated, and polished people than him
(C) who had been thrust into a world dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and people more polished than he was
(D) thrust into a world dominated by more wealthy, educated, and polished people than him
(E) thrust into a world dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than he
Answers -
50). E is the best choice
A,B,C - incorrect - use of "which" ambiguous - referring to 'patients' or 'analgesics' or..
D - incorrect - "their" -ambiguous - referring to 'patients' or 'analgesics' or effects of the analgesics...
51). E is the correct answer.
A,B,D- incorrect - Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’. (Pronoun errors)
C - incorrect - ".. than he was" - was needs to be ellipsed as I mentioned for Do - auxiliary verb in my GMAT Grammar blog.
(A) which may limit their potential to relieve
(B) which may limit their potential for relieving
(C) which may limit such analgesics’ potential to relieve
(D) an effect that may limit their potential to relieve
(E) an effect that may limit the potential of such analgesics for relieving
51). The man was always aware, sometimes proudly and sometimes resentfully, that he was a small-town Midwesterner who was thrust into a world that was dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than him.
(A) who was thrust into a world that was dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than him
(B) who had been thrust into a world that was dominated by more wealthy, educated, and polished people than him
(C) who had been thrust into a world dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and people more polished than he was
(D) thrust into a world dominated by more wealthy, educated, and polished people than him
(E) thrust into a world dominated by wealthier, better-educated, and more polished people than he
Answers -
50). E is the best choice
A,B,C - incorrect - use of "which" ambiguous - referring to 'patients' or 'analgesics' or..
D - incorrect - "their" -ambiguous - referring to 'patients' or 'analgesics' or effects of the analgesics...
51). E is the correct answer.
A,B,D- incorrect - Subject form of pronoun always comes after ‘than’ or ‘as’. (Pronoun errors)
C - incorrect - ".. than he was" - was needs to be ellipsed as I mentioned for Do - auxiliary verb in my GMAT Grammar blog.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 49
49). With a total population of less than two hundred and fewer breeding females than ever before, the American crocodile seemed a decade ago to be in danger of disappearing.
(A) of less than two hundred and fewer
(B) lower than two hundred and less
(C) lesser than two hundred and fewer
(D) fewer than two hundred and less
(E) of fewer than two hundred and of fewer
Answer -
49). A is the right answer.
D, E - incorrect -- use "fewer" only when referring to countable nouns. Population is very much like "mass" here and so less/lesser should be used.
B,C - incorrect -- we require 'of ' after population and before less, and "fewer" for refering to the number of breeding females.
(A) of less than two hundred and fewer
(B) lower than two hundred and less
(C) lesser than two hundred and fewer
(D) fewer than two hundred and less
(E) of fewer than two hundred and of fewer
Answer -
49). A is the right answer.
D, E - incorrect -- use "fewer" only when referring to countable nouns. Population is very much like "mass" here and so less/lesser should be used.
B,C - incorrect -- we require 'of ' after population and before less, and "fewer" for refering to the number of breeding females.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 47, 48
47). Most state constitutions now mandate that the state budget be balanced each year.
(A) mandate that the state budget be balanced
(B) mandate the state budget to be balanced
(C) mandate that the state budget will be balanced
(D) have a mandate for a balanced state budget
(E) have a mandate to balance the state budget
48). Two new studies indicate that many people become obese more due to the fact that their bodies burn calories too slowly than overeating.
(A) due to the fact that their bodies burn calories too slowly than overeating
(B) due to their bodies burning calories too slowly than to eating too much
(C) because their bodies bum calories too slowly than that they are overeaters
(D) because their bodies bum calories too slowly than because they eat too much
(E) because of their bodies burning calories too slowly than because of their eating too much
Answers -
47). A is the correct answer - When mandate is used as a verb to mean "make it mandatory,' it must be followed by that and a verb in the
subjunctive mood, as in A, the best answer: mandate that x be balanced.
B - incorrect -- uses the ungrammatical mandate x to be balanced.
C - incorrect -- inappropriately uses the future indicative, will be, rather than the subjunctive.
D, E - incorrect -- use wordy and imprecise expressions in place of the verb mandate: neither have a mandate for a balanced... budget nor have a mandate to balance the ... budget makes clear that the requirement is made by the constitution. It is also unclear in D whether each year refers to the mandating or the balancing.
48). D is the best choice -- The members of a comparison (more X than Y) should be expressed in parallel form. This choice correctly uses parallel clauses introduced by because. The clauses themselves are clear and direct.
E - incorrect -- uses parallel forms, but the convoluted structures are awkward and wordy. Furthermore, the word "bodies" would need an apostrophe (bodies') since it is the logical subject of the gerund burning (that is, it answers the question, "Whose burning?").
A, B, C - incorrect -- do not use parallel forms for the two members of the comparison. In addition, A and B use "due to" unidiomatically to mean "because"; properly used, "due to" is synonymous with "attributable to".
(A) mandate that the state budget be balanced
(B) mandate the state budget to be balanced
(C) mandate that the state budget will be balanced
(D) have a mandate for a balanced state budget
(E) have a mandate to balance the state budget
48). Two new studies indicate that many people become obese more due to the fact that their bodies burn calories too slowly than overeating.
(A) due to the fact that their bodies burn calories too slowly than overeating
(B) due to their bodies burning calories too slowly than to eating too much
(C) because their bodies bum calories too slowly than that they are overeaters
(D) because their bodies bum calories too slowly than because they eat too much
(E) because of their bodies burning calories too slowly than because of their eating too much
Answers -
47). A is the correct answer - When mandate is used as a verb to mean "make it mandatory,' it must be followed by that and a verb in the
subjunctive mood, as in A, the best answer: mandate that x be balanced.
B - incorrect -- uses the ungrammatical mandate x to be balanced.
C - incorrect -- inappropriately uses the future indicative, will be, rather than the subjunctive.
D, E - incorrect -- use wordy and imprecise expressions in place of the verb mandate: neither have a mandate for a balanced... budget nor have a mandate to balance the ... budget makes clear that the requirement is made by the constitution. It is also unclear in D whether each year refers to the mandating or the balancing.
48). D is the best choice -- The members of a comparison (more X than Y) should be expressed in parallel form. This choice correctly uses parallel clauses introduced by because. The clauses themselves are clear and direct.
E - incorrect -- uses parallel forms, but the convoluted structures are awkward and wordy. Furthermore, the word "bodies" would need an apostrophe (bodies') since it is the logical subject of the gerund burning (that is, it answers the question, "Whose burning?").
A, B, C - incorrect -- do not use parallel forms for the two members of the comparison. In addition, A and B use "due to" unidiomatically to mean "because"; properly used, "due to" is synonymous with "attributable to".
Gmat Sentence Correction 45 , 46
45). The Coast guard is conducting tests to see whether pigeons can be trained to help find survivors of wrecks at sea.
(A) to see whether pigeons can be trained to help find
(B) to see whether pigeons can be trained as help to find
(C) to see if pigeons can be trained for helping to find
(D) that see if pigeons are able to be trained in helping to find.
(E) that see whether pigeons are able to be trained for help in finding
46). The first decision for most tenants living in a building undergoing being converted to cooperative ownership
is if to sign a no-buy pledge with the other tenants.
(A) being converted to cooperative ownership is if to sign
(B) being converted to cooperative ownership is whether they should be signing
(C) being converted to cooperative ownership is whether or not they sign
(D) conversion to cooperative ownership is if to sign
(E) conversion to cooperative ownership is whether to sign
Answers -
45). A is the correct answer -- This choice clearly states both the purpose of the test and the purpose of the training.
B - incorrect -- "As help to find" is unidiomatic.
C - incorrect -- "For helping to find" is not the correct idiom; "whether" is preferred to "if" when there are only two alternatives.
D - incorrect -- "That see " is ungrammatical; "whether" is preferred to "if" when there are only two alternatives; "are able to be" should be replaced by the concise "can"; "in helping to find" should be " to help find".
E - incorrect -- "For helping in finding" is incorrect idiom; "are able to be" should be replaced by the concise "can".
46). E is the best choice -- idiomatically completes "whether" with an infinitive, "to sign", that functions as a noun equivalent of decision. It also uses the noun conversion, which grammatically completes the phrase begun by "undergoing".
A, B, C - incorrect -- the phrase "being converted" is awkward and redundant, since the sense of process indicated by
"being" has already been conveyed by "undergoing".
A, D - incorrect -- can be faulted for saying "if" rather than "whether", since the sentence poses alternative possibilities, to sign or not to sign.
(A) to see whether pigeons can be trained to help find
(B) to see whether pigeons can be trained as help to find
(C) to see if pigeons can be trained for helping to find
(D) that see if pigeons are able to be trained in helping to find.
(E) that see whether pigeons are able to be trained for help in finding
46). The first decision for most tenants living in a building undergoing being converted to cooperative ownership
is if to sign a no-buy pledge with the other tenants.
(A) being converted to cooperative ownership is if to sign
(B) being converted to cooperative ownership is whether they should be signing
(C) being converted to cooperative ownership is whether or not they sign
(D) conversion to cooperative ownership is if to sign
(E) conversion to cooperative ownership is whether to sign
Answers -
45). A is the correct answer -- This choice clearly states both the purpose of the test and the purpose of the training.
B - incorrect -- "As help to find" is unidiomatic.
C - incorrect -- "For helping to find" is not the correct idiom; "whether" is preferred to "if" when there are only two alternatives.
D - incorrect -- "That see " is ungrammatical; "whether" is preferred to "if" when there are only two alternatives; "are able to be" should be replaced by the concise "can"; "in helping to find" should be " to help find".
E - incorrect -- "For helping in finding" is incorrect idiom; "are able to be" should be replaced by the concise "can".
46). E is the best choice -- idiomatically completes "whether" with an infinitive, "to sign", that functions as a noun equivalent of decision. It also uses the noun conversion, which grammatically completes the phrase begun by "undergoing".
A, B, C - incorrect -- the phrase "being converted" is awkward and redundant, since the sense of process indicated by
"being" has already been conveyed by "undergoing".
A, D - incorrect -- can be faulted for saying "if" rather than "whether", since the sentence poses alternative possibilities, to sign or not to sign.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 43, 44
43). The Diary of Anne Frank tells the true story of a young girl and her family that were hidden during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands by a gentile Dutch couple, though they were eventually discovered.
A). that were hidden during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands by a gentile Dutch couple, though they were eventually discovered
B). that were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, though they were eventually discovered
C). whom a gentile Dutch couple hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands but were eventually discovered
D). who were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands but were eventually discovered
E). who were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands even though they were eventually discovered
44). Despite the sequel's poor critical reception, most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original.
A). most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original
B). most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original's
C). most people who see the film find the acting and cinematography at least as good as or even better than those in the original
D). most people who see it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than those in the original
E). most people seeing the film find the acting and cinematography at least as good as or even better than those of the original's
Answers -
43). The correct answer is D -- It correctly uses the pronoun "who" to refer to a girl and her family. Additionally, the phrase "by a gentile Dutch couple" is placed immediately after "who were hidden" to clarify the meaning. Finally, the ambiguous pronoun issue is avoided altogether.
A - incorrect -- The original sentence uses the relative pronoun "that" where "who" is preferred because the antecedent is a group of people. Also, the prepositional phrase "by a gentile Dutch couple" is placed in such a way as to suggest that the occupation was carried out by the couple. Finally, the pronoun "they" is ambiguous – it could refer to the family or to the couple.
B - incorrect -- This choice incorrectly uses the relative pronoun "that" to refer to a group of people. Additionally, the pronoun "they" is ambiguous - it could refer to the family or to the couple.
C - incorrect -- The use of the object pronoun "whom" makes "a girl and her family" the object of the clause "a gentile Dutch couple hid;" however "a girl and her family" are the subject of the next clause "were eventually discovered." This is a mismatch.
E - incorrect -- The pronoun "they" is ambiguous - it could refer to the family or to the couple.
44). The correct answer is C -- This choice correctly replaces "it" with "film", adds the missing "as", and makes clear that the acting and cinematography in the sequel are compared to the acting and cinematography in the original.
A - incorrect -- First, the pronoun "it" is used to refer to the film, but the film has not been mentioned in the sentence. Instead "the sequel's poor critical reception" has been mentioned. This is not the same as the film, so the pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and must be changed.
Second, the phrase "at least as good or even better than" is incomplete: there should be another "as" after "good".
Third, the cinematography and acting are being compared to the "original". What is meant here is that the cinematography and acting in the sequel are as good as the cinematography and acting in the original. This must be changed.
B - incorrect -- The pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and the phrase "at least as good or even better" is missing the second "as" after "good."
D - incorrect -- The pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and the phrase "at least as good or even better" is missing the second "as" after "good."
E - incorrect -- This choice introduces the possessive redundancy "those of the original's." One could say either "those of the original" or "the original's", but using both is redundant.
A). that were hidden during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands by a gentile Dutch couple, though they were eventually discovered
B). that were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, though they were eventually discovered
C). whom a gentile Dutch couple hid during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands but were eventually discovered
D). who were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands but were eventually discovered
E). who were hidden by a gentile Dutch couple during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands even though they were eventually discovered
44). Despite the sequel's poor critical reception, most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original.
A). most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original
B). most people seeing it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than the original's
C). most people who see the film find the acting and cinematography at least as good as or even better than those in the original
D). most people who see it find the acting and cinematography at least as good or even better than those in the original
E). most people seeing the film find the acting and cinematography at least as good as or even better than those of the original's
Answers -
43). The correct answer is D -- It correctly uses the pronoun "who" to refer to a girl and her family. Additionally, the phrase "by a gentile Dutch couple" is placed immediately after "who were hidden" to clarify the meaning. Finally, the ambiguous pronoun issue is avoided altogether.
A - incorrect -- The original sentence uses the relative pronoun "that" where "who" is preferred because the antecedent is a group of people. Also, the prepositional phrase "by a gentile Dutch couple" is placed in such a way as to suggest that the occupation was carried out by the couple. Finally, the pronoun "they" is ambiguous – it could refer to the family or to the couple.
B - incorrect -- This choice incorrectly uses the relative pronoun "that" to refer to a group of people. Additionally, the pronoun "they" is ambiguous - it could refer to the family or to the couple.
C - incorrect -- The use of the object pronoun "whom" makes "a girl and her family" the object of the clause "a gentile Dutch couple hid;" however "a girl and her family" are the subject of the next clause "were eventually discovered." This is a mismatch.
E - incorrect -- The pronoun "they" is ambiguous - it could refer to the family or to the couple.
44). The correct answer is C -- This choice correctly replaces "it" with "film", adds the missing "as", and makes clear that the acting and cinematography in the sequel are compared to the acting and cinematography in the original.
A - incorrect -- First, the pronoun "it" is used to refer to the film, but the film has not been mentioned in the sentence. Instead "the sequel's poor critical reception" has been mentioned. This is not the same as the film, so the pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and must be changed.
Second, the phrase "at least as good or even better than" is incomplete: there should be another "as" after "good".
Third, the cinematography and acting are being compared to the "original". What is meant here is that the cinematography and acting in the sequel are as good as the cinematography and acting in the original. This must be changed.
B - incorrect -- The pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and the phrase "at least as good or even better" is missing the second "as" after "good."
D - incorrect -- The pronoun "it" has no grammatical antecedent and the phrase "at least as good or even better" is missing the second "as" after "good."
E - incorrect -- This choice introduces the possessive redundancy "those of the original's." One could say either "those of the original" or "the original's", but using both is redundant.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 41, 42
41). Starting at age four, Mozart's father began taking him on tours of the capitals of Europe, in order to demonstrate his musical talents.
(A). Mozart's father began taking him on tours of the capitals of Europe, in order to demonstrate his musical talents
(B). Mozart's father began taking the boy on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate his musical talents
(C). Mozart began accompanying his father on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate his own musical talents
(D). Mozart was accompanying his father on tours of Europe's capitals, to demonstrate his musical talents
(E). Mozart's father began taking him on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate the boy's musical talents
42). According to the professor's philosophy, the antidote to envy is one's own work, always one's own work: not thinking about it, not assessing it, but simply doing it.
(A) one's own work, always one's own work: not thinking about it, not assessing it, but simply doing it
(B) always work; because you don't think about it or assess it, you just do it
(C) always one's own work: not thinking about or assessing it, but simply to do it
(D) not to think or assess, but doing one's own work
(E) neither to think about one's own work nor to assess it, it is always simply doing it
Answers -
41). C is the best choice -- "Mozart" is correctly placed as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the phrase "his own" clarifies that the musical talents in question are those of the subject, Mozart.
A - incorrect -- The original sentence begins with a modifier ("starting at age four") that describes Mozart. Yet, the subject of the main clause is Mozart's father. We need to find a choice that make Mozart himself the subject. Moreover, the pronoun "him" has no grammatical antecedent, since it is meant to refer to Mozart despite the fact that Mozart is not actually present in the sentence (we have "Mozart's father" instead). Finally, the pronoun "his" is somewhat ambiguous: does it refer to Mozart (who, again, is not in the sentence) or to his father?
B -- incorrect -- "Mozart's father" serves illogically as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "his" is ambiguous in that it could refer to the boy or the father.
D -- incorrect -- This choice incorrectly uses the verb "was," which does not match the ongoing nature of the modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "his" is ambiguous in that it could refer to Mozart or his father.
E -- incorrect -- "Mozart's father" serves illogically as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "him" has no grammatical antecedent, since it is meant to refer to Mozart despite the fact that Mozart is not actually present in the sentence (we have "Mozart's father" instead).
42). The correct answer is A - maintains parallelism - thinking, assessing, doing
D, E - incorrect - violates parallelism -- think, assess, doing are not parallel
C - incorrect - violates parallelism -- thinking, assessing and to do it are not parallel.
B - incorrect -- the antidote to envy is to work always -- changes the meaning of the original sentence.
(A). Mozart's father began taking him on tours of the capitals of Europe, in order to demonstrate his musical talents
(B). Mozart's father began taking the boy on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate his musical talents
(C). Mozart began accompanying his father on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate his own musical talents
(D). Mozart was accompanying his father on tours of Europe's capitals, to demonstrate his musical talents
(E). Mozart's father began taking him on tours of the capitals of Europe, to demonstrate the boy's musical talents
42). According to the professor's philosophy, the antidote to envy is one's own work, always one's own work: not thinking about it, not assessing it, but simply doing it.
(A) one's own work, always one's own work: not thinking about it, not assessing it, but simply doing it
(B) always work; because you don't think about it or assess it, you just do it
(C) always one's own work: not thinking about or assessing it, but simply to do it
(D) not to think or assess, but doing one's own work
(E) neither to think about one's own work nor to assess it, it is always simply doing it
Answers -
41). C is the best choice -- "Mozart" is correctly placed as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the phrase "his own" clarifies that the musical talents in question are those of the subject, Mozart.
A - incorrect -- The original sentence begins with a modifier ("starting at age four") that describes Mozart. Yet, the subject of the main clause is Mozart's father. We need to find a choice that make Mozart himself the subject. Moreover, the pronoun "him" has no grammatical antecedent, since it is meant to refer to Mozart despite the fact that Mozart is not actually present in the sentence (we have "Mozart's father" instead). Finally, the pronoun "his" is somewhat ambiguous: does it refer to Mozart (who, again, is not in the sentence) or to his father?
B -- incorrect -- "Mozart's father" serves illogically as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "his" is ambiguous in that it could refer to the boy or the father.
D -- incorrect -- This choice incorrectly uses the verb "was," which does not match the ongoing nature of the modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "his" is ambiguous in that it could refer to Mozart or his father.
E -- incorrect -- "Mozart's father" serves illogically as the subject of the opening modifier "starting at age four." Additionally, the pronoun "him" has no grammatical antecedent, since it is meant to refer to Mozart despite the fact that Mozart is not actually present in the sentence (we have "Mozart's father" instead).
42). The correct answer is A - maintains parallelism - thinking, assessing, doing
D, E - incorrect - violates parallelism -- think, assess, doing are not parallel
C - incorrect - violates parallelism -- thinking, assessing and to do it are not parallel.
B - incorrect -- the antidote to envy is to work always -- changes the meaning of the original sentence.
Gmat Sentence Correction 38, 39, 40.
38). The Parthenon was a church from 1204 until 1456, when Athens was taken by General Mohammed the Conqueror, the Turkish sultan, who established a mosque in the building and used the Acropolis as a fortress.
(A) who established a mosque in the building and used the Acropolis as
(B) who, establishing a mosque in the building, used the Acropolis like
(C) who, when he had established a mosque in the building, used the Acropolis like
(D) who had established a mosque in the building, using the Acropolis to be
(E) establishing a mosque in the building and using the Acropolis as
39). The concept of the grand jury dates from the twelfth -century, when Henry II of England ordered panels of common citizens should prepare lists of who were their communities' suspected criminals.
(A) should prepare lists of who were their communities' suspected criminals
(B) would do the preparation of lists of their communities' suspected criminals
(C) preparing lists of suspected criminals in their communities
(D) the preparing of a list of suspected criminals in their communities
(E) to prepare lists of suspected criminals in their communities
40). Chinese, the most ancient of living writing systems, consists of tens of thousands of ideographic characters, each character miniature calligraphic composition inside its own square frame.
(A) each character a miniature calligraphic composition inside its
(B) all the characters a miniature calligraphic ; composition inside their
(C) all the characters a miniature calligraphic composition inside its
(D) every character a miniature calligraphic composition inside their
(E) each character a miniature calligraphic composition inside their
Answers -
38). The best answer is A -- correctly supplies the past tense verbs "established" and "used" to describe two actions performed in 1456; also, it idiomatically employs the phrase "used the Acropolis as a fortress", in which used as means "employed in the capacity of."
B, C -- incorrect -- incorrectly replaces "as" with "like". Furthermore, in
C, "when he had established a mosque" distorts the intended meaning by stating that the first action was completed before the second was begun.
D -- incorrect -- "had established... using" states that Mohammed had already performed the actions before capturing Athens; In addition D includes the unidiomatic construction "using x to be y."
E -- incorrect -- "establishing" and "using" modify Athens, thus
producing an absurd statement.
39). Choice E is best -- the infinitive "to prepare" follows the verb
"ordered", producing the grammatical and idiomatic sequence - x ordered y to do z.
A, B -- incorrect -- "should prepare" in A and "would do" in B produce ungrammatical sequences - x ordered y should/ would do z.
C -- incorrect -- "preparing . . . communities functions" as a participial
phrase is modifying citizens rather than as a verb phrase describing what the citizens were ordered to do.
D -- incorrect -- the construction "ordered panels of common citizens the preparing" is unidiomatic.
40). Choice A is best -- the appositive terms "character" and "composition", both singular, agree in number; both also agree with the singular possessive pronoun "its".
B, C, D, E -- incorrect -- three-way agreement in number stated in choice A is violated.
(A) who established a mosque in the building and used the Acropolis as
(B) who, establishing a mosque in the building, used the Acropolis like
(C) who, when he had established a mosque in the building, used the Acropolis like
(D) who had established a mosque in the building, using the Acropolis to be
(E) establishing a mosque in the building and using the Acropolis as
39). The concept of the grand jury dates from the twelfth -century, when Henry II of England ordered panels of common citizens should prepare lists of who were their communities' suspected criminals.
(A) should prepare lists of who were their communities' suspected criminals
(B) would do the preparation of lists of their communities' suspected criminals
(C) preparing lists of suspected criminals in their communities
(D) the preparing of a list of suspected criminals in their communities
(E) to prepare lists of suspected criminals in their communities
40). Chinese, the most ancient of living writing systems, consists of tens of thousands of ideographic characters, each character miniature calligraphic composition inside its own square frame.
(A) each character a miniature calligraphic composition inside its
(B) all the characters a miniature calligraphic ; composition inside their
(C) all the characters a miniature calligraphic composition inside its
(D) every character a miniature calligraphic composition inside their
(E) each character a miniature calligraphic composition inside their
Answers -
38). The best answer is A -- correctly supplies the past tense verbs "established" and "used" to describe two actions performed in 1456; also, it idiomatically employs the phrase "used the Acropolis as a fortress", in which used as means "employed in the capacity of."
B, C -- incorrect -- incorrectly replaces "as" with "like". Furthermore, in
C, "when he had established a mosque" distorts the intended meaning by stating that the first action was completed before the second was begun.
D -- incorrect -- "had established... using" states that Mohammed had already performed the actions before capturing Athens; In addition D includes the unidiomatic construction "using x to be y."
E -- incorrect -- "establishing" and "using" modify Athens, thus
producing an absurd statement.
39). Choice E is best -- the infinitive "to prepare" follows the verb
"ordered", producing the grammatical and idiomatic sequence - x ordered y to do z.
A, B -- incorrect -- "should prepare" in A and "would do" in B produce ungrammatical sequences - x ordered y should/ would do z.
C -- incorrect -- "preparing . . . communities functions" as a participial
phrase is modifying citizens rather than as a verb phrase describing what the citizens were ordered to do.
D -- incorrect -- the construction "ordered panels of common citizens the preparing" is unidiomatic.
40). Choice A is best -- the appositive terms "character" and "composition", both singular, agree in number; both also agree with the singular possessive pronoun "its".
B, C, D, E -- incorrect -- three-way agreement in number stated in choice A is violated.
Gmat Sentence Correction 36, 37
36). In contrast to large steel plants that take iron ore through all the steps needed to produce several different kinds of steel, processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology and remain economically viable.
(A) processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology and remain
(B) processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology, remaining
(C) the processing of steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology, remaining
(D) small mills, by processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products, have been able to put capital into new technology and remain
(E) small mills, by processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products, have been able to put capital into new technology and remained
37). Any medical test will sometimes fail to detect a condition when it is present and indicate that there is one when it is not.
(A) a condition when it is present and indicate that there is one
(B) when a condition is present and indicate that there is one
(C) a condition when it is present and indicate that it is present
(D) when a condition is present and indicate its presence
(E) the presence of a condition when it is there and indicate its presence
Answers -
36). D is the correct answer -- uses parallel verb forms to complete the construction "have been able to put... and remain". The logical comparison here is between large steel plants and small mills.
A, B,C -- incorrect -- illogically contrast large steel plants with [the] processing [of] steel scrap. Further, in choices B and C remaining is
not parallel with put; consequently, it is not clear exactly what is remaining economically viable.
E -- incorrect -- remained is not parallel with put.
37). Correct choice is C -- produces a sentence in which pronoun "it" refers clearly and logically to the noun "condition".
A, B -- incorrect -- the phrase "indicate that there . is one" does not grammatically fit with "when it is not" because it has no referent.
B, D -- incorrect -- are imprecise in saying that a test will fail to detect
when a condition is present, since the issue is the presence and not the timing of the condition. Further, "its" presence in D leaves the "it" in "when it is not" without a logical referent: it must refer to condition, not presence.
E -- incorrect -- repeats the error stated above ; also, "the presence ... when it is there" is imprecise and redundant.
(A) processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology and remain
(B) processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology, remaining
(C) the processing of steel scrap into a specialized group of products has enabled small mills to put capital into new technology, remaining
(D) small mills, by processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products, have been able to put capital into new technology and remain
(E) small mills, by processing steel scrap into a specialized group of products, have been able to put capital into new technology and remained
37). Any medical test will sometimes fail to detect a condition when it is present and indicate that there is one when it is not.
(A) a condition when it is present and indicate that there is one
(B) when a condition is present and indicate that there is one
(C) a condition when it is present and indicate that it is present
(D) when a condition is present and indicate its presence
(E) the presence of a condition when it is there and indicate its presence
Answers -
36). D is the correct answer -- uses parallel verb forms to complete the construction "have been able to put... and remain". The logical comparison here is between large steel plants and small mills.
A, B,C -- incorrect -- illogically contrast large steel plants with [the] processing [of] steel scrap. Further, in choices B and C remaining is
not parallel with put; consequently, it is not clear exactly what is remaining economically viable.
E -- incorrect -- remained is not parallel with put.
37). Correct choice is C -- produces a sentence in which pronoun "it" refers clearly and logically to the noun "condition".
A, B -- incorrect -- the phrase "indicate that there . is one" does not grammatically fit with "when it is not" because it has no referent.
B, D -- incorrect -- are imprecise in saying that a test will fail to detect
when a condition is present, since the issue is the presence and not the timing of the condition. Further, "its" presence in D leaves the "it" in "when it is not" without a logical referent: it must refer to condition, not presence.
E -- incorrect -- repeats the error stated above ; also, "the presence ... when it is there" is imprecise and redundant.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 34 , 35
34). Though viewed from a distance, Saturn's main rings may appear to be smooth and continuous, they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets when viewed up close.
A). Though viewed from a distance, Saturn's main rings may appear to be smooth and continuous, they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets when viewed up close.
B). Though Saturn's main rings may appear smooth and continuous when viewed from a distance, they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets when viewed up close.
C). Saturn's main rings, when viewed from a distance, may appear to be smooth and continuous, though when viewed up close they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets.
D). When viewed from a distance, Saturn's main rings may appear smooth and continuous, but closer viewing reveals them to be composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets.
E). Though composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets if viewed up close, the main rings of Saturn may appear smooth and continuous when they are viewed from a distance.
35). The ancient Inca city of Macchu Picchu, perched on a ridge in the Andes Mountains of Peru, had been built at a high enough altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick with oxygen deprivation.
A). had been built at a high enough altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick with oxygen deprivation
B). had been built at so high of an altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick from oxygen deprivation
C). was built at a high enough altitude that modern day tourists from lower elevations often become sick with oxygen deprivation when visiting the city
D). was built at such a high altitude that modern-day tourists from lower elevations often become sick from oxygen deprivation when visiting the city
E). was built at so high of an altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick from oxygen deprivation
Answer -
34). D is the correct answer - This sentence checks the clarity of meaning and modifiers. This choice replaces "though" with "when" and shortens "appear to be" to "appear." Further, its use of the phrase "closer viewing reveals" clearly indicates that the close viewing only reveals (not causes) the composition of the rings.
A - incorrect - The original sentence introduces the main clause with "though viewed from a distance", which sets up the expectation of a contradiction that never materializes. For example, "Though sleepy, the child stayed awake" is correct, whereas "Though sleepy, the child may have eaten soup" is not.
Also, "when viewed up close" is placed in such a way as to illogically suggest that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
Finally, "appear to be" is redundant.
B - This choice incorrectly introduces the main clause with "though." Additionally, the placement of "when viewed up close" illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
C - This choice incorrectly uses the redundant phrase "appears to be." Additionally, the use and placement of the words "when viewed up close, they are . . ." illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
E - This choice incorrectly introduces the main clause with "though." Additionally, the placement of "if viewed up close" illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
A). Though viewed from a distance, Saturn's main rings may appear to be smooth and continuous, they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets when viewed up close.
B). Though Saturn's main rings may appear smooth and continuous when viewed from a distance, they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets when viewed up close.
C). Saturn's main rings, when viewed from a distance, may appear to be smooth and continuous, though when viewed up close they are in fact composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets.
D). When viewed from a distance, Saturn's main rings may appear smooth and continuous, but closer viewing reveals them to be composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets.
E). Though composed of thousands of separate icy ringlets if viewed up close, the main rings of Saturn may appear smooth and continuous when they are viewed from a distance.
35). The ancient Inca city of Macchu Picchu, perched on a ridge in the Andes Mountains of Peru, had been built at a high enough altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick with oxygen deprivation.
A). had been built at a high enough altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick with oxygen deprivation
B). had been built at so high of an altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick from oxygen deprivation
C). was built at a high enough altitude that modern day tourists from lower elevations often become sick with oxygen deprivation when visiting the city
D). was built at such a high altitude that modern-day tourists from lower elevations often become sick from oxygen deprivation when visiting the city
E). was built at so high of an altitude that it often makes modern-day tourists from lower elevations sick from oxygen deprivation
Answer -
34). D is the correct answer - This sentence checks the clarity of meaning and modifiers. This choice replaces "though" with "when" and shortens "appear to be" to "appear." Further, its use of the phrase "closer viewing reveals" clearly indicates that the close viewing only reveals (not causes) the composition of the rings.
A - incorrect - The original sentence introduces the main clause with "though viewed from a distance", which sets up the expectation of a contradiction that never materializes. For example, "Though sleepy, the child stayed awake" is correct, whereas "Though sleepy, the child may have eaten soup" is not.
Also, "when viewed up close" is placed in such a way as to illogically suggest that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
Finally, "appear to be" is redundant.
B - This choice incorrectly introduces the main clause with "though." Additionally, the placement of "when viewed up close" illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
C - This choice incorrectly uses the redundant phrase "appears to be." Additionally, the use and placement of the words "when viewed up close, they are . . ." illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
E - This choice incorrectly introduces the main clause with "though." Additionally, the placement of "if viewed up close" illogically suggests that the rings are composed of icy ringlets as a result of being viewed up close.
35). D is the correct answer - The simple past verb "was" correctly replaces the past perfect verb "had been." The phrase "such a high altitude" replaces "high enough altitude." The sentence is rewritten to avoid ambiguity by removing the pronoun "it." Finally, this choice uses the phrase "sick from" in place of the unidiomatic "sick with."
A - incorrect - First, the past perfect "had been" is unnecessary here because there is only one past event. Second, "high enough" implies that the oxygen deprivation was a goal of the Incas. Third, "it" in this context is ambiguous: is it the altitude or the city that makes tourists sick? Finally, "sick with" is incorrect. It should be "sick from."
B - incorrect - This choice incorrectly uses the past perfect "had been." Additionally, the pronoun "it" is ambiguous in this context and the phrase "so high of an altitude" is awkward.
C - This choice incorrectly uses the phrases "high enough altitude" and "sick with."
E - This choice incorrectly uses the awkward phrase "so high of an altitude." Additionally, the pronoun "it" in this context is ambiguous.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Gmat Sentence Correction 32 , 33
32). . Scientists have observed large concentrations of heavy-metal deposits in the upper twenty centimeters of Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there.
(A) Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
(B) Baltic Sea sediments, where the growth of industrial activity is consistent with these findings
(C) Baltic Sea sediments, findings consistent with its growth of industrial activity
(D) sediments from the Baltic Sea, findings consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the area
(E) sediments from the Baltic Sea, consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
33). For members of the seventeenth-century Ashanti nation in Africa, animal-hide shields with wooden frames were essential items of military equipment, a method to protect warriors against enemy arrows and
spears.
(A) a method to protect
(B) as a method protecting
(C) protecting
(D) as a protection of
(E) to protect
Answers -
32). D is the best choice - the phrase sediments from the Baltic Sea tells where the sediments originate, findings provides a noun for consistent to modify, and in the area clearly identifies where the industrial activity is growing.
A, B - incorrect - ambiguity - the words "which" and "where" appear to refer to sediments
E - incorrect - it is not clear what consistent describes.
A, C, E - incorrect - there is no logical place to which "there" or "its" could refer.
33). Choice C is best - the participle "protecting" begins a phrase that explains what the shields did.
A , B - incorrect - awkwardly use the singular word "method" to refer to items of military equipment rather than to the use of such items. Also, a method of protecting would be more idiomatic than a method to protect in A or a method protecting in B.
B , D - "as" is incorrect; also, a protection in D has no noun for which it can logically substitute.
E - is incomplete; used to protect would have been acceptable
(A) Baltic Sea sediments, which are consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
(B) Baltic Sea sediments, where the growth of industrial activity is consistent with these findings
(C) Baltic Sea sediments, findings consistent with its growth of industrial activity
(D) sediments from the Baltic Sea, findings consistent with the growth of industrial activity in the area
(E) sediments from the Baltic Sea, consistent with the growth of industrial activity there
33). For members of the seventeenth-century Ashanti nation in Africa, animal-hide shields with wooden frames were essential items of military equipment, a method to protect warriors against enemy arrows and
spears.
(A) a method to protect
(B) as a method protecting
(C) protecting
(D) as a protection of
(E) to protect
Answers -
32). D is the best choice - the phrase sediments from the Baltic Sea tells where the sediments originate, findings provides a noun for consistent to modify, and in the area clearly identifies where the industrial activity is growing.
A, B - incorrect - ambiguity - the words "which" and "where" appear to refer to sediments
E - incorrect - it is not clear what consistent describes.
A, C, E - incorrect - there is no logical place to which "there" or "its" could refer.
33). Choice C is best - the participle "protecting" begins a phrase that explains what the shields did.
A , B - incorrect - awkwardly use the singular word "method" to refer to items of military equipment rather than to the use of such items. Also, a method of protecting would be more idiomatic than a method to protect in A or a method protecting in B.
B , D - "as" is incorrect; also, a protection in D has no noun for which it can logically substitute.
E - is incomplete; used to protect would have been acceptable
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
