SC's Question number - 967, 968

967). In the late nineteenth century Annie Besant was widely regarded as one of the greatest living public orators, second only to Gladstone in a culture where oratory was the dominant public medium.

(A) as one of the greatest living public orators, second only

(B) to be one of the greatest living public orators, secondary only

(C) that she was one of the greatest living public orators, secondary only

(D) as being one of the greater living public orators she was only second

(E) to be greater than most other living public orators, and she was second only

968). Interest rates on mortgages have declined steadily during the first six months of this year but virtually remained unchanged during the next three months.

(A) have declined steadily during the first six months of this year but virtually remained unchanged

(B) declined steadily during the first six months of this year but virtually remain unchanged

(C) steadily declined during the first six months of this year but remain virtually unchanged

(D) declined steadily during the first six months of this but have remained virtually unchanging'

(E) declined steadily during the first six months of this year but have remained virtually unchanged


Answers --

967). A is the best choice. - regard as - correct idiom

B, C, E - incorrect - unidiomatic

D - incorrect - passive .. use of being

968). E is the best choice.

A, B - incorrect - misplaced word modifier - virtually incorrectly modifying remain instead of unchanged.

C - incorrect - violating verb tense - going from simple past to present tense.

D - incorrect - unchanging is wrong.