According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world in the far distant past, one vast land mass
- A. the world, in the far distant past
- B. the world, being in the far distant past
- C. the world were, in the far distant past
- D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
In this sentence, clarity and grammatical accuracy are essential. Option D accurately uses "was" to indicate that the continents once existed as a single land mass in the past, aligning with standard subject-verb agreement. Option A is incomplete, lacking a verb that connects the subject to the predicate. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which does not convey the past tense needed for this context. Option C uses "were," which is incorrect as it implies a plural subject, while "the world" is singular. Thus, D is the only option that correctly reflects the historical context and grammatical structure.
In this sentence, clarity and grammatical accuracy are essential. Option D accurately uses "was" to indicate that the continents once existed as a single land mass in the past, aligning with standard subject-verb agreement. Option A is incomplete, lacking a verb that connects the subject to the predicate. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which does not convey the past tense needed for this context. Option C uses "were," which is incorrect as it implies a plural subject, while "the world" is singular. Thus, D is the only option that correctly reflects the historical context and grammatical structure.
Other Related Questions
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)? Agricultural activities can disrupt animal's natural habitats.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. animal's natural habitat's.
- C. animals' natural habitats.
- D. animals natural habitats
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C, "animals' natural habitats," is the best choice because it correctly uses the plural possessive form. Since multiple animals are affected, the apostrophe is placed after "animals" to indicate that the habitats belong to them. Option A retains the original error of using the singular possessive "animal's," which is incorrect when referring to multiple animals. Option B incorrectly adds an unnecessary apostrophe after "habitat," suggesting possession that does not apply here, leading to confusion. Option D lacks the necessary apostrophe to indicate possession, making it grammatically incorrect.
Option C, "animals' natural habitats," is the best choice because it correctly uses the plural possessive form. Since multiple animals are affected, the apostrophe is placed after "animals" to indicate that the habitats belong to them. Option A retains the original error of using the singular possessive "animal's," which is incorrect when referring to multiple animals. Option B incorrectly adds an unnecessary apostrophe after "habitat," suggesting possession that does not apply here, leading to confusion. Option D lacks the necessary apostrophe to indicate possession, making it grammatically incorrect.
Which of the following sentences contains information irrelevant to the passage as a whole and should be deleted?
- A. Sentence 4
- B. Sentence 5
- C. Sentence 7
- D. Sentence 9
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.
Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.
- A. (As it is now)
- B. In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
- C. I first recognized this trait in myself
- D. The first time I recognize is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively shifts the verb tense to "recognized," aligning with the past context of grade school. This maintains clarity and coherence in the narrative, emphasizing the speaker's self-awareness at that time. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is awkward due to the tense inconsistency. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while also incorrectly using "recognize" instead of the past tense. Option D's phrase "The first time I recognize is" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity, making it unsuitable for conveying the intended meaning.
Option C effectively shifts the verb tense to "recognized," aligning with the past context of grade school. This maintains clarity and coherence in the narrative, emphasizing the speaker's self-awareness at that time. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is awkward due to the tense inconsistency. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while also incorrectly using "recognize" instead of the past tense. Option D's phrase "The first time I recognize is" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity, making it unsuitable for conveying the intended meaning.
Where would the following sentence best be placed? Large and docile elands should be the preferred prey whenever they are readily available, regardless of hunters' overall sophistication.
- A. After sentence 6
- B. After sentence 9
- C. After sentence 11
- D. After sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Placing the sentence after sentence 9 logically follows the discussion on prey selection, which is likely being analyzed in that section. It introduces the specific preference for elands, enhancing the argument about hunting strategies. Option A, after sentence 6, is too early in the text, as it may interrupt the flow before the context of prey preferences is established. Option C, after sentence 11, might place it too late, missing the opportunity to connect the idea to preceding arguments. Option D, after sentence 14, risks isolating the concept of elands from the main discussion, diminishing its impact. Thus, option B maintains coherence and relevance in the narrative.
Placing the sentence after sentence 9 logically follows the discussion on prey selection, which is likely being analyzed in that section. It introduces the specific preference for elands, enhancing the argument about hunting strategies. Option A, after sentence 6, is too early in the text, as it may interrupt the flow before the context of prey preferences is established. Option C, after sentence 11, might place it too late, missing the opportunity to connect the idea to preceding arguments. Option D, after sentence 14, risks isolating the concept of elands from the main discussion, diminishing its impact. Thus, option B maintains coherence and relevance in the narrative.