Read the following early draft of an essay and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement
Passage
(1) Between a quarter and a third of the food produced in the United States gets wasted. (2) A lot of the waste happens during farming and processing, before the food even gets to consumers. (3) Later, buyers often reject produce because of minor blemishes, or they throw away food when they bought too much or allowed it to rot (4) An average family spends hundreds of dollars each year on food that does not get eaten.
(5) Compounding the problem is that food distribution system's currently require a lot of energy. (6) An item of food on an American plate has typically made a trip of over 2.400 kilometers. (7) Then once the food arrives at a market there is energy consumed by unloading and stocking it. (8) All told, around 15 percent of all the energy used in the United States is devoted to producing and distributing food
(9) They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste. (10) The "sell by" dates on foods are typically very conservative and result in people throwing away perfectly edible items. (11) Shoppers could be better informed about the true shelf life of the products they purchase. (12) This would help them plan meals more efficiently and end up with less spoiled food. (13) It might result in fewer trips to the store, which could keep fuel and cut down on pollution.
In context, which of the following is best to do with sentence 9 (reproduced below)?
They say we could save a great deal of energy by addressing the problem of food waste.
- A. Replace 'They say' with 'Researchers assert that'
- B. Insert 'probably' before 'save'
- C. Replace 'by addressing' with 'if we would address'
- D. Replace 'problem' with 'problems'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A enhances the sentence's credibility by specifying the source of the claim, making it more authoritative. "Researchers assert that" clearly indicates that the statement is based on scientific findings, which is essential for persuasive writing. Option B weakens the statement by introducing uncertainty with "probably," which diminishes the impact of the claim about energy savings. Option C changes the meaning by suggesting a conditional scenario rather than a straightforward assertion, which can confuse the reader. Option D alters the focus from a specific issue to a broader context, which may dilute the intended message about food waste.
Option A enhances the sentence's credibility by specifying the source of the claim, making it more authoritative. "Researchers assert that" clearly indicates that the statement is based on scientific findings, which is essential for persuasive writing. Option B weakens the statement by introducing uncertainty with "probably," which diminishes the impact of the claim about energy savings. Option C changes the meaning by suggesting a conditional scenario rather than a straightforward assertion, which can confuse the reader. Option D alters the focus from a specific issue to a broader context, which may dilute the intended message about food waste.
Other Related Questions
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)?
Compounding the problem is that food distribution system's currently require a lot of energy.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. systems
- C. systems's
- D. systems
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
The best version clarifies the possessive form needed in the sentence. "Systems" (option D) is incorrect because it lacks the possessive, which is essential to indicate ownership of the energy requirement. Option B, "systems," does not convey possession either. Option A, "as it is now," does not address the grammatical structure needed in this context. The correct choice, "systems's," correctly indicates that the energy requirement belongs to the food distribution system, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy in the sentence.
The best version clarifies the possessive form needed in the sentence. "Systems" (option D) is incorrect because it lacks the possessive, which is essential to indicate ownership of the energy requirement. Option B, "systems," does not convey possession either. Option A, "as it is now," does not address the grammatical structure needed in this context. The correct choice, "systems's," correctly indicates that the energy requirement belongs to the food distribution system, ensuring clarity and grammatical accuracy in the sentence.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 2 and 3 (reproduced below)?
I'm a country kid from rural Texas. I grew up on a ranch on the prairie.
- A. I'm a country kid from rural Texas and that's where I grew up on a ranch on the prairie.
- B. I'm a country kid from rural Texas who grew up on a ranch on the prairie
- C. I'm a country kid from rural Texas, where I lived and grew up on a ranah on the praine
- D. I'm a country kid from rural Texas, and I used to live on a ranch on the prairie where I grew up.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, making it concise and clear. It maintains the original meaning while improving flow. Option A is less effective due to the awkward phrasing "and that’s where," which disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "where I lived and grew up," making it wordy and repetitive. Option D, while grammatically correct, adds unnecessary phrases like "used to live," which complicate the sentence without enhancing its clarity or brevity. Overall, option B provides the best revision by succinctly merging the ideas.
Option B effectively combines the sentences by using a relative clause, making it concise and clear. It maintains the original meaning while improving flow. Option A is less effective due to the awkward phrasing "and that’s where," which disrupts the sentence's rhythm and clarity. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "where I lived and grew up," making it wordy and repetitive. Option D, while grammatically correct, adds unnecessary phrases like "used to live," which complicate the sentence without enhancing its clarity or brevity. Overall, option B provides the best revision by succinctly merging the ideas.
The best placement for sentence 12 within the third paragraph would be
- A. where it is now
- B. before sentence 11
- C. after sentence 13
- D. after sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 allows for a logical flow of ideas, as it builds on the information presented in the preceding sentences, enhancing coherence. This positioning ensures that the reader receives a complete thought before transitioning to the next point. Option A retains the sentence in its current position, which disrupts the paragraph's flow. Option B places it too early, causing a disconnect with the context of sentence 11. Option D positions it too late, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the preceding content. Thus, option C optimally maintains the paragraph's structure and clarity.
Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence?
In spite of his concern over time constraints the occasion was an important one!- he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!-
- C. only two days until the ceremony!-
- D. the president would hear him recite!-
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.
Option A maintains the original structure and intent of the sentence, emphasizing the importance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time concerns. This balance effectively elaborates on the initial idea. Option B introduces a geographical detail that, while relevant, does not directly enhance the emotional weight of the tribute. Option C focuses on the urgency of time but lacks the broader context of the occasion's significance. Option D, while adding a dramatic element, shifts the focus to the audience rather than the tribute itself, detracting from the main idea presented at the beginning.