In context, which revision of the underlined portion would best combine sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below)? Docile animals like antelope are easier to catch. A predominance of their bones could suggest that hunters of the time were not capable of regularly capturing more dangerous prey.
- A. catch, a
- B. catch, so a
- C. catch, but a
- D. catch, for a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B, "catch, so a," effectively conveys a cause-and-effect relationship between the ease of capturing docile animals and the implications regarding hunters' capabilities. The use of "so" indicates that the prevalence of antelope bones is a direct result of hunters' inability to capture more dangerous prey. Option A, "catch, a," lacks a conjunction that connects the two ideas, making the relationship unclear. Option C, "catch, but a," introduces a contrast that does not exist between the statements, as both sentences support the notion of hunters' limitations. Option D, "catch, for a," implies a reason but does not capture the clear consequence intended in the context.
Option B, "catch, so a," effectively conveys a cause-and-effect relationship between the ease of capturing docile animals and the implications regarding hunters' capabilities. The use of "so" indicates that the prevalence of antelope bones is a direct result of hunters' inability to capture more dangerous prey. Option A, "catch, a," lacks a conjunction that connects the two ideas, making the relationship unclear. Option C, "catch, but a," introduces a contrast that does not exist between the statements, as both sentences support the notion of hunters' limitations. Option D, "catch, for a," implies a reason but does not capture the clear consequence intended in the context.
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.
With four recent United States presidents being left-handed Ford, the elder Bush, Clinton and Obama the stigma associated with left-handedness largely vanishing
- A. left-handedness largely vanishing
- B. left-handedness has largely vanished
- C. left-handedness being largely vanished
- D. left-handedness and largely vanished
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B effectively conveys that left-handedness has significantly decreased in societal stigma. The present perfect tense ("has largely vanished") indicates a change that started in the past and continues to the present, aligning well with the context of the sentence. Option A uses "largely vanishing," which is awkward and suggests an ongoing process rather than a completed change. Option C's "being largely vanished" is grammatically incorrect, as "being" does not fit with the passive construction. Option D incorrectly combines "and" with "largely vanished," creating a fragment that lacks clarity and coherence.
Option B effectively conveys that left-handedness has significantly decreased in societal stigma. The present perfect tense ("has largely vanished") indicates a change that started in the past and continues to the present, aligning well with the context of the sentence. Option A uses "largely vanishing," which is awkward and suggests an ongoing process rather than a completed change. Option C's "being largely vanished" is grammatically incorrect, as "being" does not fit with the passive construction. Option D incorrectly combines "and" with "largely vanished," creating a fragment that lacks clarity and coherence.
Apart from being a basic requirement for plant life, the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
- A. the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
- B. some plant species are also helped by rain to propagate them
- C. rain also helps in the propagation of some plant species
- D. it is also helpful for the propagation of some plant species to have rain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C effectively conveys that rain contributes to the propagation of certain plant species, maintaining a clear and direct structure. It emphasizes the role of rain without unnecessary complexity. Option A is too vague, lacking clarity about the relationship between rain and propagation. Option B introduces awkward phrasing with "are also helped," which can confuse the reader about the subject. Option D is convoluted and indirect, making it less straightforward than option C. Overall, C stands out for its clarity and conciseness.
Option C effectively conveys that rain contributes to the propagation of certain plant species, maintaining a clear and direct structure. It emphasizes the role of rain without unnecessary complexity. Option A is too vague, lacking clarity about the relationship between rain and propagation. Option B introduces awkward phrasing with "are also helped," which can confuse the reader about the subject. Option D is convoluted and indirect, making it less straightforward than option C. Overall, C stands out for its clarity and conciseness.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.
- A. After sentence 2
- B. After sentence 4
- C. After sentence 7
- D. After sentence 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Placing the sentence after sentence 7 is ideal as it follows a discussion about the benefits of the model, directly linking the incentive to the positive outcomes for wildlife populations. This placement emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship effectively. Option A, after sentence 2, disrupts the flow, as earlier sentences may not yet establish the model's context. Option B, after sentence 4, is too early in the discussion, lacking sufficient background on the model's impact. Option D, after sentence 10, may dilute the sentence's significance, as it would be too far removed from the relevant context, making the connection less impactful.
Placing the sentence after sentence 7 is ideal as it follows a discussion about the benefits of the model, directly linking the incentive to the positive outcomes for wildlife populations. This placement emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship effectively. Option A, after sentence 2, disrupts the flow, as earlier sentences may not yet establish the model's context. Option B, after sentence 4, is too early in the discussion, lacking sufficient background on the model's impact. Option D, after sentence 10, may dilute the sentence's significance, as it would be too far removed from the relevant context, making the connection less impactful.