Marco won a trophy each of the three times he competed in the junior tennis tournament, but still the first prize eluded him.
- A. eluded
- B. alluded
- C. elided
- D. allied
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
In this context, "eluded" means that the first prize was out of Marco's reach despite his successes, which fits the sentence perfectly. Option B, "alluded," refers to making an indirect reference, which does not apply here. Option C, "elided," means to omit or leave out, which does not convey the intended meaning of something being out of reach. Option D, "allied," means to join or unite, which is irrelevant in this context. Thus, "eluded" accurately captures the sense of a goal that remains unattained despite effort.
In this context, "eluded" means that the first prize was out of Marco's reach despite his successes, which fits the sentence perfectly. Option B, "alluded," refers to making an indirect reference, which does not apply here. Option C, "elided," means to omit or leave out, which does not convey the intended meaning of something being out of reach. Option D, "allied," means to join or unite, which is irrelevant in this context. Thus, "eluded" accurately captures the sense of a goal that remains unattained despite effort.
Other Related Questions
In context, which revision would most improve sentence 12 (reproduced below)? I am aware that what I see as determination, they sometimes see as a lack of realism.
- A. Change 'I am aware' to 'I notice'.
- B. Change 'what I see' to 'the quality that I know'.
- C. Change 'they' to 'other people'.
- D. Delete 'sometimes'.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C enhances clarity by specifying "other people," which provides context and distinguishes the speaker's perspective from that of others. This improves understanding of the differing viewpoints on determination and realism. Option A, changing "I am aware" to "I notice," makes the statement less reflective and diminishes the depth of understanding conveyed. Option B's revision to "the quality that I know" complicates the sentence unnecessarily, losing the personal touch that "what I see" offers. Option D, deleting "sometimes," removes the nuance that acknowledges variability in perception, which is essential for conveying the complexity of differing opinions.
Option C enhances clarity by specifying "other people," which provides context and distinguishes the speaker's perspective from that of others. This improves understanding of the differing viewpoints on determination and realism. Option A, changing "I am aware" to "I notice," makes the statement less reflective and diminishes the depth of understanding conveyed. Option B's revision to "the quality that I know" complicates the sentence unnecessarily, losing the personal touch that "what I see" offers. Option D, deleting "sometimes," removes the nuance that acknowledges variability in perception, which is essential for conveying the complexity of differing opinions.
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: A
Placement of sentence 12 where it currently is allows for a logical flow of ideas, maintaining coherence within the paragraph. It connects well with the preceding sentence, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the main point. Option B disrupts this flow by placing sentence 12 before sentence 11, which may confuse readers regarding the sequence of thoughts. Option C, placing it after sentence 13, would create a disjointed structure, as it would separate related ideas. Option D, positioning it after sentence 14, risks losing the contextual relevance, diminishing the paragraph's overall impact.
Placement of sentence 12 where it currently is allows for a logical flow of ideas, maintaining coherence within the paragraph. It connects well with the preceding sentence, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the main point. Option B disrupts this flow by placing sentence 12 before sentence 11, which may confuse readers regarding the sequence of thoughts. Option C, placing it after sentence 13, would create a disjointed structure, as it would separate related ideas. Option D, positioning it after sentence 14, risks losing the contextual relevance, diminishing the paragraph's overall impact.
In context, which would be the best place to insert the following sentence? I took guitar lessons and practiced day and night.
- A. After sentence 9
- B. After sentence 11
- C. After sentence 15
- D. After sentence 16
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Inserting the sentence after sentence 9 effectively highlights a pivotal moment in the narrative, emphasizing the character's dedication to mastering the guitar. This placement allows for a smooth transition into the subsequent discussion of progress and challenges faced. Option B, after sentence 11, disrupts the flow, as it focuses on a different aspect of the character's journey. Option C, after sentence 15, feels too late, as it misses the opportunity to connect the dedication to earlier events. Option D, after sentence 16, would confuse the reader, as it follows a conclusion rather than enhancing the buildup of the character's commitment.
Inserting the sentence after sentence 9 effectively highlights a pivotal moment in the narrative, emphasizing the character's dedication to mastering the guitar. This placement allows for a smooth transition into the subsequent discussion of progress and challenges faced. Option B, after sentence 11, disrupts the flow, as it focuses on a different aspect of the character's journey. Option C, after sentence 15, feels too late, as it misses the opportunity to connect the dedication to earlier events. Option D, after sentence 16, would confuse the reader, as it follows a conclusion rather than enhancing the buildup of the character's commitment.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)? Cavendish bananas might appear to be strong, with its thick skins and ability to be shipped long distances without rotting or even bruising.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. its'
- C. their
- D. there
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
In this context, "Cavendish bananas" is plural, so using "their" is appropriate to match the subject. This option correctly indicates possession, referring to the bananas' thick skins. Option A maintains the original phrasing, which incorrectly uses "its," a singular possessive pronoun, creating a mismatch with the plural subject. Option B, "its'," is also incorrect as it implies a possessive form that doesn't apply here, and it is not a standard grammatical form. Option D, "there," is unrelated to possession and does not fit the context of the sentence.
In this context, "Cavendish bananas" is plural, so using "their" is appropriate to match the subject. This option correctly indicates possession, referring to the bananas' thick skins. Option A maintains the original phrasing, which incorrectly uses "its," a singular possessive pronoun, creating a mismatch with the plural subject. Option B, "its'," is also incorrect as it implies a possessive form that doesn't apply here, and it is not a standard grammatical form. Option D, "there," is unrelated to possession and does not fit the context of the sentence.