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.
Other Related Questions
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 4 (reproduced below)? He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies; therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. ceremonies, therefore,
- C. ceremonies, therefore;
- D. ceremonies, therefore
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the original structure, effectively connecting the two independent clauses with a semicolon. This punctuation is appropriate as it separates related but distinct ideas: the poet's recognition and his subsequent contemplation. Option B incorrectly uses a comma before "therefore," which fails to properly separate the clauses and creates a comma splice. Option C introduces an unnecessary semicolon before "therefore," which disrupts the flow and is grammatically incorrect since "therefore" is not an independent clause. Option D lacks punctuation after "ceremonies," making it a run-on sentence and confusing the relationship between the ideas.
Option A maintains the original structure, effectively connecting the two independent clauses with a semicolon. This punctuation is appropriate as it separates related but distinct ideas: the poet's recognition and his subsequent contemplation. Option B incorrectly uses a comma before "therefore," which fails to properly separate the clauses and creates a comma splice. Option C introduces an unnecessary semicolon before "therefore," which disrupts the flow and is grammatically incorrect since "therefore" is not an independent clause. Option D lacks punctuation after "ceremonies," making it a run-on sentence and confusing the relationship between the ideas.
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, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
Option C, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
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.
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.