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 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 constraintsâ€â€the occasion was an important oneâ€â€he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!â€â€
- C. only two days until the ceremony!â€â€
- D. the president would hear him recite!â€â€
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A maintains the focus on the significance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time constraints, creating a balanced perspective. It emphasizes the importance of the tribute without introducing unrelated details. Option B diverts attention to the location, which, while noteworthy, does not enhance the understanding of the speaker's internal conflict. Option C mentions the urgency but lacks context about the event's significance, making it less effective in elaborating on the initial idea. Option D highlights the audience but shifts focus away from the speaker's concerns, failing to connect back to the tribute's relevance.
Option A maintains the focus on the significance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time constraints, creating a balanced perspective. It emphasizes the importance of the tribute without introducing unrelated details. Option B diverts attention to the location, which, while noteworthy, does not enhance the understanding of the speaker's internal conflict. Option C mentions the urgency but lacks context about the event's significance, making it less effective in elaborating on the initial idea. Option D highlights the audience but shifts focus away from the speaker's concerns, failing to connect back to the tribute's relevance.
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.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)? Some researchers have cited this evidence as it made an argument that MSA hunters were less skilled than LSA hunters.
- A. (as it is now)
- B. evidence and were making
- C. evidence, having made
- D. evidence to make
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D clarifies the relationship between the evidence and the argument, indicating that the evidence was used to support the claim about MSA hunters. This creates a clear and logical connection. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is vague and awkward, failing to effectively convey the intended meaning. Option B uses "and were making," which introduces unnecessary complexity and shifts the focus away from the evidence itself. Option C's "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing nature of the argument being presented.
Option D clarifies the relationship between the evidence and the argument, indicating that the evidence was used to support the claim about MSA hunters. This creates a clear and logical connection. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is vague and awkward, failing to effectively convey the intended meaning. Option B uses "and were making," which introduces unnecessary complexity and shifts the focus away from the evidence itself. Option C's "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing nature of the argument being presented.
Abandoned in the attic were an old-fashioned doll, a set of trains, and a trunk full of children's clothes
- A. Abandoned in the attic were
- B. In the attic and abandoned,
- C. Abandoned and in the attic, there was
- D. It was in the attic and abandoned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Option A effectively presents the sentence with a clear subject and verb structure, maintaining a straightforward flow that emphasizes the items found in the attic. Option B disrupts the sentence's clarity by placing "in the attic" at the beginning, which can confuse the reader about what is being described. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "there was," making the sentence less direct and more cumbersome. Option D also complicates the structure with "it was," detracting from the focus on the items and their condition. Thus, A remains the most concise and coherent choice.
Option A effectively presents the sentence with a clear subject and verb structure, maintaining a straightforward flow that emphasizes the items found in the attic. Option B disrupts the sentence's clarity by placing "in the attic" at the beginning, which can confuse the reader about what is being described. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "there was," making the sentence less direct and more cumbersome. Option D also complicates the structure with "it was," detracting from the focus on the items and their condition. Thus, A remains the most concise and coherent choice.