Sentence Correction(句子改错) Each of the sentence correction questions presents a sentence, part of or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. Follow the requirements of standard written English to choose your answer, paying attention to grammar, word choice, and sentence construction. Select the answer that produces the most effective sentence; your answer should make the sentence clear, exact, and free of grammatical error. It should also minimize awkwardness, ambiguity, and redundancy.
1. Long overshadowed by the Maya and Aztec civilizations, historians are now exploring the more ancient Olmec culture for the legacy it had for succeeding Mesoamerican societies.
A.historians are now exploring the more ancient Olmec culture for the legacy it had for succeeding Mesoamerican societies
B.historians' exploration is now of the more ancient Olmec culture's legacy to the Mesoamerican societies succeeding them
C.the legacy of the more ancient Olmec culture to the Mesoamerican societies that succeeded them is what historians are now exploring
D.the more ancient Olmec culture is now being explored by historians for its legacy to succeeding Mesoamerican societies
E.the Olmec culture is more ancient and had a legacy to succeeding Mesoamerican societies that historians are now exploring
A B C D E
D
[解析] Logical predication; Idiom The sentence notes that historians are exploring the contributions of the ancient Olmec culture to societies that came after it. The sentence structure is flawed, however. A. The sentence's initial phrase is, nonsensically, predicated of historians rather than of Olmec culture. The wording for the legacy it had for is verbose, the repetition of for is awkward, and the second for is unidiomatic with legacy. B. The sentence's initial phrase long... civilizations is, nonsensically, predicated of exploration. The wording is now of is unnecessarily awkward (for example, the phrase no, focuses on would not be so). C. The context suggests that the sentence's initial phrase long... civilizations is more likely meant to be predicated of a noun phrase referring to another civilization (or culture), thus making the legacy be the subject of the sentence (as opposed to the more ancient Olmec culture). The relative what and its antecedent are too widely separated from each other; also, the construction is what... is unnecessarily awkward. D. Correct. This version is logically and structurally correct. Making the more ancient Olmec culture the subject of the main clause—the most logical subject, given the initial modifying phrase referring to civilizations—has required a change in the verb form, from active to passive. The preposition to following legacy is idiomatic. E. This shifts the emphasis, compared with the given sentence, to how far back in time the Olmec culture existed. Unlike the given sentence, it makes the historians' current preoccupation with the Olmec culture seem secondary. The wording had a legacy to is unnecessarily awkward. The correct answer is D.
2. Being a United States citizen since 1988 and born in Calcutta in 1940, author Bharati Mukherjee has lived in England and Canada, and first came to the United States in 1961 to study at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
A.Being a United States citizen since 1988 and born in Calcutta in 1940, author Bharati Mukherjee has
B.Having been a United States citizen since 1988, she was born in Calcutta in 1940; author Bharati Mukherjee
C.Born in Calcutta in 1940, author Bharati Mukherjee became a United States citizen in 1988; she has
D.Being born in Calcutta in 1940 and having been a United States citizen since 1988, author Bharati Mukherjee
E.Having been born in Calcutta in 1940 and being a United States citizen since 1988, author Bharati Mukherjee
A B C D E
C
[解析] Verb form; Rhetorical construction Being... since 1988 and born in Calcutta in 1940 is an awkward, wordy construction, which presents an unclear and potentially confusing chronological order. Since in the correct version of the sentence the original phrase (being...) has been made into a main clause, a semicolon should separate it from the second main clause beginning she has lived. A. The phrases are expressed in an illogical and potentially confusing sequence. B. Having been suggests that the citizenship came chronologically before the birth. The pronoun she is the subject of the first clause; since the author's name is mentioned only after the semicolon, she has no dear referent. C. Correct. In this sentence, the sequence of events is expressed logically, grammatically, and concisely in each independent clause. D. The progressive verb forms being born and having been illogically suggest continuous action and fail to establish a logical time sequence. The sentence is wordy and awkward. E. The progressive verb forms having been born and being illogically suggest continuous action and fail to establish a logical time sequence. The sentence is wordy and awkward. The correct answer is C.
3. As a result of record low temperatures, the water pipes on the third floor froze, which caused the heads of the sprinkler system to burst, which released torrents of water into offices on the second floor.
A.which caused the heads of the sprinkler system to burst, which released torrents of water
B.which caused the heads of the sprinkler system to burst and which released torrents of water
C.which caused the heads of the sprinkler system to burst, torrents of water were then released
D.causing the heads of the sprinkler system to burst, then releasing torrents of water
E.causing the heads of the sprinkler system to burst and release torrents of water
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Grammatical construction This sentence describes a causal sequence of events leading to flooded second-floor offices. One of the steps, sprinkler heads bursting, was presumably simultaneous with the release of torrents of water, so it is best to present these events as actions attached to the same subject (heads of the sprinkler system). The sentence as given attempts to explain the sequence in a chain of relative clauses, using the pronoun which to introduce successive steps. The precise referent of this relative pronoun is somewhat obscure—it appears to refer to the entire preceding clause—and the sequence separates the simultaneous bursting of heads and releasing of water into two temporally separate events. A. The referent of the second which is obscure, and the sentence implausibly separates bursting heads and releasing of torrents into two temporally separate events. B. Joining the relative pronouns with the conjunction and makes the freezing of the water pipes the subject of both caused... and released.... Thus, it seems to indicate, somewhat implausibly, that the freezing of the pipes directly released torrents of water independently of its causing the sprinkler heads to burst. C. The passive verb were... released obscures the causal sequence behind the releasing of torrents of water. The introduction of a new independent clause without a conjunction is ungrammatical and makes this version a run-on sentence. D. As in (B), the structure of this version makes the freezing of the pipes the subject of both causing... and releasing The introduction of the sequential marker then divides the bursting of heads and releasing of torrents of water into two separate events in the sequence. It indicates, implausibly, that the pipes' freezing directly released torrents of water after it had also caused the sprinkler heads to burst. E. Correct. The elimination of the relative pronouns clarifies the causal sequence of events, and the double infinitives to burst and (to) release underscores the simultaneity of these events. The correct answer is E.
4. Archaeologists in Ireland believe that a recently discovered chalice, which dates from the eighth century, was probably buried to keep from being stolen by invaders.
A.to keep from
B.to keep it from
C.to avoid
D.in order that it would avoid
E.in order to keep from
A B C D E
B
[解析] Grammatical construction; Logical predication The phrase to keep from being stolen is incomplete and does not indicate what might be stolen. Inserting a pronoun makes it clear that it is the chalice that might be stolen. A. The pronoun it is needed for clarity. B. Correct. The sentence is clarified by inserting the word it, which refers back to chalice. C. This suggests that the chalice acts to prevent its own theft. The pronoun it is needed for clarity. D. This suggests that the chalice acts to prevent its own theft. The pronoun it is needed for clarity. In order that it would is wordy. E. The pronoun it is needed for clarity. The correct answer is B.
5. The bank holds $3 billion in loans that are seriously delinquent or in such trouble that they do not expect payments when due.
A.they do not expect payments when
B.it does not expect payments when it is
C.it does not expect payments to be made when they are
D.payments are not to be expected to be paid when
E.payments are not expected to be paid when they will be
A B C D E
C
[解析] Agreement; Logical predication; Verb form The plural pronoun they cannot be used to refer to the singular noun bank. The structure of they do not expect payments when due is awkward and unclear. A. Bank requires the singular pronoun it, not the plural pronoun they. The structure of when due creates ambiguity in meaning. B. Payments is a plural noun, so the singular it is is incorrect. C. Correct. In this correct sentence, pronouns and their referents agree, as do subjects and their verbs. The addition of the modifying phrase to be made clarifies the meaning of the sentence. D. The active voice is preferable here, since the passive voice leaves it unclear who does not expect the payments to be made. Payments... to be paid is redundant. Are not to be incorrectly suggests that the writer is prescribing that the payments not be expected. E. The active voice is preferable here, since the passive voice leaves it unclear who does not expect the payments to be made. Payments... to be paid is redundant. Will be is not the correct verb form. The correct answer is C.
6. A researcher claims that a tornado of a given size and strength is likely to cause more deaths, both proportionately and in absolute numbers, in the southeastern region of the United States than in the northeastern.
A.A researcher claims that a tornado of a given size and strength is likely to cause more deaths, both proportionately and in absolute numbers, in the southeastern region of the United States than in the northeastern.
B.A researcher claims that a tornado, if of a given size and strength, is likely both proportionately and in absolute numbers to cause more deaths in the southeastern region of the United States than in the northeastern.
C.A researcher claims that, with a tornado of a given size and strength, it is likely to cause more death, both proportionately and in absolute numbers, in the southeastern rather than in the northeastern region of the United States.
D.If a tornado is of a given size and strength, a researcher claims, it is more likely, both proportionately and in absolute numbers, to cause death if it is in the southeastern region of the United States rather than in the northeastern region.
E.Both proportionately and in absolute numbers, a researcher claims that a tornado of a given size and strength is likely to cause more deaths in the southeastern region of the United States rather than in the northeastern.
A B C D E
A
[解析] Grammatical construction; Diction The sentence clearly and correctly reports a researcher's claim about the relative incidence of fatalities from a tornado of any given size in two different regions of the United States. It states that the incidence of fatalities in the southeastern region would be greater both in number and as a percentage of the affected population than would the incidence in the northeastern region. Some issues to note about the erroneous sentences are: use of rather than instead of simply than; use of the singular death instead of the plural; the placement of the adverbial phrase both proportionately...numbers; and the use of if-statements. A. Correct. The sentence, though expressing a complex thought, does so clearly and coherently and avoids errors related to the issues mentioned. B. The researcher's claim is not that a tornado of a certain magnitude is likely to cause more fatalities in the southeastern than in the northeastern region; rather the claim is that a tornado of any given magnitude will cause more deaths in the southeastern region than in the northeastern. C. This sentence is unnecessarily awkward because of the adverbial phrase beginning with and the use of it to refer to a tornado. The singular death does not go well with the mention of numbers, which indicates the counting of individual deaths. The number of deaths in one region is being compared with the number in another; for that purpose, rather than is unidiomatic, as opposed to than. D. Beginning the sentence with this if-clause suggests that the claimed likelihood of variation in regional incidence of fatalities is conditional on the tornado being of a certain minimum size and strength. Nothing suggests that this is the claim that the given sentence meant to attribute to the researcher. Also, the matter at issue is not whether there would be any death (singular) but rather what the incidence of fatalities (plural) would be in each of two different regions. Another error is that the placement of the adverbial phrase both proportionately... numbers makes it function as a modifier of the verbal phrase is more likely. E. The placement of the adverbial phrase both proportionately...numbers seems nonsensically to make it modify the verb claims, and does not reflect the intended meaning of the given sentence. The use of rather than instead of than is an incorrect usage for the comparison intended. The correct answer is A.
7. Heirloom tomatoes, grown from seeds saved from the previous year, only look less appetizing than their round and red supermarket cousins, often green and striped, or have plenty of bumps and bruises, but are more flavorful.
A.cousins, often green and striped, or have plenty of bumps and bruises, but are
B.cousins, often green and striped, or with plenty of bumps and bruises, although
C.cousins, often green and striped, or they have plenty of bumps and bruises, although they are
D.cousins; they are often green and striped, or with plenty of bumps and bruises, although
E.cousins; they are often green and striped, or have plenty of bumps and bruises, but they are
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Grammatical construction The sentence is intended to say that, although heirloom tomatoes may appear to be less appetizing than the round, red supermarket variety, the often green and striped or bumpy and bruised heirloom tomatoes actually are more flavorful. Any version of the sentence in which green and striped, have bumps and bruises, or are more flavorful appear to modify round and red supermarket cousins is ill-formed. A. In this version of the sentence, often green and striped, have plenty of bumps and bruises, and are more flavorful all illogically appear to modify round and red supermarket cousins rather than heirloom tomatoes. B. In this version of the sentence as well, often green and striped, with plenty of bumps and bruises, and although more flavorful all illogically appear to modify round and red supermarket cousins rather than heirloom tomatoes. C. In this version of the sentence, often green and striped illogically appears to modify round and red supermarket cousins rather than heirloom tomatoes. D. Although in this version green and striped and with plenty of bumps and bruises clearly, and correctly, modify heirloom tomatoes, the or in they are often green and striped, or with plenty of bumps and bruises is unnecessary and awkward. Furthermore, the final clause is ungrammatical and should say although they are more flavorful. E. Correct. In this version of the sentence, green and striped, with plenty of bumps and bruises, and are more flavorful clearly, and correctly, modify heirloom tomatoes, and the phrases in the sentence are appropriately parallel with one another. The correct answer is E.
8. Faced with an estimated $2 billion budget gap, the city's mayor proposed a nearly 17 percent reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to maintain the city's major cultural institutions and to subsidize hundreds of local arts groups.
A.proposed a nearly 17 percent reduction in the amount allocated the previous year to maintain the city's major cultural institutions and to subsidize
B.proposed a reduction from the previous year of nearly 17 percent in the amount it was allocating to maintain the city's major cultural institutions and for subsidizing
C.proposed to reduce, by nearly 17 percent, the amount from the previous year that was allocated for the maintenance of the city's major cultural institutions and to subsidize
D.has proposed a reduction from the previous year of nearly 17 percent of the amount it was allocating for maintaining the city's major cultural institutions, and to subsidize
E.was proposing that the amount they were allocating be reduced by nearly 17 percent from the previous year for maintaining the city's major cultural institutions and for the subsidization
A B C D E
A
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Parallelism The original sentence contains no errors. It uses the parallel construction to maintain and to subsidize to show clearly the two areas where the 17percent reduction in funds will be applied. In addition, the 17 percent reduction is closely followed by the amount allocated the previous year, making it clear what is being reduced by 17 percent. A. Correct. The sentence uses parallel construction and a well-placed modifier. B. To maintain and for subsidizing are not parallel. The sentence is imprecise, and it does not have a clear antecedent. C. For the maintenance and to subsidize are not parallel, and the sentence is wordy. D. For maintaining and to subsidize are not parallel, it does not have a dear antecedent, and the sentence structure makes it unclear just what the writer is claiming. E. Maintaining and the subsidization are not parallel, they does not have a clear antecedent, and the sentence structure makes it unclear just what the writer is claiming. The correct answer is A.
9. In the textbook publishing business, the second quarter is historically weak, because revenues are low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare for the coming school year.
A.low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare
B.low and their marketing expenses are high as they prepare
C.low with higher marketing expenses in preparation
D.low, while marketing expenses are higher to prepare
E.low, while their marketing expenses are higher in preparation
A B C D E
A
[解析] Parallelism; Logical predication This sentence is correctly written. It uses parallel structure to give two reasons why textbook publishers have weak second quarters: revenues are low and expenses are high. The construction as companies prepare for the coming school year is clear, as opposed to the awkward constructions using the ambiguous plural pronouns they and their. A. Correct. This sentence uses the parallel forms are low... are high and employs the unambiguous companies as the subject of prepare. B. Their seems illogically to refer to revenues. The subject of prepare is the ambiguous they. C. Higher is not parallel to low, and it gives no indication of what the comparison is supposed to be (Higher than what?). This construction makes it appear, illogically, that the low revenues have higher marketing expenses. D. Higher is not parallel to low and is illogical. The infinitive construction to prepare... is awkward. E. Higher is not parallel to low and is illogical since no comparison is being made; their has no clear referent. The correct answer is A.
10. Because of the sharp increases in the price of gold and silver, the value of Monica Taylor's portfolio rose as her daughter-in-law's dropped.
A.as her daughter-in-law's dropped
B.while her daughter-in-law's has dropped
C.as there was a drop in her daughter-in-law's
D.while that of her daughter-in-law's dropped
E.as it dropped for her daughter-in-law's
A B C D E
D
[解析] Parallelism; Rhetorical construction The sentence attempts to explain two opposing trends in portfolio value: the value of one person's portfolio rose as the value of another person's portfolio dropped. Note, however, that the sentence as given here refers to a rise in value and a drop in a portfolio: this indicates a failure in required parallelism. The comparison, properly expressed, would mention the value of Monica Taylor's portfolio and the value of her daughter-in-law's portfolio. A. This is incorrect because it refers to the daughter-in-law's portfolio, not to the value of her portfolio. B. The conjunction while is appropriate here, but the sentence lacks the parallelism needed to clearly compare the opposing trends in portfolio value. C. This is wordy and lacks the required parallelism already mentioned. D. Correct. The phrase that of her daughter-in-law's is a way of referring to the value of her daughter-in-law's portfolio. The antecedent of that is the value. The phrase Monica Taylor's portfolio is parallel to her daughter-in-law's portfolio; each involves a noun with a possessive that functions adjectivally. The word portfolio is understood, not explicit. E. Lacking the parallelism noted, this is unnecessarily awkward. Structurally, the pronoun it can logically have as antecedent either the value of Monica Taylor's portfolio or Monica Taylor's portfolio, but neither of these readings yields a correct sentence. The correct answer is D.
11. Ms. Chambers is among the forecasters who predict that the rate of addition to arable lands will drop while those of loss rise.
A.those of loss rise
B.it rises for loss
C.those of losses rise
D.the rate of loss rises
E.there are rises for the rate of loss
A B C D E
D
[解析] Logical predication; Parallelism The forecaster is making predictions about two different rates. The forecast changes in the rates can be compared using the construction the rate of x will drop while the rate of y rises; x and y should be parallel A. There is no referent for those. B. It refers to the rate of addition, creating a nonsensical statement. C. There is no referent for those. Of losses should be singular to parallel of addition. D. Correct. This sentence uses a construction that clearly states the predicted changes in the rates; the rates are expressed in parallel ways. E. There are rises for is wordy and unidiomatic. The correct answer is D.
12. In keeping with her commitment to her Christian faith, Sojourner Truth demonstrated as a public speaker a dedication both to the nonviolent abolition of slavery as well as for women to be emancipated.
A.a dedication both to the nonviolent abolition of slavery as well as for women to be emancipated
B.her being dedicated to both the nonviolent abolishing of slavery as well as for women's emancipation
C.a dedication to both the nonviolent abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women
D.that she was dedicated both to abolishing slavery nonviolently and to emancipate women
E.her dedication both to the nonviolent abolition of slavery and emancipation of women
A B C D E
C
[解析] Parallelism; Rhetorical construction The sentence describes Sojourner Truth's dedication, as a public speaker, to the nonviolent abolition of slavery and to the emancipation of women. It thus provides a list of two things that Sojourner Truth was dedicated to: the nonviolent abolition of slavery and the emancipation of women. Although there are various ways of describing this list, the two dements need to be described in a parallel fashion. A. This sentence begins the description of the list with the beginning of the construction both to... and to. If implemented properly, this construction will describe the elements of the list in parallel. However, as the sentence is written, the second element of the list, as for women to be emancipated, is not parallel to the first element, to the nonviolent abolition of slavery. B. This sentence, with to before both, begins the description of the list with a somewhat different construction than Sentence A does. In this case, the nonviolent abolishing of slavery needs to be made parallel with for women's emancipation. As written, the sentence presents a severe case of lack of parallelism. C. Correct. This sentence correctly implements the construction to both... and.... In particular, the nonviolent abolition of slavery is parallel to the emancipation of women. D. This sentence begins the description of the list with the same construction as in sentence A, both to... and to In this case, abolishing slavery nonviolently is not parallel to emancipate women. E. This sentence uses the same construction as in sentences A and D: both to... and to In this case, to the nonviolent abolition of slavery is not parallel to emancipation of women. If to the were inserted immediately before emancipation of women, then the parallelism issue would be resolved. The correct answer is C.
13. Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, and they occupy a small fraction of the species' former range.
A.Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, and they occupy a small fraction of the species' former range.
B.Less than 400 Sumatran rhinos, surviving on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, occupy a small fraction of the species' former range.
C.Occupying a small fraction of the species' former range, the Malay peninsula and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo are where fewer than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive.
D.Occupying a small fraction of the species' former range, fewer than 400 Sumatran rhinos survive on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
E.Surviving on the Malay peninsula and on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, less than 400 Sumatran rhinos occupy a small fraction of the species' former range.
A B C D E
D
[解析] Diction; Logical Predication Because the number of Sumatran rhinos has been given, the comparative term fewer rather than less should be used to account for their numbers. In order to clarify that habitat currently occupied by the rhinos is but a small fraction of their former range, the information about their dwindling habitat is most efficiently presented in an opening participial phrase describing the rhinos, followed by a main clause in which the number of surviving rhinos is the subject, with the predicate explaining where the rhinos currently live. By presenting the information about the population and range of rhinos in two separate independent clauses, the sentence as written does not clarify that the former range of the rhinos once extended beyond the peninsula and the islands. A. Less is inappropriate for describing the specific number of surviving Sumatran rhinos. The separate independent clauses obscure the fact that the rhinos' range used to extend beyond the peninsula and the two islands. The referent of they is unclear. B. Less is inappropriate for describing the specific number of surviving Sumatran rhinos. By using a nonrestrictive phrase surviving..., the sentence suggests that fewer than 400 rhinos—perhaps only a portion of the total number—occupy a small fraction of the species' former range. C. The opening participial phrase somewhat illogically modifies peninsula and... islands rather than the rhinos. D. Correct. The opening participial phrase correctly modifies fewer than 400... rhinos, a phrase that uses the correct comparative term. E. The comparative term less is inappropriate for describing the number of rhinos. The correct answer is D.
14. Certain pesticides can become ineffective if used repeatedly in the same place; one reason is suggested by the finding that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils that are free of such chemicals.
A.Certain pesticides can become ineffective if used repeatedly in the same place; one reason is suggested by the finding that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils that are free of such chemicals.
B.If used repeatedly in the same place, one reason that certain pesticides can become ineffective is suggested by the finding that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils that are free of such chemicals.
C.If used repeatedly in the same place, one reason certain pesticides can become ineffective is suggested by the finding that much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes are found in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than those that are free of such chemicals.
D.The finding that there are much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in soils that are free of such chemicals is suggestive of one reason, if used repeatedly in the same place, certain pesticides can become ineffective.
E.The finding of much larger populations of pesticide-degrading microbes in soils with a relatively long history of pesticide use than in those that are free of such chemicals suggests one reason certain pesticides can become ineffective if used repeatedly in the same place.
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction The sentence is correctly constructed; it has two independent clauses connected by a semicolon. If used repeatedly in the same place clearly and correctly modifies certain pesticides. A. Correct. The sentence is correctly constructed; the modifier if used repeatedly in the same place is correctly placed. B. If used repeatedly in the same place modifies one reason when it should modify certain pesticides. C. If used repeatedly in the same place modifies one reason when it should modify certain pesticides. The absence of in in the phrase than those ... makes the comparison unclear. D. If used repeatedly in the same place ambiguously modifies one reason when it should clearly modify certain pesticides. E. The comparison the finding of much larger populations ... than in those that... is improperly constructed in a way that makes the finding appear to refer awkwardly to a discovery of larger populations rather than to a research conclusion about the presence of such populations. The correct answer is A.
15. While some academicians believe that business ethics should be integrated into every business course, others say that students will take ethics seriously only if it would be taught as a separately required course.
A.only if it would be taught as a separately required course
B.only if it is taught as a separate, required course
C.if it is taught only as a course required separately
D.if it was taught only as a separate and required course
E.if it would only be taught as a required course, separately
A B C D E
B
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Verb form; Diction Conditional constructions require specific verb tenses. For a present condition, like this debate between academicians, the subordinate clause introduced by if uses the present indicative, and the main clause uses the future tense: y will happen (main clause) only if x happens (subordinate clause). Logically, the course is to be both separate and required, so the two adjectives should equally modify the noun and thus be separated by a comma: separate, required course. A. The verb tense in the if clause is incorrect. The adverb separately should be the adjective separate. B. Correct. This sentence has the correct verb tense, and the two adjectives equally modify the noun. C. The placement of only distorts the meaning; it should precede if. A course required separately is unclear. D. The verb tense in the if clause is incorrect. The placement of only distorts the meaning. E. The verb tense in the if clause is incorrect. The placement of only distorts the meaning. The adjective separate should be used instead of the adverb separately and should precede the noun. The correct answer is B.
16. Whether they will scale back their orders to pre-2003 levels or stop doing business with us altogether depends on whether the changes that their management has proposed will be fully implemented.
A.Whether they will scale back their orders to pre-2003 levels or stop doing business with us altogether depends on whether the changes that their management has proposed will be fully implemented.
B.Whether they scale back their orders to pre-2003 levels or whether they discontinue their business with us altogether depends on the changes their management has proposed, if fully implemented or not.
C.Their either scaling back their orders in the future to pre-2003 levels, or their outright termination of business with us, depends on their management's proposed changes being fully implemented or not.
D.Whether they will scale back their orders to pre-2003 levels or stop doing business with us altogether depends if the changes that their management has proposed become fully implemented.
E.They will either scale back their orders to pre-2003 levels, or they will stop doing business with us altogether dependent on whether the changes their management has proposed will be fully implemented, or not.
A B C D E
A
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Diction This sentence expresses a dependency between two sets of options: the first is scaling back orders versus stopping all business, and the second is fully implementing changes versus not fully implementing changes. In each case, the most succinct way to express the two options is the whether X (or Y) construction, which immediately and clearly signals the presence of two opposed options. In linking the two sets of options, depend or dependent requires the preposition on. A. Correct. Each set of options is expressed concisely with a single whether, and depend is followed by on. B. The first set of options is expressed by means of a second, redundant and illogical whether, the second set is expressed in an unclear way, unnecessarily delaying the identification of the two options until the very end. Depends on the changes... if fully implemented or not makes the meaning unclear. This could be an awkward way of trying to say that the outcome depends on whether the changes will be made, but it could just as plausibly be an attempt to say that the outcome depends on the changes, regardless of whether the changes will be fully implemented. C. Both sets of options are expressed without whether, and the first set does not even explicitly say that there is such an option. As a result, the existence of two dependent sets of options is unclear until the end of the sentence. D. The first set of options is correctly expressed with whether, but the second is not; also, depend lacks a following preposition on. E. Both sets of options are expressed without whether, and the first set does not even explicitly signal the existence of options, so the existence of two dependent sets of options is unclear until the end of the sentence. The correct answer is A.
17. Until 1868 and Disraeli, Great Britain had no prime ministers not coming from a landed family.
A.Until 1868 and Disraeli, Great Britain had no prime ministers not coming
B.Until 1868 and Disraeli, Great Britain had had no prime ministers who have not come
C.Until Disraeli in 1868, there were no prime ministers in Great Britain who have not come
D.It was not until 1868 that Great Britain had a prime minister—Disraeli—who did not come
E.It was only in 1868 and Disraeli that Great Britain had one of its prime ministers not coming
A B C D E
D
[解析] Verb form; Idiom This sentence explains how Disraeli marked a turning point in British history: he was the first prime minister who did not come from the landed gentry. The placement of the double negative is crucial. While no prime ministers not coming from... is hard to untangle, [n]or until... that Great Britain had a prime minister who did not come... separates the negatives into separate clauses, making them easier to decode. An appropriate way to express the temporal relationship is to use the idiomatic phrase not until... that. A. The phrase noprime ministers not coming is unnecessarily confusing. It is also confusing to follow the preposition untilwith two very different types of objects—a date and a person. B. As in (A), the double negative and unlike objects of the prepositional phrase starting with until are confusing. Additionally, the verb form have not come, which is the present-perfect tense, is inappropriate following the past perfect had had in this context. C. The present-perfect tense (have not come) is inappropriate after the past tense were in this context. Until Disraeli is imprecise and incomplete. Before Disraeli's term in 1868... or Until Disraeli became prime minster in 1868 would work. D. Correct. This version correctly uses the idiomatic construction not until... that, and it correctly uses past tense throughout. E. While it makes sense to say that a historical change occurred in 1868, it does not make sense to say that it occurred in Disraeli. It is unidiomatic to say had one ofitsprime ministers not coming. The correct answer is D.
18. Around 1900, fishermen in the Chesapeake Bay area landed more than seventeen million pounds of shad in a single year, but by 1920, overfishing and the proliferation of milldams and culverts that have blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less than four million pounds.
A.that have blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less
B.that blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams had reduced landings to less
C.that blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams reduced landings to a lower amount
D.having blocked shad from migrating up their spawning streams reduced landings to less
E.having blocked shad migrations up their spawning streams had reduced landings to an amount lower
A B C D E
B
[解析] Diction; Verb form The point of this sentence is to explain how overfishing and interference with shad spawning streams affected the size of shad landings. The sentence makes this point by comparing the sizes of annual landings before and after 1920. The sentence most efficiently compares the poundage of pre- and post-1920 landings with the comparative form [from] more than... to less than A. The present-perfect tense of have blocked inappropriately describes an event that caused something to happen before 1920. In addition, migrations up their spawning streams is incorrect. B. Correct. The comparison of poundage is efficiently explained, and the sequence of tenses makes sense. Despite a possible superficial appearance of a comparison between countable things (pounds), less is more appropriate than fewer for the comparison. The fishermen landed different amounts offish; they did not land the number of pounds in terms of which those amounts are measured. C. The comparative expression to a lower amount is unnecessarily wordy. The past- perfect form had reduced would make the temporal relationships somewhat clearer than does the past tense reduced. D. The present-perfect participial phrase, having blocked... streams, should be set off in commas; as it stands, it does not make sense. The past-perfect form had reduced would make the temporal relationships somewhat clearer than does the past tense reduced. E. The present-perfect participial phrase must be set off'with commas; the pronoun their, which is also in (A), nonsensically refers to migrations, and the comparative expression to an amount lower is unnecessarily wordy. The correct answer is B.
19. By offering lower prices and a menu of personal communications options, such as caller identification and voice mail, the new telecommunications company has not only captured customers from other phone companies but also forced them to offer competitive prices.
A.has not only captured customers from other phone companies but also forced them
B.has not only captured customers from other phone companies, but it also forced them
C.has not only captured customers from other phone companies but also forced these companies
D.not only has captured customers from other phone companies but also these companies have been forced
E.not only captured customers from other phone companies, but it also has forced them
A B C D E
C
[解析] Parallelism, Verb form The sentence intends to show the effect of the new telecommunications company on the other phone companies. In the original sentence, however, the antecedent of the pronoun them is unclear; it may refer to companies or to customers. If it refers to customers, the sentence structure illogically has the new company forcing customers to offer competitive prices. A. The referent of them is unclear. B. The referent of them is unclear, and the use of it is redundant. C. Correct. The verbs are parallel in this sentence, and these companies is clearly the object of the verb forced. D. The sentence does not maintain parallelism, unnecessarily changing from active voice (has captured) to passive voice (have been forced). E. The referent of them is unclear. Captured and has forced are not parallel in verb tense, and the use of it is redundant. The correct answer is C.
20. After suffering $2 billion in losses and 25,000 layoffs, the nation's semiconductor industry, which makes chips that run everything from computers and spy satellites to dishwashers, appears to have made a long-awaited recovery.
A.computers and spy satellites to dishwashers, appears to have
B.computers, spy satellites, and dishwashers, appears having
C.computers, spy satellites, and dishwashers, appears that it has
D.computers and spy satellites to dishwashers, appears that it has
E.computers and spy satellites as well as dishwashers, appears to have
A B C D E
A
[解析] Idiom; Grammatical construction; Verb form This sentence correctly makes use of the idiomatic expression from... to... to describe the range of products made by the semiconductor industry. The main verb appears is intransitive and is most efficiently followed by the infinitive form to have made, which introduces a description of the subject, the semiconductor industry. A. Correct. The sentence is grammatically correct and uses the idiomatic expression correctly. B. The phrase everything from anticipates idiomatic completion with the second preposition to; without the to it could refer to components coming from the listed items, but this reading is unlikely; appears having is an incorrect verb form and makes the clause ungrammatical. C. This version is unidiomatic because from is not completed by to; appears that it has is an awkward and incorrect verb form. D. Appears that it has is an incorrect verb form. E. As well as is awkward and imprecise here; it is the wrong completion for the idiomatic expression from... to.... The correct answer is A.
21. Over a range of frequencies from i00 to 5,000 hertz, monkeys and marmosets have a hearing sensitivity remarkably similar to humans, above which the sensitivity begins to differ.
A.Over a range of frequencies from i00 to 5,000 hertz, monkeys and marmosets have a hearing sensitivity remarkably similar to humans
B.Compared to humans, the hearing sensitivity of monkeys and marmosets are remarkably similar over a range of frequencies from 100 to 5,000 hertz
C.Compared to humans over a range of frequencies from 100 to 5,000 hertz, the hearing sensitivity of monkeys and marmosets is remarkably similar
D.The hearing sensitivity of monkeys and marmosets, when compared to humans over a range of frequencies from 100 to 5,000 hertz, is remarkably similar
E.The hearing sensitivity of monkeys, marmosets, and humans is remarkably similar over a range of frequencies from 100 to 5,000 hertz
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Agreement This sentence expresses two ideas: the similarity in monkey, marmoset, and human hearing in the stated frequency range, and the divergence in hearing sensitivity above that range. The second idea is introduced by above which. Above which should be immediately preceded by the antecedent of which, that is, the 100-5,000 Hz range. Also, the subject and verb must agree in number. A. In this construction, above which... illogically modifies either humans or a hearing sensitivity remarkably similar to humans, rather than the frequency range. B. The singular subject in this version, the hearing sensitivity..., is not accompanied by the correct singular verb form (is). C. Above which is incorrectly preceded by similar, rather than by the expression of the frequency range. The sentence appears, illogically, to compare humans over a range of frequencies with monkeys' and marmosets' hearing sensitivity. D. Above which is incorrectly preceded by similar, rather than by the expression of the frequency range. The sentence appears, illogically, to compare humans over a range of frequencies with monkeys' and marmosets' hearing sensitivity. E. Correct. Above which is correctly preceded by a range of frequencies..., and the verb is is in its proper singular form. The correct answer is E.
22. The computer company has announced that it will purchase the color-printing division of a rival company for $950 million, which is part of a deal that will make it the largest manufacturer in the office color-printing market.
A.million, which is part of a deal that will make
B.million, a part of a deal that makes
C.million, a part of a deal making
D.million as a part of a deal to make
E.million as part of a deal that will make
A B C D E
E
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Verb form The relative pronoun which requires a clear antecedent, but none appears in the original version of the sentence. The company's announcement is entirely geared to the future—it will purchase the division as part of a deal that will make it the largest manufacturer. A. There is no antecedent for the relative pronoun which. B. Like a relative pronoun, the appositive phrase (a part...) must have a noun or noun phrase as a clear antecedent; the verb makes should be future tense. C. The appositive phrase requires a clear antecedent; making does not indicate future tense. D. This sentence is a little awkward (the article a in apart is unnecessary) and says something rather different; as a part of a deal to make suggests that the deal itself includes making the company the largest manufacturer rather than its being the outcome of the deal. E. Correct. The future tense is used throughout and the sentence structure is clear. The correct answer is E.
23. Kudzu, an Asian vine that has grown rampantly in the southern United States since introducing it in the 1920s to thwart soil erosion, has overrun many houses and countless acres of roadside.
A.that has grown rampantly in the southern United States since introducing it in the 1920s to thwart
B.that has grown rampantly in the southern United States, since it was introduced in the 1920s for thwarting
C.that has grown rampant in the southern United States since it was introduced in the 1920s to thwart
D.growing rampant in the southern United States since introducing it in the 1920s for thwarting
E.growing rampantly in the southern United States, since it was introduced in the 1920s to thwart
A B C D E
C
[解析] Idiom; Logical predication The sentence describes the destructive, out-of- control growth of the invasive vine kudzu in the southern United States. Because the sentence does not indicate who introduced the vine to that region, the passive construction it was introduced should be used instead of introducing it. A. There is no clear subject for the verb introducing. This construction appears to indicate that kudzu introduced itself or some other, unspecified thing. B. The adverbial clause since it was introduced in the 1920s should not be set off from has grown rampantly, which it modifies. Also, introduced...for thwarting is not idiomatic. Introduced... to thwart is the correct idiom. C. Correct. The sentence correctly uses the passive construction it was introduced and the idiom was introduced... to thwart. D. Since introducing it illogically indicates that the vine introduced itself. Introducing...for thwarting is unidiomatic. E. The adverbial clause since it was introduced in the 1920s should not be set off from has grown rampantly, which it modifies. The correct answer is C.
24. Unable to build nests or care for their young, a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and thrushes.
A.a female cowbird lays up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including
B.a female cowbird will use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of
C.female cowbirds use the nests of other birds to lay up to 40 eggs a year, including those of
D.female cowbirds lay up to 40 eggs a year in the nests of other birds, including
E.up to 40 eggs a year are laid by female cowbirds in the nests of other birds, including
A B C D E
D
[解析] Agreement; Logical predication This sentence describes the behavior of female cowbirds, but it begins by referring to the birds in plural (their young) and then shifts unexpectedly to singular (a female cowbird). The best construction refers to the birds consistently in plural and places modifiers near the words they modify. A. The sentence shifts unexpectedly from the plural their young to the singular a female cowbird. B. The sentence shifts unexpectedly from the plural their young to the singular a female cowbird. The participial phrase including those of incorrectly modifies eggs, illogically indicating that cowbirds lay the eggs of other birds. C. The participial phrase including those of incorrectly modifies eggs, illogically indicating that cowbirds lay the eggs of other birds. D. Correct. The sentence consistently refers to cowbirds in the plural and places modifiers in the correct location. E. The modifier Unable... young incorrectly modifies eggs. The correct answer is D.
25. Bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, whose repertory, views on musical collaboration, and vocal style were influential on generations of bluegrass artists, was also an inspiration to many musicians, that included Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music differed significantly from his own.
A.were influential on generations of bluegrass artists, was also an inspiration to many musicians, that included Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music differed significantly from
B.influenced generations of bluegrass artists, also inspired many musicians, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music differed significantly from
C.was influential to generations of bluegrass artists, was also inspirational to many musicians, that included Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music was different significantly in comparison to
D.was influential to generations of bluegrass artists, also inspired many musicians, who included Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, the music of whom differed significantly when compared to
E.were an influence on generations of bluegrass artists, was also an inspiration to many musicians, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Garcia, whose music was significantly different from that of
A B C D E
B
[解析] Agreement; Rhetorical construction; Grammatical construction The original sentence logically intends to explain that Monroe's work influenced generations of artists in his own musical field and that he inspired many musicians in other musical fields. Who or what influenced or inspired whom must be more clearly stated. Additionally, the original sentence lacks precision, being overly wordy and using phrases that are not idiomatic. Concise and consistent verb forms, as well as the use of subordinate phrases rather than clauses, improve the precision of the sentence. A. The phrase were influential on is wordy and is not idiomatic; the use of verb forms were (the predicate of repertory, views, and style) and was (the predicate of Monroe) is confusing. B. Correct. The use of the concise verb forms of influenced and inspired simplifies and clarifies the sentence. The concise use of including avoids the pronoun error and unnecessary wordiness. C. The subject and verb do not agree in repertory, views, and style... was (compound subject with singular verb). Was influential to and different... in comparison to are unnecessarily wordy. D. There is incorrect subject-verb agreement in repertory, views, and style... was (compound subject with singular verb). Was influential to and in when compared to are unnecessarily wordy. The music of whom is cumbersome and stilted. E. The phrase were an influence on is wordy and not idiomatic. The phrases was also an inspiration to and was significantly different are unnecessarily wordy. The phrase from that of is unclear and confusing. The correct answer is B.
26. In many of the world's regions, increasing pressure on water resources has resulted both from expanding development, changes in climate, and from pollution, so that the future supply in some of the more arid areas is a concern going forward.
A.both from expanding development, changes in climate, and from pollution, so that the future supply in some of the more arid areas is a concern going forward
B.both from expanding development or changes in climate, and pollution, so that future supplies in some of the more arid areas are a concern
C.from expanding development, changes in climate, and also from pollution, so that the future supply in some of the more arid areas is a matter of concern going forward
D.from expanding development, changes in climate, and pollution, so that future supplies in some of the more arid areas are a concern
E.from expansion of development, changes in climate, and from pollution, so that supplies in some of the more arid areas are a future concern
A B C D E
D
[解析] Parallelism; Rhetorical construction The sentence lists three factors that have increased pressure on water resources and expresses concern for future water supplies in arid regions. The preposition both creates confusion since it indicates two factors, when the sentence actually lists three. If expanding development and changes in climate are supposed to be grouped together—implausibly—as a single factor, they should be conjoined by and, not separated by commas. The sentence could be constructed most clearly by listing all three factors in parallel form as objects of the preposition from: from expanding development, changes in climate, and pollution. A. The preposition both creates confusion since it indicates two factors, when the sentence actually lists three. B. Both indicates that there are two factors. If the entire disjunction expanding development or changes in climate is intended—somewhat implausibly—to be the first of the two factors, the comma before and pollution makes its relationship to the preceding portion of the sentence unclear. C. Repetition of the preposition from disrupts the parallelism of the list and makes the meaning unclear. D. Correct. The three factors are listed in parallel form as objects of the preposition from. E. Repetition of the preposition from disrupts the parallelism of the list and makes the meaning unclear. Future somewhat implausibly modifies concern rather than supplies. The correct answer is D.
27. The computer company's present troubles are a result of technological stagnation, marketing missteps, and managerial blunders so that several attempts to revise corporate strategies have failed to correct it.
A.so that several attempts to revise corporate strategies have failed to correct it
B.so that several attempts at revising corporate strategies have failed to correct
C.in that several attempts at revising corporate strategies have failed to correct them
D.that several attempts to revise corporate strategies have failed to correct
E.that several attempts at revising corporate strategies have failed to correct them
A B C D E
D
[解析] Agreement; Rhetorical construction This sentence lists three causes of the company's troubles and asserts that strategies to correct the causes of the problems have failed. The clearest, most efficient way to explain this is to refer to the causes with the relative pronoun that, positioning it as an object of the verb failed to correct. A. The singular pronoun it has no clear antecedent; the conjunction so typically indicates that a consequence will follow, but this is not the case. B. The conjunction so is inappropriate because no consequences are given; the verb correct has no object. C. In that is an inappropriate connector because it is not followed by an indication of how the company's troubles result from the three problems listed in the first part of the sentence. D. Correct. The sentence is clearly and efficiently worded, and the referent of the pronoun that is clear. E. Because attempts is the subject of the final clause, and that is the object of its verb (have failed to correct), the pronoun them has no function. The correct answer is D.
28. The root systems of most flowering perennials either become too crowded, which results in loss in vigor, and spread too far outward, producing a bare center.
A.which results in loss in vigor, and spread
B.resulting in loss in vigor, or spreading
C.with the result of loss of vigor, or spreading
D.resulting in loss of vigor, or spread
E.with a resulting loss of vigor, and spread
A B C D E
D
[解析] Idiom; Parallelism This sentence uses the construction either x or y; x and y must be grammatically parallel. In this case, and spread must be or spread. The antecedent of which is unclear; replacing which results with resulting clarifies the meaning. A. Either is incorrectly followed by and; which has no clear referent. B. Or spreading is not parallel to either become. C. With the result of is wordy and awkward. Or spreading is not parallel to either become. D. Correct. The phrase resulting in loss of vigor concisely modifies the first clause; the either/or construction is correct and parallel in this sentence. E. Either is incorrectly followed by and; with a resulting loss is wordy. The correct answer is D.
29. In theory, international civil servants at the United Nations are prohibited from continuing to draw salaries from their own governments; in practice, however, some governments merely substitute living allowances for their employees' paychecks, assigned by them to the United Nations.
A.for their employees' paychecks, assigned by them
B.for the paychecks of their employees who have been assigned
C.for the paychecks of their employees, having been assigned
D.in place of their employees' paychecks, for those of them assigned
E.in place of the paychecks of their employees to have been assigned by them
A B C D E
B
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction It is difficult to tell which parts of this sentence go together because of errors and confusion in the underlined portion. Living allowances is the counterpart of paychecks, so it is better to say governments... substitute living allowances for the paychecks of their employees because it makes the substitution dearer. This change also makes it easier to correct the modification error that appears in the phrase assigned by them, which incorrectly modifies paychecks rather than employees. The modifying clause who have been assigned clearly describes employees and fits into the remaining part of the sentence, to the United Nations. A. Assigned by them incorrectly and illogically modifies paychecks. B. Correct. In this sentence, the meaning is clearer, because paychecks is separated from employees. The relative clause clearly modifies employees. C. Having been assigned illogically modifies governments. D. The correct construction is substitutes x for y, not substitutes x in place of y. The construction following paychecks is wordy and awkward. E. The correct construction is substitutes x for y, not substitutes x in place of y. The construction following employees is wordy and awkward. The correct answer is B.
30. Industry analysts said that the recent rise in fuel prices may be an early signal of the possibility of gasoline and heating oil prices staying higher than usually through the end of the year.
A.of the possibility of gasoline and heating oil prices staying higher than usually through
B.of the possibility that gasoline and heating oil prices could stay higher than usual throughout
C.of prices of gasoline and heating oil possibly staying higher than usually through
D.that prices of gasoline and heating oil could stay higher than they usually are throughout
E.that prices of gasoline and heating oil will stay higher than usual through
A B C D E
E
[解析] Verb form; Idiom This sentence describes analysts' prediction about prices for gasoline and heating oil. The speculative nature of the analysts' comments is communicated through the modal verb may be, so there is no need to reiterate that idea with the wordy phrase of the possibility of. The correct idiom to contrast prices with the norm is higher than usual—not usually, as written. The correct idiom to indicate the span of time from the present to the end of the year is through the end of the yearn A simple future tense verb would concisely communicate the analysts' prediction: prices will stay higher than usual through the end of the year. A. The unnecessary phrase of the possibility of makes the sentence wordy; higher than usually is not a proper idiom. B. The unnecessary phrase of the possibility that makes the sentence wordy; throughout the end of the year is not a proper idiom. C. Possibly is redundant with may and is not needed to indicate the speculative nature of the prediction; higher than usually is not a proper idiom. D. The conditional verb tense could stay is incorrect since the modal verb may has already introduced the concept of possibility; throughout the end of the year is not a proper idiom. E. Correct. The simple future tense verb will stay expresses the analysts' prediction, and idioms are used correctly. The correct answer is E.
31. The Anasazi settlements at Chaco Canyon were built on a spectacular scale, with more than 75 carefully engineered structures, of up to 600 rooms each, were connected by a complex regional system of roads.
A.scale, with more than 75 carefully engineered structures, of up to 600 rooms each, were
B.scale, with more than 75 carefully engineered structures, of up to 600 rooms each,
C.scale of more than 75 carefully engineered structures of up to 600 rooms, each that had been
D.scale of more than 75 carefully engineered structures of up to 600 rooms and with each
E.scale of more than 75 carefully engineered structures of up to 600 rooms, each had been
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical predication; Grammatical construction This sentence makes a claim about the scale (size, extent) of the Anasazi settlements and then illustrates that claim with a description of the settlements' structures. The second part of the sentence, introduced by the preposition with, describes the structures first in terms of their rooms and then in terms of the roads that connect them together. To describe the noun structures, the participial form connected should be used, turning the verb into an adjective. A. The verb were connected has no subject, since structures is the object of the preposition with. B. Correct. The sentence is logically coherent and grammatically correct. C. The comma preceding each makes each a subject, but it has no verb, since that is the subject of had been connected. D. This sentence suggests that the scale or size of the settlements is made up of structures, rather than uses the structures as an example of the settlements' grand scale; it also nonsensically indicates that each room is connected by a complex system of roads. E. This run-on sentence suffers from a comma splice, as the phrase following the comma is a main clause; the referent of the pronoun each is ambiguous. The correct answer is B.
32. Even though the overall consumer price index did not change in April, indicating the absence of any general inflation or deflation, prices in several categories of merchandise have fallen over the last several months.
A.April, indicating the absence of any general inflation or deflation, prices in several categories of merchandise have fallen
B.April, indicating that any general inflation or deflation were absent, prices in several categories of merchandise fell
C.April and indicated that absence of any general inflation or deflation, prices in several categories of merchandise fell
D.April, having indicated the absence of any general inflation or deflation, prices in several categories of merchandise fell
E.April, which indicated that any general inflation or deflation were absent, prices in several categories of merchandise have fallen
A B C D E
B
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Agreement Coordinated noun phrases in which singular nouns are linked by or are considered singular, so when the phrase any general inflation or deflation is a subject, it requires a singular verb. One of the answer choices incorrectly uses the word that. Another phrasing problem is with indicating/ indicated. Indicating works well as a verb form in the options where it occurs. A. Correct. Any general inflation or deflation is not a subject (it functions as the object of the preposition of), so there is no potential agreement problem. B. Were is incorrect as the agreeing form of be; it should be is. C. If that is taken as a demonstrative adjective modifying absence, it is inappropriate (the word the is required); if it is meant as a subordinating conjunction, it is incorrect because it is not followed by a clause. D. Having indicated is unclear and unnecessarily long. It appears to say, somewhat illogically, that the indication occurred at some unspecified time prior to the lack of change in April. Indicating works well alone and would be a preferable verb form here. E. Were here could only be meant either as a plural past-tense verb or as a singular subjunctive-mood verb (appropriate only in certain conditional contexts); in either case it is incorrect. Also, indicating works well, and the which-clause is unnecessary. The correct answer is A.
33. Despite Japan's relative isolation from world trade at the time, the prolonged peace during the Tokugawa shogunate produced an almost explosive expansion of commerce.
A.Japan's relative isolation from world trade at the time, the prolonged peace during the Tokugawa shogunate
B.the relative isolation of Japan from world trade at the time and the Tokugawa shogunate's prolonged peace, it
C.being relatively isolated from world trade at the time, the prolonged peace during Japan's Tokugawa shogunate
D.Japan's relative isolation from world trade at the time during the Tokugawa shogunate, prolonged peace
E.its relative isolation from world trade then, prolonged peace in Japan during the Tokugawa shogunate
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction All predicates must have a clear subject; in this sentence, the logical subject of the verb produced is the prolonged peace. During is a concise way to introduce the relevant time period of this peace (the period of the Tokugawa shogunate); the phrase at the time clearly refers to the same time period. A. Correct. The subject of produced is clearly and logically identified; during succinctly provides the time frame. B. The phrase at the time leaves it uncertain what time is being referred to. The subject it of produced does not clearly identify this verb's logical subject, since it is singular yet seems to be intended to refer to two situations previously mentioned, isolation and prolonged peace. C. Being relatively isolated is most likely meant to refer to Japan's isolation, but since grammatically it must modify the prolonged peace (the subject of the main clause), the sentence would have an illogical and unintended meaning. D. If at the time is to be used instead of during, it should be followed by of, the better choice is to simply use during by itself. E. The use of then after world trade is awkward and redundant, because during later in the sentence supplies the time frame for both Japan's isolation and the period of peace. The structure of the sentence leaves it(s) without a clear referent. The correct answer is A.
34. Government officials announced that restrictions on the use of water would continue because no appreciative increase in the level of the river resulted from the intermittent showers that had fallen throughout the area the day before.
A.restrictions on the use of water would continue because no appreciative increase in the level of the river
B.restricting the use of water would continue because there had not been any appreciative increase in the river's level that
C.the use of water would continue to be restricted because not any appreciable increase in the river's level had
D.restrictions on the use of water would continue because no appreciable increase in the level of the river had
E.using water Would continue being restricted because not any appreciable increase in the level of the river
A B C D E
D
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Logical predication; Verb form This sentence explains the rationale behind a governmental announcement made at some point in the past. The most efficient way to express the meaning of the announcement is to use restrictions as the subject of the clause introduced by that and to use a negative subject (no appreciable increase) and a positive verb in the subordinate clause that follows. A. It makes no sense to say that a hypothetical increase in river level is appreciative. The past tense of the verb resulted in this context does not as clearly express the temporal relationships between the announcement and the other events as would the past perfect had resulted. B. The use of there and the negative verb make the dependent clause unnecessarily wordy and indirect; the relative pronoun that appears to refer nonsensically to level. It makes no sense to say that a hypothetical increase in river level is appreciative. C. By making use of water instead of restrictions the subject of the that clause, this version of the sentence necessitates the use of a wordy and indirect passive infinitive phrase to be restricted. The sentence becomes even more wordy and convoluted with the introduction of an awkward, unidiomatic negative subject (not any appreciable increase) of the dependent clause. D. Correct. The sentence is direct and efficient, and the past-perfect verb had resulted appropriately expresses the sequence of events. E. The phrase using water... being restricted is wordy and imprecise, and the unidiomatic negative subject (not any appreciable increase) of the dependent clause introduces further indirection and wordiness. The past tense of the verb resulted in this context does not as clearly express the temporal relationships between the announcement and the other events as would the past perfect had resulted. The correct answer is D.
35. According to United States census data, while there was about one-third of mothers with young children working outside the home in 1975, in 2000, almost two-thirds of those mothers were employed outside the home.
A.while there was about one-third of mothers with young children working outside the home in 1975, in 2000, almost two-thirds of those mothers were employed outside the home
B.there were about one-third of mothers with young children who worked outside the home in 1975; in 2000, almost two-thirds of those mothers were employed outside the home
C.in 1975 about one-third of mothers with young children worked outside the home; in 2000, almost two-thirds of such mothers were employed outside the home
D.even though in 1975 there were about one-third of mothers with young children who worked outside the home, almost two-thirds of such mothers were employed outside the home in 2000
E.with about one-third of mothers with young children working outside the home in 1975, almost two-thirds of such mothers were employed outside the home in 2000
A B C D E
C
[解析] Idiom; Logical predication The sentence presents two pieces of data, one from the 1975 census and one from the 2000 census. It does not attempt to explain a logical relationship beyond the numerical difference. The incorrect versions of the sentence attempt but fail to make a logical connection between the two data (while..., even though..., and with...) and/or introduce unnecessary wordiness with the phrase there was or there were. The most efficient way to present the two data for reader comparison is in two parallel independent clauses joined by a semicolon. To avoid the confusion of misplaced or squinting modifiers, these clauses are best structured with subjects designating percentage of mothers with children, followed by participial phrases that indicate that these mothers worked or were employed outside the home. A. The phrase there was introduces unnecessary wordiness, and the singular verb was does not agree with the plural predicate nominative one-third of mothers with children. The placement of the modifier working outside the home immediately after children suggests that the children rather than the mothers were externally employed. B. There were introduces unnecessary wordiness; because of its placement, the relative clause who worked outside the home appears to describe children rather than mothers. C. Correct. The two pieces of data are presented in parallel independent clauses, joined by a semicolon, allowing the reader to note the numerical difference. D. The introductory phrase even though suggests a relationship between the two pieces of data that the sentence does not support; there were introduces unnecessary wordiness; who worked outside the home appears to describe young children. E. The introductory word with nonsensically suggests the simultaneity of the two pieces of data; the placement of the modifier working outside the home attaches it to young children rather than mothers. The correct answer is C.
36. Clouds are formed from the evaporation of the oceans' water that is warmed by the sun and rises high into the atmosphere, condensing in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust.
A.Clouds are formed from the evaporation of the oceans' water that is warmed by the sun and rises high into the atmosphere, condensing in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust.
B.Clouds form by the sun's warmth evaporating the water in the oceans, which rises high into the atmosphere, condensing in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust.
C.Warmed by the sun, ocean water evaporates, rises high into the atmosphere, and condenses in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust to form clouds.
D.The water in the oceans evaporates, warmed by the sun, rises high into the atmosphere, and condenses in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust, which forms clouds.
E.Ocean water, warmed by the sun, evaporates and rises high into the atmosphere, which then condenses in tiny droplets on minute particles of dust to form as clouds.
A B C D E
C
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Logical predication This sentence describes a multistep process by which ocean water is transformed into clouds. These steps are most clearly presented in chronological order, with ocean water as the main subject of the sentence. A. This sentence provides no sense of steps and illogically suggests that the oceans' water evaporates after it rises high into the atmosphere. B. The antecedent for the relative pronoun which is ambiguous, again suggesting that oceans rise high. C. Correct. The sequence of steps in a cloud's formation is clear. D. The nonchronological order of the steps by which clouds are produced is confusing, suggesting that dust forms clouds. E. The relative pronoun which grammatically refers to atmosphere, creating a nonsensical claim that the atmosphere, rather than the water, condenses. The correct answer is C.
37. Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by a parasitic worm, is prevalent in hot, humid climates, and it has become more widespread as irrigation projects have enlarged the habitat of the freshwater snails that are the parasite's hosts for part of its life cycle.
A.the freshwater snails that are the parasite's hosts for part of its life cycle
B.the freshwater snails that are the parasite's hosts in part of their life cycle
C.freshwater snails which become the parasite's hosts for part of its life cycles
D.freshwater snails which become the hosts of the parasite during the parasite's life cycles
E.parasite's hosts, freshwater snails which become their hosts during their life cycles
A B C D E
A
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Agreement This sentence explains the increased incidence of schistosomiasis as a consequence of the enlarged habitat of the kind of freshwater snails that host the parasitic worm responsible for the disease. The definite article is necessary before freshwater snails because the sentence identifies a particular type of snail, namely, those that host the parasite. The correct preposition to express duration in combination with host is for, not in. As the parasite is referred to as singular, the possessive pronoun in the final phrase must also be singular. A. Correct. The sentence is clear with all pronouns and verbs in agreement. B. The preposition in is inappropriate for expressing duration; the plural possessive pronoun their does not agree with the singular antecedent parasite. C. A definite article should precede freshwater snails to identify a particular type of snail; the plural cycles is inappropriate because its refers to a singular parasite, which only has one life cycle. D. A definite article is needed before freshwater snails; repetition of the word parasite makes the final phrase unnecessarily wordy; cycles should be singular. E. The repetition of hosts makes the final phrase unnecessarily wordy; cycles should be singular; their hosts should be its hosts; the referent for the second appearance of their is unclear—does it refer to snails or the parasite? The correct answer is A.
38. Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz was making the case for women's equality long before the cause had a name: Born in the mid-seventeenth century in San Miguel Nepantla, Mexico, the convent was the perfect environment for Sor Juana to pursue intellectual pursuits, achieving renown as a mathematician, poet, philosopher, and playwright.
A.the convent was the perfect environment for Sor Juana to pursue intellectual pursuits, achieving
B.Sor Juana found the convent provided the perfect environment for intellectual pursuits, and she went on to achieve
C.the convent provided the perfect environment for intellectual pursuits for Sor Juana; going on to achieve
D.Sor Juana found the convent provided the perfect environment for intellectual pursuits; achieving
E.the convent was, Sor Juana found, the perfect environment for intellectual pursuits, and she went on to achieve
A B C D E
B
[解析] Logical predication; Grammatical construction This sentence focuses on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, but the subject of its second clause is the convent. This causes a problem because the predicates born and achieving, which have only understood subjects, are grammatically paired with the convent, an illogical subject. Also, normally where a semicolon is used to mark the end of an independent clause (as in some of the options), it should be followed by another independent clause. A. The convent is the subject of the second clause, so both born and achieving are illogically forced to take it as their subject. B. Correct. Sor Juana provides the correct logical subject for born and went on to achieve; the second clause is correctly introduced by and, and is constructed as a full clause with a subject and tensed verb. C. As the convent is the subject of the second clause, born is illogically forced to take that phrase as its subject. Also, the clause after the semicolon is not an independent full clause with a subject and a tensed verb; she went on is required instead of going on. D. The clause after the semicolon is not an independent full clause with a subject and a tensed verb: she achieved is required instead of achieving. E. Since the convent is the subject of the second clause, born must illogically take that phrase as its subject. The correct answer is B.
39. By devising an instrument made from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employing uncommonly precise measurements, in 1797-1798 Henry Cavendish's apparatus enabled him to arrive at an astonishingly accurate figure for the weight of the earth.
A.By devising an instrument made from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employing uncommonly precise measurements, in 1797-1798 Henry Cavendish's apparatus enabled him
B.In 1797-1798, by devising an instrument made from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employing uncommonly precise measurements, Henry Cavendish's apparatus enabled him
C.Henry Cavendish devised an instrument made from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employed uncommonly precise measurements, and in 1797-1798 was able
D.Having devised an instrument from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employment of uncommonly precise measurements, Henry Cavendish in 1797-1798 was able
E.By devising an instrument made from a rod, wire, and lead balls, and employing uncommonly precise measurements, Henry Cavendish was able in 1797-1798
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction The core of this sentence's idea is either the verb enable, which must have its logically correct subject Henry Cavendish's apparatus, or be able, with the subject Henry Cavendish; these subjects must also be able to supply the correct subjects for any other verbs that have understood subjects. The sentence should also clearly express the two things that enabled Cavendish's accomplishment (devising the instrument and employing precise measurement). A. Devising needs a subject supplied from elsewhere in the sentence, but the only available subject is the illogical Henry Cavendish's apparatus (an apparatus does not "devise" anything). B. Devising needs a subject supplied from elsewhere in the sentence, but the only option is the illogical Henry Cavendish's apparatus. C. Connecting the three parts of the sentence with two occurrences of and is awkward; the first two parts are best connected by and, but the final portion expressing what Cavendish achieved would be better expressed, for example, as a new sentence beginning, In 1797-1798, he employed. D. This variant seems to suggest, illogically, that Cavendish devised an instrument from several objects plus employment; using employed instead of employment of would be one way of correctly pairing his two actions. E. Correct. The verbs devising, employing, and was able have their correct logical subject (Henry Cavendish), and the actions of devising and employing are paired clearly, with by understood before employing. The correct answer is E.
40. The growth projected for these storms in different computerized weather models varies widely.
A.projected for these storms in different computerized weather models varies widely
B.for these storms is projected in different computerized models of weather to vary widely
C.of these storms, projected in different computerized weather models, vary widely
D.projected for these storms, which vary widely in different computerized weather models
E.that varies widely for these storms are projected in different computerized weather models
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical predication; Agreement The point of the sentence is that there is great variation in projections of how the storms that it refers to will grow. The structure of the sentence makes it clear that the variation is in the computer models' projections. A. Correct. The sentence explains concisely that growth projected in different weather models varies widely. B. Growth for these storms is unidiomatic and unclear. The construction growth... is projected... to vary makes it unclear whether the models project widely varying growth or vary in how much growth they project. C. The construction growth... vary widely places the variation in the growth of the storms rather than in the projections. The plural verb vary does not agree with the singular subject growth. D. If growth projected for these storms is taken as the subject of the sentence, the subject is not paired with a verb and the sentence is grammatically incomplete. E. The phrase growth that varies widely indicates that the variation is in the growth of the storms rather than in the projections. The plural verb are projected does not agree with the singular subject growth. The correct answer is A.
41. By using a process called echolocation to analyze the echoes of the high-pitched sounds they produce, bats can determine not only the distance to an object, but they also can determine its shape and size and the direction in which it is moving.
A.can determine not only the distance to an object, but they also can determine
B.not only can determine the distance to an object but also
C.can determine not only the distance to an object but also
D.not only can determine its distance from an object but also
E.can determine not only their distance from an object, but they can also determine
A B C D E
C
[解析] Parallelism; Logical predication This sentence explains that bats' echolocation allows them to determine both the distance to an object and other pieces of information. The correct way to construct this sentence using a correlative conjunction is to follow not only and but also with the same parts of speech. Using nouns to indicate all the kinds of information bats gain through echolocation provides parallel grammatical structure and concise wording: not only distance, but also shape, size, and direction. A. Introducing the second main clause they also can determine makes the sentence wordy and disrupts the correct formation of the correlative conjunction not only, but also. B. The correlative conjunction is used incorrectly because not only is followed by a verb, while but also is followed by a list of nouns. C. Correct. This sentence concisely uses not only, but also to connect a series of nouns. D. The correlative conjunction is used incorrectly because not only is followed by a verb, while but also is followed by a list of nouns. Its most plausibly refers to bats, but on that interpretation the singular pronoun does not agree with its plural antecedent, and the sentence indicates, somewhat implausibly, that the bats use echolocation to determine their own shape, size, and direction of movement. Alternatively, its could refer to some other thing that is not named in the sentence, but it is implausible and confusing to say that the bats determine the distance of that unnamed thing from an unspecified object. E. Introducing the second main clause they also can determine makes the sentence wordy and disrupts the correct construction to be used with the correlative conjunction: not only is followed by a noun, while but also is followed by a verb. The correct answer is C.
42. Carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the atmosphere and helps regulate the planet's surface temperature, is constantly being exchanged between the atmosphere on the one hand and the oceans and terrestrial plants on the other.
A.exchanged between the atmosphere on the one hand and the oceans and terrestrial plants on the other
B.exchanged, on the one hand, between the atmosphere and the oceans and terrestrial plants, on the other
C.exchanged between, on the one hand, the atmosphere, with the oceans and terrestrial plants, on the other
D.exchanged, on the one hand, among the oceans and terrestrial plants, and the atmosphere, on the other
E.exchanged among the oceans and terrestrial plants on the one hand and the atmosphere on the other
A B C D E
A
[解析] Parallelism; Idiom This sentence describes an exchange between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface using the paired phrases on the one hand and on the other. Preceding both phrases with nouns creates a parallel grammatical structure: the atmosphere on the one hand and the oceans and terrestrial plants on the other. Although three locations are mentioned, between is the correct preposition to describe the exchange since the oceans and terrestrial plants are treated as a set, both members of which are located on the Earth's surface. A. Correct. The exchange between the atmosphere and the Earth's surface is expressed using parallel nouns and the paired phrases on the one hand and on the other. B. The placement of all three nouns between the paired phrases on the one hand and on the other obscures the nature of the exchange and makes it unclear whether the exchange is among all three of the locations, between the first one and the last two, or between the first two and the last one. On the one hand appears to encompass all three of the locations, leaving on the other dangling. C. The preposition with disrupts the expression of an exchange between two locations; the construction on the one hand and on the other is not in parallel form. D. The preposition among, the placement of and the atmosphere between commas, and the lack of parallelism make the meaning of this sentence unclear. E. If the relationship is supposed to be among all three of the locations mentioned, the binary relationship indicator (on the one hand... on the other) makes no sense. Alternatively, among could appear to distribute, implicitly, to both sides of the comparison (among the oceans and terrestrial plants on the one hand and (among) the atmosphere on the other). On that interpretation, among the atmosphere makes no sense, because among signals a relationship involving multiple entities, but atmosphere is a singular noun and is not normally construed as either plural or collective. The correct answer is A.
43. Floating in the waters of the equatorial Pacific, an array of buoys collects and transmits data on long-term interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, interactions that affect global climate.
A.atmosphere, interactions that affect
B.atmosphere, with interactions affecting
C.atmosphere that affects
D.atmosphere that is affecting
E.atmosphere as affects
A B C D E
A
[解析] Grammatical construction; Agreement The underlined portion of the sentence is an appositive, a terminal noun phrase restating the kind of data being collected and providing additional information about it. This is a clear and economical way to provide the extra information. A. Correct. The sentence is grammatically correct and logically coherent. B. The prepositional phrase with... has no clear noun or noun phrase to attach to and is therefore ungrammatical. C. Using the restrictive that after atmosphere illogically suggests that there are many atmospheres to differentiate from and the one in question in this sentence is the one affecting global climate. D. The restrictive that also follows atmosphere as in answer C. E. The phrase as affects global climate functions as an adverb, but there is no verb for it to modify. The correct answer is A.
44. Sixty-five million years ago, according to some scientists, an asteroid bigger than Mount Everest slammed into North America, which, causing plant and animal extinctions, marks the end of the geologic era known as the Cretaceous Period.
A.which, causing plant and animal extinctions, marks
B.which caused the plant and animal extinctions and marks
C.and causing plant and animal extinctions that mark
D.an event that caused plant and animal extinctions, which marks
E.an event that caused the plant and animal extinctions that mark
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Agreement This sentence describes a two-part sequence of events, the second of which has led to a particular categorization of geological time. In order to clarify that it is not the first event (asteroid strike) that produced the time division (end of the Cretaceous Period), but the first event's consequences (biological extinctions), the sentence needs an appositive form to restate the content of the main clause (an event), followed by a two-part chain of relative clauses (that caused... that mark...). A. The antecedent for the relative pronoun which is ambiguous; it is therefore unclear what marks the end of the Cretaceous Period. B. The antecedent of which is unclear; the compound verbs caused and marks fail to indicate that the extinctions, not the asteroid strike, are significant markers of geological time. C. Following the conjunction and with a participial rather than a main verb is grammatically incorrect because it violates parallelism and produces a fragment at the end of the sentence. D. Which, referring to extinctions, should be followed by a plural verb. E. Correct. The sentence is unambiguous, and the verbs agree with their subjects. The correct answer is E.
45. Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February 1968.
A.Although the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, it had not been announced until February 1968.
B.Although not announced until February 1968, in the summer of 1967 graduate student Jocelyn Bell observed the first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted.
C.Although observed by graduate student Jocelyn Bell in the summer of 1967, the discovery of the first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, had not been announced before February 1968.
D.The first pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, to be sighted was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell, but the discovery was not announced until February 1968.
E.The first sighted pulsar, or rapidly spinning collapsed star, was not announced until February 1968, while it was observed in the summer of 1967 by graduate student Jocelyn Bell.
A B C D E
D
[解析] Verb form; Logical predication; Rhetorical construction This sentence presents conditions that are followed by an unexpected outcome: a delayed announcement of the discovery of a pulsar. A compound sentence using a coordinating conjunction but is an effective way to present the conditions of the first pulsar sighting and then information about the subsequent announcement of the discovery. The sentence must clarify that it is not about the first pulsar, but the first pulsar... to be sighted. The verbs in the sentence must all be in past tense; using a past-perfect verb to present information about the announcement of the discovery indicates that this announcement illogically took place before the pulsar was first sighted. A. The subject of the opening dependent clause is pulsar, and the verb is was. The clause needs to indicate not just that the pulsar existed but that it was observed by Bell; the past-perfect verb tense is inappropriate in the concluding clause. B. The opening participial phrase functions as an adjective, but it has no logical noun or noun phrase to attach to; Bell herself was not announced in 1968. C. Grammatically, the opening participial phrase describes the first noun that follows, but it makes no sense to say that the discovery of the pulsar was observed; discovery of the first sighted pulsar is also imprecise; one does not discover a first sighting. D. Correct. The sentence presents the sequence of events clearly and in the past tense. E. This sentence presents events in a way that is confusing; as a conjunction, while indicates simultaneous events, but this sentence is about events that occurred in a sequence. The correct answer is D.
46. Sound can travel through water for enormous distances, prevented from dissipating its acoustic energy as a result of boundaries in the ocean created by water layers of different temperatures and densities.
A.prevented from dissipating its acoustic energy as a result of
B.prevented from having its acoustic energy dissipated by
C.its acoustic energy prevented from dissipating by
D.its acoustic energy prevented from being dissipated as a result of
E.preventing its acoustic energy from dissipating by
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction This sentence opens with a statement that sound can travel long distances through water and then explains why that is so: water layers in the ocean prevent acoustic energy from dissipating. Because dissipating is an intransitive verb, acoustic energy cannot be its object. A. Dissipating is not a transitive verb, so acoustic energy cannot function as its object. B. This version of the sentence is wordy, awkward, and indirect; from having... by erroneously suggests that the boundaries in the ocean are attempting to dissipate sound energy. C. Correct. Here, acoustic energy is effectively modified by the participial prevented from dissipating D. This version of the sentence is wordy, awkward, and indirect; being dissipated as a result of makes it unclear whether the boundaries contribute to energy loss or prevent it. E. This version of the sentence nonsensically explains that sound prevents the dissipation of its own energy. The correct answer is C.
47. Last year, land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did outside the pinelands.
A.so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did
B.so fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
C.as fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
D.as fast as, and in some parts even faster than, those
E.as fast as, and in some parts even faster than what they did
A B C D E
D
[解析] Idiom; Parallelism This sentence says x rose almost so fast y, which is not a correct idiomatic construction; x rose almost as fast as y is the correct idiom for this comparison. The two elements being compared, x and y, must be parallel, but the noun land values (x) is not parallel to what they did (y). Land values in the pinelands (x) must be compared with those (the pronoun correctly replacing land values) outside the pinelands (y). A. So fast is used instead of as fast. What they did is not parallel to land values. B. So fast is not the correct idiom for comparison. C. As fast must be followed by as in this comparison. D. Correct. As fast as is the correct comparative conjunction used in this sentence; those is parallel to land values. E. What they did is not parallel to land values. The correct answer is D.
48. The North American moose's long legs enable it to move quickly through the woods, stepping easily over downed trees, but predators pursuing it must leap or go around them.
A.moose's long legs enable it to move quickly through the woods, stepping easily over downed trees, but predators pursuing it must leap or go around them
B.moose's long legs enable it to move quickly through the woods, stepping easily over downed trees while predators pursuing them must leap or go around
C.moose's long legs enable it to move quickly through the woods and to step easily over downed trees, but predators pursuing them must leap over or go around them
D.moose has long legs, enabling it to move quickly through the woods and to step easily over downed trees while predators pursuing them must leap or go around
E.moose has long legs that enable it to move quickly through the woods, stepping easily over downed trees while predators pursuing it must leap over or go around them
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Agreement This sentence explains the advantages of long legs to the North American moose. Since the sentence contains multiple relationships among pronouns, nouns, and modifiers, it is important that the various elements be clearly connected. The structure of the sentence makes it unclear whether stepping easily over downed trees is intended to modify the main subject, the North American moose's long legs, or the pronoun it. Although it presumably refers to the North American moose, it does so only obliquely, because moose does not appear in noun form in the sentence. The best way to construct this sentence is to make moose the subject of the main clause so that both occurrences of it have a clear antecedent. Because stepping easily over them is set off by commas from the preceding and ensuing clauses and because the apparently intransitive verb leap intervenes between downed trees and them, it is unclear whether them refers to the moose's legs or the downed trees. The phrase leap or go around them should say leap over, because the point is that the predators must either leap over the downed trees (or go around them), not merely that the predators leap in the air or else go around the trees. A. The function of stepping easily over downed trees is unclear in relation to the rest of the sentence. The pronoun it refers only obliquely and unclearly to moose, because only the possessive form moose's appears in the sentence. Furthermore, the final phrase should say leap over, not merely leap. B. The function of stepping easily over downed trees is unclear in relation to the rest of the sentence. The pronoun it refers only obliquely and unclearly to moose, because only the possessive form moose's appears in the sentence. The plural pronoun them has no logical plural antecedent (surely the predators are not pursuing the moose's legs, but the moose itself; nor are the predators pursuing the downed trees). Furthermore, the final phrase should say leap over, not merely leap. C. The plural pronoun them in pursuing them has no logical plural antecedent. D. The plural pronoun them has no logical plural antecedent (moose can be used as a plural, but because in this sentence the singular verb has is used, moose must be construed as being singular here). Furthermore, the final phrase should say leap over, not merely leap. E. Correct. The pronoun it refers to moose, and the pronoun them refers to trees. Also, the final phrase correctly says leap over or go around them. The correct answer is E.
49. Early administrative decisions in China's Ming Dynasty eventually caused a drastic fall in tax revenues, a reduction in military preparedness, the collapse of the currency system, and failed to make sufficient investment in vital transportation infrastructure.
A.the collapse of the currency system, and failed
B.the collapse of the currency system, and failing
C.and the collapse of the currency system, also failed
D.the collapse of the currency system, as well as failing
E.and the collapse of the currency system, as well as a failure
A B C D E
E
[解析] Parallelism; Grammatical construction; Rhetorical construction The sentence provides a list of effects stemming from administrative decisions in the Ming Dynasty. To make the meaning clear, all items in the list should be in parallel grammatical form. The first three are noun phrases—a drastic fall, a reduction, and the collapse—but the final item, failed, is a verb. To preserve parallel structure, the fourth item should also be a noun phrase: a failure. An alternative interpretation might take failed as parallel with caused, so that decisions is the subject of both verbs, but it is illogical to say that the decisions failed to make sufficient investments. A. The list of effects is not parallel since the first three items are noun phrases but the fourth is the verb failed. An alternative interpretation might take failed as parallel with caused, so that decisions is the subject of both verbs, but it is illogical to say that the decisions failed to make sufficient investments. B. The list of effects is not parallel since the first three items are noun phrases but the fourth is the participle failing. C. The list of three effects is followed by the verb failed, which lacks a subject, thus making the sentence ungrammatical. D. The list of effects is not parallel since the first three items are noun phrases but the fourth is the participle failing. E. Correct. The list of four effects is expressed in parallel grammatical form using noun phrases, including a failure. The correct answer is E.
50. Seismologists studying the earthquake that struck northern California in October 1989 are still investigating some of its mysteries: the unexpected power of the seismic waves, the upward thrust that threw one man straight into the air, and the strange electromagnetic signals detected hours before the temblor.
A.the upward thrust that threw one man straight into the air, and the strange electromagnetic signals detected hours before the temblor
B.the upward thrust that threw one man straight into the air, and strange electromagnetic signals were detected hours before the temblor
C.the upward thrust threw one man straight into the air, and hours before the temblor strange electromagnetic signals were detected
D.one man was thrown straight into the air by the upward thrust, and hours before the temblor strange electromagnetic signals were detected
E.one man who was thrown straight into the air by the upward thrust, and strange electromagnetic signals that were detected hours before the temblor
A B C D E
A
[解析] Parallelism; Grammatical construction Some of the earthquake's mysteries are described in a series of three correctly parallel elements: (1) the unexpected power..., (2) the upward thrust..., and (3) the strange electromagnetic signals Each of the three elements begins with an article (the), a modifier, and a noun. This parallelism is crucial, but each mystery is allowed the further modification most appropriate to it, whether a prepositional phrase (1), a clause (2), or a participial phrase (3). A. Correct. This sentence correctly provides a parallel series of three mysteries. B. The is omitted before strange. The verb were detected makes the last element not parallel to the previous two. C. Because they use complete independent clauses, the last two elements are not parallel to the first, and the sentence is ungrammatical D. The constructions beginning one man and hours before are not parallel to the construction beginning the unexpected power. E. The grammatical constructions describing the mysteries are not parallel. The correct answer is A.
51. The type of behavior exhibited when an animal recognizes itself in a mirror comes within the domain of "theory of mind," thus is best studied as part of the field of animal cognition.
A.of "theory of mind," thus is best
B."theory of mind," and so is best to be
C.of a "theory of mind," thus it is best
D.of "theory of mind" and thus is best
E.of the "theory of mind," and so it is best to be
A B C D E
D
[解析] Grammatical construction; Idiom This sentence links two independent clauses; in such sentences, the clauses must normally be set off from each other (by a semicolon, for example), or else the second clause must be introduced by and or some other conjunction, not merely an adverb like thus. Also, a noun like domain normally is followed by the preposition of immediately preceding the noun phrase describing the domain. A. The second clause incorrectly lacks an introducing conjunction. B. The phrasing is best to be studied is awkwardly unusual and unidiomatic; is best studied is a better choice. C. The second clause incorrectly lacks an introducing conjunction. The phrase a "theory of mind" would refer to one particular theory rather than (as intended) to a theoretical domain. D. Correct. And introduces the second clause, which uses the concise wording best studied. E. The beginning of the second clause is redundant and wordy: the word and is unnecessary because the conjunction so is used, and best to be studied is unidiomatic. The correct answer is D.
52. Unlike the United States, where farmers can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka are concentrated in the monsoon months, June to September, and the skies are generally clear for the rest of the year.
A.Unlike the United States, where farmers can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka
B.Unlike the United States farmers who can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka
C.Unlike those of the United States, where farmers can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, most parts of Sri Lanka's rains
D.In comparison with the United States, whose farmers can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka
E.In the United States, farmers can usually depend on rain or snow all year long, but in most parts of Sri Lanka, the rains
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction The intent of the sentence is to compare seasonal rainfall patterns in the United States and Sri Lanka. There are many ways to set up such comparisons: unlike x, y; in comparison with x, y; compared to x, y; and so on. The x and y being compared must be grammatically and logically parallel. An alternative way of stating the comparison is the use of two independent clauses connected by but. The original sentence compares the United States to the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka; this illogical comparison cannot convey the writer's intention. A. This sentence illogically compares the United States to the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka. B. Comparing United States farmers to the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka is not logical. C. The sentence awkwardly and illogically seems to be comparing most parts of the United States with most parts of Sri Lanka's rains. D. This sentence compares the United States and the rains in most parts of Sri Lanka. E. Correct. This sentence uses two independent clauses to make the comparison. The first clause describes conditions in the United States, and the second clause describes conditions in Sri Lanka. The comparison is clear and logical. The correct answer is E.
53. In preparation for the prediction of a major earthquake that will hit the state, a satellite-based computer network is being built by the California Office of Emergency Services for identifying earthquake damage and to pinpoint the most affected areas within two hours of the event.
A.In preparation for the prediction of a major earthquake that will hit the state, a satellite- based computer network is being built by the California Office of Emergency Services for identifying
B.In preparing for the prediction that a major earthquake will hit the state, the California Office of Emergency Services is building a satellite- based computer network that will identify
C.In preparing for a major earthquake that is predicted to hit the state, the California Office of Emergency Services is building a satellite-based computer network to identify
D.To prepare for the prediction of a major earthquake hitting the state, a satellite-based computer network is being built by the California Office of Emergency Services to identify
E.To prepare for a major earthquake that is predicted to hit the state, the California Office of Emergency Services is building a satellite-based computer network that will identify
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical predication; Parallelism This sentence explains what the California Office of Emergency Services is doing to prepare for an earthquake that has been predicted for the state, but the sentence appears to claim that the California Office is doing these things to prepare for the prediction. The two purposes of these preparations should be presented in parallel form, hut the sentence as written presents one as a prepositional phrase (for identifying) and the other as an infinitive (to pinpoint). A. In this version of the sentence, the opening phrase illogically claims that the California Office is preparing for a prediction, but later in the sentence it becomes clear that the preparations are targeted to the aftermath of a possible earthquake, not its prediction. The two purposes of the preparations are not presented in parallel form. B. Like (A), this version of the sentence identifies preparations for a prediction rather than an earthquake; the two purposes of the preparations are not presented in parallel form. C. Correct. The preparations are correctly presented as being for an earthquake, and the two purposes of the preparations are presented in parallel form (to identify and to pinpoint). D. As in (A) and (B), the beginning of this sentence is inconsistent with the rest of it. The opening phrase claims to describe preparations for a prediction, whereas the latter part of the sentence indicates that the preparations are for a predicted earthquake. E. Like (A) and (B), this sentence does not present the two purposes of the preparations in parallel form. The correct answer is C.
54. Once numbering in the millions worldwide, it is estimated that the wolf has declined to 200,000 in 57 countries, some 11,000 of them to be found in the lower 48 United States and Alaska.
A.it is estimated that the wolf has declined to 200,000 in 57 countries, some
B.the wolf is estimated to have declined to 200,000 in 57 countries, with approximately
C.the wolf has declined to an estimate of 200,000 in 57 countries, some
D.wolves have declined to an estimate of 200,000 in 57 countries, with approximately
E.wolves have declined to an estimated 200,000 in 57 countries, some
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical predication; Idiom The predicate numbered must have its logically correct subject, which is wolves. Although the wolf can be used to refer collectively to wolves as a category, the noun should be plural in this case since the sentence refers to numbers of them and since agreement is needed between the noun and the plural pronoun them. Given the plural subject, the verb in the independent clause should be have declined. The object of decline to should be a word or phrase naming a number or estimated number (e.g., a phrase such as an estimated 200,000), not the phrase an estimate. A. The subject of the main clause (it) seems to supply the subject of numbering, so the latter does not have its correct logical subject, which should be a word or phrase referring to wolves. B. The wolf cannot correctly be taken as the subject of numbering, as it is singular and in disagreement with them occurring later in the sentence. C. The wolf cannot correctly be taken as the subject of numbering, as it is singular and disagrees with the later them; also, a decline is strictly speaking to a number, not to an estimate. D. Although wolves is a correct subject for numbering, a decline should be to a number, not to an estimate. E. Correct. Wolves is a proper subject for numbering and agrees with the later them. The decline is correctly said to be to a number, an estimated 200, 000. The correct answer is E.
55. As business grows more complex, students majoring in specialized areas like those of finance and marketing have been becoming increasingly successful in the job market.
A.majoring in specialized areas like those of finance and marketing have been becoming increasingly
B.who major in such specialized areas as finance and marketing are becoming more and more
C.who majored in specialized areas such as those of finance and marketing are being increasingly
D.who major in specialized areas like those of finance and marketing have been becoming more and more
E.having majored in such specialized areas as finance and marketing are being increasingly
A B C D E
B
[解析] Verb form; Diction The subordinate clause as business grows more complex uses the present-tense verb grows to describe an ongoing situation. The main clause describes an effect of this growing complexity; the verbs in the main clause should also use present- tense verbs. The present perfect progressive have been becoming is incorrect. The preferred way to introduce examples is with the phrase such as, rather than with the word like, which suggests a comparison. A. Like should be replaced by such as. Have been becoming is an incorrect verb tense. B. Correct. In this sentence, major and are becoming are present-tense verbs; such... as is the preferred form for introducing examples. C. Majored is a past-tense verb; those of is unnecessary and awkward. Becoming is preferable to being for describing an unfolding pattern of events. D. Like should be replaced by such as. Those of is unnecessary and awkward. Have been becoming is an incorrect verb tense. E. Having majored is an awkward past participle. Becoming is preferable to being for describing an unfolding pattern of events. The correct answer is B.
56. Created in 1945 to reduce poverty and stabilize foreign currency markets, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have, according to some critics, continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—but neglected their intended beneficiaries in the developing world.
A.continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—but neglected
B.continually struggled as they try to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—while neglecting that of
C.continually struggled to meet their major shareholders' expectations—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—but neglected that of
D.had to struggle continually in trying to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—while neglecting that of
E.struggled continually in trying to meet their major shareholders' expectations—a group comprising many of the world's rich nations—and neglecting
A B C D E
A
[解析] Idiom; Verb form This sentence describes a contradiction some critics have ascribed to the actions and policies of both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund: although they were created to address poverty in the developing world, they struggled to meet their major shareholders' expectations and neglected their intended beneficiaries. The contradiction is best expressed by joining the two past-tense verbs struggled to meet... and neglected... with the contrasting conjunction but. The appositive phrase set off with dashes must immediately follow the noun it defines (shareholders). A. Correct. The conjunction but accurately describes the contradiction between what the organizations did for their major shareholders and what they did not do for their intended beneficiaries, and the appositive clearly defines the immediately preceding noun, shareholders. B. The present tense of as they try to meet is inconsistent with the rest of the verbs in the sentence. The pronoun that seems to have no referent in the phrase while neglecting that of... since the only likely antecedent expectations is plural. C. The appositive grammatically but nonsensically describes expectations rather than shareholders; as in (B), the pronoun that does not agree in number with its likely antecedent expectations. D. Like (B), this version is unnecessarily wordy, and like (C), it introduces the pronoun that, which disagrees in number with the antecedent expectations. E. As in (C), the appositive seems to define expectations rather than shareholders, and the conjunction and fails to capture the contradictory relationship between the organizations' actions toward their shareholders and their intended beneficiaries. The correct answer is A.
57. Unlike auto insurance, the frequency of claims does not affect the premiums for personal property coverage, but if the insurance company is able to prove excessive loss due to owner negligence, it may decline to renew the policy.
A.Unlike auto insurance, the frequency of claims does not affect the premiums for personal property coverage,
B.Unlike with auto insurance, the frequency of claims do not affect the premiums for personal property coverage,
C.Unlike the frequency of claims for auto insurance, the premiums for personal property coverage are not affected by the frequency of claims,
D.Unlike the premiums for auto insurance, the premiums for personal property coverage are not affected by the frequency of claims,
E.Unlike with the premiums for auto insurance, the premiums for personal property coverage is not affected by the frequency of claims,
A B C D E
D
[解析] Logical predication; Agreement The sentence has been written so that auto insurance is contrasted with the frequency of claims. The correct contrast is between the premiums for auto insurance and the premiums for personal property coverage. A. Auto insurance is illogically contrasted with the frequency of claims. B. Unlike with is an incorrect idiom; auto insurance is contrasted with the frequency of claims; the singular subject frequency does not agree with the plural verb do. C. The frequency of claims is contrasted with the premiums for personal property coverage. D. Correct. The contrast between the premiums for auto insurance and the premiums for personal property coverage is clearly and correctly stated in this sentence. E. Unlike with is an incorrect idiom; the plural subject premiums does not agree with the singular verb is not affected. The correct answer is D.
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