Sentence Correction(句子改错) Each of the sentence correction questions presents a sentence, part 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. 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.
2. According to some critics, watching television not only undermines one's ability to think critically but also impairs one's overall ability to perceive.
A.not only undermines one's ability to think critically but also impairs one's
B.not only undermines one's ability of critical thinking but also impairs the
C.undermines not only one's ability to think critically but also impairs one's
D.undermines not only one's ability of critical thinking but also impairs the
E.undermines one's ability not only to think critically but also impairs one's
A B C D E
A
[解析] Grammatical Construction; Parallelism The sentence correctly uses the structure not only ... but also ... to convey two points about the effects that critics believe result from watching television. The phrases placed in the blanks must be in parallel form. A Correct. Two verbal phrases undermines ... and impairs... are coordinated and placed in the correct positions, in parallel form. Also, ability to think (where to think is the infinitive form of the verb) is the idiomatically correct usage, parallel with ability to perceive. B The phrase ability of thinking is unidiomatic. The use of the instead of one's impairs the parallelism. C The phrase not only should precede the verb undermines. This obliterates the parallelism and makes the sentence incoherent. D This makes the sentence incoherent because it obliterates the parallelism: the phrase not only should precede the verb undermines. A further deficiency is the use of the instead of ones. E This obliterates the parallelism and makes the sentence incoherent. The phrase not only should precede the verb undermines. The correct answer is A.
3. Especially in the early years, new entrepreneurs may need to find resourceful ways, like renting temporary office space or using answering services, that make their company seem large and more firmly established than they may actually be.
A.that make their company seem large
B.to make their companies seem larger
C.thus making their companies seem larger
D.so that the companies seem larger
E.of making their company seem large
A B C D E
B
[解析] Grammatical Construction; Diction T he clause beginning with that suggests that a company can be made to seem better than it actually is. The comparison signaled by than appears to be intended to apply to both the size of the company and the degree to which the company is firmly established. In that case, it is a mistake to use large instead of larger. If, on the other hand, large is not intended to be part of the comparison, it would be better to clarify this by separating the two topics in a construction such as make their company seem large and also make it seem more firmly established.... The phrase resourceful ways suggests purpose, so ways should connect with to or of, rather than a that clause to capture the intended meaning. A Large is the incorrect form to express comparison; it should be larger, the that clause does not adequately capture the idea of purpose implicit in ways. The singular company does not agree with the plural pronoun they. Thus, the sentence either commits an agreement mistake or illogically says that entrepreneurs need to find ways to make themselves seem large and more firmly established. B Correct. Larger is the correct form to express the comparative meaning, and to correctly follows way. Companies agrees with the plural they. C The phrase beginning thus making does not capture the idea of purpose implicit in ways. D Clauses beginning so that can express purpose, but do not fit with ways in the manner required here: to or of is needed after ways. E Large is the incorrect form to express comparison; it should be larger. The singular company does not agree with the plural pronoun they. Thus, the sentence either commits an agreement mistake or illogically says that entrepreneurs need to find ways to make themselves seem large and more firmly established. The correct answer is B.
4. Over the past ten years cultivated sunflowers have become a major commercial crop, second only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil.
A.second only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil
B.second in importance to soybeans only as a source of vegetable oil
C.being second in importance only to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil
D.which, as a source of vegetable oil, is only second to soybeans
E.as a source of vegetable oil only second to soybeans
A B C D E
A
[解析] Rhetorical Construction; Idiom The sentence makes the point-that cultivated sunflowers are the second largest source of vegetable oil, soybeans alone being larger. Where only is placed in the sentence greatly affects the sense. A Correct. The placement of only allows the sentence to correctly express the thought that cultivated sunflowers rank second as a source of vegetable oil, with soybeans alone ranking first. B The placement of only creates an ambiguity: does it modify soybeans or the phrase as a source of vegetable oil? In the latter case, the sense would be that being a source of vegetable oil is the only respect in which soybeans are more important than sunflower seeds. However, this does not seem to be the intended sense of the given sentence. The phrase in importance is unnecessary and would make the sentence wordy. C The word being and the phrase in importance are unnecessary and make the sentence wordy. D The phrase only second to soybeans appears to minimize the importance, initially suggested, of sunflowers' being second to soybeans as a source of vegetable oil. E The word only is misplaced, given the intended sense, and it is unclear whether it modifies the phrase as a source of vegetable oil, or the phrase second to soybeans. In either case it fails to capture the sense of the given sentence. The correct answer is A.
5. Tropical bats play an important role in the rain forest ecosystem, aiding in the dispersal of cashew, date, and fig seeds; pollinating banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; and indirectly help the producing of tequila by pollinating agave plants.
A.pollinating banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; and indirectly help the producing of
B.pollinating banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; and indirectly helping to produce
C.pollinating banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; and they indirectly help to produce
D.they pollinate banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; and indirectly help producing
E.they pollinate banana, breadfruit, and mango trees; indirectly helping the producing of
A B C D E
B
[解析] Parallelism; Diction The sentence indicates three ways in which tropical bats play an important role in the rainforest ecosystem, but it does not express these three ways by using appropriately parallel grammatical constructions. The first two ways mentioned—aiding in the dispersal of cashew, date, and fig seeds and pollinating banana, breadfruit, and mango trees—are expressed using participial phrases (which function as adjectives), whereas the third is expressed as part of a compound predicate—and indirectly help the producing of tequila by pollinating agave plants (also note that the producing of involves a poor choice of words, and would be better expressed by writing to produce or perhaps with the production of). A. The phrases beginning with aiding, pollinating, and help are not appropriately parallel grammatical constructions. Also the producing of is awkward and would be better worded as to produce or with the production of. B. Correct. This sentence has an appropriate grammatical parallelism and involves no questionable word choices. C. The construction of the sentence is not appropriately parallel. D. The construction of the sentence is not appropriately parallel and producing is a questionable choice of words (to produce would be better). E. The construction of the sentence is not appropriately parallel and the producing of is a questionable choice of words (to produce or perhaps with the production of would be better). The correct answer is B.
6. Most efforts to combat such mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue have focused either on the vaccination of humans or on exterminating mosquitoes with pesticides.
A.like malaria and dengue have focused either on the vaccination of humans or on exterminating
B.like malaria and dengue have focused either on vaccinating of humans or on the extermination of
C.as malaria and dengue have focused on either vaccinating humans or on exterminating
D.as malaria and dengue have focused on either vaccinating of humans or on extermination of
E.as malaria and dengue have focused on either vaccinating humans or exterminating
A B C D E
E
[解析] Diction; Parallelism The phrase such... diseases like malaria and dengue is not a correct way in English to indicate that the two diseases mentioned are examples of a larger category; the correct expression is such... as A This use of such... like... is incorrect English; the correct expression is such... as... It is better to keep the preposition on close to the verb it goes with, focus, so as not to repeat it. B The correct expression is such... as.... It is better to keep the preposition on close to the verb it goes with, focus, so as not to repeat it. This use of the gerund vaccinating (followed by of) would normally be preceded by the, but this would make the phrase awkward. It would be preferable to use vaccination, which is parallel to extermination. C This answer choice incorrectly repeats the preposition on before exterminating. D This answer choice incorrectly repeats the preposition on before extermination. This use of the gerund vaccinating (followed by of) would normally be preceded by the, but this would make the phrase awkward. It would be preferable to use vaccination, which is parallel to extermination. E Correct. This version uses either... or... correctly and appropriately uses the parallel forms vaccinating and exterminating. The correct answer is E.
7. Digging in sediments in northern China, evidence has been gathered by scientists suggesting that complex life-forms emerged much earlier than they had previously thought.
A.evidence has been gathered by scientists suggesting that complex life-forms emerged much earlier than they had
B.evidence gathered by scientists suggests a much earlier emergence of complex life-forms than had been
C.scientists have gathered evidence suggesting that complex life-forms emerged much earlier than
D.scientists have gathered evidence that suggests a much earlier emergence of complex life-forms than that which was
E.scientists have gathered evidence which suggests a much earlier emergence of complex life-forms than that
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical Predication; Modification In principle, the relationship described in the first part of the underlined portion could be expressed with scientists as the subject (scientists gathered evidence) or with evidence as the subject (evidence was gathered by scientists). The latter construction could be effective in some contexts, but here its relationship to the rest of the sentence appears to commit the writer to the claim that the evidence was digging in China. A This version has a dangling participle, digging.... Digging in sediments in northern China must modify scientists, not evidence. The passive structure of the main clause also creates an inadvisable distance between the words evidence and suggesting. Furthermore, the dependent clause starting with suggesting may be construed with either the evidence or the scientists, which makes this version unnecessarily ambiguous. B This version has a dangling participle, digging.... Digging in sediments in northern China must modify scientists, not evidence. C Correct. Choosing scientists as the subject of gathered, this version corrects the dangling participle. It also uses a parallel active form of the verb emerge, and does not use redundant material. D In this context it would be preferable to use a verb (emerged). The phrasing used here (suggests a much earlier emergence of) sounds more stilted and is less clear and direct. In addition, inserting that which before previously thought is not only redundant but incorrect English. E The problems described in (D) above are also in evidence here. The correct answer is C.
8. According to the Economic Development Corporation of Los Angeles County, if one were to count the Los Angeles metropolitan area as a separate nation, it would have the world's eleventh largest gross national product, that is bigger than that of Australia, Mexico, or the Netherlands.
A.if one were to count the Los Angeles metropolitan area as a separate nation, it would have the world's eleventh largest gross national product, that is
B.if the Los Angeles metropolitan area is counted as a separate nation, it has the world's eleventh largest gross national product, that being
C.if the Los Angeles metropolitan area were a separate nation, it would have the world's eleventh largest gross national product,
D.were the Los Angeles metropolitan area a separate nation, it will have the world's eleventh largest gross national product, which is
E.when the Los Angeles metropolitan area is counted as a separate nation, it has the world's eleventh largest gross national product, thus
A B C D E
C
[解析] Diction; Verb form The point of this sentence is to explain the implications of a contrary-to-fact state of affairs (Los Angeles metropolitan area as a nation). The subjunctive verb form is needed (were... would have). To attribute this proposed state of affairs to the calculations of an anonymous agent (one) causes unnecessary wordiness. The implication of the hypothetical situation is that the Los Angeles area would have the eleventh-largest gross national product (GNP) in the world, a GNP that is further described as larger than the GNP of any of three nations named. This descriptive information is most efficiently presented as a terminal adjective phrase. A. By introducing the subject one, the opening clause becomes unnecessarily wordy and indirect. The relative clause at the end of the sentence causes additional wordiness. The present indicative verb form is in the phrase that is bigger than... is inconsistent with the conditional context established earlier in the sentence (were... would). Since Los Angeles is not a nation, its national product is purely hypothetical and contrary to fact. B. Because the if clause introduces a situation that is contrary to fact, the verbs is counted and has should be subjunctive and conditional, respectively (were counted and would have). The relative pronoun phrase that being is awkward, wordy, and repetitive. C. Correct. The subjunctive mood of the verbs is appropriate to the contrary-to-fact situation being described, and the terminal adjective phrase without an introductory relative pronoun is an appropriate way of making the comparison among GNPs. D. Although the opening subjunctive verb is appropriate, it must be followed by a conditional verb in the main clause; the relative clause at the end of the sentence, beginning with which is, is indirect and wordy. As in (A), is is not the most appropriate verb form to express a counterfactual condition. E. The verbs is counted... has are incorrect for describing a contrary-to-fact situation. Beginning the final adjective phrase with the word thus makes the relationship of the phrase to the rest of the sentence unclear. The correct answer is C.
9. A leading figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, Adam Smith's two major books are to democratic capitalism what Marx's Das Kapital is to socialism.
A.Adam Smith's two major books are to democratic capitalism what
B.Adam Smith's two major books are to democratic capitalism like
C.Adam Smith's two major books are to democratic capitalism just as
D.Adam Smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism similar to
E.Adam Smith wrote two major books that are to democratic capitalism what
A B C D E
E
[解析] Idiom; Logical Predication A leading figure in the Scottish Enlightenment describes Adam Smith, not his two books, so the name of Adam Smith must immediately follow the opening phrase. The comparison between Smith's books and Marx's book is expressed as a ratio, so the correct idiomatic expression is x is to y what a is to b. A The opening phrase is a dangling modifier because it describes Smith, not his books. B The opening phrase is a dangling modifier; like is an incorrect word for making the comparison. C The opening phrase is a dangling modifier; just as is an incorrect term for the comparison. D Similar to is an incorrect conclusion to the comparison introduced by are to. E Correct. The opening phrase is followed by the subject that it modifies, Adam Smith, and the comparison of the two men's work is presented idiomatically. The correct answer is E.
10. Even though Clovis points, spear points with longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces, have been found all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932.
A.Even though Clovis points, spear points with longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces, have been found all over North America, they are named for the New Mexico site where they were first discovered in 1932.
B.Although named for the New Mexico site where first discovered in 1932, Clovis points are spear points of longitudinal grooves chipped onto their faces and have been found all over North America.
C.Named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932, Clovis points, spear points of longitudinal grooves chipped onto the faces, have been found all over North America.
D.Spear points with longitudinal grooves that are chipped onto the faces, Clovis points, even though named for the New Mexico site where first discovered in 1932, but were found all over North America.
E.While Clovis points are spear points whose faces have longitudinal grooves chipped into them, they have been found all over North America, and named for the New Mexico site where they have been first discovered in 1932.
A B C D E
A
[解析] Verb Form; Rhetorical Construction; Logical Predication Even though, although, and while introduce clauses that appear to be logically incompatible but in fact are not. In this sentence, the apparent incompatibility that must be clearly expressed is that although the spear points are named for a particular place in New Mexico, they are in fact found throughout North America. Because their discovery took place in 1932 and is not ongoing, the correct verb tense is simple past, not present perfect. A Correct. The even though clause expresses clearly that the seeming incompatibility is between where the spear points have been found (all over North America) and the naming of the spear points for a single site in New Mexico. B The sentence structure indicates that the expected incompatibility is between the geographically based name of the points and their physical properties, which makes no sense; where discovered is missing a subject—the correct form is where they were first discovered. C Have been first discovered is the wrong tense, since the discovery is a discrete event completed in the past. D The sequence of information in this sentence is confusing; even though and but both introduce information that is contrary to expectation, so to use them both to describe a single apparent contradiction is redundant and nonsensical. E While introduces a description of Clovis points and suggests that this appears incompatible with their appearance all over North America, which makes no sense; have been first discovered is the wrong tense. The correct answer is A.
11. Thomas Eakins' powerful style and his choices of subject—the advances in modern surgery, the discipline of sport, the strains of individuals in tension with society or even with themselves—was as disturbing to his own time as it is compelling for ours.
A.was as disturbing to his own time as it is
B.were as disturbing to his own time as they are
C.has been as disturbing in his own time as they are
D.had been as disturbing in his own time as it was
E.have been as disturbing in his own time as
A B C D E
B
[解析] Agreement; Verb form The compound subject of this sentence, style and choices, is followed by singular verbs, was and is, and a singular pronoun, it. The compound subject requires the plural verbs were and are and the plural pronoun they. A. The verbs and pronoun are singular, but the subject is plural. B. Correct. Verbs (were, are) and pronoun (they) agree with the plural subject in this sentence. C. Has been is singular and illogically indicates that Eakins' time continues today. D. Had been indicates a time anterior to some other past time; it was is singular and the wrong tense. E. Have been illogically indicates that Eakins' time continues into the present day. The correct answer is B.
12. Australian embryologists have found evidence that suggests that the elephant is descended from an aquatic animal, and its trunk originally evolving as a kind of snorkel.
A.that suggests that the elephant is descended from an aquatic animal, and its trunk originally evolving
B.that has suggested the elephant descended from an aquatic animal, its trunk originally evolving
C.suggesting that the elephant had descended from an aquatic animal with its trunk originally evolved
D.to suggest that the elephant had descended from an aquatic animal and its trunk originally evolved
E.to suggest that the elephant is descended from an aquatic animal and that its trunk originally evolved
A B C D E
E
[解析] Parallelism; Verb Form The clearest, most economical way of expressing the two things suggested by Australian embryologists' evidence is to format them as relative clauses serving as parallel direct objects of the verb suggest. It is awkward and confusing to string together relative clauses: evidence that suggests that the elephant.... A clearer way of making this connection is to turn the verb suggests into a participle modifying evidence. The word descended is a predicate adjective following the present-tense verb is and describing the present-day elephant. The verb evolved should be past tense because it describes how the trunk of the elephant originally evolved, not how it is evolving today. A The string of relative phrases is awkward and confusing; the phrase following the conjunction and is not parallel with the relative clause that the elephant is descended.... B The evidence still suggests these things about the evolution of the elephant and its trunk, so the present-perfect verb tense is inaccurate. C Had descended is the wrong verb tense; with cannot be followed by an independent clause. D Had descended is the wrong tense; the phrase following the conjunction and does not parallel the relative clause that precedes the conjunction. E Correct. The two dependent clauses beginning with that are in parallel form and contain verbs in the correct tenses. The correct answer is E.
13. Starfish, with anywhere from five to eight arms, have a strong regenerative ability, and if one arm is lost it quickly replaces it, sometimes by the animal overcompensating and growing an extra one or two.
A.one arm is lost it quickly replaces it, sometimes by the animal overcompensating and
B.one arm is lost it is quickly replaced, with the animal sometimes overcompensating and
C.they lose one arm they quickly replace it, sometimes by the animal overcompensating,
D.they lose one arm they are quickly replaced, with the animal sometimes overcompensating,
E.they lose one arm it is quickly replaced, sometimes with the animal overcompensating,
A B C D E
B
[解析] Agreement; Idiom In a conditional sentence if X, (then) Y, rhetorical flow is enhanced by the two clauses sharing the same structure. If one clause is passive, the other should be passive; if one clause is active, the other should be active, too. A The conditional clause has a passive verb, while the result clause has an active verb. The pronoun it should be plural since it refers to starfish. We know that starfish is plural in this sentence because it agrees with have in the main clause. B Correct. The conditional structure is clear and correct. C This answer choice allows the unintended reading that the animal replaces the missing arm by overcompensating. The logical connection between overcompensating and growing is unclear. D The conditional clause has an active verb, while the result clause has a passive verb. The second they should refer to arm, so the agreement is not correct. The logical connection between overcompensating and growing is unclear. E The conditional clause has an active verb, while the result clause has a passive verb. The logical connection between overcompensating and growing is unclear. The correct answer is B.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Developed by Pennsylvania's Palatine Germans about 1750, Conestoga wagons, with high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie and they had a floor curved upward on either end so as to prevent cargo from shifting on steep grades.
A.wagons, with high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie and they had a floor curved upward on either end so as to prevent
B.wagons, with high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie, and with a floor that was curved upward at both ends to prevent
C.wagons, which had high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie, and floors curved upward on their ends so that they prevented
D.wagons had high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie, and a floor that was curved upward at both ends to prevent
E.wagons had high wheels capable of crossing rutted roads, muddy fiats, and the nonroads of the prairie and floors curving upward at their ends so that it prevented
A B C D E
D
[解析] Logical predication; Parallelism; Grammatical construction The main subject of this sentence is Conestoga wagons and the main verb is had. The opening participial phrase describes the origin of the wagons, and the rest of the sentence describes the features they possessed. These features must be presented in parallel form as objects of the verb had. The sentence first presented is a fragment; the prepositional phrase with... leaves the subject Conestoga wagons without a verb. When the verb had finally appears, a new subject they has been unnecessarily introduced. A. The subject wagons is without a verb. The introduction of a new subject they is unnecessary. Given the absence of had after wagons and of a comma after prairie, it is also ungrammatical. B. This version of the sentence has no main verb for the subject wagons. C. As in (A) and (B), this version of the sentence fails to provide a main verb for the subject wagons. D. Correct. The main verb had completes the subject wagons and accommodates the two direct objects, wheels and a floor. The comma after prairie helps to clarify that floors is a direct object of bad, parallel with high wheels. E. The referent for it is ambiguous. The correct answer is D.
17. 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.
18. Yellow jackets number among the 900 or so species of the world's social wasps, wasps living in a highly cooperative and organized society where they consist almost entirely of females—the queen and her sterile female workers.
A.wasps living in a highly cooperative and organized society where they consist almost entirely of
B.wasps that live in a highly cooperative and organized society consisting almost entirely of
C.which means they live in a highly cooperative and organized society, almost all
D.which means that their society is highly cooperative, organized, and it is almost entirely
E.living in a society that is highly cooperative, organized, and it consists of almost all
A B C D E
B
[解析] Idiom; Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction This sentence identifies yellow jackets as one of 900 types of social wasps and provides an explanation of the term social wasps. In this explanation, the society or population—not the individual wasps themselves—consists almost entirely of females. The three descriptors of social wasps (cooperative, organized, and consisting almost entirely of females) are most effectively expressed in parallel structures. A They, referring to wasps, is an incorrect subject for consist. B Correct. The three descriptors of the wasp society are in parallel form, and consisting properly modifies society. C The sentence structure makes it unclear what almost all females describes. D And it is...violates the parallelism of the three descriptors of social wasps. E And it consists...violates the parallelism of the three descriptors. The correct answer is B.
19. 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.
20. Excavators at the Indus Valley site of Harappa in eastern Pakistan say the discovery of inscribed shards dating to circa 2800-2600 B.C. indicate their development of a Harappan writing system, the use of inscribed seals impressed into clay for marking ownership, and the standardization of weights for trade or taxation occurred many decades, if not centuries, earlier than was previously believed.
A.indicate their development of a Harappan writing system, the use of
B.indicate that the development of a Harappan writing system, using
C.indicates that their development of a Harappan writing system, using
D.indicates the development of a Harappan writing system, their use of
E.indicates that the development of a Harappan writing system, the use of
A B C D E
E
[解析] Agreement; Idiom; Parallelism In long sentences such as this one, the relationship between parts of the sentence may be difficult to see. Here, the main clause of the sentence is excavators...say and the logical sequence that follows is the discovery...indicates that. The subject of this first subordinate clause is the singular noun discovery, which should be followed by the singular verb indicates rather than by the plural indicate, as is done in the original sentence. Their, used with either development or use, has no clear or logical referent in any of the alternatives. The subject of the following subordinate (that) clause, which has occurred as its verb, is a series of three phrases, which must be parallel, especially in a sentence of this length and complexity: the development of..., the use of..., and the standardization of.... A. Indicate does not agree with discovery; the pronoun their has no logical referent, and their development is not parallel to the use and the standardization. B. Indicate does not agree with discovery; using is not parallel to the development and the standardization. C. Their has no logical referent; the series of three elements should be parallel, but here all are different. D. The pronoun their has no logical referent, and their use is not parallel to the development and the standardization; the preferred sentence structure would have indicates followed by that when introducing a clause. E. Correct. In this sentence, indicates agrees with discovery and is followed by that to introduce a clause; the three parallel phrases begin with an article (the), a noun, and the preposition of. The correct answer is E.
21. Although a number of excellent studies narrate the development of domestic technology and its impact on housewifery, these works do not discuss the contributions of the women employed by manufacturers and utility companies as product demonstrators and publicists, who initially promoted new and unfamiliar technology to female consumers.
A.by manufacturers and utility companies as product demonstrators and publicists,
B.to be product demonstrators and publicists by manufacturers and utility companies,
C.to demonstrate and publicize their products by manufacturers and utility companies
D.by manufacturers and utility companies to be demonstrators and publicists of their products
E.by manufacturers and utility companies to demonstrate and publicize their products
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The point of the sentence is that studies do not include the contributions of women who promoted new domestic technology. The sentence indicates clearly that the women were employed by manufacturers and utility companies, worked as product demonstrators and publicists, and promoted new technology to female consumers. A Correct. The sentence clearly describes the women's employment and contributions. B This sentence structure appears to make who initially promoted refer to manufacturers and utility companies rather than to the women. This conflicts with the use of the word who, which would normally be expected to refer to persons rather than to abstract entities such as companies. C Their refers to the women, incorrectly suggesting that the products belong to them. This sentence structure appears to make who initially promoted refer to manufacturers and utility companies rather than to the women. This conflicts with the word who, which would normally be expected to refer to persons rather than to abstract entities such as companies. D Who initially promoted follows, and appears to refer to, products, which cannot logically be the referent. E Who initially promoted follows, and appears to refer to, products, which cannot logically be the referent. The correct answer is A.
22. In 1923, the Supreme Court declared a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia as unconstitutional, and ruling that it was a form of price-fixing and, as such, an abridgment of the right of contract.
A.the Supreme Court declared a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia as unconstitutional, and
B.the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia, and
C.the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia,
D.a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,
E.when the Supreme Court declared a minimum wage for women and children in the District of Columbia as unconstitutional.
A B C D E
C
[解析] Idiom; Grammatical construction This sentence depends on the correct use of an idiom: the court declares x unconstitutional The inverted form should be used here because of the long phrases involved: the court declares unconstitutional x. The Supreme Court is the subject of the sentence; declared is the verb. Ruling... contract acts as a modifier describing the action of the main clause; because the modifier is subordinate to the main clause, the conjunction and must be omitted. And is used to join two independent clauses, not a clause and its modifier. A. Declared...as unconstitutional is not the correct idiom; the use of and creates an ungrammatical construction. B. Declared as unconstitutional is not the correct idiom; the use of and creates an ungrammatical construction. C. Correct. In this sentence, the correct idiom is used, and the modifier is grammatically and logically attached to the main clause. D. Passive voice construction is weak and wordy; its use causes the modifier to be misplaced and ambiguous. E. Declared...as unconstitutional is not the correct idiom; when transforms the main clause into a subordinate clause, resulting in a sentence fragment. The correct answer is C.
23. Thomas Mann's novel Doctor Faustus offers an examination not only of how difficult it is to reconcile reason, will, and passion together in any art form, but also a skillfully navigated exploration of the major concerns of modernism.
A.an examination not only of how difficult it is to reconcile reason, will, and passion together in any art form, but
B.an examination not only about the difficulty of reconciling reason, will, and passion in any art form, and
C.not only an examination of how difficult it is to reconcile reason, will, and passion in any art form, and
D.not only an examination about the difficulty with reconciling reason, will, and passion together in any art form, but
E.not only an examination of the difficulty of reconciling reason, will, and passion in any art form, but
A B C D E
E
[解析] Grammatical Construction; Idiom The sentence, in its most correct form, would use the structure not only ... but also... to coordinate parallel references to an "examination" and to an "exploration." However, the given sentence errs in placing the phrase not only after the first of the items meant to be coordinated. This impairs the required parallelism and the grammatical structure of the sentence as a whole—as if the "examination" referred to was not only an examination of the difficulty of a certain reconciliation but was also an examination of a skillfully navigated exploration, This does not seem to be the intended meaning, and if it were, the latter of, not included, would be required. A In addition to the structural problem already noted, the word together is superfluous because its meaning is already included in reconcile. B The word examination should be followed in this context by the preposition of rather than by about. The coordinate conjunction and is unidiomatic, given the earlier occurrence of not only. C The coordinate conjunction and is unidiomatic in this context, given the earlier occurrence of not only. D The prepositions about and with are unidiomatic here (as opposed to of in both cases). As noted earlier, together is superfluous with reconcile. E Correct. The coordination of the parallel reference to an examination and an exploration is successfully executed here using the structure not only... but also. The correct answer is E.
24. New data from United States Forest Service ecologists show that for every dollar spent on controlled small-scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel, it saves seven dollars that would not be spent on having to extinguish big fires.
A.that for every dollar spent on controlled small-scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel, it saves seven dollars that would not be spent on having to extinguish
B.that for every dollar spent on controlled small- scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel, seven dollars are saved that would have been spent on extinguishing
C.that for every dollar spent on controlled small- scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel saves seven dollars on not having to extinguish
D.for every dollar spent on controlled small-scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel, that it saves seven dollars on not having to extinguish
E.for every dollar spent on controlled small-scale burning, forest thinning, and the training of fire-management personnel, that seven dollars are saved that would not have been spent on extinguishing
A B C D E
B
[解析] Logical predication; Rhetorical construction The pronoun it (it saves seven dollars) has no referent. Making seven dollars the subject of the clause eliminates this problem, and it also fulfills a reader's expectation that after the phrase beginning for every dollar another specific amount will be given to balance it. This change in structure also allows the awkward and wordy clause that would not be spent on having to extinguish to be rewritten so that spent balances saved: seven dollars are saved that would have been spent on extinguishing, and the unnecessary having to is omitted. A. It has no referent; not be spent is awkward; on having to extinguish is wordy. B. Correct. This sentence properly uses seven dollars as the subject of the clause to balance every dollar in the introductory phrase; the phrasing is concise and parallel. C. Saves does not have a subject; construction is not a complete sentence; not having to extinguish is wordy and awkward. D. That introduces a subordinate rather than main clause, making a sentence fragment; it has no referent; not having to extinguish is wordy and awkward. E. Introductory that makes a sentence fragment; that would not have been spent on extinguishing is awkward and illogical. The correct answer is B.
25. 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.
26. A ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, was probably a church, as indicated in its eastward orientation and by its overall plan, as well as artifacts, such as glass oil-lamp fragments, found at the site.
A.A ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, was probably a church, as indicated in its eastward orientation and by its overall plan, as well as
B.A ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, once probably being a church, was indicated by its eastward orientation, overall plan, and
C.Indicating that a ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, was probably a church were its eastward orientation and overall plan, but also the
D.A ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, was probably a church, as indicates its eastward orientation and overall plan, as well as the
E.That a ruined structure found at Aqaba, Jordan, was probably a church is indicated by its eastward orientation and overall plan, as well as by the
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical Predication; Parallelism This sentence explains why a currently ruined structure probably used to be a church. In the best-worded answer choice, the abstract subject (the probability that a certain hypothesis is true) is explained abstractly in a relative clause (That a ruined structure was probably...) followed by a passive verb (is indicated), followed by the prepositional phrase (by...), which is completed by a parallel listing of forms of evidence, all presented as noun phrases in the expression, (by) (its) A + B, as well as (by) C. A This version makes the relationship between as well as... and the rest of the sentence unclear. The most plausible hypothesis is that the artifacts are another of the types of evidence, parallel with the structure's orientation and its plan. The sentence violates the parallelism required in the list by failing to supply the preposition in the final item following as well as. B The subject of this version of the sentence, structure, is completed by the verb was indicated, creating the illogical assertion that the structure itself, rather than its probable identity, was indicated by its orientation, plan, and attendant artifacts. C Opening the sentence with the predicate adjective indicating leads to a confusing and awkward withholding of the subjects orientation... plan... artifacts. D The only plausible subject for the singular verb indicates is the plural orientation... plan, as well as the artifacts. Very little about this sentence makes sense. E Correct. The relationships among the parts of the sentence are clear and logical. The correct answer is E.
27. It is called a sea, but the landlocked Caspian is actually the largest lake on Earth, which covers more than four times the surface area of its closest rival in size, North America's Lake Superior.
A.It is called a sea, but the landlocked Caspian is actually the largest lake on Earth, which covers
B.Although it is called a sea, actually the landlocked Caspian is the largest lake on Earth, which covers
C.Though called a sea, the landlocked Caspian is actually the largest lake on Earth, covering
D.Though called a sea but it actually is the largest lake on Earth, the landlocked Caspian covers
E.Despite being called a sea, the largest lake on Earth is actually the landlocked Caspian, covering
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical Predication; Grammatical Construction The topic of this sentence is a single large body of water, the Caspian Sea. The wording needs to make it clear that being the largest lake on Earth and covering more than four times the surface area of... Lake Superior are both predicated of this one subject. A The referent of which is unclear. Grammatically, its antecedent cannot be the landlocked Caspian, so it must be either Earth or the largest lake on Earth. The latter is a little odd, because the sentence has already said that the lake in question is the Caspian, so one would expect and instead of which. For these reasons and because Earth immediately precedes which, the sentence appears to say, illogically, that Earth covers more than four times the surface area of Lake Superior. B As in (A), this appears to say, illogically, that Earth covers more than four times the surface area of Lake Superior. C Correct. The wording is direct, unambiguous, and grammatically correct. D The structure here is grammatically incoherent. E Despite being called a sea indicates, somewhat illogically, that the largest lake being called a sea would lead one to expect it not to be the Caspian. This makes little sense, especially to those who are familiar with the name Caspian Sea. The correct answer is C.
28. Unlike the automobile company, whose research was based on crashes involving sport utility vehicles, the research conducted by the insurance company took into account such factors as a driver's age, sex, and previous driving record.
A.company, whose research was based on
B.company, which researched
C.company, in its research of
D.company's research, having been based on
E.company's research on
A B C D E
E
[解析] Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The point of the sentence is to contrast the research conducted by the automobile company and that conducted by the insurance company, but the sentence has been written in a way that contrasts the automobile company with research. The correct contrast is between automobile company's research and research conducted by the insurance company. A Automobile company is incorrectly contrasted with research. B Automobile company is incorrectly contrasted with research. C Automobile company is incorrectly contrasted with research. D Having been based on is wordy. This construction makes it unclear whether having been based on crashes involving sport utility vehicles is intended to modify the automobile company's research or the research conducted by the insurance company. The sentence structure slightly favors the latter interpretation, but it is somewhat implausible to suppose that this is the intended meaning. E Correct. The sentence concisely contrasts the automobile company's research and research conducted by the insurance company. The correct answer is E.
29. Positing an enormous volcanic explosion at the end of the Permian period would explain the presence of a buried crater, account for the presence of the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and the presence of quartz having been shattered by high-impact shock waves.
A.account for the presence of the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and the presence of quartz having been
B.of the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and of quartz
C.the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and explain the presence of quartz having been
D.the presence of the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and explain the presence of quartz
E.explain the element iridium (originating deep within the earth), and the presence of quartz
A B C D E
B
[解析] Parallelism; Rhetorical Construction The sentence indicates that a volcanic explosion would explain the presence of three features, but those features are not expressed using parallel grammatical structures. The first two items in the list are verb phrases that involve needless repetition—explain the presence of and account for the presence of—while the third is an awkwardly worded noun phrase—the presence of quartz having been shattered. The three features can be identified more concisely with a list of prepositional phrases following explain the presence: of a buried crater, of the element iridium, and of quartz. A The three features are not listed in parallel form; the sentence is wordy and awkward. B Correct. The three features are identified with parallel prepositional phrases. C The three features are not listed in parallel form since the first and third are verb phrases, while the second is a noun phrase; the wording is awkward and needlessly repetitive. D The three features are not listed in parallel form since the first and third are verb phrases, while the second is a noun phrase; the wording is needlessly repetitive. E The three features are not listed in parallel form since the first and second are verb phrases, while the third is a noun phrase; the sentence illogically states that an explosion would explain the element iridium, rather than explain the presence of the element. The correct answer is B.
30. Despite its covering the entire planet, Earth has a crust that is not seamless or stationary, rather it is fragmented into mobile semirigid plates.
A.Despite its covering the entire planet, Earth has a crust that is not seamless or stationary, rather it is
B.Despite the fact that it covers the entire planet, Earth's crust is neither seamless nor is it stationary, but is
C.Despite covering the entire planet, Earth's crust is neither seamless nor is it stationary, but rather
D.Although it covers the entire planet, Earth's crust is neither seamless nor stationary, but rather
E.Although covering the entire planet, Earth has a crust that is not seamless or stationary, but
A B C D E
D
[解析] Idiom; Parallelism; Logical Predication A dangling modifier is an error in sentence structure whereby a participle is associated with a word other than the one intended or with no particular word at all. In this sentence, Earth is the closest word to the participial clause, and so the latter means that Earth is covering the entire planet (itself), which is a contradiction. A This version has a dangling participle. The addition of it is before fragmented is unwarranted and makes the sentence ungrammatical. Neither... nor... but rather would make the intended relationship among seamless, stationary, and fragmented clearer and more precise than not... or... rather. B Parallel structure is disrupted by the addition of is it after nor and by the addition of is after but. C Parallel structure is disrupted by the addition of is it after nor. D Correct. Despite and although are very close in meaning. However, despite is a preposition and needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase, while although is a conjunction and should be followed by a finite clause. This version uses although correctly. The parallel structure is also clear and correct. E Although is a conjunction and should be followed by a finite clause with a subject, not by a participle. In addition, the first clause represents a dangling modifier. Omitting rather from the parallel structure neither X nor Y but rather Z is possible, but not optimal. The correct answer is D.
31. According to some economists, the July decrease in unemployment so that it was the lowest in two years suggests that the gradual improvement in the job market is continuing.
A.so that it was the lowest in two years
B.so that it was the lowest two-year rate
C.to what would be the lowest in two years
D.to a two-year low level
E.to the lowest level in two years
A B C D E
E
[解析] Idiom; Rhetorical construction In this sentence, decrease is used as a noun and cannot grammatically be modified by the adverbial so that. The simple prepositional phrase to the lowest level in two years is a precise, concise alternative. A. The use of so that it was to modify a noun is ungrammatical, and it could refer to either decrease or unemployment. B. The use of so that it was to modify a noun is ungrammatical. It could refer to either decrease or unemployment, and the word rate is unclear. C. Use of the conditional would to state a fact is nonstandard; lowest should refer to a noun such as level. D. The meaning of to a two-year low level is unclear, and the phrase is unidiomatic. E. Correct. This sentence uses a clear, simple phrase that conveys an unambiguous meaning. The correct answer is E.
32. 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.
33. Found only in the Western Hemisphere and surviving through extremes of climate, hummingbirds' range extends from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, from sea-level rain forests to the edges of Andean snowfields and ice fields at altitudes of 15,000 feet.
A.Found only in the Western Hemisphere and surviving through extremes of climate, hummingbirds' range extends
B.Found only in the Western Hemisphere, hummingbirds survive through extremes of climate, their range extending
C.Hummingbirds, found only in the Western Hemisphere and surviving through extremes of climate, with their range extending
D.Hummingbirds, found only in the Western Hemisphere and surviving through extremes of climate, their range extends
E.Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, survive through extremes of climate, and their range extends
A B C D E
B
[解析] Logical Predication; Grammatical Construction This sentence makes three points about hummingbirds: they live in the Western Hemisphere, they survive extreme climates, and their range is wide and varied. Hummingbirds, not hummingbirds' range, should be the subject of the sentence. A The opening modifier, found... and surviving... should modify hummingbirds, not, as it does, hummingbirds' range. B Correct. Hummingbirds is the subject of the sentence, and the use of the absolute phrase their range extending appropriately connects the final clause to the rest of the sentence. C This version of the sentence has no main verb for the subject Hummingbirds and as a result is ungrammatical. D Like (C), this version of the sentence has no main verb for the subject Hummingbirds. E This version of the sentence begins with the subject Hummingbirds attached to a pair of verb phrases (are found... and survive...) followed by the conjunction and, which suggests that what follows should also be a verb phrase; instead, a new subject is introduced, their range. Replacing the comma before survive with and would render the sentence acceptable. The correct answer is B.
34. Along the major rivers that traverse the deserts of northeast Africa, the Middle East, and northwest India, the combination of a reliable supply of water and good growing conditions both encouraged farming traditions that, in places, endure in at least 6,000 years.
A.good growing conditions both encouraged farming traditions that, in places, endure in
B.good growing conditions encouraged farming traditions that have, in places, endured for
C.of good growing conditions have encouraged farming traditions that, in places, endured for
D.of good growing conditions both encouraged farming traditions that have, in places, endured
E.of good growing conditions encouraged farming traditions that have, in places, been enduring for
A B C D E
B
[解析] Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The time line of this sentence, captured by the use of verb tenses, is of utmost importance. A combination of factors (in the past) encouraged farming traditions that are still with us today. The conditions for the use of the present perfect tense have endured are in place. A The word both repeats the meaning of combination and is thus redundant. The use of the present tense (endure) is not justified by the time line of the whole sentence. The correct preposition for this type of construction is for (an amount of time), not in. B Correct. This version correctly employs the present perfect tense with the appropriate adverbial for at least 6,000 years. C The repetition of the preposition of before good growing conditions makes no sense. It seems to indicate that there is both a combination of a reliable supply of water and a combination of good growing conditions. D The preposition of should not be repeated in front of good growing conditions. The word both repeats the meaning of combination and is thus redundant. E The preposition of should not be repeated in front of good growing conditions. The use of the present perfect progressive have been enduring is not grammatically incorrect, but it is rhetorically inappropriate and sounds exaggerated. The correct answer is B.
35. In the major cities of industrialized countries at the end of the nineteenth century, important public places such as theaters, restaurants, shops, and banks had installed electric lighting, but electricity was in less than 1 percent of homes, where lighting was still provided mainly by candles or gas.
A.electricity was in less than 1 percent of homes, where lighting was still
B.electricity was in less than 1 percent of homes and lighting still
C.there had been less than 1 percent of homes with electricity, where lighting was still being
D.there was less than 1 percent of homes that had electricity, having lighting that was still
E.less than 1 percent of homes had electricity, where lighting had still been
A B C D E
A
[解析] Rhetorical Construction; Verb Form In this type of usage, a participle such as provided normally must be preceded by some form of the verb be. The best choice for this is the past tense was, since the main part of the clause describes the situation in the past tense (electricity was...). To link the ideas of lighting and electricity in homes, where is the most efficient and direct expression, superior to alternatives such as and or having. A Correct. The participle is preceded by the appropriate form was, and the clauses are linked efficiently by where. B There is no form of be in the second clause, and and does not clearly indicate the connection between the two clauses. C Had been and was being represent inappropriate tenses, and the there had been construction is longer than necessary. D Both having lighting and the there was construction are longer and more complicated than necessary. This sentence structure makes there, instead of homes, the subject of having. E Had been is not the appropriate tense for this situation. The correct answer is A.
36. Because it regarded the environmentalists as members of an out-of-state organization, the city council voted that they are denied permission for participating in the parade.
A.that they are denied permission for participating
B.that they be denied permission for participating
C.denying them permission for participation
D.the denial of permission that they participate
E.to deny them permission to participate
A B C D E
E
[解析] Verb Form; Logical Predication The sentence describes a vote that has been taken by a city council and suggests an explanation as to why the city council voted the particular way it did. The underlined portion, together with the three words that follow it, serves to describe the particular way the council voted and begins immediately after the verb voted. The word that at the beginning of the underlined portion introduces a subordinate clause that introduces the particular way the city council voted. A When we vote for something, what we vote for is something that perhaps should happen, rather than a fact or a description of an actual state of affairs. The statement they are denied permission would, if used properly, simply describe an actual state of affairs. It is therefore something that would not be voted for. The wording of the sentence thus needs to be changed, so that what is described as being voted for is not described as if it were an existing state of affairs. Furthermore, as discussed in connection with option B, the use of "for participating" may also be incorrect. B The use of "for participating" in this option may be incorrect. The noun permission as used in this statement describes an official act of allowing someone or something to do something. In this statement, it would be better if permission were followed by an infinitive form of a verb (beginning with the word "to"). For example, permission to participate would be correct. C In addition to the flaw described in connection with option B, this option has a flaw associated with the use of the word denying. Between voted and whatever form of the verb "deny" we may choose, we need a term, such as an infinitive (e.g., to) or a preposition (e.g., for or on) to introduce the statement describing the vote. In this way, to deny, for denying, and on denying could be correct. This option lacks such an introducing term. D One flaw in this option is somewhat like the flaw in option C. For option D, the option is a noun phrase, which, when preceded by the verb "voted," needs a preposition such as for or on to precede it. For example, voted for the denial of permission might be correct. The use of that they participate is also incorrect. This flaw could be fixed if, as discussed in connection with option B, we used to participate instead. E Correct. This option has none of the flaws discussed in connection with options A through D. The correct answer is E.
37. The World Wildlife Fund has declared that global warming, a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels, will create havoc among migratory birds by altering the environment in ways harmful to their habitats.
A.a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels,
B.a phenomenon most scientists agree that is caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings,
C.a phenomenon that most scientists agree is caused by human beings' burning of fossil fuels,
D.which most scientists agree on as a phenomenon caused by human beings who burn fossil fuels,
E.which most scientists agree to be a phenomenon caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings,
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The underlined portion of the sentence is an appositive defining global warming as a phenomenon caused by the burning of fossil fuels by humans. Because this appositive intervenes between the subject (global warming) and verb (will create) of a clause, it should be expressed as clearly and economically as possible so as not to confuse the meaning of the sentence as a whole. A To be caused and in burning are wordy, awkward, and indirect. B That is should immediately follow phenomenon, not agree. C Correct. The phrase human beings' burning is more economical than constructions with prepositional phrases or relative clauses. D The phrasing is wordy and indirect. E The phrasing is wordy and the meaning is imprecise; it is not fossil fuels that cause global warming—it is the burning of fossil fuels by humans. The correct answer is C.
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. Companies are relying more and more on networked computers for such critical tasks as inventory management, electronic funds transfer, and electronic data interchange, in which standard business transactions are handled via computer rather than on paper.
A.in which standard business transactions are handled via computer rather than on paper
B.where computers handle standard business transactions rather than on paper
C.in which computers handle standard business transactions instead of on paper
D.where standard business transactions are handled, not with paper, but instead via computer
E.in which standard business transactions are being handled via computer, in place of on paper
A B C D E
A
[解析] Idiom; Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The concluding comparison in this sentence uses the idiom rather than, which requires parallel structures. In this sentence the prepositional phrase via computer parallels on paper. Substituting where for in which creates a nonstandard idiom. A Correct. This sentence uses standard idiomatic constructions and avoids the problems that are found in the other versions. B Where is a nonstandard way to refer to a noun that does not name a location. If electronic data interchange were a location, this version would entail the odd claim that on paper is an alternative location at which computers would be expected to process information. C The comparison of the clause computers handle... with the prepositional phrase on paper illogically treats a location (on paper) as an alternative to an activity (computers handle). D As in (B), where is a nonstandard idiom. The commas around not with paper appear to make this phrase parenthetical; thus, it is somewhat unclear what instead via computer is contrasted with. E The pile of prepositions in the phrase in place of on paper is unnecessarily confusing and wordy. The correct answer is A.
41. Last week local shrimpers held a news conference to take some credit for the resurgence of the rare Kemp's ridley turtle, saying that their compliance with laws requiring that turtle-excluder devices be on shrimp nets protect adult sea turtles.
A.requiring that turtle-excluder devices be on shrimp nets protect
B.requiring turtle-excluder devices on shrimp nets is protecting
C.that require turtle-excluder devices on shrimp nets protect
D.to require turtle-excluder devices on shrimp nets are protecting
E.to require turtle-excluder devices on shrimp nets is protecting
A B C D E
B
[解析] Rhetorical Construction; Agreement The subject of the clause introduced by saying that is the singular noun compliance. This subject requires the singular form of the verb protect, The clearest, most economical way to describe the laws in question is to follow the word laws with a present participle requiring. To use an infinitive, to require, seems to indicate that requiring these devices is the objective of the laws, when in fact the objective is to protect the sea turtles. A The plural verb protect does not agree with the singular subject compliance. B Correct. The singular verb is protecting agrees with the singular subject compliance, and the participial phrase beginning with requiring concisely and accurately describes the laws. C The relative clause that require introduces unnecessary wordiness; the plural verb protect does not agree with the singular subject compliance. D To require obscures the purpose of the laws; the plural verb phrase are protecting does not agree with the singular subject compliance. E To require obscures the purpose of the laws. The correct answer is B.
42. 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.
43. Rivaling the pyramids of Egypt or even the ancient cities of the Maya as an achievement, the army of terra-cotta warriors created to protect Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in his afterlife is more than 2,000 years old and took 700,000 artisans more than 36 years to complete.
A.the army of terra-cotta warriors created to protect Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in his afterlife is more than 2,000 years old and took 700,000 artisans more than 36 years to complete
B.Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, was protected in his afterlife by an army of terra- cotta warriors that was created more than 2,000 years ago by 700,000 artisans who took more than 36 years to complete it
C.it took 700,000 artisans more than 36 years to create an army of terra-cotta warriors more than 2,000 years ago that would protect Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in his afterlife
D.more than 2,000 years ago, 700,000 artisans worked more than 36 years to create an army of terra-cotta warriors to protect Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in his afterlife
E.more than 36 years were needed to complete the army of terra-cotta warriors that 700,000 artisans created 2,000 years ago to protect Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in his afterlife
A B C D E
A
[解析] Logical Predication; Rhetorical Construction The opening modifier, Rivaling the pyramids... describes the army of terra-cotta warriors, which must immediately follow the modifier. The placement of the predicates that follow is important; they must clarify two things about the army of terra-cotta warriors: how old it is and how long it took to complete. The clearest and most effective way to express these two assertions is as parallel verb phrases, is more than 2,000 years old and took ... more than 36years to complete. A Correct. The opening phrase correctly modifies the subject, the army of terra-cotta warriors; the placement of modifiers and predicates in the main clause makes the meaning of the sentence clear. B Opening phrase is a dangling modifier because it does not describe the subject Qin Shi Huang, in addition, the sentence is awkward and unclear. C Opening phrase is a dangling modifier because it does not describe the subject it, the sequence of information presented is confusing and unclear. D Opening phrase is a dangling modifier because it does not describe the subject 700,000 artisans. E Opening phrase is a dangling modifier because it does not describe the subject more than 36 years. The correct answer is A.
44. From an experiment using special extrasensory perception cards, each bearing one of a set of symbols, parapsychologist Joseph Banks Rhine claimed statistical proof for subjects who could use thought transference to identify a card in the dealer's hand.
A.for subjects who could use thought transference to identify a card in the dealer's hand
B.for a card in the dealer's hand to be identified by subjects with thought transference
C.of subjects able to identify with thought transference a card in the dealer's hand
D.that subjects could identify a card in the dealer's hand by using thought transference
E.that subjects are capable to use thought transference for identifying a card in the dealer's hand
A B C D E
D
[解析] Idiom; Rhetorical Construction This sentence is meant to indicate that Joseph Banks Rhine claimed that a certain experiment statistically proved that subjects could identify what symbol was on a card in a dealer's hand by using thought transference. The present version of the sentence does not convey the intended meaning well, however. What should follow proof is a statement of the assertion that Rhine claims the experiment has statistically proved, linked to the word proof by the word that. Instead proof is followed by a prepositional phrase for subjects who.... A This version of the sentence inappropriately attempts to describe the claim by using a prepositional phrase, fir subjects who.... B Like (A), this version of the sentence inappropriately attempts to describe the claim by using a prepositional phrase, for a card in C Like (A) and (B), this version of the sentence inappropriately attempts to describe the claim by using a prepositional phrase. While proof might reasonably be followed by of, the phrase that follows the preposition is ungrammatical, requiring a participle to modify subjects, such as being able to.... D Correct. This version correctly uses the idiom proof that followed by an assertion. E While this version of the sentence correctly follows proof with that followed by an assertion, it fails to use the appropriate idiom with capable; instead of capable to use, it should have capable of using. The correct answer is D.
45. Although she was considered among her contemporaries to be the better poet than her husband, later Elizabeth Barrett Browning was overshadowed by his success.
A.Although she was considered among her contemporaries to be the better poet than her husband, later Elizabeth Barrett Browning was overshadowed by his success.
B.Although Elizabeth Barrett Browning was considered among her contemporaries as a better poet than her husband, she was later overshadowed by his success.
C.Later overshadowed by the success of her husband, Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry had been considered among her contemporaries to be better than that of her husband.
D.Although Elizabeth Barrett Browning's success was later overshadowed by that of her husband, among her contemporaries she was considered the better poet.
E.Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry was considered among her contemporaries as better than her husband, but her success was later overshadowed by his.
A B C D E
D
[解析] Idiom; Verb Form; Logical Predication The sentence misuses the locution the better poet. It is acceptable to say a better poet than but not the better poet than. If you have already mentioned two poets X and Y, and you want to say that X is better than Y, you can either say X is a better poet than Y, or simply, X is the better poet. A This version of the sentence misuses the idiom the better poet, most likely confusing it with the idiom a better poet than. B [W] as considered among her contemporaries as is awkward and unnecessarily creates a potential misreading (she was considered to be among her contemporaries). C The subject here is Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry, not Elizabeth Barrett Browning, so the antecedent of her in her husband could comically be taken to be Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry. Furthermore, the tense of had been considered pairs oddly with Later overshadowed. Each seems to be in reaction to some particular time T—later than T and earlier than T, but when T was or its significance is never indicated. D Correct. This version avoids the problems of the other versions. E This sentence comically compares Elizabeth Barrett Browning's poetry to her husband. The correct answer is D.
46. In a speech before the Senate Banking Committee, the chairman of the Federal Reserve painted an optimistic picture of the economy, suggesting to investors the central bank in the near future is not lowering interest rates.
A.suggesting to investors the central bank in the near future is not lowering interest rates
B.suggesting to investors that the central bank would not lower interest rates in the near future
C.which suggests that to investors in the near future interest rates will not be lowered by the central bank
D.with the suggestion to investors in the near future that interest rates would not be lowered by the central bank
E.with the suggestion to investors of interest rates not being lowered in the near future by the central bank
A B C D E
B
[解析] Grammatical Construction; Verb Form The sentence seeks to report, in indirect-speech form (i.e., using a that-clause), a thought expressed by the chairman of the United States Federal Reserve (the central bank) concerning the central bank's intentions. For example, the chairman might have said: "The central bank will not lower interest rates in the near future." In simplified form, the report of that past speech would have been correct as follows: "The chairman said that the central bank would not lower interest rates in the near future." Notice how will not lower has to morph into would not lower in the indirect-speech transformation of the past direct speech. However, in the indirect-speech report that is given, the sequence of the verb forms is incorrect. A The present-continuous form is not lowering is incorrect because the report refers to a past speech of the chairman that referred to what the central bank then intended. B Correct. This clearly and correctly reports the chairman's past speech about what the central bank intended at that time. C The antecedent of the relative pronoun which is unclear: is it the economy, an optimistic picture of the economy, or the chairman... the economy? The sequence suggests that to investors is unnecessarily awkward and implausibly puts to investors within the scope of the reported speech, i.e., within the that-clause. D The placement of the adverbial phrase in the near future incorrectly removes it outside the scope of the reported speech, and leaves it unclear what verb or adjective it is meant to modify. E Indirect speech is normally best expressed in a that-clause; the attempt to express it by the prepositional phrase of interest rates not being lowered...is unnecessarily awkward. The correct answer is B.
47. In 1974 a large area of the surface of Mercury was photographed from varying distances, which revealed a degree of cratering similar to that of the Moon's.
A.which revealed a degree of cratering similar to that of the Moon's
B.to reveal a degree of cratering similar to the Moon
C.revealing a degree of cratering similar to that of the Moon
D.and revealed cratering similar in degree to the Moon
E.that revealed cratering similar in degree to that of the Moon
A B C D E
C
[解析] Logical predication; Parallelism This sentence's second clause, expressing what the imaging of Mercury showed, must be linked to the first clause in a grammatically correct way. This is best done either by an appositive relative clause (requiring the relative marker which), or by a clause starting with a nonfinite verb (to reveal or revealing). Also, whatever is said to be similar to a degree of cratering (on Mercury) should also be a degree of cratering (on the Moon); this must be expressed clearly. A. The use of which is correct, but that of the Moon's is inferior to that of the Moon, because the possessive's and that of the redundantly express the same idea. That of the Moon's appears to refer, illogically, to cratering of some unspecified thing that belongs to the Moon, not cratering of the Moon itself. B. To reveal is acceptable, but to the Moon incorrectly compares a physical entity (the Moon) to a degree of cratering. C. Correct. Revealing is a good way to start the second clause, and to that of the Moon properly contrasts two degrees of cratering. D. And is incorrect as a way to introduce the second clause; to the Moon makes the wrong sort of comparison. E. That is not the correct way to introduce an appositive relative clause. That is typically used restrictively, whereas the comma preceding it makes the ensuing clause nonrestrictive. This leaves the meaning unclear. The correct answer is C.
48. Despite a growing population, in 1998 the United States used 38 billion fewer gallons of water a day when comparing it to the period of all-time highest consumption almost 20 years earlier.
A.day when comparing it to the period of all-time highest consumption almost 20 years earlier
B.day than it did during the period of all-time highest consumption almost 20 years earlier
C.day than were used almost 20 years earlier, which had been the all-time high consumption
D.day, compared to almost 20 years earlier, that having been the all-time high consumption
E.day, which is in comparison to the period of all-time highest consumption almost 20 years earlier
A B C D E
B
[解析] Rhetorical construction; Logical predication When making a direct comparison (in this case, with fewer), the standard way to express the object of comparison is with than. Here, the sentence uses fewer... when comparing it to, which not only is unidiomatic, but also creates an illogical predication: United States is the only possible subject for the verb comparing (surely the sentence doesn't mean to say the United States used 38 billion fewer gallons at the time it was making some comparison!). Also, what is the antecedent of it here? Grammatically, there is no clear candidate. A. Instead of using fewer... than, this version uses the unidiomatic fewer... when comparing it to, which also introduces a logical predication problem. B. Correct. Fewer than is correct, and this version of the sentence has no logical predication problems. C. This has a logical predication problem: because the relative clause beginning with which immediately follows almost 20years earlier, it seems that the time period is being described as having been the all-time high consumption. D. Fewer than is preferable to fewer... compared to; also, there is a logical predication problem: because the phrase beginning with that immediately follows almost 20years earlier, it seems that the time period is being described as having been the all-time high consumption. E. This is awkwardly and confusingly worded. Rather than comparing the United States' water usage in 1998 to its water usage nearly 20 years earlier, this appears illogically to compare the United States' water usage in 1998 to a period of time, namely the period of all-time highest consumption almost 20years earlier. The correct answer is B.
49. Tides typically range from three to six feet, but while some places show no tides at all, some others, such as the Bay of Fundy, have tides of at least thirty feet and more.
A.some others, such as the Bay of Fundy, have tides of at least thirty feet and more
B.the others, such as the Bay of Fundy, that have tides of more than thirty feet
C.others, such as the Bay of Fundy, have tides of more than thirty feet
D.those at the Bay of Fundy, which has tides of more than thirty feet
E.the ones at the Bay of Fundy have tides of at least thirty feet and more
A B C D E
C
[解析] Idiom; Grammatical Construction This sentence defines typical tides and then draws a contrast between locations with tides lower than that norm and locations with tides higher than the norm. The proper idiom for drawing this contrast is some places and others—not some places and some others as written. The height of tides in places such as the Bay of Fundy is expressed in a confusing manner since at least thirty feet sets a lower limit on the height. This wording is pointlessly redundant with the phrase and more, which follows it. At least would normally be used to indicate that the writer does not know, or prefers not to say, whether the tides are sometimes higher. And more rhetorically conflicts with this by signaling a definite commitment to the claim that they are (at least sometimes) higher. A charitable reading suggests that tides of more than thirty feet is the intended meaning. A The sentence contains repetitive and redundant wording—some places and some others, and at least thirty feet and more. B The final clause is incomplete because that introduces a subordinate clause, leaving the subject others with no main verb. C Correct. A contrast is drawn between places with low tides and places with high tides using the expression some places and others, and the height of the high tides is expressed clearly and without redundancy. D The pronoun those, which refers to places, does not make sense along with at the Bay of Fundy, which names a single place; the final clause is incomplete because which introduces a subordinate clause, leaving the subject those with no verb. E The word ones, which refers to places, does not make sense along with at the Bay of Fundy, which names a single place; at least thirty feet and more is redundant and confusing. The correct answer is C.
50. Air traffic routes over the North Pole are currently used by only two or three planes a day, but it was found by a joint Canadian-Russian study to be both feasible as well as desirable if those routes are opened to thousands more commercial planes a year.
A.Air traffic routes over the North Pole are currently used by only two or three planes a day, but it was found by a joint Canadian-Russian study to be both feasible as well as desirable if those routes are opened to thousands more commercial planes a year.
B.Currently used by only two or three planes a day, a joint Canadian-Russian study has found that if air traffic routes over the North Pole are opened to thousands more commercial planes a year, it would be both feasible and desirable.
C.A joint Canadian-Russian study, finding it to be both feasible as well as desirable to open air traffic routes over the North Pole, which are currently used by only two or three planes a day, to thousands more commercial planes a year.
D.Although air traffic routes over the North Pole are currently used by only two or three planes a day, a joint Canadian-Russian study has found that opening those routes to thousands more commercial planes a year is both feasible and desirable.
E.With air traffic routes over the North Pole currently used by only two or three planes a day, opening those routes to thousands more commercial planes a year has been found by a joint Canadian—Russian study as both feasible and desirable.
A B C D E
D
[解析] Rhetorical Construction; Verb Form; Logical Predication The point of the sentence is to share the results of a study about air routes over the North Pole, but the wording is confusing and verbose. The passive construction it was found by a joint Canadian-Russian study to be could be expressed more directly and clearly in active voice: a joint Canadian-Russian study has found. A The passive construction it was found by a joint Canadian-Russian study to be, especially followed by the conditional if, is wordy, awkward, and unclear. B Used by only two or three planes illogically modifies a joint Canadian-Russian study; the pronoun it has no clear antecedent. C The subject A joint Canadian-Russian study has no verb; to thousands more commercial planes is located too far away from to open, which it is intended to modify. D Correct. The sentence uses correctly placed modifiers and the active voice to explain clearly what a joint Canadian-Russian study has found. E The passive construction opening those routes... has been found by a joint Canadian-Russian study as both is wordy and unidiomatic. The correct answer is D.