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1
Answer: D
Explanation:
The sentence, as written, is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two
independent clauses. Hence, eliminate A.
B and C - The usage of and makes no sense because the sentence is not telling us two
different things that overworked truck drivers do.
Between D and E, E distorts the meaning by incorrectly suggesting that truck drivers were
falling asleep as a result of the crashes. D properly connects the first clause with the second
clause using by and is the correct answer.
2
Answer: E
Explanation:
For now, let’s keep out A because it uses the avoidable being. (Remember the usage of
being should be avoided but it may not always be incorrect. If we don’t like any of the other
options, we will go back and reconsider option A.)
Option D does not have a verb, so let’s eliminate D.
This brings us down to B, C, and E. Comparing these three options vertically, we immediately
spot the split between due to and because. Remember due to can only be used to replace caused
by; it can never be used to replace because/because of. Try replacing due to with caused by in
option B and you’ll realise that this makes no sense. So B goes out.
3
Answer: D
Explanation:
The sentence as written is missing a verb, so A goes out. It also uses which incorrectly as a
restrictive modifier (there is no comma before ‘which’).
B is again missing a verb.
C goes out because the present tense verb are does not agree with the past tense (occurred)
implied in the sentence.
Between D and E, E is awkward in construction. Drowning is an accident and it is much
better to say that an accident took place. It also uses the avoidable being. Hence, D is the
correct answer.
4
Answer: D
Explanation:
We can do a split using the verb contribute. Since we have a compound subject—improper
diet and sedentary lifestyle—the verb obviously needs to be plural.
A and B go out because they use the singular contributes.
E goes out because of the singular verb ‘has been contributing’.
Between C and D, C unnecessarily uses the continuous tense whereas the sentence does
not emphasize the ongoing nature of an activity. C also gets the idiom wrong—the correct
idiom is ‘contribute to’. Hence, D is the correct answer.
5
5. The legendary traveller, Ibn Battuta, wrote and published the Rihla with his purpose being
to recount stories of his travels across the world.
(A) with his purpose being to recount
(B) to recount
(C) and his purpose was recounting
(D) thus recounted
(E) for recounting
Answer: B
Explanation:
The correct answer is one that conveys the meaning crisply using the least number of
words—in this case B.
A and C are unnecessarily wordy.
E. The use of for recounting is unidiomatic.
D. Makes for a disconnected sentence. It is not clear who recounted.
6
Answer: E
Explanation:
The non-underlined part of the sentence uses listening and relaxing so the underlined part
should use practicing to get the parallelism right. Hence, eliminate C and D.
Options A and B unnecessarily use the words to be and for before practicing. This also breaks
the parallelism. Hence, E is the correct answer.
7. In the 1960s, to reduce the discharge of untreated wastes into the Great Lakes, limits were
set by the United States and its neighbouring countries on the amount of effluents that
could be discharged into these water bodies.
(A) limits were set by the United States and its neighbouring countries on
(B) limits set by the United States and its neighbouring countries for
(C) the United States and its neighbouring countries have set limits on
(D) limits have been set by the United States and its neighbouring countries restricting
(E) the United States and its neighbouring countries set limits on
Answer: E
Explanation:
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—to reduce the discharge of untreated wastes into
the Great Lakes—so whoever is doing this reduction should come after the comma, that is,
the United States. Hence, eliminate A, B, and D.
The present tense have set in D is not consistent with the non-underlined part of the
sentence, which is talking about an event in the past. E gets this right by using the past
tense set, and is the correct answer.
8
Answer: E
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—If asked to name a favourite musical group,—so
what follows the comma should be whoever is asked to name a favourite musical group.
Doing a first-word split quickly tells you that this has to be ‘many people’. Hence, A, B, and
C go out.
In D, the use of the present tense in choose is not consistent with the past tense implied in
the non-underlined part of the sentence (asked). E gets this right by using the past tense
would, and is the correct answer.
9
9. As the economy battles recession, the Board of Directors of the company believes that they
will be able to maintain profits by tapping into new markets abroad.
(A) believes that they will be able to maintain profits by
(B) believe that it will be able to maintain profits by means of
(C) believes that it will be able to maintain profits by
(D) have a belief that they will maintain profits by
(E) believe in maintaining profits and
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Board of Directors is singular so the plural pronoun they cannot be used to refer to it.
Hence, eliminate A.
D. Have a belief is wordy. Plural they cannot refer to the singular Board.
E. Distorts the meaning by removing the causal relation and instead suggesting that
the Board believes in doing two things—maintaining and tapping.
Between B and C, in B, the singular Board does not agree with the plural believe. Also, the
phrase by means of is unnecessarily wordy. Hence, C is the correct answer.
10
A
Explanation:
The sentence is correct as written.
B distorts the meaning by changing the placement of may. It is also missing a main verb.
C. The usage of should distorts the meaning because should implies that the scientists suggest
(and not believe) that a cure be found. In the belief of is wordy.
D is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two independent clauses.
E is missing a main verb.
11. Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills is the reason why most
planners attack illiteracy first.
(A) Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills is the reason why
(B) Lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills and is the reason why
(C) Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills,
(D) As a result of lack of education being the root cause of many other social ills
(E) Because lack of education is the root cause of many illnesses in the society,
Answer: C
Explanation:
The use of because and is the reason in the same sentence is redundant, so eliminate A. C gets
this right and is the correct answer.
B. This sentence makes it appear as though lack of education is the reason why planners
attack illiteracy first, whereas it is the entire first clause that is the reason and not just
the lack of education.
D. Awkward and wordy construction because of the usage of being.
E. Distorts the meaning by changing social ills into illnesses in society.
12. Accounting and cost-management are an example of financial fields that have shortages in
staffing.
(A) are an example of financial fields that
(B) are examples of financial fields that
(C) are examples of a financial field that
(D) exemplify a financial field which
(E) exemplify financial fields where they
Answer: B
Explanation:
This sentence is testing you on the knowledge of singular and plural subjects. Remember
that we have a compound subject—accounting and cost-management—so the verb needs
to be plural as well. Therefore, B is the correct answer.
A. Two things can be examples and not an example.
C. The singular financial field does not agree with the compound subject.
D. The singular financial field does not agree with the compound subject.
E. The pronoun they has no logical referent.
13. Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s Children, currently resides in England, but he
was raised in Pakistan, being born in India first.
(A) Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s Children, currently resides in England, but
he was raised in Pakistan, being born in India first.
(B) Being raised in Pakistan, after being born in India, Salman Rushdie, now residing in
England, wrote Midnight’s Children.
(C) Born in India and raised in Pakistan, Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s
Children, now resides in England.
(D) Although now in England, Salman Rushdie was born in India and raised in Pakistan,
he is the author of Midnight’s Children.
(E) Raised in Pakistan, and now he resides in England, Salman Rushdie, born in India,
is the author of Midnight’s Children.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The sentence tells you three things about Salman Rushdie—he was born In India, he was
raised in Pakistan, and he now resides in England. These facts need to be conveyed in a
coherent and logical manner. C does this best and is the correct answer.
A. Awkward construction. The phrase being born in India first appears disjointed with
the rest of the sentence.
B. Awkward construction. Uses too many beings.
D. Creates a run on sentence by using a comma to connect two independent clauses.
E. Awkward construction. The participle raised is not parallel to the verb resides.
14. Being that many Indian food recipes require you to cook and not be interrupted, it is
advisable to keep all the ingredients ready in advance.
(A) Being that many Indian food recipes require you to cook and not be interrupted,
(B) Because many Indian food recipes require for one to cook without interruption
(C) Because many Indian food recipes require that one cook without interruption,
(D) Many Indian food recipes require that one cook without interruption and
(E) Many Indian food recipes require that one should cook without interruption;
Answer: C
Explanation:
The question is talking about a cause and its effect so it’s best to start with because. The use
of require implies the subjunctive mood so require must be followed by a that. Therefore, C
is the correct answer.
A. The usage of being makes the sentence awkward and unclear.
B. According to the subjunctive mood, require needs to be followed by a that.
D. No grammatical error but the usage of and fails to show the cause and effect relation
implied by the original sentence.
E. The usage of require and should is logically inconsistent because requires implies a
compulsion whereas should implies a suggestion. Also the usage of a semicolon fails
to show the cause and effect relation implied by the original sentence.
15. A mixture of reggae and jazz, the music of the artist was more innovative than most of his
contemporaries were.
(A) the music of the artist was more innovative than most of his contemporaries were
(B) the artist was more innovative in his music than most of his contemporaries
(C) the artist’s music was more innovative than that of most of his contemporaries
(D) the music of the artist being more innovative in comparison to the music of most of
his contemporaries
(E) the artist, in his music, was more innovative than most of his contemporaries were
Answer: C
Explanation:
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—A mixture of reggae and jazz,—so what follows
the comma should be the music and not the artist. Thus, B and E go out.
A incorrectly compares the music of the artist with his contemporaries (and not with their
music).
Between C and D, D is unnecessarily wordy and also the use of being makes the construction
awkward. Therefore, C is the correct answer.
16. Studying the art for several years, practicing difficult notes every day, and frequent
performances has enabled the young pianist to secure a contract with the country’s biggest
music company.
(A) and frequent performances has enabled the young pianist
(B) as well as frequent performances have enabled the young pianist
(C) and performing frequently, the young pianist has been enabled
(D) and frequent performances have enabled the young pianist
(E) and performing frequently enabled the young pianist
Answer: E
Explanation:
The sentence is testing you on parallel construction. The pianist did three things to secure
the contract and these should be stated in the correct parallel form—studying, practicing,
and performing. Thus, E is the correct answer.
A. Gets the parallelism wrong. Also the singular verb has does not agree with the
compound subject.
B. This option also gets the parallelism wrong.
C. The passive nature of this construction makes it sound awkward.
D. Gets the parallelism wrong.
17. Secretariat, the legendary horse that became the first US Triple Crown champion in twenty
five years and set records that still stand today, and the hero of the movie Secretariat.
(A) and
(B) and that has become
(C) and that is
(D) is
(E) having been
Answer: D
Explanation:
The part between the commas (the legendary...stand today) is a modifying phrase that
describes Secretariat. Outside of this modifying phrase, the sentence does not have a verb.
Hence, A is incorrect.
In B and C the use of and does not make sense because the sentence is not telling us two
things about the horse.
Between D and E, E again does not have a main verb; hence, D is the correct answer.
18. On June 11, 1993, Steven Spielberg released his film Jurassic Park, this was the inauguration
of both a new style of film-making and the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs.
(A) Jurassic Park, this was the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and the
audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(B) Jurassic Park, thus marking the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and
the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(C) Jurassic Park, both inaugurated a new style of film-making and the audience’s
fascination from dinosaurs
(D) Jurassic Park, and this was the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and
of the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(E) Jurassic Park, whose inauguration of both a new style of film-making and the
audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
Answer: B
Explanation:
The sentence, as given, is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two
independent clauses. B is the correct answer as it gets the placement of both right and also
uses the parallel structure correctly.
C. The placement of both is incorrect. The original sentence implies that the release of
Jurassic Park led to the inauguration of two things; hence, both should come after
inauguration.
D. The use of and is not appropriate because it fails to show the causal relationship
implicit in the sentence. Also, the preposition ‘of ’ does not have to be repeated in
the phrase of the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs because of is coming before both,
which implies that it applies to both the things that come after both.
E. This sentence is missing a main verb.
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1
Answer: D
Explanation:
The sentence, as written, is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two
independent clauses. Hence, eliminate A.
B and C - The usage of and makes no sense because the sentence is not telling us two
different things that overworked truck drivers do.
Between D and E, E distorts the meaning by incorrectly suggesting that truck drivers were
falling asleep as a result of the crashes. D properly connects the first clause with the second
clause using by and is the correct answer.
2
Answer: E
Explanation:
For now, let’s keep out A because it uses the avoidable being. (Remember the usage of
being should be avoided but it may not always be incorrect. If we don’t like any of the other
options, we will go back and reconsider option A.)
Option D does not have a verb, so let’s eliminate D.
This brings us down to B, C, and E. Comparing these three options vertically, we immediately
spot the split between due to and because. Remember due to can only be used to replace caused
by; it can never be used to replace because/because of. Try replacing due to with caused by in
option B and you’ll realise that this makes no sense. So B goes out.
3
Answer: D
Explanation:
The sentence as written is missing a verb, so A goes out. It also uses which incorrectly as a
restrictive modifier (there is no comma before ‘which’).
B is again missing a verb.
C goes out because the present tense verb are does not agree with the past tense (occurred)
implied in the sentence.
Between D and E, E is awkward in construction. Drowning is an accident and it is much
better to say that an accident took place. It also uses the avoidable being. Hence, D is the
correct answer.
4
Answer: D
Explanation:
We can do a split using the verb contribute. Since we have a compound subject—improper
diet and sedentary lifestyle—the verb obviously needs to be plural.
A and B go out because they use the singular contributes.
E goes out because of the singular verb ‘has been contributing’.
Between C and D, C unnecessarily uses the continuous tense whereas the sentence does
not emphasize the ongoing nature of an activity. C also gets the idiom wrong—the correct
idiom is ‘contribute to’. Hence, D is the correct answer.
5
5. The legendary traveller, Ibn Battuta, wrote and published the Rihla with his purpose being
to recount stories of his travels across the world.
(A) with his purpose being to recount
(B) to recount
(C) and his purpose was recounting
(D) thus recounted
(E) for recounting
Answer: B
Explanation:
The correct answer is one that conveys the meaning crisply using the least number of
words—in this case B.
A and C are unnecessarily wordy.
E. The use of for recounting is unidiomatic.
D. Makes for a disconnected sentence. It is not clear who recounted.
6
Answer: E
Explanation:
The non-underlined part of the sentence uses listening and relaxing so the underlined part
should use practicing to get the parallelism right. Hence, eliminate C and D.
Options A and B unnecessarily use the words to be and for before practicing. This also breaks
the parallelism. Hence, E is the correct answer.
7. In the 1960s, to reduce the discharge of untreated wastes into the Great Lakes, limits were
set by the United States and its neighbouring countries on the amount of effluents that
could be discharged into these water bodies.
(A) limits were set by the United States and its neighbouring countries on
(B) limits set by the United States and its neighbouring countries for
(C) the United States and its neighbouring countries have set limits on
(D) limits have been set by the United States and its neighbouring countries restricting
(E) the United States and its neighbouring countries set limits on
Answer: E
Explanation:
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—to reduce the discharge of untreated wastes into
the Great Lakes—so whoever is doing this reduction should come after the comma, that is,
the United States. Hence, eliminate A, B, and D.
The present tense have set in D is not consistent with the non-underlined part of the
sentence, which is talking about an event in the past. E gets this right by using the past
tense set, and is the correct answer.
8
Answer: E
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—If asked to name a favourite musical group,—so
what follows the comma should be whoever is asked to name a favourite musical group.
Doing a first-word split quickly tells you that this has to be ‘many people’. Hence, A, B, and
C go out.
In D, the use of the present tense in choose is not consistent with the past tense implied in
the non-underlined part of the sentence (asked). E gets this right by using the past tense
would, and is the correct answer.
9
9. As the economy battles recession, the Board of Directors of the company believes that they
will be able to maintain profits by tapping into new markets abroad.
(A) believes that they will be able to maintain profits by
(B) believe that it will be able to maintain profits by means of
(C) believes that it will be able to maintain profits by
(D) have a belief that they will maintain profits by
(E) believe in maintaining profits and
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Board of Directors is singular so the plural pronoun they cannot be used to refer to it.
Hence, eliminate A.
D. Have a belief is wordy. Plural they cannot refer to the singular Board.
E. Distorts the meaning by removing the causal relation and instead suggesting that
the Board believes in doing two things—maintaining and tapping.
Between B and C, in B, the singular Board does not agree with the plural believe. Also, the
phrase by means of is unnecessarily wordy. Hence, C is the correct answer.
10
A
Explanation:
The sentence is correct as written.
B distorts the meaning by changing the placement of may. It is also missing a main verb.
C. The usage of should distorts the meaning because should implies that the scientists suggest
(and not believe) that a cure be found. In the belief of is wordy.
D is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two independent clauses.
E is missing a main verb.
11. Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills is the reason why most
planners attack illiteracy first.
(A) Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills is the reason why
(B) Lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills and is the reason why
(C) Because lack of education is the root cause of many other social ills,
(D) As a result of lack of education being the root cause of many other social ills
(E) Because lack of education is the root cause of many illnesses in the society,
Answer: C
Explanation:
The use of because and is the reason in the same sentence is redundant, so eliminate A. C gets
this right and is the correct answer.
B. This sentence makes it appear as though lack of education is the reason why planners
attack illiteracy first, whereas it is the entire first clause that is the reason and not just
the lack of education.
D. Awkward and wordy construction because of the usage of being.
E. Distorts the meaning by changing social ills into illnesses in society.
12. Accounting and cost-management are an example of financial fields that have shortages in
staffing.
(A) are an example of financial fields that
(B) are examples of financial fields that
(C) are examples of a financial field that
(D) exemplify a financial field which
(E) exemplify financial fields where they
Answer: B
Explanation:
This sentence is testing you on the knowledge of singular and plural subjects. Remember
that we have a compound subject—accounting and cost-management—so the verb needs
to be plural as well. Therefore, B is the correct answer.
A. Two things can be examples and not an example.
C. The singular financial field does not agree with the compound subject.
D. The singular financial field does not agree with the compound subject.
E. The pronoun they has no logical referent.
13. Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s Children, currently resides in England, but he
was raised in Pakistan, being born in India first.
(A) Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s Children, currently resides in England, but
he was raised in Pakistan, being born in India first.
(B) Being raised in Pakistan, after being born in India, Salman Rushdie, now residing in
England, wrote Midnight’s Children.
(C) Born in India and raised in Pakistan, Salman Rushdie, the author of Midnight’s
Children, now resides in England.
(D) Although now in England, Salman Rushdie was born in India and raised in Pakistan,
he is the author of Midnight’s Children.
(E) Raised in Pakistan, and now he resides in England, Salman Rushdie, born in India,
is the author of Midnight’s Children.
Answer: C
Explanation:
The sentence tells you three things about Salman Rushdie—he was born In India, he was
raised in Pakistan, and he now resides in England. These facts need to be conveyed in a
coherent and logical manner. C does this best and is the correct answer.
A. Awkward construction. The phrase being born in India first appears disjointed with
the rest of the sentence.
B. Awkward construction. Uses too many beings.
D. Creates a run on sentence by using a comma to connect two independent clauses.
E. Awkward construction. The participle raised is not parallel to the verb resides.
14. Being that many Indian food recipes require you to cook and not be interrupted, it is
advisable to keep all the ingredients ready in advance.
(A) Being that many Indian food recipes require you to cook and not be interrupted,
(B) Because many Indian food recipes require for one to cook without interruption
(C) Because many Indian food recipes require that one cook without interruption,
(D) Many Indian food recipes require that one cook without interruption and
(E) Many Indian food recipes require that one should cook without interruption;
Answer: C
Explanation:
The question is talking about a cause and its effect so it’s best to start with because. The use
of require implies the subjunctive mood so require must be followed by a that. Therefore, C
is the correct answer.
A. The usage of being makes the sentence awkward and unclear.
B. According to the subjunctive mood, require needs to be followed by a that.
D. No grammatical error but the usage of and fails to show the cause and effect relation
implied by the original sentence.
E. The usage of require and should is logically inconsistent because requires implies a
compulsion whereas should implies a suggestion. Also the usage of a semicolon fails
to show the cause and effect relation implied by the original sentence.
15. A mixture of reggae and jazz, the music of the artist was more innovative than most of his
contemporaries were.
(A) the music of the artist was more innovative than most of his contemporaries were
(B) the artist was more innovative in his music than most of his contemporaries
(C) the artist’s music was more innovative than that of most of his contemporaries
(D) the music of the artist being more innovative in comparison to the music of most of
his contemporaries
(E) the artist, in his music, was more innovative than most of his contemporaries were
Answer: C
Explanation:
The sentence starts with a modifying phrase—A mixture of reggae and jazz,—so what follows
the comma should be the music and not the artist. Thus, B and E go out.
A incorrectly compares the music of the artist with his contemporaries (and not with their
music).
Between C and D, D is unnecessarily wordy and also the use of being makes the construction
awkward. Therefore, C is the correct answer.
16. Studying the art for several years, practicing difficult notes every day, and frequent
performances has enabled the young pianist to secure a contract with the country’s biggest
music company.
(A) and frequent performances has enabled the young pianist
(B) as well as frequent performances have enabled the young pianist
(C) and performing frequently, the young pianist has been enabled
(D) and frequent performances have enabled the young pianist
(E) and performing frequently enabled the young pianist
Answer: E
Explanation:
The sentence is testing you on parallel construction. The pianist did three things to secure
the contract and these should be stated in the correct parallel form—studying, practicing,
and performing. Thus, E is the correct answer.
A. Gets the parallelism wrong. Also the singular verb has does not agree with the
compound subject.
B. This option also gets the parallelism wrong.
C. The passive nature of this construction makes it sound awkward.
D. Gets the parallelism wrong.
17. Secretariat, the legendary horse that became the first US Triple Crown champion in twenty
five years and set records that still stand today, and the hero of the movie Secretariat.
(A) and
(B) and that has become
(C) and that is
(D) is
(E) having been
Answer: D
Explanation:
The part between the commas (the legendary...stand today) is a modifying phrase that
describes Secretariat. Outside of this modifying phrase, the sentence does not have a verb.
Hence, A is incorrect.
In B and C the use of and does not make sense because the sentence is not telling us two
things about the horse.
Between D and E, E again does not have a main verb; hence, D is the correct answer.
18. On June 11, 1993, Steven Spielberg released his film Jurassic Park, this was the inauguration
of both a new style of film-making and the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs.
(A) Jurassic Park, this was the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and the
audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(B) Jurassic Park, thus marking the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and
the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(C) Jurassic Park, both inaugurated a new style of film-making and the audience’s
fascination from dinosaurs
(D) Jurassic Park, and this was the inauguration of both a new style of film-making and
of the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
(E) Jurassic Park, whose inauguration of both a new style of film-making and the
audience’s fascination with dinosaurs
Answer: B
Explanation:
The sentence, as given, is a run-on sentence because it uses a comma to connect two
independent clauses. B is the correct answer as it gets the placement of both right and also
uses the parallel structure correctly.
C. The placement of both is incorrect. The original sentence implies that the release of
Jurassic Park led to the inauguration of two things; hence, both should come after
inauguration.
D. The use of and is not appropriate because it fails to show the causal relationship
implicit in the sentence. Also, the preposition ‘of ’ does not have to be repeated in
the phrase of the audience’s fascination with dinosaurs because of is coming before both,
which implies that it applies to both the things that come after both.
E. This sentence is missing a main verb.
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