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Difficulty: Very hardEliminating Wordiness

In the early twentieth century, astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt analyzed photographic plates of variable stars in the Magellanic Clouds, calculating and computing the changing brightness of these stars, which varied in luminosity over time, she discovered the period-luminosity relation.

Which choice most effectively and concisely completes the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. and, by calculating their varying brightness, sheAnswer
  3. C
    by calculating their varying brightness, she
  4. D
    with the calculation of their varying brightness, which was performed by her, she

Answer

The correct answer is the option that reads 'and, by calculating their varying brightness, she'. This option is the most concise and grammatically correct choice because it eliminates the redundant phrasing of the original sentence and correctly connects the two independent clauses with the coordinating conjunction 'and' to avoid a comma splice.
The correct option is the one that reads 'and, by calculating their varying brightness, she'. It removes all redundant synonyms ('calculating and computing') and repetitive descriptions ('changing brightness... which varied in luminosity over time') while introducing the coordinating conjunction 'and' to properly connect two independent clauses and resolve the comma splice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original sentence for redundancy and wordiness.
The phrase 'calculating and computing' uses redundant synonyms, and 'changing brightness... which varied in luminosity over time' repeats the same concept of change unnecessarily.
Standardized grammar tests require eliminating redundant words and phrases that repeat the same idea.
2
Analyze the sentence structure to ensure grammatical correctness.
The sentence consists of two independent clauses: Leavitt analyzed photographic plates, and she discovered the period-luminosity relation. Simply joining them with a comma creates a comma splice.
Independent clauses must be joined by a coordinating conjunction (like 'and') and a comma, or a semicolon.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that is both concise and grammatically correct.
The option beginning with 'and, by' resolves the wordiness by shortening the phrase to 'calculating their varying brightness' and uses 'and' to correct the comma splice. The option without 'and' is concise but creates a comma splice, while the option with 'which was performed by her' is wordy and passive.
The correct choice must be the most concise option that is also grammatically correct.

Key Concept

Eliminating Wordiness
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Eliminating Wordiness

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