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Question

Difficulty: EasyIllogical and Incomplete Comparisons

The wingspan of the bald eagle is much wider than a red-tailed hawk, which allows the eagle to soar for hours.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. that of a red-tailed hawk, whichAnswer
  3. C
    a red-tailed hawk; which
  4. D
    a red-tailed hawk, it

Answer

The correct option is 'that of a red-tailed hawk, which' because it logically compares the wingspan of one bird to the wingspan of another using the pronoun 'that', while maintaining correct punctuation with a relative clause.
The correct option logically compares the 'wingspan' of a bald eagle to 'that' (the wingspan) of a red-tailed hawk. Using 'that of' sets up a clear, parallel, and logical noun-to-noun comparison. Furthermore, the relative clause beginning with 'which' is correctly set off by a comma to add non-essential information.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare the 'wingspan of the bald eagle' to 'a red-tailed hawk'.
To be logical, a comparison must compare like things (noun-to-noun comparison of similar attributes).
2
Evaluate the options for logical comparison and correct punctuation.
Using 'that of' refers back to 'the wingspan', making the comparison logical. The relative pronoun 'which' correctly starts the dependent clause after the comma.
This maintains both logical structure and proper sentence boundaries.

Key Concept

Illogical comparisons occur when a sentence compares two things that cannot be logically compared. To correct this, use possessive nouns (e.g., 'a hawk's') or pronouns like 'that of' (singular) or 'those of' (plural) to ensure like things are compared.
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Topics

Illogical and Incomplete Comparisons

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