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Question 141Question →

The following sentence contains an underlined portion.

Neither of the board members who attended the emergency session was prepared to submit their final report before the deadline.

Which choice is the grammatically correct replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: his or her final report

Answer

The correct choice is the option that replaces the underlined portion with 'his or her final report' to ensure pronoun-antecedent agreement.
The correct option replaces the underlined text with a singular possessive pronoun phrase that agrees in number with the singular antecedent 'Neither'. Since 'Neither' is singular, and the gender of the board members is not specified, 'his or her' is the grammatically correct choice. The singular verb 'was' in the sentence further confirms that the subject is singular.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent of the underlined pronoun.
The antecedent is the indefinite pronoun 'Neither', which is grammatically singular. The plural noun 'members' in the prepositional phrase 'of the board members' is not the antecedent.
The pronoun must agree in number with the actual subject/antecedent, not nouns in intervening prepositional phrases.
2
Determine the correct number and gender of the pronoun.
Since 'Neither' is singular and gender is unspecified, the singular possessive phrase 'his or her' is required.
Indefinite pronouns like 'neither', 'each', and 'everyone' are singular in standard written English.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the one that uses the singular possessive pronoun and is concise.
The phrase 'his or her final report' is correct and concise. The alternative 'the final report belonging to them' is wordy and contains a plural pronoun, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are'.
ACT English prioritizes grammatical correctness and conciseness, avoiding wordy or redundant constructions.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Question 142Question →

Arrange the following sentence parts in the correct order to construct a grammatically correct sentence that maintains parallel structure.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order of the sentence parts is: 'The orchestra conductor asked the musicians' followed by 'not only to tune their instruments carefully' and ending with 'but also to watch her baton closely during the performance.'
The correct sequence begins with the main clause and links two parallel infinitive phrases ('to tune' and 'to watch') using the correlative conjunction pair 'not only... but also'. This creates a balanced, grammatically parallel sentence structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main independent clause that sets up the subject and the main verb.
The main clause is 'The orchestra conductor asked the musicians'.
A grammatically sound sentence must begin with its main subject and verb structure to establish context before introducing parallel requirements.
2
Locate the first part of the correlative conjunction pair.
The phrase starting with 'not only' ('not only to tune their instruments carefully') follows the main clause.
Correlative conjunctions function in a specific sequence; the phrase beginning with 'not only' must precede the phrase beginning with 'but also'.
3
Align the second correlative element to match the grammatical structure of the first element.
The phrase starting with 'but also' ('but also to watch her baton closely during the performance.') completes the sentence.
To maintain parallel structure, the infinitive phrase 'to watch' following 'but also' must mirror the infinitive phrase 'to tune' that follows 'not only'.

Key Concept

Parallel Structure with Correlative Conjunctions
Estimated Time:45s
Question 143Question →

Mary Anning was a nineteenth-century British fossil collector whose discoveries changed the scientific understanding of prehistoric life. Although she lacked formal training in science, she possessed an uncanny ability to locate specimens in the unstable cliffs of Lyme Regis.

Anning discovered the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton; but she was often excluded from the Geological Society of London due to her gender.

Which choice is the most effective and grammatically correct version of the underlined portion of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Although Anning discovered the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton, she was often excluded from the Geological Society of London due to her gender.

Answer

Although Anning discovered the first correctly identified ichthyosaur skeleton, she was often excluded from the Geological Society of London due to her gender.
The correct choice uses the subordinating conjunction 'Although' to properly subordinate the first clause, creating a logical relationship of contrast with the independent clause that follows. A comma is correctly used to separate the introductory dependent clause from the main clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the two clauses.
The clause about discovering the ichthyosaur skeleton represents an achievement, while the clause about exclusion from the society represents a setback. This shows a relationship of contrast.
Understanding the logical connection between the ideas helps determine whether to coordinate or subordinate.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure of the original sentence.
The original sentence joins two independent clauses with a semicolon and the coordinating conjunction 'but', which is redundant and grammatically incorrect.
Identifying the error in the original phrasing helps narrow down the correct option.
3
Check the grammar and punctuation of each alternative choice.
Using the subordinating conjunction 'Although' at the beginning of the first clause makes it dependent, which is then correctly joined to the independent clause with a comma.
This establishes proper subordination and avoids run-ons, comma splices, or sentence fragments.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Question 144Question →

The following phrases describe the steps of a scientific research project. Arrange these phrases in the correct chronological order of the scientific method to form a grammatically correct sentence that maintains parallel structure:

'To complete the study, the researchers focused on...'

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order of phrases to complete the sentence is: 'formulating the initial hypothesis,', followed by 'conducting the laboratory experiments,', and ending with 'and analyzing the final data.'
The correct sequence follows both the logical chronological order of the scientific method (hypothesis, then experiments, then analysis) and maintains parallel structure by using gerund phrases ('formulating...', 'conducting...', 'and analyzing...') to complete the prepositional phrase started by 'focused on'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the logical sequence of events described by the steps of the scientific method.
Formulating a hypothesis must happen first, followed by conducting the experiments to test it, and finally analyzing the resulting data.
Establishing logical order is necessary to maintain the coherence and flow of the sentence.
2
Verify that all items in the list maintain parallel grammatical structure.
Each of the three items begins with a gerund ('formulating', 'conducting', and 'analyzing').
Parallel structure requires that all elements in a list or series share the same grammatical form to ensure clarity and balance.

Key Concept

Parallel structure requires that items in a series or list share the same grammatical form (e.g., all gerunds, all infinitives, or all prepositional phrases) to maintain stylistic balance and readability.
Question 145Question →

The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 as a temporary entrance for the World’s Fair. The tower was not intended to stand permanently, but its popularity and usefulness as a radiotelegraph transmitter saved the structure from demolition.

Which of the following choices best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: permanently, but its

Answer

The correct option is 'permanently, but its', which uses a comma and coordinating conjunction to properly join the two independent clauses.
The correct choice properly joins the two independent clauses using a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but', establishing a logical relationship of contrast.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two clauses in the sentence and determine if they are independent or dependent.
Both 'The tower was not intended to stand permanently' and 'its popularity and usefulness as a radiotelegraph transmitter saved the structure from demolition' are independent clauses.
Understanding the structure of the clauses determines what punctuation and conjunctions are required to join them.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the one that correctly links the two independent clauses with appropriate coordination and punctuation.
The conjunction 'but' with a preceding comma correctly joins them and shows the logical contrast.
Two independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

Key Concept

Joining independent clauses with appropriate coordinating conjunctions and punctuation.
Question 146Question →

The structural integrity of the ancient Roman aqueduct is much stronger than the modern concrete bridge, which is prone to cracking under high stress.

Which of the following options best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: that of the modern concrete bridge, which

Answer

The correct option using 'that of' and a relative clause starting with 'which' ensures a logical comparison and correct sentence structure.
The correct option using 'that of' correctly compares the singular noun phrase 'the structural integrity' of the Roman aqueduct to 'that' (the structural integrity) of the modern concrete bridge. It also uses a comma to set off the nonessential relative clause starting with 'which', maintaining correct sentence structure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two entities compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare 'the structural integrity of the ancient Roman aqueduct' with 'the modern concrete bridge'.
This is an illogical comparison because a structural property (integrity) cannot be logically compared directly to a physical structure (bridge).
2
Determine the necessary pronoun to establish a logical comparison.
Since 'structural integrity' is singular, the singular pronoun 'that' (meaning 'the structural integrity') must be used to refer to the corresponding property of the bridge.
This establishes a parallel comparison: the structural integrity of the aqueduct is compared to that of the bridge.
3
Evaluate the punctuation and clause connection for the remaining clause.
The final clause 'which is prone to cracking...' is a dependent adjective clause modifying 'bridge.' It must be connected to the main clause using a comma rather than a semicolon, and it cannot start with the subject pronoun 'it' without creating a comma splice.
This avoids grammatical errors like comma splices and sentence fragments.

Key Concept

Illogical and Incomplete Comparisons
Question 147Question →

Deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs required researchers to abandon the assumption that the script was purely logographic, representing whole [1] words, instead, they had to recognize that the writing system was logo-syllabic, combining word-signs with phonetic signs that represented individual syllables.

Which option is the correct replacement for the underlined portion marked [1]?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: words; instead, they had to recognize

Answer

The choice that reads 'words; instead, they had to recognize' is correct because it properly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and uses the conjunctive adverb 'instead' to signal contrast.
The correct option correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses. The conjunctive adverb 'instead' is followed by a comma, which logically connects the contrast between the initial assumption of a purely logographic script and the reality of a logo-syllabic writing system.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the grammatical structure of the clauses in the passage.
Identify that 'Deciphering Mayan hieroglyphs required researchers to abandon the assumption that the script was purely logographic, representing whole words' and 'they had to recognize that the writing system was logo-syllabic...' are both independent clauses.
To determine the correct punctuation and conjunctions needed, we must know if the clauses can stand alone as complete sentences.
2
Evaluate the relationship between the two independent clauses.
The second clause presents a contrasting correction to the assumption mentioned in the first clause.
Understanding the logical transition ensures we choose the correct coordinating conjunction, subordinating conjunction, or conjunctive adverb.
3
Test the punctuation rules for joining independent clauses.
Two independent clauses must be joined by a semicolon, a period, or a comma combined with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). Joining them with only a comma and a conjunctive adverb like 'instead' is a comma splice error.
This helps eliminate grammatically incorrect options like the original text and the option with just a comma.
4
Select the option that correctly punctuates and joins the clauses.
The option using a semicolon followed by 'instead,' is grammatically correct and logically sound.
It successfully avoids run-on, comma splice, and fragment errors while maintaining the correct logical relationship.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 148Question →

While examining the murals of Tarquinia, the archeologist noted that the preservation level of the Etruscan frescoes was far superior to the Roman ruins at Pompeii, which had suffered significant volcanic damage.

Which choice makes the comparison in the underlined portion of the sentence logical and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: was far superior to that of the Roman ruins at Pompeii, which had suffered significant volcanic damage.

Answer

The correct choice is 'was far superior to that of the Roman ruins at Pompeii, which had suffered significant volcanic damage.'
The correct choice is correct because it uses the singular pronoun 'that' to refer back to the singular noun phrase 'preservation level,' establishing a logical comparison between the preservation level of the Etruscan frescoes and the preservation level of the Roman ruins at Pompeii. It also correctly uses the idiom 'superior to' and avoids any punctuation or clause connection errors.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined comparison to identify the items being compared.
The subject of the comparison is the singular noun phrase 'the preservation level.' In the original sentence, this level is compared directly to 'the Roman ruins at Pompeii.'
Comparisons must compare comparable things. Comparing a 'level' (a characteristic) directly to 'ruins' (objects) is illogical.
2
Determine the correct pronoun to replace the compared noun phrase.
Because 'preservation level' is singular, it must be compared to 'that of the Roman ruins' (meaning 'the preservation level of the Roman ruins'). Using 'those of' would be incorrect because 'those' is plural.
Pronoun-antecedent agreement must be maintained, so the singular pronoun 'that' must match the singular noun 'level.'
3
Evaluate the grammar, idioms, and punctuation of the remaining options.
The correct preposition is 'to' after 'superior.' The option ending with a comma splice (joining two clauses with a comma and no coordinating conjunction) is grammatically incorrect.
A grammatically correct choice must avoid run-on sentences, comma splices, and incorrect preposition idioms.

Key Concept

Illogical and Incomplete Comparisons
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 149Question →

In the sentence below, a pronoun is missing. Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence to ensure proper pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Fill in the blanks below

The advisory council of urban architects presented final master plan for the riverfront redevelopment to the city council last Tuesday.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The possessive pronoun 'its' is the correct answer because it agrees in number and gender with the singular, neuter collective noun 'council'.
The correct pronoun is 'its' because the antecedent 'advisory council' is a singular collective noun. A singular collective noun acting as a single unit requires a singular possessive pronoun.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent of the missing pronoun.
The antecedent is 'The advisory council'.
The pronoun must refer to the group that created and presented the master plan.
2
Determine the grammatical number (singular or plural) and gender of the antecedent.
The noun 'council' is a singular collective noun. The intervening prepositional phrase 'of urban architects' contains a plural noun, but it does not change the singular status of the main noun 'council'.
In standard formal English, collective nouns that act as a single unit are singular.
3
Choose the pronoun that matches the singular, neuter antecedent.
The singular possessive pronoun 'its' is selected.
To show possession for a singular, non-human antecedent, 'its' must be used.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Question 150Question →

The architectural style of the new city hall is much more modern than the old library, drawing inspiration from minimalist Scandinavian design.

Which option best replaces the underlined portion of the sentence to make the comparison logical and grammatically correct?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: than that of the old library

Answer

The correct option is the one that states 'than that of the old library' because it compares the architectural style of the new city hall with the architectural style (represented by the pronoun 'that') of the old library.
The correct option correctly uses the singular pronoun 'that' to represent 'the architectural style,' establishing a logical comparison between the style of the new city hall and the style of the old library.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the two elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare 'The architectural style of the new city hall' with 'the old library'.
To make a comparison logical, the elements compared must be of the same type (noun-to-noun or attribute-to-attribute).
2
Choose the option that uses a singular pronoun to refer back to the singular noun phrase 'architectural style'.
The singular pronoun 'that' in 'than that of the old library' correctly replaces 'the architectural style' to complete the comparison.
This creates a logical comparison between the style of the new city hall and the style of the old library, while avoiding grammatical errors like pronoun number mismatch or comma splices.

Key Concept

Illogical and Incomplete Comparisons
Question 151Question →

Read the sentence below. Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence to ensure proper pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Fill in the blanks below

The committee of urban planners presented comprehensive redevelopment proposal to the city council during Tuesday's public hearing.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

its
The singular possessive pronoun 'its' correctly agrees with the singular collective noun 'committee,' which functions as a unified singular unit. The intervening prepositional phrase 'of urban planners' contains a plural noun, but it does not change the singular nature of the subject.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent of the missing pronoun.
The antecedent is the collective noun 'committee.'
The sentence describes the entity that presented a proposal. The prepositional phrase 'of urban planners' modifies the noun 'committee,' but 'committee' remains the singular subject and head of the noun phrase.
2
Determine the proper number and gender for the pronoun.
The pronoun must be singular, neuter, and possessive.
Collective nouns like 'committee' are singular when the group acts as a single, unified entity. The singular possessive pronoun for a non-human entity is 'its.'

Key Concept

A pronoun must agree in number with its antecedent. Singular collective nouns acting as a unit require singular pronouns, even when followed by prepositional phrases containing plural nouns.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 152Question →

Which pronoun correctly completes the sentence below while maintaining proper pronoun-antecedent agreement?

Fill in the blanks below

Neither the municipal libraries nor the local museum could verify that archival collection contained the rare 18th-century map of the county.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

its
The correct pronoun is 'its' because it is a singular possessive pronoun that agrees with the closer singular antecedent, 'the local museum', following the proximity rule for correlative conjunctions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the antecedent of the pronoun.
The subject contains a compound antecedent joined by the correlative conjunction 'neither... nor': 'the municipal libraries' (plural) and 'the local museum' (singular).
Finding the antecedent helps determine the correct agreement.
2
Apply the rule of proximity.
When subjects are joined by 'neither... nor', the pronoun agrees with the closer antecedent. Here, the closer antecedent is the singular noun 'the local museum'.
The proximity rule determines pronoun number for compound subjects joined by 'neither... nor'.
3
Determine the correct pronoun form.
The singular possessive pronoun for the inanimate antecedent 'museum' is 'its'.
A possessive pronoun is required to show ownership of the 'archival collection'.

Key Concept

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement with Correlative Conjunctions
Question 153Question →

Arrange the following sentence fragments in the correct order to construct a grammatically correct sentence that maintains parallel structure.

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

To successfully launch the new product, the marketing team must first conduct thorough consumer research, next design targeted advertising campaigns, and finally analyze the initial sales data.
The correct order places the introductory main clause first, establishing the modal verb 'must'. The subsequent action steps are arranged chronologically using 'first', 'next', and 'and finally'. Parallel structure is maintained because each of the three steps begins with a base form verb ('conduct', 'design', 'analyze') that correctly completes the auxiliary verb 'must'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the introductory clause that establishes the grammatical framework of the sentence.
The fragment starting with 'To successfully launch...' contains the subject 'the marketing team' and the auxiliary verb 'must'.
This fragment must come first because the subsequent fragments contain base-form verbs that depend on 'must' to form a complete predicate.
2
Order the action fragments chronologically using the transition words.
The transitions 'first', 'next', and 'and finally' dictate a strict sequence of events: consumer research, followed by campaign design, and ending with sales analysis.
Chronological adverbs establish a logical progression of steps that cannot be reordered without creating logical contradictions.
3
Verify the parallel grammatical structure of the listed actions.
Each action fragment begins with a bare infinitive (base form) verb: 'conduct', 'design', and 'analyze'.
Parallelism requires all elements in a series to share the same grammatical form, especially when they all share a single helping verb like 'must'.

Key Concept

Parallel structure in chronological lists of verbs following an auxiliary verb
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 154Question →

The museum curators recently restored a collection of centuries-old silk tapestries. Because the delicate fibers had degraded significantly from exposure to light and humidity.

Which of the following options represents the most grammatically correct revision of the underlined text?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: tapestries, because the delicate fibers had degraded

Answer

The correct revision connects the main clause with the dependent clause using a comma, resolving the fragment without creating a comma splice or semicolon error.
The correct option connects the independent clause describing the curators' restoration with the dependent clause explaining the reason using a comma. The clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'because' is dependent and cannot stand alone as a separate sentence. Connecting it with a comma creates a single, grammatically complete sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the structure of the clauses around the underlined text.
The first clause ('The museum curators recently restored a collection of centuries-old silk tapestries') is independent. The second clause ('Because the delicate fibers had degraded...') is a dependent clause starting with the subordinating conjunction 'Because'.
Identifying clause types helps determine whether a punctuation mark is joining complete thoughts or creating a fragment.
2
Check the original punctuation for grammatical errors.
A period separates the independent clause from the dependent clause, making the second clause a sentence fragment.
A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and must be properly connected to an independent clause.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the correct way to connect the clauses.
Connecting the dependent clause with a comma is correct. Semicolons cannot be used here because the second clause is not independent. Removing 'because' and keeping the comma creates a comma splice.
This process eliminates the option with a semicolon fragment and the option with a comma splice, leaving the grammatically correct choice.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:45s
Question 155Question →

In the mid-twentieth century, computer scientist Grace Hopper developed the first compiler, which translated written instructions into machine code. Many of Hopper's contemporaries believed that computers could only perform arithmetic, she, on the other hand, envisioned a future where programming languages would use words rather than numbers.

Which of the following alternatives to the underlined portion is grammatically correct and most appropriate in the context of the passage?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: arithmetic, but she envisioned

Answer

The option that reads 'arithmetic, but she envisioned' is the correct choice because it properly coordinates the two independent clauses with a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but'.
The correct option is the one that uses a comma followed by the coordinating conjunction 'but' to join two independent clauses. Both the clause before and the clause after the underlined portion are independent because they contain their own subjects and verbs and express complete thoughts. Using a comma and 'but' successfully unites them while establishing the necessary contrasting transition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the clauses surrounding the underlined transition.
The first clause ('Many of Hopper's contemporaries believed that computers could only perform arithmetic') is independent. The second clause ('she... envisioned a future where programming languages would use words rather than numbers') is also independent.
Determining whether the clauses are independent or dependent dictates the punctuation and conjunctions required.
2
Evaluate the grammatical structure of the original sentence.
The original text joins two independent clauses using only a comma, which constitutes a comma splice.
This identifies why the original underlined portion is grammatically unacceptable.
3
Test the remaining choices for proper punctuation and conjunction usage.
The option using a semicolon followed by a participle creates a fragment. The option starting with 'Because' also creates a fragment. Only the option employing a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'but' correctly and logically links the two clauses.
This eliminates run-on and fragment errors to identify the single grammatically correct choice.

Key Concept

Subordination and Coordination
Question 156Question →

In the essay about classical detective fiction, the writer wants to ensure the comparison is logical and grammatically correct.

Although the intricate plot structures of Agatha Christie's mystery novels are far more formulaic than Arthur Conan Doyle, they still manage to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Which choice most effectively corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: those of Arthur Conan Doyle, they

Answer

The option that replaces the underlined portion with 'those of Arthur Conan Doyle, they' is correct because it resolves the illogical comparison by comparing 'plot structures' to 'those' (representing plot structures) of Arthur Conan Doyle, while maintaining proper punctuation with a comma separating the introductory dependent clause from the main independent clause.
The correct option resolves the comparison error by introducing the plural demonstrative pronoun 'those' to refer back to 'plot structures.' This makes the comparison logical because it compares the plot structures of Agatha Christie's novels to the plot structures of Arthur Conan Doyle's novels. Furthermore, it correctly uses a comma to separate the introductory dependent clause beginning with 'Although' from the main independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence attempts to compare the 'intricate plot structures of Agatha Christie's mystery novels' to 'Arthur Conan Doyle' (a person).
Comparing grammatical structures or abstract qualities of a work to a person directly is illogical; we must compare structures to structures.
2
Select a pronoun or possessive structure to make the comparison parallel and logical.
Since 'plot structures' is plural, the plural demonstrative pronoun 'those' (representing 'those plot structures') must be used, yielding 'those of Arthur Conan Doyle'.
Using 'those of' establishes a logical and grammatically parallel noun-to-noun comparison.
3
Evaluate the punctuation and conjunctions connecting the clauses.
The sentence begins with the subordinating conjunction 'Although,' which makes the first clause dependent. A dependent clause must be followed by a comma, not a semicolon, and should not be joined to the independent clause with an extra coordinating conjunction like 'but'.
This ensures the sentence is not a fragment or run-on, and correctly transitions to the main clause starting with 'they'.

Key Concept

Making comparisons logical and parallel by comparing similar entities and using appropriate demonstrative pronouns (that of / those of).
Question 157Question →

The giant sequoia tree survives harsh wildfire seasons not only by producing a thick, fire-resistant bark but also it stores vast amounts of water in its fibrous wood.

Which choice best maintains the parallel structure of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: but also by storing

Answer

but also by storing
The correct choice uses a prepositional gerund phrase ('but also by storing') that matches the grammatical structure of the first part of the correlative conjunction phrase ('not only by producing'). This maintains parallel structure in the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the parallel elements linked by the correlative conjunction 'not only... but also'.
The first element is the prepositional gerund phrase 'by producing a thick, fire-resistant bark'.
To maintain parallel structure, the second element must match this grammatical form.
2
Evaluate the underlined portion to check if it matches the grammatical structure of the first element.
The underlined portion 'but also it stores' contains a pronoun and a conjugated verb, which is not parallel to the prepositional gerund phrase 'by producing'.
This is a faulty parallelism error and must be corrected.
3
Review the answer choices to find the one that uses a prepositional gerund phrase after 'but also'.
The choice 'but also by storing' successfully uses 'by' followed by a gerund, perfectly matching 'by producing'.
This restores grammatical symmetry and satisfies the rule of parallel structure.

Key Concept

Parallel structure requires that coordinate elements in a sentence (especially those joined by correlative conjunctions like 'not only... but also') share the same grammatical form.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 158Question →

During the Renaissance, cartographers in Venice created highly detailed sea charts to assist merchants navigating the Mediterranean. The archivist discovered a series of these maps. Which illustrated the shifting coastlines and ports that have since disappeared under the rising tide.

Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined portion?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: maps that illustrated

Answer

The correct answer is the option that replaces the fragment with 'maps that illustrated', creating a grammatically correct relative clause that modifies the preceding noun.
The correct choice connects the relative clause directly to the noun it modifies ('maps') within the same sentence, correcting the fragment and forming a single, coherent independent clause.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the grammatical role of the underlined text.
The clause beginning with 'Which' is a dependent relative clause that modifies 'maps'.
This is necessary to determine if the underlined text contains a complete independent thought or is a fragment.
2
Evaluate the original sentence structure to check for fragments.
The dependent relative clause is separated from the independent clause by a period, which creates a sentence fragment.
This identifies why the original punctuation is grammatically incorrect.
3
Assess the options to find a grammatically sound correction.
The option using 'maps that illustrated' correctly joins the description to the main noun without introducing a semicolon fragment or a comma splice.
This selects the choice that forms a complete, grammatically correct sentence.

Key Concept

Sentence Fragments
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 159Question →

The root structures of mature redwood trees, which spread horizontally to lock with neighboring root systems, are shallower than most oak trees, which extend only a few feet deep.

Which of the following options best corrects the underlined portion of the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: those of most oak trees, which

Answer

The correct option is 'those of most oak trees, which', which corrects the comparison and maintains proper sentence structure.
The correct option resolves the illogical comparison by introducing the plural pronoun 'those' to represent 'root structures', thus comparing the structures of one species of tree to the structures of another. It also maintains correct sentence structure by using a relative clause introduced by 'which'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the elements being compared in the sentence.
The sentence is comparing the 'root structures' (plural noun) of redwood trees to 'most oak trees' (nouns representing the trees themselves).
This is an illogical comparison because a physical feature of one tree cannot be logically compared to the entirety of another tree.
2
Select the correct pronoun to represent the plural noun 'root structures'.
The plural pronoun 'those' is needed (as in 'those of most oak trees') to refer back to 'root structures'.
Using 'those of' establishes a logical comparison between the root structures of redwoods and the root structures of oaks.
3
Evaluate the punctuation and clause structure of the remaining options.
The option containing 'they' creates a comma splice because it attempts to connect two independent clauses with only a comma. The option containing a semicolon followed by 'which' creates a fragment because 'which' introduces a dependent clause.
Punctuation must correctly join the clauses without creating run-on sentences or sentence fragments.

Key Concept

Illogical and Incomplete Comparisons
Question 160Question →

The following segments can be assembled to form a sentence about the qualities of a diplomat. Arrange the segments to show a progression of traits from tactical skill (negotiation), to strategic adaptability (shifting alliances), and finally to long-term foresight (resolving disputes). In what order should these segments be arranged to construct a grammatically correct sentence that maintains parallel structure?

Drag items to arrange them in the correct order

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct order starts with the main independent clause introducing the envoy's traits, followed by the noun phrase for tactical negotiation ability, then the parallel noun phrase detailing willingness to adapt to shifting alliances, and concludes with the parallel noun phrase regarding wisdom to resolve disputes.
The correct order starts with the main independent clause, followed by the three parallel noun phrases in the specified logical order: 'the ability to negotiate...' (tactical skill), 'the willingness to adapt...' (strategic adaptability), and 'and the wisdom to resolve...' (foresight). The coordinating conjunction 'and' correctly signals the final item in the parallel sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the main independent clause that establishes the subject and main verb of the sentence.
The segment beginning with 'The foreign ministry's report concluded...' is placed first.
This segment contains the main subject and the governing verb 'must possess', which requires direct objects to follow.
2
Identify the first parallel direct object based on the ordering criteria of tactical negotiation skill.
The segment 'the ability to negotiate complex treaties under intense pressure,' is placed second.
This matches the tactical skill requirement and begins the parallel list with the structure: noun ('ability') + infinitive phrase ('to negotiate...').
3
Identify the second parallel direct object based on the ordering criteria of strategic adaptability.
The segment 'the willingness to adapt to shifting political alliances at a moment's notice,' is placed third.
This matches the strategic adaptability requirement and maintains the parallel structure: noun ('willingness') + infinitive phrase ('to adapt...').
4
Identify the final parallel direct object that concludes the list.
The segment 'and the wisdom to resolve long-standing disputes through strategic compromise.' is placed fourth.
This matches the foresight requirement, maintains the parallel structure: noun ('wisdom') + infinitive phrase ('to resolve...'), and uses the coordinating conjunction 'and' to indicate the end of the series.

Key Concept

Parallel structure requires that coordinate elements in a series or list share the same grammatical form. In this sentence, the governing verb 'must possess' is followed by a parallel series of direct object noun phrases, each structured as 'the [noun] + [infinitive phrase] + [prepositional phrase]'.
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