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Question 1
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 10? The same ravens seemed unconcerned about protecting their hidden food when other ravens were nearby, but, stuck behind an obstacle that would have obscured their view.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
food when other ravens were nearby but
This version maintains the clarity of the sentence while ensuring proper punctuation and flow. It effectively conveys the idea without unnecessary punctuation that could disrupt the reader's understanding.
A) (as it is now)
The current version includes a comma before "but" which is unnecessary in this context. The sentence does not require a pause before "but" since it connects two closely related clauses, making the sentence less fluid.
B) food—when other ravens were nearby—but
Using em dashes creates an interruption that is too strong for the relationship between the clauses. The dashes suggest a more dramatic shift in thought, which is not appropriate here, as the information about other ravens is directly relevant to the first clause.
C) food: when other ravens were nearby, but
The colon suggests that what follows is a direct explanation of what came before, which does not accurately reflect the relationship between the two clauses. The original sentence structure does not lend itself to a definitive explanation, making this choice incorrect.
D) food when other ravens were nearby but
This option correctly eliminates unnecessary punctuation, allowing for a smoother transition between the two ideas. It maintains clarity and coherence, ensuring the sentence flows naturally while effectively conveying the intended meaning.
Conclusion
The best choice for the underlined portion of the sentence is option D, which provides a seamless connection between the two related ideas without the distraction of excessive punctuation. This option enhances the overall readability and clarity of the sentence, allowing it to convey its message effectively.
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Question 2
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 11? This last behavior suggests that ravens can monitor the presumed mental states of animals besides themselves, which shouldn't be possible without some kind of thought processing.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Such behavior suggests that ravens can monitor the presumed mental states of animals besides themselves.
The phrase "such behavior" effectively refers back to the previously mentioned actions of ravens, providing clarity and specificity in the context of the sentence. This choice maintains the flow of the argument while succinctly linking the behavior to the raven's cognitive abilities.
A) (as it is now)
The original phrasing, "this last behavior," is vague and less effective than "such behavior." The term "this" can create confusion, as it does not explicitly connect back to the actions of the ravens being discussed. This lack of clarity can detract from the overall coherence of the sentence.
B) this
Using "this" alone fails to specify what behavior is being referenced. It can leave readers uncertain about which aspect of the discussion is being emphasized, leading to a potential misunderstanding of the sentence's intent. A more specific reference is needed for clarity and precision.
C) it
The term "it" is similarly ambiguous and does not adequately describe the behavior in question. This pronoun does not provide sufficient context, making the sentence harder to understand. Like "this," "it" lacks the necessary specificity to effectively convey the intended meaning.
D) such behavior
"Such behavior" directly ties the statement to the actions of the ravens discussed earlier, enhancing the clarity and flow of the sentence. This phrase serves to reinforce the connection between the observed actions and the implications regarding raven cognition.
Conclusion
Choosing "such behavior" as the replacement for the underlined portion enhances the clarity and coherence of the sentence. It effectively links the discussed actions of ravens to their cognitive abilities, enabling readers to grasp the implications more readily. The other options fail to provide this necessary specificity, resulting in ambiguity that detracts from the overall meaning of the argument.
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Question 3
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2? Vital to a neighborhood, clean water, unspoiled open lands, and diverse species of plants and wildlife are essential for a thriving community.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) D
Rationale
Clean
The word "Clean" succinctly introduces the list of elements that contribute to a thriving community without unnecessary elaboration or modifiers. This choice effectively maintains the sentence's flow and clarity, allowing the reader to easily grasp the importance of clean water, open lands, and diverse species.
A) (As it is now)
This version includes the phrase "Vital to a neighborhood," which, while relevant, adds unnecessary complexity to the sentence. The focus should be on the essential elements for a thriving community rather than the introductory phrase, which could be eliminated for brevity and directness.
B) Mandatory for residents, clean
The phrase "Mandatory for residents" introduces an obligation that may not be relevant in the context of discussing the natural elements essential for a thriving community. This choice alters the meaning inappropriately, suggesting that these elements are requirements for residents rather than vital components of the community itself.
C) Crucially, clean
While "Crucially" emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, it is an unnecessary adverb that complicates the sentence structure. The direct use of "Clean" without modifiers retains clarity and assertiveness, making the sentence stronger and more impactful.
Conclusion
The best choice for the underlined portion is "Clean," as it delivers a clear and straightforward message about the essential elements for a thriving community. Other options either introduce unnecessary complexity or misinterpret the intended meaning, detracting from the overall clarity of the sentence. Keeping the statement concise ensures that it effectively communicates the critical role of these natural resources.
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Question 4
In context, which is the best way to revise the 'it' in sentence 8? A 2010 report by the Office of the State Comptroller of New York found that it can lessen the need for increased property taxes.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) B
Rationale
Conserving open lands is the best way to revise 'it' in sentence 8.
In the context of the sentence, 'it' refers to the subject that can lessen the need for increased property taxes. The phrase "conserving open lands" directly connects to the reported findings, indicating that preserving such areas contributes to tax relief.
A) a community
This choice is too vague and does not specifically indicate what is being discussed in the context of the sentence. While a community may benefit from property tax reductions, it does not clarify the action or subject that results in this effect, making it an unsuitable replacement for 'it'.
B) conserving open lands
This is the most appropriate revision as it directly specifies the subject that can lead to a reduction in the need for increased property taxes. The context supports this interpretation, emphasizing the importance of land conservation in fiscal matters.
C) the state of New York
While the state of New York is relevant to the report, it does not directly correlate with the action of lessening property taxes. This option shifts the focus away from the specific action of conservation that the report highlights, making it less effective as a revision.
D) environmental benefits
Although environmental benefits could be related to the findings of the report, this choice does not explicitly identify the action that produces the tax relief. It generalizes the concept without tying it back to a specific subject, rendering it an inadequate substitute for 'it'.
Conclusion
The best revision of 'it' in the sentence is "conserving open lands," as it accurately reflects the subject matter discussed in the report regarding property taxes. The other options either lack specificity or do not align with the intended meaning, underlining the importance of clarity in communication.
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Question 5
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 9? Residential development creates a need for communities to extend water, sewer, and other municipal services to previously undeveloped areas; such extension costs more than it is collected by communities in property taxes from current residents.
Your Answer: Option(s)
Correct Answer: Option(s) C
Rationale
Communities more than they collect.
This version succinctly emphasizes that the costs incurred by communities for extending services exceed the amount of property tax revenue they receive from current residents. It effectively maintains grammatical accuracy and clarity within the sentence.
A) (as it is now)
This option retains the original phrasing, which is somewhat awkward and unclear. The phrase "more than it is collected" lacks specificity regarding what "it" refers to, leading to confusion about the relationship between costs and tax collection.
B) more for communities to collect
This choice alters the structure but introduces ambiguity by suggesting a focus on the amount communities need to collect rather than directly comparing costs with the actual collections. It shifts the emphasis away from the relationship of costs exceeding collections.
D) will be more than is collected by communities
While this option correctly identifies the comparative nature of costs and collections, it introduces unnecessary future tense ("will be"), which can imply uncertainty. The original context describes a current situation, making this choice less suitable.
Conclusion
The best choice for the underlined portion of the sentence is "communities more than they collect," as it clearly and directly communicates the intended meaning. This version effectively highlights the disparity between the costs of extending municipal services and the property tax revenue received, ensuring clarity and precision in the sentence's overall message.
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