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Gmat Verbal Sentence Correction – Quiz 1
Gmat Verbal Sentence Correction Quiz 1 (8 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates your understanding of comparative adjectives and articles in sentence correction, correct use of conjunctions and articles for clarity, parallel comparison construction, subject-verb agreement with countable nouns, past perfect tense sequence of events, and more. It focuses on enhancing sentence structure and clarity essential for GMAT verbal sentence correction.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Of all the events leading to the formation of the Earth, the catalyst for the infinite mass of matter that caused the Big Bang is maybe the more difficult for determination.
A) Is probably the more difficult to determine.
B) Is probably the most difficult to determine.
C) Is, it may be, the determination that is most difficult.
D) Is maybe the more difficult for determination.
E) Is maybe the most difficult for determination.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it maintains the original meaning and structure of the sentence while ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness. "Is probably the most difficult to determine" accurately conveys that identifying the catalyst for the Big Bang's infinite mass of matter is a challenging task.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Is probably the more difficult to determine." This option uses "more" instead of "most," which slightly weakens the emphasis on difficulty.
Option B:
"Is probably the most difficult to determine." This is grammatically correct and maintains the original meaning, making it the best choice.
Option C:
"Is, it may be, the determination that is most difficult." This option is overly complex and changes the sentence structure significantly from the original.
Option D:
"Is maybe the more difficult for determination." This uses "maybe" instead of "probably," which slightly weakens the certainty of the statement. It also uses "for determination" at the end, altering the sentence's flow and meaning.
Option E:
"Is maybe the most difficult for determination." Similar to Option D, this option uses "maybe" instead of "probably," which slightly weakens the certainty of the statement. It also uses "for determination" at the end, altering the sentence's flow and meaning.
2.
According to the international investment memorandum recently signed in Geneva, France is one of the 4 European nations planning to provide fewer tax incentives for foreign investment in production of heavy industrial machinery.
A) Planning on providing fewer.
B) Which is planning on providing fewer.
C) Planning to provide fewer.
D) That is planning to provide less.
E) Planning to provide less.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C "Planning to provide fewer" is correct because it accurately conveys the intended meaning of the sentence without grammatical errors. The phrase "planning to provide fewer" fits naturally in the context, indicating that France and other European nations are intending to reduce tax incentives for foreign investment in heavy industrial machinery production.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses "Planning on providing," which is redundant.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Which" introduces a relative clause that is not needed here.
Option C:
Correct as stated above.
Option D:
Incorrect as it uses "That," which is unnecessary and changes the sentence structure.
Option E:
Incorrect as it uses "Less" instead of "fewer," which is appropriate for countable nouns like tax incentives.
3.
After Junko lay down, having finished a hard day's work, sleep descended on her like a soft blanket.
A) Having completed a hard day's work, sleep descended on her.
B) Sleep descended on her having finished a hard day's work.
C) Having finished a hard day's work, sleep had descended on her.
D) Having finished a hard day's work, sleep descended on her.
E) Having finished a hard day's work, she felt sleep descend on her.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option E is correct because it uses the past perfect tense "Having finished" to indicate that Junko completed her work before sleep came, which aligns with the original sentence's meaning. The phrase "she felt sleep descend on her" adds a subtle nuance of personal perception, making the sentence more vivid and engaging.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it omits "having finished," making the sequence of events less clear.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason; it lacks the past perfect tense that indicates a completed action before another.
Option C:
While grammatically correct, it uses passive voice ("had descended"), which is not as vivid or natural-sounding as the active "descended" in E.
Option D:
Correct but less vivid than E; it omits "she felt," making the sentence slightly less engaging and personal.
Option E:
Correct, using past perfect tense and adding a sense of personal perception.
4.
Named a member of the committee to draw up a Declaration of Independence, the basic draft was completed by Thomas Jefferson in a week.
A) The basic draft Thomas Jefferson completed in a week.
B) The basic draft was completed by Thomas Jefferson in a week.
C) The basic draft which was completed by Thomas Jefferson in a week.
D) Thomas Jefferson in a week completed the basic draft.
E) Thomas Jefferson completed the basic draft in a week.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option E is correct because it directly and clearly states the subject (Thomas Jefferson) and the action (completed) in a concise manner, without unnecessary words. This makes the sentence grammatically sound and easy to understand.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it starts with "The basic draft," which is not the main subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Correct but less concise than Option E, making it slightly longer and more verbose.
Option C:
Incorrect due to the use of "which" that adds unnecessary words without improving clarity.
Option D:
Incorrect as it places "Thomas Jefferson" at the end, which is less effective in emphasizing the subject.
Option E:
Correct and most concise.
5.
The library at the state college could have much less books and still is above the minimum number required by state educational standards.
A) Much less books and still is above the minimum number.
B) Many fewer books and still be above the minimum number.
C) Many less books and still be above the minimum amount.
D) Much fewer books and still is above the minimum number.
E) Many fewer books and still above the minimum amount.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses "fewer" which is appropriate for countable nouns (books), and maintains subject-verb agreement with "is." The phrase "still be above the minimum number" is grammatically sound, ensuring clarity in the sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses "less," which is incorrect for countable nouns like books.
Option C:
Uses "less," also incorrect for countable nouns, and adds "amount" instead of "number."
Option D:
Maintains subject-verb agreement but uses "is" with "be above," which is redundant.
Option E:
Correct in terms of number usage ("fewer") but "above the minimum amount" should be "above the minimum number."
6.
Although Johannes Brahms lived longer than Beethoven, his collected works include only four symphonies, five fewer than those of Beethoven.
A) Five less than the symphonies of Beethoven.
B) Five less than those of Beethoven.
C) Five fewer than Beethoven.
D) Five fewer than those of Beethoven.
E) Five less than Beethoven.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it maintains the proper grammatical structure and clarity of comparison. "Five fewer than those of Beethoven" accurately conveys that Brahms had five less symphonies compared to Beethoven, while also properly referring back to Beethoven's works.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to missing article before "those."
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A.
Option C:
Incorrect because it omits "those of," which is necessary for clarity.
Option D:
Correct for maintaining proper grammar and clarity in comparison.
Option E:
Incorrect as it lacks the article before "Beethoven."
7.
Unlike an oboe and clarinets, which are subject to built-in obsolescence caused by constant wiping of the wooden bore, bassoons last indefinitely.
A) Unlike an oboe and clarinets.
B) Unlike oboes and clarinets.
C) Different than oboes and clarinets.
D) Unlike a clarinet or oboes.
E) Differing from oboes and clarinets.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it maintains the parallel structure of "Unlike oboes and clarinets." This sentence compares bassoons to both oboes and clarinets, ensuring grammatical consistency. Options A, C, D, and E introduce variations that disrupt this parallelism or change the meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Unnecessary repetition of "an" before "oboe."
Option B:
Correct; maintains parallel structure.
Option C:
Uses "different than," which is less formal and preferred in GMAT.
Option D:
Changes the comparison to include "or" instead of listing both instruments.
Option E:
Uses "differing from," which is not as concise or parallel as "Unlike."
8.
The type of behavior exhibited when an animal recognizes itself in a mirror comes within the domain of "theory of mind, " thus is best studied as part of the field of animal cognition.
A) Of "theory of mind, " thus is best.
B) "theory of mind, " and so is best to be.
C) Of a "theory of mind, " thus it is best.
D) Of "theory of mind" and thus is best.
E) Of the "theory of mind, " and so it is best to be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D correctly uses "theory of mind" and maintains proper grammar with the conjunction "and." It also appropriately connects the idea to the field of animal cognition without unnecessary words, making it the most suitable choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Lacks article before "theory of mind," grammatically incorrect.
Option B:
Adds redundant phrase "and so is best to be."
Option C:
Uses "it" redundantly, making the sentence awkward.
Option D:
Correct and concise.
Option E:
Adds unnecessary words "to be," making it grammatically incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of sentence correction in GMAT verbal?
The main goal of sentence correction in GMAT verbal is to ensure that sentences are clear, concise, and grammatically correct. This involves checking for errors in grammar, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, tense usage, and overall clarity.
How does sentence structure impact GMAT verbal sentence correction?
Sentence structure is crucial in GMAT verbal sentence correction as it affects the flow, clarity, and effectiveness of the sentence. Proper structure ensures that ideas are presented logically and coherently, making the text easier to understand.
What is parallelism in the context of GMAT verbal sentence correction?
Parallelism in GMAT verbal sentence correction refers to the practice of using similar grammatical structures for items in a series. This technique helps maintain consistency and clarity, making the sentences more effective and easier to read.
Why is conciseness important in GMAT verbal sentence correction?
Conciseness is important in GMAT verbal sentence correction because it helps eliminate unnecessary words and phrases, making the sentences more direct and to the point. This not only improves clarity but also enhances the overall quality of writing.
What are some common mistakes in GMAT verbal sentence correction?
Common mistakes in GMAT verbal sentence correction include errors in subject-verb agreement, incorrect tense usage, improper punctuation, and awkward or unclear sentence structure. Recognizing these issues is key to improving your performance on the test.