vinayakv wrote:
In contrast to the symphonies of Haydn, a much freer use of dissonance is evident in the symphonies of Mahler.
(A) In contrast to the symphonies of Haydn, a much freer use of dissonance is evident in the symphonies of Mahler.
(B) In contrast with Haydn's symphonies, Mahler uses dissonance much more freely.
(C) In contrast to those of Haydn, the symphonies of Mahler demonstrate a much more free use of dissonance.
(D) In contrast to Haydn's symphonies, Mahler's demonstrate a much freer use of dissonance.
(E) In contrast with Haydn's symphonies, those of Mahler use dissonance much more freely.
KAPLAN OFFICIAL EXPLANATION:
This sentence compares the use of dissonance in the symphonies of Mahler and Haydn. The original sentence compares Haydn's symphonies to a freer use of dissonance, but comparisons must compare like objects (symphonies to symphonies, dissonance to dissonance). Eliminate (A) and (B) for breaking that rule. Focus on the different endings in the three remaining choices: Is a much more free use of dissonance, a much freer use of dissonance, or using dissonance much more freely correct? The first wrongly replaces freer with more free, so eliminate it, but the remaining options are both acceptable. (D) and (E) differ with respect to the initial phrase, so should it be in contrast to or in contrast with? The first is the correct idiom, so (D) is the right answer. Notice that the object of the comparison can be implied as long as the structure is parallel (Mahler's in (D) equals Mahler's symphonies).