Quote:
Researchers have explored the possibility that dolphins are able to be trained to communicate as humans.
A) are able to be trained to communicate as humans
B) were able to be trained to communicate as humans
C) can be trained to communicate like humans can
D) could be trained to communicate as humans
E) are capable of being trained to communicate as humans do
KAPLAN OFFICIAL EXPLANATIONRead the Original Sentence Carefully, Looking for Errors:
The term “as humans” in the underlined portion indicates that the sentence may contain a comparison error. The term "as” indicates action or passage of time, but “as humans” leaves the action undefined and is erroneous. The reader could be left wondering, "as humans what? As humans can be trained? As humans can communicate?" It's not clear.
Scan and Group the Answer Choices:
A quick scan of the end of each answer choice reveals that (A), (B), and (D) contain the error noted in Step 1. (C) and (E) add a verb to the end of the “as” phrase.
Eliminate Wrong Answer Choices:
(A), (B), and (D) can be eliminated because they contain the error noted. (C) does not clarify the vague comparison. By adding the "can" at the end, the reader could still wonder, "like humans can what? Be trained? Communicate?" Eliminate (C).
(E) uses the comparison "as humans do" to make it clear that the sentence is referring to how humans communicate. "Do" could only refer to communicate. Humans do communicate. It makes no sense to say humans "do be trained." (E) is correct.
TAKEAWAY: Keep asking whether the answer choice you are examining truly provides the clarity needed.