Quote:
No matter how patiently they explain their reasons for confiscating certain items, travelers often treat customs inspectors like wanton poachers rather than government employees.
(A) travelers often treat customs inspectors like wanton poachers rather than government employees
(B) travelers often treat customs inspectors as wanton poachers instead of government employees
(C) travelers often treat customs inspectors as if they were not government employees but wanton poachers
(D) customs inspectors are often treated by travelers as if they were wanton poachers rather than government employees
(E) customs inspectors are often treated not like government employees but wanton poachers by travelers
The first thing which instantly jumps from question STEM is the comparison b/w the treatment. Therefore, like is out as it can only be used to compare noun NOT verbs.
A & E are outNext is the use of pronouns "they" and "their", we need to make sure there is no ambiguity related to these pronouns.
Option B, does not resolve the ambiguity, also if you notice travelers is a closer noun than customs inspectors, again a red flag.
Option C, though the ambiguity is sort of resolved, but there is a new problem -- NOT "not government employees but wanton poachers" weird isn't it!!
Option D, first, custom inspectors is closer to they and their pronouns, second, the use of "they" in this option resolves the ambiguity as well.
Therefore, D is the correct option.