Whereas scientists, because of random fluctuations in the

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Here is a detailed explanation to this question-

Meaning is crucial to solving this problem:
Understanding the intended meaning is key to solving this question; the intended meaning of this sentence is that because of random fluctuations in the weather, scientists cannot determine the transition from one season to the next by monitoring temperatures on a daily basis, and in the same way they cannot determine the onset of global warming by monitoring average annual temperatures.

Concepts tested here: Meaning + Pronouns + Idioms + Awkwardness/Redundancy

• “as A + comma + so B” is an idiomatic construction, used to compare two elements; A and B must be comparable and parallel.

A: This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the phrase “Whereas scientists”; the use of “Whereas” incorrectly implies that because of random fluctuations in the weather, scientists cannot determine the transition from one season to the next by monitoring temperatures on a daily basis, but they cannot determine the onset of global warming by monitoring average annual temperatures; the intended meaning is that because of random fluctuations in the weather, scientists cannot determine the transition from one season to the next by monitoring temperatures on a daily basis, and in the same way they cannot determine the onset of global warming by monitoring average annual temperatures.

B: Correct. This answer choice correctly uses the idiomatic construction “as A (“scientists… cannot determine...basis”) + comma + so + B (“they cannot determine...temperatures”), conveying the intended meaning – that because of random fluctuations in the weather, scientists cannot determine the transition from one season to the next by monitoring temperatures on a daily basis, and in the same way they cannot determine the onset of global warming by monitoring average annual temperatures. Further, the sentence formed by Option B correctly refers to the plural noun “scientists” with the plural pronoun “they”. Additionally, Option B is free of any awkwardness or redundancy.

C: This answer choice incorrectly uses the unidiomatic construction “like A (“scientists”) + comma + so + B (“they”)”; remember, “as A + comma + so B” is an idiomatic construction, used to compare two elements; A and B must be comparable and parallel.

D: This answer choice incorrectly uses the unidiomatic construction “inasmuch as A (“a scientist cannot determine...basis”) + comma + so + B (“they cannot determine...temperatures”)”, leading to an incoherent meaning; the intended meaning is that because of random fluctuations in the weather, scientists cannot determine the transition from one season to the next by monitoring temperatures on a daily basis, and in the same way they cannot determine the onset of global warming by monitoring average annual temperatures. remember, “as A + comma + so B” is an idiomatic construction, used to compare two elements; A and B must be comparable and parallel. Further, the sentence formed by Option D incorrectly refers to the singular noun “scientist” with the plural pronoun “they”.

E: The sentence formed by this answer choice incorrectly refers to the singular noun “scientist” with the plural pronoun “they”. Additionally, Option E uses the needlessly wordy phrase “In the same way as a scientist”, leading to awkwardness and redundancy.

Hence, B is the best answer choice.

All the best!
Experts' Global Team