Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discov

Hi Folks,

Thank you for such analytical responses. Some of your explanations are pretty close to the official explanation. Now, here comes the detailed solution of this question.


Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006, which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring 100 kilometers across or more.

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

• Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto
o was discovered in 1930,
o lost its planetary status in 2006,
• which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’,
o and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring 100 kilometers across or more.




• This sentence tells us three things about Pluto, which was once considered the ninth planet in the solar system. These three things are:
1. Pluto was discovered in 1930.
2. It lost its planetary status in 2006.
a. This event prompted the IAU to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’.
3. And it is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring 100 kilometers or more.



Error Analysis

Modifier Error
1. The modifier ‘which’ seems to modify the clause “Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006”. This is incorrect since ‘which’ can modify only a noun not a clause.
2. The verb-ing modifier ‘measuring’ can modify either of the two nouns:
a. Kuiper Belt
b. 70,000 icy objects (the verb-ing modifier can jump over the prepositional phrase ‘in the Kuiper Belt’ to modify the preceding noun.)


PoE

A. Incorrect for the reasons stated above.

B. Correct Answer.
1. “A development…… the term ‘planet’” is a noun + noun modifier. In this modifier:
a. A development- Noun (refers to the Pluto losing its planetary status)
b. That prompted….. term ‘planet’- Noun Modifier (Provides additional information about the noun)
2. The plural verb ‘measure’ ensures that the relative pronoun ‘that’ unambiguously refers to the plural noun ’70,000 icy objects’.

C. Incorrect
Meaning Error
1. Since there is no helping verb associated with the verb ‘categorized’, it acts as a verb-ed modifier in this option and incorrectly modifies ‘planet’. Now the sentence conveys the meaning that the term ‘planet’ is categorized as something.
2. This option conveys the meaning that Pluto was categorized as something to measure 100 kilometers. This is illogical since the original sentence states that it was categorized as one of the objects that measure 100 kilometers.

D. Incorrect.
1. Sentence Structure Error: The two verbs ‘lost’ and ‘is categorized’ are not connected properly.
2. Meaning Error: This option has the same meaning error as pointed out in the second part of option C.

E. Incorrect.
Meaning Error: The meaning conveyed by the verb ’prompted’ is illogical. This option conveys the meaning that Pluto prompted the IAU to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’. This is illogical, since Pluto did not prompt the IAU; the action of Pluto losing its planetary status did.



Thanks.
Deepak
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Dear Friends,

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 Pluto was discovered in 1930, once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, and lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet", and Pluto is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure 100 kilometers across or more.

Concepts tested here: Meaning + Modifiers + Tenses

• "who/whose/whom/which/where", when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma.
• In a “noun + comma + phrase” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun; this is one of the most frequently tested concepts on GMAT sentence correction.
• If a list contains only two elements, they must be joined by a conjunction.
• Information that is permanent in nature is best conveyed through the simple present tense.
• The simple past tense is used to refer to events that concluded in the past.

A: This answer choice incorrectly modifies "2006" with "which prompted the International Astronomical Union..." planet", illogically implying that the year 2006 prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet"; the intended meaning is that Pluto losing its planetary status prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet"; please remember, "who/whose/whom/which/where", when preceded by a comma, refer to the noun just before the comma. Further, Option A incorrectly uses the present participle ("verb+ing" - "measuring" in this sentence) to refer to information that is permanent in nature; please remember, information that is permanent in nature is best conveyed through the simple present tense.

B: Correct. This answer choice modifies the verb phrase "lost its planetary status in 2006" with "a development that prompted..."planet", conveying the intended meaning - that Pluto losing its planetary status prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet". Moreover, Option B uses the clause "Pluto...is now categorized as...100 kilometers across or more", conveying the intended meaning - that Pluto is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure 100 kilometers across or more. Further, Option B correctly uses the simple past tense verb "prompted" to refer to an event that concluded in the past. Additionally, Option B correctly uses the simple present tense verb "measure" to refer to information that is permanent in nature. Besides, Option B correctly uses a conjunction ("and" in this sentence) to join two elements in a list -- the verb phrases "lost its planetary status in 2006" and "is now categorized...100 kilometers across or more".

C: This answer choice incorrectly modifies "the term "planet"" with "now categorized as...100 kilometers across or more", illogically implying that the term "planet" is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure 100 kilometers across or more; the intended meaning is that Pluto is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure 100 kilometers across or more; please remember, in a “noun + comma + phrase” construction, the phrase must correctly modify the noun. Further, Option C incorrectly uses the present participle ("verb + ing" - "prompting" in this sentence" to refer to an action that concluded in the past; please remember, the simple past tense is used to refer to events that concluded in the past. Additionally, Option C incorrectly uses the infinitive verb form ("to + base form of verb" - "to + measure" in this sentence) to refer to information that is permanent in nature; please remember, information that is permanent in nature is best conveyed through the simple present tense.

D: This answer choice fails to use a conjunction to join two elements in a list -- the verb phrases "lost its planetary status in 2006" and "is now categorized...100 kilometers across or more". Further, Option D incorrectly uses the infinitive verb form ("to + base form of verb" - "to + measure" in this sentence) to refer to information that is permanent in nature; please remember, information that is permanent in nature is best conveyed through the simple present tense.

E: This answer choice alters the meaning of the sentence through the clause "Pluto...prompted...a new definition for the term "planet"; the construction of this clause illogically implies that Pluto prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet"; the intended meaning is that Pluto losing its planetary status prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term "planet".

Hence, B is the best answer choice.

To understand the concept of "Simple Tenses" on GMAT, you may want to watch the following video (~1 minute):



All the best!
Experts' Global Team
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Hello,

Option A does not match the underlined part, anyhow I picked A.
I thought that "BElT THAT MEASURE" is wrong, as that I think should refer back to Pluto

Kassim

Hi Kassim,

You are right. Thanks for bringing that to our notice. The underlined portion should have been the same as option A. We have now corrected this error.

However, option A is incorrect. 'That' can't refer to Pluto since Pluto is singular and the plural verb 'measure' does not agree with the singular subject. Would you like to present your analysis for the rest of the choices? We will provide the complete solution after we see some of your responses.


Regards,
The e-GMAT Team
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A. Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006,which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring which modifies the preceding noun

B. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure - looks fine; read next

C. Discovered in 1930, Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development prompting the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure - unsure about the subject of the second clause

D. Pluto, discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure - same as C - also missing conjunction

E. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure - the development prompted
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Got it right but took a lot of time ( 2:21). need to seriously pick up speed

Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006, which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring 100 kilometers across or more.

A. Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006, which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring - Incorrect use of which. We need something to refer to the event “lost its planetary status in 2006”. Also 'lost its planetary status in 2006' should be used with the subject and not used as a modifier.

B. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure - Correct.

C. Discovered in 1930, Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development prompting the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure – Incorrect. Whats the subject and where is the verb?

D. Pluto, discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure – Incorrect verbs are not connected properly. Need “and” to separate two verbs.

E. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure – Incorrect. Verb-ed modifier prompted is not used correctly.

Do not worry

This kind of sentence are really tough so you almost never see such question if not in the upper level of the test, even if you pick it wrong doesnt's hurt your score so much.

Still it is good for practice. Me too the question takes a bit more than usual.

I think the key with this kind of question so nested and convoluted is to try to figure out a critical point on which you can choose (too bad if it is wrong, pick an answer and move one the next one)

Here is: " that measure " so B and E

Bur in E i do not see " a development that prompted" and this is essential for the meaning of the same. So B must be the right choice.

At a certain point, whenever you are lost go straight............

Hope this helps.
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By the way, I didnt see any student to give kudo for such beautiful question.

Saying thank you is important but kudos are even more
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A. Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006, which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring which is wrongly modifying the planetary status. which i think is illogical (how can planetary status prompt iau to change the definition)

B. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure looks correct

C. Discovered in 1930, Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development prompting the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measurecategorized is wrongly modifying the noun definition

D. Pluto, discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measuresame error as that of option C

E. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measurehere prompted is wrongly modifying the planetary status

My analysis of the sentence:

A. Once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto was discovered in 1930, lost its planetary status in 2006, which prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt measuring
wrong - "lost its planetary..." has no subject-verb pair. "which" should modify the nearest noun and in this case "which" seems to modify status. We need to emphasize on the description of Kuiper Belt so a clause is required to modify the noun.

B. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure
correct - modifiers are placed correctly.


C. Discovered in 1930, Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development prompting the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure
incorrect- incorrect placement of modifiers. The intended meaning is distorted.


D. Pluto, discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt to measure
incorrect - intended meaning is distorted. modifiers are not placed correctly.

E. Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure
incorrect - distorted meaning. It seems that Pluto prompted the IAU to create new definition. Instead the intended meaning is that Pluto lost its status and this development prompted the IAU to create a new definition.

Please correct me if I am wrong.
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For me, the testing point was "...that measure", so C and D were out. In A, "measuring" is a modifier but it is not clear what it was modifying (the Kuiper belt or the icy objects), so A is Out.

Between B & E, E is out because of it's distorted meaning where it suggests that Pluto is prompting the IAU. so by POE, B is the answer.

I was shuttling between A & B and then chose A following the below reasoning :

@e-gmat

Wouldnt the clauses in bold act as independent clauses joined by comma and not by FANBOYS/other conjunction option? Considering this as an error, I opted A.

Discovered in 1930 and once considered the ninth planet in the solar system, Pluto lost its planetary status in 2006, a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’, and is now categorized as just one out of 70,000 icy objects in the Kuiper Belt that measure

Option B is correct. It uses an Absolute Phrase. The construction of an absolute phrase is as follows:
NOUN + NOUN MODIFIER.

Here, the absolute phrase is: a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’
noun: a development
modifier: that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’

The main subject of the sentence is "Pluto" and it has two parallel main verbs "lost" and "is".

The basic structure of the sentence is:

Pluto lost its status and is now categorized.

Within this main structure a non-essential modifier (Absolute phrase) is inserted and hence separated by comma.

Pluto lost its status, a development that ........ 'planet', and is now categorized.

The comma after 'planet' does not indicate end of a main clause but end of an absolute phrase. Therefore a new main clause is not required after 'planet'.

Hi Aditi, following is not an independent clause:

a development that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’

In fact, it is not a clause at all. The structure of this portion is: Phrase (a development) + a Dependent clause (that prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to create a new definition for the term ‘planet’). Grammatically, such structures always function as phrases.

As sayantanc2k has mentioned in the post above, this portion is an Absolute Phrase. A good understanding of Absolute Phrases is important for SC. Our book EducationAisle Sentence Correction Nirvana discusses Absolute Phrases, their application and examples in significant detail. If someone is interested, PM me your email-id, I can mail the corresponding section.
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Lengthy one but reading the whole sentence is a must to grasp the entire meaning.
The first thing i noticed was the last word 'measure'. We have 'to measure' , 'that measure' and 'measuring' to chose from. Clearly 'to measure' is wrong. Pluto is not in kuiper belt for the purpose of measuring 100 km thus C and D are eliminated.

In choice A 'pluto was discovered...' is not the main clause, pluto losing the title is . The discovery of pluto must be written as a modifier and B, E are doing a great job there.

Now that we are left with two choices only, we can spend time to read the whole sentence to see which one makes sense in terms of meaning and grammar. 'prompted' in E is wrong since it is referring back to pluto instead of 'losing the status'. Prompted should have been prompting but B actually makes the effort of putting a correct reference in the sentence itself, which is absolutely fine. This process takes around 90 secs for a trained mind.
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Great question to test the placement of modifiers in lengthy sentences. E-gmat always comes up with great stuff.
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What if the sentence ended as Kuiper belt that "measures" ? I was scanning through the answer choices to find one, ended up marking B because all others were more flawed. If presented with just one distinction of measure vs measures, which would be right?

egmat

How is categorized serving as a verb here and not a verb-ed modifier?

I mean pluto is not the doer of the verb categorizing rather it is the object that is being categorized.
Can you clear my doubt?