A dedication by Colin Powell, given in the same year as his appointmen

Use the more direct form - (appointed vs appointment) - eliminate A/B. Also, 'that' is more appropriate than 'as' to introduce 'he was appointed'.
D & E are incorrect because the modifier introduced by 'that' seems to be modifying 'Joint Chiefs of Staff' instead of the 'dedication'. Leaves you with C.

you may also want to have a look at this: https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/sc1 ... t1645.html

D and E are incorrect as that incorrectly modifies Joint Chiefs of Staff, whereas it should modify dedication

B is incorrect as as his appointment to chairman is unidiomatic.

A is incorrect because as is a comparison marker and given in the same year is compared with his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff which seems senseless to me.

Hence C is correct.

Let us look at each of the answer options -

A - "given in the same year as his appointment as chairman of Joint Chiefs of staff" - this phrase equates year to his appointment. Not a logical comparison.

B - repeats the same error that option A has.

C - correct answer. this makes perfect sense.
"that he was appointed chairman ..." modifies "year".

D - "Colin Powell gave a dedication in the same year as his appointment as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that commemorated"
The "that" is too far removed from the noun it should modify - dedication.

It seems to modify 'year/appointment'. Note that it cannot refer to 'Joint Chiefs of Staff' as we need a 'who' (to refer to people).
This also has the same error that option A has. 'year' is compared to 'his appointment'.

E - the 'that' is too far removed from the noun it must modify - dedication.
this answer option also does not make it clear who was appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

this option also equates 'year of appointment' to 'chairman of joint chiefs of staff'.

Hope this helps

IMO I don't believe A is incorrect. I narrowed it down to A vs C, but ended up choosing A. I do not understand why C is better written than A. If someone could elaborate, that would be immensely helpful!

An official question: https://gmatclub.com/forum/a-letter-by- ... fl=similar that tests same logic

Hi CrackVerbalGMAT
Could you please explain how to find the elements of comparison in "...as..." structure?
I thought that the comparison is between "a dedication" and "appointment", and that the "year" is a time modifier within each.
Thanks!

In hint sight this is quite easy:

1. the same year as his appointment = wrong comparison, A&B out.
2. D&E the "that commensurate" is too far away from dedication; seems to be modifying staff.

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