tonebeeze wrote:
This is a very rudimentary question, but does the original sentence in all SC questions contain the intended meaning of the sentence (even if that sentence is grammatically incorrect and/or unclear)? Should I integrate a rule into my SC prep to avoid answer choices that gravitate away from the original meaning of the sentence (even if these sentences maybe grammatically correct)?
Great question!
Here's the general rule: unless the original sentence is nonsensical, then you must preserve its meaning.
Occasionally, however, the original sentence doesn't make any sense as written (usually due to modification errors) - in that case, we have to preserve the author's
intended meaning.
Now, that may seem like an impossible task (after all, you don't have to be psychic to write the GMAT); however, the intended meaning will always be clear - let logic and common sense be your guide.
Here's the "sentence correction hierarchy", i.e. the order of priority for fixing problems:
1) Grammar: the correct answer will never be grammatically incorrect.
2) Meaning: if more than one choice is grammatically correct, eliminate choices that change the meaning of the sentence.
3) Style: if more than one choice is both grammatically correct AND preserves the author's intended meaning, select the stylistically superior remaining choice.