After the bomb exploded and the terrorists entered the building,

• HYPOTHETICAL - as though WERE, then/so that WOULD

This question tests how to use verbs in counterfactual situations or conditions.

• SIMILAR to a Type 2 conditional
This construction is identical to a Type 2 conditional in which the hypothetical takes the subjunctive WERE, no matter who the subject is.

condition clause: IF . . . WERE
main/result clause: [then/so that] WOULD

• AS THOUGH and AS IF: correct construction

as though, as if, suppose, unless, and imagine all use this a similar construction.
They signal and require the subjunctive.

condition clause: AS THOUGH . . . WERE
main/result clause: [then/so that] WOULD

Correct: She carried herself as though she were fearless, so that the hooligans would leave her alone.
Correct: He acted as though he were a nice guy, so that she would go on a date with him.

• THIS QUESTION

guidelines
1. Verb structure is
Condition clause: AS THOUGH . . . WERE
Result/main clause: WOULD

2. Do not mix and match. Those verb tenses are the only ones to use.

3. Do not put should in the condition OR the result clause.
The construction is conventional in B.E., but it is wrong on the GMAT.

4. Speakers of British English: be a little bit careful also about always using WERE.
This construction is different in B.E. ("was" is common and allowed).

Correct: As though he were . . . so that XYZ would happen.

• Split #1: AS THOUGH takes the verb WERE if to be is involved
Options B and C incorrectly use as though he was
Eliminate B and C

• Split #2: No SHOULD (shouldn't)

Do not should in conditional and hypothetical constructions.
GMAC does not like should in conditionals. Ever.
Use would, and to express less certainty, use might or could (only in the main clause).
B.E. frequently uses should in both condition and result clause. Just be a little careful.

Options B and D use shouldn't. Both should say "wouldn't."
Eliminate D (B is already gone)

• Split #3: Phrasing and Meaning

Option D says that he acted as he were dead
-- That language is babble. These are not babble:
Correct: He acted as though he were dead
Correct: He acted as if he were dead

Option E says that he acted as he was dead.
Let's just think about that one for a second.
"As" in this option suggests "during the time that he was dead."
No. First, he was not dead.
Second, if he were dead, he would not be acting while he were dead.

Options D and E are nonsensical. Eliminate E. (D is already gone.)

By POE, the answer is A.

Option A gets it right
• condition clause, counterfactual: as though he were dead
• main/result clause: so that he WOULD not be noticed.
That form is correct.

The answer is A