GMAX Challenge Question

Question

Hi all you GMAT grapplers! For the next few weeks, I will be posting  GMAX-challenge questions! Answers and explanations will be posted the next day! Today's GMAX challenge:

1.  Every argument depends on assumptions which are not verified, and that is what makes it an argument .

A. Every argument depends on assumptions which are not verified, and that is what makes it an argument.
B. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not verified, which is what makes it an argument.
C. Assumptions that are not verified are the underpinnings of an argument, this is what makes it an argument.
D. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not verified; this principle makes an argument what it is.
E. Every argument is dependent on untrue assumptions, and it makes an argument just that—an argument.

Good luck!

-Sarai

gurpreetsingh · Answer

Which is wrong as essential modifies if required. So "THAT" is correct

A C out, E is wordy.

So left with D and B, In B which after "," is placed wrongly. It cannot modify verified.

I will go with D

nusmavrik · Answer

IMO : D

Every argument depends on assumptions which are not verified, and that is what makes it an argument.

A. Every argument depends on assumptions which are not verified, and  that is what  makes it an argument. >> that has no antecedent. It cannot refer to assumptions, argument

B. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not verified,  which is what  makes it an argument. >> which has no antecedent

C. Assumptions that are not verified are the underpinnings of an argument,  this is what  makes it an argument. >> this has no antecedent

D. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not verified;  this  principle makes an argument what it is. >> this principle sounds alright

E. Every argument is dependent on untrue assumptions, and  it  makes an argument just that—an argument. >> it has no antecedent

serhio · Answer

1.  Every argument depends on assumptions which are not verified, and that is what makes it an argument .

A. Every argument depends on  assumptions which  are not verified, and that  is  what makes it an argument.  it should be a comа before which 
B. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not  verified, which  is what makes it an argument.  which refers to a word preceeding it - it cann`t modify "varified" 
C. Assumptions that are not verified are the underpinnings of an argument, this is what makes it an argument.  changes the meaning 
D. Every argument depends on assumptions that are not verified; this principle makes an argument what it is.
E. Every argument  is dependent  on untrue assumptions, and it makes an argument just that—an argument.  no need for passive voice

BTW A and D. I realize that which without coma is not enough to kill it, however, "is" in the second part is pretty confusing. 
I vote for D.

SaraiYaseenGMAT · Answer

And the answer is...
 A. "Which" is used to introduce a descriptive relative clause (containing dispensable information) and must be preceded by a comma. Also, in the second independent clause, "that is what makes..." the pronoun "that" has no written noun to which it refers, i.e., no referent.

B. The pronoun "which" has no has no written noun to which it refers, i.e., no referent.

C. Two independent clauses cannot be joined by only a comma. They require a semi-colon or connecting word.

D. Correct. The relative clause-- "that are not verified"-- correctly defines exactly on which kind of assumption theory depends.

E. "Is dependent on" is wordy, and no referent for the pronoun "it" appears in the sentence.

nusmavrik · Answer

Hi Sarai

Does "this" has antecedent in C?

C. Assumptions that are not verified are the underpinnings of an argument, this is what makes it an argument.

Thanks

SaraiYaseenGMAT · Answer

No, you're right, "this" does not have an antecedent.

garimavyas · Answer

yeah D is the answer , thanks gmaxsarai for the question.

metallicafan · Answer

+1 D

Although it doesn't seem a real GMAT question.

daagh · Answer

The text is a classic lesson in  pronoun non – reference , (unfortunately) in all its choices.

A ---- ‘ that ’ has no singular possible referent 
B ---- ‘  which ’ has no referent 
C----- the demonstrative pronoun, ‘ this ’ has no referent
D------ the demonstrative pronoun ‘ this ’ has no referent 
E ----- the pronoun ‘it’ has no referent. 
The author may perhaps like to defend her choice of answer in spite of the pronoun error.

amit2k9 · Answer

D this is referring to the complete clause here.

daagh · Answer

If we take that in D, the pronoun  this  stands for the entire clause, then doesn’t it stand for the same in C? Of course C is a run-on and so we may dump it. But can we ignore the dangling pronoun in ? Demonstrative pronouns are more helpful in informal communications when you can finger-point at something. In formal Test grade text, whether it is acceptable, will be a subjective judgment. Still it doesn’t
 negate the fact that D is perhaps the closest choice compared to the rest.

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