In assessing the problems faced by rural migrant workers,

Question

In assessing the problems faced by rural migrant workers, the question of whether they are better off materially than the urban working poor is irrelevant. (A) In assessing the problems faced by rural migrant workers, the question of whether they are better off materially than the urban working poor is irrelevant.
(B) The question of whether the rural migrant worker is better off materially than the urban working poor is irrelevant in assessing the problems that they face.
(C) A question that is irrelevant in assessing the problems that rural migrant workers face is whether they are better off materially than the urban working poor.
(D) In an assessment of the problems faced by rural migrant workers, the question of whether they are better off materially than the urban working poor is irrelevant.
(E) The question of whether the rural migrant worker is better off materially than the urban working poor is irrelevant in an assessment of the problems that they face.

AceofSpades · Answer

D seems to be the best choice to me.

Economist · Answer

Between A and D. I choose A.

D >> "in an assessment" says that assessment might already be over. And it seems like we are talking about one particular assessment, not in general.

However, A says that during the process of assessing the problems...which looks more apt to me.

topscore · Answer

A for me too
Usage of "in assessing the problem" is better than usage of "in assessment of the problem"

paneer · Answer

wonderful question!

Well A is wrong. In simple words, whenever you see a sentence with 'ing' somewhere in the beginning be cautious about modifier for in such cases you certainly need a subject that will accept the modification

This is dangling modifier error on the GMAT

While fighting a battle, using strategy to beat the enemy is important  is incorrect {Who is going to use strategy? Enemy himself? I mean anybody could! This is ambiguity and is not acceptable in grammar (just like pronoun error!)}
 While fighting a battle, one should know how to use strategy to beat one's enemy  is correct

This sentence reads  in assessing the problems, the question...  When you are expecting a subject to come in and accept the modification, you have  the question  wrongly placed. So this is wrong!

D it is!

In assessing the problems faced by rural migrant workers,

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