Pankaj0901 wrote:
Using the correct choice, option D, in the main sentence:
"In contrast to the bongo,
which was invented in Latin America,
the djembe originated in West Africa,
a large, single headed drum with a goblet shape.
What is the last sentence
"a large, single headed drum with a goblet shape" modifying here,
"bongo" or
"the djembe"?
CASE 1
All these 3 sentences (or modifiers) are modifying the "the bongo" in the first sentence:
which was invented in Latin Americathe djembe originated in West Africaa large, single headed drum with a goblet shapeCASE 2
"the djembe" is being modified- because it is the noun closest to the below modifier
a large, single headed drum with a goblet shapeHowever, "the djembe" doesn't touch the above modifier. This could imply that the "the djembe" is modifying "West Africa"- but it doesn't make sense logically.
Could you please throw some light what am I missing here. Thanks in advance.
AndrewNTheUltimateWinner wrote:
In contrast to the bongo, which was invented in Latin America, West Africa is the home of the djembe, a large, single headed drum with a goblet shape.
A. West Africa is the home of the djembe
B. West Africa is home to the djembe
C. West Africa was the home of the djembe
D. the djembe originated in West Africa
E. the djembe has a home in West Africa
Source: McGraw Hill GMAT
Hello,
Pankaj0901. This is a poorly constructed question, in my view, a case in point for why I do not recommend students practice unofficial questions. The appositive phrase at the end should
clearly modify
the djembe. Its current placement can lead to nonsensical interpretations, such as that West Africa is a drum shaped like a goblet. Compare to a more streamlined version of the sentence:
In contrast to the bongo, which was invented in Latin America, the djembe, a large, single headed drum with a goblet shape, originated in West Africa.Now, the contrast is clear, the appositive phrase clearly belongs to the djembe, and the prepositional phrases
in Latin America and
in West Africa are perfectly parallel.
Although I do tell students that they have to go by what is on the screen, I cannot point to an official question with a correct answer that fits into the same mold as this one. I think GMAC™ would more carefully construct the question and the correct answer choice.
- Andrew