Bunuel wrote:
Jai alai, a sport
that originated in Cuba, is more popular in Florida than any other state in the country.
A. that originated in Cuba, is more popular in Florida than any other state
B. originating in Cuba, is more popular in Florida than any other state
C. that originated in Cuba, is more popular in Florida than in any other state
D. that originated in Cuba, is more popular in Florida than are any other states
E. that originated in Cuba, is more popular in Florida as in any other state
VERITAS PREP OFFICIAL SOLUTION:
In this comparison problem you want to create a comparison that is logical, idiomatic, and parallel (LIP). The logical, intended comparison says that Florida is the state in which jai alai is most popular. You then want to ensure that the comparison compares popularity in Florida to popularity in other states. Note that choices A, B, and D each fail to include the preposition "in" before "any other state." Why is that important? In that case, the comparison could be seen as saying that "Jai alai is more popular than Texas (another state) is in Florida" or, in other words, "Floridians prefer jai alai to other states." Since that is not a logical comparison, you can eliminate those choices.
Choice E commits an idiomatic comparison error. The comparative term "more" must go with "than" and cannot go with "as," so choice E is incorrect.
Choice C conveys a logical comparison, largely because it is parallel (the two locations - Florida and "any other state") in which popularity is being compared are each preceded with "in" so that the logic is clear. And choice C uses the proper "more...than" phrasing, so choice C is correct.