Using a laparoscope, ovaries can be removed without opening the abdome

OFFICIAL EXPLANATION



THE PROMPT


This question tests modifiers and the frequent face-off between [comma + WHICH] and [comma + ___ING]

THE OPTIONS


• what is using a laparoscope? Not ovaries.
→ even if you have no idea what a laparoscope is, the words procedure and outpatient should tell you that a human someone or perhaps a robotic something is using a tool
→ we have a “dangling” modifier: whatever the modifier is supposed to describe is not actually stated in the sentence
ELIMINATE A

• which must modify a noun, but in this option which impermissibly tries to modify the whole phrase using a laparoscope
→ which usually modifies the immediately preceding noun (or the head noun of a prepositional phrase), and you might be tempted to think that which correctly refers to laparoscope
-- Not so fast. GMAC likes to trap aspirants into using mechanical rules rather than logic.
-- The laparoscope itself does not allow the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis.
The use of the laparoscope does so.
→ the commas that flank the essential phrase using a laparoscope are troublesome—not enough to be the basis of elimination on your first review pass, but enough to give pause because essential modifiers should not be set off by commas
• If you cannot decide, keep (B) and look for a better answer
ELIMINATE B


• which has the same problems as those in option B
• the sentence seems to suggest that doctors can use a laparoscope after they remove the ovaries
• again, if you are not certain, keep (C) and look for a better answer
ELIMINATE C

• correct
• who or what is using a laparoscope? A doctor. The modifier both has a noun to describe and is placed right next to that noun
• allowing the procedure to be done on an outpatient basis correctly modifies the entire preceding clause
-- allowing is a present participle (a verbING)
-- ___ING words placed after a comma can modify the entire preceding clause.
Often but not always such participles present the result or consequence of the previous clause.
KEEP (and eliminate B or C or both if you kept them)

• By being done is a noun modifier. What does it modify? Ovaries???
→ the modifier should modify the removal of ovaries
• This sentence is confusing.
→ By being done is strange and awkward
→ Compared to (D), this option is a stylistic train wreck.
ELIMINATE E

The correct answer is D

GMAC frequently tests [COMMA + WHICH] against [COMMA + ___ING].
I would suggest that you really learn how each construction works.

COMMENTS

I really like the diversity of this group of posters.

This is the first day in many that I did not get to say, "Welcome," to someone.
I will repeat my standing invitation instead and be just as happy:
All non-expert aspirants have a standing invitation to participate in SC Butler.

If you explain the concept, you will sear it into your memory.
Plus, what fun is passive learning?

Kudos go to those who explained.