Pack 22 Q1: Almost identical, the hardneck and softneck garlic...

Almost identical, the hardneck and softneck garlic varieties’ similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot.

(A) garlic varieties' similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
(B) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of its similarities
(C) similarities of garlic varieties make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
(D) similarities make members of the garlic varieties especially susceptible to Basal rot
(E) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of their similarities


Answer is e since almost identical is modifying the varities , so putting similarities makes it redundant , so a , c and d knocked off btw e and b answer is e as in b we have pronoun error its

Almost identical, the hardneck and softneck garlic varieties’ similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot.

Analysis:
What is almost identical ? - The hardneck and softneck garlic varieties
What happens because of being identical - The garlic varieties become susceptible to Basal rot because of similarity

The first underlined word should be garlic varieties and not similarities. Based on our analysis , we can eliminate option A,C and D.

Let's see the answer choice below

(A) garlic varieties' similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
This option says garlic varieties similarities are identical - Incorrect

(B) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of its similarities
The similarities of hardneck and softneck make them both susceptible, so we need a plural subject here. Use of 'its' is incorrect - Incorrect

(C) similarities of garlic varieties make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
This option says garlic varieties similarities are identical - Incorrect

(D) similarities make members of the garlic varieties especially susceptible to Basal rot
This option says garlic varieties similarities are identical - Incorrect

(E) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of their similarities
The similarities of hardneck and softneck make them both susceptible, so we need a plural subject here. Usage of them is correct.

Ans: E

Official Explanation

Almost identical, the hardneck and softneck garlic varieties’ similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot.

(A) garlic varieties' similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
(B) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of its similarities
(C) similarities of garlic varieties make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
(D) similarities make members of the garlic varieties especially susceptible to Basal rot
(E) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of their similarities

This sentence addresses proper modifier use. It is important to ensure that the modifier refers to the garlic and not to the garlic similarities. We also need to make sure any pronouns we find agree with their antecedents. Differences are highlighted in the text.

(A) garlic varieties' similarities make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
This sentence is INCORRECT. The modifier at the beginning of the sentence seems to refer to the similarities rather than to the garlic.

(B) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of its similarities
This sentence is INCORRECT. “Its” is the wrong pronoun; it should not be singular.

(C) similarities of garlic varieties make them especially susceptible to Basal rot
This sentence is INCORRECT. The modifier at the beginning of the sentence seems to refer to the similarities rather than to the garlic, and “hardneck” and “softneck” seem to be the names of similarities rather than the varieties.

(D) similarities make members of the garlic varieties especially susceptible to Basal rot
This sentence is INCORRECT. The modifier at the beginning of the sentence seems to refer to the similarities rather than to the garlic, and “hardneck” and “softneck” seem to be the names of similarities rather than the varieties.

(E) garlic varieties are especially susceptible to Basal rot because of their similarities
This sentence is CORRECT. This sentence uses the modifying clause correctly as well as the correct pronoun “their.”


There you have it - option E is the correct choice!


Don’t study for the GMAT. Train for it.

Well done winterschool! Great explanation and kudos to you!

Great explanation jhavyom! Kudos to you! Can't wait to see how you tackle the next question!

Great explanation Deepakjhamb! We appreciate seeing your thought process on how you answered this one. Can't wait for Question 2!

Great job akadiyan! Kudos to you for the solid explanation too!

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