The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s comple

The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate.

The correct idiom is 'ability to'.


(A) The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate.

'like' can only be used to compare nouns.

(B) The ability of scientists has become ever more accurate in providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, such as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.

-- Suggests that ability provides models.

(C) Scientists have become able to provide ever more accurate models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.

-- Looks good. Keep.

(D) Scientists have become ever more accurate in their ability for providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions.

'like' can only be used to compare nouns.

(E) Scientists’ ability to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions have become ever more accurate.

-- SV agreement error.
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I think C is better over B because If you closely read the B, you will see that from a meaning point of view it doesn't make much sense that "The ability of scientist has become more accurate in providing models", it's more concise and precise to say that Scientists have..

EducationAisle can you please help with option B Vs C.

B says:

...ability...has become accurate...

That is not correct. "ability" cannot become accurate or inaccurate.

C fixes it by stating that models have become more accurate.

Also, bit of an idiomatic usage is also getting tested here. The correct idiom is "ability...to provide" and not "ability...in providing".

Lastly, since "in providing models.." is obviously intended to modify "ability", I would have liked the modifier to be closer to "ability" (the ability of scientists in providing models....).
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Hi AjiteshArun
I didn't really understand.
The ability of someone to do something cannot be more/less accurate is what we are trying to imply?

Hi singhall,

You've got it. It is the models that have become more accurate, not the scientists' ability to provide those models.
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Hi AjiteshArun ,

In the time constrained environment of GMAT , for a non-native speaker (Specifically if I talk about me ) identifying the subtle difference b/w B and C is not that easy.
I took 3 mins to answer this question correctly during my mock .

The initial click "so as to say" the initial identification of error ie The ability has not become more accurate rather the models have didn't strike me in my first read.

Moreover, I have observed that I take more time in Rhetorical /Logical Predication questions. It becomes difficult to understand the intended meaning in such questions.

Please guide on how to improve ?

Regards

Hi Iwillget770,

It isn't easy, but we should continue to practice (and analyse) such questions. Some other points to consider:

1. "Non-native" isn't a very accurate indicator of either ability or potential.

2. Some questions may take more time. That's fine.

Meaning-based calls usually take more time. I think the best approach for most test takers is to take as many options out on the basis of other (reliable) calls before taking a meaning call.
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The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate.


(A) The ability of scientists to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions, have become ever more accurate. - Singular subject "ability" and plural verb" have" - wrong. There is also a meaning issue here; even if the verb had been "has," it would not have made the difference, as "ability" can't be more accurate. Either you are able or not able. I can't say you are accurately able or inaccurately able. Doesn't make sense. The usage of like to give examples is wrong. We need to use "such as."

(B) The ability of scientists has become ever more accurate in providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, such as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions. - wrong meaning, as explained in A. Also, the more acceptable idiomatic usage is "ability to." E.g., She has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to new situations.

(C) Scientists have become able to provide ever more accurate models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions. - It sounds a little weird, but as such, it is ok.

(D) Scientists have become ever more accurate in their ability for providing models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to changing conditions, like seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions. - correct usage is "ability to provide." And use "such as" to share examples.

(E) Scientists’ ability to provide models of the atmosphere’s complex responses to such changing conditions as seasonal and daily cycles or different planetary conjunctions have become ever more accurate. - same subject-verb issues. But even with correct, it doesn't make sense to say that ability has (if we use the correct verb) become more accurate.