MoonSharma wrote:
Can someone explain why would it not be that? Isn't that used for essential clauses? And isn't "which are designed to maximize the long term profits of member nations" an essential clause as it describes which decisions are being referred to here?
Hi
MoonSharma, for one thing, I haven't really seen GMAT testing on
this difference between
which and
that; at the very least, I have not come across any question where the
only difference between the two options is
which vs
that.
Coming to this question, the usage of essential modifier
that would mean:
i) OPEC takes many decisions, some of which are designed to maximize the long term profits of member nations while others are
not designed to maximize the long term profits of member nations
ii) Out of all of those decisions that OPEC takes, the members comply
only with those decisions that are designed to maximize the long term profits of member nations
This is clearly
not the intent of the sentence.
The intent is to convey that:
i) OPEC takes many decisions
ii)
All of those decisions that OPEC takes, are designed to maximize the long term profits of member nations
Hence, the non-essential modifier
which works well.
p.s. Our book
EducationAisle Sentence Correction Nirvana discusses
difference between "which" and "that", its application and examples in significant detail. If you or someone is interested, PM me your email-id; I can mail the corresponding section.
Thank you. This is extremely helpful.