As per the rigid norms of GMAT, no choice may survive. Although ‘
contemporary’ may mean something ‘belonging to the same period of time’, still for the sake of clarity, we should use it prudently when referring to past events.Pl. see a relevant note in this context
Quote:
Usage Note: When contemporary is used in reference to something in the past, its meaning is not always clear. Contemporary critics of Shakespeare may mean critics in his time or critics in our time. When the context does not make the meaning clear, misunderstanding can be avoided by using phrases such as critics in Shakespeare's time or modern critics.
Source:
https://www.thefreedictionary.com/contemporaryThe question is whether the taste refers to the taste of the 1860's or the present day. Note the use of the present tense verb ‘reflects’ in the sentence. Therefore, any choice that uses ‘
contemporary’ is wrong in this case
(A) The selection of figures on the Frieze of Parnassus reflects the taste of the 1860s, though it seems odd to omit Schubert, considered to be -
Considered to be is wrong idiom in GMAT at least: we may still take this choice, if we can ignore the idiom part. Still not very happy about this compromise (B) The selection of figures on the Frieze of Parnassus reflects the odd taste of the 1860s, so omitting Schubert, considered then to be -----
wrong: 1. so is a coordinate conjunction. A sentence following that should be an independent clause. Here we hve just a long phrase without a verb 2. Considered to be is wrong idiom
(C) The selection of figures on the Frieze of Parnassus reflects contemporary thinking, though Schubert seemed odd to the taste of the 1860s, considered -----
wrong because Contemporary is not part of the original text, a blatant distortion of intent and in addition ‘contemporary’ leads to ambiguity of time (D) The selection of figures on the Frieze of Parnassus reflects contemporary thinking, though the taste of the 1860s had considered Schubert to be – wrong;
same as C; also considered to be is wrong idiom.
(E) The selection of figures on the Frieze of Parnassus reflects contemporary thinking, though even by the taste of the 1860s it seems odd to omit Schubert, then considered ----
wrong; same as C What is the justification for E Please?
So daagh what is the final verdict? I think this question is flawed!