12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 4: Although German Johann

Question

12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition with Lots of Fun

Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

Manhattan Prep Official Explanation

First Glance:  Differences in the answer choices provide clues about what a problem might be testing. Before reading the sentence, glance at the beginning of the underline and down the beginning (just the beginning!) of the five answer choices to look for one early clue as to what this sentence is testing.

The first three answer choices begin with the words  Although  and  While , signaling a contrast in meaning; pay attention to Meaning while reading the sentence. Since the entire sentence is underlined, Structure may be tested in this problem.

Issues:  
(1) Modifiers
Choices (B) and (C), employ  comma –ing  structures ( , using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible; , developing … and using ), which are used to describe the action in the related independent clause. But the action of  Gutenberg … introduc(ing the printing press) to Europe  was not used to produce  the Gutenberg Bible . Rather, the printing press (or movable type printing) would have been used to produce (print) a book. Eliminate choices (B) and (C).

Additionally, in choices (B) and (C), the  in China  modifier is set off by commas and not explicitly attached to either the text before or the text after. It could illogically be read to imply that Johannes Gutenberg  introduced it to Europe  in China.

(2) Pronouns
In choices (D) and (E), the pronoun this has no sensible noun that could be the antecedent. The noun  printing press  cannot introduce movable type printing. The development of the printing press introduced movable type printing to Europe, but “development” does not exist as a noun in these choices. Eliminate choices (D) and (E).

Choices (B) and (C) use the pronoun it twice to refer to two different nouns. The first instance,  introduced it , logically refers to  movable type printing . The second instance,  using it , logically refers to  printing press . It is possible to use the same pronoun twice in a sentence to refer to two different nouns, but the sentence needs to be written very clearly—ideally, with each noun-pronoun pairing quite close to each other and quite far from the other noun-pronoun pairing. Be suspicious of choices (B) and (C) for this reason—if you have to guess or aren’t sure between one of these options and another choice, lean towards the other choice.

(3) Sentence Structure
In choice (E), there are two independent clauses joined only by a comma:  The printing press was developed  and  Bi Sheng was the first . Eliminate choice (E) because it is a run-on sentence.

The Correct Answer:  Answer (A) correctly employs a  comma-who developed … and produced  modifier, clearly describing Johannes Gutenberg. Although the pronoun  it  may at first appear questionable, all of the answer choices include at least one instance of this pronoun, and therefore choice (A) cannot be eliminated for this issue. While you might have been tempted to cross off choice (A) because the opening modifier ( Although German Johannes Gutenberg … later introduced it to Europe ) is very long, this opening modifier does clearly relate to  movable type printing  and is therefore correctly structured.

singhaz · Answer

Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

neetib · Answer

(A)  Although  German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.The missing verb in IC.OUT

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C)  While  Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe,  developing the  printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible. out

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg ;  although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.OUT

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China. Correct

OA:E

thisisit25 · Answer

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced  it  to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.
- it refers to? Bible? printing press? movable print typing?

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing , in China,  German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press,  using it  to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
- using it: refers to development of the printing press
- In China: makes it seem like In China, German Johannes..... which isn't the intended meaning

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing,  in China,  German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
- everything is fine except the "in China" issue (as in B)

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
- Makes it seem like the printing press was developed to produce the Gutenberg Bible?
- I don't particularly understand the "in China" being separated by comma into a separate fragment of sorts

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg , although  this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
- although is not connecting the sentences properly

My answer: A (seems the bets of the lot -- pronoun ambiguity is there but sentence structure is much better and logically pronoun can be taken to refer to movable print typing)

TBT · Answer

Usage of while is incorrect. No concurrent events happening. So b c out. Also meaning issues in b anc c. forced parallelism in c.

d and e : Have meaning issues and usage of it seems to be unclear.

Ans: A

Sarmadk5 · Answer

ADE , these sentences structures are wrong and giving vague meaning.

C is giving no clear meaning "introduced it to Europe, developing" ... also coma is wrongly used

B is correct , giving clear meaning and structure

Archit3110 · Answer

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.  modifier error .... also pronoun error 'it'
 
(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.  meaning issue in later part 'using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible'

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.  correct option ..

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China. 
; Although as an IC should be followed by noun and verb which is missing.

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.  meaning error

OPTION C is correct

AmanAngrish · Answer

Option A 
Sentence brings in illogical comparisons all across the sentence. For Eg:
 later introduced it to Europe  - Introduced what to Europe: Gutenberg Bible or the printing press.
Reject option A

Option B 
Brings in the correct comparison structure with the final -ing modifier (using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible)  correctly modifying the preceding verb.
Keep option B

Option C 
Although the comparison is maintained in the first half of the sentence, the meaning has been altered here. As per this option Gutenberg did two things after introducing the movable type printing: (1)He developed the printing press and (2) he used it to produce the bible. However as per the question stem it should be Gutenberg developed the printing press thereby introducing movable type printing in Europe and then used the press to produce the bible.

Option D and E  
They are unnecessarily awkward in construction with illogical comparisons. Can reject both

IMO B is the answer

DanielRadcliffe · Answer

A--- incorrect ( structure of the sentence)
B--- "it" ambiguity
c------ correct
d ----- structure error
e------- error

pintukr · Answer

Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

Meaning .  German JG introduced the movable type printing to Europe and developed the printing press , although the movable type printing was first invented by Bi Sheng in China .

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced  it  to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

'it' has no clear antecedent ---whether printing press or the Gutenberg Bible

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

antecedent for 'it' and two locations is unclear

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe,  developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible .

no cause and effect is implied here

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

correct meaning as highlighted above..CORRECT option

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg ,  although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

Since, there are two ICs, semi-colon should be used instead of comma

(D) is the correct answer

Elite097 · Answer

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.-- correct contrast

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.- same as B

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.- meaning conveyed does not make sense

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China--- same as D

Kinshook · Answer

Although German Johannes Gutenberg, 
who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, 
later introduced it to Europe, 
movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

Pronoun ambiguity for  it 
It is not clear whether  it  refers to printing press, Gutenberg Bible or movable type printing.
Incorrect

Pronoun ambiguity for  it 
Usage of two  it  is ambiguous 
Incorrect

Option B conveys the correct meaning of original sentence that German Johannes Gutenberg introduced movable type printing to Europe with his development of the printing press.
Incorrect

Since there are two independent clause, they should be separated by semi-colon(;)
Correct

Since there are two independent clause, they should be separated by semi-colon(;)
Incorrect

IMO D

mysterymanrog · Answer

A) Looks fine. Keep. 
B) Issue with the modifier "in China". Was Bi Sheng the first the invent it in China, or was the press invented in China first by Bi Sheng? The usage of while is not the best either.Out. 
C) Same modifier issue as B and usage of While. 
D) Same issue as B. Meaning error as well. Suggests that Bi Sheng was the first to invent it in China, not that it was first invented in China.
E) Same issue as B. Meaning error as well. Suggests that Bi Sheng was the first to invent it in China, not that it was first invented in China.

Winner is A.

ShubhamSaklani · Answer

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.
- it refers to? Bible? printing press? movable print typing?

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
- using it: refers to development of the printing press
- In China: makes it seem like In China, German Johannes..... which isn't the intended meaning

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
- everything is fine except the "in China" issue (as in B)

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
- Makes it seem like the printing press was developed to produce the Gutenberg Bible?
- I don't particularly understand the "in China" being separated by comma into a separate fragment of sorts

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
- although is not connecting the sentences properly

My answer: A (seems the bets of the lot -- pronoun ambiguity is there but sentence structure is much better and logically pronoun can be taken to refer to movable print typing)

LeopardLiu · Answer

Answer is B 
Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.  Although here is a weird contrast. Doesn't make sense

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.  change of meaning of the sentence

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.  although.. same as A

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.  a mess

Sushen · Answer

The answer is C

Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

Interpret:
It is clear who developed the printing press and produced the G Bible. It is also clear this person is a German and introduced this to Europe.
Furthermore, we need the sentence to say that B.S. first invented movable type printing and that this occurred in China.
At a minimum, the beginning of the sentence is not clear.
Remove the appositive, identified by the pair of commas, and read what is left: "Although German J.G. later introduced IT to Europe... What did he introduce? There is no antecedent for our pronoun at a minimum.
A is OUT!

Let's evaluate the rest as we do have a clear idea of the intended meaning.
(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
B.S. is clearly the first to invent... in China. Check!
German person J.G. introduced it to Europe. Check!
He introduced it, WITH his development... are they two separate events?
Furthermore, the end isn't parallel and I think it can be... Not a great choice. Moving on.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
Now it is parallel! Check!
The persons are still attached to the correct events. (No modifier problems.) Check!
The introduction this time refers to developing and using. Check. Check! Check!!
I think this is it... unless I find an error that I am not appreciating at the moment. Moving on for now.

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
Yikes. This is written in the passive voice and unless I can find an error in C, even if this is perfect, a sentence written in the active voice (without errors) is always better than a sentence written in the passive voice--even if that sentence is also error free.
The ";" is used correctly; It is used between two closely related full sentences (independent clauses.)
There are no modifier errors, both gentlemen receive the credit for their accomplishments.
No other errors are seen, but C still reigns supreme!

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.
Also passive, looks like C is it.
To complete the analysis:
There is a tense problem in the beginning... maybe a well-placed conjunction could clarify the time frame as a past perfect is not appropriate when two things in the past occurred at essentially the same time.
There is also a parallelism problem here... "this introduced" and "was the first to invent..."

C it is!!

rajtare · Answer

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.  - Incorrect what is introduced to europe is not clear whether its gutenberg bible or printing press.

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.  - Incorrect- Meaning error- here the structure of the sentence implies that gutenberg introduced movable type printing press to europe while developing the printing press

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.  -Incorrect- meaning error- does the producing of gutenberg bible introduced movable type printing to europe offcourse not, its the person german gutenberg. here active voice is preferred.

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.  - Incorrect-Same issue as D, additionally it has an issue of comma splice. Two independent clauses are connected by using comma.

sivatx2 · Answer

Meaning:

This sentence has modifier issues that will help to eliminate choices. Also, there is contrast based on While vs Although usage. In order to correctly solve it is necessary to consider the meaning of the sentence. If you look at the meaning there are 3 events that are tied together:
1. The invention of movable type printing
2. The development of printing press
3. The Production of the Gutenberg Bible.

The above order of event history should be maintained in the sentence. Also notice pronoun, it and this usage in the choices which will also will help to eliminate the choices.

While and Although can contrast in the same way, but while can also be used to denote the time of events when contrasting.

Example:

While I was playing soccer, Paul watched a movie at home.

(A) Although German Johannes Gutenberg, who developed the printing press and produced the Gutenberg Bible, later introduced it to Europe, movable type printing was first invented in China, by Bi Sheng.

Notice the development of printing press and the production of Gutenberg bible is not sequenced and because of this, the pronoun 'it' has a reference error. Is it referring to the printing press or the Gutenberg Bible or the movable type printing? Modifier is causing meaning error to the sentence. Eliminate.

(B) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe with his development of the printing press, using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.

Notice with the While usage, it causes a confusion in the meaning and also conveys:

While Bi was first to invent X, in China, G was first to introduce X to Europe. When did each of the contrasting events happened? This choice introduces confusion. Eliminate.

(C) While Bi Sheng was the first to invent movable type printing, in China, German Johannes Gutenberg later introduced it to Europe, developing the printing press and using it to produce the Gutenberg Bible.
 Same issue as discussed in choice B. Eliminate.

(D) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg; although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

Looking at the meaning conveyed, the printing press was used to produce the bible. The printing press was developed by G which was used to produce the bible. It is very clear of the order of these 2 events. Next consider second related clause of the sentence separated by semi-colon. It clearly connects the meaning that although G developed the printing press and introduced printing to Europe, originally Bi was the first to invent the printing press. Notice the pronouns, 'this' and 'it' usage is correct and there is no pronoun reference problem. Hence, keep this option D.

(E) Used to produce the Gutenberg Bible, the printing press was developed by German Johannes Gutenberg, although this introduced movable type printing to Europe, Bi Sheng was the first to invent it, in China.

In this sentence without the semi-colon, the comma splice error is introduced so it causes demonstrative pronoun (this) reference error. 'this' also can refer to Gutenberg Bible in this answer choice. If so, the bible introduced the movable type printing and not the development of printing by Gutenberg. So meaning is wrong. Eliminate.

So, the best answer choice is D.

kratos0906 · Answer

A- Does not sound very good, but can't find any errors in grammar or meaning.  who  refers to Johannes Gutenberg .  it  in  introduced it to europe  seems to refer to movable type printing which is there in the next sentence.

B- This seems to convey that Johannes Gutenberg introduced the movable type printing to Europe in China which does not make sense.

C- Same issue as B.

D- Can't determine what  this  refers to in the sentence  although this introduced movable type printing to Europe .

E- Same issue as D.

Hence, IMO A.

12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 4: Although German Johann

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