Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate

Question

Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists have determined  that methane is accumulating in the atmosphere much faster than previously believed.

A. Based on meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists have determined

B. Based on meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists has determined

C. Based on meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, the determination of a group of scientists are

D. On the basis of meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists have determined

E. Using meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists has determined

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

Official Explanation

In analyzing the answer choices for decision points, you should notice two differences quickly: the difference between "Based," "On the basis of," and "Using," to start the sentence and the verb choice of "has" vs. "have determined". Since choices of subject-verb agreement tend to be easy, you should start there.

In (A), (B), (D), and (E), the subject is the singular "group" so you must have the singular "has determined. This allows you to confidently eliminate (A) and (D). In (C), the subject is "the determination," which is also singular, so the verb "are" that is paired with it is incorrect. This leaves you to then compare the remaining possible answer choices (B) and (E).

For that decision, the only difference is the use of "Based on" vs. "Using" to start the sentence. Each of these is a participial phrase starting a sentence, so you know each must logically modify what follows. For (B), a group of scientists could never be based on anything so that is incorrect. A group of scientists can, however, use research so you know that (E) is logical and correct.

This problem highlights the power and importance of the decision points strategy. While you might never notice the error in (B) on your own, when you are given the choice of "Using" vs "Based" you should be able to then figure out what makes (B) wrong.

winterschool · Answer

Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists have determined that methane is accumulating in the atmosphere much faster than previously believed.

A.  Based on  meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period,  a group of climate scientists have  determined  Incorrect

using correct uses than Based on
SV error - a group singular, have plural

B.  Based on  meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period,  a group of climate scientists  has determined  Incorrect

same as A

C. Based on meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period,  the determination  of a group of scientists  are   Incorrect

Sv error - the determination singular, are plural

D. On the basis of meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period,  a group  of climate scientists  have  determined  Incorrect

SV error - a group singular, have plural

E.  Using meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists has determined   Correct

ramlala · Answer

Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists have determined  that methane is accumulating in the atmosphere much faster than previously believed.

A.  Based on meticulous research  gathered over a 10 year period,  a group of climate scientists    have   determined
 Subject and modifier not matches logically. In addition, there is S-V Error

B.  Based on meticulous research  gathered over a 10 year period,  a group of climate scientists  has determined
 Subject and modifier not matches logically.

C. Based on meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period,  the determination of a group  of scientists  are 
 S-V Error

D. On the basis of meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists  have  determined
 S-V Error

E. Using meticulous research gathered over a 10 year period, a group of climate scientists has determined
 No remarks

IMO E

VerbalBot · Answer

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Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate

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GMAT Sentence Correction (SC - EA only) Questions

Based on meticulous research over a 10 year period, a group of climate

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

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My Rewards