Unlike many United States cities, where a river is no longer

Question

48.  Unlike many United States cities, where a river is no longer the focal point of urban life, the river in San Antonio  winds through the middle of the business district, and the River Walk, or Pasco del Rio, is the city's most popular attraction.
A) Unlike many United States cities, where a river is no longer the focal point of urban life, the river in San Antonio
B) Unlike the river in many cities in the United Stated, which is no longer the local point of urban life, in San Antonio the river
C)Today the river in many cities in the United States is no longer the focal point of urban life, unlike San Antonio, where it
D) In few United States cities today, a river is the focal point of urban life, but the river in San Antonio
E) No longer do many cities in United States have a river as the focal point of urban life, but in San Antonio the river

lexis · Answer

D.
Sơn Denso, OA is?

zoltan · Answer

It is tough for me as well. I am between D and E.

JackOfAllTrades · Answer

Both D and E are correct. 
but choice D is simpler and to the point. D is the best answer.

mbawaters · Answer

A, B and C have obvious comparison issues - river vs cities or vice versa
I think E is mouthful. D would have been my choice.

bsd_lover · Answer

Straight D sondenso - pay attention to the comparisons - in ABC river is compared to United states etc. E is a bit wordy.

prasannar · Answer

D changes the meaning guys thus it should be E

bsd_lover · Answer

Yeah on second read, E makes more sense. The usage of comma is a bit awkward in D.

Leopard · Answer

A- Wrong Comparison
B - which - non restrictive clause.
C -'where it' - it not correct. it can refer to anything
D - Incorrect. Might be a good contender if 'but' is replaced with 'like' or 'such as'
E - CORRECT - No longer do and but are used correctly.

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

Def E. The majority of the answers have city refer to river or vise versa.

FN · Answer

straight E..

D messes up the entire meaning..the original meaning is that the RIVER IS NO LONGER THE CENTER of attention...D says river is still the center of attention!

sondenso · Answer

Pls attach with your "going with E" some reasons! :lol:

I still not understand clearly why D is wrong! if omittiting comma in D, is D correct? In timed pressures, I nearly do not pay attention to E, E is arranged at the final and seems wordy. But E is correct. I hate GmatPrep. So tricky! :lol:

I think, most of us will choose D at first and GMAC is very successful to deceice us. :lol:

OA is E

lexis · Answer

Are there any similar usages between NO SOONER and NO LONGER? If it is NO SOONER, the auxiliary should precede the noun.
First time I read this sentence, I though it should be:
No longer  HAVE  many cities in United States a river as the focal point of urban life, but in San Antonio the river.

That why I choose D. But in fact, I fail. So need someone explains in detail.

ventivish · Answer

I would choose E because it is the only sentence where the city and SanAntonio are logically parallel.
In D United states cities is parallel to the river which is incorrect.

sondenso · Answer

That interesting finding, but : many cities in United States have a river as the focal point of urban life, but in San Antonio the river winds ... Honestly, I do not see what the parallel here? So confusing! :oops:

ventivish · Answer

Well the way I see it(could be mistaken) there are many cities in United States that have a river as the focal point but in SanAntonio (city), the river winds... It is not parallel in structure if you look on either side of but you are describing the river in the city. Therefore in many cities in the U.S, the river is no longer the focal point, but in San Antonio , the river .....is the city's most popular attraction. I dont mean to confuse the readers but this was part of my reasoning in answering the question, I could be wrong! If so please correct me. :idea:

mymba99 · Answer

Sure.. <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":-D" title="Very Happy" /> .

alpha_plus_gamma · Answer

The use of the word "but" in D is not right. there is no contrast when u say few cities already have river as focal point.

lexis · Answer

This is the best finding.
BUT can not be in D.

Unlike many United States cities, where a river is no longer

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

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

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards