Directions: This question presents a sentence, all or part of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence you will find five ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other four are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise choose one of the others.

As every great civilization before it, United States is going to lose its preeminence and thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors did.

As every great civilization before it, United States is going to lose its preeminence and thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors did.

The United States is going to lose its preeminence, but thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors did.

Just like every great civilization before it has done, United States is going to lose its preeminence but thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors have done.

Just as every great civilization before it, United States is going to lose its preeminence and thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors.

As every great civilization before it has done, United States is going to lose its preeminence but thanks to its military might and diplomatic clout, it’ll probably lead much longer than its predecessors.