Multiple choice

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.

When reminded of his obligation under the rules, he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education should write a thesis.

  1. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education should write a thesis

  2. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education write their thesis

  3. he complied with the requirement for all graduate students in education to write their thesis

  4. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education write a thesis

  5. he complied with the requirement that all graduate students in education be writing a thesis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Explanation for (1): Requirement emphasizes importance. So, 'should' is redundant as it violates the basic rule of 'importance'. Where the modifying clause emphasizes importance of an action, the modified clause uses no auxiliary or modal.

Explanation for (2): The option corrects the error of importance, but unnecessarily adds the possessive 'their'.

Explanation for (3): The option changes the structure of the sentence and unnecessarily adds the possessive 'their'.
Justification for (4): Requirement emphasizes importance. So, 'should' is redundant as it violates the basic rule of 'importance'. Where the modifying clause emphasizes importance of an action, the modified clause uses no auxiliary or modal. (4) eliminates 'should' without making unwarranted changes. Explanation for (5): The option corrects the error of importance, but unnecessarily changes the voice.

Keep practicing — related questions