Multiple choice

Directions: The following question presents a sentence, part of which or all 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.

In addition to the revised curriculum requested last semester, the students are now demanding that a new grading system be instituted.

  1. In addition to the revised curriculum requested last semester, the students are now demanding that a new grading system be instituted.

  2. In addition to the revised curriculum that had been requested last semester, the students are now demanding that a new grading system be instituted.

  3. The students are now demanding that a new grading system be instituted in addition to the revised curriculum they requested last semester.

  4. Added to the revised curriculum that was requested last semester by the students, they are now demanding the institution of a new grading system.

  5. Added to the new curriculum requested last semester, the students have now demanded the institution of a new grading system.
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A Correct answer
Explanation

(1) is correct. (2) uses an incorrect verb tense “had been requested”. (3) is wordy and also changes the logic of the sentence by saying that the grading system is somehow to be added to the curriculum. (5) commits the same error. (4) is awkward and needlessly uses the passive voice.

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