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.

For almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago, Homo habilis roamed the earth, lived in semi-permanent camps, gathered food and shared their economy.

  1. For almost five thousand years after its beginning 2.5 million years ago,

  2. Beginning 2.5 million years ago for a period of almost five thousand years,

  3. Beginning a period of almost five thousand years 2.5 million years ago,

  4. During five thousand years, a period beginning 2.5 million years ago,

  5. Over a period of five thousand years beginning 2.5 million years ago,
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

The best answer is (5). Choice (5) is precise and idiomatically phrased. Choice (1) is illogical because it refers grammatically to Homo habilis. Choice (2) is less clear and direct.

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