Multiple choice

Directions: Select the option that expresses the central idea in the most clear, concise and correct manner.

I. When rates were raised in 2000, postal service officials had predicted that the increase would make further rate increases unnecessary for at least five years. II. When rates were raised in 2000, postal service officials had predicted they would mean that further rate increases would not be needed for at least five years. III. When rates were raised in 2000, postal service officials had predicted that it would not be unnecessary for further rate increases for at least five years.
IV. When rates were raised in 2000, postal service officials had predicted further rated increases will not be needed for at least five years. V. When rates were raised in 2000, postal service officials had predicted no further rate increases for at least five years.

  1. I

  2. II

  3. III

  4. IV

  5. V
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The use of pronoun 'they' in II and the use of 'will' in IV make the sentences incorrect. Since the sentence is in past tense (raised), 'would' must be used in the second half of the sentence. In III, the double negation (not be unnecessary) changes the meaning of the sentence. If the rates were raised recently, it will not be necessary to raise them again for minimum of five years. V changes the meaning of the sentence. Only option I is the best way of writing the sentence. Hence, option (1) is the answer.

Keep practicing — related questions