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.

Many cardiologists now believe that a sedentary life-style and not faulty food habits are the major reason of heart strokes.

Explanation for (1): The latter part of the sentence concludes that 'life-style' is the major 'reason' (not reasons) for the problem. This implies that the subject is singular and so, the verb 'are' should be changed to 'is'. Explanation for (2): This option unnecessarily changes the conjunction and turns the subject into plural. Explanation for (3): This option makes unwarranted changes without rectifying the error of S-V agreement. Explanation for (4): This option unnecessarily turns the subject into plural. Justification for (5): The latter part of the sentence concludes that 'life-style' is the major 'reason' (not reasons) for the problem. This implies that the subject is singular and so, the verb 'are' should be changed to 'is'. This option corrects the error.