Multiple choice

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

In making your selection, follow the requirements of standard written English; that is pay attention to grammar, choice of words, sentence construction, and punctuation. Your selection should result in the most effective sentence - clear and precise, without awkwardness or ambiguity.

There was something very strange and weird about that sound, which sent a chill of horror through both the hearers, and they laughed the next moment at their fears, for the noise was only such as could be given out by a pair of rusty hinges.

  1. and they laughed the next moment at their fears

  2. and they were laughing the next moment at their fears

  3. but they laughed the next moment at their fears

  4. and they laughed at the next moment at their fears

  5. but they laughed at the next moment at their fear
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

This option corrects the error of conjunction. The 'laughter' provides a contrast to the 'chill of horror'. The two contrasting expressions should be connected by 'but'.  

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