GMAT Verbal : Correcting Other Conjunction Errors
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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Correcting Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, and what did she mean by compelling?
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, in which
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, for
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, where
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, when
He was instructed to create compelling questions for the exam, but
The central issue here is correctly joining the two clauses using an effective conjunction. The first clause contrasts with the second clause, making the conjunctions and modifiers "for," "when," "in which," and "where" irrelevant. The correct conjunction is "but"; it is the only answer choice which conveys the correct relationship between the clauses.
Example Question #12 : Correcting Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
Mark's conviction was laudable, and his behavior, however, was completely unprofessional.
Mark's conviction was laudable however his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable, so his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable, for his behavior, however,
Mark's conviction was laudable, however, his behavior
Mark's conviction was laudable; his behavior, however,
In order to arrive at the correct answer, one must effectively combine the two independent clauses. Because they contrast in meaning, using the conjunctive adverb however after a semi-colon is appropriate. The other answers incorrectly implement conjunctions or punctuation to resolve the issue. Using a semi-colon to join two independent clauses that contrast will work when using a conjunctive adverb like "however" to convey the appropriate relationship between the clauses. Note that comma usage also comes into play here.
Example Question #13 : Correcting Other Conjunction Errors
Replace the underlined portion with the answer choice that results in a sentence that is clear, precise, and meets the requirements of standard written English.
The international organization is currently updating its Human Index, which takes into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person.
into account life expectancy, and education, and income per person
life expectancy, education, and income per person in its account
into account life expectancy, education, as well as income per person
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
life expectancy, education, as well as income per person into account
into account life expectancy and education, as well as income per person
The problem with the original sentence is the list: It is missing an "and," and we must find the right place for it. We can only have a list in the vein of "a, b, and c" when we intend the items to have equal weight. Otherwise we can have a list such as "a and b, as well as c" to denote that the first two items are to be taken together. But we cannot have a combination of the two lists in the form of "a, b, as well as c." Nor can we have "a and b and c." This is answer is best, as it also avoids an unnecessary "its."
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