Question

Have a close look at that one here. It is a facsimile, while those on the table are original and those in the library across town are all rather poor-quality fakes. A. that one here. It is a facsimile, while those on the table are original and those in the library B. this one here. It is a facsimile, while those on the table are original and these in the library C. this one here. It is a facsimile, while these on the table are original and those in the library D. that one here. It is a facsimile, while that on the table are original and those in the library E. this one here. It is a facsimile, while these on the table are original and that one in the library

Short answer

The correct answer is C: 'this one here. It is a facsimile, while these on the table are original and those in the library across town are all rather poor-quality fakes'.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the Sentence

Break down the sentence to understand its components. The sentence compares items in three different locations: 'that one here', 'those on the table', and 'those in the library'.

- Analyzing the Sentence Structure

Look at each option and examine whether the pronouns used correctly refer to the items mentioned. The sentence starts by referring to a single item ('that one here'), compares it to a group on the table, and then a group in the library.

- Singular and Plural Agreement

Make sure the pronouns match in number. Use 'this' or 'that' for singular items, and 'these' or 'those' for plural items. Ensure each clause properly agrees in arrangement and number.

- Dismissing Incorrect Options

Check each option:A. 'that one here' - incorrect, 'that one' should not use 'here' B. 'this one here' - potential candidate C. 'this one here' - potential candidate, check further D. 'that one here' - incorrect usage similar to A E. 'this one here' - potential candidate

- Verifying Consistency and Meaning

From the candidates (B, C, E), read the sentences fully:B. 'this one here. It is a facsimile, while those on the table are original and these in the library across town are all rather poor-quality fakes' - incorrect as 'these' should be 'those'C. 'this one here. It is a facsimile, while these on the table are original and those in the library across town are all rather poor-quality fakes' - correct, 'these' and 'those' are appropriate.E. 'this one here. It is a facsimile, while these on the table are original and that one in the library' - incorrect as last phrase disrupts the parallel structure

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure is crucial for clarity in writing. A well-structured sentence ensures that the reader can easily understand the relationships between different parts of the sentence. In the given exercise, the sentence compares the quality of items in three different locations. Proper sentence structure demands that these comparisons are clear and logically arranged. Each part of the sentence needs to flow seamlessly into the next. Avoiding unnecessary words, like 'here' in 'that one here', helps keep the sentence concise and focused. It’s always important to read the sentence as a whole to ensure that the relationships between its different parts are clear.

Pronoun Agreement

Pronoun agreement means that pronouns must match the nouns they refer to in both number and gender. In the provided exercise, different pronouns ('this', 'that', 'these', 'those') are used to refer to singular and plural items.

For instance:

• 'this' and 'that' refer to single items,
• 'these' and 'those' refer to multiple items.

Ensuring correct pronoun agreement is essential to avoid confusion about what each pronoun refers to. In option C, 'this one here' correctly refers to a single item, while 'these on the table' and 'those in the library' accurately refer to groups of items. This creates a clear and concise comparison between the items.

Singular and Plural Agreement

Singular and plural agreement involves ensuring that subjects and verbs, as well as pronouns and antecedents, agree in number. A singular subject must match with a singular verb, and a plural subject must match with a plural verb.

In the provided sentence, it’s important to correctly pair singular pronouns like 'this' and 'that' with singular nouns, and plural pronouns like 'these' and 'those' with plural nouns. Option C maintains this agreement correctly:

• 'this one here' (singular item),
• 'these on the table' (plural items),
• 'those in the library' (plural items).

Ensuring this agreement avoids grammatical errors and enhances the readability of the sentence.

Parallel Structure

Parallel structure involves using the same pattern of words or structure to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This enhances readability and ensures that sentences are balanced.

In the exercise, maintaining a parallel structure helps to clearly compare different items. Options B, C, and E all attempt to compare items in various locations. However,

• option C stands out because it maintains a proper parallel structure: 'this one here,' 'these on the table,' and 'those in the library.'
• In contrast, option E fails as it disrupts parallel structure by introducing, 'that one in the library.'

Ensuring parallel structure means each compared item uses a similar grammatical pattern, making the sentence smoother and easier to understand.