Question

Certain, today’s television series are very different from the series shown when I was a child. A. Certain, today’s television series are very different from the series shown when I was a child. B. Yes, today’s television series are very different than the series shown when I am a child. C. Certainly, today’s television series are very different from the series shown when I am a child. D. Sure, today’s television series are very different than the series shown when I was a child. E. No doubt, when I was a child the television shown today were very different.

Short answer

D is the best answer: Sure, today’s television series are very different than the series shown when I was a child.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Meaning

Read each option carefully and understand its meaning in the context. The sentence is about comparing television series from the past with those of the present.

Check Grammatical Accuracy

Evaluate each option for correct grammar. Look especially at tense agreement, word choice, and sentence structure.

Review Context Appropriateness

Consider whether each sentence logically conveys the intended comparison. Review if the language appropriateness and the expressions are suitable for a written context.

Eliminate Incorrect Options

A: 'Certain' is ungrammatical in this context. B: 'when I am a child' has incorrect tense. C: 'when I am a child' has incorrect tense. D: 'than' is incorrect; 'from' should be used. E: Sentence structure is awkward and incorrect.

Select the Best Answer

After eliminating the incorrect options, identify the one that is grammatically correct and appropriate for the context.

Key concepts

Grammar accuracy

Grammar accuracy ensures that sentences are free from grammatical errors. In the given exercise, looking closely at different sentence options:

• Option A uses 'Certain' at the beginning, which is inappropriate in this context. The word 'certainly' or 'no doubt' would fit better.
• Option B has a tense mismatch with 'when I am a child' when comparing past and present events.
• Option C repeats the same tense error as Option B.
• Option D uses 'than,' which is incorrect and should be 'from.'
• Option E is awkward and fails to maintain proper grammar structure.

To achieve correct grammar, avoid these pitfalls. Always choose words that fit the context, match tenses correctly, and respect grammatical rules.

Sentence structure

Creating a well-structured sentence is fundamental for conveying clear ideas. All sentence parts must align properly to support the main message. In our example,

• Options A, B, C, and E face sentence structure issues. For instance, 'Certain, today’s television series...' in A begins awkwardly.
• Option E creates an inverted structure: 'No doubt, when I was a child the television shown today...,' making it difficult to follow.

Option D stands out, but still falters by using 'than' instead of 'from.' To improve sentence structure:

• Avoid awkward inversions or unnecessary word placements.
• Maintain a logical flow that enhances readability.
• Each part of the sentence should connect cohesively with transitional clarity.

Tense agreement

Tense agreement is crucial in ensuring that the different parts of a sentence match in terms of their time references. Here's how tense agreement issues appear in the exercise:

• Options B and C use 'when I am a child,' which clashes with 'are' for today's series, suggesting a current action compared with a past event.
• Option E's structure obscures the tense link between past and present.

The correct answer should use 'was' for past events and align 'are' with today's events.
To master tense agreement, always confirm:

• The tenses used are consistent within their time frames.
• Historical events use past tenses such as was, while current actions afford present tenses like is or are.
• Continue practicing with varied exercises to strengthen this critical skill.

Context appropriateness

Choosing language and expressions fitting to the context can make or break the clarity of your message. Returning to our example:

• Option A's 'Certain,' although grammatically accurate elsewhere, seems abrupt here.
• Options B and C fail due to incorrect tenses, which disrupt the understanding of a past-present comparison.
• Option D improves only partially due to wrong word choice 'than.'

Good context appropriateness ensures:

• Expressions used are not only grammatically correct but also idiomatic and practical.
• Technical language matches the expected user's proficiency level and situational needs.
• Ensure that the flow of ideas aligns with the readers' intuitive understanding of sequences, like past to present comparisons.

The best choice for academic expectancy is grammatically, structurally, and contextually sound, fitting formal standards.