Question

Two reasons were given for the less than promising performance of the banking system, both which could take two to three years’ intensive work to improve. A. both which could take two to three years’ B. most of which could take two to three years’ C. both at which could take two or three years’ D. both of which could take two to three years’ E. which could take two to three years’

Short answer

Choice D is correct: 'both of which could take two to three years.'

Step-by-step solution

- Identify the subject

The subject in the sentence is 'Two reasons were given for the less than promising performance of the banking system.'

- Find the pronoun

The pronoun here is 'both' which refers to the two reasons mentioned.

- Check pronoun-antecedent agreement

The pronoun 'both' should properly refer to 'two reasons' and match them in number and clarity.

- Analyze the choices

Now analyze each choice to see which one correctly introduces the subsequent clause: A. 'both which could take two to three years’ - incorrect because it misses the preposition 'of' making it unclear.B. 'most of which could take two to three years’ - incorrect because 'most' doesn't correctly refer to the two specific reasons. C. 'both at which could take two or three years’ - incorrect due to awkward and incorrect preposition usage. D. 'both of which could take two to three years’ - correct as it clearly refers to the two reasons.E. ‘which could take two to three years’ - incorrect because it lacks the pronoun 'both' and doesn't clearly specify the subject.

- Confirm the correct answer

After analyzing all answers, determined that choice D 'both of which could take two to three years’ is the correct answer.

Key concepts

Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement

Understanding pronoun-antecedent agreement is crucial for solving grammar problems, especially in the GMAT. A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun, and the antecedent is the noun to which the pronoun refers. They must agree in number and clarity. For instance, in the given exercise, the pronoun 'both' refers to the antecedent 'two reasons'. Errors occur when the pronoun doesn't match the number or identification of the antecedent. Make sure to always match singular pronouns with singular nouns and plural pronouns with plural nouns. Correct pronoun-antecedent agreement ensures that sentences are clear and precise, preventing any confusion.

Sentence Correction

Sentence correction in GMAT tests your ability to identify and fix errors in sentences. In our exercise, the sentence needed correction because the pronoun 'both' was unclear without the preposition 'of'. Reviewing each choice is essential. Here:

• 'both which could take two to three years’ - misses necessary preposition 'of'.
• 'most of which...'- changing 'both' to 'most' alters the meaning.
• 'both at which...'- awkward and incorrect preposition.
• 'both of which...'- clear and precise, matching the nouns correctly.
• 'which could take...'- lacks the pronoun 'both', leading to ambiguity.

Thus, the correct choice 'both of which...' was selected for providing clarity and proper structure. Always read the sentence carefully and examine how each option alters its meaning or correctness.

Grammar Rules

Knowing grammar rules enhances your ability to spot mistakes. Some essential rules related to our exercise include:

• Pronouns - Should clearly refer to a specific noun (antecedent).
• Prepositions - Accurate preposition use is vital for clarity and correctness.
• Parallelism - Ensuring that matching elements in a sentence are structured similarly.
• Punctuation - Correct use, especially with possessives and clauses, adds clarity.

Applying these rules in practice exercises help you identify and fix errors efficiently, and improve overall sentence structure and clarity. Make sure to revise basic grammar rules and practice them regularly.

GMAT Preparation

For effective GMAT preparation, focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers. Here are some tips:

• Practice Regularly - Daily practice enhances familiarity with question types.
• Review Mistakes - Thoroughly analyzing errors helps avoid repeat mistakes.
• Understand Concepts - Grasping fundamental rules of grammar, math, and logic improves accuracy.
• Time Management - Practicing under timed conditions simulates real exam and improves speed.
• Take Mock Tests - Full-length tests help in gauging preparation and identifying areas of improvement.

Consistent practice coupled with analysis ensures a strong grasp on various sections of the GMAT, helping achieve a high score. Focus on concept clarity and practicing diverse questions to solidify knowledge and boost confidence.