Question

The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. I, when trading resumes tomorrow, expect the price to rise further. A. The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. I, when trading resumes tomorrow, expect the price to rise further. B. Nearly the price of gold is at a historic high. When trading resumes tomorrow, I expect the price to rise further. C. The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Tomorrow I expect, when trading resumes, the price to rise further. D. The price of gold is at a historic high nearly. I expect tomorrow, when trading resumes, the price to rise further. E. The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Tomorrow, when trading resumes, I expect the price to rise further

Short answer

Option E

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Sentence Structure

Read the original sentence carefully to understand its structure. The sentence should inform us about the current price of gold and follow up with an expectation about a price rise when trading resumes.

- Identify Key Components

Break down the sentence into its key components. First, it notes that the price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Second, it mentions the expectation of a price rise when trading resumes tomorrow.

- Evaluate Option A

Evaluate Option A: 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. I, when trading resumes tomorrow, expect the price to rise further.' This option maintains the original structure and conveys the same meaning correctly.

- Evaluate Option B

Option B: 'Nearly the price of gold is at a historic high. When trading resumes tomorrow, I expect the price to rise further.' This reorders and disrupts the phrase 'nearly at a historic high', making it awkward.

- Evaluate Option C

Option C: 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Tomorrow I expect, when trading resumes, the price to rise further.' This option unnecessarily splits 'I expect' and 'when trading resumes', making it less clear.

- Evaluate Option D

Option D: 'The price of gold is at a historic high nearly. I expect tomorrow, when trading resumes, the price to rise further.' This misplaces 'nearly', disrupting the clarity of 'nearly at a historic high'.

- Evaluate Option E

Option E: 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Tomorrow, when trading resumes, I expect the price to rise further.' This option maintains clarity and the structure of the original sentence, with a minor word order change.

- Choose the Best Option

Based on the evaluation, Option E is the best choice as it maintains clarity, coherence, and the intended meaning of the original sentence.

Key concepts

Sentence Structure

Understanding sentence structure is crucial for mastering GMAT sentence correction.
A sentence typically consists of a subject, verb, and object.
Consider the sentence: 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high.' - here, 'The price of gold' is the subject, 'is' is the verb, and 'nearly at a historic high' is a prepositional phrase acting as a complement.
Clear and correct sentence structure ensures that each component is placed correctly for readability and coherence. In our example sentence, it's clear that the subject is the price and the action is the current status of being nearly at a historic high. Changing the order of words can make the sentence awkward or unclear. For instance, 'Nearly the price of gold is at a historic high' (Option B) isn’t as smooth or clear. By maintaining a logical and consistent sentence structure, the information is easily understood by the reader.

Grammar Evaluation

Grammar evaluation involves checking for correct verb usage, pronoun agreement, and proper placement of modifiers.
In the exercise, verbs must match their subjects in number and tense. The sentence, 'Tomorrow, when trading resumes, I expect the price to rise further,' clearly places the future action 'expect' with the subject 'I'. Pronouns like 'I' must clearly refer back to their antecedents without creating ambiguity. Misplaced modifiers can confuse readers. Take the incorrect sentence structure of 'Tomorrow I expect, when trading resumes, the price to rise further.' Here, separating 'I expect' and 'when trading resumes' hinders understanding. Checking grammar ensures the sentence adheres to rules that make it precise and comprehensible.

Sentence Clarity

A clear sentence conveys its message without confusion.
Clarity can be achieved by avoiding awkward phrasing, ensuring logical word order, and maintaining coherence.
For instance, 'The price of gold is at a historic high nearly' (Option D) lacks clarity because the modifier 'nearly' is misplaced. Proper positioning of words is essential: 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high' communicates the intended meaning effectively. Clarifying the sequence of events also enhances clarity. 'Tomorrow, when trading resumes, I expect the price to rise further' is straightforward and clear in stating the expectation based on the anticipated trading activity.

Logical Flow

Logical flow ensures that ideas are connected seamlessly.
Sentences should progress naturally from one idea to the next, maintaining coherence.
For example, 'The price of gold is nearly at a historic high. Tomorrow, when trading resumes, I expect the price to rise further,' follows a logical sequence: it first states the current status and then the expected future action.
Options like 'Nearly the price of gold is at a historic high' disrupt the logical flow, causing confusion.
Consistency is key in maintaining logical flow. Avoid splitting related components unnecessarily, as in 'Tomorrow I expect, when trading resumes, the price to rise further,' which breaks the idea's natural progression and can confuse the reader.