Question

I like nothing better than to get my teeth into a challenge, while I tend to get stressed if things do not go to plan. A. while I tend B. if I tend C. whether or not I tend D. whereas I tend E. despite the fact that I tend

Short answer

D. whereas I tend

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Sentence Structure

The sentence consists of two clauses: 'I like nothing better than to get my teeth into a challenge,' and 'I tend to get stressed if things do not go to plan.' These two clauses need to be connected in a way that makes logical sense.

- Analyze Each Option

Look at each given option and decide if it appropriately connects the two clauses. Option A: 'while I tend' - suggests a contrast between enjoying challenges and getting stressed if they don’t go to plan.Option B: 'if I tend' - does not appropriately connect the clauses as it does not establish a contrast.Option C: 'whether or not I tend' - this makes the sentence grammatically awkward and unclear.Option D: 'whereas I tend' - indicates a contrast, similar to 'while,' and is grammatically correct.Option E: 'despite the fact that I tend' - this option works, but is wordier than necessary.

- Select the Best Option

'While I tend' and 'whereas I tend' both appropriately connect the two clauses with a contrast. However, 'whereas I tend' is more direct and clear in showing contrast. Therefore, Option D ('whereas I tend') is the best choice.

Key concepts

sentence structure

Understanding sentence structure is critical for mastering GMAT Sentence Correction. In the original sentence, there are two main clauses: 'I like nothing better than to get my teeth into a challenge,' and 'I tend to get stressed if things do not go to plan.'
These clauses are complete thoughts, yet they need to be connected cohesively. The way sentences are built affects clarity and meaning. When analyzing answers, always pay attention to how clauses are joined.
For example, conjunctions or relative pronouns can change the tone and logic of the sentence. This leads us to the next important concept, which focuses on making logical connections.

logical connection

Logical connections in a sentence help express relationships between ideas clearly. In the GMAT exercise, the goal is to choose the option that effectively links 'enjoying challenges' and 'getting stressed if things do not go to plan.'
Correct options should logically connect these two ideas in a way that shows their relationship. Words like 'while' or 'whereas' signal a contrast effectively.
Here’s why: 'I like nothing better than to get my teeth into a challenge,' and 'I tend to get stressed if things do not go to plan,' are contrasting ideas because one part expresses enjoyment, and the other part expresses stress.
Hence, logical connectors should clarify such contrasts or relationships without making the sentence convoluted or confusing.

contrast conjunctions

Contrast conjunctions are specific types of conjunctions that show the difference between two ideas. In the GMAT sentence correction question, a contrast conjunction is essential.
Options like 'while' and 'whereas' adequately serve this purpose. They indicate a stark contrast between the enjoyment of a challenge and the stress of things not going as planned.
However, using 'whereas' is more straightforward and directly highlights the contrast, making it the better option in this case. 'Despite the fact that' is another contrast conjunction, but it’s unnecessarily wordy and can make the sentence more complicated.
Effective sentence correction not only requires picking grammatically correct options but also those that make the sentence clear and concise. When practicing, always aim for options that offer clear and straightforward contrasts, reflecting the relationship between ideas precisely.