Question

A) NO CHANGE B) similar to that of human hunters, C) similar to those of human hunters, D) like human hunters,

Short answer

The correct option is C) similar to those of human hunters, as it has the proper grammatical structure and accurately compares the hunting techniques of wild animals to those of human hunters.

Step-by-step solution

Read the incomplete sentence

Read the incomplete sentence and try to understand the context and the meaning of the sentence. Here, the sentence is not given, so try to imagine a sentence where one of these choices would fit in. For example, imagine the following sentence: "The hunting techniques of the wild animals are ___."

Assess each option

Assess each option to see which one fits best in the context of the sentence. Check the grammar and phrasing of each option. A) NO CHANGE: Since there is no given sentence, this option is irrelevant. So, we can eliminate this option. B) similar to that of human hunters: This option compares the hunting techniques of the wild animals to those of human hunters. The word "that" here refers to a singular thing; however, we are comparing techniques, which is plural. Therefore, this option is incorrect. C) similar to those of human hunters: This option also compares the hunting techniques of the wild animals to those of human hunters. The word "those" here refers to a plural thing, which is correct as we are comparing techniques. Therefore, this option seems to be the correct one. D) like human hunters: This phrase compares the wild animals themselves to human hunters, but we need to compare the hunting techniques. So, this option is incorrect.

Choose the correct option

Based on the assessment in step 2, the most appropriate option is C) similar to those of human hunters. This option has the correct grammatical structure and appropriately compares the hunting techniques of the wild animals to those of human hunters.

Key concepts

Grammar Skills

Mastering grammar is essential for excelling in SAT preparation. Grammar forms the foundation of language proficiency, and having strong grammar skills allows you to convey ideas clearly and accurately. In questions like the one from the original exercise, a solid understanding of grammar enables you to choose the right phrase that fits the context of the sentence.

When working with grammar-related questions, it’s important to focus on:

• Subject-verb agreement: Ensure that subjects and verbs match in number—singular subjects with singular verbs, and plural subjects with plural verbs.
• Pronoun antecedent agreement: Pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents.
• Consistent verb tense: Maintain the same verb tense throughout a sentence unless the change in tense is logical.

Improving grammar skills takes practice. Regularly review rules, and test yourself with examples to solidify your understanding.

Sentence Structure

Sentence structure refers to the way we arrange words, phrases, and clauses in a sentence to convey meaning effectively. A well-structured sentence is essential for clear communication, especially in standardized tests like the SAT.

Here are some tips to optimize sentence structure:

• Identify the main clause: Every sentence needs a subject and a verb. The main clause should convey the sentence's central idea.
• Incorporate dependent clauses: Use these to add additional information without making the sentence overly complex.
• Use parallelism: Ensure similar sentence elements (like lists or comparisons) follow the same grammatical structure.

Before finalizing your sentence, read it aloud to check flow and clarity. This can help spot awkward phrasing or run-on sentences.

Comparison Correction

Making correct comparisons is often tricky, but it’s crucial for clarity. In the original exercise, comparison correction involves ensuring that what you are comparing matches grammatically and logically.

For effective comparisons:

• Ensure parallel structure: Use similar forms when comparing items. This involves matching nouns to nouns, verbs to verbs, etc.
• Choose the right pronoun: Use pronouns like "that" or "those" depending on whether you are referring to a singular or plural noun.
• Avoid ambiguity: Clearly state what is being compared to eliminate misunderstanding.

When correcting comparisons, ask yourself exactly what is being compared. This awareness helps in selecting more precise language structures, as seen in the choice of "those" to correctly compare the plural noun "techniques" in the solution.