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Word of the Day
sustain
Definition: (verb) to keep in existence or continue.
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Math Teaser
Problem
Each member of a research group visited either the Virgin Islands or Hawaii...
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SAT* Tip of the Day
So What?
Math questions involving two equations and two unknowns can usually be combined into one equation with one unknown.
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SAT: Paragraph Improvement Question #7

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(1) For centuries, musicians have played "acoustical" guitars, or ones that produce sounds through the vibrations of their strings. (2) They are made of light wood, have curved sides and a flat or arched top and back. (3) Guitar strings are made of bronze, nylon, or steel. (4) Most guitars have 6 strings, but some have 4 or 12. (5) The strings are fastened to the bridge, a small piece of wood on top of the instrument, extend along the finger board and are tied to tuning keys at the head. (6) Narrow metal strips called "frets" are located on the finger board below the strings. (7) To play the guitar, a musician must press the strings against the frets with the fingers of one hand. (8) They strum or pluck the strings with the other hand or with a plectrum, also known as a "pick".

(9) In the 1930's, guitar companies begin to commercially produce the electric guitar. (10) An electric guitar is essentially that same as an acoustical. (11) Except it also has an electromagnetic device that picks up the vibrations of the strings and translates them into electrical impulses. (12) An amplifier is used to modify the impulses, and loudspeakers change impulses back into sound. (13) An electric guitar produces a greater range of sounds than an acoustical guitar, although some people find the acoustical to be far more pleasant to listen to.

Question: In context, which is the best way to correct sentence 12?

An amplifier is used to modify the impulses, and loudspeakers change impulses back into sound.



Choices:
A. remove the word "back"
B. replace "impulses" with "impulse"
C. add the word "those" after "change"
D. add the word "all" after "modify"
E. replace "An" with "The"



Sentence 12 may appear correct at first glance, but taking a closer look, we see that we actually have two independent clauses joined together by the conjunction "and." The second clause, "loudspeakers change impulses back into sound," is a sentence unto itself, unless we add the word "those" after "change." Now, we have a dependant clause that properly joins the preceding independent clause. Choice (C) is the only answer which creates that dependant clause. All the rest do not correct the problem, and many actually create new problems.
 

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