700+ Universe

Expert replies

challenger63: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 113; Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:37 amFollowed by: 4 members; Thanked: 16 times

by challenger63 » Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:31 pm

Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible to answer.
A. Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible to answer.
B. A question asked frequently is whether the universe is bound, and it is impossible to answer.
C. As to whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossibly answered question.
D. Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible answered.
E. Whether or not the universe is bound is a question asked frequently but a question impossible to answer

Source: Master the GMAT book
OA after discussion.

If you find my post useful, please don't hesitate to click thanks button.

I am not an expert, so I can make mistakes. If you see a mistake, please notify me.

Source: Beat The GMAT — Sentence Correction | Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:31 pm

rajatvmittal: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 110; Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2012 5:01 am; Thanked: 2 times

by rajatvmittal » Wed Feb 13, 2013 6:09 am

IMO C

aman88: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 142; Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 3:31 amFollowed by: 3 members; Location: New Delhi; Thanked: 20 times

by aman88 » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:38 pm

IMO A

ice_rush: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 341; Joined: Sun Mar 25, 2012 6:59 pmFollowed by: 4 members; Thanked: 17 times; GMAT Score:720

by ice_rush » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:49 pm

I'd pick A here.

himu: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 345; Joined: Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:57 pmFollowed by: 3 members; Thanked: 6 times

by himu » Wed Feb 13, 2013 11:51 pm

+1A
Whts the OA

GMATGuruNY: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 15539; Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pmFollowed by: 1906 members; Location: New York, NY; Thanked: 13060 times; GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Thu Feb 14, 2013 4:20 am

challenger63 wrote:Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible to answer.
A. Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible to answer.
B. A question asked frequently is whether the universe is bound, and it is impossible to answer.
C. As to whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossibly answered question.
D. Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but impossible answered.
E. Whether or not the universe is bound is a question asked frequently but a question impossible to answer

Source: Master the GMAT book
OA after discussion.

In B, it lacks a clear antecedent.
Since A avoids this ambiguity and is free of errors, eliminate B.

In C, impossibly answered is a contradiction in terms, implying that the question is ANSWERED in an IMPOSSIBLE WAY.
Not the intended meaning.
According to the original sentence, it is NOT possible to answer whether the universe is bound.
Eliminate C.

In D, it is not clear what noun is being modified by impossible.

In E, whether or not is redundant.
WHETHER on its own is sufficient to indicate ALTERNATIVES; or not is not necessary.
Eliminate E.

The correct answer is A.

Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3

damilolaamele: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:59 pm

by damilolaamele » Fri Feb 15, 2013 6:01 pm

Please could you explain why A is right?

wondering_too: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 17; Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:54 pm; Thanked: 4 times

by wondering_too » Wed Feb 20, 2013 12:30 am

(Whether the universe is bound) is frequently asked but impossible to answer

Whether the universe is bound - is a clause. Clause can be a subject (Complex Subject)

(X) is frequently asked = (X) is (Y) - is a possible phrase.
(X) is impossible to answer = (X) is (Z) - is also a possible phrase.

(X) is Y but Z.

In the last phrase second 'is' is omitted (compare with "Whether the universe is bound is frequently asked but is impossible to answer").

I think that such omittence is legal.

Featured schoolRound 2 closes Jan 7, 2027 67 days left

Chicago Booth

Since 1982, 10 Booth faculty members have received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, more than any other business school.

#3
U.S. News rank: $175,000
Median base salary: 670
Average GMAT Focus: 635
Students in the class

Apply to Booth Visit chicagobooth.edu See the full profile

Photo: Warren LeMay, CC BY-SA 2.0

GMAT Course Reviews

563 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (563 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review