The original sentence supplies the correct singular verb “is likely” for the singular subject “the number
of graduates.” The sentence also employs the concise and idiomatic form “is likely to double.”
(A) CORRECT. This answer choice is correct as it repeats the original sentence.
(B) This answer choice supplies the incorrect plural verb “are likely” that does not agree with the
singular subject “the number of graduates.” Further, this answer choice uses the wordy and
unidiomatic construction “to increase by twice” rather than the concise and idiomatic form “to double.”
(C) This answer choice uses the incorrect plural verb “are likely” that does not agree with the singular
subject “the number of graduates.”
(D) While the verb construction “will double” is more concise than the original “is likely to double,” this
change incorrectly alters the meaning of the sentence by implying that the expected increase in the
interest in “a career in financial services” is certain rather than merely “likely,” as stated in the original
sentence.
(E) This answer choice employs the wordy and unidiomatic construction “to increase by twice” rather
than the concise and idiomatic form “to double.” Further, the verb “will increase” implies that the
expected increase in the interest in “a career in financial services” is certain rather than merely “likely,”
as stated in the original sentence. This change incorrectly alters the original meaning of the sentence.
