Discovery

Hi j_shreyans,

The correct answer is C. Let's look at the other answer choices to see why they are incorrect.

A) his discovering of methane gas, Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist, had developed what would become known as the voltaic pile, the first electric battery

Incorrect. The "his discovering of + NOUN" phrase is not correct. "He discovered + NOUN" is okay, as it clearly describes action in the past. The "had developed" form later in the sentence is in the passive voice, which is never the preferred, more direct, way to express an idea.

B) his having discovered methane gas, Alessandro Volta, the Italian physicist, developed the first electric battery, which will later become known as the voltaic pile

Incorrect. The "his having discovered + NOUN" is not correct. Again, the more direct, "he discovered + NOUN" is better.

C) his discovery of methane gas, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta developed the first electric battery, later known as the voltaic pile

Correct, yay!

D )he discovered methane gas, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta's discovery of the first electric battery, later known as the voltaic pile

Incorrect. We're missing some words here. Alessandro Volta's discovery of the first electric battery... WHAT? What about that? The final phrase, "later known as the voltaic pile" is not connected with with the whatever is missing about the battery.

E) his discovery of methane gas, Alessandro Volta was an Italian physicist who developed the first electric battery, which would later be known as the voltaic pile

Incorrect. This suggests that AFTER his discovery, Alessandro Volta became an Italian physicist.

If you're interested, we have a free video on all 3 perfect tenses: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gmat- ... on?id=1178

I hope this helps.

D )he discovered methane gas, Italian physicist Alessandro Volta's discovery of the first electric battery, later known as the voltaic pile

Incorrect. We're missing some words here. Alessandro Volta's discovery of the first electric battery... WHAT? What about that? The final phrase, "later known as the voltaic pile" is not connected with with the whatever is missing about the battery.

E) his discovery of methane gas, Alessandro Volta was an Italian physicist who developed the first electric battery, which would later be known as the voltaic pile

Incorrect. This suggests that AFTER his discovery, Alessandro Volta became an Italian physicist.

Hi David ,

I got this one right.

Can you please explain option D&E more?

Thanks.