dodgeforgmat wrote:Need help on this one
An attempt to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago, has been unsuccessful despite efforts by many important groups, including the National Organization for Women.

(A) to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago
(B) begun almost two decades ago, for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment --> the purpose of attempt should be clearly mentioned as an essential modifier like Op A does. This Op state the purpose using non-essential modifier which is not good.
(C) begun for ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment almost two decades ago---> attempt for is unidiomatic
(D) at ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, begun almost two decades ago --> An attempt at is unidiomatic
(E) that has begun almost two decades ago to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment--> tense error---use of present perfect (has begun) is wrong