(A) Master's degree program graduates' average annual salaries exceed
This choice correctly identifies the comparison between master's degree program graduates' salaries and bachelor's degree holders' salaries. However, it lacks specificity regarding the comparison percentage mentioned in the prompt. Additionally, it does not establish a clear comparison framework, which can lead to ambiguity.
(B) Master's degree program graduates are earning average annual salaries exceeding
This choice introduces unnecessary complexity by using the present progressive tense ("are earning") and the gerund phrase "exceeding." It also lacks clarity and conciseness compared to the other options. The use of "exceeding" does not establish a clear comparison framework.
(C) Graduates of master's degree programs earn average annual salaries that exceed those of
Choice (C) effectively sets up a proper comparison by using the phrase "that exceed those of." This construction clearly establishes the comparison between the salaries of master's degree program graduates and those of bachelor's degree holders. The use of "those of" ensures that the comparison is between similar entities, avoiding apples-to-oranges comparisons.
(D) The average annual salaries of graduates from master's degree programs exceed
This choice is grammatically correct and clear in conveying the comparison. It uses the definite article "the" before "average annual salaries," which adds specificity to the comparison. However, it could be slightly more concise. While it sets up a comparison between the salaries of master's degree program graduates and those of other groups, it lacks the specificity provided by "those of" in choice (C).
(E) The average annual master's degree program graduates' salaries exceed those of
This choice is also grammatically correct and clear in conveying the comparison. It uses the phrase "master's degree program graduates' salaries" to specify whose salaries are being compared. However, it is slightly less concise compared to other options. The use of "those of" effectively sets up a proper comparison, but it could be considered slightly less concise than choice (C).
In summary, choice (C) effectively establishes a proper comparison by using "that exceed those of," which sets up a clear comparison between the salaries of master's degree program graduates and those of bachelor's degree holders. The other options fail to set up a proper comparison framework, leading to potential ambiguity or apples-to-oranges comparisons.
Bernard Baah
MS '05, Stanford
GMAT and GRE Instructor
MapAdvantage Prep
https://mapadvantagegmat.com
