mundasingh123 wrote:The Fact that I am not writing a test is why I am applying so much Logic Here . Different people have the liberty to study the way they wish to and different people have different strategies .
People normally dont quote the source of their questions here . When i persisted on knowing the source , People didnt take it lightly . I am not trying to find fault with GMAC or the OG .The OG is the best guide to the GMAT . I am trying to clarify my concepts and learn from the options.
By the Way, Did You read Jims Post . The post is my redemption
Not exactly sure what redemption you are talking about? Your understanding was that the terms 'absorbing' and 'protecting' modified the entire preceding clause whereas, Jim correctly stated that those 2 terms modify the statement 'act as a buffer'.
Generally, your understanding of how an -ing modifier should function is correct : -ing modifiers, when placed after a comma, usually modify the entire preceding clause and not just the nearest noun and it's verb! However, there are exceptions to the rule and , when one encounters such exceptions, one needs to use some common sense and intuition to determine whether it makes sense for the -ing clause to modify both the noun as well as the verb.
In this case, you can use the following test - ask the question - How will the rocks act as a buffer? The statement after the comma answers - (by) ABSORBING the energy of the waves and (by) PROTECTING the beaches. Hence, this modifier makes sense and is necessary for this sentence.