if has correct usage only when used with then statement(or inferred then statement). In this sentence, the correct usage is "whether"

shortlists to D and E.

E is ruled out because of HAD, which indicates present perfect tense usage.

IMO A

Speculate THAT, not speculate IF.

Is "wonder as to whether" correct? It sounds weird. You can use "wonder whether" and accomplish the same thing, right?

I chose (E). "Had started" is correct here because it distinguishes two events in the past. The rumor was started first, then the competitor declared bankruptcy.

FINALCOUNTDOWN wrote:862. Those with a cynical turn of mind might speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, might not have started the rumor that caused its competitor to declare bankruptcy.
(A) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, might not have started
(B) speculate if the new corporation, eager for profit, had not started
(C) speculate if, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation started
(D) wonder as to whether, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation did not start
(E) wonder whether the new corporation, eager for profit, had started
Kindy explain the answer
[spoiler]D

[/spoiler]

I shortlisted to D&E because "speculate if" is not correct.

D --> Those with a cynical turn of mind might wonder as to whether, in its eagerness for profit, the new corporation did not start the rumor that caused its competitor to declare bankruptcy.

The above sentence is very wordy. If we remove the phrase "in its eagerness for profit", the sentence will read like this
--> Those with a cynical turn of mind might wonder as to whether the new corporation did not start the rumor that caused its competitor to declare bankruptcy.

Changes the meaning of the sentence.

E --> Those with a cynical turn of mind might wonder whether the new corporation, eager for profit, had started the rumor that caused its competitor to declare bankruptcy.

Clear sentence conveying the meaning.

My answer is E. Please clarify why D is the correct answer.

Even I chose E !!..

Pls explain why It is wrong.. I felt Had was perfectly fine cos
its two events in past .. past perfect tense..

Rahul, Its not present perfect as u say... its past perfect..

I also feel E is right . Whether is used to inturn mean that it can be or cannot be . But in D use of whether is confusing and meaningless.

PLease clarify the answer

source id 1000sc
OA is E not D