I posted an explanation here:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/eagles-leavi ... 00111.html
Please note that when
it is used as an
expletive -- a placeholder pronoun -- the purpose is to DELAY the subject. The delayed subject FOLLOWS the placeholder
it and typically is a NOUN CLAUSE with the following construction: THAT + SUBJECT + VERB. To illustrate, here is the OA to Q3 in the OG12:
It was not until 1990 that scholars seriously began studying.
Here,
it is used to delay the subject
that scholars seriously began studying.
In the SC above,
five fledgling sea eagles left is NOT a noun clause and thus cannot serve as a referent for
it. The only viable referent for
it is
Scotland, but the implied meaning makes no sense: SCOTLAND did not bring
to 34 the number wild birds successfully raised. Hence we can eliminate C and D.
One way to convert SUBJECT + VERB into a noun clause is to add a preceding THAT:
That five fledgling sea eagles left their nests was impressive, but it confuses scientists.
Here, the noun clause
that five fledgling sea eagles left their nests serves as the subject of the sentence and provides a clear referent for
it.
Please note that this sort of construction is awkward. I have never seen an OA use
it to stand in for a PRECEDING noun clause. Generally, when the GMAT uses
it to stand in for a noun clause, the noun clause will FOLLOW
it.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.
As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.
For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at
[email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
