Double or twice concept tested

[gmat620]

I marked the correct answer but still not sure how to apply POE on this one....plz explain....I would really appreciate your help...thanks !!

According to surveys by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 20 percent of young adults used cocaine in 1979, doubling those reported in the 1977 survey.
(A) doubling those reported in the 1977 survey
(B) to double the number the 1977 survey reported
(C) twice those the 1977 survey reported
(D) twice as much as those reported in the 1977 survey
(E) twice the number reported in the 1977 survey

OA after some explanations

[krisraam]

those is confusing here.

In place of "those" we should have some thing that modifies the number reported rather than the young adults.

E is the my answer.

Thanks
raama

[Nailya]

Answer is E

(A) doubling those reported in the 1977 survey - sounds like doubling young adults instead of percentage
(B) to double the number the 1977 survey reported - awkward
(C) twice those the 1977 survey reported - those refers to young adults instead of numbers
(D) twice as much as those reported in the 1977 survey - twice as much means quantity of smth, much cannot refer to numbers
(E) twice the number reported in the 1977 survey - the best option

[gmat620]

OA:E.....thank you everyone !!

[gmat740]

(A) doubling those reported in the 1977 survey - sounds like doubling young adults instead of percentage

Good reason

(B) to double the number the 1977 survey reported - awkward

Although this is not awkward but yes this is a case of altered intent. here it means as if someone is responsible to double it.

D) twice as much as those reported in the 1977 survey - twice as much means quantity of smth, much cannot refer to numbers

Its wordy

Best tip for GMAT: whenever you are confused with two options,select the option which is less WORDY!!