Prep-T2-Q37

[kaijen]

Test2-37.

Using technology as new as space-age fabrics and as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, scientists and historians, in their attempt at cleaning and preserving the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814, are hoping that it will then last another 200 years.

(A) and as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, scientists and historians, in their attempt at cleaning and preserving the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814, are hoping
(B) and as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, scientists and historians are attempting to clean and preserve the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814, hoping
(C) and as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, an attempt by scientists and historians to clean and preserve the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814 is being made in the hope
(D) but also as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, scientists and historians who are attempting to clean and preserve the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814, hoping
(E) but also as ordinary as common dry-cleaning chemicals, an attempt by scientists and historians at cleaning and preserving the American flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore in 1814 in hopes

Ans: [spoiler](B)[/spoiler]

how to choose between [spoiler](A)[/spoiler] and[spoiler] (B)[/spoiler]?

it will then last another 200 years
What does "it" refer to?

[mschling52]

One way to narrow down the correct answer between the 2 is the use of "attempt at" in answer A, where I believe the correct idiom is "attempt to"

[Nisha1218]

Another way to narrow between A & B is that "in their" are extra words that can be eliminated because it doesn't modify the scientists and historians.