Even their most ardent champions concede

[aspirant2011]

Even their most ardent champions concede that no less than a technical or scientific breakthrough is necessary before solar cells can meet the goal of providing one percent of the nation's energy needs.

(A) that no less than a technical or scientific breakthrough is necessary
(B) that nothing other than a technical or scientific breakthrough is needed
(C) that a technical or scientific breakthrough is necessary
(D) the necessity for an occurrence of a technical or scientific breakthrough
(E) the necessity for a technical or scientific breakthrough occurring

[spoiler]OA: After some discussion. Please explain your answer choices.[/spoiler]

[earnest10]

D , E out because of clumsiness.....

B is out because it sounds too extreme... meaning that the only thing that is needed is technical breakthrough

A is out because ... no less than technical .... quantity justification with "less" is not correct.. because technical breakthrough is countable.

C is simple and concise... so "C" is the best option .

[clock60]

also vote for C

[singh181]

According to me "no less than" stresses the importance of "a technical or scientific breakthrough". "Necessary" is also talking about the importance of "a technical or scientific breakthrough". So, both of them together in a sentence is redundant.

"Concede" requires "that" since agreement among the "champions" about necessity of a technical or scientific breakthrough.

So, IMO C.

Also, B changes the meaning.

[AIM GMAT]

IMO C .

[aspirant2011]

yup guys the OA is C. Thanks a lot.