1000scn

[vcbabu]

In 1981 children in the United States spent an average of slightly less than two and a half hours a week doing household chores; by 1997 they had spent nearly six hours a week.
A. chores; by 1997 they had spent nearly six hours a week
B. chores; by 1997 that figure had grown to nearly six hours a week
C. chores, whereas nearly six hours a week were spent in 1997
D. chores, compared with a figure of nearly six hours a week in 1997
E. chores, that figure growing to nearly six hours a week in 1997

[venkb]

i think the answer in D. compared with is correctly used.

In A and B since the two parts are not independent and cant be separated by colons.

C is passive. That is used to introduce essential modifiers hence E is incorrect.

Any other opinions?

[aim-wsc]

I go with D too.

but are you sure that this problem belongs to 1000 SC doc?
would you tell us the number?

[Stacey Koprince]

Choice B does not violate semi-colon rules. "by 1997 that figure had grown to nearly six hours a week" is a complete sentence (subject-verb-object!). If you want to eliminate B, you'll have to find another reason.

[jatros123]

B is the answer..

Simple reason all others get eliminated..Already stacey has explained why B is not wrong..but to add to it

The sentence doesnt account for comparison.

ok let me explain..
does the sentence mean that in 1981 the children spent 2n half hours less than 6 hours they spend now..

or does the sentence try to imply that in 1981 children used to spend 2 and half hours and now they spend 6 hours..

Hope this clarifies..

Do i sound right stacey.??

[Toast]

If B is correct , then can anyone explain the "tense" why "spent" used in 1981 and "had grown" in 1997, 1981 is earlier than 1997, then tense should be changed opositely? I mean had +p.p in 1981 and past in 1997?

In 1981 children in the United States spent
by 1997 that figure had grown


thanks,

[Cybermusings]

I think it is B too