SC: GMAT Test Paper 30

[Samy]

Q17:
By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them disease- or
pest-resistant, researchers have been able to increase the amount of protein in potatoes,
sweet potatoes, and tobacco.
A. By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them
B. With the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, so that they are
C. Employing the same techniques used to genetically enhance plants so that they are
D. Employing the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, which makes them
E. Employing the same techniques for genetically enhancing plants that make them

Ans is C. How have they dealt with "they" in this case ?
In D, is the usage of which wrong or is it the SV agreement problem?
The IDIOM: "techniques to" right ?

[dbernst]

Samy,

On the GMAT, "which" following a comma refers to the noun directly preceding the comma. Thus, in choice D, "which" incorrectly refers to plants rather than "employing the same techniques." Additionally, I believe the "used to" in choice C to be necessary, since the sentence is comparing two uses of a similar procedure. As for the subject-verb question, choice D is okay since "employing" is a singular subject and "makes" is a singular verb. Finally, I agree with you that the "they" in choice C is not perfect, but it is the "best of the bad." With verbal, you have to go with what you're given!

-dan

Posted: 11 Jul 2007 11:01 am Post subject: SC: GMAT Test Paper 30

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Q17:
By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them disease- or
pest-resistant, researchers have been able to increase the amount of protein in potatoes,
sweet potatoes, and tobacco.
A. By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them
B. With the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, so that they are
C. Employing the same techniques used to genetically enhance plants so that they are
D. Employing the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, which makes them
E. Employing the same techniques for genetically enhancing plants that make them

Ans is C. How have they dealt with "they" in this case ?
In D, is the usage of which wrong or is it the SV agreement problem?
The IDIOM: "techniques to" right ?

[Samy]

Thanks.
The IDIOM: "techniques to" is right, right.

[StaceyKoprince]

Yes, you can use "to" with "technique" as in: "I used that same technique to do that problem." But it is not the only preposition that can follow technique. For example, "that's a good technique for data sufficiency problems."

[Guest]

Sorry to reopen an old thread, but I was interested to know the Usage of "them" vs they in the above sentence. This is what I know about "they and them". They and them are both plural pronouns and "they" refers to subject pronoun and "them" refers to object pronoun. "they" usually represents the "˜doers’ of the action described by the verb, and "them" usually represents the group of people or things that have "˜experienced’ the action described by the verb
Example:

The children were kind. They gave me a present.

The kids were really excited. Jack gave them presents.

I was trying to use what I know about the differences to the below SC, but couldnt understand how to. Appreciate if you could decipher it. Thank you.

By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them disease- or
pest-resistant, researchers have been able to increase the amount of protein in potatoes,
sweet potatoes, and tobacco.
A. By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, making them
B. With the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, so that they are
C. Employing the same techniques used to genetically enhance plants so that they are
D. Employing the same techniques to genetically enhance plants, which makes them
E. Employing the same techniques for genetically enhancing plants that make them

[StaceyKoprince]

I'm really sorry but, since this question was originally posted, we were asked by GMAC (owners of the GMAT) not to discuss on the web any problems that they currently sell, and the old paper-and-pencil tests fall into this category. We can no longer discuss either OG or paper and pencil tests on the web. We can only discuss problems that they give away for free (eg, GMATPrep). :(

[san]

I dont think any problem with Answer A.


By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants, Researchers


By the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants modifying the reasercher which is subject.

making them disease- or pest-resistant modifying the previous clause.


I can rewrite the sentence as

Researchers have been able to increase the amount of protein in potatoes, sweet potatoes, and tobacco by the same techniques used for genetically enhancing plants.

What is wrong in A

[JonathanSchneider]

Sorry, but just to echo Stacey above ... we can no longer discuss GMAC material here.