BB writing question pg. 748 #5

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1

<p>I checked the consolidated list of answers already, but they don't have this question listed (probably because it's a stupid question... T_T)</p>

<h1>5)</h1>

<p>Although only two inches long, the shrew is a mammal and therefore a relative of elephants and giraffes.
A) Although only
B) Whereas only
C) Despite a size
D) While its size is
E) Since it is</p>

<p>Can someone explain why the answer is A and not D? I just thought A was wrong since there was no verb in the modifier....</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>D is not correct because it uses the wrong form of subordination. “while” is used to show somehting that happened at the same time; it’s not used to make a contrast. However, “although” is used for that specific purpose.</p>

3

<p>However, Dictionary.com supports the idea that while can be used to establish a contrast. </p>

<p>even though; although: While she appreciated the honor, she could not accept the position. ([While</a> Definition | Definition of While at Dictionary.com](<a href=“http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/while]While”>WHILE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com)) </p>

<p>In this case, im not sure.</p>

4

<p>The size is not two inches long; the size (more specifically, the length) is two inches.</p>

5

<p>Isn’t the answer not D because sentences are not supposed to use a pronoun before identifying it? (ie While its size…) before saying what ‘it’ is?</p>

6

<p>I thought along the lines of what Jamezz93 said, wouldn’t the pronoun in D be ambiguous?</p>

7

<p>A pronoun would only be ambiguous if it’s antecedent is not LOGICAL. Logically, “its” is referring to the shrew</p>

8

<p>(D) is not wrong because of an ambiguous pronoun. Cataphora is acceptable on the SAT.</p>

9

<p>I think silverturtle’s explanation was the clearest, but thanks everyone for helping!</p>