EXXCEL

Reading and Writing Module 1 Question 20

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Answer:
B

Explanation

Coffee makers developed in the 19th century by British engineer Adrian Richardson are often recognized as some of the best in the world. By partnering with coffee experts, Richardson adjusted the design of a standard coffee maker, enlarging some of the machine's openings and shaping it to be more compact in overall size.

Choice B is the best answer. The convention being tested is pronoun-antecedent agreement. The singular pronoun “it” agrees in number with the singular antecedent “the design of a standard coffee maker.”

Choice A: The singular pronoun “one” incorrectly suggests that an individual was shaped to be more compact whereas the text refers to the design of a standard coffee maker, not a person.

Choices C and D: The plural pronouns “they” and “those” do not agree in number with the singular antecedent “the design of a standard coffee maker.”

✨ Expert's Tip ✨

  • An antecedent is the noun substitute that a pronoun refers to.
  • Pronouns should agree in number, person, and gender with their antecedents.
20/27
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