Question

SAT Grammar Question

Answer 1

Please explain in detail

Answer 2

This style question is termed 'false comparisons' since it tries to compare two unlike things.
In this case, the sentence is trying to compare the number of alligators with a Gila monster. Ideally, we want to compare too 'like' things; for example:
- an alligator with another animal like the Gila monster, or
- the numbers of both species
Watch out for this type question because it shows up on almost every SAT test and can get tricky because it sounds okay if you're not reading super-closely.
Options:
a. Comparing 2 unlike things - Gila monster with number of alligators
b. Same as a
c. Same thing (we must explicitly state 'number of Gila monsters' and 'number of alligators) but reworded differently.
d. Closer to an accurate comparison, except that it's still wrong because you're comparing 'the alligator' (refers to species) with a group of Gila monsters, which is not correct
e. This option is long and wordy and kind of awkward to say, but it's the only one grammatically correct. Tricky because 'of the numbers of alligators and Gila monsters' sounds like you're comparing 2 different things, when the 'numbers of' applies to the listed group of alligators and Gila monsters. (Ie, it's like saying 'a lot of pears and apples'; we infer that 'a lot of' applies to both pears and apples). Also, SAT tries to make you think that 'shows' should be 'show', by placing it next to the plural 'monsters', but it's right because it refers to the singular 'comparison'.
Very tricky, Collegeboard! Watch out for these ones. :)

Answer 3

Amazing once again, Wach

Answer 4

No problem :)