Originally published in 1950, Some Tame Gazelle was Barbara Pym’s first novel, but it does not read like an apprentice work
- does not read like an apprentice work
- seems not to read as an apprentice work
- does not seem to read as an apprentice work would
- does not read like an apprentice work does
- reads unlike an apprentice work
What does this question test?
This question tests your ability to understand the meaning of the sentence and select the choice that communicates this intended meaning. It also tests your knowledge of usage of like, especially that like cannot be used to begin a clause.
What does the sentence mean?
This sentence talks about the first novel of Barbara Pym. Its title is Some Tame Gazelle. It was published in 1950. The author states that even though this was her first novel, it does not read like a work of someone who just started writing – an apprentice.What are the errors in the original sentence?The original choice has no errors. It is grammatically correct sentence that conveys logical meaning.
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Answer Choice Analysis
Choice B – Meaning Error: This choice changes the intended meaning of the sentence. The author per original choice is certain that this novel does not read like a beginner’s work. This is regardless of who reads the book. But this choice by using the word “seems” communicates a sense that to the author this novel does not to read like a beginner’s work. But if someone else reads this novel, he/she may consider it a beginner’s work.
Choice C – Meaning Error as in Choice B
Choice D – Idiom Error: This choice uses “like” to begin a clause. Per idiomatic usage, “like” cannot be used to start a clause. In contrast, “as” can be used to begin a clause.
Choice E – Meaning Error: This choice changes the intended meaning of the sentence. Consider the original sentence in its entirety. As we discussed above in the meaning analysis, this sentence states that even though this novel was the first work of the author, it does not read like a beginner’s work. The first part of the sentence and the use of “but” sets the context of this sentence. This sentence implies that the novel reads much better than an apprentice work.
Now lets review the meaning of the sentence per choice E. This choice states this first novel reads unlike an apprentice work. This implies that the novel may read worse than an apprentice work or it may read better than one. Thus, this sentence communicates different meaning from the intended meaning.
Thus, choice A is the correct answer.
What are the key take-away messages?
Understand the meaning of the sentence properly before you proceed for error analysis. The correct answer should communicate intended meaning without any distortion and grammatical errors.
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