Question #N642
The author of a recent book on the history of the American West wrote the following sentence: "As a result of the vast distances and difficult terrain, the development of the West was a long and arduous process, and it took centuries." Which choice provides the most effective and concise revision of this sentence?
Which choice is the most effective and concise revision of the sentence?
A. The development of the West was a long and arduous process due to the vast distances and difficult terrain. It took centuries.
B. The development of the West was a long and arduous process, taking centuries, as a result of the vast distances and difficult terrain.
C. The development of the West, as a result of the vast distances and difficult terrain, was a long and arduous process that took centuries.
D. Due to the vast distances and difficult terrain, the development of the West was a long and arduous process, taking centuries.
Correct Answer is: D
Choice D is the most effective and concise revision because it places the dependent clause "Due to the vast distances and difficult terrain" at the beginning of the sentence, where it logically modifies the independent clause. This structure also eliminates unnecessary words and phrases, such as "as a result of" and "that took centuries." The other choices are either wordy or awkwardly structured.