Quote:
One of four babies are now born to mothers aged thirty years or more, compared with just one of six born in 1975.
(A) of four babies are now born to mothers aged thirty years or more, compared with just one of six born
(B) of four babies is now born to a mother whose age is thirty of older, compared to just one of six babies who were born
(C) baby in four are now born to mothers aged thirty or older, compared to just one in six
(D) baby in four is now born to a mother aged thirty or older, compared with just one in six
(E) baby in four is now born to mothers aged thirty years or more, compared to just one in six
The right answer here is
D. The most common explanation given is the difference between 'compared with' and 'compared to' and while this is correct, lets see if we can solve this question without having to resort to this admittedly complex rule.
Firstly, whether we use "One of four/six babies" or "One baby in four/six", the idea is still a singular one. Immediately this
eliminates A, C ("are now born"), as well as B ("who were born").
Secondly, a baby can only be born to a mother, not a category of "mothers aged thirty....". Hence, we can
eliminate E as well.
We're now just left with D, the correct answer.
Remember that there are usually multiple routes to the right answer, and if you keep your wits about you, you will be able to find one of them!
- Matoo
_________________
Crackverbal Prep Team
www.crackverbal.com