2 grammar questions

morton
Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:29:07 +0000

1.) Some beaches are frequently contaminated by untreated sewage that flows into the ocean, which can last for several days.

(A) ocean, which can last for several days
(B) ocean that can last for several days
(C) ocean, it can last for several days
(D) ocean, while contamination can last several days
(E) ocean; the contamination can last for several days

Answer: E
My Question: Why is B wrong? I understand why E is correct, but isn’t B more concise?

2.) The same analysts who once favored public-opinion polls now see them as hampering representative government.

(A) The same analysts who once favored public-opinion polls now see them
**B-D were clearly wrong/i Analysts once were in favor of public-opinion polls, which these same analysts now see

Answer: Correct as Written (A)
My Question: Isn’t the “them” ambiguous? Couldn’t it refer to polls or analysts; therefore, the sentence should be more like E.