<p>Hunt, the use of “comprised of” has become so ingrained in the mind of people that they would not believe the correct use of comprise. I am no different from you as the incorrect version is heard everywhere. I only notice because my European father never misses the opportunity to “try” to explain when “comprised of” is used incorrectly. Probably the handicap brought by a decade of learning Latin and Greek! </p>
<p>The point I raised is that it is doubfful that ETS/TCB would pick a questionable idiomatic expression. Simply stated, they do not have to rely on such device to “trick” people. Fwiw, I also do not buy the suggestion that ETS does trick people. But that is another story altogether. </p>
<p>PS On a last note, here is the explanation:</p>
<p>Take the sentence “The organization is comprised of 5 members” </p>
<p>After KNOWING that “comprise” means “include, contain.” Try substituting either of those for “comprise” in the original sentence.</p>
<p>The organization is included of 5 members.
The organization is contained of 5 members.</p>
<p>Good luck! </p>