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Originally Posted by MikeNewYork Quote: |
Originally Posted by jiang :?
Thank you very much for your explanation.
I am afraid I don't quite understand your explanation: No body talked about a "gulf" or "compromise". Did you mean people don't use the two words to replace the expression 'adjust themselves'? And when you said 'I understand the reasons for "a" being incorrect, but it seems like splitting hairs to me' are the reasons the same as I analyzed? It's hard because people are required to choose between the two.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang Quote: |
Originally Posted by MikeNewYork
Please read the following sentence:
Bork styles can be productive, but both sides need to make accommodations so the other's productivity isn't impaired.
The author maintains that both sides should______if the two different work styles clash headlong
a. make efforts to avoid doing damage to the other's productivity.
b. make compromises to bridge the gulf between them
The answer is 'b'. 'a' is not correct because it used 'efforts', which doesn't necessarily mean 'compromise'. And we can't use 'do damage to ' modify 'productivity'. Am I right? But in the sentence 'so....' suggests purpose. But 'a' doesn't state avoid impire other's productivity. Can I say this isn't a wellwritten choice?
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Jiang
| I understand the reasons for "a" being incorrect, but it seems like splitting hairs to me. I also don't think b is much better. No body talked about a "gulf" or "compromise". One can make adjustsments without compromise -- an adjustment is not necessarily a concession. :wink: | |
There is not much context here. The "A" answer is more in concert with what is known. All we know is that we have two groups who are performing some task and that both groups use a productive style. We also know that that the two styles have the potential of interfering with each other to the detriment of their combined productivity. "A" suggests that both sides need to try to reduce any interference that may affect the productivity of the other side. The choice of the word "damage" may not be perfect, but it creates the proper picture. Perhaps "decrease" "negatively impact" or some other phrase might have been better. My problem with "B" is that it introduces an element of "conflict" between the groups that is not really mentioned in the sentence. The words "gulf" and "compromise" suggest a level of disharmony which is not necessarily present. I think the sense of "A" is closer to the true text than the sense of "B".[/quote]