[Grammar] How to use ''or" in the middle of the sentence for the given two questions.

[Jaslyn]

Hi,

Below is a question in my girl's school assessment.

Question:

"Can you climb the stairs to the top of the tower? Do you have to take the elevator?

.............................. or ............................."


It will be appreciated if you can advise of the correct use. I find that this question is very weird as the way 'or' to be used here seemed redundant.

Thank you in advance for helping.


With regards,
Jaslyn

 

[emsr2d2]

I'm not sure what you're confused about. It is basically asking you to take those two questions and combine them into one question, using the word "or" in the middle. If you make them into one question, the word "or" certainly isn't redundant. The question is asking about two options - two different ways of getting to the top of the tower. As written, they are two separate and seemingly unconnected questions. Joining them with "or" makes it clear that you are asking if there is only one way of getting to the top of the tower or if there are two ways of getting to the top of the tower?

Can you climb the stairs to the top of the tower or do you have to take the elevator?

That is a perfectly natural question if you are aware that there is a flight of stairs and an elevator available but you're not sure if you're allowed to use the stairs to get to the top of the tower.