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Mr genuine Posted 9 years ago
Proficiency Tests & Test-taking

Animals and earthquakes

For centuries there have been descriptions of unusual animal behavior happening before and related to earthquakes. In cases where animals show unusual behavior some tens of seconds before a quake, it has been suggested they are responding to the P-waves. These travel through the ground about twice as fast as the S-waves that cause most severe shaking. They predict not the earthquake itself-that has already happened- but only the possible arrival of the more destructive S-waves.


The word "they" refers to ..... .

1) P-waves

2) animals


To me, #1 is the best. But I think it's another question that I would call "subjective", rather than "objective".

The preceding sentence is talking about P-waves, even using a pronoun to do so. In addition, nothing redirects our attention back to the animals. Therefore, I think #1 is the best answer.

Also, P-waves is followed by the pronoun these, which clearly refers to P-waves. The next sentence begins with they, which again ties together with P-waves" and "these." As a reader, that's what I understand.


I want to explain the answer to my students. Let me know what you think here.


Thanks.

  

Top answer

I agree with you, but consider this. The writer says 'They predict . '.

— Clive

  • I agree with you, but consider this.
  • The writer says 'They predict .
  • '.
  • Do you think inanimate things can predict?
  • Or can only living creatures predict?
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2 Answers
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I agree with you, but consider this.

The writer says 'They predict . . '. Do you think inanimate things can predict? Or can only living creatures predict?


I think the writer could have expressed his meaning more clearly. Perhaps you could ask your class to try a rewrite?

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No, I think the writer intends 'they' to refer to the P-waves. I just don't think 'predict' is a good word to use, as it suggests 'animals'. A quick fix is to reiterate the noun instead of using a pronoun.

eg For centuries there have been descriptions of unusual animal behavior happening before and related to earthquakes. In cases where animals show unusual behavior some tens of seconds

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