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Stenka25 Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary
Pronoun problems
pronoun problems
The passage below is from ‘the Blank Slate’ by Steven Pinker.
http://evolbiol.ru/blankslate/blankslate.htm
Single genes with large consequences are the most dramatic examples of the effects of genes on the mind, but they are not the most representative examples. Most psychological traits are the product of many genes with small effects that are modulated by the presence of other genes, rather than the product of a single gene with a large effect that shows up come what may. That is why studies of identical twins (two people who share all their genes) consistently show powerful genetic effects on a trait even when the search for a single gene for that trait is unsuccessful.
In this passage, I’m not sure what the underlined pronouns stand for.
In a way the 1st that seems to refer to ‘small effects,’ and the 2nd that, ‘a large effect.’
But, come to think of it, it seems also possible the 1st that seems to refer to ‘many genes,’ and the 2nd that, ‘a single gene.’
I’m on a crossroad and cannot decide which way to go.
Regards.
The passage below is from ‘the Blank Slate’ by Steven Pinker.
http://evolbiol.ru/blankslate/blankslate.htm
Single genes with large consequences are the most dramatic examples of the effects of genes on the mind, but they are not the most representative examples. Most psychological traits are the product of many genes with small effects that are modulated by the presence of other genes, rather than the product of a single gene with a large effect that shows up come what may. That is why studies of identical twins (two people who share all their genes) consistently show powerful genetic effects on a trait even when the search for a single gene for that trait is unsuccessful.
In this passage, I’m not sure what the underlined pronouns stand for.
In a way the 1st that seems to refer to ‘small effects,’ and the 2nd that, ‘a large effect.’
But, come to think of it, it seems also possible the 1st that seems to refer to ‘many genes,’ and the 2nd that, ‘a single gene.’
I’m on a crossroad and cannot decide which way to go.
Regards.
Top answer
Stenka25 In a way the 1st that seems to refer to ‘small effects, That's what I think, too. ’ That's what I think, too. Stenka25 I’m on a crossroad and cannot decide which way to go.
- Stenka25 In a way the 1st that seems to refer to ‘small effects, That's what I think, too.
- ’ That's what I think, too.
- Stenka25 I’m on a crossroad and cannot decide which way to go.
- You need to use your knowledge of the topic (here, genetics and physiology) to determine the logical choice sometimes.
- Sentences must be laid out linearly, so pronouns cannot always immediately follow their antecedents, though an effort should be made to do so by the good writer.
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4 Answers
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Stenka25In a way the 1st that seems to refer to ‘small effects,That's what I think, too.
Stenka25 and the 2nd that, ‘a large effect.’That's what I think, too.
Stenka25I’m on a crossroad and cannot decide which way to go.You need to use your knowledge of the topic (here, genetics and phy
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many genes with small effects that are modulated by the presence of other genes
It's likely that the that in question modifies "effects." First of all, it directly follows "effects." Having it modify anything else would require rewording: "many genes with small effects, genes that are modulated by the presence of ot00
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