Question

Based on eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore, many "Roswellians" are convinced that some type of extra-terrestrial crash-landing occurred in the New Mexico desert in 1947.

• A. Based on eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore
• B. Having examined eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore
• C. Basing it on eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore
• D. With eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore used for a basis
• E. By eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore

Hint:

In formal writing, clarity and conciseness are key. Avoid unnecessary words or complex structures that may confuse the reader.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the sentence structure.
The sentence needs to introduce the basis for the Roswellians' beliefs, and the most natural phrasing is to say "Based on eye-witness accounts..." This structure introduces the evidence directly and clearly.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) "Based on eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore" is the most concise and grammatically correct option, introducing the basis for the belief in a clear and effective manner.
- (B) "Having examined eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore" is unnecessarily complex and shifts the focus from the belief to the examination, which is less fitting.
- (C) "Basing it on eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore" is a less direct and awkward phrasing, reducing the sentence's clarity.
- (D) "With eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore used for a basis" is wordy and overly complex, weakening the flow of the sentence.
- (E) "By eye-witness accounts, claims of alien autopsy footage, and local folklore" is grammatically awkward and doesn't flow as well as (A).

Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (A) is the best because it is the most straightforward and keeps the meaning clear and precise.