Question

Portable computers are becoming more affordable, smaller, and more present in the classroom, and so too unfortunately are smartphones, those cell phones permitting students to text, check email, and browse the internet during class.

• A. so too unfortunately are smartphones, those cell phones permitting
• B. so are smartphones unfortunately, they are the cell phones which permit
• C. also unfortunately smartphones, they are the cell phones that permit
• D. unfortunately also smartphones, which are the cell phones that permit
• E. unfortunately, so too are smartphones, the cell phones that permit

Hint:

When presenting comparisons or contrasts, ensure the sentence flows naturally and uses appropriate punctuation for clarity.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the context.
The sentence discusses the growing presence of both portable computers and smartphones in classrooms. The structure should match the comparison between the two while ensuring clarity and flow.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) "so too unfortunately are smartphones, those cell phones permitting" is awkward because "so too" and "unfortunately" are not placed optimally, making it hard to read smoothly.
- (B) "so are smartphones unfortunately, they are the cell phones which permit" is confusing with "which permit," as the sentence would sound better with "that permit."
- (C) "also unfortunately smartphones, they are the cell phones that permit" feels clunky and does not effectively introduce the contrast between computers and smartphones.
- (D) "unfortunately also smartphones, which are the cell phones that permit" makes the sentence unnecessarily complex and not as fluid.
- (E) "unfortunately, so too are smartphones, the cell phones that permit" flows naturally and clearly, presenting the contrast in a smooth, understandable way.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Option (E) is the best choice as it presents the information in a clear, grammatically correct, and fluid manner.