Created in 1945 to reduce poverty and stabilize foreign currency markets, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have, according to some critics, continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected their intended beneficiaries in the developing world.
A. continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected
B. continually struggled as they try to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—while neglecting that of
C. continually struggled to meet their major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected that of
D. had to struggle continually in trying to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—while neglecting that of
E. struggled continually in trying to meet their major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—and neglecting
In-depth Explanation and Correct Answer Below (so you don’t see it while reviewing the question)
Created in 1945 to reduce poverty and stabilize… Explanation
Created in 1945 to reduce poverty and stabilize foreign currency markets, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have, according to some critics, continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected their intended beneficiaries in the developing world.
(A) continually struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected
“They have struggled to meet the expectations of their major shareholders but neglected their beneficiaries.” Looks good.
(B) continually struggled as they try to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—while neglecting that of
It looks like the “that” is replacing expectations. Just with that there’s a pronoun/noun agreement issue. “Expectations” is plural so you’d need “those”. There’s also a meaning issue. Is the WB neglecting the expectations or the countries themselves? I’d argue it’s the latter.
(C) continually struggled to meet their major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—but neglected that of
“struggled to meet their major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations” Modifier issue. After expectations you want info on the expectations. Instead we get the “group”. Logical prediction!
It looks like the “that” is replacing expectations. Just with that there’s a pronoun/noun agreement issue. Expectations is plural so you’d need “those”. There’s also a meaning issue. Is the WB neglecting the expectations or the countries themselves? I’d argue it’s the latter.
(D) had to struggle continually in trying to meet the expectations of their major shareholders—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—while neglecting that of
It looks like the “that” is replacing expectations. Just with that there’s a pronoun/noun agreement issue. Expectations is plural so you’d need “those”. There’s also a meaning issue. Is the WB neglecting the expectations or the countries themselves? I’d argue it’s the latter.
(E) struggled continually in trying to meet their major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations—and neglecting
major shareholders’ expectations—a group comprising many of the world’s rich nations” Modifier issue. After expectations you want info on the expectations. Instead we get the “group”. Logical prediction!
Correct Answer: A
For some SC guidance, here’s a link to a breakdown of GMAT sentence correction.