In the textbook publishing business, the second quarter is historically weak, because revenues are low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare for the coming school year.


In the textbook publishing business, the second quarter is historically weak, because revenues are low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare for the coming school year.

A. low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare

B. low and their marketing expenses are high as they prepare

C. low with higher marketing expenses in preparation

D. low, while marketing expenses are higher to prepare

E. low, while their marketing expenses are higher in preparation


In-depth Explanation and Correct Answer Below (so you don’t see it while reviewing the question)

in the textbook publishing business, the second quarter

In the textbook publishing business, the second quarter… Explanation

In the textbook publishing business, the second quarter is historically weak, because revenues are low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare for the coming school year.

(A) low and marketing expenses are high as companies prepare

Low vs high

(B) low and their marketing expenses are high as they prepare

What does “they” refer to? Marketing expenses? Revenues? What does “they” refer to?

(C) low with higher marketing expenses in preparation

Low vs higher. Higher needs THAN.

(D) low, while marketing expenses are higher to prepare

Low vs higher. Higher needs THAN.

(E) low, while their marketing expenses are higher in preparation

Low vs higher. What does “their” refer to? Higher needs THAN.

Correct Answer: A

For some SC guidance, here’s a link to a breakdown of GMAT sentence correction.