Last year, land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did outside the pinelands.
A. so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did
B. so fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
C. as fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
D. as fast as, and in some parts even faster than, those
E. as fast as, and in some parts even faster than what they did
In-depth Explanation and Correct Answer Below (so you don’t see it while reviewing the question)
Last year, land values in most parts… Explanation
Last year, land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did outside the pinelands.
(A) so fast, and in some parts even faster than what they did
Meaning is off. It’s not that they were “so fast” and some even faster. It’s that they were rising at the same speed (as fast as) and some even faster than that.
(B) so fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
Meaning is off. It’s not that they were “so fast”. It’s that they were rising at the same speed and some even faster than that.
(C) as fast, and in some parts even faster than, those
As fast as.
(D) as fast as, and in some parts even faster than, those
Last year, land values in the pinelands rose almost as fast as land values rose outside the pinelands.
(E) as fast as, and in some parts even faster than what they did
Take out some of the extra and you’re left with: Last year, land values in most parts of the pinelands rose almost as fast as what they did outside the pinelands.
Correct Answer: D
For some SC guidance, here’s a link to a breakdown of GMAT sentence correction.