Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Part (3)
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks vocabulary and idiomatic usage in a sentence about acquired immunity. The sentence is split into three parts, and the candidate must find which part contains a faulty expression or grammatical error, or decide that the sentence is fully correct. The main focus is the phrase “take off,” which appears at the end of the sentence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key concept here is correct idiomatic usage. The phrasal verb “take off” usually means remove, depart, or achieve sudden success. It does not fit with the idea of digestion. In contrast, “take in” is the normal expression for consuming food or drink. Therefore, we must look for the part of the sentence where the idiom does not fit the intended meaning.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check is to replace “take off” with “take in” and read the sentence again: “Acquired immunity is the result of an interaction with our new environment and proper digestion of all that we take in.” This version is logically and grammatically correct. It matches normal English usage. Since the only change needed is in part (3), that part must contain the error.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Examinees sometimes focus only on grammar and ignore word choice, so they may overlook the incorrect phrasal verb. Others may be unsure about the exact meaning of “take off” and therefore fail to recognise that it is inappropriate here. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to consider both grammatical correctness and logical meaning when evaluating sentence parts for errors.
Final Answer:
Part (3) is the correct answer because the expression “take off” should be “take in” to match the context of digestion and acquired immunity.
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