In the following sentence on scientific description, identify which part has a grammatical error: Scientists show that there is a curious (1) relationship among a lion life span and (2) the pattern of spots on each side of its face. (3) No error (4).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Part (2)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This error spotting question focuses on the correct use of prepositions in English, especially the difference between "among" and "between". Such fine distinctions are favourite topics in competitive examinations because they reveal whether candidates pay attention to subtle but important rules. The sentence refers to a relationship linking exactly two things, and you must identify which segment is grammatically incorrect or decide that the sentence is fully acceptable.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The sentence is divided into four parts.
  • Part (1): Scientists show that there is a curious.
  • Part (2): relationship among a lion life span and.
  • Part (3): the pattern of spots on each side of its face.
  • Part (4): No error, indicating no grammatical mistake.
  • The sentence compares two items: life span and pattern of spots.


Concept / Approach:
The general rule is that "between" is used when referring to two items or two clearly separate groups, while "among" is normally used when referring to more than two items or to a collective, less distinct group. In this sentence, there is a relationship linking two things: the life span of a lion and the pattern of spots on each side of its face. Therefore, "between" is the correct preposition. The use of "among" with exactly two items makes part (2) incorrect. The other parts are grammatically sound and follow standard descriptive style.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read part (1): "Scientists show that there is a curious". This sets up the idea of a surprising relationship and is grammatically correct. Step 2: Look at part (2): "relationship among a lion life span and". The important phrase is "relationship among" followed by two items. Step 3: Recall the rule that preposition "between" should be used when there are two elements, here life span and pattern of spots. Step 4: Recognise that "relationship between a lion life span and" would be the correct structure. Step 5: Examine part (3): "the pattern of spots on each side of its face." This is a correct noun phrase providing the second item in the comparison. Step 6: Since only the preposition in part (2) is wrong, the error is confined to that part.


Verification / Alternative check:
Construct the corrected sentence: "Scientists show that there is a curious relationship between the life span of a lion and the pattern of spots on each side of its face." The structure now follows the expected pattern "relationship between X and Y" with two clearly identified elements. No other part appears grammatically suspect when read in context. This confirms that part (2) is the only segment that requires correction, so it must be the answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part (1) correctly introduces the idea and uses the present simple "show" to describe a general scientific finding. Part (3) correctly describes "the pattern of spots on each side of its face" and fits well as the second element linked by "between". Part (4), "No error", is incorrect because a definite prepositional error has been found in part (2). Therefore, none of these parts should be marked as containing the error.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes believe that "among" and "between" are interchangeable and do not pay attention to the number of items involved. Another common mistake is to get distracted by details like "life span" or "pattern of spots" and overlook the preposition that links them. The safest approach is to mark clearly how many things are being related. Whenever exactly two elements appear, it is usually correct to use "between". Remembering phrases such as "relationship between cause and effect" helps reinforce this rule.


Final Answer:
The incorrect segment is Part (2), where "among" should be replaced by "between".

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