Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Part 1: Gratitude is one of the more essential virtues for real
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests fine control over comparative and superlative forms in English, especially when they appear in the pattern one of the + adjective + plural noun. The sentence is: Gratitude is one of the more essential virtues for real inner prosperity and happiness, because it can connect us to the Divine. At first glance, the sentence may appear correct, but there is a subtle error involving the choice between more essential and most essential in this structure.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In English, when we use the pattern one of the + adjective + plural noun, we generally follow it with a superlative, not a comparative. For example, we say one of the most important questions, one of the best players, and one of the largest cities. Using more instead of most is incorrect in this context because more normally compares two things, while the phrase one of the implies choosing from a group. Therefore, one of the more essential virtues should be corrected to one of the most essential virtues. All other parts of the sentence are grammatically and logically acceptable.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the key expression in Part 1: one of the more essential virtues.
Step 2: Recall the rule: one of the is typically followed by a superlative adjective (most essential), not a comparative (more essential).
Step 3: Verify that the intended meaning is that gratitude is among the top, most important virtues, not just more essential than some specific single alternative.
Step 4: Note that Parts 2 and 3 simply explain the reason (because it can connect us to the Divine) and do not contain grammatical errors.
Step 5: Conclude that the error lies in Part 1 and that the correct form should be one of the most essential virtues.
Verification / Alternative check:
Test the corrected sentence: Gratitude is one of the most essential virtues for real inner prosperity and happiness, because it can connect us to the Divine. This version sounds natural and aligns with the standard pattern one of the most + adjective + plural noun. Compare with other common examples: Honesty is one of the most important virtues, Reading is one of the most useful habits, and Patience is one of the most valuable skills. None of these would normally use more instead of most. This comparison confirms that the original use of more in Part 1 is an error.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Part 2: inner prosperity and happiness, because it: This part is grammatically correct; inner prosperity and happiness is a well formed noun phrase, and because it introduces a proper reason clause.
Part 3: can connect us to the Divine.: This part is correct. The modal can is appropriately used to express possibility or capacity, and the Divine is capitalised to show respect.
Part 4: No error: This is wrong because there is indeed an error in Part 1 regarding the use of the comparative more where the superlative most is required.
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners do not notice the comparative versus superlative distinction in one of the structures and may accept more essential without thinking. Another pitfall is believing that more sounds more formal or advanced, so it must be correct. In reality, grammar rules about comparatives and superlatives are strict in this pattern. Always remember: when you see one of the followed by a plural noun, check that the adjective is in the superlative form, such as most important, greatest, or largest.
Final Answer:
The error is in Part 1: Gratitude is one of the more essential virtues for real, where more essential should be replaced by most essential.
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