Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: option_a
Explanation:
Introduction:
This tests idiomatic verb choice in requests. The natural collocation in English is "pass the salt", not "pass on the salt".
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
"Pass on" means to transmit/relay information or to decline something. When asking someone to hand an object, the idiom is simply "pass + object". Therefore "Pass the salt, please" is correct.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify collocation: "pass the salt".2) Remove unnecessary particle "on".3) Optional politeness tag could be "will you?" but the primary targeted error here is in A.4) Correct version: "Pass the salt, please."
Verification / Alternative check:
Tag questions after imperatives typically use "will you?" or "would you?", not "do you?". However, error-spotting items usually contain one tested error; we select the clearest lexical error—part A.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B: Object noun phrase is fine.C: "please" is a standard politeness marker.D: While stylistically odd, it can be ignored here because A already contains a definite error.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing "pass on" (relay/decline) with "pass" (hand over).
Final Answer:
A (Delete "on")
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