Introduction / Context:
This item tests precise noun/adj choice in formal policy prose. “Basic” is an adjective; “basis” is the noun meaning “foundation” or “reason.” The sentence also shows article selection issues (“that possibility”) that make the fragment non-idiomatic.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sentence: “… should not be the basic for rejecting that possibility of export industry.”
- We must identify the erroneous fragment.
Concept / Approach:
The correct collocation is “the basis for …,” not “the basic for ….” Also, idiomatic English prefers “the possibility of an export industry” (definite article “the” instead of “that,” and an article before “export industry”). These combined issues are confined to fragment D, making it the error.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Replace adjective with noun: basic × → basis ✓.2) Adjust article/NP: “the possibility of an export industry.”3) Recognise that these corrections reside within D, so D is the erroneous fragment.4) A–C read correctly in formal register.
Verification / Alternative check:
Recast: “… should not be the basis for rejecting the possibility of an export industry.” This is standard policy English.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A–C: Grammatically and lexically acceptable.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing adjective–noun pairs (basic/basis). In formal writing, prefer conventional collocations.
Final Answer:
basic for rejecting that possibility of export industry
Discussion & Comments