Question

Choose an option from the four given options that correct the error in the underlined phrase.
The World Wildlife Fund has declared that global warming, a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels, will create havoc among migratory birds by altering the environment in ways harmful to their habitats.
A)a phenomenon most scientists agree to be caused by human beings in burning fossil fuels,
B)a phenomenon most scientists agree that is caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings,
C)a phenomenon that most scientists agree is caused by human beings' burning of fossil fuels,
D)which most scientists agree on as a phenomenon caused by human beings who burn fossil fuels,
E)which most scientists agree to be a phenomenon caused by fossil fuels burned by human beings,

Answer 1

Hint: Look for grammatical inaccuracy in the given passage.

Complete step-by-step answer:

In the given question we are presented with a passage. There are some grammatical errors in the underlined sentence and we must choose one of the given options to correct the same.
Before going to the options, we must take a look at the phrase and try to identify the words that seem inadequate for the given passage. We will notice that the words ‘to be’ after the word ‘agree’ seems to be an unnecessary addition. Along with this, ‘in burning fossil fuels’ is grammatically incorrect.
Keeping this in mind, let us look at the given options.
Option ‘A’ is incorrect as it is the same as the sentence in the question.
Option ‘B’ is incorrect due to the placement of ‘that’, it is modifying the word phenomenon and must hence be placed right after it.
Option ‘D’ and ‘E’ are incorrect as these options are unnecessarily long and complicated.
Therefore, the correct option is option ‘C’, it is grammatically accurate as well as concise.

Note: If confused, place the different options given and check which word fits perfectly.