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Writing PT - 1

Description: Writing PT - 1
Number of Questions: 25
Created by:
Tags: Writing PT - 1 Importance Structural Errors Sentence GMAT Pattern) Improvement Sentence Improvement Parallelism Modifiers Parts of Speech
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Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) I flattered him (B) saying that (C) he was more clever (D) than any other boy in the school. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The sentence bears error of adjective, as comparative form of clever is 'cleverer', not more clever. So, change 'he was more clever' to 'he was cleverer' to rectify the error.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

The book relates in (A) vivid and graphic words the history of Mexico during (B) the time that it served as a (C) milch cow to the insatiable Spanish kings and (D) its satellites. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This part bears error of incorrect usage of pronoun. Singular pronoun (its) is used for plural subject 'Spanish kings'. Replace 'its' with 'their' to correct the error of subject-verb agreement.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) The minister redeemed (B) him in the eyes of the public (C) after (D) the resignation. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This sentence has error of use of incorrect pronoun. The action comes back to the subject; so reflexive pronoun 'himself' should be used in place of objective pronoun 'him'. Change 'him' to 'himself' to correct the error of reflexive pronoun.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) The latest piece of fiction from the maestro is (B) liable to become a best seller (C) because it is full of (D) revelry and entertainment. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

'Liable' has negative connotations. Here the book is likely to become a best seller. Change 'liable to' to 'likely to' to correct the error.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The criminals fled before the police reached the spot of crime.

  1. The criminals fled before the police reached the spot of crime.

  2. The criminals fled when the police reached the spot of crime.

  3. The criminals fled when the police had reached the spot of crime.

  4. The criminals had fled before the police reached the spot of crime.

  5. The criminals had fled before the police had reached the spot of crime.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

When there are two actions of past tense in sequence, the action that took place earlier should be in past perfect tense. This option rectifies the error of tense by using past perfect tense (had reached).

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

It was because the framers of the constitution were averse of the kind of unfairness that is built into the two classes of citizens.

  1. were averse of the kind of unfairness that is built into

  2. were averse for the kind of unfairness that is built into

  3. were averse to the kind of unfairness that was built into

  4. were averse to the kind of unfairness that has been built into

  5. were averse at the kind of unfairness that is built into


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The correct prepositional use is 'averse to'. The sentence is in past tense, so the auxiliary verb should be 'was'. This option rectifies both the errors.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

Eugene is as good a player as, if not better than anyone in his class.

  1. as good a player as, if not better than anyone

  2. as good a player, if not better than anyone

  3. as good, if not better a player than anyone else

  4. as good a player as, if not better than anyone else

  5. a player as good as, if not better than anyone


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The word 'else' supports 'anyone' and makes the sentence more coherent. The comparison is between Eugene, the player, and 'anyone else' in his class.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The lady who I have mentioned often is one whose friendship I would wish to acquire.

  1. The lady who I have mentioned often

  2. The lady who I have often mentioned

  3. The lady whom I have often mentioned

  4. The lady whom I mentioned often

  5. The lady who has been mentioned often


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The original sentence bears error of relative pronoun and modifier: 'Who' should be 'whom' as it is the object of 'I have mentioned'. 'Often' should be placed before the word mentioned as it modifies 'mention'. 

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

He came on the of chance for finding me at home.

  1. on the of chance for finding me at home.

  2. on the off chance for finding me at home.

  3. on the off chance in finding me at home.

  4. on the of chance for finding me in home.

  5. on the off chance for finding me in home.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The original sentence has error of idiomatic use. 'On the of chance' is incorrect usage, it should be 'on the off chance' which means 'a thin possibility'. This option corrects the error.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

The unfortunate part of such charges are that they have not remained confined to words but have led to violence.

  1. are that they have not remained confined to words but have led to violence.

  2. is that they have not remained confined to words but have led to violence.

  3. is that it has not remained confined to words but has led to violence.

  4. is that they may have not remained confined to words but have led to violence.

  5. are that they may not have remained confined to words but have led to violence.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The original sentence bears the error of subject-verb agreement. A singular subject 'the unfortunate part' is followed by a plural verb 'are'. This option corrects the error of sub-verb agreement by replacing 'are' with 'is'.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

He (A) complied with the order (B) that (C) all the students of the school (D) should follow the dress code. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Delete 'should' to rectify the error of importance. Order exhibits importance of the action to follow. So, auxiliary/modal 'should' needs to be deleted.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

To invest wisely for the future, the fixed deposits provide a safe way for investors.

  1. To invest wisely for the future

  2. As a wise investment for the future

  3. Investing wisely for the future

  4. wise investment for the future

  5. Having invested wisely for the future, one must determine that


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

There is no subject in the modifying (underlined) clause. The modified clause depicts 'fixed deposits' to be the subject. The underlined clause ought to modify the modified clause in the latter part. The given option corrects the error by replacing the verb clause with the noun clause.

Directions: The following sentences test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of each sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath each sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice A repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice A. If not, select one of the other choices.

One of the reasons why his business is a great success is because of strong finance.

  1. why his business is a great success is because of strong finance.

  2. that why his business is a great success is strong finance.

  3. of his business to be a great success is strong finance.

  4. for his business being a great success is because of strong finance.

  5. of his business being a great success are strong finance.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

'Reason and because', both convey similar meaning and should not be used together in a sentence. This option rectifies the error of redundancy by deleting 'because'.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

There should be lesser rules in school and only those teachers who the students like should be allowed to take classes.

  1. There should be lesser rules in school and only those teachers who

  2. There should be less rules in school and only those teachers who

  3. There should be lesser rules in school and only those teachers whom

  4. There should be few rules in schools and only those teachers whom

  5. There should be fewer rules in school and only those teacher whom


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

The original sentence bears errors of numeral adjective and relative pronoun. Rules are countable, so 'fewer' should be used to modify them in place of 'lesser'. 'Whom' should be used in place of 'who' as it refers to the object 'the teachers' (whom the students like). This option rectifies both the errors.

Directions: The following sentence test correctness and effectiveness of expression. Part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined; beneath the sentence are five ways of phrasing the underlined material. Choice (1) repeats the original phrasing; the other four choices are different. If you think the original phrasing produces a better sentence than any of the alternatives, select choice (1). If not, select one of the other choices.

It is expensive getting the children fitted in with clothes for their new school.

  1. getting the children fitted in with clothes for their new school.

  2. getting the children fitted with clothes for their new school.

  3. to get the children fitted at with clothes for their new school.

  4. getting the children fitted out with clothes for their new school.

  5. to get the children fitted in with clothes for their new school.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Underlined part has error of usage of incorrect phrasal verb. The sentence implies that children are being dressed up with new clothes. This option corrects the error by replacing 'fitted in' with 'fitted out with'.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

In the present age we see parallels (A) in the manufacture of such needless, and often harmful, things like (B) trinkets and gewgaws, (C) cars and cameras, televisions, jets, and computers, which only waste resources and (D) spew forth pollution. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Replace 'and' by comma splice to correct the error of parallel structure. 'Trinkets and gewgaw' convey the same idea, but cars and cameras don't. Other articles are all joined by comma splice.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

The (A) pastime is so positively agreeable (B) that it lets time (C) slip by unnoticed and (D) turns working time also into pastime. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: E
Explanation:

The sentence is correct as given.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

(A) Blind faith in science (B) is a privilege given only to a human being, but unfortunately (C) they will perish in the near future (D) because of scientific progress. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Replace 'they will' with 'he will' to correct the error of pronoun agreement. Singular noun 'a human being' should be followed by singular pronoun 'he'.

Directions: The following question tests your ability to recognize grammar and usage errors. The sentence contains either a single error or no error at all. No sentence contains more than one error. The error, if there is one, is underlined and lettered. If the sentence contains an error, select the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct. If the sentence is correct, select choice (E). In choosing answers follow the requirements of standard written English.

The traditional religions teach us not to become (A) attached to material things, and as (B) proof to that they (C) tell us to make offerings and show the extent of (D) your belief. (E) No error

  1. (A)

  2. (B)

  3. (C)

  4. (D)

  5. (E)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sentence bears error of shift of pronoun. Possessive form of pronoun 'us' is 'our' not 'your'. Replace 'your' with 'our' to correct the error of shifting pronoun.

Which of the following best replaces the word 'this' in sentence (6)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. the student's performance

  2. the recommendation

  3. the interview

  4. the examination system

  5. the rote learning


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

'Guides to passing examination' is the clue. Guides to passing examination can be byproduct of examination system only. Thus this is the correct answer.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (1) below?

Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. Researchers in education has of recent years turned their attention to

  2. Researchers in education have of recent years turned their attention to

  3. Research in education has in recent years turned its attention to

  4. Research in education has of recent years turned attention to

  5. Researchers in education have in recent years turned its attention to


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The option correctly changes 'of recent years' to 'in recent years' without introducing any other error. Thus, this is the correct answer.

In context what is the best way to deal with sentence (3)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. Move it between sentences (1) and (2)

  2. Move it between sentences (4) and (5)

  3. Delete it altogether

  4. Move it to the beginning of the second paragraph

  5. No change required


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

This is the best way to deal with the sentence. Sentence (3) is actually a logical continuation of sentence (4). Likewise, sentence (5) is a logical continuation of sentence (3). Sentence 4 talks about various methods of analyzing student's progress and sentence 3 provides contrast to it that despite various methods there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination.

Which of the following if placed after sentence (11) will be the most effective concluding sentence for the passage?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. The sooner we find a way to dispense with these, the better it is for the student community and the system at large.

  2. But isn't examination system the real culprit?

  3. Yet, we have to give the devil its due.

  4. They should all be replaced by text books.

  5. They do render some help otherwise.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The author does not give any credit to guide or study notes, but blames them. Thus this will be the best concluding line.

Which of the following is the best revision of the underlined portion of sentence no. (2) below?

and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it.

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. and students helped to recognize their difficulties and overcome it.

  2. and the students helped to recognize their difficulties and overcome it.

  3. and a student helped to recognize his many a difficulty and overcome it.

  4. and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome them.

  5. and students helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome them.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

This option rectifies the error of pronoun antecedent. The noun of the objective case is plural 'difficulties'. The related pronoun should also be plural 'them'.

Which word/phrase if inserted at the beginning of sentence (11) can help combine sentences (10) and (11)?

Directions: Read the passage and select the best answer for the question:

(1) Research in education has of recent years turned its attention to the problem of assessing a student’s progress as accurately as possible. (2) Only when this is done, can a meaningful course of study be laid down and a student helped to recognize his difficulties and overcome it. (3) But, despite all the new thinking on this subject, there is still no acceptable alternative to the examination. (4) There have been remarkable advances in analyzing the process of learning and in framing tests and maintaining week to week records which provide the teacher with valuable information about the progress of his class and of each individual in it. (5) Whether it be at the end of term, or the year, or at the end of a school course or for the purpose of choosing candidates for a course of study and training, the only practicable way of measuring a student’s performance or of assessing his potential is by an examination, supplemented where necessary, by recommendation, interview and other devices.
(6) The most unfortunate by-product of this has been the proliferation of study notes, guides to passing examination, model answers, hints for writing essays and similar travesties of education. (7) There is no need to engage on the unethical nature of these publications. (8) From the student’s point of view a rigorous censorship of this kind of publication would be a great advantage. (9) For one thing these ‘notes’ promote the habit of rote learning. (10) For the other, they are priced more highly than the poems of Wordsworth or the plays of Shakespeare. (11) They are not worth the paper they are printed on.

 

  1. and yet

  2. although

  3. in spite of

  4. despite that

  5. and so


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The two sentences are providing a contrast. Although is used to provide contrast. Thus it can combine these sentences. They are priced high although they are worth nothing.

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