Answer: D
Replace the underlined clause
Part of the proposed increase in state education spending is due to higher <u>enrollment, since the number of students in public schools have grown steadily since the mid-1980's and, at nearly 47 million, are at</u> a record high
A) enrollment, since the number of students in public schools have grown steadily since the mid-1980's and, at nearly 47 million, are at
B) enrollment, with a number of students in public schools growing steadily since the mid-1980'and, at nearly 47 million, reaching
C) enrollment: since students in public schools have grown steadily in number since the mid-1980's and, at nearly 47 million, have reached
D) enrollment: the number of students in public schools has grown steadily since the mid-1980's and, at nearly 47 million, has reached
E) enrollment: students in public schools have grown steadily in number since the mid-1980's and, at nearly 47 million, are at
Explanation:
D replaces the underlined clause.
A is not the answer because it is just a repetition of the underlined words.
B. This clause does not replace that underlined. A number of students suggest "some students" and does not refer to the body of students as a whole. Also to be grammatically correct, the clause has to end with "reached"
Neither Options C not E is the answer as omitting "the number" results in failing to quantify "students"
