13. In context, which is the best way to revise the 'it' in sentence 6: 'A 2010 report by the Office of the State Comptroller of New York found that it can lessen the need for increased property taxes.'
Answer: B
Conserving open lands is the best way to revise 'it' in the sentence.
Revising 'it' to 'conserving open lands' provides clarity regarding what the report suggests can lessen the need for increased property taxes.
A) community
Using 'community' does not accurately reflect the subject of the report. The report focuses on the benefits of conserving open lands rather than the community itself, making this option misleading in the context.
B) conserving open lands
This option correctly identifies the subject discussed in the report as the action that can reduce the necessity for higher property taxes. It directly connects to the main idea presented, making it the most suitable revision.
C) the state of New York
This choice misrepresents the focus of the sentence. While the report originates from the state of New York, the 'it' refers to a strategy or action, not the state itself, thus failing to clarify the intended meaning.
D) a report by the Office of the State Comptroller
Replacing 'it' with 'a report by the Office of the State Comptroller' inaccurately shifts the focus from the action of conserving open lands to the report itself. This does not maintain the original intent of the sentence regarding the implications of the report's findings.
Conclusion
Revising 'it' to 'conserving open lands' is the most accurate and contextually relevant option, as it directly ties the action to the findings of the report about property tax implications. The other choices either misinterpret the subject or shift the focus away from the intended meaning, which is crucial for understanding the report's impact.