Question 13

In a study conducted in 2015, subjects were kept in darkness for 14 hours each night to mimic natural wintertime conditions.

The best version of the underlined portion is "to mimic," which clearly conveys the intent of the study in a concise manner. This choice effectively communicates the purpose of the darkness without unnecessary complexity.

A) (as it is now)

The original phrasing is somewhat convoluted and includes unnecessary words like "this being an attempt to create conditions," which complicates the sentence. It does not convey the intent as clearly as the other options, making it less effective.

B) night to make an effort to approximate

This option introduces additional words such as "make an effort to," which adds unnecessary complexity and weakens the clarity of the intent. The phrase "to approximate" is also less direct compared to "to mimic," which diminishes its effectiveness.

C) night, taking a shot at imitating

While this option retains the meaning, the phrase "taking a shot at" is informal and detracts from the academic tone of the text. Furthermore, it lengthens the sentence unnecessarily, making it less direct than "to mimic."

D) night to mimic

This option is the most concise and direct. It clearly states the purpose of keeping subjects in darkness, using the word "mimic," which accurately describes the goal of replicating natural conditions. It enhances the overall clarity and flow of the sentence.

Conclusion

Option D is the most effective choice as it succinctly conveys the purpose of the study while maintaining a professional tone. The other options either complicate the sentence structure or lack clarity, making them less suitable for the context of the extract. Thus, "to mimic" stands out as the best revision for enhancing comprehension without sacrificing meaning.