2. Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)? Some researchers have cited this evidence as it made an argument that MSA hunters were less skilled than LSA hunters.
Answer: D
Evidence to make
The best version of the underlined portion is "evidence to make," as it clearly conveys that the evidence was used to support the argument regarding the skill levels of MSA hunters compared to LSA hunters.
A) (as it is now)
This option retains the original phrasing, which is grammatically incorrect and unclear. The phrase "as it made" lacks a proper connection to the subject and does not effectively indicate the purpose of the evidence in forming the argument.
B) evidence and were making
This option introduces a grammatical inconsistency with the verb tense and subject agreement. The phrase "and were making" suggests simultaneous action that is not supported by the context of the sentence, leading to confusion about the relationship between the evidence and the argument.
C) evidence, having made
While this option attempts to link the evidence to the argument, the phrase "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing discussion of the evidence's relevance. This construction creates ambiguity about when the evidence was used in relation to the argument.
D) evidence to make
This option succinctly connects the evidence directly to its purpose, indicating that it was used to formulate an argument. It effectively clarifies the causal relationship between the evidence cited and the assertion regarding MSA and LSA hunters' skills.
Conclusion
"Evidence to make" clearly articulates the intent behind the evidence being cited, making it the most effective choice. The other options fail to provide clarity or proper grammatical structure, thereby detracting from the intended meaning of the sentence. Thus, option D is definitively the best choice for conveying the relationship between the evidence and the argument presented.