XDF Section 2 Q12

littlestoner

12. The odds are about 4 to 1 against surviving a takeover offer, and many business consultants therefore advise that a company’s first line of defense in eluding offers like these be to even refuse to take calls from likely corporate raiders.

(A) that a company’s first line of defense in eluding offers like these be to even refuse

(B) that a company’s first line of defense in eluding such offers be to refuse even

(C) a company defending itself against offers of this kind that, as a first line of defense, they should even refuse

(D) companies which are defending themselves against such an offer that, as a first line of defense, they should even refuse

(E) that the first line of defense for a company who is eluding offers like these is the refusal even.

The answer is B, which was eluded by me at the first glance, anybody could explain? Thanks a lot!

littlestoner

thanks  a  lot !!!

bradywangs

Choice A is awkward and poorly phrased: these has no plural noun to which it can refer, and even should be placed immediately before to take calls, the phrase it modifies. Choice B is best. In C, the plural they does not agree with the singular company, even is misplaced, and advise…that…they should is unidiomatic. D has the plural companies but retains the other flaws of C. In E, who in place of that is an inappropriate pronoun for company, these does not agree with the singular offer, and is the refusal should be be to refuse. This question is difficult.