Exercise 41.4 Revising to clarify pronoun reference

Revise each of the following items to clarify pronoun reference. Most of the items can be revised in more than one way. If a pronoun refers ambiguously to more than one possible antecedent, revise the sentence to reflect each possible meaning. Examples:

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  1. All scholarship applicants must fill out a financial aid form, meet with the dean, and write a letter to the committee members. The deadline is October 24, so they should start the process as soon as possible.

    Question

    All scholarship applicants must fill out a financial aid form, meet with the dean, and write a letter to the committee members. The deadline is October 24, so they should start the process as soon as possible.
    All scholarship applicants must fill out a financial aid form, meet with the dean, and write a letter to the committee members. The deadline is October 24, so they should start the process as soon as possible.
  2. Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists, be less vulnerable to what disturbs them, and be more responsive to them.

    Question

    Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists, be less vulnerable to what disturbs them, and be more responsive to them.
    Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists, be less vulnerable to what disturbs them, and be more responsive to them.
  3. Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before she spoke to me.

    Question

    Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before she spoke to me.
    Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before she spoke to me.
  4. In Texas, you often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.

    Question

    In Texas, you often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.
    In Texas, you often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.
  5. A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.

    Question

    A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.
    A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.