Exercise 41.4 Revising to clarify pronoun reference

EXERCISE 41.4

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.

    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.
    accept_blank_answers: true
    points: 10
    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.

    Patients on medication may relate better to their therapists, be less vulnerable to what disturbs them, and be more responsive to them.
    accept_blank_answers: true
    points: 10
    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.

    Ms. Dunbar wanted to speak to my mother before she spoke to me.
    accept_blank_answers: true
    points: 10
    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.

    In Texas, you often hear about the influence of big oil corporations.
    accept_blank_answers: true
    points: 10
    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.

    A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.
    accept_blank_answers: true
    points: 10
    A small band of protestors picketed the new shopping center, which outraged many residents.