Read the passage. The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flus. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia or bacterial infections. The flu, on the other hand, can lead to very serious complications. What is the best use of ellipses to shorten the passage?
Answer
A
In general, the flu is worse than . . . common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flus.
B
In general, the flu is worse . . . and symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flus.
C
In general . . . symptoms are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flus.
D
In general, the flu is . . . more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than flus.
Explanation
The original says, “In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are more common and intense.” Choice B removes “than the common cold” while leaving the sentence grammatical: “the flu is worse, and symptoms are more common and intense.” The other choices leave awkward or misleading wording, such as saying the flu itself is “more common and intense.”
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