Identify the underlined segment that contains a grammatical error:
'The research paper [A: offers] an in-depth [B: analysis of] water conservation strategies, [C: but it fails] to address the [D: economical] consequences of desalination.'

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. economical

  1. Step 1: Analyze semantic distinctions between related adjectives: 'economical' vs. 'Economic'.
  2. Step 2: 'Economical' means thrifty, inexpensive, or avoiding waste.
  3. Step 3: 'Economic' means relating to the economy, finance, or the production and management of wealth.
  4. Step 4: Identify the error: The author intends to discuss the financial and monetary consequences of desalination ('economic consequences', not 'economical consequences').
Answer
economical.
Why not the others: 'offers' has correct singular subject-verb agreement; 'analysis of' is the standard prepositional collocation; 'but it fails' correctly contrasts two independent clauses.

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