Exposing a subject who is standing in water to a dart-firing stun gun does not cause electrocution or increase the power applied to the subject.

Exposing a subject who is standing in water to a dart-firing stun gun does not cause electrocution or increase the power applied to the subject.

• A. Does
• B. Might
• C. Always
• D. Does not

Answer: (D)

The main idea tested here is proper negation with a singular subject and a compound predicate. The gerund phrase “Exposing a subject who is standing in water to a dart-firing stun gun” acts as a single subject, so the sentence needs the auxiliary “does” in its contracted negative form: “does not.” This negates both potential outcomes listed—“cause electrocution” and “increase the power applied to the subject”—in a parallel, concise way. Using just “does” would imply a positive statement, as in “does cause” or “does increase,” which would be the opposite meaning. Using “might” would introduce possibility rather than certainty, and “Always” would assert an inevitability that isn’t stated. So the form that cleanly denies both effects is the best choice.

The main idea tested here is proper negation with a singular subject and a compound predicate. The gerund phrase “Exposing a subject who is standing in water to a dart-firing stun gun” acts as a single subject, so the sentence needs the auxiliary “does” in its contracted negative form: “does not.” This negates both potential outcomes listed—“cause electrocution” and “increase the power applied to the subject”—in a parallel, concise way. Using just “does” would imply a positive statement, as in “does cause” or “does increase,” which would be the opposite meaning. Using “might” would introduce possibility rather than certainty, and “Always” would assert an inevitability that isn’t stated. So the form that cleanly denies both effects is the best choice.