Many computer databases impose formatting requirements, such

[utkarsh2408]

Many computer databases impose formatting requirements, such as minimum numbers of capital letters or numerals, on users’ passwords in an attempt to enhance security; ironically, these measures often make the passwords easier to guess, as users are more likely to select the simplest possible password that conforms to all the rules.

1)security; ironically, these measures often make the passwords easier to guess, as users are

2)security; these measures, ironically, often result in users creating passwords that are easier to guess and

3)security - ironic measures that often cause passwords to be easier to guess because they are

4)security - measures that, ironically, often make passwords that are easier to guess, with users

5)security - often, ironically, making the passwords easier to guess and making users

Can u pls explain y the ans. is A
According to me the pronoun 'these' does not have a antecedent as no measures are stated in the sentence ?
Pls explain

[tim]

what do you think formatting requirements are?

[gabriela.prudencio]

I am not 100% sure why A is right. The explanation for why D is that "often make passwords illogically suggests that the passwords are created (perhaps automatically) by the security measures themselves, rather than by system users in response to those measures." By this logic, it would seem that A would also be wrong.

I also don't understand why in B the word "ironically" is misplaced. Can someone explain why the placement of "ironically" would be wrong in B.

thanks!

[tim]

Regarding A versus D, there is a difference between making passwords easier to guess and making passwords that are easier to guess. Remember, in SC you have to pay attention to those subtle differences in wording. As for B, don't worry about the placement of "ironically"; the REAL reason B is wrong is parallelism.

[gabriela.prudencio]

Thanks for the reply. Can you also explain why making making passwords that are easier to guess would be wrong? I read the wording in A, and while it hears right, I can't identify why the wording in D is wrong.
Thanks.

[tim]

It's because of who's making the passwords. The measures aren't creating the passwords, but that's what D is suggesting.

[gabriela.prudencio]

I think I am understanding better now. Answer A implies that these measures are leading to passwords that are easier to guess. Answer D implies that the measures are making the passwords, not leading to the passwords. This was hard for me to get because I'm not a native English speaker, and to me both options sound alike. I can now arrive to the right answer making a conscious pick.

thanks.

[tim]

Glad to hear it! Remember those tiny changes often make all the difference.

[JuanN787]

Hi,

I eliminated A and B, considering the use of semi-colon. For me the second clause, the semi-colon is separating, is not an independent clause.
What's wrong with that logic?
Best Regards

[RonPurewal]

i don't know the terminology, but the standard usage is
(complete sentence) + ; + (complete sentence)

both A and B have that form, so both semicolons are fine.