[SC]SHALL I stick to the meaning of the original sentence?

[alicezyk]

Here is my question. Some people say that unless necessary, we shouldn't change the meaning of the original sentence.
For example, if the original sentence says, B is done.
Then the answer says that A does B is incorrect.

But I am wondering whether this is correct or not.
Since I thought the original sentence is just one of the 5 choices, nothing special.

OR is it TRUE that we should always stick to the intended meaning of the original sentence? OR ELSE there is no way we could know the intended meaning???

PLZ HELP!
Thanks in Advance!

[Willy]

We are not allowed to change the meaning of the sentence unless you find 4 answer choices with grammatical errors.

i.e. I will go for the answer choice no matter if it changes the meaning if I'll see 4 answer choices with grammatical errors. But I don't think this will ever be the case on GMAT.

[alicezyk]

We are not allowed to change the meaning of the sentence unless you find 4 answer choices with grammatical errors.

i.e. I will go for the answer choice no matter if it changes the meaning if I'll see 4 answer choices with grammatical errors. But I don't think this will ever be the case on GMAT.

Hi Willy:
But when we eliminate choices, problems with modifiers are associated with meaning. Do you call modifier problem grammar? Or Meaning?

Let's say, the original sentence says "People believe raining is because of the anger of God in China."
Answer choice says, In China, people ---------
2 totally different meaning.
( It's similar to an example given by Ron)

So, do you mean that we can't tell which choice is correct based on the meaning? And I have to wait until I rule out all other problems by grammar?
Or, if the there are 2 answer choices left without grammar errors, such as those 2 above, then I can use meaning to select one--choose the one closest to the original sentence?

[tim]

you should ALWAYS look for grammar errors first. if you find ALL grammar errors and are left with two or more answer choices that are 100% correct grammatically, then look to see if any of the grammatically correct choices have absurd meanings. there is NEVER a reason to hold answer choice A in any particular esteem; the intended meaning is what the author is trying to convey in the sentence, NOT necessarily what answer choice A says..

[alicezyk]

you should ALWAYS look for grammar errors first. if you find ALL grammar errors and are left with two or more answer choices that are 100% correct grammatically, then look to see if any of the grammatically correct choices have absurd meanings. there is NEVER a reason to hold answer choice A in any particular esteem; the intended meaning is what the author is trying to convey in the sentence, NOT necessarily what answer choice A says..

Thanks Tim. So you mean if I am left with 2 choices, I will just pick one that makes most sense, right?
:P

[tim]

that's the best way to describe things, but ONLY after you've investigated every difference between those two sentences and are convinced that they are both 100% grammatically correct..

[alicezyk]

that's the best way to describe things, but ONLY after you've investigated every difference between those two sentences and are convinced that they are both 100% grammatically correct..

Thanks so much. Tim. For your help!
:P

[tim]

my pleasure..