Source: Test Code (from ETS) #37. Section 3, #7.

[Question deleted because it is from a banned source.]

Correct Answer: E: its effect on their size is not likely to be significant.

This one was so confusing! Can you please help? I find there were so many pronouns. Please help me understand why the others are wrong. Here is my take:
B. "it is unlikely" what is "it" referring to?
C. "affecting" gerand form not preferred AND "are" is wrong subject verb agreement
D. "their" is wrong?
E. still doesn't seem right but I guess it's best?

I'd love to hear your thoughts it how to best attack this question.

Thank you very much!

Although is a subordinating conjunction and the main clause should give the idea of a difference.

ok. thanks for clarifying that!

Question deleted because it is from a banned source (GMAT paper tests). Please check the banned source list before posting.

One thing: "it" is one of those pronouns that does not always require an antecedent. If I say "it is raining outside" I don't need to refer to anything because... well, I'm really not referring to anything. It's just a generic subject introduction when I don't have a real thing in mind.

"it is unlikely that I'll get my homework done tonight" - same thing. I'm not actually referring to any concrete noun here, just an abstract thought that I'm not going to get my work done.

Thanks, Stacey. I've noted that "it" is not one of the pronouns that require an antecedant. Thanks!

you're welcome!