THE CORRECT ANSWER IS C. THE ORIGINAL SENTENCE CONTAINS SEVERAL ERR...

9. The correct answer is C.

The original sentence contains several errors. First, "like household

appliances and automobiles" is incorrect. Since "household

appliances and automobiles" are specific examples, "such as" ought

to be used instead of "like". The same is true for "food and

shelter". Second, the use of "if" in this context is incorrect. On the

GMAT, "if" is used only to introduce conditional clauses. It is NOT

synonymous with "whether". Third, it is illogical to say that

"spending" is a "cyclical pattern". The author clearly means that

"spending" follows a "cyclical pattern." Finally, the sentence sets up

a comparison so we should look for an answer choice that maintains

parallel structure for each element in the comparison.

Choice A repeats the original sentence. Incorrect.

Choice B does not remedy "like" or "is a cyclical pattern." Incorrect.

Choice C remedies all the issues without introducing any new ones.

It also nicely reworks the sentence into a parallel structure:

"Spending on . . .. whereas spending on . . ." Correct.

Choice D remedies "like" but reconfigures the sentence in a

confusing way. Incorrect.

Choice E remedies "like" for "appliances and automobiles" but not

for "food and shelter." Also, this choice states that "non-durable

goods...remain constant" when what is meant is "spending on non-

durable goods...remains constant". Incorrect.