1)

Direction: This question presents a sentence, part of which or all of which is underlined. Beneath the sentence, you will find four ways of phrasing the underlined part. The first of these repeats the original; the other three are different. If you think the original is best, choose the first answer; otherwise, choose one of the others.

 The administration discussed whether the number of students studying  European languages was likely to decline when the senior lecturer retired.


A) whether the number of students studying European languages was likely

B) whether the number of students studying European languages were likely

C) If the students studying European languages were likely.

D) if the number of European language students were likely

Answer:

Option A

Explanation:

 "Whether" is correct because the question concerns a choice not a condition. With the expression "the number of" a singular verb is needed and hence "was" is correct.

 "Liable" is used in expressions such as  "liable to prosecution" and not for the expression  of possibility