Question

During the last interglacial period, the climate on the Earth was warmer than it is today, and the consequent melting of the polar ice caps caused the sea level to raise about 60 feet over and above what its height presently is now.

• A. sea level to raise about 60 feet over and above what its height presently is now
• B. sea level to be raised over its height presently about 60 feet
• C. sea level to rise about 60 feet above its present height
• D. level of the seas to rise over and above its present height about 60 feet

Answer 1

The correct option is C sea level to rise about 60 feet above its present height

A. sea level to raise about 60 feet over and above what its height presently is now - wordy
B. sea level to be raised over its height presently about 60 feet - Passive voice. Not necessary in this sentence.
C. sea level to rise about 60 feet above its present height - CORRECT
D. level of the seas to rise over and above its present height about 60 feet - level of the seas? that's awkward. "over and above its present... " is wordy.
E. level of the seas to be raised over their height, now about 60 feet - wrong: passive voice (in this case is wrong) and awkward.