I'm doing ACT English practice, and I seriously doubt some of the answers given.

The first one is:
It took 47 years to realize Wanamaker's dream, but the new Globe Theater opened in 1996.

Which one is correct?
A. As it is.
B. Although the new Globe Theater opened in 1996, it had taken 47 years to realize Wanamaker's dream.
C. The new Globe, after 47 years to realize Wanamaker's dream, opened in 1996.
D. It took 47 years to realize the dream of Wanamaker of the new Globe Theater opening in 1996.

I thought it was B, and still believe it is B, even though the answer says it's A. "But" does not seem to make sense in the sentence at all since Wanamaker's dream was realized. Here is the book's explanation: "The underlined portion is grammatically correct and clearly gets across the point: It took a long time, but Wanamaker's dream was finally realized. Each of the three alternatives are constructed in a way that actually obscures this point. Also, choices C and D are awkwardly constructed." The only way I can see my answer as wrong is if I actually am turning the point around, but in that case, none of the answers seem correct.

The next one is:
Some scientists foresee, to take advantage of these ocean-based resources, entire cities on the ocean.

A. As it is.
B. Some scientists foresee entire cities, which take advantage of these ocean-based resources, on the ocean.
C. To take advantage of these ocean-based resources, some scientists foresee entire cities on the ocean.
D. Taking advantage of these ocean-based resources, some scientists foresee entire cities on the ocean.

My answer is B (again -_-). It seems to be the only one that lists that clause to refer to "entire cities" and not "some scientists." The book's answer is C. "The original sentence splits the verb "foresee" and its direct object " and its direct object "; the result is awkward and confusing. Choice C reworks the sentence so that it makes more sense and provides a more logical transition from the preceding discussion to the one that follows. Choice B suffers from the same type of problem as the original version, while choice D wrongly suggests that it is the scientists who would take advantage of the new cities." Looking back, it seems that C could be correct, but I still believe that B is the better answer.


Please give me some feedback. I would like to know if I'm getting these right and the book is wrong or am I just not good enough at English.

Thank you.

For the first one: the original sentence emhasizes that it took a long time for the dream to be realized. In alternative B, the "Although" does not work as well. Gramatrically B is fine, but the original is a better-constructed sentence.

For the second: C is correct. B is really clunky, just like the original. C is "smoother" and easier to follow. Try reading them out loud, and you'll see that C flows better and is a more natiural way of speaking.