Can some please help in clarifying between option 3 and 4 ?
The increase in unemployment rates, coupled with significantly increased retail prices as well
as energy costs, are forcing many homeowners to look into alternative sources of fuel in order
to save money on winter heating.
• unemployment rates, coupled with significantly increased retail prices as well as energy costs,
are
• rates of unemployment, coupled with significant increases in retail prices and energy costs,
have been
• unemployment rates, coupled with significant increases in both retail prices and energy costs,
is
• unemployment rates, coupled with significantly increased retail prices as well as energy costs,
is
• rates of unemployment, coupled with significant increases in both retail as well as energy
costs, had been
Source of the question please? And no unofficial questions.
If you read option D carefully, it compares “increase in unemployment rates” to “retail prices and energy costs” (which have increased significantly) — not a proper like-to-like comparison
