Question

which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?

they are researching a hybrid south african tobacco plant that may decrease reliance on fossil fuels. it contains oily seeds that can be transformed into sustainable biofuel.

scientists are researching a hybrid south african tobacco plant that may decrease reliance on fossil fuels. it contains oily seeds that can be transformed into sustainable biofuel.

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Explanation:

A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun (like "they", "it", "he", etc.) doesn't have a clear antecedent (the noun it refers to). In the first sentence, the pronoun "They" is used, but there's no clear noun before it to show who "They" are. In the second sentence, "Scientists" is the subject, so the pronoun usage is clear. So the first option has a vague pronoun reference with "They".

Answer:

The first option: "They are researching a hybrid South African tobacco plant that may decrease reliance on fossil fuels. It contains oily seeds that can be transformed into sustainable biofuel."