Which version is clear and unambiguous about who unwraps the presents?

Which version is clear and unambiguous about who unwraps the presents?

• A. In Norway, they unwrap presents on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day.
• B. In Norway, children unwrap presents on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day.
• C. In Norway, presents are unwrapped on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day.
• D. In Norway, they unwrap presents on Christmas Eve in Norway.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to specify exactly who performs the action. In the version that says “In Norway, children unwrap presents on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day,” the actor is named explicitly—children—so there’s no doubt about who is doing the unwrapping. Other phrasing leaves the doer unclear. Using “they” can refer to different groups and isn’t specific enough about who is performing the action. The passive form “presents are unwrapped” removes the agent entirely, so we don’t know who unwraps them. The version that repeats “in Norway” adds redundancy but still keeps the doer vague. Choosing the explicit subject “children” makes the statement clear and unambiguous.

The key idea is to specify exactly who performs the action. In the version that says “In Norway, children unwrap presents on Christmas Eve instead of on Christmas Day,” the actor is named explicitly—children—so there’s no doubt about who is doing the unwrapping.

Other phrasing leaves the doer unclear. Using “they” can refer to different groups and isn’t specific enough about who is performing the action. The passive form “presents are unwrapped” removes the agent entirely, so we don’t know who unwraps them. The version that repeats “in Norway” adds redundancy but still keeps the doer vague. Choosing the explicit subject “children” makes the statement clear and unambiguous.