Identify the segment of the sentence that contains a grammatical error:

The argument that alternative viewpoints are ignored (1) / without robust regulatory safeguards (2) / show a worrying sign of systemic failure (3) / evident across multiple branches of the organisation. (4)

Correct Answer: (3)

Explanation:

To identify the grammatical error, let us analyze the sentence structure and subject-verb agreement step-by-step:

1. Identify the main subject:
In the given sentence, the subject is "The argument", which is a singular noun.

2. Identify the modifier clauses:
- "that alternative viewpoints are ignored" is a relative clause modifying "argument".
- "without robust regulatory safeguards" is a prepositional phrase modifying the clause.

3. Identify the main verb:
The main verb corresponding to the main singular subject "The argument" is "show" in segment (3).

4. Apply Subject-Verb Agreement:
A singular subject requires a singular verb. Therefore, "The argument" should be paired with the singular verb "shows" instead of the plural verb "show".

Correct Sentence:
"The argument that alternative viewpoints are ignored without robust regulatory safeguards shows a worrying sign of systemic failure evident across multiple branches of the organisation."

Hence, segment (3) contains the grammatical error.