- Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
Questions about verb tense consistency test your ability to recognize when writers inappropriately shift between different time frames within a passage. When you encounter this type of question, scan for verbs that don't match the established tense pattern.
This passage describes a step-by-step experiment procedure. Looking at the verbs, you can see that sentences 1, 2, and 4 all use present tense verbs: "gather," "pour," and "record." This creates a consistent present tense pattern for describing the experimental steps. However, sentence 3 breaks this pattern by using "added" (past tense) instead of "add" (present tense). Since procedural writing typically maintains one consistent tense throughout, sentence 3 needs revision to match the present tense established by the other sentences.
Choice A is correct because sentence 3 contains the inappropriate tense shift from present to past tense. Choice B is incorrect because sentence 2 uses "pour," which correctly maintains the present tense pattern. Choice C is wrong because sentence 1 uses "gather," also maintaining proper present tense consistency. Choice D is incorrect because sentence 4 uses "record," which continues the established present tense pattern.
When tackling verb tense questions on the SHSAT, first identify the dominant tense pattern in the passage, then look for the sentence that breaks that pattern. Most passages will establish a clear tense early on—the incorrect sentence will be the one that shifts away from this established timeframe.
- Which sentence should be revised to correct the verb tense inconsistency?
Answer: Sentence 2
When you encounter verb tense questions on the SHSAT, look for consistency throughout the passage. All verbs should work together to create a coherent timeline of events.
This passage describes events that happened in the past, so all verbs should be in past tense. Let's examine each sentence: Sentence 1 uses "studied" (past tense), sentence 3 uses "paid" (past tense), and sentence 4 uses "amazed" (past tense). However, sentence 2 contains "memorizes," which is present tense. Since Miles memorized the vocabulary words before the test date arrived (both past events), this verb should be "memorized" to maintain consistency.
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A is incorrect because "studied" is properly in past tense and fits the timeline. Choice C is wrong because "paid off" correctly uses past tense to describe the results of Miles's efforts. Choice D is incorrect because "amazed" appropriately describes the past reaction of the instructors to his results.
The error in sentence 2 creates a jarring shift from past tense ("By the time the test date arrived") to present tense ("he memorizes") within the same sentence, making it grammatically inconsistent.
Remember this pattern: when a passage establishes a clear timeframe, all verbs should align with that timeframe. Look for the one sentence that breaks the pattern—it's usually easy to spot once you identify what tense the passage should consistently use.
- Which sentence contains an error in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter verb tense questions, you need to identify whether all verbs in a passage maintain consistent timing or if there's a logical reason for any tense shifts.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tense. Sentence 1 uses past tense ("explored"), establishing that this documentary has already been completed and viewed. Sentence 2 continues in past tense ("showed"), maintaining consistency. Sentence 4 also uses past tense ("resonated"), keeping the timeline aligned.
However, Sentence 3 contains a tense error. It begins correctly in past tense ("interviewed") but then shifts incorrectly to present tense ("speak"). Since the documentary filming is complete and we're discussing what happened during production, the sentence should read "who spoke about the threats" to maintain past tense consistency throughout.
Choice A is incorrect because Sentence 1 properly uses past tense. Choice B is wrong since Sentence 2 correctly maintains past tense with "showed." Choice C is incorrect because Sentence 4 appropriately uses past tense with "resonated." Choice D is correct because Sentence 3 contains the tense inconsistency.
The error occurs because "speak" should be "spoke" to match the past tense context established by "interviewed" and the overall passage timeline.
Study tip: When checking verb tenses, first identify the main timeframe of the passage, then scan for any verbs that don't fit that timeline. Pay special attention to verbs within the same sentence—they usually need to maintain the same tense unless there's a clear logical reason for the shift.
- Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 4
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify the established time frame of the passage and spot any sentences that inappropriately shift away from it. This passage describes events that happened in the past, so all verbs should maintain past tense throughout.
Let's examine the verb tenses in each sentence. Sentences 1-3 consistently use past tense: "rehearsed," "guided," "was filled." However, sentence 4 contains a problematic shift. It starts correctly with "sounded" (past tense) but then switches to "falls" (present tense) before returning to "listened" (past tense). The verb "falls" should be "fell" to maintain consistency with the past tense narrative.
Looking at why the other choices are incorrect: Choice A uses "rehearsed," which correctly establishes the past tense framework. Choice B contains "guided," maintaining the established past tense. Choice C uses "was filled," also correctly staying in past tense.
Choice D is the answer because it's the only sentence that breaks the consistent past tense pattern established throughout the paragraph.
Remember this strategy for tense questions: First, determine the dominant tense of the passage by reading the entire paragraph. Then scan each sentence for verbs that don't match this established timeframe. Inconsistent tense shifts often occur mid-sentence, so pay special attention to compound sentences with multiple verbs like sentence 4.
- Which sentence should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 4
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you're looking for sentences where the verb tense shifts inappropriately within the context of the passage. The key is identifying whether all verbs match the established timeframe.
This passage is written in past tense, as established by phrases like "met every Tuesday" and "Last week, the club held." All events being described already happened, so past tense should be maintained throughout.
Sentence 4 contains the error: "Leo makes a surprising move and captured Sarah's queen." The verb "makes" is present tense, while "captured" is past tense. Since this sentence describes events from the tournament that already occurred, both verbs should be in past tense: "Leo made a surprising move and captured Sarah's queen."
Looking at the other options: Choice B (Sentence 2) correctly uses past tense with "held." Choice C (Sentence 3) appropriately uses past tense with "was." Choice D (Sentence 1) correctly establishes the past timeframe with "met."
The correct answer is A because Sentence 4 contains an inappropriate shift from present tense ("makes") to past tense ("captured") within the same sentence.
For SHSAT success, always check that verb tenses remain consistent within the established timeframe of a passage. When you spot a tense shift, ask yourself whether it's justified by a change in time or whether it's an error that disrupts the passage's chronological consistency.
- Which sentence in the paragraph contains an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
This question tests your ability to identify verb tense consistency within a paragraph. When reading a passage, all verbs should maintain the same tense unless there's a logical reason for the time to shift.
Looking at the passage, you need to identify the established tense pattern. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 all use past tense verbs: "gathered," "boarded," "took," "encouraged." This creates a consistent narrative about events that already happened on a specific day in the past.
Sentence 3 breaks this pattern with "see" — a present tense verb that doesn't match the past tense context of the field trip story. Since the entire paragraph describes completed actions from a past field trip, this verb should be "saw" to maintain consistency.
Choice A is incorrect because sentence 1 uses appropriate past tense ("gathered") that establishes the time frame. Choice C is wrong because sentence 2 correctly maintains past tense with "boarded" and "took." Choice D is incorrect since sentence 4 properly uses past tense ("encouraged") that aligns with the established timeline.
The answer is B because sentence 3 inappropriately shifts from past to present tense.
When you encounter verb tense questions on the SHSAT, first identify the dominant tense pattern in the passage, then scan for any verbs that break that pattern without justification. Inappropriate tense shifts often occur in the middle of paragraphs where writers lose track of their established timeline.
- Which sentence should be revised to correct an error in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter verb tense questions, you need to check whether all verbs in a passage maintain consistent tense, especially when describing ongoing or general facts. This passage describes the current structure of the U.S. government, so all verbs should be in present tense.
Looking at each sentence, you can spot the error by examining the main verbs. Sentence 3 contains "carried out," which is past tense, while the rest of the passage uses present tense verbs like "establishes," "makes," and "interprets." Since the passage describes how the government currently functions, not how it functioned in the past, this verb should be "carries out" to match the present tense pattern.
Let's check why the other options are incorrect. Choice (A) is wrong because sentence 1 uses "establishes," which is correctly in present tense. Choice (C) is incorrect because sentence 2 uses "makes," also properly in present tense. Choice (D) is wrong because sentence 4 uses "interprets," which maintains the correct present tense.
The error in sentence 3 disrupts the parallel structure that describes the three branches' current roles and responsibilities. All three branches are described as having ongoing functions in the present government system.
Strategy tip: When checking verb tense consistency, read through the entire passage first to determine the overall time frame being discussed. Then scan each verb to ensure it matches that timeframe. Present tense is especially common in passages describing how systems, processes, or institutions currently work.
- Which sentence contains an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify whether all verbs in a passage maintain the same time frame or if there are inappropriate shifts that confuse the meaning.
Let's examine each sentence for tense consistency. The passage is written primarily in the present tense, which is appropriate for giving general advice about plant care.
Sentence 3 contains the error: "Overwatering is a common mistake that led to root rot and other problems." The sentence begins with "is" (present tense) but then shifts to "led" (past tense). Since this sentence is describing a general truth about what overwatering does, both verbs should be in present tense: "that leads to root rot."
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice A uses present tense consistently with "must provide" - this is correct for giving instructions. Choice B maintains present tense throughout with "have," "is," and the infinitive "to research" - this is appropriate for stating facts. Choice D uses present tense consistently with "can help" and "prevent" - this correctly expresses ongoing advice.
The key strategy for tense questions is to identify the dominant tense pattern in the passage and look for verbs that break that pattern without justification. In instructional writing like this, present tense is standard because the advice applies generally, not to one specific time in the past or future. Always check that verbs within the same sentence or related sentences maintain logical tense relationships.
- Identify the sentence that should be revised to correct its tense inconsistency with the surrounding narration.
Answer: Sentence 2
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify the established timeframe and spot any verbs that break that pattern. This passage describes events that happened in the past, so all verbs should maintain past tense throughout.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tense. Sentence 1 uses "excavated" and "unearthing" (past tenses). Sentence 3 uses "was" (past tense). Sentence 4 uses "reassembled" (past tense). However, Sentence 2 switches to present tense with "catalog" and "photograph" - these should be "cataloged" and "photographed" to match the past tense narration established throughout the passage.
Looking at why the other options are incorrect: Choice A uses consistent past tense verbs ("excavated" and the past participial phrase with "unearthing"), so no revision is needed. Choice C correctly uses past tense ("was complete") and maintains the established timeframe. Choice D appropriately uses past tense ("reassembled") and fits the chronological sequence of events.
Choice B contains the error because "catalog" and "photograph" are present tense verbs that disrupt the past tense narrative flow. These verbs describe actions that occurred during the archaeological excavation, which is clearly presented as a completed past event.
Strategy tip: When checking tense consistency, read through the entire passage first to establish the primary timeframe, then scan each sentence for verbs that don't match. Pay special attention to sentences in the middle of paragraphs, as they're common locations for tense shifts that break consistency.
- Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 4
When you encounter questions about verb tense shifts, you need to identify whether all verbs in a passage maintain consistent tense or inappropriately jump between time periods.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tense. Sentence 1 uses past tense ("was," "was destroyed") to describe historical events. Sentence 2 continues in past tense ("buried") for the same historical period. Sentence 3 uses past tense ("remained") and present perfect ("offering") appropriately, as it describes both past preservation and ongoing relevance.
However, Sentence 4 creates a problematic shift. It starts with present tense ("continue") to describe current archaeological work, but then switches to past tense ("taught") when it should maintain present tense or use present perfect. Since the learning is ongoing, it should read "their work teaches us" or "their work has taught us."
Choice A is incorrect because Sentence 1 appropriately uses past tense for historical events in 79 A.D. Choice B is wrong because Sentence 2 correctly maintains past tense for the volcanic eruption. Choice D is incorrect because Sentence 3 properly uses past tense for historical preservation and present perfect for ongoing relevance.
The answer is C because Sentence 4 inappropriately shifts from present tense ("continue") to past tense ("taught") within the same timeframe.
Study tip: When checking verb tense consistency, identify the time period being described in each part of the sentence. Present activities should use present or present perfect tense, while historical events should use past tense throughout.
- Which sentence disrupts the passage's overall past-tense narration?
Answer: Sentence 2
This question tests your ability to identify inconsistent verb tense within a narrative passage. When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, look for shifts that disrupt the established time frame of the story.
The passage establishes past-tense narration from the very beginning. Sentence 1 uses "stepped" and "blinded," sentence 3 uses "waited" and "took," and sentence 4 uses "began" — all past tense verbs that create a consistent narrative timeline.
Sentence 2 disrupts this pattern by suddenly shifting to present tense: "She feels her heart pounding." This jarring change from past to present tense breaks the flow of the narrative, making it the correct answer (B).
Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:
(A) Sentence 1 maintains past tense with "stepped" and "blinded," establishing the narrative's time frame rather than disrupting it.
(C) Sentence 3 continues the past-tense pattern with "waited" and "took," keeping the narration consistent with the established timeline.
(D) Sentence 4 concludes with past tense using "began," maintaining the same narrative voice throughout.
When tackling verb tense questions on the SHSAT, read through the entire passage first to identify the dominant tense pattern, then scan each sentence for verbs that don't match. Present tense verbs like "feels," "runs," or "thinks" will stand out immediately in a past-tense narrative, making these inconsistencies easier to spot.
- Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify whether all verbs in a passage maintain the same time frame. This passage describes cellular respiration as a general biological process, so it should use present tense throughout.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tense. Sentence 1 uses "allows" and "convert" (present tense). Sentence 2 uses "is broken down" (present passive). Sentence 4 uses "produces" (present tense). However, Sentence 3 contains "underwent," which is past tense. This creates an inappropriate shift because the passage consistently describes cellular respiration as an ongoing process, not something that happened once in the past. The sentence should read "undergo" to maintain present tense consistency.
Looking at why the other options are incorrect: Choice A (Sentence 1) uses appropriate present tense verbs that establish the general, timeless nature of cellular respiration. Choice C (Sentence 2) correctly uses present tense passive voice ("is broken down") to describe the ongoing process of glycolysis. Choice D (Sentence 4) appropriately uses present tense ("produces") to describe the result of cellular respiration.
For verb tense questions on the SHSAT, remember that scientific processes and general truths typically require present tense. Scan each sentence systematically, checking that all verbs match the established time frame. Past tense verbs like "underwent" often signal inappropriate shifts when describing ongoing biological or scientific processes.
- Which sentence contains an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify whether all verbs in a passage maintain the same time frame or if there are inappropriate shifts that confuse the timeline.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tenses. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 all use present tense verbs: "explores," "creates," "abandons," and "uses." This present tense is appropriate when discussing literature because we treat literary works as existing in an eternal present—the events happen every time someone reads the book.
Sentence 3, however, shifts inappropriately to past tense with "sought." Since the rest of the passage discusses Frankenstein's plot in present tense, this sentence should read "seeks revenge" to maintain consistency. This makes choice A correct.
Choice B is wrong because sentence 2 correctly uses present tense verbs ("creates," "abandons") that align with the passage's overall tense. Choice C is incorrect since sentence 1 appropriately establishes the present tense pattern with "explores." Choice D is wrong because sentence 4 maintains the established present tense with "uses."
The other sentences maintain proper present tense throughout, making them consistent with standard literary analysis writing.
Remember this key strategy: in passages about literature, look for the established tense pattern (usually present tense) and identify any sentences that break from it. Inconsistent verb tenses are common SHSAT traps, so always check that all verbs work together to create a coherent timeline.
- Select the sentence that contains an inappropriate shift in verb tense.
Answer: Sentence 2
When you encounter questions about verb tense shifts, you need to identify the established time frame of the passage and spot any verbs that break from that pattern without justification.
This passage describes a past museum visit, establishing a past tense framework with "led" in sentence 1. Most verbs correctly maintain this past tense perspective: "led," "explained," "seemed," and "leaned" all describe completed actions from the narrator's past experience.
Sentence 2 disrupts this pattern with "pauses" and "gestures" — both present tense verbs that clash with the established past tense narrative. The curator isn't pausing and gesturing now; she paused and gestured during the past museum visit. These should be "paused" and "gestured" to match the passage's timeframe.
Choice A is incorrect because "led" properly establishes the past tense setting. Choice C works correctly — while "explained" is past tense, "seemed" appropriately describes the narrator's past perception of how the room felt during that moment. Choice D is also correct because "leaned" maintains the past tense narrative, describing what the group did during that past visit.
The key trap here is that present tense verbs might sound more vivid or immediate, but consistency matters more than drama in formal writing. Watch for passages that establish a clear timeframe in the opening — the rest of the narrative should maintain that same temporal perspective unless there's a logical reason for the shift, like dialogue or a flashback.
- Which sentence in the paragraph should be revised to correct an inappropriate shift in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter questions about verb tense shifts, you're looking for inconsistencies in the timeline of events. All verbs describing actions that happened at the same time should use the same tense.
Let's examine the verb tenses in this passage. The story describes a past baking experience, so most verbs should be in past tense. Sentences 1, 2, and 4 correctly use past tense throughout: "tried," "was," "followed," "mixing," "was," and "tasted." However, sentence 3 contains an error: "However, I forget to add the baking powder." The verb "forget" is in present tense, but since this action happened in the past along with all the other baking steps, it should be "forgot."
Looking at the wrong answers: Choice B (sentence 2) correctly maintains past tense with "followed" and uses the appropriate present participle "mixing" to describe the ongoing action. Choice C (sentence 1) properly uses past tense "tried" and "was" throughout. Choice D (sentence 4) correctly employs past tense with "was" and "tasted."
The error in sentence 3 represents an inappropriate shift from the established past tense narrative to present tense, which confuses the timeline and disrupts the flow of the story.
Strategy tip: When checking for verb tense consistency, identify the main timeframe of the passage first, then scan each sentence to ensure all verbs align with that timeframe. Pay special attention to verbs that describe sequential actions—they should typically use the same tense.
- Select the verb form that keeps verb tense consistent in the following sentence.
"The chess champion studied her opponent's previous games and ___ several likely strategies before the tournament began."
Answer: identified
When you encounter verb tense consistency questions, you need to identify the time frame established by other verbs in the sentence and match that pattern throughout.
In this sentence, the verb "studied" is in the simple past tense, indicating that the chess champion's preparation happened before the tournament. The phrase "before the tournament began" further confirms we're discussing completed past actions. Since both actions (studying games and identifying strategies) occurred during the same time period in the past, they should use the same tense.
Choice B) "identified" is correct because it maintains consistency with "studied" - both are simple past tense verbs describing the champion's completed preparation activities.
Choice A) "identifies" uses present tense, which would incorrectly suggest the champion is currently identifying strategies, breaking the established past tense pattern. Choice C) "will identify" uses future tense, which doesn't match the past context and would be illogical since we're told these actions happened before the tournament began. Choice D) "has identified" uses present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past but continues to have relevance in the present - this doesn't fit the clear past context of the sentence.
Strategy tip: Look for time markers and existing verbs to establish the sentence's time frame. Once you identify the pattern (past, present, or future), all verbs should generally follow that same tense unless there's a logical reason for a shift. Past tense verbs often pair with time phrases like "before," "yesterday," or "last week."
- Which sentence in the paragraph contains an error in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 3
When you encounter verb tense questions, you need to identify the time frame established in the passage and check whether all verbs consistently match that timeframe.
This passage is written primarily in the past tense, describing events that happened in the past. Looking at each sentence: Sentence 1 uses "stared" (past tense), sentence 2 uses "had sailed" and "knew" (past perfect and past tense), and sentence 4 uses "remained" (past tense). However, sentence 3 contains a verb tense error with "crash" - this present tense verb breaks the established past tense pattern. It should be "crashed" to maintain consistency with the rest of the narrative.
Choice A is correct because sentence 3 contains the tense inconsistency. Choice B is incorrect because sentence 2 properly uses past perfect ("had sailed") to show an action completed before the main past tense narrative, and "knew" correctly maintains past tense. Choice C is wrong because sentence 1 consistently uses past tense with "stared" and "gripping" (past continuous implied). Choice D is incorrect because sentence 4 properly maintains past tense with "remained."
The key trap here is that "crash" might sound right because of the dramatic, immediate nature of waves hitting the boat. However, since this is a narrative describing past events, all main verbs must be in past tense. On the SHSAT, always establish the dominant tense first, then scan for any verbs that break the pattern - inconsistent tense is often the error being tested.
- Which sentence should be revised to correct an error in verb tense?
Answer: Sentence 4
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, look for verbs that don't match the time period being described. This passage discusses historical events from the Industrial Revolution, so all verbs should be in past tense to maintain consistency.
Let's examine each sentence's verb tense. The passage establishes a historical context with "began in the late 18th century" and "was a period," clearly indicating we're discussing past events. Sentence 4 contains the error: "This rapid urbanization brings about new social problems" uses the present tense verb "brings," but it should be "brought" to match the historical timeframe being described.
Looking at the other options: Choice A (Sentence 1) correctly uses past tense throughout with "began" and "was." Choice B (Sentence 2) properly uses past tense with "transformed." Choice D (Sentence 3) maintains consistency with "flocked," which is past tense.
The error in Choice C (Sentence 4) is a common mistake where writers shift from past to present tense when describing historical consequences. Since the urbanization and its resulting social problems occurred during the Industrial Revolution (a historical period), the verb should be "brought" rather than "brings."
Strategy tip: When reading passages about historical events, scan for any present tense verbs that seem out of place. If the passage establishes a clear timeframe in the past, all related actions and consequences should maintain past tense consistency throughout.
- Which revision best eliminates the verb-tense shift in the following sentence?
"The speaker concluded her lecture, raised her hand in farewell, and steps away from the podium."
Answer: and stepped away from the podium
When you encounter questions about verb tense consistency, you need to identify the established tense pattern and maintain it throughout the sentence. This sentence describes a sequence of completed actions that all happened in the past, so all verbs should be in the same past tense form.
Looking at the sentence structure, you have three actions connected by "and": "concluded," "raised," and the problematic "steps." The first two verbs are already in simple past tense (concluded, raised), establishing that these are completed past actions. The third verb needs to match this pattern to maintain parallel structure and consistent tense.
Choice A ("stepped") is correct because it uses simple past tense, matching "concluded" and "raised." This creates a smooth, logical sequence of completed past actions that all occurred at the same time.
Choice B ("will step") shifts to future tense, which doesn't make sense since the speaker has already concluded and raised her hand—actions that happened before stepping away.
Choice C ("is stepping") uses present progressive tense, creating an awkward shift from past actions to a current ongoing action. This breaks the logical sequence.
Choice D ("had stepped") uses past perfect tense, which indicates an action completed before other past actions. This would mean she stepped away before concluding and raising her hand, which contradicts the logical order of events.
Remember: when you see a series of actions connected by "and," check that all verbs are in the same tense to maintain parallel structure and logical chronology.
- Which sentence should be corrected to maintain tense consistency within its own clause?
Answer: Sentence 4
When you encounter questions about tense consistency, you need to check that verbs within the same timeframe match appropriately. This question asks specifically about consistency "within its own clause," meaning you're looking for a sentence where verbs don't align properly in the same part of the sentence.
Sentence 4 contains the error: "Visitors walk the path at dusk and imagined what travel felt like in 1910." Here, "walk" is present tense while "imagined" is past tense, but both verbs describe the same action happening at the same time during the reenactment weekend. This creates an inconsistency within the clause. It should read "Visitors walked the path" or "Visitors walk the path and imagine."
Choice A is incorrect because Sentence 1 uses past tense consistently: "trains thundered" describes past action appropriately. Choice B is wrong because Sentence 2 correctly uses present tense throughout: "trails wind" and "silence reigns" both describe the current state. Choice C is incorrect because Sentence 3 maintains proper tense consistency: "a historical society staged" and "brought" are both past tense, correctly describing last weekend's event.
Remember to scan each sentence for mixed tenses that describe simultaneous actions. When two verbs are connected by "and" and refer to the same timeframe, they should generally use the same tense. This type of error often appears when writers shift between describing past events and present conditions without maintaining clarity about when each action occurs.
