Grammar
Help Questions
PSAT Reading & Writing › Grammar
At the community center's annual showcase, a local arts collective presents work from dozens of creators, but the curated list of participants ____ limited to those who can attend the opening night. The organizers explained that this approach keeps scheduling manageable and ensures that visitors encounter completed projects rather than last-minute revisions.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
is
have been
were being
Explanation
The singular subject 'list' requires the singular verb 'is.' The other choices use an incorrect number or tense for a general present-time statement.
In a recent consumer report, two models of electric scooters were tested side by side, and the braking system on the newer model was found to stop more smoothly than _____. Because the tests used identical courses and riders, the editors concluded that the updated design made the crucial difference.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
the older model
those on the older model
that of the older model
it
Explanation
We must compare one braking system to another, so 'that of the older model' provides a clear, singular reference. The other choices compare unlike things, mismatch number, or use an ambiguous pronoun.
After years in the classroom, I moved into curriculum development, joining a district team tasked with improving new-teacher support. As a former teacher, ____ designed a mentorship program that pairs novices with experienced colleagues, setting weekly goals and offering paid planning time so that participants have a realistic workload and clear feedback.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
I
the district team
it
myself
Explanation
The introductory modifier 'As a former teacher' must logically modify the subject 'I.' The other choices either make the modifier illogical or are ungrammatical as subjects (e.g., 'myself').
While compiling the year-end report, the team discovered that several invoices attached to the outreach initiative were missing, which is delaying final approval. The absence of a signed statement from the project lead, along with emails that explain the delays, ____ cited as the primary reason the board is postponing its vote.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
were
was
have been
is being
Explanation
The singular subject 'absence' takes a singular verb, and the ongoing situation calls for the present progressive 'is being cited.' The other options either use the wrong number or an inconsistent tense/aspect.
Many residents attend the neighborhood meeting each month to discuss proposed park renovations, and the committee outlines several goals for improving safety and accessibility. The list of recommended changes (including new lighting, trimmed hedges, and repaired sidewalks) ____ expected to reduce blind spots and make evening walks more comfortable for pedestrians.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
are
is
have been
were
Explanation
The singular subject 'The list' takes 'is,' yielding 'is expected.' 'Are' and 'were' mismatch the singular subject, and 'have been' creates an unnecessary tense shift.
After months of beta testing, the startup released a streamlined version of the app and surveyed early adopters to identify updates that should be prioritized. Because the engineering team aims to eliminate redundant menus and shorten load times, the company believes ____ will help first-time users complete common tasks in fewer steps without additional tutorials.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
it
its
them
they
Explanation
The plural antecedent 'updates' requires the plural subject pronoun 'they.' 'It' mismatches number, 'its' is a possessive determiner, and 'them' is the object form, not a subject.
During the museum's temporary show on ancient navigation, the curator dimmed the lights to highlight the glow-in-the-dark trade routes painted on the walls. Walking through the exhibit, ____ noticed how the projected star fields subtly shifted as we moved, a thoughtful design that clarified how sailors oriented themselves at sea.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
we
the exhibit
the star fields
they
Explanation
The modifier 'Walking through the exhibit' must modify the walkers, so 'we' is the logical subject and also matches 'we moved' later in the sentence. 'The exhibit' and 'the star fields' cannot walk, creating dangling modifiers, and 'they' causes an unnecessary pronoun shift.
Drawing on motion-sensor data from dozens of neighborhoods, a series of new studies, along with preliminary field reports, ____ to challenge the assumption that urban foxes are strictly nocturnal. If future surveys confirm the pattern, wildlife managers recommend that city guidelines be updated so that daytime sightings are logged rather than dismissed as anomalies.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
appear
have appeared
appears
were appearing
Explanation
The true subject is 'a series,' which is singular, so 'appears' is the correct verb. 'Appear' and 'were appearing' are plural, and 'have appeared' shifts tense inappropriately.
After months of reviewing survey responses and consulting local stakeholders, the committee drafted a plan to redesign the town square, balancing increased pedestrian access with the needs of nearby businesses and public transit. In the final draft, the committee explained that _____ primary goal is to improve safety while preserving the character of the area.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
it's
its
their
their's
Explanation
Because 'committee' is a singular collective noun, the correct possessive pronoun is 'its.' 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is,' 'their' is plural and does not agree, and 'their's' is nonstandard.
To help students understand the software rollout, the district sent detailed guides and hosted Q&A sessions, inviting feedback from teachers at each campus and noting common technical issues across grade levels. A series of follow-up trainings _____ next month, allowing staff to practice with the new features on updated devices before the semester's major projects begin.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
has scheduled to begin
are scheduled to begin
were scheduled to begin
is scheduled to begin
Explanation
The singular subject 'series' requires 'is scheduled to begin' to maintain subject-verb agreement and match the future timing indicated by 'next month.' 'Are' mismatches number, 'has scheduled' is ungrammatical with this subject, and 'were scheduled' is the wrong tense.