PSAT Writing and Language Question 279: Answer and Explanation

Question: 279

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. are
• C. were
• D. is

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Difficulty: Medium

Getting to the Answer: Check whether the subject of the underlined verb is singular or plural. Finding the subject is complicated by the fact that a prepositional phrase ("to the modern-day elephant") separates the verb from its subject, "precursors." This subject is plural, so eliminate the singular verbs in (A) and (D). You know that these animals are "now-extinct," so you need a past tense verb; eliminate (B). Only (C) is left and is correct.