PSAT Writing and Language Question 326: Answer and Explanation

Question: 326

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. kindled
• C. was kindling
• D. will kindle

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Verbs are changing in the answer choices, so this question is testing consistency of verbs. A verb must be consistent with its subject and with the other verbs in the sentence. The subject of the verb is A trip, which is singular, and this trip happened in the past. To be consistent, the underlined verb must also be singular and must be in past tense. Eliminate (A) because kindles is present, not past tense. Keep (B) because kindled is past tense. Eliminate (C) because was kindling is not the right type of past tense. The verb was kindling indicates an ongoing action, whereas the sentence describes something that happened one time. Eliminate (D) because will kindle is future, not past tense. The correct answer is (B).