PSAT Writing and Language Question 612: Answer and Explanation

Question: 612

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. was lying
• C. was laying
• D. were lying

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

(D) The phrase "were lying" correctly uses the past progressive plural form of "to lie," indicating what the plural strikers were doing over an extended period in the past. The appropriate form of "lie" should be used since it means "being still," while "lay" means "put something down." The strikers were being still as they awaited the barges.