Bluebook SAT Test Form, Structure, and Sense 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The scientists' findings, which were published in three separate journals, _______ challenged by a rival research team.
- was
- were (Correct answer)
- is
- has been
Correct answer: were
The subject 'findings' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct; the relative clause is a non-essential modifier.
Question 2: The professor announced that the exam _______ postponed until further notice.
- is
- has been
- would be (Correct answer)
- will be
Correct answer: would be
'Would be' is correct because the announcement was made in the past ('announced'), requiring a past-tense verb in the reported clause.
Question 3: Either the coach or the players _______ responsible for choosing the game strategy.
- is
- are (Correct answer)
- was
- has been
Correct answer: are
With 'either…or,' the verb agrees with the nearer subject; 'players' is plural, so 'are' is correct.
Question 4: The team celebrated _______ victory with a parade through downtown.
- it's
- its (Correct answer)
- their
- there
Correct answer: its
'Its' is the possessive pronoun for a singular noun like 'team'; 'it's' is a contraction of 'it is' and is incorrect here.
Question 5: The novel, along with several companion essays, _______ scheduled to be released next spring.
- is (Correct answer)
- are
- were
- have been
Correct answer: is
'Along with' is a prepositional phrase, not a conjunction; the subject remains the singular 'novel,' which takes 'is.'
Question 6: After finishing her degree, _______ decided to pursue graduate studies in neuroscience.
- the acceptance letter was received
- Dr. Patel (Correct answer)
- it was decided
- a scholarship was awarded to her
Correct answer: Dr. Patel
'Dr. Patel' is the only option that creates a logical subject for 'finishing her degree'—the participial phrase must refer to a person.
Question 7: The governors debated which of the states _______ most in need of infrastructure funding.
- was (Correct answer)
- were
- are
- is
Correct answer: was
The subject of this clause is 'which,' referring to 'which one of the states'; the context is singular ('which' stands for a single state), so 'was' is correct.
Bluebook SAT Test Form, Structure, and Sense 2
The scientists' findings, which were published in three separate journals, _______ challenged by a rival research team.