Bluebook SAT Test SAT Grammar and Punctuation Practice 5

Question 1

Neither the manager nor her assistants ______ aware of the scheduling conflict.

Accepted Answer

were

Answer

In 'neither…nor' constructions, the verb agrees with the nearest subject; 'her assistants' is plural, so 'were' is correct.

Question 2

The delegation from the neighboring countries ______ unanimous in its support of the resolution.

Accepted Answer

was

Answer

'Delegation' is a collective noun treated as singular in American English; 'was' is correct.

Question 3

Having read the brief, the lawyer ______ confident in her argument.

Accepted Answer

felt

Answer

The participial phrase 'Having read the brief' implies a completed past action; the main clause is in past tense, so 'felt' is correct.

Question 4

The board voted to increase the budget ______ to fund new research initiatives.

Accepted Answer

in order

Answer

'In order' (completing 'in order to') is the most idiomatic and formal expression of purpose in standard written English.

Question 5

The final exam ______ three hours, during which students may not use any reference materials.

Accepted Answer

lasts

Answer

The sentence describes a general, ongoing rule (present tense fact), so 'lasts' is correct.

Bluebook SAT Practice Test