1.
Of all the countries in that area of the world, perhaps Nigeria ___ the most potential.
Correct Answer
B. Has
Explanation
The correct answer is "has" because it agrees with the singular subject "Nigeria." In this sentence, we are talking about Nigeria specifically, so we use the singular form of the verb "has" to show that Nigeria possesses the most potential among all the countries in that area of the world.
2.
Never ___ the weather been so bad in the months of June and July.
Correct Answer
B. Has
Explanation
The correct answer is "has" because the subject "weather" is singular, and the verb should agree with the subject in number. In this case, "has" is the correct form of the verb for a singular subject.
3.
Swimming in heated pools ___ very common in this part of the country in the winter.
Correct Answer
B. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is." In this sentence, the subject "Swimming in heated pools" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Is" is the correct form of the verb to agree with the subject.
4.
Neither the teacher nor the students ___ to use this book again.
Correct Answer
A. Want
Explanation
The correct answer is "want" because when using "neither...nor," the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. In this case, "students" is the closest noun to the verb, and since "students" is plural, the verb should also be plural, which is "want."
5.
Without the new taxes, houses built before World War II ___ lower costs than more modern homes do.
Correct Answer
B. Have
Explanation
In this sentence, the subject is "houses built before World War II," which is a plural subject because it refers to multiple houses. The verb should agree in number with the subject, which means it should be in the plural form as well. The verb "have" is the correct choice because it is the plural form of the verb.
6.
Some of the books on the table ___ to me.
Correct Answer
A. Belong
Explanation
The correct answer is "belong" because the subject "some of the books" is plural, so the verb should also be plural to agree with the subject.
7.
Unlike similar kinds of pets such as neon tetras, the guppy ___ very little food and attention to survive.
Correct Answer
A. Needs
Explanation
The correct answer is "needs" because it agrees with the subject "the guppy," which is singular. In this sentence, "needs" is the correct form of the verb "to need" for a singular subject. The sentence is stating that the guppy requires very little food and attention to survive compared to other similar pets.
8.
Some of this book ____ not very entertaining.
Correct Answer
B. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "Some of this book" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Is" is the singular form of the verb "to be" and agrees with the subject in number.
9.
Common knowledge to anyone who studies science, the earth ___ on its own axis once every twenty-four hours.
Correct Answer
B. Revolves
Explanation
The correct answer is "revolves" because the statement mentions that the Earth rotates on its own axis once every twenty-four hours. The word "revolves" accurately describes this movement, as it refers to the Earth's rotation around the sun.
10.
Of all the grammar points I have studied in my seven years of English, the most recent unit ___ me the most for a variety of reasons.
Correct Answer
B. Confuses
Explanation
The correct answer is "confuses." In the sentence, "the most recent unit" is the subject and it is singular. Therefore, we need to use the verb form that agrees with a singular subject, which is "confuses."
11.
Neither the students nor the teacher ___ about what happens on this trip.
Correct Answer
B. Cares
Explanation
The correct answer is "cares". In this sentence, "neither" is used as a negative conjunction, indicating that both the students and the teacher do not care about what happens on the trip. Since "neither" is followed by "nor", the verb "cares" should agree with the noun closest to it, which is "teacher". Therefore, the correct verb form is "cares".
12.
According to the information on this page, items bought before 1940 ___ more than items made after that year.
Correct Answer
A. Cost
Explanation
According to the information on this page, items bought before 1940 cost more than items made after that year.
13.
That Shakespeare was one of the most talented writers ___ an understatement to those who are really familiar with the field of literature.
Correct Answer
A. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "Shakespeare" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. In this sentence, "is" agrees with the singular subject and is used to indicate that Shakespeare being one of the most talented writers is an understatement to those who are familiar with literature.
14.
What ___ the impetus behind tonight's meeting with members of the committee?
Correct Answer
B. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the question is asking for the subject that is the impetus behind tonight's meeting with members of the committee. "Impetus" is a singular noun, so it requires the singular form of the verb "is" to agree with it.
15.
The large companies in our area ___ a cheap source of labor.
Correct Answer
A. Need
Explanation
The correct answer is "need." In this sentence, "large companies" is the subject, and since it is plural, the verb should also be plural. Therefore, "need" is the correct form of the verb to agree with the subject.
16.
As most sports magazines can attest, playing sports such as tennis and basketball ___ not only mental ability but also physical strength.
Correct Answer
B. Requires
Explanation
The correct answer is "requires". In the given sentence, the subject "playing sports" is singular, so it should be followed by the verb form "requires" which agrees with the singular subject. The verb "require" is incorrect as it is the plural form and does not agree with the subject.
17.
Despite the bad weather we have had in the past days, there ___ no doubt that the tournament will go on.
Correct Answer
A. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "there" is used as a placeholder and does not affect the verb agreement. In this sentence, "there is no doubt" is a fixed phrase that means "it is certain." Therefore, the singular form of the verb "is" is used.
18.
Much of the machinery on these farms ___ unusable.
Correct Answer
B. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because the subject "much of the machinery" is singular and requires a singular verb. In this case, "is" is the correct form of the verb to agree with the subject.
19.
According to the police, the killer of the boys in both cities ___ probably between the ages of 40 and 50.
Correct Answer
A. Is
Explanation
The correct answer is "is" because it agrees with the singular subject "killer." In this sentence, we are talking about one killer, not multiple killers. Therefore, we use the singular form of the verb "is" to match the subject.