Set 15: Form, Structure & Sense
Explanation
PASSAGE
Neither the teacher nor the students _______ aware of the schedule change until the announcement was made.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question tests your understanding of sentence function and text organization. With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. 'Students' is plural and closest to the verb, so 'were' is correct. Each sentence in a well-constructed text serves a specific purpose. Consider what role this sentence plays in the argument: does it introduce, support, contrast, or conclude an idea? Understanding why an author includes specific sentences helps you grasp the overall argument. Each sentence should serve a clear purpose: introducing ideas, providing evidence, acknowledging counterarguments, or drawing conclusions. Identify the role to understand the structure.
Key Evidence:
• "Neither the teacher nor the students"
• "until the announcement was made"
Why others are wrong: B ('Is' is present tense; the sentence uses past tense 'was made.'), C ('Was' is singular; the nearest noun 'students' is plural.), D ('Being' is not a complete verb form on its own.).
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