A subject-verb agreement question tests whether a verb matches a subject that's one thing or more than one. Sort the verb forms by number, then read the clause with the blank, which has its own subject and verb. Cross out extra details and ask who or what that verb is about. One thing takes a singular verb, and more than one takes a plural verb. Test the true subject with it or they, not the nearest noun.
Hints
- Hint 1
Read the part beginning with whose. Who or what receives praise in that part of the sentence?
- Hint 2
Read without the words between the dashes, then ask whether the remaining subject means one thing or more than one.
Step-by-step
Find the true subject
Step 1Sort the forms by number
The choices change the form of be, so start with number, not tense. What kind of subject do was, is, and has been need? Each fits it, which means one person or thing; in has been, the helper has shows the number. The blank sits in the part starting with whose plans, so we need that part's subject rather than the subject of the whole sentence.
- Step 2
Clear away what describes the plans
What received the praise in this part of the sentence? In whose plans, whose tells us that the plans belong to Helen Nguyen, while plans names what received praise. The words comprising sweeping glass facades and open reading rooms explain what the plans include, and the dashes set them apart as extra information. Let's cross out that phrase so plans meets the blank. The architect is the owner, but the plans are the subject of the verb.
- Step 3
Match the subject to the verb
Now replace plans with they, because it names more than one plan. Which form completes they _____ praised? We need a plural verb form, even though those plans belong to one architect. Were gives us they were praised, so the verb matches the things receiving the praise. Choice B.