An agreement question tests whether you can match a verb to its true subject with extra phrases in between. Sort the choices by number and check whether the blank needs a main verb; an -ing form needs a helper to work as a main verb. Then find the true subject by asking who or what the verb is about and crossing out phrases. One thing takes a singular verb, and more than one takes a plural verb. Check with it or they, not the nearest noun.
Hints
- Hint 1
Read the second sentence through to the period and check whether the blank needs a main verb. Does the verb about cardholders also say what's available?
- Hint 2
Look for what is described as available. Cross out the details between commas and the phrase starting with of to find the true subject.
- Hint 3
Try the subject with it or they. Which pronoun fits the subject left after you remove the details?
Step-by-step
Find the subject behind the details
Step 1Check the need for a main verb
Sort the forms of be by number: are and have been go with more than one. Does the second sentence need a main verb, a verb saying what its subject does or is? Yes: who want to complete projects at home only says what cardholders want. The blank still needs a main verb, so being can't fill it without a helper.
- Step 2
Find the true subject
What is described as available? Cross out of tools and the details between commas, including sewing machines and power drills. Those words say what the collection holds and give examples; they don't make the tool names the subject. That leaves A collection as the true subject.
- Step 3
Match one collection to its verb
A collection names one group, so let's use it in place of that subject. This collection needs a singular verb, a form that matches one thing: it is available. The forms are and have been go with they, so is gives us the main verb that matches the collection. Choice B.