Question 15·Hard·Form, Structure, and Sense
Despite years of study, the array of data collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents _____ too limited for researchers to develop a definitive model of how such ecosystems form.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
For subject–verb agreement questions, quickly strip the sentence down to its core by crossing out introductory phrases and prepositional phrases (like "of data"). Identify the main subject, decide if it is singular or plural, and then match it with a verb that has the correct number and a natural tense for a general statement (usually simple present). Eliminate choices that are the wrong number (singular vs. plural) or use an unnecessary or awkward tense like progressive or perfect when a simple state is being described.
Hints
Find the true subject
Cross out the introductory phrase "Despite years of study" and the prepositional phrase "of data collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents". What noun is left as the subject?
Check singular vs. plural
Ask yourself: Is that subject talking about one thing or many things? Your verb must match that number (singular or plural).
Consider the time and type of action
Is the sentence talking about an ongoing, general state, or a temporary action right now, or something completed? That will help you choose between simple present, present perfect, and present progressive forms.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the core subject and verb spot
First, ignore the introductory phrase and prepositional phrase:
- Original: "Despite years of study, the array of data collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents _____ too limited..."
- Ignore: "Despite years of study" and "of data collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents"
The core structure becomes: "the array _____ too limited for researchers..." So the subject is array.
Decide if the subject is singular or plural
The word array is singular. The phrase "of data" is a prepositional phrase that describes what the array is made of, but it does not change the subject to plural.
So we need a singular verb form that agrees with "array."
Choose the correct tense and aspect
The sentence describes a general, ongoing situation: even now, the collection is too limited. For this meaning, Standard English normally uses the simple present tense (not progressive or perfect) to show a current state.
So we want a singular simple present verb that fits: "the array ___ too limited."
Match form, number, and tense
Among the choices, the singular simple present form that agrees with the singular subject "array" and correctly expresses a current state is "remains". The completed sentence is:
"Despite years of study, the array of data collected from deep-sea hydrothermal vents remains too limited for researchers to develop a definitive model of how such ecosystems form."