A verb agreement question tests whether a verb matches its true subject, even when a phrase adds other nouns. First, sort the verb forms by number, rather than tense. Then find who or what the verb is about and cross out phrases that describe the subject. A subject that names one thing takes a singular verb; one that names more than one takes a plural verb. Check the short version with it or they, because a nearby noun may belong only to a describing phrase.
Hints
- Hint 1
In the first sentence, ask what does the illustrating. Find the group of words that answers that question.
- Hint 2
Check the phrase that starts with of. Cross it out, then try replacing the remaining subject with it or they.
Step-by-step
Sort, find, and match
Step 1Sort by number
Sort the verb forms by number, not tense. The forms illustrate, have illustrated, and are illustrating go with they, so they're plural. For subject-verb agreement, a verb must match its subject as one thing or more than one. Which noun in a collection of handwoven baskets controls the blank?
- Step 2
Find the true subject
What does the illustrating in this sentence? It's a collection, while of handwoven baskets tells us what the collection contains. Let's cross out the phrase that starts with of, since those words describe the collection and aren't the verb's subject. Collection is the true subject, even though the baskets sit closer to the blank.
- Step 3
Match one group to its verb
Does a collection take it or they? A collection is one group, even when it contains many baskets, so use it. We say it illustrates, which makes illustrates the form this sentence needs. Choice D.