An agreement question tests whether a verb matches a subject that's one thing or more than one. First find the true subject by setting aside extra information between commas. Then replace the subject with a pronoun, using it for one thing or they for more. A singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb. Extra nouns near the blank don't change which subject the verb must match.
Hints
- Hint 1
Look at the words between the commas. What remains before the blank if you leave those words out?
- Hint 2
Replace the remaining subject with it or they. Use that pronoun to test the forms of be.
Step-by-step
Sort the forms and find the subject
Step 1Find the usable verb forms
Start by sorting the forms of be: are and were take plural subjects here, while being needs a helper to complete the sentence. Can the verb in but has already generated serve as that helper? No, because but joins two verbs for the same subject. The blank needs a verb that shows tense, so set being aside.
- Step 2
Find what is scheduled
What is scheduled for release next month? Cross out along with several accessories, which sits between commas and says what comes with the phone. That leaves The new smartphone model as the subject. The subject is one model, because along with adds a detail rather than joining two subjects as and would.
- Step 3
Test the subject with a pronoun
Replace The new smartphone model with it. Which form of be works with that pronoun? We say it is scheduled, so is matches the singular subject and completes the verb at the blank. Choice B.