An agreement question tests whether a verb takes a singular form for one thing or a plural form for more than one. Sort the forms by number, then find the true subject by crossing out extra phrases. Along with adds details, not another subject. With either ... or, the verb matches the nearer subject. Use it or they to test whether a form fits that subject, because the noun nearest the blank may belong to extra information.
Hints
- Hint 1
Find who the sentence says is responsible. Leave the details about permits and the festival outside that subject.
- Hint 2
Cross out the phrase between the commas. Does along with join another subject, or add extra information?
- Hint 3
With either ... or, the verb matches the nearer subject. Compare each subject's position to the blank after setting aside the comma phrase.
Step-by-step
Sort, find, and match
Step 1Sort by number
Start by sorting the verb forms by number, meaning whether they go with one thing or more than one. Are, were, and have been all go with they, so they're plural. Number comes first, because different tenses can't fix a mismatch with the subject. The sentence needs a verb that agrees with whoever is responsible for ensuring the permits are filed.
- Step 2
Set aside the comma phrase
What can we cross out to bring the subjects next to the blank? The words along with the rest of the planning committee sit between commas and add information about who is involved. Along with doesn't join subjects the way and does, so the committee doesn't change the subject's number.
- Step 3
Use the nearer subject
What does or tell us about which subject controls the verb? When either and or join two subjects, the verb matches the subject closer to it, rather than treating both as a plural pair. The phrase the volunteer coordinators is farther from the blank, while the event manager is nearer once we cross out the comma phrase. The nearer subject names one manager, so this verb needs a singular form.
- Step 4
Test the shorter subject
How can we check the form with a shorter subject? Replace the event manager with it: it is responsible. The singular form is gives us a complete subject and verb that agree, so it fills the blank. Choice B.