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Difficulty: EasyShifts in Construction

During last week's field trip, students observed the behavior of honeybees in a local garden. The students tracked several bees back to their hives and are recording the findings in their science journals. Later, they shared their observations with the class.

Which choice best corrects the underlined portion in the passage?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. recordedAnswer
  3. C
    will record
  4. D
    to record

Answer

recorded
The correct option is 'recorded' because the entire passage is written in the past tense, as shown by 'observed,' 'tracked,' and 'shared.' Using the past-tense verb 'recorded' maintains consistent construction throughout the sentence and avoids a jarring shift in verb tense.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the verb tense of the surrounding verbs in the passage.
The verbs 'observed,' 'tracked,' and 'shared' are all in the past tense.
This establishes a past-tense framework for the entire passage.
2
Analyze the underlined verb phrase 'are recording'.
It is in the present progressive tense.
This creates an inconsistent verb tense shift, which disrupts chronological order.
3
Select the option that matches the past tense of the other verbs.
The word 'recorded' is in the simple past tense.
This maintains grammatical consistency and parallel construction with 'tracked.'

Key Concept

Shifts in Construction
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Topics

Shifts in Construction

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