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Question

Difficulty: EasySubject-Verb Agreement

For many individuals, finding like-minded peers offline can be challenging due to geographical barriers. In social psychology, the popularity of online communities dedicated to niche hobbies ______ a growing desire for connection in an increasingly digital world. Although some critics argue that virtual interactions are inherently superficial, research suggests that these virtual spaces can foster deep, supportive relationships that rival face-to-face friendships.

Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?

  1. reflectsAnswer
  2. B
    reflect
  3. C
    are reflecting
  4. D
    reflected

Answer

reflects
The singular verb 'reflects' agrees with the singular subject 'the popularity'. Although the plural nouns 'communities' and 'hobbies' appear between the subject and the verb, they are part of a prepositional phrase modifying 'popularity' and do not affect the agreement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the subject of the clause containing the blank.
The subject is the noun phrase 'the popularity', which is singular.
The intervening phrase 'of online communities dedicated to niche hobbies' contains plural nouns ('communities', 'hobbies') but does not change the singular nature of the main subject.
2
Determine the correct verb form that agrees with the singular subject and fits the tense of the passage.
The correct verb form is 'reflects', which is singular and in the present tense.
The rest of the passage uses present-tense verbs ('is', 'argue', 'are', 'suggests', 'can foster') to describe a general condition, so the blank must be filled with a present-tense singular verb.

Key Concept

Subject-Verb Agreement
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Topics

Subject-Verb Agreement

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