47Your ear might be able to catch this one, but be on the safe side and check each of the answer choices.
(A) “unusually” is an adverb modifying the adjective “strong,” which is modifying the noun “wind.”
(B) “in” is a preposition. The expression in the relay race works fine. He won first place in the
relay race.
(C) “steadily” is an adverb modifying the verb “had ran.” That works. “Had ran” is the past perfect,
and rightly so, as there are two past actions in the sentence and running steadily happens
before finishing ten seconds behind, BUT even though the tense is right, the past participle
“ran” is conjugated incorrectly. Remember, when combined with a linking word you have to
use the “u” form of the verb. “Had ran” should be “had run.”
(D) “from” is a preposition. Can you run from something? Yes.
Revised Sentence:
Because the wind was unusually strong, Caroline
A
finished ten seconds behind her opponent in the relay
run B incorrect past participle
race, even though she had ran steadily all the way
C
from the starting line. No error
D E
Correct Answer: (C)
Because the wind was unusually strong, Caroline
A
finished ten seconds behind her opponent in the relay
B
race, even though she had ran steadily all the way
C
from the starting line. No error
D E13.
The exercise ball used by physical fitness trainers are
A
very effective in activating the electromyographic
B
activity of the abdominal muscles, thereby making
C
core training during exercise more efficient. No error
D E14.
ETS is testing one of its favorite errors. S VA!
(A) “are” is a simple present tense verb so let’s check SVA. Who or what “are”? Cross off the prep
phrase by physical fitness trainers. The sentence now reads: The exercise ball used are... So
the subject of “are” is “ball.” “Ball” is singular and “are” is plural so change the verb to the
singular “is.”