Reading and Writing: Standard English Conventions
SAT Question of the Day for October 13, 2026
The architect who designed the cantilevered observation deck extending over the gorge insisted that the structure's load-bearing _______ tested under conditions simulating wind speeds of up to 170 kilometers per hour before the facility opened to visitors.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A.columns are
- B.columns beCorrect answer
- C.columns would be
- D.columns have been
Explanation
The verb "insisted" in the sense of making a demand triggers the mandative subjunctive in the "that" clause. The subjunctive requires the bare form of the verb—"be"—regardless of subject number, making "columns be" the correct choice. The indicative "columns are" fails to use the subjunctive mood required after verbs of demand such as "insisted." The conditional "columns would be" introduces an unnecessary and non-standard modal; the mandative subjunctive after "insisted that" does not permit "would." The present perfect "columns have been" is in the wrong mood entirely, treating the clause as an indicative statement rather than a demand.
How to use this question
Try the question before you read the explanation: cover it, commit to an answer, and then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. If you missed it, note the step where your approach went wrong rather than only the correct letter, and look for that same step the next time you see a similar question.
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