Reading and Writing: Standard English Conventions
SAT Question of the Day for November 6, 2026
A team of geologists studying volcanic rock formations in the Azores recently published a paper on basalt weathering patterns. The lead researcher, Dr. Fernanda Oliveira, _______ that certain mineral deposits in the region are significantly older than previous estimates suggested.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
- A.arguesCorrect answer
- B.have been arguing
- C.argue
- D.are arguing
Explanation
The subject of the verb is "The lead researcher, Dr. Fernanda Oliveira," which is a singular noun phrase. The appositive "Dr. Fernanda Oliveira" is set off by commas and renames the singular subject "The lead researcher." A singular subject requires a singular verb form. "argues" is the correct third-person singular present-tense form. "are arguing" uses the plural auxiliary "are," which does not agree with the singular subject. "argue" is the bare plural form, which does not agree with the singular subject. "have been arguing" uses the plural auxiliary "have," which does not agree with the singular subject.
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