Grammar & Sentence Structure
The number of applicants ___ increased sharply this year. Which choice is correct?
- Ahave
- Bare
- ChasCorrect
- Dwere
Why: The phrase 'the number of' is treated as singular, so it takes the singular verb 'has'. (By contrast, 'a number of applicants have' would be plural.)
Vocabulary in Context
The evidence was so ___ that the jury reached a verdict within an hour. Which word best fits?
- Avacant
- Btrivial
- CcompellingCorrect
- Dreluctant
Why: 'Compelling' means convincing or persuasive, which fits evidence that leads to a quick verdict. 'Trivial' means unimportant, the opposite of what the context needs.