<p>Here's the sentence:</p>
<p>At the reception were the chattering guests, the three-tiered cake, and the lively music that have become characteristic of many wedding celebrations.</p>
<p>The correct answer is "no error"</p>
<p>HOWEVER, I DISAGREE.
The past tense "were" disagrees with the present perfect "have become". </p>
<p>Where did I go wrong? Or is this really Collegeboard's fault?</p>
<p>It sounds right to me, although I don’t know how to explain it. What do you think it should be if not “have become”?</p>
<p>In this case, the present perfect tense is logical.</p>
<p>How do they disagree? The three characteristics were at the reception. These characteristics have been prevalent in many wedding celebrations. These are two different statements. One has to do with a particular reception; the other has to do with a general truth.</p>