SAT writing MC question?

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>Here is the question(improving sentences):</p>

<p>(Portion in quotes is the underlined portion)
Before the search party reached the scene of the accident, "the rain began to fall", making rescue efforts more difficult.</p>

<p>A. the rain began to fall
B. the rain had began to fall
C. it began to rain
D. the rain had begun to fall
E. it started to rain</p>

<p>I selected choice D, because the rain began to fall before the search party reached the scene of the accident, thereby requiring the past perfect tense. However, the book said that the answer is A. Could someone explain this to me, or is the book wrong?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I think the book is wrong.</p>

3

<p>I believe that when ‘before’ is used, the word ‘had’ is not necessary.</p>

<p>Though, I am adding my disclaimer since I am never confident with these types of question</p>

4

<p>

^I agree. </p>

<p>Your reasoning is correct with the use of the past perfect. Are you sure you’re using a Collegeboard test?</p>

5

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/19866-tough-writing-questions-usage-corrections.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-act-tests-test-preparation/19866-tough-writing-questions-usage-corrections.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>why isn’t it C?</p>

7

<p>anything other than collegeboard material always carries the risk of teaching something wrong</p>