writing help

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>1) Although the precise date and place of the origin of baseball are [hotly debated], it is [beyond dispute] that the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn [play] an important role in [its] early development. </p>

<p>Answer: play </p>

<p>2) Willie Dixon’s [upbeat blues] compositions helped usher in the Chicago blues sound during the 1950’s and [have become] standard numbers for the many young rock groups [trying to] achieve popularity [during] the 1960’s.</p>

<p>Answer: have become</p>

<p>i picked no error for both questions, can anyone explain me why the answers mentioned above are correct...</p>

2

<p>manhattan and brooklyn <- plural adjectives that describe plays <- plural
had become <- clue is "during the 1960's - which has already passed"</p>

3

<p>The correct answer to number one is "played" ...The sentence is talking about the origin of basketball, which is a past event (hence past tense should be used). During that time Manhattan and Brooklyn played (past tense) important roles. </p>

<p>Second one should be "had become" because the action took place in the past. If it were a current "continuing" event, then have become would be correct.</p>