Writing Section Question

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>This question was in the Writing section of a practice SAT from the College Board "Official SAT Book."</p>

<p>A<em>Introducing</em> new ideas and replacing B<em>old ones</em> C<em>is</em> always a highly controversial matter, D<em>especially when</em> there is already tension between an older and a younger generation. E<em>No error</em></p>

<p>I put (C) but the answer is (E) No error. I thought that since there are two gerunds, the verb should be plural.</p>

<hr>

<p>From <a href="http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0070400555/student_view0/editing-999/subject_verb_agreement-999/index.html:%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0070400555/student_view0/editing-999/subject_verb_agreement-999/index.html:&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>GERUNDS AS SUBJECTS</p>

<p>A gerund is a noun that ends in -ing and that stands for an activity: running, writing, studying, working, reading, understanding. Deal with gerunds as you would other nouns.</p>

<p>Donating food at our church helps [not help] the needy.</p>

<h2>Swimming and running are [not is] my favorite exercises.</h2>

<p>However, what makes the use of gerunds in this sentence different? Is there a delineating line as to why in some cases the singular form is used and other times, plural? Thanks.</p>