This question-specific review guide is tied to the answer reasoning for a PracticeTestVault item. Use it after you answer the question so the review stays focused on what the prompt actually tested.
What this question is testing
Objective: Identify subject-verb agreement errors
Prompt focus: Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error?
Why the correct answer works
The group of students were late to class.
Correct. The singular subject group requires was, not the plural were.
Why the tempting wrong answer fails
The tempting wrong answer usually loses because it skips the key condition, priority, or evidence in the prompt.
Plain-language takeaway
The subject group is a singular collective noun acting as one unit, so it requires the singular verb was. The phrase of students is a prepositional phrase and does not change the subject's number.
Simple analogy
Think of identify subject-verb agreement errors like following a short checklist: identify the clue, confirm the rule, and then make the move that fits this exact scenario.
How to review it before a retake
- Underline the command word and name what the question is asking before rereading the choices.
- Compare the correct answer against the closest distractor and write the exact detail that separates them.
- Retest this objective with a fresh question without looking at the rationale first.