which contain a helping verb. !) steel drums were invented in the caribean islands or 2)maracas are a south american instrument.i think 1.

Right -- were is the helping verb for invented.

To determine which sentence contains a helping verb, we need to identify the verb phrases in each sentence. A verb phrase typically consists of a main verb and any accompanying helping verbs.

In sentence 1) "Steel drums were invented in the Caribbean islands," the verb phrase is "were invented." The main verb is "invented," and the helping verb is "were."

In sentence 2) "Maracas are a South American instrument," the verb phrase is "are a South American instrument." The main verb is "are," and there are no helping verbs in this sentence.

Therefore, the sentence that contains a helping verb is 1) "Steel drums were invented in the Caribbean islands."