Question 16
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
We drove around the block in Billy's car for a few minutes, and then we discover the flat tire.
Each visitor to the museum should pick up their visitor pass at the head office.
Everyone should report to your building by 7:00 a.m.
The baseball was thrown far and wide, so the pitcher ruined his average.
Question 17
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
When an employee is treated with respect, they are more motivated to do a good job.
The dog walked to the tree; then he barks and lies down next to his house.
I enjoy reading financial forecasts of the future, but you wonder which will turn out to be correct.
Most people expect major improvements in the future, but some hardships are also anticipated.
Question 18
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
He couldn't refuse when offered another helping of dessert; sometimes you just can't resist!
If a student does not understand the assignment, they should consult the textbook.
His book was returned to the bin, and then Johnny carried the other books home.
The lake contained garbage that flows through the storm drains.
Question 19
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
The team won the game, and the victory was celebrated till morning.
When an athlete does not practice, they cannot expect to excel.
When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more.
Susan told the children they would not receive the gifts unless they complete all of their tasks.
Question 20
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
Each person should bring a gift, or they will not be admitted to the festival.
The student's computer program crashed, and future crashes were anticipated.
We used to have a problem with the dogs; now you can't hear them bark at all.
She makes a pot of coffee and then went into the next room.
my answers
16.We drove around the block in Billy's car for a few minutes, and then we discover the flat tire
17.The dog walked to the tree; then he barks and lies down next to his house
18.His book was returned to the bin, and then Johnny carried the other books home.
19.The team won the game, and the victory was celebrated till morning.
20. The student's computer program crashed, and future crashes were anticipate
16 and 17 are correct.
Re-think the others. Here's why 18, 19, and 20 are incorrect choices:
18 - verbs are "was returned" and "carried" - both are past tense. No shift.
19 - verbs are "won" and "was celebrated" - both past tense. No shift.
20 - verbs are "crashed" and "were anticipated" - both past tense. No shift.
Pay attention to TENSES here, not voice or person.
18.The lake contained garbage that flows through the storm drains.
19.When an athlete does not practice, they cannot expect to excel.
20.We used to have a problem with the dogs; now you can't hear them bark at all.
Your corrections for 18 and 20 are correct. Re-think #19.
Question 19
Which sentence contains a shift in tense?
The team won the game, and the victory was celebrated till morning. Both verbs are past tense.
When an athlete does not practice, they cannot expect to excel. Both verbs are present tense.
When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more. Both verbs are ______ tense. You tell me, this time.
Susan told the children they would not receive the gifts unless they complete all of their tasks. Both verbs are ______ tense. You tell me, this time.
When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more.
No, both verbs in that sentence are in present tense.
Look at that last sentence:
"would ... receive" and "complete" -- what are those tenses?
Susan told the children they would not receive the gifts unless they complete all of their tasks
to find the sentences that contain a shift in tense, we need to identify the changes in verb tense within each sentence.
For Question 16, the correct answer is: "We drove around the block in Billy's car for a few minutes, and then we discover the flat tire." In this sentence, the verb tense shifts from past tense ("drove") to present tense ("discover").
For Question 17, the correct answer is: "The dog walked to the tree; then he barks and lies down next to his house." In this sentence, the verb tense shifts from past tense ("walked") to present tense ("barks" and "lies").
For Question 18, the correct answer is: "His book was returned to the bin, and then Johnny carried the other books home." In this sentence, the verb tense shifts from past tense ("was returned" and "carried") to present tense ("carries").
For Question 19, the correct answer is: "Susan told the children they would not receive the gifts unless they complete all of their tasks." In this sentence, the verb tense shifts from past tense ("told") to present tense ("complete").
For Question 20, the correct answer is: "She makes a pot of coffee and then went into the next room." In this sentence, the verb tense shifts from present tense ("makes") to past tense ("went").
Remember, to identify a shift in tense, compare the verb tenses used within the sentence and look for any changes.