Question

(A) NO CHANGE (B) The increased use of smartphones and Internet technology have profoundly influenced how we interact with our friends and family. (C) The increased using of smartphones and Internet technology had profoundly affected how we will interact with our friends and family. (D) The increased use of smartphones and Internet technology has profoundly affected how we interact with our friends and family.

Short answer

The correct answer is (D) has profoundly affected.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

We need to choose the correct sentence (A, B, C, or D) in terms of grammar and clarity.

Analyze the Choices

Examining each option: - **(A) NO CHANGE**: Implies the sentence doesn't need modification and stands as it is found. - **(B) have profoundly influenced**: Incorrect verb agreement because 'have' implies plural, while 'use' is singular. - **(C) profoundly affected**: Uses 'had profoundly affected' which is past perfect tense and doesn't fit with 'will interact', which is future tense, leading to a tense inconsistency. - **(D) has profoundly affected**: Uses present perfect tense correctly to link past action with current results, and maintains the consistency of interaction in present tense.

Choose the Correct Answer

Given the analysis, option **(D) The increased use of smartphones and Internet technology has profoundly affected how we interact with our friends and family.** is grammatically correct, with consistent verb tense, and clear meaning.

Key concepts

Understanding Grammar

Grammar serves as the foundation of effective communication by ensuring that language is used correctly and coherently. It comprises various rules and conventions, which dictate how words, phrases, and sentences are structured.
To excel in grammar, especially for the PSAT Writing and Language test, consider these essential elements:

• Parts of Speech: Know the roles of nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, etc.
• Agreement: Ensure subjects agree with verbs, and pronouns agree in gender and number with their antecedents.
• Punctuation: Use commas, periods, colons, and semicolons correctly to clarify meaning.
• Sentence Structure: Understand the construction of simple, compound, and complex sentences to maintain clarity and coherence.

Improving grammar skills can help you write more compelling and feasible sentences. This understanding is essential not just for the PSAT but for effective communication in everyday interactions.

Navigating Sentence Structure

Sentence structure refers to the arrangement of words within a sentence to convey a complete thought. Proper sentence structure is pivotal for clarity, readability, and emphasis.
A well-constructed sentence has both a subject and a predicate and avoids fragments or run-ons. Here's how to master sentence structure:

• Simple Sentences: Contain one independent clause (e.g., "The sun shines.").
• Compound Sentences: Include two or more independent clauses, joined by conjunctions (e.g., "The sun shines and the birds sing.").
• Complex Sentences: Mix independent clauses with one or more dependent clauses (e.g., "When the sun shines, the birds sing.").
• Varying Length and Structure: Diversify sentence lengths and types to avoid monotony and enhance the reader's engagement.

Understanding sentence structure improves your ability to convey information clearly and emphasizes the importance of parts within a sentence.

Mastering Verb Tense Agreement

Verb tense agreement ensures that verbs in a sentence match in tense both with one another and with time expressions. Good verb tense usage provides seamless temporal flow and ensures that the action's timing is clear.
Here's how to keep your verb tenses consistent:

• Present Tense: Indicates current actions or timeless truths (e.g., "She walks to school.").
• Past Tense: Describes events that happened previously (e.g., "She walked to school yesterday.").
• Future Tense: Denotes actions that haven't occurred yet (e.g., "She will walk to school tomorrow.").
• Perfect Tenses: Express actions related to other timelines (e.g., Present Perfect for past actions with relevance today: "She has walked to school.").

When crafting sentences, it is essential to maintain verb tense consistency to prevent confusion and ensure clarity. This practice is crucial when taking exams like the PSAT or in any of your writing.