Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: is quite brisk in
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:Here the test is subject–verb number agreement in a coordinated clause that refers to commerce. Common idiom is “sales are brisk.” If we retain “the sale” as a mass/collective noun, the more natural correction is still to use the plural “sales” and match the verb accordingly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:Correct the number of the predicate: “sales are brisk.” Exams typically mark the verb segment as the error because agreement must reflect the (intended) plural subject “sales.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
Interpret intended subject: “sales” (plural).Change verb: “is” → “are”.Optionally revise noun: “the sale” → “the sales,” but the keyed error is the agreement carried in the verb segment.Verification / Alternative check:
Corrected: “The book is making waves and the sales are quite brisk in all major cities.”Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Idiom “make waves” is correct.B: Can be read as “the sale (of the book),” but agreement then must be singular across C; however, the accepted collocation is “sales are brisk.”D: Prepositional phrase of place is fine.Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking agreement after coordination; not recognizing “sales” as a standard plural business term.Final Answer:is quite brisk in
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