The Progressive Era in the United States witnessed the rise of numerous Black women’s clubs, local organizations that
advocated for racial and gender equality. Among the clubs’ leaders ______ Josephine St. Pierre Ruﬃn, founder of the
Women’s Era Club of Boston.
was
were
are
have been
Choice A is the best answer. The convention being tested here is subject-verb agreement. The singular verb “was” agrees in
number with the singular subject “Josephine St. Pierre Ruﬃn.”
Choice B is incorrect because the plural verb “were” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “Josephine St. Pierre
Ruﬃn.” Choice C is incorrect because the plural verb “are” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject “Josephine St.
Pierre Ruﬃn.” Choice D is incorrect because the plural verb “have been” doesn’t agree in number with the singular subject
“Josephine St. Pierre Ruﬃn.”