Exercise 26 (Revising: Consistent Past Tense)

EXERCISE 26.1 Revising: Consistent past tense

In the paragraph below, change the tenses of the verbs as needed to maintain consistent simple past tense. If a sentence is correct as given, mark the number preceding it.

1 The 1960 presidential race between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy was the first to feature a televised debate. 2 Despite his extensive political experience, Nixon perspires heavily and looks haggard and uneasy in front of the camera. 3 By contrast, Kennedy was projecting cool poise and providing crisp answers that made him seem fit for the office of President. 4 The public responded positively to Kennedy’s image. 5 His poll ratings shoot up immediately, while Nixon’s take a corresponding drop. 6 Kennedy won the election by a close 118,564 votes.