Because of its low cost, durability, and popularity, denim has remained one of America’s most useful fabrics.

The number of issues (seem, seems) to be increasing.

Each of the exercises (take, takes) about twenty minutes to complete.

The longest of the presentations (is, are) the next group.

29.  What is nonproductive time?  (From Chapter 12)

Writing an effective first draft involves all of the following except

Read the paragraph below and rewrite it to correct the eight fragments that it contains.   To have fun and raise some money.  The children in our neighborhood have a circus every summer.  For weeks before the event, they post signs on every telephone pole announcing the date and time of the show.  Everyone in the neighborhood looks forward to the big day.  Since it is one of the top social events of the summer.  On the day of the show, everybody crowds into the Nelsons’ big garage.  Which has been transformed into a “big top.”  Small people in clown suits pass out snacks.  Like Kool‑aid and pretzels.  The circus always includes a fortuneteller.  Who sits at a covered table and kicks her hidden assistant, telling him how many times to flash a light into her “crystal ball.”  “Wild animals,” of course, are part of any circus.  The local cats and dogs patiently sit in cages, wearing signs saying they are “Rare Siberian Tigers” and “Fierce Wolves.”  Somebody’s dad usually volunteers to be the “hairy wild man.”  Jumping around in a wig and pounding his chest.  The comedy show is always hilarious.  Imagine a bunch of five‑ and six‑year‑old comedians.  Forgetting punch lines and sometimes entire jokes.  After the show everyone applauds and hugs and kisses the performers.  And looks forward to next year’s circus.

To highlight effectively, you should do all of the following except

Martha ran her car off the road during the thunderstorm.  It being the only way to avoid hitting the dog that ran into her path.

An implied main idea is