Which of the following contains a needless shift in verb tense? ...

[stephzh]

Which of the following contains a needless shift in verb tense?
 
  a. Seventeenth-century Japanese used tattoos as punishment and identify criminals by tattooing
  their foreheads.
  b. The 5,000-year-old ice man discovered in the Alps had fifty-seven tattoos near
  acupuncture points on his body, so scientists speculate these tattoos may have had a
  medicinal purpose.
  c. Samuel O'Reilly invented the tattoo machine in the late 1800s, and the machines used today
  have changed very little since that time.
  d. Tattoo artists may create custom designs, or they may use ready-made designs.

Question 2

Which of the following sentences avoids redundant words?
 
  a. With no advance warning, the uninvited guests showed up with smiles on their faces.
  b. They came at a time when I was in no mood for unexpected surprises.
  c. When I asked if we might postpone until later an extended visit, they suddenly exploded with
  rage and stormed out the door.
  d. I spent a quiet evening at home enjoying the pleasant company of my cat and dog.

[janeli]

Answer to Question 1

a. Seventeenth-century Japanese used tattoos as punishment and identify criminals by
tattooing their foreheads.

Answer to Question 2

d. I spent a quiet evening at home enjoying the pleasant company of my cat and dog.