TASK DEFINITION: In this task you are given a sentence. You must judge whether the main verb of the sentence is in present or past tense. Label the instances as "Present" or "Past" based on your judgment. If there is no verb in the given text, answer "Present".
PROBLEM: It mercilessly slid back, the face expressionless.

SOLUTION: Present

PROBLEM: He stiffened his shoulders and began to back away, but the taunting inner demon rose up and whispered its warning.

SOLUTION: Past

PROBLEM: Fila shrieked and hauled back on Ned.

SOLUTION:
Past