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: Her heart skipped a beat.

SOLUTION: Past

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

SOLUTION: Past

PROBLEM: My dust rag faltered, and I stared at the gaping hole in the platinum setting.

SOLUTION:
Past