SUBJECT/VERB AGREEMENT EXERCISE 1 (ESL)

What is subject-verb agreement?

Subject-verb agreement means the subject and verb in a sentence must match in number. (singular subject → singular verb; plural subject → plural verb)

• Basic Rule
Singular vs. Plural:
She runs fast. (singular)
They run fast. (plural)

• Indefinite Pronouns:
Singular: Everyone, Somebody, Each, Nothing, etc.: singular verb
→ Everyone wants cake.
Plural: Few, Many, Several, Both: plural verb
→ Many were invited.

• Compound subjects:
Joined by "and": plural
→ Tom and Jerry are friends.

• Joined by "or" / "nor": verb agrees with the closer subject
→ Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

• Collective nouns (team, group, family, etc.): usually singular in American English
→ The team wins every game.

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DID YOU KNOW?

How does the IELTS test check your writing?

The IELTS Writing section evaluates writing skills through Task 1 and Task 2, with the following key aspects:
1. Task achievement / response - fully addressing all parts of the prompt.
◦ Task 1: describe data, trends, or situations accurately.
◦ Task 2: present and support an argument or opinion.
2. Coherence & cohesion - logical paragraphing, clear progression, and use of linking words (e.g., however, therefore, although).
3. Vocabulary range - using precise and varied words appropriate to the topic.
4. Sentence variety - combining simple and complex sentences to convey ideas effectively.
5. Grammar accuracy - correct use of tenses, articles, prepositions, and agreement to support clarity.

How it's tested:
• Task 1: 150-word report (Academic) or letter (General Training).
• Task 2: 250-word essay expressing opinion, argument, or solution.

Writing is scored on Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range & Accuracy, with emphasis on clarity, structure, and effective communication rather than just grammar.