As students enter their eighth-grade year, their understanding of subject-verb agreement becomes crucial as they develop their writing skills. The concept of subject-verb agreement is simple – it refers to the agreement between the subject and the verb in a sentence. This means that if the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular, and if the subject is plural, the verb must be plural as well.
The purpose of exercises on subject-verb agreement in class 8 is to help students understand the importance of this grammatical concept and how to apply it correctly. These exercises help students identify the subject and the verb in a sentence and ensure that they match in number. Here are some sample exercises that can help students practice subject-verb agreement:
1. Identify the subject and verb in the following sentences and determine whether they match in number (singular or plural).
a. The dogs barks in the morning. (subject: dogs, verb: barks)
Answer: Incorrect (subject and verb do not match in number)
b. The boy and his sister study together. (subject: boy and sister, verb: study)
Answer: Correct (subject and verb match in number)
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
a. The group of students (is/are) preparing for the exam.
Answer: is
b. Each of the boys (has/have) a different talent.
Answer: has
3. Rewrite the following sentences by correcting the subject-verb agreement errors.
a. The team of players are happy with their performance.
Answer: The team of players is happy with its performance.
b. The book that I am reading are interesting.
Answer: The book that I am reading is interesting.
By practicing exercises like these, students can get a better understanding of subject-verb agreement and improve their writing skills. Strong skills in subject-verb agreement help students express their ideas more clearly and effectively, making their writing more powerful and persuasive.
In conclusion, subject-verb agreement is a fundamental concept in grammar that students must master to become strong writers. Through exercises and practice, students can learn how to identify the subject and verb in a sentence and ensure that they match in number. With this knowledge, they can improve their writing skills, making their thoughts and ideas more compelling and impactful.