DIRECTIONS:
1. Identify the simple subject in each sentence. (25 points)
*You may only put EXACTLY one word in each box for your answer unless it is a proper noun or
compound noun.
2. Choose the verb or verb phrase in parentheses that agrees with the subject. (25 points)
*Select one of the options from the multiple choices listed.
Simple Subject: The show soon (becomes, become) individual acts rather than one entertainment.
Simple Predicate: The show soon (becomes, become) individual acts rather than one entertainment.
Simple Subject: Presents under the tree (was, were) a reminder that the holidays were approaching.
Simple Predicate: Presents under the tree (was, were) a reminder that the holidays were approaching.
Simple Subject: Ideas for improving service (becomes, become) a study guide for employees.
Simple Predicate: Ideas for improving service (becomes, become) a study guide for employees.
Simple Subject: Phone calls (seems, seem) a great way to keep in touch with friends who live far away.
Simple Predicate: Phone calls (seems, seem) a great way to keep in touch with friends who live far away.
Simple Subject: The birds’ songs (is, are) a cheerful chorus outside my window.
Simple Predicate: The birds’ songs (is, are) a cheerful chorus outside my window.
Simple Subject: Their special evening (was, were) two rounds of miniature golf.
Simple Predicate: Their special evening (was, were) two rounds of miniature golf.
Simple Subject: The detective’s first clue (is, are) the muddy footprints on the thick white carpet.
Simple Predicate: The detective’s first clue (is, are) the muddy footprints on the thick white carpet.
Simple Subject: Tutoring sessions (appears, appear) to be Tyler’s best chance to master trigonometry.
Simple Predicate: Tutoring sessions (appears, appear) to be Tyler’s best chance to master trigonometry.
Simple Subject: Branches from pine trees (is, are) a good shelter for a garden.
Simple Predicate: Branches from pine trees (is, are) a good shelter for a garden.
Simple Subject: The accidents (was, were) a tragedy.
Simple Predicate: The accidents (was, were) a tragedy.
Simple Subject: The robins’ nest (is, are) a mass of twigs.
Simple Predicate: The robins’ nest (is, are) a mass of twigs.
Simple Subject: The children (seems, seem) to be the image of their father.
Simple Predicate: The children (seems, seem) to be the image of their father.
Simple Subject: The bird’s bright wings (was, were) a beautiful sight.
Simple Predicate: The bird’s bright wings (was, were) a beautiful sight.
Simple Subject: Eyes (appears, appear) as a symbol in many artists’ work.
Simple Predicate: Eyes (appears, appear) as a symbol in many artists’ work.
Simple Subject: Before our eyes, the piles of lumber (is becoming, are becoming) a house.
Simple Predicate: Before our eyes, the piles of lumber (is becoming, are becoming) a house.
Simple Subject: The warm, sunny days (was, were) a great gift to the tomato plants.
Simple Predicate: The warm, sunny days (was, were) a great gift to the tomato plants.
Simple Subject: The dancers’ costumes (was, were) a symphony of color.
Simple Predicate: The dancers’ costumes (was, were) a symphony of color.
Simple Subject: The whereabouts of the necklace (remains, remain) a mystery.
Simple Predicate: The whereabouts of the necklace (remains, remain) a mystery.
Simple Subject: Dishonest people (is, are) a disgrace to any profession.
Simple Predicate: Dishonest people (is, are) a disgrace to any profession.
Simple Subject: The building of wooden ship models (is, are) my hobby.
Simple Predicate: The building of wooden ship models (is, are) my hobby.
Simple Subject: The ugly statues (was, were) a monument to bad taste.
Simple Predicate: The ugly statues (was, were) a monument to bad taste.
Simple Subject: The musicians in their tuxedos (was, were) a sight to behold.
Simple Predicate: The musicians in their tuxedos (was, were) a sight to behold.
Simple Subject: The focus of a teacher’s life (is, are) the students.
Simple Predicate: The focus of a teacher’s life (is, are) the students.
Simple Subject: The lakes in this area (is, are) a haven for many tourists.
Simple Predicate: The lakes in this area (is, are) a haven for many tourists.
Simple Subject: Their different backgrounds (was, were) a great gulf between them.
Simple Predicate: Their different backgrounds (was, were) a great gulf between them.