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Intermediate Writing: Subject Verb Agreement

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Verbs denote actions, show us tense and mood and the also parallel and consolidate the relationship between sentences in a piece of writing.

In the following text decide which verb form best fits the sentence and state the reason for your choice.

The exam board Edexcel [tell/ is telling/ tells] me that they [is checking/ are checking/ are checked] the number of AS-level History appeals compared to this time last year. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority [is not/do not/ have not] believe that there [am/is/can be] any general problem. You [should/ might/ would] ask for the script back through the school and, if teachers [support/ supports/ are supporting] a further appeal, [contacts/contact/ contact] the Examination Appeals Board, a body independent of the exam boards. You [are needing/ are needed/ need] [to submit/ to be submitted/ submit] the appeal within 14 days of [receiving/would receive/ have received] the result of the first re-mark.
Parents and schools [are worried/ were worrying/ worried] about this exam, or any others, [might like/ can like/ should like] [to have written/ to be writing / to write] to me.

Chris Woodhead, The Sunday Times, September 10, 2006

1_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

2_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

3_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

4_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

5_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

6_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

7_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

8_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

9_____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

10____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

11____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

12____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

13____________________

reason_______________________________________________________________

Paying special attention to subject/verb agreement in your written work after the first draft stage can greatly improve the coherence of your writing.

Please choose an option below:

Beginners Lessons

The Alphabet - Blends - Magic 'E' - Other Spelling Rules

Intermediate Lessons

Punctuation - Subject / Verb / Object - Subject / Verb / Compliment - Subject / Verb Agreement - Connectors - Complex Sentences

Advanced Lessons

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