MCQs or Multiple Choice Questions on subject-verb agreement are a common feature of the English Language curriculum in Classes 9 and 10 of the ICSE board. This topic requires students to understand the basic grammar rule that the subject and verb in a sentence must always agree in the tense and number. In this article, we will discuss some of the commonly asked MCQs on subject-verb agreement in the ICSE Class 10 English Language exam.
1. The following sentence is an example of subject-verb disagreement:
A. The boy and his friends is going to the party.
B. The boy and his friends are going to the party.
C. The boy and his friend is going to the party.
D. The boy and his friend are going to the party.
Ans: B
Explanation: In this sentence, the subject is `the boy and his friends`, which is plural. Therefore, the correct verb form is `are going`.
2. Choose the correct sentence:
A. The news are good tonight.
B. The news is good tonight.
C. The newscaster are reporting the events live.
D. The newscaster is reporting the events live.
Ans: D
Explanation: the subject `newscaster` is singular, so the correct verb form would be `is reporting the events live`.
3. Find the incorrect sentence:
A. The clothes in the washing machine needs to be washed properly.
B. The clothes in the washing machine need to be washed properly.
C. The clothes need to be washed properly in the washing machine.
D. The washing machine needs to wash the clothes properly.
Ans: A
Explanation: The subject `the clothes` is plural and therefore requires a verb form `need` to be used, making option B the correct one.
4. Which sentence is correct?
A. Either Mary or her parents are attending the meeting.
B. Either Mary or her parents is attending the meeting.
C. Either Mary nor her parents are attending the meeting.
D. Either Mary nor her parents is attending the meeting.
Ans: B
Explanation: The subject in this sentence is `either` which is singular, therefore the correct verb form is `is attending`.
5. Choose the correct sentence:
A. Every student in the class have their own book.
B. Every student in the class has their own book.
C. Every student in the class have his or her own book.
D. Every student in the class has his or her own book.
Ans: D
Explanation: The subject `every student` is singular so the correct verb form would be `has his or her own book`.
Conclusion
Subject-verb agreement is an important concept to master in English Language grammar and it plays a significant role in effective communication. MCQs on subject-verb agreement are a common feature in the ICSE Class 10 English Language exam, and students must practice regularly to improve their skills in this area. By attempting practice tests and solving MCQs, students will develop the confidence to tackle these types of questions in the exam and improve their overall score.