Subject-Verb Agreement : A Common Challenge in TOEIC R/C

If you're preparing for the TOEIC Reading and Comprehension (R/C) section, you're likely aware that subject-

verb agreement is a common type of question. In order to do well on these questions, it's essential to have 

a solid understanding of subject-verb agreement in English grammar.

In this blog posting, I'll cover everything you need to know about subject-verb agreement, including common

errors, strategies for improving your skills, and a practice passage with a question, answer, and explanation.

What is subject-verb agreement?
Subject-verb agreement refers to the grammatical rule that a subject and verb must agree in number

(singular or plural). For example, if the subject is singular, the verb must be singular as well, and if the

subject is plural, the verb must be plural.

Common errors in subject-verb agreement

 

One common error in subject-verb agreement is when the subject and verb don't match in number. 

 

For example:

The dog barks loudly. (singular subject and verb)
The dogs barks loudly. (incorrect - plural subject and singular verb)

 

Another common error is when the subject and verb are separated by a phrase or clause, 

causing confusion about the subject's number. For example:

The book on the shelf, along with the pens and pencils, belong to me. 

(incorrect - the subject is singular, but the verb is plural)

 

How to identify subject-verb agreement errors in TOEIC R/C passages

In the TOEIC R/C section, subject-verb agreement errors typically appear in the form of incorrect

verb forms, such as using a singular verb for a plural subject or vice versa.

To identify these errors, it's important to pay close attention to the subject and verb in each sentence 

and check that they agree in number. Keep an eye out for phrases or clauses that may cause confusion

 about the subject's number, and use context clues to determine the correct form of the verb.

 

 

Practice Exercise

 

Identify the correct form of the verb to complete the following sentences:

a)The company (is/are) located in downtown Manhattan.
b)The group of friends (was/were) having a great time at the beach.
c)Each of the students (has/have) their own laptop for class.
d)The shelves in the store (needs/need) to be restocked.

Answers: 1. is 2. was 3. has 4. need

Read the following passage and identify the correct verb form to complete the sentences:

Despite the heavy rain, the soccer team (play/plays) on. They (is/are) a dedicated group of athletes 

who refuse to let bad weather get in the way of their game. Yesterday, they (wins/won) a hard-fought match against their biggest rivals.

a) The soccer team __________ on despite the heavy rain.
b) The soccer team __________ a dedicated group of athletes.
c) Yesterday, the soccer team __________ a hard-fought match against their biggest rivals.

Answers: 1. plays 2. is 3. won

 

TOEIC R/C practice test

 

Part 5

1.The group of students ___________ to study in the library.
a. plan
b. plans
c. planned
d. planning

2.Neither the teacher nor the students ___________ the answer to the question.
a. knows
b. know
c. known
d. knowing

3.The news about the upcoming event ___________ excitement among the attendees.
a. creates
b. create
c. created
d. creating

4.The committee ___________ to meet next week to discuss the proposal.
a. decide
b. decided
c. decides
d. deciding

Answer

1.b (plans)
2.b (know)
3.a (creates)
4.c (decides)

Part 6

Choose the correct verb form to complete each blank in the passage.

There (1)___________ (is/are) a growing concern among employees about the new company policy. Many of them (2)___________ (feels/feel) that it is unfair and unnecessary. The CEO (3)___________ (has/have) promised to address these concerns at the next meeting, but some employees (4)___________ (doubts/doubt) that anything will change.

Answer
1.is
2.feel
3.has
4.doubt

Part 7

A recent study conducted by a team of scientists ___________ (has/have) found that the use of smartphones ___________ (is/are) affecting our ability to concentrate. The study ___________ (was/were) conducted over a period of six months and included over 500 participants.

1.Who conducted the study?
a. A team of doctors
b. A team of scientists
c. A team of engineers
d. A team of psychologists

2.What did the study find?
a. Smartphones have no effect on our ability to concentrate.
b. Smartphones are improving our ability to concentrate.
c. Smartphones are affecting our ability to concentrate.
d. Smartphones have a neutral effect on our ability to concentrate.

3.How long was the study conducted?
a. Three months
b. Six months
c. Nine months
d. One year

Answer 

1.b (A team of scientists)
2.c (Smartphones are affecting our ability to concentrate.)
3.b (Six months)

 

Strategies for improving subject-verb agreement

If you're struggling with subject-verb agreement, there are a few strategies you can use to improve your skills:

1.Review the basic rules of subject-verb agreement and practice identifying correct forms.
2.Pay attention to subject-verb agreement in the English you read and hear, such as news articles,

   podcasts, and TV shows. This can help you develop an ear for correct grammar.
3.Practice writing sentences with correct subject-verb agreement. Start with simple sentences and

   gradually increase their complexity.
3.Use grammar checkers and language learning apps that focus on subject-verb agreement.

   These tools can help you identify errors and provide feedback on how to correct them.
4.By incorporating these strategies into your study routine, you can improve your subject-verb

    agreement skills and feel more confident on the TOEIC R/C section.

Conclusion

Subject-verb agreement is an important concept in English grammar and a common type of question on the

TOEIC R/C section. By understanding the basic rules, common errors, and strategies for improvement, you

can master this skill and perform better on the exam.