Improve Your Writing

Good planning and motivation _______ vital for academic success.

	a)	is
	b)	are
Well done. The subject in this sentence is 'good planning and motivation', which is plural, so it needs a plural verb (are). The subject in this sentence is 'good planning and motivation', which is plural, so it needs a plural verb (are).

My collection of stamps _______ worth a fortune.

	a)	is
	b)	are
Well done. The subject in this sentence is 'my collection', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (is). The subject in this sentence is 'my collection', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (is).

A large flock of seagulls _______ feeding on the other side of the estuary.

	a)	was
	b)	were
Well done. Although there are lots of seagulls, the subject is 'a flock', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was).Although there are lots of seagulls, the subject is 'a flock', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was).

Neither of these colours really _______ the new living room.

	a)	suits
	b)	suit
Well done. Neither is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (suits).Neither is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (suits).

His singlemindedness and a desire to win _______ responsible for his success.

	a)	was
	b)	were
Well done. 'Singlemindedness and a desire to win' constitute a plural subject. The sentence needs a plural verb (were). 'Singlemindedness and a desire to win' constitute a plural subject. The sentence needs a plural verb (were).

A large consignment of biscuits _______ been stolen.

	a)	has
	b)	have
Well done. The 'consignment' is the singular subject in this sentence, which needs a singular verb (has). The 'consignment' is the singular subject in this sentence, which needs a singular verb (has).

A large herd of cows _______ grazing by the river.

	a)	was
	b)	were
Well done. Although there are a lot of cows, the subject is the 'herd', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was).Although there are a lot of cows, the subject is the 'herd', which is singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was).

A calculator, three pencils and a large book _______ found lying in the street.

	a)	was
	b)	were
Well done. The subject is the 'book, calculator and the pencils', so the sentence needs a plural verb (were). The subject is the 'book, calculator and the pencils', so the sentence needs a plural verb (were).

Either India or Greece ________ like a good holiday destination.

	a)	seems
	b)	seem
Well done. Either is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (seems).Either is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (seems).

Neither of those essays _______ me want to continue reading.

	a)	makes
	b)	make
Well done. Neither is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (makes). Neither is a singular subject, so the sentence needs a singular verb (makes).

Tight organisation and control ________ needed for a good essay.

	a)	is
	b)	are
Well done. 'Tight organisation and control' constitute a plural subject, so the verb needs a plural verb (are). 'Tight organisation and control' constitute a plural subject, so the verb needs a plural verb (are).

A large group of young people _______ hanging around on the corner of the street.

	a)	was
	b)	were
Well done. Although there are lots of young people, the subject in this sentence is 'group', singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was). Although there are lots of young people, the subject in this sentence is 'group', singular. The sentence needs a singular verb (was).