Structure Section-1

ProTEFL PREPARATORY COURSE UNTAG Banyuwangi-LANGUAGE CENTER
UNIT 1
PRONOUNS
Subject and Object
Pronoun
Pronouns are words such as he, she, or it that take the place of nouns. One common problem with
pronouns on the ProTEFL test is that subject and object pronoun are confused, so you should be
able to recognize these two types of pronouns.
SUBJECT OBJECT
I me
you you
they them
we us
he him
she her
it it
A subject pronoun is used as the subject of a verb. An object pronoun can be used as the object of
a verb or the object of a preposition. Compare the following two sentences.
Peter watched the match with Tina
He watched it with her.
In the second sentence, the subject pronoun “He” is replacing the noun Peter. The object of the verb
“it” is replacing the noun phrase “the match”, and the object of the preposition “her” is replacing the
noun Tina.
The following are examples of the types of subject or object pronoun errors that you might see on
the ProTEFL test.
Student Book 1 | Structure Section

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Example 1
Him* and his friends are playing football
Analysis
In the example, the object pronoun “him” is incorrect because this pronoun serves as the subject of
the sentence. The object pronoun “him” should be changed to the subject pronoun “He”. It can be
difficult to recognize that “him” is the subject because the verb “are” has a double object, him and
his friends.
Example 2
Our teachers are going with you and I*
Analysis
In the example, the subject pronoun “I” is incorrect because this pronoun serves as the object of the
preposition “with”. The subject pronoun “I” should be changed to the object pronoun “me’. It can be
difficult to recognize hat “I” is the object of the preposition with because the preposition “with” has
two objects: the correct object “you” and the incorrect object “I”.
EXERCISE 1
Each of the following sentences contains at least one subject or object pronoun. Circle the pronouns.
Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
For Example
1. You should do it for her. (C)
Analysis:
 It is correct it functions as Object pronoun.
2. They help she with the work
3. Her and Bob came over to visit me.
4. I brought it for you and them
5. He opened the refrigerator and took some food from it.
6. She lent it to you and I.
7. She spent all the money on them.
8. You forgot to give it to they.
9. We offered she a place to stay.
10. Them are waiting for us at the bus station.

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Possessive Adjective and Pronoun
Possessive Adjective and Pronoun both show who or what “owns” a noun. However, possessive
adjectives and possessive pronouns do not have the same function, and these two kinds of
possessive can be confused on the ProTEFL test. A possessive adjective describes a noun; it must
be accompanied by a noun. A possessive pronoun take the place of a noun; it cannot be
accompanied by a noun.
Tina gave me her smartphone.

ADJECTIVE
Tina gave me hers.

PRONOUN
Notice that in the first example the possessive adjective “her” is accompanied by the noun
smartphone. In the second example, the possessive pronoun ‘hers” is not accompanied by a noun.
The following chart outlines the possessive and their uses.
Possessive Adjective Possessive Pronoun
My Mine
Your Yours
Their Theirs
Our Ours
His His
Her Hers
its ----
Must be accompanied by a noun Cannot be accompanied by a noun
These examples show the types of errors that are possible with possessive adjectives and
possessive pronouns on the ProTEFL test.

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Analysis
Example 1
The students submit theirs* assignments.
In the example, the possessive pronoun “theirs” is incorrect because it is accompanied by the noun
assignments, and a possessive pronoun cannot be accompanied by a noun. The possessive
adjective “their” is needed in the first example.
Example 2
I would like to send our*.
Analysis
In the example, the possessive adjective “our” is incorrect because it is not accompanied by a
noun, and a possessive adjective must be accompanied by a noun. The possessive pronoun “ours”
is needed in the second example.
EXERCISE 2
Each of the following sentences contains at least one possessive pronoun or adjective. Circle the
possessives in these sentences. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. She cut hers hair recently. (I)

Analysis:
 Hers should be her.

2. We will take our car or theirs.
3. Please lend me yours notes from the history lecture.
4. I like his ideas and hers.
5. The tree fell on its side during the storm.

6. My desk is located near hers.
7. Theirs suggestion is unrealistic.

8. Our appointment is just after your.
9. Your friends and my friends are coming to our party.
10. You don’t have yours gloves with you, but I have mine.

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Reflexive Pronoun
We use the reflexive pronouns to indicate that the person who realizes the action of the verb is the
same person who receives the action. Reflexive pronouns are identical in form to intensive
pronouns.
Subject Reflexive
I Myself
You (singular) Yourself
You (plural) Yourselves
They Themselves
We Ourselves
He Himself
She Herself
It Itself
For example:
 My daughter cut her hair herself.
*In this example “My daughter” does the action of cutting the hair and at the same time “My
daughter” gets the action of the hair being cut.
 I saw myself in the mirror.
*In this example the reflexive pronoun “myself” refers back to the subject of the sentence.
 Alex talks to himself when he is nervous
*In this example “himself” refers to Alex.
Reflexive pronouns always act as object not subject, and they require an interaction between the
subject and an object.
For example:
 Because her mother was busy, Tina prepared herself the books.
*In the independent clause, “Tina” is subject and “herself” is a reflexive pronoun acting as
indirect object. This sentence is grammatically correct.

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 Robert and myself are going to the campus.
*In this sentence, “Robert” and “myself” are the subjects. Reflexive pronouns cannot be
subjects. This sentence is grammatically incorrect.
Note: The reflexive pronoun can also be used to give more emphasis to the subject or object
(intensive pronoun).
For example:
 I did it myself.
*I want to emphasize the fact that I did it.
Examples:
 She washed herself.
 He looked at himself in the mirror.
 Diabetics give themselves insulin shots several times a day.
 After the party, I asked myself why I had faxed invitations to my friends.
After you have checked that the subject and object pronouns and the possessive are used
correctly, you should also check each of these pronouns and possessive for agreement.
The following are examples of errors of this type that you might find on the ProTEFL test.
Example 1
The books are for you, so please take it*.
Analysis
In the example, the singular pronoun it is incorrect because it refers to the plural noun books. This
pronoun. This pronoun should be replaced with the plural pronoun them.
Example 2
Each candidate has to sign their* application form.
Analysis
In the example, the plural possessive adjective their is incorrect because it refers to the singular
each candidate. This adjective should be replaced with the singular his or her.

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EXERCISE 3
Each of the following sentences contains at least one pronoun or possessive. Circle the pronouns
and possessives. Draw arrows to the nouns they refer to. Then indicate if the sentences are
correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. If my students come, please tell him that the class will be started at 7.30. (I)
Analysis
 The pronoun him is incorrect because it refers to my students.
 The pronoun him should be replaced by them.
2. I don’t like the idea because it is too costly.
3. The tables at the restaurant are so large that it can seat 12 people.
4. The soup need more salt because he does not taste very good.
5. The girls ran too fast, and she fell down.
6. In the autumn, the tree lost it leaves.
7. The windows were open, so I closed it.
8. The travelers lost their way in the storm.
9. The boy got the box, and he opened it carefully.
10. The woman left their earrings at home, so she wasn’t wearing them.
The following chart outlines what you should remember about checking pronoun reference.
TIPS
1. Be sure that every pronoun and possessive agrees with the noun it refers to.
2. You generally check earlier in the sentence for agreement.
Model Test
George gave me him undivided attention but still couldn’t understand what I was saying.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? The possessive adjective.
Explanation: in this question, the pronoun “him” is an object form. It should be in possessive
adjective form. Answer (A) is the correct answer to this question because “him” is incorrect.
Correct: his

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EXERCISE 4
A. Circle the correct pronoun in each pair.

1. They took (their / theirs) children to the amusement park.
2. Everybody except (he/him) came to the party last night.
3. Karen finish the task by (herself/her).
4. Tommy and Robby will show this project to a lecturer of (them/theirs).

5. Smartphones are relatively inexpensive, so many people own (it/them).
6. Using a personal computer is the best way to understand (its/their) capabilities.
7. Only (she/her) was injured in this car accident.

8. It was (he/him) who sent us the information about universities.
9. (Him/His) drawing is more attractive than (mine/my).

10. Because Louis and Alex were late, we had to start the discussion without (them/they).
11. Prof. John gave (we/us) back our assignment.

12. Hi Merry, do you clean this room by (you/yourself)?
13. I didn’t expect Sarah to be at home this evening, but it was (her/she) who came to the door
when I arrived.
14. I have to keep (me/myself) busy, or I will get bored.

15. Cats bathe (theirselves/themselves) several times a day.

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B. Practice identifying incorrect pronouns.
___ 1. This library was founded by our college in 1876 and took it name from a secret
A B
benefactor who donated his fortune for its development.
C D
___ 2. He who hesitates can lose him place in the race and do damage to himself and to
A B C
his chances for success.
D
___ 3. They gave us his undivided attention but still couldn’t understand what we were
A B C D
saying.
___ 4. We cannot finish it without you and he.
A B C D
___ 5. Only her had the courage to try our challenge by herself, and she succeeded.
A B C D
--- 6. While they were helping theirselves to the sandwiches, I was treating myself to the
A B C D
salad.

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UNIT 2
COUNT AND NON-COUNT NOUNS, ARTICLES
Count and Non-count Nouns
In English, nouns are classified as countable or uncountable. For certain questions on the ProTEFL
test, it is necessary to distinguish countable and uncountable nouns in order to use the correct
modifiers with them.
As the name implies, countable nouns are nouns that can be counted. Countable nouns can come
in quantities of one, or two, or a hundred, etc. the noun book is countable because you can have
one book or several books.
One book forty books

One chair five chairs
Uncountable nouns, on the other hand, are noun that cannot be counted because they come in some
indeterminate quantity or mass. A noun such as milk or happiness cannot be counted; you cannot
have one milk or two milks, and you cannot find one happiness or two happinesses. Uncountable
nouns are often liquid items such as water, oil, or shampoo. Uncountable nouns can also refer to
abstract ideas such as security, friendship, or hope.
The following list contains some non-count nouns that you should know:
sand measles money machinery cash
soap mumps homework equipment clothing
food physics information news garbage
fruit mathematics advice furniture music
meat politics air scenery traffic
work literature noise stuff knowledge
Note:
Some non-count nouns such as food, meat, coffee, sand, may be used as count nouns in order to
indicate different types.
This is one of the food that the doctor has forbidden me to eat. (indicates a particular type of food)
He studies meats. (for example beef, pork, lamb, etc)

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The word time can be either countable or uncountable noun depending on the context. When it
means an occasion, it is countable. When it means a number of hours, days, etc., it is non-count.
We spent too much time on this homework. (non-count)
She has been late for class six times this month. (count)
It is important for you to recognize the difference between countable and uncountable nouns when
you come across such key words as much and many.
Example 1
They have taken much* trips recently
Analysis
In the example, much is incorrect because trips is countable. The sentence should say many trips.
Example 2
There were not many* water in the pool
Analysis
In the example, many is incorrect because water is uncountable. This sentence should say much
water.
The following chart lists the key words that indicate to you whether a noun is countable or
uncountable.
KEY WORDS FOR COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

For countable nouns For uncountable nouns
many much
number of amount of
few little
a few a little
fewer less
none none
some some
any any
a lot of a lot of
one, two, three, ....
several
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Model Test
1. The professor will require us to conduct research, many of which can be done in our own
A B C D
library.
What is wrong with this sentence? The quantifier many and the noun research do not agree.
Explanation: in this question, a countable quantifier is being used with the uncountable noun. The
quantifier many should only be used with uncountable nouns. In the sentence, many is used with
uncountable noun research. Answer (C) is the correct answer because many is the incorrect form
of the quantifier.
Correction: much
EXERCISE 1: Each of the following sentences contains at least one key word to tell you if a noun
is countable or uncountable. Circle the key words. Draw arrows to the nouns they describe. Then
indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. She will visit in a few months. (C)

Analysis:
 A few is followed by countable noun, and month is countable noun, too.
 So, a few months is correct
2. Many surgeries are unnecessary.
3. You need to show a little kindness.
4. You have a number of choice.
5. There were a large amount of apples in the bowl.
6. We have fewer opportunities now.
7. How much money is left?
8. He caused less problems this time.
9. They need little times to finish their work.
10. He visited many exotic places.

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EXERCISE 2: Draw a line through the phrases that cannot be used to complete the sentences.
1. Elizabeth has ____________

too much cars a little car
several cars a few cars
some cars less cars than Jenny does
2. Mother sometimes gives _____________

too much advice to their children several advice to their children
a few advice to their children a little advice to their children
some advice to their children
less advice to their children than father do
EXERCISE 3: In each sentences, there are two expressions of quantity. One of them is incorrect.
Choose the letter of incorrect expression of quantity, and then correct the error.
many
___ 1. Many people feel that there are too much rules in the organization.
A B
___ 2. Several chemicals, a little of which can be dangerous, exist in water.
A B
___ 3. They had some trouble last night with an amount of the lights in the theatre.
A B
___ 4. Tommy has fewer fruit and less cereal in his bowl than I do.
A B
___ 5. Henry has much worries this semester, but Donny has none.
A B
___ 6. We have a lot of housework to do, many of which should have been done yesterday.
A B

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Indefinite and Definite Articles
A and An
A or an can precede only singular count nouns; it means one. It can be used in general
statement or to introduce a subject which has not been previously mentioned.
A baseball is round (general: all baseballs)
I saw a boy in the street (we don’t know which boy)
An is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

an uncle an hour an heir
A is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

a university a union a friend
The
The is used to indicate something that we already know about, or something that is
common knowledge.
The girl in the corner is my sister. (the speaker and the listener know which girl)
The sun is round. (there is only one sun)
With count nouns, we use the if it is the one and only.

The sun is round. (there is only one sun)
With non-count nouns, we use the if speaking specific terms, but no articles if speaking in general.
Sugar is sweet. (general: all sugar)
The sugar on the table is from India. (specific: the sugar that is on the table)
The is used before a singular noun that refers to a species or a group.

The tiger lives in Asia. (tigers, as a species, live in Asia)
The is used before adjectives used as nouns.

The children collected money to donate to the institution for the blind.
(the blind means blind people)

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In American English, the does not come before the following words unless the meaning is
restricted.
prison home hospital dinner court
church college lunch breakfast school
Use the following generalizations as a guide for the use of the article the.
Use with the Don’t use with the
1. Oceans, rivers, seas, gulfs, plural lakes: Singular lakes:

The Red Sea Lake Geneva
The Atlantic ocean Lake Erie
The Parisian Gulf
The Great Lakes
2. Mountains: Mounts:
The Rocky mountains Mount McKinley
The Andes Mount Vesuvius
3. Earth, moon Planets, constellations:
The Earth Venus
The Moon Orion
4. Schools, colleges, universities when the Schools, colleges, universities when the
phrase begins with school, etc. phrase begins with a proper noun.
The university of Florida Santa Fe Community College
The College of Art and Science Stetson University
5. Ordinal numbers before nouns: Cardinal numbers after nouns:
The First World War World war one
The third chapter Chapter three
6. Countries with more than one word: Countries with one word:
(except Great Britain) Venezuela, France, Indonesia
The United State States:
The Central African Republic Ohio, Florida, California
Continents:
Australia, Europa, Asia
7. Historical documents: Sports:
The Magna Charta Baseball, Tennis
The Constitution Abstract nouns:

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8. Ethnic groups: Liberty, love
The Indians General subject matter:
The Aztecs Mathematics, biology
Holidays:
New year’s day, Christmas
Model test
1. Dominic is taking a very difficult classes this semester
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? The article and the noun do not agree.
Explanation: in this question, a singular article is being used with the plural noun. The article a
should only be used with singular, indefinite, countable nouns. In the sentence, a is used with
noun classes which is plural. Answer (C) is the correct answer because classes is the incorrect
form of the noun.
Correction: class
2. The dog is very clever creature that can identify the drugs.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? An article is missing.

Explanation: in this question, the singular indefinite noun creature needs an article. Answer (B) is
the correct answer to the question because is very clever is incorrect.
Correction: is a very clever
3. A sun was shining brightly when we arrived at the beach.

A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? An incorrect article has been used.
Explanation: in this question the wrong article has been chosen. Sun is definite noun. There is only
one sun above the earth; it is definite to everyone. Definite nouns do not take the article a. Answer
(A) is the correct answer to this question because a sun is incorrect.
Correction: The sun.

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4. Steve is looking for an university where he can play baseball.

A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? The indefinite article is spelled incorrectly.
Explanation: in this question, the article is spelled incorrectly. The indefinite article has two
spellings. Before a consonant sound or a “y” or “w” sound, it is spelled “a”. However, before a
vowel sound, it is spelled “an”. In this sentence, university begins with a vowel symbol. However, it
begins with a “y” sound. Answer (C) is the correct answer to this question.
Correction: a university.
EXERCISE 4: Fill in the blanks with the article (a), (an), or (the) where necessary. Write (x) where
no article is used.
1. I like ____ blue T-shirt over there better than ____ red one.
2. The car does 140 miles ____ hour.
3. Where’s ____ USB drive I lent you last week?
4. Do you still live in ____ London?
5. Is your brother working in ____ old office building?
6. Sam’s father works as ____ electrician.
7. The potatoes are 1.25 Euro ____ kilo.
8. What do you usually have for ____ lunch?
9. Mr. Henkel has ____ terrible headache.
10. After this tour you have ____ whole afternoon free to explore the village.
EXERCISE 5: In each sentence below, underline the article. Then, on the line provided, put an I if
the sentence is incorrect and a C if the sentence is correct, then correct the error.
I 1. After a hour of waiting patiently, Peter left the doctor’s office without seeing the
doctor.
___ 2. They don’t have much money, so they can’t buy a house.
___ 3. The lion is generally considered to be the ferocious animal.
___ 4. Many dogs are bred for a specific purposes.
___ 5. He tried to tell the truth about the accident, but he was too upset to remember all of
the details.
___ 6. The man in the corner, who is the director of the library, is her husband.
___ 7. Kevin’s portfolio provided me with a clear indication of her qualifications.

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___ 8. Maria is very talented artist whose work are being displayed in an gallery on first
avenue.
___ 9. The post office is a very busy place during the holiday season, when well-wishers
send cards and packages to their families and friends.
__ 10. A honest person always returns borrowed things.
__ 11. Chris bought his new smartphone at discount store.
__ 12. Peter has the oldest car in the parking lot.
EXERCISE 6: Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of the word that is incorrect. Then
correct each error.
the
A 1. Under table were some boots, a scarf, and three books.
A B C D
___ 2. The happiness is a quality that comes from within a person.
A B C D
___ 3. My brother used to be an goalkeeper at the local football games.
A B C D
___ 4. Before leaving the office, please turn off computer and lock the filing cabinets.
A B C D
___ 5. In the United States, cattle rustling is still a serious crimes.
A B C D

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Unit 3
BASIC SENTENCE UNIT
Subjects and Verbs
A sentence is commonly defined as “a complete unit of thought”. Normally, a sentence expresses a

relationship, conveys a command, voices a question, or describe someone or something. It begins
with a capital letter and ends with a period, question mark, or exclamation mark.
The basic part of a sentence are the subject and the verb. The subject is usually a noun—a word
that names a person, place, or thing. The predicate (verb) usually follows the subject and identifies
an action or a state of being. See if you can identify the subject and the predicate in each of the
following short sentences.
 The hawk soars.

 The windows weep.
 My sister is a wrestler.
 The students are tired.
In each of these sentences, the subject is a noun: hawk, windows, sister, and students. The verbs
in the first two sentences (soars, weep) show action and answer the question, “What does the
subject do?” The verbs in the last two sentences (is, are) are called linking verbs because they link
the subject with a word that renames it (wrestler) or describes it (tired).
EXERCISE 1: Identifying the subject and verbs.

For each of the following sentences, decide whether the word in bold print is subject or the verb.
1. The dog shivered.

2. An owl shrieked.
3. The moon disappeared behind the clouds.
4. We waited.
5. For a moment, nobody even breathed.
6. A light rain fell on our heads.
7. The leaves trembled.
8. Our hearts beat faster.
9. Then the black sky opened up.
10. Furious flame lit up the night.
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Objects
In addition to serving the subjects, nouns may also function as objects in sentences. Instead of
performing the action, as subject usually do, objects receive the action and usually follow the verb.
See if you can identify the objects in the short sentences below.
 The boys hurled stones.

 The teacher swigged coffee.
 Peter dropped the aquarium.
The object-stones, coffee, aquarium- all answer the question what: what was hurled? What was
swigged? What was dropped?
You should now be able to identify the main parts of the basic sentence unit: SUBJECT plus
VERB, or SUBJECT plus VERB plus OBJECT.
EXERCISE 2: Identifying subjects, verbs, and objects.

For each of the following sentences, identify the word in bold as a subject, a verb, or an object.
When you are done, compare your answers with those at the end of the exercise.
1. Mr. Gates donated an antique car to the Museum of Natural History.
2. After the final song, the drummer hurled his sticks at the crowd.
3. Gina smashed the electric guitar with a sledge hammer.
4. James stunned the thief with a radar gun.
5. Very slowly, Peter opened the box.
6. Very emotionally, Robert opened the door.
7. Tony closed the window.
8. Tommy gave his old skateboard to his brother.
9. After breakfast, Tina drove to the campus with Gina.
10. Even though it rarely rains here, Mr. Kanazawa carries his umbrella wherever he goes.
The most common types of problem that you will encounter in the Structure Section of the
ProTEFL test are related to subjects and verbs; perhaps the sentence is missing either the subject,
or the verb, or both; perhaps the sentence has an extra subject or verb.

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Example 1
_______ was ringing continuously for hours.
(A) Loudly
(B) In the morning
(C) The phone
(D) The bells
Analysis
In this example, you should notice immediately that there is a verb, was ringing, but there is no
subject. Answer (C) is the best answer because it is a singular subject that agrees with the singular
verb was ringing. Answer (A), loudly, and answer (B), in the morning, are not subjects, so they are
not correct. Although answer (D), bells, could be a subject, it is not correct because bells is plural
and it does not agree with the singular verb was ringing.
Example 2
Newspapers ______ every morning and every evening.
(A) delivery
(B) are delivered
(C) on time
(D) regularly
Analysis
In this example, you should notice immediately that the sentence has a subject, newspapers, but
that there is no verb. Answer (B), are delivered, is the best because it is a verb. Answers (A), (C)
and (D) are not verbs, so they are not correct.

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Example 3
The plane ______ landing at the airport in ten minutes.
(A) it is
(B) it really is
(C) is descending
(D) will be
Analysis
This sentence has a subject, plane, and has part of a verb, landing; to be correct, some form of the
verb be is needed to make the verb complete. Answer (A) and (B) are incorrect because the
sentence already has a subject; plane, and does not need the extra subject “it”. Answer (C) is
incorrect because descending is an extra part of a verb that is unnecessary because of landing.
Answer (D) is the best answer; will be together with landing is a complete verb.
EXERCISE 3
Underline the subject once and the verb twice in each of the following sentences. Then indicate if
the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).
1. My teacher always helpful with problems. (I)
Analysis:
The subject of the sentence above is my teacher, but there is no verb. So, the sentence is
incorrect. The correct sentence should be My teacher is always helpful with problems.
2. The bus schedule has changed since last week.

3. Accidentally dropped the glass on the floor.
4. The customer paying the clerk for the clothes.
5. The lecturer handed the syllabus to the students.
6. Each day practiced the violin for hours.
7. The basketball player tossed the ball into the hoop.
8. The new student in the class very talkative and friendly.
9. Walking with the children to school.
10. The whales headed south for the winter.

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TIPS
A sentence in English must have at least one subject and one verb. The first thing
that you should do as you read a sentence in the structure section of the ProTEFL
test is to find the subject and the verb.
OBJECTS OF PREPOSITIONS
An object of a preposition is a noun or a pronoun that comes after a preposition such as in, at, of,
to, by, behind, and on to form a prepositional phrase.
The trip (to the bay) (on Saturday) will last (for two hours).
This sentence contains three objects of prepositions. Bay is the object of the preposition to;
Saturday is the object of the preposition on; hours is the object of the preposition for.
An object of a preposition can cause confusion in the Structure Section of the ProTEFL test
because it can be mistaken for the subject of a sentence.

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Unit 4
SUBJECTS AND VERBS AGREEMENT
Each sentence and subordinate clause tested in Section Two of the ProTEFL test must have a
subject and a finite verb ( a verb which can show past and present tense and to which the third
person singular -s can be attached).
James wants to go with me tomorrow
S finite verb
James has been wanting to go with me for a long time.
S finite verb
Model Test:
1. Because she didn’t feel well, _______________ to stay home from school.
(A) the girl she wanted
(B) the girl
(C) the girl wanted
(D) what the girl wanted
Explanation: in this question, the subject and verb are being tested. All four of the answer contain
the subject, girl. However, answer (A) contains two subjects. Answer (B) contains a subject only.
Answer (D) contains a noun clause subject. Answer (C) is the correct answer to the question
because it contains the missing subject and finite verb.
2. Until have matured, most children live with their parents.

A B C D
Sub. Clause Main Clause
(Remember, you are looking for the error in the sentences).

What is wrong with this sentence? The subject of the subordinate clause is missing.
Explanation: in this question, there are two clauses: a main clause and a subordinate clause. The
main clause is a subject, most children, and a verb, live. The subordinate clause, however, has
only a verb, have matured. In this case, the subject is missing.
Answer (A) is the correct answer to the question because until have is incorrect.
Correction: Until they have matured.

24
3. This exam _________ everyting in chapter six.
(A) which covers
(B) it covers
(C) covers
(D) covers it
What is needed in this sentence? The verb!
Explanation: in this question, the finite verb is missing. Answer (A) contains both a clause marker
and a verb. Answer (B) contains both a subject and a verb. Answer (D) contains both a verb and
an object. Answer (C) is the correct answer to the question because it contains only the finite verb.
Sometimes prepositional phrases can come between the subject and the verb. If the object of the
preposition is singular and the subject is plural or the opposite way, there can be confusion in
making the subject and verb agree.
4. The key to the doors are* in the drawer.
You might think that doors is the subject because it comes directly in front of the verb are.
However, doors is not the subject because it is the object of the preposition to. The subject of the
sentence is key, so the verb should be is.
5. The keys to the door is* in the drawer.
So, in this sentence, the verb the verb for the subject keys is are.
A particular agreement problem occurs when the subject is an expression of quantity, such as all,
most, or some, followed by preposition of. In this situation, the subject (all, most, or some) can be
singular or plural depending on what follows the preposition of.
6. All (of the book) was interesting

singular
All (of the books) were interesting.

plural
All (of the information) was interesting.

uncountable

25
In the first example, the subject all refers to the singular noun book, so the correct verb is the
singular verb was. In the second example, the subject all refers to the plural noun books, so the
correct verb is the plural verb were. In the third example, the subject all refers to the uncountable
noun information, so the correct verb is the singular verb was.
EXERCISES
2A: Practice with Subjects and Verb errors.
Each of the sentences below contains one main clause. Some also contain a subordinate clause.
Circle each subject and underine each verb in the sentences. Then, on the line provided, put an I if
the sentence is incorrect and a C if the sentence is correct. Correct all errors. More than one
correction in a sentence is possible.
he
I 1. Last year bought a new laptop.
C 2. When he was sick, I took him some chicken soup.
______ 3. These curtains they need to be pressed.
______ 4. Clearing away the dead leaves to plant a garden.
______ 5. My brother’s best friend staying with us this weekend.
______ 6. Lats weekend we played basketball together at the new gym.
______ 7. This can is contains more coffee than the other one does.
______ 8. The party last night which was a lot of fun.
______ 9. We enjoyd our vacation even though it was very short.
______ 10. I hope that I will do well on my next English exam.
______ 11. When graduates, my roommate will give me his computer.
______ 12. The airplane that he flies it is a small one.
2B: More practice with Subjects and Verbs.
1. Although he was tired, William _______ working on his paper.

(A) Who continued
(B) Continued
(C) He continued
(D) Continuing
What is needed in this sentence? The verb

26
2. __________ on me to lend him my history note.
(A) Andrew counted
(B) Andrew counting
(C) That Andrew counted
(D) Since Adrew counted
What is needed in this sentence? ______________________
3. According to the recent studies, winter _________ the season when the most traffic accidents
occur.
(A) being
(B) in
(C) when
(D) is
4. In the 1970s students in American colleges and universities _________ many protests and
demonstration.
(A) they staged
(B) staged
(C) staging
(D) to stage
5. ___________ more suspectible to certain diseases than adults are.

(A) Children
(B) Children who are
(C) Children are
(D) Children being
6. Although they had no money, _________ contented.

(A) being that they
(B) and they
(C) they were
(D) for they were

27
2C: More Practice with Subjects and Verbs
Choose the letter of the underlined word or group of words that is incorrect. Then, use the choices
provided to answer the question: What is wrong with this sentence? Choices:
Missing subject or verb
Repeated subject or verb
Unnecessary clause marker
Correct each error!
A 1. I not happy about going home so early last night.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? Missing verb
2. Many people enjoy tennis, which find relaxing.

A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? _____________________________
3. My cousine, Angelina, she lives in Miami, and she likes it there very much.
A B C D
4. The snow is makes winter driving a hazard, especially in areas where no one plows to
road.
A B C D
5. Fireflies which are insect that glow in the dark and are often captured by children.
A B C D
6. Last week Monica sad because she lost the dog that she loved so much.
A B C D

28
Unit 5
VERB TENSE FORM
The English verb has five principle parts. These principle parts are used in
forming English verb tenses. The principle parts of some English verbs are
given in the chart below.
PRINCIPLE PARTS OF SOME ENGLISH VERBS
Base Form Present Present Past Past Participle
Participle
Start Start (s) Starting Started Started
Hope Hope (s) Hoping Hoped Hoped
Study Study (ies) Studying Studied Studied
Eat Eat 9s) Eating Ate Eaten
Give Give (s) Giving Gave Given
Have Have/has Having Had Had
Be Am/is/are Being Was/were Been
When parts of the verbs BE (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being) are used to form active verb
tenses, they are followed by a present participle as, for example, in the continuous tenses.
Sometimes the verb BE is used to form passive sentences. When this happens, it is followed by a
past participle.
I am living here now

BE + present participle
I have been living here for a long time

BE + present participle
When parts of the verb HAVE (have, has, had, having) are used to form verb tenses, they are
followed by a past participle as, for example, in the perfect tenses.
I have lived here for a long time

HAVE + past participle
I have been living here for a long time

HAVE + past participle
29
The –ing form of the verb can NEVER function as the finite verb of a clause.
Incorrect Gustave having had his paper finished for a few days.
Correction Gustave has had his paper finished for a few days.
Incorrect Steve feels that we making to much noise.
Correction Steve feels that we are making to much noise.
Model Test:
1. Daniel has telling me about this problem several times.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? The verb form following has.
Explanantion: In this question, the verb has is followed by the present participle form of tell. This
results in the incorrect formation of the present perfect tense. As mentioned above, when has is
used, it should be followed by a past participle. Answer (A) is the correct answer to this question
because has telling is incorrect.
Correction: has told
2. The teacher writed the answers on the whiteboard so everyone could see them.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? The past form of irreguler verb.
Expalanation: Write is an irreguler verb. It does not make its past form by adding –ed the way
reguler verbs do. Answer (B) is the correct answer to this question because writed is incorrect.
Correction: wrote
Modals + Base Form of Verb
Whenever you see a modal such as can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, or must, you
should be sure that the verb that fillows it is in its base form.
Incorrect You must finishing* this task
Correction You must finish this task
Incorrect The guest may comes* in
Correction The guest may come in

30
EXERCISES
Exercise 5A: Practice with Verb Tense Formation
Change the following verbs to the past tenses indicated.

Simple Past Past
Past Continuous Perfect
go went was/were going had gone
come _________________ _________________ _________________
walk _________________ _________________ _________________
play _________________ _________________ _________________
make _________________ _________________ _________________
have _________________ _________________ _________________
look _________________ _________________ _________________
open _________________ _________________ _________________
show _________________ _________________ _________________
think _________________ _________________ _________________
forget _________________ _________________ _________________
speak _________________ _________________ _________________
sing _________________ _________________ _________________
write _________________ _________________ _________________
visit _________________ _________________ _________________
see _________________ _________________ _________________
sell _________________ _________________ _________________
buy _________________ _________________ _________________
bring _________________ _________________ _________________
do _________________ _________________ _________________
drink _________________ _________________ _________________
present _________________ _________________ _________________

31
5B: Practice Identifying Incorrect Verbs Forms
Choose the letter of the incorrect verb form in each sentence.

_____ 1. Television has became a popular form of entertainment for people who prefer not to go
A B
out in the evening.
_____ 2. Alex tried to stay awake while the lecturer was spoke.
A B
_____ 3. Peter Parker disappeared at sea while he flying his airplane
A B
_____ 4. Ricardo had been live in California for seven years when his manager transferred him to
A B
Canada.
_____ 5. William has been playing a lot of polo since he gotted his new polo clubs.
A B
_____ 6. Physical exercise has help many people because it relieves stress.
A B
_____ 7. Rain maked it impossible for me to visit you, so I stayed at home.
A B
_____ 8. Since 1975, scientists have studying the effects that pollution has on the ozone layer.
A B
_____ 9. Students who want to improve their speaking skill sometimes go to university language
A
centre where they learning to speak with native speakers.
B
_____ 10. My father buyed his car in the winter when prices had been reduced.
A B
_____ 11. I appreciate the work she has doing for the committee.
A B

32
5C: Practice with Modals
C 1. You should try to respond politely.

I 2. Everyone must leaves the room immediately.
______ 3. I could sat on the beach for hours.
______ 4. She will aksing you many difficult question.
______ 5. You can look at the book, but you can noy borrow it.
______ 6. He may lies to you because he is not very truthful.
______ 7. He knew that he would forgot the phone number.
______ 8. The weatherman said that it might snowing tonight.
______ 9. Perhaps we could bought a new car this year.
______ 10. This cours will satisfy the graduation requirement.

33
VERB TENSE MEANING
Each different tense form in English has a different meaning. The chart below summerizes these
verb tense meanings.
TENSE FORM TENSE MEANING

Simple Present Express an event or situation that exists now or that usually, always,
or
often exists.
He always starts the class at 7:30.
The sun rises in the east.
Simple Past Express an event or situation that began and ended in the past.
He started the class yesterday
Simple Future Express an event or situation that will happen at one particular time
in
the future.
He will start the class tomorrow at 7:30
The continuous tenses Give the idea that an event or situation is in progress during a
particular
time.
While he was watching TV, the phone rang.
The perfect tense Give the idea that one event happens or happened before another
time
or event.
She had called before she came.
The meaning of a tense used in an English sentence must agree with the time meaning of the rest
of the sentence. The time meaning of a sentence is often determined by words or expressions that
act as time markers. Some of the most common English time markers are listed below.

34
SOME COMMON TIME MARKERS USED ON THE ProTEFL
Usually Often used with the simple tense to indocate habitual actions
Today Often used with the present tense
Now Often used with the present continuous tense
During Often used with the simple and continuous tenses to show a duration of time. Not
usually used with the perfect tense
Yesterday Often used with the past tense
Already Often used with the perfect tense – in affirmative meaning
Yet Often used with the perfect tenses – in negative meaning and in questions
Since Often used with the the perfect tenses – to indicate a particular time
For Often used with the perfect tenses or the simple tenses – to indicate a duration of
time
Tomorrow Often used with the future tenses or with the present continuous tense when it
refers to the future
There are other uses for some of the time markers listed above, but the uses given are very
common and are often tested on the ProTEFL.
Model Test:
1. In 2004, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has become president of Indonesia, beating his
A B C
opponents by a wide margin.
D
What is wrong with this sentence? There is no agreement in meaning between the time marker
and the verb.
Explanation: In this sentence, the verb has become does not agree in meaning with the rest of the
sentence. The time marker in 2004 indicates that the action in this sentence took place in the past
only. Has become indicates an action that began in the past and has continued to the present.
Answer (A) is the correct answer to the question because has become is incorrect.
Correction: became

35
2. Since the 2000s, K-Pop music became more popular with young people in Asia.
A B C D
What is wrong with this sentence? There is no agreement between the time marker and the verb.
Explanation: In this sentence, Since is the time marker. Since is usually used with the perfect
tenses. This sentence uses the simple past tense. Answer (A) is the correct answer to the question
because became is incorrect.
Correction: has become
EXERCISES
A. Practice with Time Markers anf Verb Tenses
In each sentence, circle the verb(s) and underline the time marker(s). Then, on the line provided,
put an I if the sentence is incorrect and put a C if the sentence is correct. Correct each error.
__C__ 1. Tina had not seen Sakura before coming to Japan.

__I__ 2. I live here since 1980.  have lived
____ 3. Yesterday we are going shopping for a smartphone.
____ 4. The students of today had used internets to them the information they need.
____ 5. In the early part of last month, Germans everywhere are going to the polls to vote.
____ 6. Recently, the weather has been very unpredictable.
____ 7. We thought that our original plan was a good one, but we modify it a great deal over the
past few weeks.
____ 8. I have just arrived when he called.
____ 9. I have just received his message, I will call him in a few minutes.
____ 10. Although we sometimes go to a restaurant, we usually are eating at home.
____ 11. We celebrate independence day every year on August 17.
____ 12. Mr. Robert has been worried about his final project during several months.

36
B. Choose the letter of the incorrect verb in each sentence. Correct each error.
is
B 1. My sister, who was a pharmacology student, was now studying to be a nurse.
A B
____ 2. Australian found themslves with less free time over the past few decades even though
A
they are earning more money.
B
____ 3. Since it was first invented in 1879, the light bulb became indispensable in American
A B
housholds.
____ 4. At this time, more and more women who work felt it is difficult to manage their careers
A B
and their private lives.
____ 5. Charles had started his career as a componist before he is fifteen years old.
A B
____ 6. We always are going for a walk after we finish our homework.
A B

37

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ProTEFL PREPARATORY COURSE UNTAG Banyuwangi-LANGUAGE CENTER

Subject and Object

Peter watched the match with Tina

He watched it with her.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Him* and his friends are playing football

Our teachers are going with you and I*

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Possessive Adjective and Pronoun

Tina gave me her smartphone.

Tina gave me hers.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

The students submit theirs* assignments.

adjective “their” is needed in the first example.

I would like to send our*.

1. She cut hers hair recently. (I)

 Hers should be her.

4. I like his ideas and hers.

5. The tree fell on its side during the storm.

7. Theirs suggestion is unrealistic.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

The books are for you, so please take it*.

Each candidate has to sign their* application form.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

What is wrong with this sentence? The possessive adjective.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

A. Circle the correct pronoun in each pair.

4. Tommy and Robby will show this project to a lecturer of (them/theirs).

6. Using a personal computer is the best way to understand (its/their) capabilities.

7. Only (she/her) was injured in this car accident.

9. (Him/His) drawing is more attractive than (mine/my).

11. Prof. John gave (we/us) back our assignment.

14. I have to keep (me/myself) busy, or I will get bored.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Count and Non-count Nouns

One book forty books

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

KEY WORDS FOR COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

1. She will visit in a few months. (C)

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

1. Elizabeth has ____________

2. Mother sometimes gives _____________

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

Indefinite and Definite Articles

An is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

A is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

With count nouns, we use the if it is the one and only.

The is used before a singular noun that refers to a species or a group.

The is used before adjectives used as nouns.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

1. Oceans, rivers, seas, gulfs, plural lakes: Singular lakes:

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

What is wrong with this sentence? An article is missing.

3. A sun was shining brightly when we arrived at the beach.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

4. Steve is looking for an university where he can play baseball.

Student Book 1 | Structure Section

C 1. Tina had not seen Sakura before coming to Japan.