Year 7 Writing – Agreement and Reference 1

Practise fixing unclear pronouns and verbs that do not agree with their subjects in two short student drafts. 12 questions. 20 minutes.

Draft A: Exploring an abandoned house

(1) On Saturday afternoon, Ben and his cousin Ravi walked up the hill to the old house at the end of Mill Road. (2) The gate hung crooked, and the garden was full of tall weeds. (3) Ben pushed the front door open slowly. (4) The hinges squeaked in the quiet air. (5) Inside, the floorboards creaked under their boots. (6) The boys found a dusty living room full of old furniture.

(7) Ben told Ravi that he had left the camera in the car. (8) Ben always forgot something, so Ravi was not surprised. (9) The shelves in the hallway is covered in thick dust. (10) A cracked mirror hung above a small table near the window. (11) Ravi pointed at the staircase, and the boys climbed it carefully. (12) Nobody were brave enough to open the last door. (13) Then a loud bang echoed from the room below. (14) The sound made Ben's heart pound. (15) Ravi laughed nervously, but his hands were shaking. (16) Both boys ran outside and did not stop until they reached the gate.

Draft B: Should school uniforms be optional?

(17) Many students at our school believe that uniforms should be optional. (18) A survey of 200 students at our school found that most of them would like more choice. (19) Every student have a different idea of what is comfortable. (20) The summer shirts is too hot on sunny days. (21) Some students wear a jumper over their shirt even in the heat because the school rules say so. (22) Parents also says that uniforms cost too much.

(23) Mia asked Ms Reid if she could raise the idea at the staff meeting, since it affected everyone. (24) My sister and her friends was upset when the school refused to listen. (25) The principal read the survey, and she agreed to a trial. (26) A trial would show whether students dress more comfortably and feel happier. (27) Choice would also teach students to make good decisions about their own clothes. (28) Uniforms can still be worn by anyone who prefers them. (29) For these reasons, uniforms should be optional at our school.