Subject-Verb Agreement Lesson Plan for Intermediate English Learners (Unlocking Grammar)

This subject-verb agreement lesson plan will help your students be able to identify the verb and the subject of any sentence and discover how the verb must agree with the subject in number regardless of the word (s) or phrases between them.

Introduction

This English language lesson focused on the Subject-Verb Agreement. This fundamental aspect of grammar is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. In this lesson, we’ll explore how verbs must agree with their subjects in number, regardless of any words or phrases that may appear between them.

Subject-Verb Agreement Lesson Plan

Level: This lesson is designed for intermediate-level English learners. Students should have a basic understanding of sentence structure and the present simple tense.

1. Identify the subject and verb in a given sentence.
2. Understand the concept of subject-verb agreement.
3. Apply subject-verb agreement rules to form grammatically correct sentences.
4. Practice correcting sentences with subject-verb agreement errors.

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout with sentences for practice
• Answer key for checking understanding

• Introduction: 5 minutes
• Sentence Analysis Activity: 10 minutes
• Rule Understanding Task: 15 minutes
• Sentence Correction Activity: 15 minutes
• Conclusion: 5 minutes

Subject-verb Agreement Lesson Plan

1. Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Invite students to work in groups to underline subjects and circle verbs in the following sentences:
     • The cat lazily sleeps on the windowsill.
     • My friends and I are planning a surprise party for our teacher.
     • In the dark forest, a mysterious figure silently moves among the trees.
     • Every morning, the energetic joggers run along the scenic river path.
   • Class correction
   • Share the learning objectives with the students.
2. Awareness-raising:
   • Invite students to change the subjects in these sentences as suggested:
     • The cat lazily sleeps on the windowsill. (The cats)
     • My friends and I are planning a surprise party for our teacher. (My Friend)
     • In the dark forest, a mysterious figure silently moves among the trees. (Mysterious figures)
     • Every morning, the energetic joggers run along the scenic river path. (the energetic jogger)
   • Emphasize that as the subject changes, the verb must also adjust to agree in number.
   • Briefly explain the importance of subject-verb agreement in English for clear communication.
3. Sentence Analysis Activity (10 minutes):
   • Write the sentences on the board: a. Nancy plays basketball every Sunday. b. The children don’t like this food. c. Sara meets her boyfriend regularly.
   • In pairs, students underline the subject and the verb in each sentence.
   • Discuss as a class to ensure understanding.
4. Rule Understanding Task (15 minutes):
   • Assign the following sentences for analysis:
     • a. The coffee on the table (is, are) too hot.
     • b. Alan (write, writes) good poems.
     • c. These cars (cost, costs) a lot of money.
     • d. The teacher (isn’t, aren’t) happy today.
     • e. That girl (don’t, doesn’t) seem to be happy.
     • f. My new friend (hasn’t, haven’t) got a bike.
     • g. Those houses (are, is) very old.
     • h. The girls over there (is, are) very nice.
     • i. John (study, studies) Chinese on Mondays.
     • j. I (hop, hopes) to have a lot of friends.
   • Students work individually to choose the correct verb form based on subject-verb agreement rules.
5. Sentence Correction Activity (15 minutes):
   • Students exchange sheets to correct and score their sentences.
   • Students share answers in small groups.
   • Class correction
   • Discuss corrections as a class, addressing any questions or concerns.

• Summarize key points about subject-verb agreement.
• Encourage students to practice applying these rules in their writing and speaking.
• Answer any remaining questions.

This lesson is designed to provide a solid foundation in understanding and applying subject-verb agreement rules in English, fostering improved language proficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this subject-verb agreement lesson plan equips students with a strong understanding of how subjects and verbs must agree in English. This is crucial for effective English communication. By identifying, analyzing, and correcting sentences, students gain valuable skills to enhance their language proficiency.

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