Was or Were? Subject-Verb Agreement Activity

Being able to write using correct subject-verb agreement is a key grammar skill needed for good writing. The use of was versus were may seem like a small detail, but this set of task cards allows students to practice this skill and receive feedback on their sentence structure.

To use, students read the sentence on the card and complete the sentence using was or were. Students can record their answers and check for accuracy using the answer key. 

Through this activity, students will gain the ability to write complete and correct sentences and apply common subject-verb agreement rules.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your Language Arts lessons.

In addition to individual student work time, use this set of grammar task cards to enhance learning through guided writing groups, whole class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Students can work in pairs to support one another’s learning on this resource. 

Additionally, provide access to previous assignments, as well as posters and anchor charts for students to recall past lessons.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage fast finishers to continue working on subject-verb agreement by editing and revising their own pieces of writing, or by creating additional task cards to go along with the set.

🛴 Scoot Activity

Place the cards around the room in numerical order and give each student a recording sheet. Assign students or pairs to a starting point card. Give students time to review the card and record their answers in the corresponding space on their paper. Students will rotate to the next card when you say, “SCOOT!” Continue in this manner until students return to their starting point. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download.

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

To keep the task cards out of pockets or under desks, punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

This resource was created by Kirstin Sowers, a teacher in Illinois and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource Subject Verb Agreement Dice Game A dice game for pairs of students to help practice subject verb agreement and sentence writing. lesson plan Subject-Verb Agreement A 60 minute lesson in which students identify and practice subject-verb agreement.