Pronoun Match Quiz
Pronoun Match Quiz
Subjects • Reflexive Pronouns • Intensive Pronouns
Total: 100 Points (20 pts each)
Name:
Date:
Period:
Score:
Directions: Match each item on the left with its correct definition or category on the right. Write the matching uppercase letter (A, B, C, D, or E) clearly in the blank box next to each question number.
1 Part I: Definition Matching (Questions 1–3)
20 points each
1. Subject Sentence Foundation
2. Reflexive Pronoun Self-Pronoun Role
3. Intensive Pronoun Self-Pronoun Role
Definition Bank
A
A pronoun ending in -self or -selves that points back to the subject and is essential to the sentence's meaning.
B
The noun, pronoun, or phrase that performs the action or is being described in the sentence.
C
A pronoun ending in -self or -selves used only for emphasis; it can be removed without altering the core sentence.
2 Part II: Applied Sentence Matching (Questions 4–5)
20 points each
4. Read the sentence below:
“Jordan prepared himself a hearty breakfast before running the race.”
Identify how himself functions relative to the subject Jordan.
5. Read the sentence below:
“The principal herself announced the science fair winners over the loudspeaker.”
Identify how herself functions relative to the subject The principal.
Classification Bank
D
Reflexive Pronoun
The action reflects directly back onto the subject; removing it causes the sentence to sound unfinished or incomplete.
E
Intensive Pronoun
The pronoun simply highlights or emphasizes the subject; removing it leaves a fully complete, grammatically sound sentence.
Grammar Clue — The “Drop-Out” Test: To distinguish between reflexive and intensive pronouns, cross out the -self word. If the sentence still makes complete sense on its own, the pronoun is intensive. If the action loses its receiver or meaning, it is reflexive!
Pronoun Match Answer Key
Pronoun Match Quiz
Answer Key
Teacher Grading Guide • Explanations & Misconception Notes
Total Points: 100 (20 pts each)
Quick Scoring Key Standard Grading: 20 pts per correct match
Question 1 B
Question 2 A
Question 3 C
Question 4 D
Question 5 E
1 Part I: Definition Solutions & Teacher Rationale
Definitions 1–3
B
1. Subject → Definition B Core Grammar Term
Match: “The noun, pronoun, or phrase that performs the action or is being described in the sentence.”
Teaching Note: Both reflexive and intensive pronouns refer back directly to the subject of the sentence or clause (the antecedent). Identifying the subject is the necessary first step.
A
2. Reflexive Pronoun → Definition A Essential Role
Match: “A pronoun ending in -self or -selves that points back to the subject and is essential to the sentence's meaning.”
Teaching Note: Think of a mirror (reflection). The subject performs an action onto itself (serving as direct object, indirect object, or object of preposition). Removing it leaves a grammatical hole.
C
3. Intensive Pronoun → Definition C Non-Essential Role
Match: “A pronoun ending in -self or -selves used only for emphasis; it can be removed without altering the core sentence.”
Teaching Note: Intensive pronouns “intensify” the subject (e.g., “I myself witnessed it”). They function appositively and can always be deleted without syntactic loss.
2 Part II: Applied Sentence Solutions
Sentences 4–5
D Question 4: Reflexive
“Jordan prepared himself a hearty breakfast...”
Why it's Reflexive: Jordan is the subject; himself serves as the indirect object receiving the action.
Drop Test: In this context, himself answers for whom the breakfast was prepared. Because the action reflects directly back onto Jordan, it is reflexive.
E Question 5: Intensive
“The principal herself announced the winners...”
Why it's Intensive: The principal is the subject. Herself is placed adjacent to emphasize personal action.
Drop Test: “The principal announced the winners...” The sentence is 100% grammatically complete without herself, proving it is intensive.
Pedagogical Guidance • Common Student Pitfalls
The Form vs. Function Trap: Students often assume that words ending in -self are always one or the other. Remind them that the words look identical (myself, himself, herself, ourselves, themselves); their job in the sentence determines whether they are reflexive (essential) or intensive (optional emphasis).
