Grammar
The iTEP SLATE Core Grammar section tests whether you can select the form that makes a sentence correct in context. Items are multiple-choice: one sentence has a blank, and four options compete. The section samples verb tense and aspect, subject-verb agreement, pronouns, articles, prepositions, comparatives, conditionals, and clause structure, so a single rule is rarely enough.
Rules that decide most items
- Read the whole sentence before the options. Time phrases such as by the time, since, for, and already often decide the tense.
- Find the head noun for agreement; ignore prepositional phrases. In The box of pencils is on the desk, the verb agrees with box.
- Sequence tenses: past perfect for the earlier of two past events; present perfect with for or since; future time clauses use present simple after when or before.
- Match pronouns to their antecedents in number and case. Use who for people, which for things, that for either in defining clauses.
- Use a or an with a singular countable noun on first mention; use the for a specific or already mentioned noun.
Worked example
By the time the bus ____, we had already waited for an hour. Options: arrives, arrived, has arrived, will arrive. The clause we had already waited is past perfect, so the waiting was complete before another past event. The by the time clause names that later event, so it takes simple past: arrived. Has arrived would create a present-perfect frame that clashes with had waited; arrives is present.
Traps that cost marks
- Choosing an option because it sounds natural, not because a time marker or parallel verb supports it.
- Missing a singular head noun separated from its verb by a plural phrase.
- Using since with a duration (since three years) instead of for.
- Double comparatives such as more better.
- Dropping a before a singular countable noun.