The Pronoun “They”

Worksheet Description

This educational resource delves into the intricacies of the English language by centering on the pronoun “They” and its contested uses. It’s structured to provoke critical thinking and engage students in the nuances of pronoun usage.

The first question prompts students to reflect on why “they” can be a contentious pronoun. The second inquiry challenges students to consider the objections to using “you” and “one” as alternatives to “they,” nudging them towards a deeper linguistic understanding.

Below the questions, a section for practical application is included. Students must read provided sentences and determine if the usage of “they” is contested within each context, marking ‘yes’ or ‘no’ accordingly. Sentences such as “Jennifer arrived, but they didn’t stay very long” serve as practical examples.

This exercise not only reinforces their understanding of “they” as a singular pronoun but also allows them to apply reference texts to justify their reasoning. The worksheet design is clean and focused, with a graphic of a classic inkwell and quill in the top right corner, symbolizing the craft of writing. The layout, with ample space for written responses, encourages a thoughtful analysis, making it an effective tool for enhancing grammatical proficiency.