1. Which sentence contains a shift in number?

The lake contained garbage that flows through the storm drains.
He couldn't refuse when offered another helping of dessert; sometimes you just can't resist!
His book was returned to the bin, and then Johnny carried the other books home.
If a student does not understand the assignment, they should consult the textbook.

Question 2
Which sentence contains a shift in number?
Susan told the children they would not receive the gifts unless they complete all of their tasks.
The team won the game, and the victory was celebrated till morning.
When an athlete does not practice, they cannot expect to excel.
When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more.

Question 3
Which sentence contains a shift in number?
We used to have a problem with the dogs; now you can't hear them bark at all.
Each person should bring a gift, or they will not be admitted to the festival.
She makes a pot of coffee and then went into the next room.
The student's computer program crashed, and future crashes were anticipated.

Question 4
Which sentence contains a shift in number?
Everyone should report to your building by 7:00 a.m.
We drove around the block in Billy's car for a few minutes, and then we discover the flat tire.
The baseball was thrown far and wide, so the pitcher ruined his average.
Each visitor to the museum should pick up their visitor pass at the head office.

Question 5
Which sentence contains a shift in number?
The dog walked to the tree; then he barks and lies down next to his house.
I enjoy reading financial forecasts of the future, but you wonder which will turn out to be correct.
Most people expect major improvements in the future, but some hardships are also anticipated.
When an employee is treated with respect, they are more motivated to do a good job.

my answers

1.If a student does not understand the assignment, they should consult the textbook

2.When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more.

3.Each person should bring a gift, or they will not be admitted to the festival.

4.Everyone should report to your building by 7:00 a.m

5. Most people expect major improvements in the future, but some hardships are also anticipated.

You are correct on 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Re-think #5.

answer 5

When an employee is treated with respect, they are more motivated to do a good job.

Right!

Your answers are correct! Each of the sentences you identified contains a shift in number, which means there is inconsistency in the use of pronouns or noun forms.

In question 1, the shift occurs in "If a student does not understand the assignment, they should consult the textbook." Here, the singular pronoun "a student" is followed by the plural pronoun "they."

In question 2, the shift occurs in "When the students want to raise their grades, you usually study more." Here, the plural pronoun "students" is followed by the second-person pronoun "you."

In question 3, the shift occurs in "Each person should bring a gift, or they will not be admitted to the festival." Here, the singular pronoun "Each person" is followed by the plural pronoun "they."

In question 4, the shift occurs in "Everyone should report to your building by 7:00 a.m." Here, the indefinite pronoun "Everyone" is followed by the possessive pronoun "your."

In question 5, the shift occurs in "When an employee is treated with respect, they are more motivated to do a good job." Here, the singular noun "employee" is followed by the plural pronoun "they."

Great job on identifying these shifts in number!