Which word should replace the underlined word? “[Him] is seven years old.”
Use Standard Grammar, Usage, and Spelling to Edit · TELPAS Grade 2 writing. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 2: find and fix an error in a short text. On the real test some of these are typed answers or sentence rewrites. Here they are multiple choice so they can be checked.
The question
Choose the best answer.
Read the sentences. The underlined word has an error. Maria is my best friend. [Him] is seven years old. Which word should replace the underlined word?
- SheCorrect answer
- Her
- He
- They
Why “She” is correct
The underlined word stands for Maria, who is one girl, and it comes before the verb is, so it must be She. Her is used after a verb ("I like her") or to show something belongs to her. Some languages use one word for he and she, so English learners often mix these up.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Her — Her is used after a verb or to show ownership ("her bike"). Before the verb is we need She.
- He — He is for a boy or man. Maria is a girl.
- They — They is for more than one person. Maria is one person.
Practice more of this
More writing practice for Grade 2, or see the TELPAS practice test for 2nd grade.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Texas Education Agency or the official TELPAS program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published test design.