Learning English grammar can be tricky for young learners, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between “is” and “are.” Using an is or are worksheet is a fun and practical way to help children grasp these concepts.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about is or are worksheets, provide clear examples, share teaching strategies, include tables and fill in the blank exercises, and answer your asked questions. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or ESL learner, this guide will make grammar practice engaging and effective.
1. What is an “Is or Are Worksheet”?
An is or are worksheet is a learning tool designed to help children practice present tense verbs, particularly the forms of the verb “to be”: am, is, are. These worksheets usually include fill in the blank exercises, short stories, or sentence completion tasks. Teachers often use them in primary classrooms, and an is am are worksheet for class 5 is especially useful for helping students at this level strengthen their grammar skills through fun and engaging practice.
Key Features:
- Short, simple sentences for easy understanding
- Stories and examples using relatable characters
- Designed for ESL learners or young students
- Focused on both written and verbal grammar practice
Example Exercise:
- The dog ___ in the yard. (is)
- The cats ___ sleeping on the couch. (are)
- I ___ excited to go to school. (am)
2. Why Are These Worksheets Important?
Using an is or are worksheet offers multiple benefits:
A. Improves Grammar Understanding
Children learn when to use is for singular subjects, are for plural subjects, and am with I.
B. Enhances Sentence Writing
By practicing sentence completion, students develop better sentence structure and verbal grammar.
C. Builds Confidence
Interactive worksheets give children a chance to practice independently, helping them gain confidence in grammar usage.
D. Supports ESL Learners
ESL students often struggle with English verb conjugation. Worksheets simplify the learning process with clear examples and exercises.
3. Understanding “Is” vs “Are”
A solid grasp of when to use is and are is essential. Here’s a simple guide:
Verb | Use Case | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Is | Singular subject | The cat is sleeping. |
Are | Plural subject | The cats are playing. |
Am | Used with “I” | I am happy. |
Tips to Remember:
- Is = 1 subject (person, animal, or thing)
- Are = 2 or more subjects
- Am = always with I
4. How to Use the Worksheet Effectively
To maximize the benefits of an is or are worksheet, try these strategies:
A. Individual Practice
Allow children to complete the exercises on their own first. This encourages independent learning.
B. Pair or Group Work
Students can work in pairs or small groups, discussing answers and helping each other. This improves verbal grammar skills.
C. Story Completion
Short stories can be used where students fill in blanks with “is,” “are,” or “am.”
D. Class Discussion
After completing exercises, review answers together. Discuss why each verb is correct, reinforcing grammar rules.
5. Story Based Practice Examples
Story based exercises make grammar learning fun and engaging.
Example 1: Lucy and Tom
Hi! My name ___ Lucy. I ___ six years old. This ___ my friend Tom. He ___ seven. We ___ in the same class.
Answer: is, am, is, is, are
Example 2: Max the Dog
This ___ my dog, Max. He ___ very playful. Max and I ___ best friends.
Answer: is, is, are
Example 3: Playground Fun
At recess, Tom and I ___ playing. The swings ___ fun. We ___ happy.
Answer: are, are, are
Example 4: Home Story
When school ___ over, I ___ going home. My mom ___ waiting for me. I ___ excited to see her.
Answer: is, am, is, am
6. Printable Exercise Tables
Tables are great for classroom or home practice. Here’s an example:
Sentence | Blank | Answer |
---|---|---|
The dog ___ sleeping. | ___ | is |
The cats ___ playing. | ___ | are |
I ___ excited to play. | ___ | am |
The flowers ___ beautiful. | ___ | are |
My friend ___ kind. | ___ | is |
Tip: You can create multiple versions of the table using different names, animals, or objects to keep exercises fresh.
7. Tips for Teachers and Parents
- Start with simple sentences and gradually increase difficulty.
- Use relatable characters like pets, friends, or family.
- Encourage students to write their own short stories using “is,” “are,” and “am.”
- Reinforce learning through group activities like correcting each other’s worksheets.
- Include visual aids, like pictures of cats, dogs, or playgrounds, to make sentences more interactive.
Also Read: Tense fill in the blanks
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with practice, children often make mistakes. Here’s how to fix them:
- Mixing singular and plural:
- Incorrect: The cats is playing.
- Correct: The cats are playing.
- Using “am” incorrectly:
- Incorrect: He am happy.
- Correct: He is happy.
- Skipping subjects: Always identify the subject before choosing the verb.
- Over-relying on memorization: Encourage understanding why a verb is used, not just filling in blanks.
9. Advanced Exercises: Going Beyond Basics
Once children are comfortable, challenge them with:
A. Longer Stories
Include multiple characters and events. Example:
Anna ___ baking cookies. Her friends ___ watching. The dogs ___ running around excitedly.
B. Mixed Verbs
Combine is, are, am with adjectives:
- The sky ___ blue.
- My shoes ___ new.
- I ___ hungry.
C. Question Forms
- ___ he happy? (Is)
- ___ they ready for school? (Are)
These exercises help students think critically about subject-verb agreement.
10. Fun Classroom and Home Activities
- Story Building Game: Each student adds a sentence using is, are, or am.
- Worksheet Races: Students complete exercises in teams; fastest correct team wins.
- Interactive Slides: Use slides to fill in blanks digitally for ESL learners.
- Pet Stories: Ask children to write about their pets using “is” and “are.”
Conclusion
An is or are worksheet is a simple yet powerful tool for teaching young learners how to use am, is, and are correctly. By combining story based exercises, tables, and fun activities, children can confidently master these present-tense verbs.
Teachers and parents can make grammar learning enjoyable, while ESL learners benefit from structured practice. With regular exercises, stories, and interactive activities, students not only learn grammar they enjoy the process.
FAQs About “Is or Are Worksheet”
Q1: Who can use these worksheets?
Children, ESL learners, teachers, and parents anyone practicing basic English grammar.
Q2: How many sentences are included?
Worksheets usually include 10–15 sentences, with some extending into short stories.
Q3: Are these worksheets printable?
Yes, they can be printed for classroom or home use.
Q4: What is the difference between “is” and “are”?
“Is” is used for singular subjects. “Are” is used for plural subjects. “Am” is always used with “I.”