Introduction / Context:
The goal is to detect a pronoun–antecedent agreement error. The singular antecedent “teacher” must be matched by an appropriate singular pronoun or the sentence must be rephrased to avoid the pronoun altogether.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Antecedent: “the teacher” (singular).
- Pronoun used: “them” (plural).
- Style allows either singular pronouns (him/her) or recasting to a plural antecedent for “they/them”.
Concept / Approach:
- Traditional grammar: singular antecedent needs a singular pronoun (“him”/“her”).
- Alternative: modern singular “they” is accepted in many contexts, but tests like this typically expect classical agreement.
- Another fix is to make the antecedent plural: “If teachers are good, students will respond positively to them.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
Locate mismatch: “teacher” (singular) vs. “them” (plural).Correct options: “respond positively to him/her” or recast: “Students will respond positively.”Therefore the error is in segment D: “positively to them.”
Verification / Alternative check:
Revised sentence: “If the teacher is good, the students will respond positively to him or her.” Agreement is restored.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A–C are structurally fine.E is wrong because there is indeed an agreement error.
Common Pitfalls:
Overusing “they/them” with singular antecedents on exams that expect traditional concord; forgetting commas after introductory “if”-clauses (stylistic, not the tested error here).
Final Answer:
positively to them.
Discussion & Comments