Imperative sentences - Grade 7 Assessment

Which of these best describes what an imperative sentence does?

• It gives a command, a request, or directions.

• It asks a question to get information.

• It describes a person, place, or thing in detail.

• It shows strong feeling like excitement or surprise.

Answer explanation

Imperative sentences are used to tell someone to do something. This can be a command like 'Stop talking,' a request like 'Please pass the salt,' or directions like 'Turn left at the corner.'

True or False: The sentence 'Be quiet during the assembly' is an example of an imperative sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This sentence gives a direct command to someone (an implied 'you'), which is the main function of an imperative sentence.

Your science teacher is starting a lab. Which of these sentences is an imperative sentence she might say?

• Are your safety goggles on correctly?

• This experiment is going to be really cool!

• Put on your safety goggles now.

• I once did this experiment in college.

Answer explanation

This sentence is a direct command. The other options are a question, an exclamation/statement, and a statement about the past.

Besides a period, an imperative sentence can also end with an (a)   mark, especially if the command is urgent or spoken loudly.

Answer explanation

A period is used for a calm command or request (e.g., 'Close the door.'), while an exclamation mark is used for a strong or urgent command (e.g., 'Watch out!').

Which imperative sentence is being used as a polite request rather than a strong command?

• Get out of the way!

• Please help me carry these books.

• Finish your homework immediately.

• Stop making that noise!

Answer explanation

The word 'please' is a key indicator of a polite request. The other sentences are more forceful commands or warnings.

To make a positive command like 'Run in the hallway' into a negative command, you must add the word (a)   at the beginning.

Answer explanation

Negative imperative sentences are almost always formed by starting with 'Don't' or 'Do not' followed by the base form of the verb.

Your coach wants to turn the positive command 'Forget the game plan' into a negative one. Fill in the blank to show how he would say it: (a)   forget the game plan!

Answer explanation

To make an imperative sentence negative, you add 'Don't' or 'Do not' before the verb. 'Don't forget the game plan!' is the correct negative command.

True or False: In the imperative sentence 'Let's start the project,' the command is directed only at other people, not the speaker.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The phrase 'Let's' is a contraction of 'let us.' It's a type of imperative that includes the speaker in the suggestion or command, indicating a group action.

Your friend is struggling and says, 'I really think you should help me with this math problem.' What is the most direct way to phrase this idea as an imperative sentence?

• Should you help me with this math problem?

• You are helping me with this math problem.

• Help me with this math problem.

• I am asking for help with this math problem.

Answer explanation

To change the declarative statement into an imperative, you remove the extra words ('I really think you should') and start with the base verb ('Help') to form a direct command or request.

A recipe says, 'It is important that you stir the sauce constantly.' Rewrite this as a more direct, two-word imperative instruction for the cook. __________ __________.

(a)  

Answer explanation

This question requires you to identify the core action ('stir constantly') from the longer sentence and rewrite it as a direct command, which is common in recipes.