৪৩. Choose the correct answer —

Correct Answer: (D) A small number of students were present. Subject-verb agreement and correct use of quantifiers is an essential grammar skill tested in NTRCA. Why option (D) is correct: — "A small number of students" is the correct and natural expression — "number" here is modified by the adjective "small" — grammatically sound — "A number of + plural noun" takes a PLURAL verb → "were present" is correct — This is the most grammatically standard and natural option Why other options are wrong: ✗ "A few number of students" (A & B): INCORRECT — "few" and "number" cannot both modify the same noun this way. We say "a few students" OR "a small number of students" — not "a few number" ✗ "A few number of student" (C): Double error — same quantifier problem + "student" should be plural "students" ✗ Option B: Same error + uses "was" (singular) which doesn't agree with plural "students" Key grammar rules: — "A number of" + plural noun + plural verb ("A number of students were present") — "The number of" + plural noun + singular verb ("The number of students was small") — "A few" + plural noun + plural verb ("A few students were present") Source: Swan's Practical English Usage; Wren & Martin English Grammar; Past NTRCA Question Bank.