Semantics: Theta Roles 2.1

August 18, 2015 By Robin Aronow

Semantics: Theta Roles 2.1

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This exercise is designed to help you better understand the semantic relationship between verbs and arguments. Theta roles that are considered in this exercise are: agent, experiencer, theme, source, goal, location, benefactive, instrument. Read each sentence and select the theta role that best describes the function of each underlined noun.

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Question 1

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

As soon as her alarm went off, Rachel jumped out of bed and hopped into the shower.

A	instrument Hint: The NP 'bed' is the source, the entity from which the action of the verb originates. The instrument is the object used to carry out the action of the verb.
B	source
C	theme Hint: The NP 'bed' is the source, the entity from which the action of the verb originates. The theme undergoes action of the verb.

Question 2

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

At the end of the day, make sure you haven’t forgotten to thank those who have been kind to you.

A	goal Hint: The NP 'you' is the entity receiving acts of kindness as a result of the predicate ‘be kind’. The goal is the direction towards which the action of the verb moves.
B	experiencer Hint: The NP 'you' is the entity receiving acts of kindness as a result of the predicate ‘be kind’. The experiencer feels or perceives events.
C	benefactive

Question 3

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

Too many people crowd the malls on the weekends.

A	goal Hint: The NP ‘the malls’ is the theme that is undergoing the action of the verb ‘crowd.’ The goal is the direction towards which the action of the verb moves.
B	location Hint: The NP ‘the malls’ is the theme that is undergoing the action of the verb ‘crowd.’ The location is the entity where the action of the verb occurs.
C	theme

Question 4

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

Harriet is sure that she saw a ghost in the attic.

A	benefactive Hint: The NP ‘Mary’ is perceiving what she is sure to be true, thus experiencer is the correct answer. The benefactive is the entity that benefits or receives as a result of the action of the verb.
B	agent Hint: The NP ‘Mary’ is perceiving what she is sure to be true, thus experiencer is the correct answer. The agent is the entity that carries out the action of the verb.
C	experiencer

Question 5

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

Carrie was delighted to see that her article was published in Time Magazine.

A	theme
B	experiencer Hint: The NP 'her article' is the direct object of the verb ‘published'. Due to the passive structure, this direct object is found in subject position however it is the theme. The experiencer feels or perceives events.
C	agent Hint: The NP 'her article' is the direct object of the verb ‘published'. Due to the passive structure, this direct object is found in subject position however it is the theme. The agent is the entity that carries out the action of the verb.

Question 6

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

I am now sure that George will receive the care he needs.

A	experiencer Hint: The NP 'George' is benefitting from/receiving ‘the care he needs’ as a result of the action of the verb ‘receiving’. The experiencer feels or perceives events.
B	agent Hint: The NP 'George' is benefitting from/receiving ‘the care he needs’ as a result of the action of the verb ‘receiving’. The agent is the entity that carries out the action of the verb. Here, ‘George’ is not performing an action.
C	benefactive

Question 7

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

Did Bella remember to forward the document to her boss via email?

A	instrument
B	goal Hint: The NP ‘email’ is the entity used to carry out the action of the verb ‘forward’, thus is the instrument. The goal is the direction towards which the action of the verb moves.
C	theme Hint: The NP ‘email’ is the entity used to carry out the action of the verb ‘forward’, thus is the instrument. The theme undergoes action of the verb.

Question 8

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

The meeting was led by Charles who had no clue as to what to do.

A	theme Hint: The NP 'Charles' is the entity carrying out the action of the verb ‘led’. It is found in a prepositional phrase due to the fact that this is a passive structure. The theme undergoes the action of the verb (in this case 'the meeting').
B	instrument Hint: The NP 'Charles' is the entity carrying out the action of the verb ‘led’. It is found in a prepositional phrase due to the fact that this is a passive structure. The instrument is the object used carry out the action of the verb.
C	agent

Question 9

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

The document included accounts of how the official’s money was spent.

A	benefactive Hint: The NP 'the official’s money' is the theme of the verb 'spent.' It is in subject position since this is a passive sentence structure. The benefactive is the entity that benefits or receives as a result of the action of the verb.
B	agent Hint: The NP 'the official’s money' is the theme of the verb 'spent.' It is in subject position since this is a passive sentence structure. The agent is the entity that carries out the action of the verb.
C	theme

Question 10

Select the theta role for the underlined noun phrase.

Margaret decided she didn’t like going to horror films.

A	location Hint: ‘horror films’ is the direction towards which the action of the verb moves, thus is the goal. The location is the entity where the action of the verb takes place.
B	goal
C	experiencer Hint: ‘horror films’ is the direction towards which the action of the verb moves, thus is the goal. The experiencer feels or perceives events.

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There are 10 questions to complete.

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