How is a reversed wh-cleft different from a standard wh-cleft?

The focus comes first. "What Maya needs is a rest" is standard; "A rest is what Maya needs" is reversed. The basic meaning stays the same.

Why can the two verbs have different singular or plural forms?

They belong to different parts of the sentence. Check the supplied form of "be", then match the verb inside the wh-clause to its own subject.

Home Grammar Cleft Sentences ExercisesReversed Wh-Cleft Exercises

Reversed Wh-Cleft Exercises

B2 Level

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I'd start with the words already supplied. In a reversed wh-cleft, the information you want to emphasise comes first, followed by be. That part is done for you 😅 Complete the sentence with a wh-clause: Quiet mornings are what I enjoy.

Choose the wh-word from the meaning. Use what for a thing, quality or activity and where for a place. This exercise also accepts who in its person-focus items, although a reversed person cleft is not always the most natural choice outside this controlled set. Keep the verb inside the wh-clause matched to its own subject.