The goverment (has, have) discussed the matter for a long time but they have shown no signs of reaching an agreement. 2.The class (is, are) taking notes, (its, their) pens scribbling quickly over (its, their) exercise books. 3.The suite of furniture he bought (was, were) of contemporary design. (It, They)(was, were) quite expensive. 4.Can you see that huge flock of birds in the distance? (It, They) (is, are) coming this way. 5.A lot of machinary (was, were) imported from abroad.