Underline the simple subject in each sentence. Then underline the correct verb from the choices in parentheses. In the blank, label the verb you
choose V (main verb) or Aux (auxiliary).

11. Often, a mask (was, were) made for ritual dances.

12. Natural forces (has, have) been the subjects of art from early times on.

13. Also, pictures (has, have) often represented religious beliefs.

14. Art (does, do) represent various aspects of the daily life and customs of a society.

The simple subjects in each sentence are the following:

11. Often, a mask (was, were) made for ritual dances.

12. Natural forces (has, have) been the subjects of art from early times on.

13. Also, pictures (has, have) often represented religious beliefs.

14. Art (does, do) represent various aspects of the daily life and customs of a society.

Now, let's underline the correct verb form and label which type of verb they are:

11. Often, a mask (was, were) made for ritual dance. - AUX

12. Natural forces (has, have) been the subjects of art from early times on. - AUX

13. Also, pictures (has, have) often represented religious beliefs. - AUX

14. Art (does, do) represent various aspects of the daily life and customs of a society. - AUX

We can define a simple subject as the main word in the subject, the one that establishes a relationship with the verb. Let's use the subject from sentence 11 as an example: the complete subject is "a mask", but the most important word out of those is "mask". This is the word we are talking about, the one that is the topic of the sentence.

As seen in the answer above, all the underlined verbs were auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs accompany the main verbs. While the main verbs express action, the auxiliary verbs help convey tense, emphasis, possibility, questions, etc. Notice that we choose the verb to agree with the subject: singular-singular ("mask was"), plural-plural ("pictures have").

This question, in conclusion, concerned the relationship between  a subject and a verb.

Learn more about simple subjects here: