1. Drills on Theta theory Theta criterion
θ-criterion: Each argument bears one and only one θ-role, and each θ-role is assigned to one and only one argument.
Theta grid
* [ Susan]i put [DP the toy ]j [DP the table]k
* [ Susan]i fell [DP the toy ]j
* [ Susan]i loved

2. ( a) the teacher explained the lesson clearly
(b) Molly gave Calvin a hand.
(c) Mercedes gave a test to the students in the
lecture hall.
(d) Pangur ate a hot meal .
(e) Susan ate yesterday at the restaurant.
(f) Gwen saw a fire truck.
(g) Gwen looked at a fire trucked.
(h) Michael asked a question.

3. (i) Adam asked if Jane likes pineapples.
(j) It is sunny in the dining room.
(k) That Angus hates sushi is mysterious.
2.2. Theta Criterion. Show how each of the following sentences are violations of the theta criterion. Use theta grids to explain your answers.2
(a) *Rosemary hates.
(b) *Jennie smiled the breadbox.
(c) *Traci gave the whale.
(d) *Traci gave a jawbreaker.
(e) *placed the flute on the table.
(f) *John placed on the table

4. The Theta Criterion states that each argument can have only one thematic role and each thematic role can be assigned to only one argument.
I want to leave now.
John persuaded Bill to leave.
I want Mary to leave now.