Two boys in the art class were doing self-potraits by looking at … in the mirror.

Analyze the question

The sentence is: "Two boys in the art class were doing self-portraits by looking at ____ in the mirror."

We need the correct pronoun to complete it. The key is working out who is looking at whom.

Explain the concept

• Reflexive pronouns (myself, himself, themselves, oneself) are used when the subject and the object of the action are the same person or people. Example: The boys looked at themselves.
• Reciprocal pronouns (each other, one another) are used when two or more people perform the same action toward one another. Example: The boys looked at each other. • Each other is traditionally used for two people, and one another for more than two.

Solution

1. A self-portrait is a picture of yourself, so each boy is looking at his own reflection in the mirror.
2. The subject (the boys) and the object (the reflection being looked at) are the same people, so a reflexive pronoun is needed.
3. Eliminate the options: • A. oneself: This is a general, impersonal pronoun ("one should look after oneself"). It does not agree with the plural subject "two boys." • B. each other: This would mean each boy looked at the other boy, which contradicts "self-portraits." • C. one another: This has the same problem as B, and it is also used for more than two people. • D. themselves: This is plural and reflexive, and it matches "two boys" looking at their own reflections.

Answer: D. themselves

Exam tip

When you see "self-" in a sentence, such as self-portrait, self-study or self-defence, think reflexive. Ask yourself: "Is the person doing the action to themselves, or to someone else?" If it is to themselves, choose the -self/-selves word. If it is to one another, choose each other or one another.