<p>Howard Gardner, an [observer of] A Chinese elementary education, has questioned the view that requiring young children [to copy]B models [prevents]C them from becoming [a creative artist]D later in life. </p>
<p>I know that it is D, but can it be C also? Isn't it supposed to be "prevent" since young children is plural?</p>
<p>No, this writing question will not save my score as it applies rudimentary knowledge that I already have come understand quite long ago.</p>
<p>No, it can’t be “prevent.” It’s not talking about the young children. It’s talking about the action of requiring them. Since it’s a single action, it is a singular subject and will take on the according verb - “prevents.”</p>
<p>requiring prevents
not children prevents</p>
<p>…</p>