Question

Choose the correct form of the verb. 1.The public................ a short memory. (Has/have)
2. English................ a universal language.

Answer 1

1. Public has a short memory is the correct answer, because public is taken as a singular group.

 2. English is a universal language since English is a singular subject it is used with the singular form of the verb.

 If you are using the verb are, the answer would be wrong.

Answer 2

Thr public have a short memory
English is a universal language.