What exactly is a reflexive and intensive pronoun?

[Ivina]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #172 "Reflexive and intensive pronouns", question 1

One person who made ......... a career based on the sea was Rachel Carson.

(a) himself
(b) herself
(c) itself
(d) myself

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #172 "Reflexive and intensive pronouns", answer 1

One person who made herself a career based on the sea was Rachel Carson.

Correct answer: (b) herself
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what exactly is a reflexive and intensive pronoun?

Ivina

[Mister Micawber]

.
They take the same form (-self), but with the reflexive use, the verb action 'reflects' back upon the subject-- I cut myself with my razor-- while in intensive use, the pronoun stresses the subject's action-- I myself think she is innocent.

That is a brief explanation.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber