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Past Questions
The teacher handed ____________ our test papers.
A)
all
B)
in
C)
for
D)
out
This question tests the knowledge of phrasal verbs. The verb 'hand' combined with different prepositions/particles creates different meanings.
1. 'Hand out' is a phrasal verb meaning to distribute something to a group of people. In the context of a teacher and test papers, 'handed out' is the correct term for distributing the papers to the students.
2. 'Hand in' means to submit something (e.g., 'The students handed in their test papers'). If the teacher were the subject, 'handed in' would imply the teacher was submitting the papers to someone else (like a principal), which is less common in this sentence structure.
3. 'All' is a determiner/pronoun, not a preposition, and does not fit the phrasal verb structure required here.
4. 'For' does not form a standard phrasal verb with 'hand' that fits the context of distributing papers.
Therefore, 'out' is the only logically and grammatically correct choice.
I haven’t seen him ______________ last year.
A)
since
B)
till
C)
while
D)
during
The sentence uses the Present Perfect tense ('haven’t seen'), which is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present.
1. 'Since' is used to refer to a specific point in time in the past (e.g., last year, Monday, 2010) when an action began and has continued until now. In this sentence, 'last year' is a specific starting point, making 'since' the grammatically correct choice.
2. 'Till' (or until) refers to the end point of a period of time, not the starting point. It would not fit the structure of a Present Perfect negative sentence in this context.
3. 'While' is a conjunction used to describe two actions happening simultaneously; it is not a preposition of time used with a specific date/year in this manner.
4. 'During' is used to describe something that happened within a period of time (e.g., 'during the summer'), but it cannot be used with the Present Perfect to indicate a duration starting from a specific point up to the present.
_______________ Amelia? – No, she probably went to her mother’s place.
A)
Did anyone see
B)
Has anyone seen
C)
Has someone seen
D)
Did anybody saw
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Context Analysis: The speaker is asking about the current whereabouts of Amelia. The response ('she probably went to her mother's place') suggests a state of current absence resulting from a past action. 2. Tense Selection: The Present Perfect tense ('Has anyone seen') is used to ask about an action that happened at an unspecified time in the past but has relevance to the present moment (i.e., 'Does anyone know where she is now?'). 3. Pronoun Usage: In questions, 'anyone' or 'anybody' is typically used instead of 'someone' or 'somebody' unless the speaker expects a positive answer or is making an offer. 4. Evaluating Options: (a) 'Did anyone see' is Simple Past; while grammatically possible, it usually refers to a specific finished time period, making it less natural here than the Present Perfect. (b) 'Has anyone seen' is grammatically correct and fits the context perfectly. (c) 'Has someone seen' is less common in open-ended questions. (d) 'Did anybody saw' is grammatically incorrect because the auxiliary verb 'did' must be followed by the base form of the verb ('see'), not the past tense ('saw').
The dog was running ____________the thief.
A)
after
B)
for
C)
into
D)
unto
The sentence describes a pursuit. In English grammar, the preposition 'after' is used to indicate that someone or something is following or chasing another person or object. Therefore, 'running after' is the correct phrasal construction to describe the dog chasing the thief.
Analysis of other options:
- 'for' (Option b) would imply the dog was running on behalf of the thief or in exchange for the thief, which is logically incorrect in this context.
- 'into' (Option c) implies movement toward the inside of something; a dog cannot run 'into' a person in a way that describes a chase.
- 'unto' (Option d) is an archaic form of 'to' and does not fit the context of a chase.
My grandfather cannot _________ past events.
A)
call back
B)
call up
C)
call unto
D)
call again
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to remember' or 'to bring a memory to mind.'
1. **'Call up'** is a phrasal verb specifically used to mean recalling information or memories from the past (e.g., 'to call up a memory'). Therefore, 'My grandfather cannot call up past events' is grammatically and contextually correct.
2. **'Call back'** typically means to return a phone call or to request someone to return to a place.
3. **'Call unto'** is an archaic or biblical expression meaning to pray to or appeal to someone; it is not used for memory.
4. **'Call again'** simply means to make another phone call or visit; it does not function as a phrasal verb for recollection.
Typing ______ much easier and more comfortable in the past fifty years.
A)
become
B)
became
C)
has become
D)
has became
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the Time Marker**: The phrase 'in the past fifty years' indicates a period of time that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. This is a classic trigger for the Present Perfect tense.
2. **Tense Selection**: The Present Perfect tense is used to describe an action or state that began in the past and has a connection to or result in the present. The formula for Present Perfect is [has/have + past participle].
3. **Subject-Verb Agreement**: The subject 'Typing' is a gerund acting as a singular noun. Therefore, it requires the singular auxiliary verb 'has' rather than 'have'.
4. **Verb Form**: The verb 'become' is irregular: Base (become) -> Past Simple (became) -> Past Participle (become). For the Present Perfect, we need the past participle 'become'.
Evaluating the options:
- (a) 'become': This is the base form/present tense; it does not fit the time marker.
- (b) 'became': This is the Past Simple; it would be used for a finished point in time (e.g., 'became easier fifty years ago'), not a duration leading to the present.
- (c) 'has become': Correct. It uses the singular auxiliary 'has' and the past participle 'become'.
- (d) 'has became': Incorrect. 'Became' is the past simple form; the present perfect must use the past participle 'become'.
How long _____________________ for Rinawmi?
A)
have you waited
B)
have you been waiting
C)
have you wait
D)
none
The sentence asks about the duration of an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present (indicated by the phrase 'How long'). In English grammar, the Present Perfect Continuous tense is used to express the duration of an ongoing activity. The structure for a question in this tense is: 'How long + have/has + subject + been + verb-ing'.
- Option (b) 'have you been waiting' correctly follows this structure.
- Option (a) 'have you waited' is Present Perfect Simple. While sometimes used for states, for an active process like 'waiting' over a duration, the continuous form is the standard and most accurate choice.
- Option (c) 'have you wait' is grammatically incorrect because 'have' requires a past participle (waited) or 'been + -ing' form, not the base form of the verb.
His arrogance _____________ his ruin.
A)
brought into
B)
brought about
C)
brought upon
D)
brought around
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to cause something to happen.'
1. 'Brought about' means to cause something to occur, typically a change or a result. In this context, his arrogance caused his ruin. This is the grammatically and contextually correct choice.
2. 'Brought into' is usually used in phrases like 'brought into play' or 'brought into existence,' and does not fit the structure of this sentence.
3. 'Brought upon' is typically used as 'brought [something] upon oneself' (e.g., 'He brought ruin upon himself'). While the meaning is similar, the sentence structure 'His arrogance brought upon his ruin' is grammatically incorrect because 'brought upon' requires a direct object (the person) before the result, or a different phrasing.
4. 'Brought around' means to persuade someone to change their opinion or to wake someone up from unconsciousness, which is irrelevant here.
Identify the part of speech of the word 'in' in: The ice caps are melting in South Pole.
A)
Preposition
B)
Adjective
C)
Verb
D)
Adverb
In the sentence 'The ice caps are melting in South Pole', the word 'in' is used to show the relationship between the action ('melting') and the location ('South Pole'). A preposition is a word used to link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence, typically indicating direction, time, place, or location. Here, 'in' indicates the spatial location of the melting ice caps.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Adjective: An adjective modifies or describes a noun (e.g., 'cold' ice caps). 'In' does not describe the South Pole.
- c. Verb: A verb expresses an action or state of being (e.g., 'melting'). 'In' does not express an action.
- d. Adverb: An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'melting quickly'). While some prepositions can function as adverbs, in this specific sentence, 'in' is followed by a noun phrase ('South Pole'), making it a preposition.
Liana’s father _________________ his son’s birthday
A)
has never forgotten
B)
never forgets
C)
never forgot
D)
will never forget
The sentence describes a general truth, a habit, or a characteristic trait of Liana's father. In English grammar, the Simple Present Tense is used to express habitual actions or permanent states. Since 'Liana's father' is a third-person singular subject, the verb must take the '-s' suffix ('forgets').
Analysis of options:
- (a) 'has never forgotten' (Present Perfect) implies a state from the past up to now, but is less common for describing a general character trait compared to the simple present.
- (b) 'never forgets' (Simple Present) is the most natural fit for a habitual action or a personality trait.
- (c) 'never forgot' (Simple Past) would imply the father is either deceased or the situation is limited to a specific past period, which is not indicated by the context.
- (d) 'will never forget' (Future) is a prediction or a promise, which doesn't fit the descriptive nature of the sentence as well as the simple present does.
The publishers are planning to ______ a cheap edition of their new dictionary.
A)
bring out
B)
bring forth
C)
bring about
D)
bring into
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that means 'to publish' or 'to produce for sale'.
1. 'Bring out' means to publish a book, release a product, or make something available to the public. In the context of publishers and a dictionary, this is the correct usage.
2. 'Bring forth' means to produce or give birth to something, or to elicit a reaction. It is too formal or literal for the context of publishing a book.
3. 'Bring about' means to cause something to happen (e.g., 'The new law brought about significant changes'). It does not fit the context of publishing.
4. 'Bring into' is an incomplete phrasal verb; it usually requires a noun to complete a phrase (e.g., 'bring into play' or 'bring into focus') and does not mean to publish.
Choose the correct sentence type for: He does not fear the snake.
A)
Affirmative
B)
Assertive
C)
Imperative
D)
Negative
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the sentence: 'He does not fear the snake.'
2. Identify the key components: The sentence contains the word 'not', which is a negation marker used to deny the truth of the proposition.
3. Evaluate the options:
- (a) Affirmative: An affirmative sentence states that something is true or is happening. Since this sentence contains 'not', it cannot be affirmative.
- (b) Assertive: While this is technically an assertive (or declarative) sentence because it makes a statement, 'Negative' is a more specific and accurate classification for a sentence containing a negation.
- (c) Imperative: An imperative sentence gives a command, request, or instruction (e.g., 'Do not fear the snake'). This sentence is a statement of fact, not a command.
- (d) Negative: A negative sentence is one that states that something is false or not the case, typically using words like 'not', 'no', 'never', or 'nothing'. The presence of 'does not' makes this a classic negative sentence.
Therefore, the most precise classification is 'Negative'.
They _________ against the gross injustice meted out to them.
A)
cried in
B)
cried out
C)
cried at
D)
cried on
The sentence requires a phrasal verb that expresses a strong public protest or a loud exclamation of pain or injustice.
1. 'Cry out' is a phrasal verb meaning to shout loudly, or more specifically, to protest strongly against something perceived as unfair or wrong (e.g., 'to cry out against injustice'). This fits the context of the sentence perfectly.
2. 'Cry in' is not a standard phrasal verb used in this context.
3. 'Cry at' usually refers to weeping because of something (e.g., 'crying at a movie'), which does not fit the act of protesting against injustice.
4. 'Cry on' is not a standard phrasal verb; the correct idiom for seeking emotional support is 'cry on someone's shoulder,' which is irrelevant here.
Therefore, 'cried out' is the only grammatically and contextually correct choice.
Don’t give ________ to temptations.
A)
out
B)
in
C)
all
D)
on
The question tests the knowledge of phrasal verbs. The phrase 'give in' is a phrasal verb meaning to cease resistance, to surrender, or to yield to pressure or temptation. In the context of the sentence 'Don’t give ________ to temptations,' the speaker is advising against yielding to those temptations.
Analysis of options:
- 'Give in' (Option b): Correct. To yield or surrender.
- 'Give out' (Option a): Means to stop working (like a machine) or to distribute something.
- 'Give all' (Option c): Not a phrasal verb; while 'give it your all' is an expression, it does not fit the grammatical structure 'give [preposition] to'.
- 'Give on' (Option d): Not a standard phrasal verb used in this context (though 'give onto' can describe a room opening into another space).
Therefore, 'in' is the only preposition that completes the phrasal verb required for this meaning.
Choose the correct sentence type for: It is a very beautiful car.
A)
Imperative
B)
Assertive
C)
Exclamatory
D)
Negative
Step-by-step analysis of the sentence 'It is a very beautiful car.':
1. **Analyze the sentence structure**: The sentence makes a statement of fact or opinion. It follows the standard Subject + Verb + Complement structure (It + is + a very beautiful car).
2. **Evaluate the options**:
- **Assertive (or Declarative)**: These sentences state a fact, describe a thing, or report an event. They end with a full stop. Since this sentence declares a quality of the car, it is an assertive sentence.
- **Imperative**: These sentences give a command, request, or advice (e.g., 'Buy that car!'). This sentence does not give a command.
- **Exclamatory**: These sentences express strong emotion and typically end with an exclamation mark (e.g., 'What a beautiful car it is!'). While the sentence describes beauty, it is phrased as a statement, not an exclamation.
- **Negative**: These sentences contain words like 'not' or 'never' to deny something (e.g., 'It is not a beautiful car.'). This sentence is affirmative.
Therefore, the sentence is an Assertive sentence.
Identify whether the following sentence is Simple, Complex or Compound: The big black cat ran after the blue and red ball.
A)
Simple
B)
Complex
C)
Compound
To determine the sentence structure, we analyze the clauses present in the sentence: 'The big black cat ran after the blue and red ball.'
1. **Analysis of Clauses**: A clause consists of a subject and a predicate. In this sentence, 'The big black cat' is the subject and 'ran after the blue and red ball' is the predicate. There is only one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Simple Sentence**: A sentence consisting of only one independent clause. This sentence fits this definition perfectly. Note that the use of adjectives ('big', 'black', 'blue', 'red') and the conjunction 'and' (which here connects two adjectives, not two clauses) does not change the sentence type.
- **Compound Sentence**: A sentence with at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). This sentence does not have a second independent clause.
- **Complex Sentence**: A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. This sentence contains no subordinate clauses.
Therefore, because the sentence contains only one subject-verb relationship and expresses a single complete thought, it is a Simple sentence.
One who knows many language
A)
polygot
B)
polycot
C)
polypot
D)
polyglot
The question asks for the one-word substitution for 'one who knows many languages'.
1. **Etymology**: The word 'polyglot' is derived from the Greek words 'poly' (meaning 'many') and 'glotta' (meaning 'tongue' or 'language').
2. **Definition**: A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several languages.
3. **Analysis of Options**:
- **a. polygot**: This is a misspelling of 'polyglot'.
- **b. polycot**: This is a nonsensical term and not a recognized English word for language proficiency.
- **c. polypot**: This is a nonsensical term and not a recognized English word for language proficiency.
- **d. polyglot**: This is the correct spelling and the standard term used in English to describe a person who knows multiple languages.
He is quite calm ______________ his brother.
A)
dislike
B)
except
C)
before
D)
unlike
The sentence requires a preposition that establishes a contrast between the subject ('He') and the object ('his brother').
1. **'Unlike' (Option d)** is a preposition used to highlight a difference between two people or things. In this context, it means 'different from' or 'in contrast to.' The sentence 'He is quite calm unlike his brother' correctly implies that while he is calm, his brother is not.
2. **'Dislike' (Option a)** is primarily a verb meaning to not like something, or a noun. It cannot function as a preposition to compare two subjects in this grammatical structure.
3. **'Except' (Option b)** is used to exclude something from a group or a statement. It does not fit the logic of comparing personality traits here.
4. **'Before' (Option c)** is a preposition of time or place. Saying he is calm 'before' his brother would imply a temporal sequence or a physical position, which does not make sense in the context of describing a personality trait contrast.
I’m afraid I’m not hungry. I _____________________.
A)
already eat
B)
already ate
C)
have eaten
D)
have already eaten
The sentence 'I’m afraid I’m not hungry' describes a present state (not being hungry). The reason for this present state is an action that happened in the past but has a direct result in the present. In English grammar, the Present Perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used to connect a past action to the present moment.
1. 'have already eaten' (Option d) is the most natural and grammatically correct choice because 'already' is typically used with the Present Perfect to indicate that something happened sooner than expected or before the present moment.
2. 'already eat' (Option a) is grammatically incorrect as it mixes a present simple verb with 'already' in a way that doesn't fit the context.
3. 'already ate' (Option b) uses the Simple Past. While common in informal American English, in formal exam contexts, the Present Perfect is required when the action affects the present state (hunger).
4. 'have eaten' (Option c) is grammatically correct, but 'have already eaten' (Option d) is the superior choice because the word 'already' provides the necessary emphasis to explain why the speaker is currently not hungry.
Can you please go __________ there and turn off the fan?
A)
into
B)
after
C)
upon
D)
over
The sentence requires a preposition or adverbial particle that indicates movement toward a specific location or across a space to perform an action.
1. 'Go over there' is a common English idiomatic expression meaning to move from one's current position to a place that is visible but some distance away. In this context, it indicates the movement toward the fan.
2. 'Go into there' is grammatically awkward; one would typically say 'go into that room' or 'go in there'.
3. 'Go after there' is logically incorrect as 'after' denotes sequence in time or pursuit of a target, not a physical location.
4. 'Go upon there' is archaic and grammatically incorrect in modern English usage for indicating movement toward a spot.
Therefore, 'over' is the only option that fits the spatial context of the sentence.
Identify the part of speech of the word 'barrelled' in: Hurricane Irma barrelled ever closer to the U.S. mainland
A)
Preposition
B)
Verb
C)
Conjunction
D)
Adjective
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Analyze the sentence structure: 'Hurricane Irma' is the subject. 'barrelled' is the action being performed by the subject. 'ever closer to the U.S. mainland' is an adverbial phrase describing the direction and manner of the movement. 2. Define the word: In this context, 'barrelled' is the past tense of the verb 'to barrel', which means to move very fast and often uncontrollably. 3. Evaluate options: (a) Prepositions show relationship (e.g., 'to', 'in'); 'barrelled' does not do this. (b) Verbs express action or state of being; 'barrelled' expresses the action of moving quickly. (c) Conjunctions link words or clauses (e.g., 'and', 'but'); 'barrelled' does not link clauses. (d) Adjectives describe nouns; while 'barrelled' looks like a participle, it is functioning here as the main predicate (the action) of the sentence, not as a modifier for a noun.
Free from infection
A)
commune
B)
assume
C)
immune
D)
presume
The question asks for a one-word substitution for the phrase 'Free from infection'.
1. **Immune (Option c):** In biological and medical terms, being 'immune' means the body's ability to resist a particular infection or toxin. Therefore, someone who is immune is free from the effects of a specific infection.
2. **Commune (Option a):** This refers to a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities, or the act of communicating intimately with someone or something.
3. **Assume (Option b):** This means to suppose that something is the case, without proof, or to take on a responsibility/characteristic.
4. **Presume (Option d):** This means to suppose that something is the case on the basis of probability, or to dare to do something (overstep boundaries).
Comparing the options, 'immune' is the only word that relates to health and the prevention of infection.
Don’t forget to turn _________the light.
A)
in
B)
up
C)
on
D)
at
This question tests the knowledge of phrasal verbs. The verb 'turn' combined with different prepositions/particles creates different meanings.
1. 'Turn on' is a phrasal verb meaning to start the flow of electricity, gas, or water to a device (e.g., turning on a light, a tap, or a computer). In the context of 'the light', 'on' is the logically and grammatically correct choice.
2. 'Turn in' usually means to go to bed or to submit something (like an assignment).
3. 'Turn up' means to increase the volume/intensity or to arrive unexpectedly.
4. 'Turn at' is not a standard phrasal verb used in this context; 'at' is a preposition of place or time and does not form a functional phrasal verb with 'turn' regarding electrical appliances.
Therefore, 'turn on the light' is the correct expression.
Identify the part of speech of the word 'after' in: I went home immediately after the match.
A)
Conjunction
B)
Noun
C)
Verb
D)
Preposition
To determine the part of speech of 'after' in the sentence 'I went home immediately after the match,' we must look at its function within the sentence structure.
1. **Analysis of the word 'after'**: In this sentence, 'after' is followed by a noun phrase ('the match'). It establishes a temporal relationship between the action of going home and the event of the match.
2. **Preposition vs. Conjunction**: A preposition is followed by a noun or pronoun (the object of the preposition), whereas a conjunction is used to connect two independent or dependent clauses (containing a subject and a verb). Since 'the match' is a noun phrase and not a clause, 'after' functions as a preposition here.
3. **Evaluating Options**:
- **a. Conjunction**: Incorrect. There is no clause (subject + verb) following 'after'.
- **b. Noun**: Incorrect. 'After' is not acting as a person, place, thing, or idea.
- **c. Verb**: Incorrect. 'After' does not express an action or state of being.
- **d. Preposition**: Correct. It links the noun phrase 'the match' to the rest of the sentence to indicate time.
One who pretends to be what he is not
A)
vindictive
B)
hypocrite
C)
arrogant
D)
manipulative
The question asks for a one-word substitution for 'one who pretends to be what he is not.'
1. **Hypocrite (Option b):** A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess. This matches the definition perfectly.
2. **Vindictive (Option a):** This describes someone who has or shows a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. It refers to a temperament, not a pretense of identity.
3. **Arrogant (Option c):** This describes someone who has an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. While an arrogant person may overestimate themselves, they are not necessarily pretending to be someone else.
4. **Manipulative (Option d):** This describes someone who controls or influences others in a clever or unscrupulous way. While a hypocrite might be manipulative, the term 'manipulative' refers to the action of controlling others, not the act of pretending to be something one is not.
Therefore, 'hypocrite' is the only correct term for the given definition.