General Grammar Exercise & Tests [ 13 ]

13 - ] General Grammar Exercises & Tests

( 13 )

Complete the sentences below with 'even if' or 'even though'.

(The answers are at the end of the page.)

1.Sam refused the offer __________________ he needed the money.

2.__________________ Mary has a car, she walks to work.

3. James won't sell his car ____________________ you offer him a good price.

4. ____________________ the man was blind, he walked to the station.

5.We go running every day, _________________ the weather is bad.

6.I love my job. I wouldn't change jobs _________________ the salary was higher.

7.She gives money to charity ___________________ she is not rich.

8.I wouldn't buy you a scooter _______________ I had the money.

9. She will refuse to move house _______________ she is offered a more comfortable place.

10.Dad won't allow me to take his car _________________ I promised to drive carefully.

 Answers :

1.even though 2.even though 3.even if 4.even though5.even if 6.even if  7.even though8.even if 9.even if 10.even though

Complete the sentences below with 'for', 'during' or 'while'.

(The answers are at the end of the page.)

1.I have been waiting for the bus _______________ 20 minutes.

2.Tom played golf ______________ Julie went shopping with her friends.

3.The family lived in Japan _______________ three years.

4.Larry called his mother _______________ Caroline was watching television.

5.My mother came to stay with us ______________ the summer __________ 10 days.

6.Yesterday we played tennis ______________ 2 hours.

7. _______________ the holidays we relax, go sightseeing and visit friends.

8.In Europe, meals are different. People stay at the table ____________ a long time.

9.Alex phoned _______________ you were out.

10.We're going to stay in New York ____________ 2 days ______________ our trip.

 Answers :

«1. for 2. while 3.for 4. while  5.during/for 6. for 7. during 8.for 9. while 10.for/during»

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form of the verb in brackets:

- the future simple (ex : I will watch)

- the future continuous (ex : I will be watching)

(The answers are at the end of the exercise.)

1. I promise I ______________ (call) you as soon as I have any news.

2.This time tomorrow Tom ________________(fly) over the Atlantic on his way to Boston.

3.Those bags look heavy.  I _________________________ (carry) one of them for you.

4.They are getting married on Saturday.  All the guests _________________ (wear) white.

5.The following week they ______________________ (enjoy) the sun in the West Indies.

6. The sky is a bit cloudy.  __________________ (rain) do you think?

7.If you look at this map you ____________ (see) where the islands are.

8.You should have no problem finding him.  He ___________________ (carry) a guitar.

9.My parents ________________ (call) me from the airport when they arrive.

10.This time tomorrow I _____________________ (attend) a meeting.

 Answers :

1.will call        2.will be flying           3.will carry     4.will be wearing       5.will be enjoying

6.will it            7.will see         8.will be carrying      9.will call        10.will be attending  

General Grammar Exercises & Tests [ 12 ]

12 - ] General Grammar Exercises & Tests 

( 12 )

Complete these sentences with 'already', 'still', 'always' or 'yet'.

(The answers are at the end of the page.)

1 . John moved to London 10 years ago and he ___________ lives there.

2 . Julie ______________ walks to school.

3 . "What time is the accountant coming?"  "He's ____________ here!"

4 . "I ordered a book last week.  Has it arrived ______________?"

5 . "Do you ______________ take milk in your coffee?"

6 . I've been taking lessons  but I __________ haven't made much progress""

7 . Emma moved in last week and she _____________ knows everyone!

8 . I _______________ save my files and turn off the computer before I leave.

9 . Peter sent in an application form two weeks ago but he __________ hasn't received a reply.

10 .The manager resigned yesterday, but his resignation hasn't been officially announced   ________.

 Answers :

«1. still 2. always 3. already 4. yet 5. always 6. still 7. already 8. always 9. still10. yet»

Complete the sentences below with although - despite - in spite of.

(The answers are at the end of the page.)

1._______________ the weather was bad, we enjoyed our trip.

2.The children slept well _______________ the noise.

3.________________ earning a low salary, Linda gave money to her parents.

4.John rarely sees Paul ______________ they live in the same town.

5.Julie failed the exam ____________ of working very hard.

6.______________ it was cold, she didn't put on her coat.

7.Tom went to work _______________ not feeling very well.

8.Anna never learned the language ________________ she lived there for two years.

9.__________________ of the difficulty, they managed to climb to the top of the mountain.

10. I couldn't eat __________________ I was very hungry.

 Answers :

1.although      2.despite/in spite of   3.in spite of    4.although      5.in spite

6.although      7.despite/in spite of   8.although      9.in spite         10.although

Complete the sentences below with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

(The answers are at the end of the page.)

1.If Peter_____________ (have) more money, he _______________ (buy) a new car.

2.What ______________________(you do) if you ____________ (see) an accident?

3.Where ____________________ (you live) if you _____________ (have) a choice?

4.If Caroline ______________ (arrive) late for work, her boss _____________ (be) angry.

5.If his parents ___________ (come), Sam ______________(bring) them to the theatre.

6.Where _____________(you go) if you ________________ (can take) a week's holiday?

7.If Julie _____________ (speak) better English, she ______________ (find) a better job.

8.If Paul's boss ________________ (invite) him to lunch, he ______________ (accept).

9. If I _____________(lose) my wallet, I ______________ (report) it to the police.

10.What ________________(happen) if you ________________ (miss) your flight?

 Answers :

1.had/would buy        2.would you do/saw   3.would you live/had 4.arrived/would be5.came/would bring 6.would you go/could take    7.spoke/would find    8.invited/would accept          9.lost/would report            10.would happen/missed

General Grammar Exercises & Tests [ 11 ]

11 - ] General Grammar Exercise & Tests

[ 11 ]

Choose a phrasal verb to replace the words in bold. (Answers at the end)

1 . Every morning  I  (stop sleeping)  _________ ____   when I hear the alarm clock.

(a) wake out (b) wake up (c) wake in (d) wake off

2 . On Sundays I can  (leave bed)  _________ ____  later.

(a) get out (b) step off (c) get up (d) step out

3 . We must  (be quick)  _________  ____  or we'll be late for school!

(a) act up (b) fasten on (c) hurry up (d) speed in

4 . John helped the old lady to  (board)  _________ ____   the bus.

(a) mount on (b) get on (c) get up (d) put on

5 . Julie went to the library to  (try to find)  _________ ____   a book.

(a) look out (b) look after (c) look for (d) look out

6 . It's time for the news.  Let's  (start)  _________ ____ the radio.

(a) turn on (b) tune in (c) turn up (d) tune at

7 . "Please come in and  (have a seat)   _________ ____"    said the doctor.

(a) seat up (b) seat down (c) sit up (d) sit down

8 . When Dad arrives home, he  (removes)  _________ ____    his coat.

(a) puts off (b) takes off (c) leaves in (d) takes out

9 . Dad couldn't see very well.   "  (wear)  _________ ____  your glasses" said Mum.

(a) put on (b) put away (c) put in (d) put up

10 . When we arrive at the station, we  (descend from)  _________ ____  the train.

(a) get down (b) stand down (c) get off (d) stand out

----------Answers----------

  1 (b)   2 (c)   3 (c)   4 (b)   5 (c)   6 (a)   7 (d)   8 (b)   9 (a)   10 (c) 

Complete the following sentences with A, AN or THE:

1 .Danny wanted _____ new bicycle for Christmas.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

2 . Jennifer tasted _____ birthday cake her mother had made.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

3 . The children have _____ new teacher called Mr. Green.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

4 . All pupils must obey _____ rules.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

5 . Dad turned on _____ radio to listen to _____ news.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

6 . Alex is in Boston studying for _____ MBA.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

7 . The teacher read _____ interesting article from the newspaper.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

8 . There was _____ huge crowd of people outside the church.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

9 . Julie talked for _____ hour about her school project.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

10 . _____ European expert was invited to speak to the committee.

(a) A (b) AN (c) THE

----------Answers----------

  1 (a)   2 (c)   3 (a)   4 (c)   5 (c)(c)   6 (b)   7 (b)   8 (a)   9 (b)   10 (a) 

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the adjective given.

1.Jeremy is 10 years old. Jenny is 8 years old.

Jeremy is (old) ____________ ______ Jenny.

2.The Alps are (high) _____ _______________ mountains in Europe.

3.An ocean is very large. It is (large) ____________ _______ a sea.

4.A Rolls Royce costs a lot of money. A Toyota costs less.

A Rolls Royce is (expensive) _______ ________________ _____ a Toyota .

5.John's results were bad. Fred's were very poor.

Fred's results were (bad) _________ _____ John's.

6.This exercise is not very difficult. It's ____________ ______ I expected.

7.The weather is not good today. It's raining.

I hope the weather will be (good) _____________ next week.

8.People are not very friendly in big cities.

They are usually (friendly) ________________ in small towns.

9.In a republic, the President is (important) ____ ______ ______________ person.

10. People say that Chinese is (difficult) ______ ____________ to learn than English.

 Answers :

1.older 2.the highest   3.larger than  4.more expensive than          5.worse than

6.easier than  7.better           8.friendlier     9.the most important 10.more difficult

Composition & Essay Writing [ 80 ] , Values , Diabetes

80  - ] Composition & Essay Writing

122 - ) Values

                         Values are the positive teachings provided to help us and tread the right path in life. Every parent wants his child to imbibe these. These can even be referred to as good qualities. A person who imbibes good values grows on to become a responsible individual and he is capable of demarcating right and wrong. Also, he is able to make wiser decisions in life.

                      For an individual, values are most important. An individual with good values is loved by everyone around as he is compassionate about others and also he behaves ethically. A person is able to judge what is right and what is wrong based on the values he imbibes. In life at various steps, it makes the decision-making process easier. A person with good values is always likely to make better decisions than others.

                      In life, values give us clear goals. They always tell us how we should behave and act in different situations and give the right direction to our life. In life, a person with good values can take better charge. If a person wants a strong character, then he has to possess good values such as honesty, loyalty, reliability, efficiency, consistency, compassion, determination, and courage. Values always help in building our character. If you want a better society then people need to bear good values. Values play an important role in society. They only need to do their hard work, with compassion, honesty, and other values. Such people will help in the growth of society and make it a much better place to live.

                               Values are always based on various things. While the basic values remain the same across cultures and are intact since centuries some values may vary. Values may be specific to a society or age. In the past, it was considered that women with good moral values must stay at home and not voice their opinion on anything but however, this has changed over time. Our culture and society determine the values to a large extent. We imbibe values during our childhood years and they remain with us throughout our life.

Family always plays the most important role in rendering values to us. Decisions in life are largely based on the values we possess. Values are permanent and seldom change. A person is always known by the values he possesses. The values of a person always reflect on his attitude and overall personality.

                             While values are of great importance and we are all aware of the same unfortunately people these days are so engrossed in making money and building a good lifestyle that they often overlook the importance of values. At the age when children must be taught good values, they are taught to fight and survive in this competitive world. Their academics and performance in other activities are given importance over their values. Parents, as well as teachers, teach them how to take on each other and win by any means instead of inculcating good sportsman spirit in them and teaching them values such as integrity, compassion, and patience. Children always look up to their elders as their role models and it is unfortunate that elders these days have a lack of values. Therefore the children learn the same. In order to help him grow into a responsible and wise human being, it is important for people to realize that values must be given topmost priority in a child’s life because children are the future of the society. There can be nothing better in a society where a majority of people have good values and they follow the ethical norms.

123 –) Diabetes

                       Diabetes is a very common disease in the world. But people may never realize, how did they get diabetes and what will happen to them and what will they go through. It may not be your problem but you have to show respect and care for the one who has diabetes. It can help them and also benefited you to know more about it and have a better understanding of it. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder which is identified by the high blood sugar level. Increased blood glucose level damages the vital organs as well as other organs of the human’s body causing other potential health ailments.

                      Diabetes Mellitus can be described in two types: 1) Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is classified by a deficiency of insulin in the blood. The deficiency is caused by the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes is found more commonly in children. An abnormally high or low blood sugar level is a characteristic of this type of Diabetes. Most patients of type 1 diabetes require
regular administration of insulin. Type 1 diabetes is also hereditary from your parents. You are most likely to have type 1 diabetes if any of your parents had it. Frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, and constant hunger are common symptoms of this.

                               2) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by the inefficiency of body tissues to effectively respond to insulin because of this it may be combined by insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes in people. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus take medicines to improve the body’s responsiveness to insulin or to reduce the glucose produced by the liver. This type of diabetes mellitus is generally attributed to lifestyle factors like – obesity, low physical activity, irregular and unhealthy diet, excess consumption of sugar in the form of sweets, drinks, etc.

                                 By the process of digestion, food that we eat is broken down into useful compounds. One of these compounds is glucose, usually referred to as blood sugar. The blood performs the job of carrying glucose to the cells of the body. But mere carrying the glucose to the cells by blood isn’t enough for the cells to absorb glucose. This is the job of the Insulin hormone. Pancreas supply insulin in the human body. Insulin acts as a bridge for glucose to transit from blood to the body cells. The problem arises when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin or the body cells for some reason do not receive the glucose. Both the cases result in the excess of glucose in the blood, which is referred to as Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus.

                        Most common symptoms of diabetes are fatigue, irritation, stress, tiredness, frequent urination and headache including loss of strength and stamina, weight loss, increase in appetite, etc.

                               There are two types of blood sugar levels – fasting blood sugar level and postprandial blood sugar level. The fasting sugar level is the sugar level that we measure after fasting for at least eight hours generally after an overnight fast. Blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL before eating food is considered normal. Postprandial glucose level or PP level is the sugar level which we measure after two hours of eating. The PP blood sugar level should be below 140 mg/dL, two hours after the meals. Though the maximum limit in both the cases is defined, the permissible levels may vary among individuals. The range of the sugar level varies with people. Different people have different sugar level such as some people may have normal fasting sugar level of 60 mg/dL while some may have a normal value of 90 mg/dL.

                       Diabetes causes severe health consequences and it also affects vital body organs. Excessive glucose in blood damages kidneys, blood vessels, skin resulting in various cardiovascular and skin diseases and other ailments. Diabetes damages the kidneys, resulting in the accumulation of impurities in the body. It also damages the heart’s blood vessels increasing the possibility of a heart attack. Apart from damaging vital organs, diabetes may also cause various skin infections and the infection in other parts of the body. The prime cause of all type of infections is the decreased immunity of body cells due to their inability to absorb glucose.

                   Diabetes is a serious life-threatening disease and must be constantly monitored and effectively subdued with proper medication and by adapting to a healthy lifestyle. By following a healthy lifestyle, regular checkups, and proper medication we can observe a healthy and long life.

Composition & Essay Writing [ 79 ] , Importance of Communication , Mother

 79- ] Composition & Essay Writing 

120- ) Importance of Communication:

                      Communication is one of the important tools that aid us to connect with people. Either you are a student or a working professional, good communication is something that will connect you far ahead. Proper communication can help you to solve a number of issues and resolve problems. This is the reason that one must know how to communicate well. The skills of communication essential to be developed so that you are able to interact with people. And able to share your thoughts and reach out to them. All this needs the correct guidance and self-analysis as well.

                             The word communication is basically a process of interaction with the people and their environment. Through such type of interactions, two or more individuals influence the ideas, beliefs, and attitudes of each other.

Such interactions happen through the exchange of information through words, gestures, signs, symbols, and expressions. In organizations, communication is an endless process of giving and receiving information and to build social relationships.

                            Communication is not merely essential but the need of the hour. It allows you to get the trust of the people and at the same time carry better opportunities before you. Some important points are as follows :

1 - ] No matter either you are studying or working, communication can aid you to build a relationship with the people. If you are studying you communicate with classmates and teachers to build a relationship with them. Likewise in offices and organizations too, you make relationships with the staff, your boss and other people around.

                        2 - ]There are a number of issues which can be handled through the right and effective communication. Even planning needs communication both written as well as verbal. Hence it is essential to be good in them so as to fill in the communication gap.

                            3 - ]  Communication helps to build a strong team environment in the office and other places. Any work which requires to be done in a team. It is only possible if the head communicates everything well and in the right direction. Through communication, anyone can find solutions to even serious problems. When we talk, we get ideas from people that aid us to solve the issues. This is where communication comes into play. Powerful communication is the strength of any organization and can help it in many ways.

                                  4 - ] If your communication skills are admirable, people will love and give you respect. If there is any problem, you will be the first person to be contacted. Thus it will increase your importance. Hence you can say that communications skills can make a big change to your reputation in society.

The conversation is about to express your thoughts. And to let the other person know what you feel. It is not mean to prove that your point is correct and the other person is wrong. Don’t overboard other with your point. 5 - ] Before you say something watch your words. At times, out of anger or anxiousness, we say somethings that we must not say. Whenever you are in a professional meeting or in some formal place, where there is a necessity of communicating about your product or work then it is advised to practice the same beforehand

                    Communication is the greatest importance. It is important to sharing out one’s thoughts and feelings to live a fuller and happier life. The more we communicate the less we suffer and the better we feel about everything around. However, it is all the more necessary to learn the art of effective communication to put across ones point well.

121- ) Mother

                                       Mother is a word which fills everyone with emotions. A Mother is certainly the most important human being in everyone’s life. Mother’s love for her child certainly cannot be compared with anything. Her level of forgiveness is unmatchable. A Mother is capable of forgiving any wrongdoing. Mother is the most important woman in everyone’s life. A mother sacrifices her happiness for her child. No one else can care for their kids the way a mother does.  A mother is great and does not need anyone like me explaining that. This essay on “Mother” is a small attempt to discover the greatness of a mother.

                             First of all, mothers are highly responsible women. They certainly play a very important role in the upbringing of a child. Most noteworthy, mothers play a huge role in determining a child’s attitude. Whether a child will be good or evil in the future depends upon the mother. The moral values taught by Mother probably play a huge role. Individuals often remember their mother’s values until old age. Hence, the mother is responsible for the well-being of society. The future of society in a large way is the result of a mother’s mothers share a deep connection with their children. This connection certainly cannot be matched by anyone else. Even fathers fail to establish that type of understanding. The origins of this connection happen from infancy. Most noteworthy, a mother can understand her infant child without communication. This certainly develops a strong emotional connection between a mother and child. This bond seems to carry into adult life. A mother, it seems like, can always tell when we are feeling hungry.

Mothers also are the emotional backbone of the family. They support everyone’s feeling in a family. Family members can certainly tell their emotions to mothers without worry. An individual can share almost any secret with mother. This is because mothers have a huge level of trust with their family. Furthermore, mothers have an extremely forgiving nature. Hence, even wrongdoing can be shared with a mother.

                          Mothers are precious gifts from God. Without mothers, life would certainly be dark and gloomy. Therefore, it is our duty to help and support our mothers. One important way to do that is to help in chores. Individuals must try to do more household work. This would certainly reduce the burden of mothers. Hence, this will also improve her health. Another way of supporting mothers is to speak words of affirmation.

                   Most noteworthy, a mother’s heart is made of gold. A few words of acknowledgment would fill her heart with happiness. There are probably several ways of doing so. One way is to praise the meal cooked by her. Above all, such acknowledgment should come on a regular basis.

                A mother is a gem in everyone’s life. She is the ultimate source of happiness for a child. Her contributions are certainly too great to imagine. Above all, her love is pure and innocent. To find a mother who does not love is probably an impossible task.

Comprehension [ 21 ] Upper Intermediate & Advanced

21- ] Comprehension

Upper Intermediate & Advanced

 

Read the following passage , then answer the questions below . Do not look back at the passage . Compare your answers to the Answer Key . Check any incorrect answers by reading the passage .

             There is nothing new about people cutting down trees . In ancient times , Greece , Italy , and Great Britain were covered with forests . Over the centuries those forests were gradually cut back , until now almost nothing is left .

             Today , however , trees are being cut down far more rapidly . Each year , about 42 million acres of forest are cut down . That is more than equal to the area of the whole of Great Britain . While there are important reasons for cutting down trees , there are also dangerous consequences for life on earth .

            A major cause of the present destruction is the worldwide demand for wood . In industrialized countries , people are using more and more wood for paper , furniture , and houses . There is not enough wood in these countries to satisfy the demand . Wood companies , therefore , have begun taking wood from the forests of Asia , Africa , South America , and even Siberia .

              Wood is also in great demand as firewood in developing countries .  In many areas , people depend on wood to cook their food . As the population grows , the need for wood grows , too . But when too many trees are cut at once , forests are destroyed . A future source of wood is destroyed as well . When some trees in a forest are left standing , the forest can grow back . But only if it is not cut again for at least 100 years . In reality , it usually has no chance to grow back . Small farmers who are desperate for land move in . They cut down the rest of the trees , and burn them . In this way , many millions of acres of forest are destroyed every year . Unfortunately , the forest soil is not good for growing food . Thus , these poor farmers remain as poor and desperate as before . They have also lost the resources of the forest .

            However , the desperate and poor people are not the only ones to cut and burn forests . In Brazil and Central America , large landowners want to raise lots of cattle for export . They put too many cattle on too little land . When that land has been ruined , they burn parts of forests . Then they move the cattle into the forest land . This way both land and forest are destroyed .

           The destruction of forests affects first the people who used to live there . However , it also has other effects far away . For example , on the mountainsides , trees help to absorb heavy rains . When the trees are cut down , the rain pours all at once into the rivers and there are terrible floods downstream . This has happened to the Ganges , the Mekong , and other major rivers in Asia .

              But finally , the loss of forests may have an effect on the climate of our planet . Together with increasing pollution , it could cause temperatures to rise and the climate to change around the world . No one knows exactly what effects this would have on our lives . For many people , however , the effects would probably be destructive .

***************

Circle the best answers to the following questions . Do not look back at the passage .

1 . The passage is about

( A ) the tropical forests .

( B ) how landowners cut down trees in Brazil . 

( C ) the destruction of forests .

( D ) why people are cutting down so many trees .

2 . Greece , Italy , and Great Britain

( A ) are all covered by forests .

( B ) never had any forests .  

( C ) have growing populations .

( D ) used to be covered by forests .

3 . These days , forests are being cut down in

( A ) Asia , Africa , and South America .

( B ) Australia , New Zealand , and Tanzania .

( C ) Greece , Italy , and Great Britain .

( D ) the industrialized countries .

4 . The demand for wood in industrialized countries

( A ) is helping to save the forests .

( B ) is one cause of the forests’ destruction .

( C ) is easily satisfied by the United States .

( D ) has declined in recent years .

5 . We can infer from this passage that poor people generally

( A ) do not like living in the forests .

( B ) make a lot of money from the forests .

( C ) do not benefit from cutting down the forests .

( D ) want the forest to grow back again .

6 . Large landowners in Brazil and Central America

( A ) use the forests for hunting .

( B ) worry about the effects of cutting down the forests .

( C ) use a lot of wood to build their houses .

( D ) destroy forests to raise beef cattle .

7 . When trees are cut down on mountainsides ,

( A ) the wood is usually of poor quality .

( B ) they grow back quickly .

( C ) there are floods downriver .

( D ) cattle come in to eat the grass .

8 . The cutting down of forests

( A ) could improve the climate .

( B ) could cause heavy rains .

( C ) has no effect on people in cities .

( D ) could affect the climate .

Answer Key

1 . C 2 . D 3 . A 4 . B 5 . C 6 . D 7 . C 8 . D