module
module
pmr and spm
pmr and spm
cloze passage exercises
cloze passage exercises
Prepared by
guru-guru cemerlang bahasa inggeris
Daerah alor gajah
PN. FA
PN. FADZILLAH ABDUL GHANi
-
-
SMK NANING
SMK NANING
PN. ROSLINA BT ABU BAKAR
PN. ROSLINA BT ABU BAKAR
–
–
SMK SERI
SMK SERI
PENGKALAN
PENGKALAN
TN. HJ. JASNI BIN ABDUL RAHMAN
TN. HJ. JASNI BIN ABDUL RAHMAN
–
–
SMK
SMK
LUBOK CHINA
LUBOK CHINA
TN. HJ. AB GHANI BIN HARON
TN. HJ. AB GHANI BIN HARON
–
–
SMK
SMK
RAHMAT
RAHMAT
TN. HJ. MOHD AKHIR BIN ABD WAHAB
TN. HJ. MOHD AKHIR BIN ABD WAHAB –
SMK
CONTENTS
ADJECTIVES
ADVERBS
ARTICLES
COMPARISONS
INFINITIVE + ‘TO’
PREPOSITION
PRONOUNS
TENSES
SUBJECT-VERB-AGREEMENT
WH-QUESTIONS
ADJECTIVES
An adjective modifies a noun or a pronoun by describing, identifying, or quantifying words. Adjectives describe or give information about nouns.
The form of adjectives does not change; it does not matter if the noun being modified is male or female, singular or plural, subject or object. Some adjectives give us factual information about the noun - age, size, colour, etc.
An adjective often precedes the noun or the pronoun which it modifies.
We add adjective to identify a person or thing, or describe them in more detail. Look at the following examples:
her new car
a kind person
car-shaped balloon hideous wall paper. dark sea.
dark and dank coal mine irritating music.
mahogany chair
Some adjectives can be used to give your opinion about something.
They are words like good, pretty, right, wrong, funny, light, happy, sad, full, soft, hard and etc. Look at the following examples:
Lisa is a pretty girl.
Carina is a clever and hardworking girl.
Adjectives also can be used to describe size.
They are words like big, small, little, long, tall, short, same as and etc. For example:
"The tall man is my uncle." "That short woman is a lawyer".
Adjectives can be used to describe shape.
They are words like round, circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval and etc. For example:
"It is a square box." "Those are square boxes."
There are adjectives that can be used to describe colour.
They are words like blue, red, green, brown, yellow, black, white and etc. For example:
"That is my blue bag." "Those are my red pens".
Position of Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives used in this way belong to eight main types. The table below summarises the types and the usual order in which they appear if more than one adjective is placed before a noun. The general rule for the position of each type adjective, these are:-
Position 1st* 2nd* 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Opinion Size Age Shape Colour Material Origin Purpose
Nice Small Old Square Black Plastic British Racing
Ugly Big New Circular Blue Cotton American Running
Adjectives describing the main characteristics of a person or thing are often grouped together before the noun they describe. Look at the following examples:
a beautiful young woman a small round table
Two or three descriptive adjectives are often used together in this way; note that placing more than three adjectives before a noun would start to sound unnatural. Look at the following examples:
a beautiful wooden table
sounds fine, but a structure like:
a beautiful large round carved wooden table
For example, if you wanted to use an adjective referring to size and an adjective referring to shape, you would put the size adjective first. Look at the following example:
a large round table
Similarly, an age adjective would normally be placed before an origin adjective. Look at the following example:
a young Italian woman
An opinion adjective would occur before a shape or colour adjective, and a shape or colour adjective would occur before a material adjective. Look at the following example:
If two colour adjectives are used, and is placed between them. Look at the following example:
She was wearing a long black and gold dress.
If three colour adjectives occur, a comma (,) is placed after the first and the last two are linked with and. Look at the following example:
The table was covered by a large red, white and blue sheet.
As a general rule, the adjective which is closest to the noun is the most closely linked to the meaning of the noun. It describes a feature which is the most permanent about it, compared to adjectives which express a variable characteristic, such as an opinion. Look at the following example:
an expensive/cheap/beautiful black leather handbag
(the ‘leather-ness’ of the bag is a more essential characteristic than ‘cost’ or ‘appearance’.)
If more than one adjective occurs which expresses an opinion or describes a general quality, then the adjective with a more general meaning, for example, nice, bad usually precedes the one with a more specific meaning like comfortable, clean. Look at the following example:
a lovely soft blanket
If two adjectives with similar meanings are used, the shorter one often comes first. Look at the following example:
a soft comfortable pillow
The conjunction but is sometimes placed between two adjectives which describe contrasting qualities. Look at the following example:
a difficult but rewarding job
The conjunction and is generally used to link adjectives in this position, occurring before the last adjective used. Look at the following examples:
The room was small and dirty. Jim felt cold, wet and hungry.
Adjectives expressing opinion are often placed last. Look at the following example:
Sheila was young, tall and beautiful.
To imply a contrast between adjectives, the conjunction but is sometimes used. Look at the following example:
ARTICLES
There are two types of articles indefinite a and an or definite the.
Their proper use is complex especially when you get into the advanced use of English. Quite often you have to work by what sounds right, which can be frustrating for a learner.
We usually use no article to talk about things in general - the doesn't mean all.
For example:
"Books are expensive." = (All books are expensive.)
"The books are expensive." = (Not all books are expensive, just the ones I'm talking about.)
Indefinite articles - a and an (determiners)
A and an are the indefinite articles. They refer to something not specifically known to the person you are communicating with.
A and an are used before nouns that introduce something or someone you have not mentioned
before:-For example:
"I saw an elephant this morning." "I ate a banana for lunch."
A and an are also used when talking about your profession
For example:
"I am an English teacher." "I am a builder."
Note! You use a when the noun you are referring to begins with a consonant (b, c, d, f, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, q, r, s, t, v, w, x, y or z), for example, "a city" and "a factory"
You use an when the noun you are referring to begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u) Pronunciation changes this rule.
If the next word begins with a consonant sound when we say it, for example, "university" then we use a. If the next word begins with a vowel sound when we say it, for example "hour" then we use an.
We say "university" with a "y" sound at the beginning as though it were spelt "youniversity".
We say "hour" with a silent h as though it were spelt "our". So, "an hour" IS correct.
Here are the rules for when to use "A, An or The":
• a = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with consonants
She has a dog. I work in a factory.
• an = indefinite article (not a specific object, one of a number of the same objects) with vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Can I have an apple? She is an English teacher
• the = definite article (a specific object that both the person speaking and the listener know)
The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?
• The first time you speak of something use "a or an", the next time you repeat that object use "the".
ADVERB.
An adverb is a part of speech that describes or modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, clause, or sentence.
Adverbs answer the questions "How?", "When?", "Where?", "Why?", "In what way?", "How much?", "How often?", "Under what condition", "To what degree?"
The easiest adverbs to recognize are those that end in -ly. Some adjectives end with -ly also but remember that adjectives can modify only nouns and pronouns. Adverbs modify everyting else. An adverb can be placed anywhere in a sentence.
Adverbs as modifiers (adverbs in adverbial functions) An adverb modifies a verb
He walked quickly. ('quickly' modifies verb 'walked')
I accepted new task willingly. ('willingly' modifies verb 'accepted') Mike snored melodically. ('melodically' modifies verb 'snored')
An adverb modifies an adjective
They were really unhappy. ('really' modifies adjective 'unhappy')
My brother is completely fearless. ('completely' modifies adjective 'fearless') I know she is very careful. ('very' modifies adjective 'careful')
An adverb modifies an adverb
He is almost always hungry. ('almost' modifies adverb 'hungry') John plays tennis very well. ('very' modifies adverb 'well')
You never can work too carefully. ('too' modifies adverb 'carefully')
An adverb modifies a clause
Perhaps you are correct, but not at first glance. ('perhaps' modifies clause 'you are correct') Surely he will be on time, but I hope not. ('surely' modifies clause 'he will be on time')
An adverb modifies a sentence
Suddenly, she went home. ('suddenly' modifies a whole sentence)
Finally, he will be on time. ('finally' modifies a whole sentence) Today, we can take a vacation.('today' modifies a whole sentence)
Adverb Formation
Adverbs that end in -ly are formed by adding -ly to an adjective, a present participle, or a past participle.
- from an adjective careful - carefully beautiful - beautiful fitting - fittingly
willing - willingly glowing - glowingly surprising - surprisingly
- from a past participle assured - assuredly affected - affectedly surprised - surprisedly
When adjective ends in -able or -ible, the adverb is formed by replacing final -e with -y
horrible - horribly terrible - terribly
When adjective ends in -y, the adverb is formed by replacing final -y with -ily
happy - happily lucky - luckily
When adjective ends in -ic, the adverb is formed by replacing final -ic with -ically economic - economically
ironic - ironically
Adverbs can be placed anywhere in a sentence.
At the front (prior to the subject)
Today we will study adverbs.
Lately, I have had lots of phone calls.
At the center of the sentence (between the subject and the verb) He seldom goes to movies.
I hardly noticed her.
At the end of the sentence I learn English slowly. I study adverbs now
Adverbs as intensifiers
Adverbs can be used as amplifiers, down toners, or emphasizers. - as emphasizers.
I really likes him.
I literally wrecked my car. - as amplifiers
They completely abandoned the city. I absolutely refuse to leave.
I somewhat like this movie. Peter almost quit that job.
Adverbs can be classified by their functions.
Adverb lists that follow each category are only partial ones.
Adverbs of manner - answer the question How? I watch them closely.
I play well. I walk carefully.
List: cheerfully, fast, quicly, slowly, inadequately, healthy Adverbs of time - answer the question When?
He has not played chess recently. I arrive late for most appointments.
Lately, I have had many sleepless nights.
List: early, never, now, often, soon, then, today, tomorrow
Adverbs of place (location, direction) - answer the question Where? I walked downstairs.
Have you ever gone there? I will meet you outside.
List: above, away, below, down, here, inside, there, up
He is totally prepared for his birthday. I am too tired to play tennis tonight. He is completely tired from the journey.
List: almost, entirely, little, much, rather, very, too Adverbs of frequency - answer the question How often? He rarely goes by himself.
She constantly finishes her job first.
always, never, usually, frequently, sometimes, occasionally
Comparison of adverbs.
Like adjectives, adverbs have three forms of comparison: positive, comparative, and superlative. Positive degree expresses the quality without comparison.
Comparative degree compares two verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.
Superlative degree compares three or more verbs, adjectives or adverbs. Adverb comparison
Most adverbs are compared by using another adverb.
More or less are used to express the comparative degree. Most or least are used to express the superlative degree.
dance gracefully (or horribly).
I dance more gracefully (or more horribly). I dance most gracefully ( or most horribly).
Suffix comparison
Some adverbs are compared using a suffix –er for the comparative forms and –est for the superlative forms.
I will arrive soon (or fast). I will arrive sooner (or faster). I will arrive soonest (or fastest). Irregular comparison
There are also a number of adverbs compared irregularly. These must be remembered. Here are some of them.
POSITIVE COMPARATIVE SUPERLATIVE
bad/badly worse worst
far farther/further farthest/furthest late/lately later latest
little less least much more most well better best
Beyond comparison
Some adverbs are never compared. They express qualities unsuitable for comparison.
Here are some of them: again, almost, before, ever, never, here, there, now, then, there, thus,
too, twice, very.
Note
The three most common adverbs used in English Language are: not, very, too
A conjunction is a word that like words, phrases or clauses. There are three types of conjunctions : coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Coordinating conjunctions may join single words or they may join groups of words but they must always join similar elements.
F A N B O Y S
for and nor but or yet so
Remember, when using a conjunction to join two sentences, use a coma before the conjunction. Examples and sentences:
Conjunction What is linked Sentences
And Noun phrase + noun phrase We have tickets for the symphony and the opera.
But Sentence + sentence The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday, but the chorus rehearses on Wednesday.
Or Verb + verb Have you seen or heard the drama by
Faridah Merican?
So Sentence + sentence I wanted to sit in the front of the balcony, so I ordered my tickets early.
CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS
Correlative conjunctions also connect sentence elements of the same kind. However, unlike coordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions are always used in pairs.
Both…and Not only…but also Either…or Neither..nor Whether…or
Examples and sentences:
Conjunction What is linked Sentences
Both…and Subject + subject Both my sister and my brother play the piano. Either…or Noun + noun Tonight’s menu is either western or Italian. Neither..nor Subject + subject Neither Lisa nor Ebby will be able to join us in
the meeting.
SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS
Subordinating conjunctions, the largest class of conjunctions, connect subordinate clauses to a main clause. These conjunctions are adverbs used as conjunctions.
TIME CAUSE + EFFECT OPPOSITION CONDITION
After Because Although If
Before Since Even though Unless
When Now that Whereas Only if
While As While Whether or not
Since In order that though Even if
until so In case (that)
Examples and sentences:
CONJUNCTIONS SENTENCES
after We are going out to eat after we finish our discussion. since Since we don’t have much money, we walk to school. while While I was waiting for my laundry, I did my assignment. because I admire her paintings because she uses colours so brilliantly.
Gerunds (-ing)
When a verb ends in -ing, it may be a gerund or a present participle. It is important to understand that they are not the same.
When we use a verb in -ing form more like a noun, it is usually a gerund:
• Fishing is fun.
When we use a verb in -ing form more like a verb or an adjective, it is usually a present participle:
• Anthony is fishing.
• I have a boring teacher.
Gerunds are sometimes called "verbal nouns". In this lesson, we look at how we use gerunds.
• Gerunds as Subject, Object or Complement
• Gerunds after Prepositions
• Gerunds after Certain Verbs
• Gerunds in Passive Sense
• Gerunds Quiz
Gerunds as Subject, Object or Complement Try to think of gerunds as verbs in noun form.
Like nouns, gerunds can be the subject, object or complement of a sentence:
• Smoking costs a lot of money.
• I don't like writing.
• My favourite occupation is reading.
But, like a verb, a gerund can also have an object itself. In this case, the whole expression [gerund + object] can be the subject, object or complement of the sentence.
• Smoking cigarettes costs a lot of money.
• I don't like writing letters.
• My favourite occupation is reading detective stories.
Like nouns, we can use gerunds with adjectives (including articles and other determiners):
• pointless questioning
• a settling of debts
• the making of Titanic
• his drinking of alcohol
But when we use a gerund with an article, it does not usually take a direct object:
• a settling of debts (not a settling debts)
• Making "Titanic" was expensive.
• The making of "Titanic" was expensive. Tips:
Do you see the difference in these two sentences? In one, "reading" is a gerund (noun). In the other "reading" is a present participle (verb).
• My favourite occupation is reading.
• My favourite niece is reading.
Reading as gerund (noun) Main Verb Complement
My favourite occupation is football. reading as present participle (verb) Auxiliary Verb Main Verb
My favourite niece is reading.
My favourite niece has finished.
Gerunds after Prepositions
This is a good rule. It has no exceptions!
If we want to use a verb after a preposition, it must be a gerund. It is impossible to use an infinitive after a preposition. So for example, we say:
• I will call you after arriving at the office.
• Please have a drink before leaving.
• I am looking forward to meeting you.
• Do you object to working late?
• Tara always dreams about going on holiday.
Notice that you could replace all the above gerunds with "real" nouns:
• I will call you after my arrival at the office.
• Please have a drink before your departure.
• I am looking forward to our lunch.
• Do you object to this job?
• Tara always dreams about holidays
Tips:
The above rule has no exceptions!
So why is "to" followed by "driving" in 1 and by "drive" in 2? 1. I am used to driving on the left.
2. I used to drive on the left. to as preposition Preposition
I am used to driving on the left.
I am used to animals.
to as infinitive Infinitive
I used to smoke.
Gerunds after Certain Verbs
We sometimes use one verb after another verb. Often the second verb is in the infinitive form, for example:
• I want to eat.
But sometimes the second verb must be in gerund form, for example:
• I dislike eating.
This depends on the first verb. Here is a list of verbs that are usually followed by a verb in gerund form:
• admit, appreciate, avoid, carry on, consider, defer, delay, deny, detest, dislike, endure, enjoy, escape, excuse, face, feel like, finish, forgive, give up, can't help, imagine, involve, leave off, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practise, put off, report, resent, risk, can't stand, suggest, understand
Look at these examples:
• She is considering having a holiday.
• Do you feel like going out?
• I can't help falling in love with you.
• I can't stand not seeing you.
Tips:
Some verbs can be followed by the gerund form or the infinitive form without a big change in meaning: begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start
• I like to play tennis.
• I like playing tennis.
• It started to rain.
• It started raining. Gerunds in Passive Sense
We often use a gerund after the verbs need, require and want. In this case, the gerund has a passive sense.
• This letter requires signing. (needs to be signed)
• The house wants repainting. (needs to be repainted)
The expression "something wants doing" is not normally used in American English.
INFINITIVES
An infinitive may exist with or without the word "to". For example, following modal verbs (can, may, must, ... ).
Infinitives with the word "to" can function as either the SUBJECT or the OBJECT of a verb. 2.1 INFINITIVES AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE
To read a good book is my favorite form of relaxation. To win means everything to him.
To speak a foreign language well requires practice.
Most people like to win. I don't want to go.
We don't need to fight like this.
2.2.1 Verb + Infinitive
Here are some verbs that are followed by an infinitive.
(These verbs can be followed by any infinitive. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples.)
We can't afford to remain outside the market. Should we agree to buy from them?
It appears to be a mistake.
I will arrange to talk with them as soon as possible. I asked to see the manager about it.
I beg to differ with you, sir.
Would you care to try a California wine?
They claim to make the best potato chips in the world.
We will never consent to allow your name to be put on our product. Finally, I decided to do it myself.
I demand to know who is responsible for this! He deserves to get a promotion.
She expects to hire an apprentice. Do not fail to let us know your decision.
If you have trouble, don't hesitate to call us for help. We hope to begin by next week.
I intend to go home early.
He learned to speak English as a child. You managed to overlook something.
Did you mean to put my report in the waste basket? I need to talk to an expert.
They offered to buy the rest from us. We plan to expand our product range. Are you prepared to explain this disaster? I don’t pretend to know all the answers. I promise to do my best.
He refuses to answer my calls.
He seems to be the one who is in charge. We had to struggle to open the window. Do you swear to keep this a secret?
They threatened to sue us if we didn't pay their fee. No one volunteered to clean up after the picnic.
I cannot wait to see the expression on his face when he hears the news. I want to find the right person for this job.
I do not wish to be a part of your scheme.
2.2.2 Verb + Pronoun/Noun + Infinitive
Here are some verbs plus an indirect object followed by an infinitive.
(These verbs can be followed by any infinitive. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples.)
I would advise you to say nothing about this. Will you allow me to use your telephone? She asked me to help her with her car. He begged me to let him come along. The weather caused us to take a later flight. He challenged me to find an error in his figures. We must convince them to investigate the situation. I dare you to tell him what you told me.
I encouraged her to continue with the task. He expects you to finish on time.
I forbid you to use that tone of voice with me. They forced him to reveal his source.
We should hire someone to run our photocopying operation. I instructed them to wait for us here.
I invited John to take part in our discussion. I need you to tell me what is going on here. My boss ordered me to go to London last week. We permitted them to talk to our client.
He persuaded her to listen to his problem. He reminded me to bring an umbrella. This situation requires us to be very cautious. The experience taught me to buckle my seat belt. He told me to take two aspirins and go to bed. She urged me to take the job.
I want you to wash my car.
He warned me not to drive too fast around here.
THE INFINITIVE OTHER FORMS
The infinitive can have the following forms:
• The perfect infinitive
• The continuous infinitive
• The perfect continuous infinitive
• The passive infinitive
NOTE: as with the present infinitive, there are situations where the to is omitted, e.g. after most modal auxiliaries.
The perfect infinitive:
This form is most commonly found in Type 3 conditional sentences, using the conditional perfect, e.g. If I had known you were coming I would have baked a cake.
Examples:
• Someone must have broken the window and climbed in.
• I would like to have seen the Taj Mahal when I was in India.
• He pretended to have seen the film.
• If I'd seen the ball I would have caught it. The continuous infinitive:
to be + present participle, e.g.to be swimming, to be joking, to be waiting
Examples:
• I'd really like to be swimming in a nice cool pool right now.
• You must be joking!
• I happened to be waiting for the bus when the accident happened. The perfect continuous infinitive:
to have been + present participle
Examples:
to have been crying to have been waiting to have been painting
• The woman seemed to have been crying.
• You must have been waiting for hours!
• He pretended to have been painting all day. The passive infinitive:
to be + past participle, e.g. to be given, to be shut, to be opened
Examples:
• I am expecting to be given a pay-rise next month.
• These doors should be shut.
PREPOSITIONS
Prepositions are short words (on, in, to) that usually stand in front of nouns (sometimes also in front of gerund verbs).
Prepositions – Time
English Usage Example
on days of the week on Monday
in months / seasons time of day year
after a certain period of time
(when?)
in August / in winter in the morning
in 2006
English Usage Example
at for night
for weekend
a certain point of time (when?)
at night
at the weekend at half past nine sin
ce
from a certain point of time
(past till now)
since 1980 for over a certain period of time
(past till now)
for 2 years ago a certain time in the past 2 years ago bef
ore
earlier than a certain point of
time
before 2004
to telling the time ten to six (5:50)
pas
t
telling the time ten past six (6:10)
to /
till / until
marking the beginning and end
of a period of time
from Monday to/till Friday till
/ until
in the sense of how long
something is going to last
He is on holiday until Friday. by in the sense of at the latest
up to a certain time
I will be back by 6 o’clock. By 11 o'clock, I had read five
pages.
Prepositions – Place (Position and Direction)
English Usage Example
in room, building, street, town,
country
book, paper etc. car, taxi
picture, world
in the kitchen, in London in the book
in the car, in a taxi
English Usage Example
at meaning next to, by an object for table
for events
place where you are to do
something typical (watch a film, study, work)
at the door, at the station at the table
at a concert, at the party
at the cinema, at school, at work
on attached
for a place with a river being on a surface
for a certain side (left, right) for a floor in a house
for public transport for television, radio
the picture on the wall London lies on the Thames. on the table
on the left on the first floor on the bus, on a plane on TV, on the radio by,
next to, beside
left or right of somebody or
something
Jane is standing by / next to /
beside the car.
unde
r
on the ground, lower than (or
covered by) something else
the bag is under the table belo
w
lower than something else but
above ground
the fish are below the surface over covered by something else
meaning more than
getting to the other side (also
across)
overcoming an obstacle
put a jacket over your shirt over 16 years of age walk over the bridge climb over the wall abov
e
higher than something else, but
not directly over it
a path above the lake
acros
s
getting to the other side (also
over)
getting to the other side
walk across the bridge swim across the lake
throu
gh
something with limits on top,
bottom and the sides
drive through the tunnel to movement to person or building
movement to a place or country
go to the cinema go to London / Ireland
English Usage Example
for bed go to bed
into enter a room / a building go into the kitchen / the house towa
rds
movement in the direction of
something (but not directly to it)
go 5 steps towards the house onto movement to the top of
something
jump onto the table from in the sense of where from a flower from the garden
Other important Prepositions
English Usage Example
fr
om
who gave it a present from Jane
of who/what does it belong to what does it show
a page of the book the picture of a palace
by who made it a book by Mark Twain
on walking or riding on horseback entering a public transport
vehicle
on foot, on horseback get on the bus
in entering a car / Taxi get in the car
of
f
leaving a public transport vehicle get off the train ou
t of
leaving a car / Taxi get out of the taxi by rise or fall of something
travelling (other than walking or
horseriding)
prices have risen by 10 percent by car, by bus
English Usage Example
at for age she learned Russian at 45
ab
out
SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT
The
subject
and theverb
must agree in number: both must be singular or both must be plural. Students have problems with subject verb agreement when the verb is a form of be or have, or when the verb is in present tense.Rules for subject verb agreement
1. When words like the following are used as subjects, they take singular verb.
Everybody Anybody Somebody Nobody Each
Everyone Anyone Someone No one Either
Everything Anything Something Nothing Neither
Everybody knows the answer. Nobody speaks German here. Somebody was in the room.
2. When every and each come before a singular subject joined by and, the verb is singular. Every man and woman has the right to vote.
Each student and teacher was aware of the difficulty.
3. Prepositional phrases that come between the subject and the verb do not change the number of the subject.
The teacher as well as the students was working on the problem. The mother together with her children is waiting.
Some examples of prepositional phrases that function like that are: As well as
In addition to Together with Along with Except
4. When the verb comes before the subject as in there or here sentences, it agrees with the subject that immediately follows the verb.
There is a tree in the garden. There are many trees in the garden.
There is a pine tree and some oaks in the garden.
There goes the cat.
There seems to be a relationship. There arise problems.
There arises a problem.
5. “Introductory it” is always singular. It is my sister who works in the hospital. It is my cats which cause the trouble.
6. Subjects joined by and take a plural verb (except for number 2). My sister and brother live in Berlin.
Both the teacher and the student were surprised.
7. Several, many, both, few are plural words and take a plural verb. Both are happy with the grades they got.
Many were lost on the way. Few have done their homework.
• Trousers, pants, slacks, shorts, briefs, jeans
• Glasses, sunglasses
• Scissors, pliers, tweezers My jeans are old.
This year shorts are in fashion. Where are my scissors?
9. Some words such as none, any, all, more, most, some, majority, half may take either singular or plural verbs depending on the meaning.
All the money has been spent. All of the students know the answer.
10. When subjects are joined by words such as neither, either, not only the verb must agree with the closer subject.
Either the man or his wife knows the answer. Either the man or his friends know the answer. Either the children or the man knows the answer.
11. Collective nouns are usually singular when regarded as a unit. My family lives in Ankara.
Our team has won every game this year.
Sometimes when the members are seen as functioning independently, these collective nouns may be plural.
My family have a lot of money. (members of my family)
Our team are working hard to win every game they play. (team members)
Family, team, crew, class, government, committee
12. Some nouns have the same singular and plural form. They take singular or plural verb depending on the meaning.
This species of monkeys lives only in India. There are many species of monkeys.
Some nouns in this group are: Species, series, deer, fish, sheep
13. Expressions stating amount of time, money, weight, volume are plural in form but take a singular verb as in:
Three weeks is a long time.
Two hundred dollars is a lot of money.
14. Some nouns look plural with –s but they take a singular verb.
Sciences Abstract nouns Diseases
Physics Mathematics Statistics Economics News Politics Ethics Measles Mumps
Mathematics is found difficult by many students. Statistics requires complicated methods.
15. Generic references with the require plural verb. The rich are not always happy.
The young like to listen to loud music. The old hate loud music.
16. Note the use of foreign plurals. Singular Plural Analysis Thesis Crisis Basis Parenthesis Analyses Theses Crises Bases Parentheses Curriculum Memorandum Datum Bacterium Medium Curricula Memoranda Data Bacteria Media Criterion Phenomenon Criteria Phenomena Stimulus Radius Syllabus Stimuli Radii Syllabi
17. Don’t forget that some common English words have irregular plurals.
Plural Singular
Child Person
Children People
18. A relative pronoun takes a singular or plural verb depending on which noun it modifies. Lisa is one of the students who have passed with an A. (Many students passed with an A, Lisa is one of them.)
Lisa is the only one of my students who has passed with an A. (Only Lisa passed with an A.)
Pronoun: a word which is used to take the place of a noun.
A pronoun can be used to do any of the “jobs” which a noun can do in a sentence Antecedent: word(s) which the pronoun replaces.
Kinds of Pronouns:
Personal: Most commonly used pronouns.
• I, me, my, mine
• you, your, yours
• he, him, his, she, her, hers, it, its
• we us, our, ours
• you, your, yours
• they, them, their, theirs Interrogative: Used to ask questions
• who
• whose
• whom
• which
• what
Demonstrative: Used to point things out or call attention.
• this
• that
• these
• those
Indefinite: Do not have antecedents
• another, anybody, anyone, anything
• each, either, everybody, everyone, everything
• little, much, neither, nobody, no one
• both, few, many, others, several
• all, any, more, most, none, some Reflexive/Intensive: Ends in –self or -selves
• himself
• myself
Reciprocal:
• each other
• one another
SUBJECT PRONOUN Notes:
1. The written lesson is below.
2. Links to quizzes, tests, etc. are to the left.
A verb is an action word. run sit eat sink swim study
The main form of a verb is called the infinitive. In English, infinitives include the word "to." to run to sit to eat to sink to swim to study
The infinitive is the pure form of a verb. The infinitive is like a lump of clay that can be molded to match the subject of the sentence it is used in:
I speak you speak he/she speaks we speak you-all* speak they speak
Regarding the form "you-all" -- this usage is not considered to be standard English. In standard English, the same word is used for both the singular you and the plural you. That is, each of the following is correct:
You have a tail light out, ma'am. You (kids) have soccer practice at four.
In the first sentence, "you" refers to the singular "ma'am." In the second sentence, "you" refers to the plural "kids." To avoid confusion between you (singular) and you (plural), we will employ the non-standard English usage "you-all" to indicate you (plural). This will be very beneficial to y'all, particularly at the beginning of your studies.
PRACTICE 1
Question 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
Malaysia is a beautiful and interesting country. It has a multiracial population of over 25 million people. The various races are able to ……1…… in peace and harmony. Malaysians enjoy a diversity ……2…… cultures and traditions. They ……3…… many religious and cultural festivals throughout the year.
There is a wide range of food offered here. Hence, it is not surprising that Malaysia …….4…… a paradise for those who love food. One can get anything ……5…… traditional food to international cuisine.
Shopping is another attraction. Those ……6…… like shopping can go to open-air markets or shopping complexes. The best time to enjoy discounts and specials offers is during the annual Mega Sale.
As for transportation, it is convenient and affordable to get around the country. Therefore, tourists will be able to visit the ……7…… interesting places here. One can ……8…… tropical rainforests, hill resorts, beach resorts or historical sites.
In short, Malaysia definitely has a lot to offer.
1 A live 5 A in B lives B with C lived C from D living D for 2 A at 6 A which B of B whose C along C whom D between D who
3 A celebrating 7 A some B celebrated B many C celebrates C much D celebrate D few 4 A is 8 A explore B are B explores C was C explored D were D exploring PRACTICE 2
Question 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
Many people enjoy camping as a recreation. It …..1….. quite an experience to spend a night in a tent with only basic supplies. If the weather ……2……, you can sleep outdoors with the sky above as the roof. .…3…… time with Mother Nature is a good way to release stress.
If you have never gone camping, you …….4…… want to try it out as a weekend getaway. Besides the tent, remember to pack a first aid kit and medicine ……5…… you might need. Most importantly, you must not forget to ……6…… enough food and clean water.
Suitable campsites can be found by the beaches, rivers, waterfalls or even private camping grounds. Set up your tent when you reach the campsite. ……7……, organise the things that you have carried along with you. At night, you would want to build a fire to keep yourself warm. So look around …8…… firewood.
1 A is 5 A what B are B when C was C which D were D where 2 A permit 6 A bring B permits B brings C permitted C brought D permitting D bringing 3 A Spent 7 A Meanwhile B Spend B However C Spends C Finally D Spending D Then 4 A can 8 A off B may B for C need C by D must D at
PRACTICE 3
Questions 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
It is surprising how many foreigners would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Situated 50 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur ……….(1) a little village that has home-stay programme. This programme allows visitors to home-stay here and experience what it is like to ……….(2) in a kampong. This village is run ……….(3) the locals and since its opening, many have come here. They often say how ……….(4) they love this place. It is also for city folks, especially ……….(5) who want to get away from it all – to bask in the serenity, to hear the birds chirp and to breathe in the ……….(6) morning air. One of the things that visitors do is to sit on the floor and eat like the locals ……….(7) it is clear that they are very uncomfortable. Visitors leave the place with utmost ……….(8) and they often come back to revisit the place. This place is a treasure.
1. A is B are C was D were
2. A stay B stays C staying
3. A up B to C by D from
4. A much B many C little
5. A this B that C these D those
6. A freezing B fresh C fiery
7. A since B while C because D although
PRACTICE 4
Question 1 – 10 are based on the following text.
During the last holidays I went to Johor to visit my uncle. While I was there I ………….(1) to watch a Kuda Kepang dance.
It was the first time I had attended a Kuda Kepang dance ………….(2) and I was excited. Before the dance, prayers ………….(3) offered to the Spirit of the Horse. The dance began with the performers forming a circle in the ………….(4) of the field. They rode on wooden horses that were ………….(5) with bright colours. The dancers held the Kuda Kepang and moved …………. (6) with nimble steps as they swayed to the music. The master ………….(7) and guided the steps of the dancers. ………….(8) the dance progressed, the beat of the music got faster and so did the dancers’ movements.
After the dance ………….(9) uncle explained that this dance was very popular in Johor. It was often performed ………….(10) festivals and weddings. He said that the Kuda Kepang dance originated form Java in Indonesia.
1. A. go B. go C. went D. going
2. A. perform B. performer C. performing D. performance
3. A. was B. were C. be D. being
4. A. side B. area C. middle D. compound
5. A. seen B. made C. joined D. painted
6. A. behind B. around C. within D. between
8. A. As B. If C. So D. For
9. A. its B. my C. his D. their
10. A. with B. about C. along D. during
PRACTICE 5
Question 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
School holidays are a time for enjoyment and relaxation. Parents need to plan where to………….(1) their children for a break, after months of studies. School holidays …………(2) perfect for parents to spend quality time with their children.
Careful planning may be …………(3) key to a good holiday. Not everyone in the family …………(4) the same interests and needs. Therefore, planning …………(5) consulting every member of the family is vital. This is to prevent any unhappiness and grumbling …………(6) could spoil the holiday.
A good holiday, …………(7), need not be a long distance trip. Even an outing to the shopping mall is a holiday, if it is planned properly. There are also …………(8) theme parks and nature parks. Nearby waterfalls, hot springs and beaches are also popular holiday destinations.
1 A take B took C takes D taken
2 A is B are C has D have
3 A a B an C the
4 A has B had C have D having
6 A this B that C these D those
7 A however B whatever C whenever D moreover
8 A more B most C much D many
PRACTICE 6
Questions 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
Yesterday was Jerry’s birthday. As he was an only child, his parents took ……….(1) and a friend of his to the skateboard wall. Jerry was so happy ……….(2) he wanted to do this for a long time now.
When they arrived, they had to wear ……….(3) gear – a kind of helmet, knee and elbow pads. They already knew ……….(4) to skateboard and when they were all checked up, they ……….(5) their places on top of the wall. They got ready and then they were ……….(6)! They moved smoothly and swiftly! As they slid from ……….(7) end to the other, they felt the rush of the wind, and ……….(8) joy was almost too much for them to bear. When they completed their run, they let out a loud “Yeah”. That says it all!
1 A he B his C him D them
2 A so B or C then D as
3 A protect B protection C protective
4 A how B when C where D which
6 A in B of C off D for
7 A one B next C each
8 A an B the C that D this
PRACTICE 7
Questions 1 – 8 are based on the following text.
Is there such a thing as toys for girls and toys for boys? Have you ever ... (1) that when we were growing …………(2), our parents or the adults chose the toys that …………(3) played with? I remember that when I was young, I loved …………(4) play with matchbox cars from Lego and spent …………(5) of my time in the sand box in the playground. …………(6) adults would tell me, “You are a girl, you …………(7) go inside and play with your dolls.” Sure, I loved my dolls, …………(8) I also loved the games the boys played.
1. A. notice B. notices C. noticed D. noticing
2. A. up B. on C. at D. in
3. A. he B. she C. we D. they
4. A. to B. in C. as
5. A. lot B. few C. more D. most
6. A. The B. We C. You
7. A. never B. ought C. would D. should
PRACTICE 8
Questions 1 – 7 are based on the following passage.
A woman came out of her house and saw three old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them but insisted on inviting them into her house.
One of the men __1__ up and said to her, “We do not go into a house together. I am Love. These are my friends, Wealth and Success.” Then he said to __2__ woman, “Go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you would like to invite into your house.”
After much __3__, the husband finally decided that they should invite Love in so that they could have their house filled with love.
When Love started __4__ into the house, the other two men also got up and followed him. Surprised, the woman asked, “I only invited Love in, __5__ are you coming in as well?”
The men replied together, “If you had invited Wealth __6__ Success in, the two of us would have stayed out but ____ you invited Love, where he goes, we will follow. Wherever there is Love, there is always Wealth and Success.”
1 A stand 5 A why B stood B when C stands C what D standing 2 A a 6 A and B an B but C the C or 3 A approval 7 A since B discussion B although C calculation C therefore D determination D despite
4 A walk
B walks
C walked
D walking
PRACTICE 9
Questions 1 - 7 are based on the following passage.
Herbs have become part and parcel of modern life. They are plants whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used in medicine, to add taste to food, or for __1__ pleasant smell. Some cultures simply cannot do without such herbs __2__ their food. In Thailand, lemon grass and lime leaves are used in almost every dish. In Malaysia and Indonesia, local herbs are __3__ raw.
The use of herbs in these countries __4__ the taste of the food. As an example, mint leaves are used to enhance the taste in ‘laksa’, a popular local noodle dish.
The highly aromatic curry leaf is __5__ essential item in Indian and Malay curries. This culinary herb is used for __6__ curries. It is seldom eaten. Some people believe that the consumption of curry leaves is good for one’s health.
Many of these herbs have __7__ their way into the diets of people because of their nutritional and health values. There are many more waiting to be explored.
(Adapted from Going Places Magazine, April 2005)
1 A they 5 A a
B their B an
C them C the
2 A on 6 A flavouring B at B flavoured C in C flavours D by D flavour 3 A eat 7 A find B ate B finds C eaten C found D eating D finding 4 A assists B develops C discovers D enriches PRACTICE 10
Questions 1 - 7 are based on the following passage.
These days, the telephone has become an essential item in most homes. However, it can also be the most annoying object, especially when it rings just as you are about to leave your home. Most people usually ….1…. back inside to answer it. Is it really necessary to answer the phone in this age of the answering machine and voice mail? After all, you can simply call someone back ….2…. a more convenient time.
So why are people ….3…. to rush in to grab the phone before it stops ringing? The answer is simple. Our ….4…. to a ringing phone is one of the few things in life that we have absolutely no control over. The constant ringing ….5…., at times, interrupt special moments,
such as when families dine, play or read together. The issue of answering the phone during ….6…. times can have drastic effects on family life. Richard Carlson offers this tip, ‘Ask yourself, “Is ….7…. the phone at this moment going to make my life easier, or is it going to add stress to my day?”
1 A rush B rushes C rushed D rushing
2 A at B in C on D for
3 A excited B tempted C convinced D persuaded
4 A response B respond C impulse D answer
5 A can B will C must D should
6 A this B that C these D those
7 A answer B answers C answered D answering
PRACTICE 11
Questions 1 - 7 are based on the following passage.
Time has become a precious item. The phrase ‘If only I had more time’ can be …1… everywhere. All over the world people are working longer hours and …2… to squeeze more into each day.
Technology …3… is speeding things up. With laptops and mobile phones with hands-free kit, one can multitask. Most people want a slower pace of life but enthusiastically sign …4… for e-mailing, messaging services, evening classes and, ironically, time-management classes. The end result is a lack of quality time to spend with …5… ones.
The idea of enjoying oneself, doing absolutely nothing, has become terrifying to people. In the past, the rich had …6… of time to do nothing. Now the reverse is true. If you have time to kill, it is a sign of low status. The rich are buying more time by employing housemaids, child-minders and gardeners to …7… them at home. In this way they can work all the time. Why are we putting stress on ourselves by working more and more?
1 A hear B heard C hearing D is heard
2 A try B tries C tried D trying
3 A really B actually C unusually D extremely
4 A in B up C off D out
5 A his B her C our D their
6 A lots B many C much D enough
PRACTICE 12
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
One day a professor at a college was discussing the dangers of alcohol with his class. He presented a demonstration ...(1) follows. He ……….(2) two beakers on his desk. He filled one with water and the ……….(3) with clear alcohol. ……….(4) each beaker he dropped an earthworm. In the beaker which ……….(5) water, the worm wriggled energetically. In the beaker which contained alcohol, ……….(6), the worm wriggled once ……….(7) twice. Then it died. “What ……….(8) you conclude from this demonstration?” the professor asked the students. He was ……….(9) the students had understood the demonstration.
A student at the back of the class raised his hand. “If you drink alcohol, ...(10) won’t have worms,” he answered.
1. A. so B. as C. for D. like
2. A. sit B. set C. sat D. seat
3. A. one B. two C. other D. another
4. A. On B. Into C. With D. From
5. A. contain B. contains C. contained D. containing
6. A. besides B. because C. however D. therefore
7. A. or B. but C. and D. hence
9. A. sure B. right C. correct D. accurate
10. A. I B. it C. he D. you
PRACTICE 13
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
I could not believe my eyes when I walked into the living room of my house yesterday. I saw ……….(1) brother Kasim lying face down on the floor. I tried to rouse him ……….(2) I could not. He was unconscious. Fearing the worst, I ……….(3) for his pulse carefully and found his heart beat. He was still alive. I searched ……….(4) cuts and bruises on his body but there were none. It was as if he had fallen ……….(5) on the floor.
I looked around. Kasim’s school bag was on ……….(6) floor. Books spilt out of it and one of the straps was ……….(7). A chair lay overturned on the floor.
……….(8) had happened here, I wondered. Strangely, I felt calm and ……….(9) not panic. I noted that all the windows ……….(10) shut. I had opened the door with a key when I had entered. This proved that no one had broken in.
1. A. I B. my C. me D. mine
2. A. but B. or C. so D. and
3. A. feel B. felt C. feels D. to feel
4. A. of B. to C. by D. for
6. A. a B. an C. the D. –
7. A. break B. broke C. breaks D. broken
8. A. What B. How C. Which D. Where
9. A. do B. did C. does D. doesn’t
10. A. has B. was C. were D. have
PRACTICE 14
Questions 1 – 8 are based on the following passage.
Is there such a thing as toys for girls and toys for boys? Have you ever ... (1) that when we were growing …………(2), our parents or the adults chose the toys that …………(3) played with? I remember that when I was young, I loved …………(4) play with matchbox cars from Lego and spent …………(5) of my time in the sand box in the playground. …………(6) adults would tell me, “You are a girl, you …………(7) go inside and play with your dolls.” Sure, I loved my dolls, …………(8) I also loved the games the boys played.
1. A. notice B. notices C. noticed D. noticing
2. A. up B. on C. at D. in
3. A. he B. she C. we D. they
4. A. to B. in C. as
6. A. The B. We C. You
7. A. never B. ought C. would D. should
8. A. as B. so C. but D. since
PRACTICE 15
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
There are many illnesses that we can succumb to. So we have to take good care of our health to ……….(1) these illnesses. The common illnesses that inflict people are diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.
In the case of people suffering ……….(2) diabetes, the sugar in the blood is abnormally high. Diabetes can cause many ……….(3). As for cancer, it is a complex disease and much is still ……….(4) about it. Cancer is one of the main causes of death these days. Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become more fragile. This usually happens with age. ……….(5), weakening of bone can begin much earlier. One in two women over fifty will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. Some ……….(6) start having this problem in their fifties. Another health problem is related to the eyes. A normal healthy eye is ……….(7) by a fluid which has pressure just like blood. Glaucoma, the damage in the optic nerve which carries images from the eye to the brain is related to this type of pressure.
1. A prevented B prevent C prevents D preventing
2. A from B off C at
3. A complicate B complicates C complications D complicated
5. A Although B Therefore C However
6. A shall B ought C might D should
7. A covered B closed C restricted D protected
PRACTICE 16
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
The elephants ……….(1) our jungles are of the same species as other Asian elephants found throughout ……….(2) tropical rainforests of mainland Southeast Asia. Past records show that in Malaysia, elephants were abundant that we ……….(3) able to export them to Jawa for work. The population ……….(4), began to dwindle as many were killed for their ivory tusks. As more and more of the jungles ……….(5) being cleared for logging, agriculture ……….(6) human settlements, elephants were being squeezed into ever-decreasing pockets of habitats. There is ……….(7) concern in the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to protect this endangered species.
1. A inhibit B inhibiting C inhibits D inhibited
2. A the B in C at D with
3. A are B was C is D were
4. A although B because C however D but
5. A is B are C was D were
6. A and B but C by D at
PRACTICE 17
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
Despite its ban in 1983, boric acid, a ……….(1) preservative widely used in food preparation, still gets into our body because of some ……….(2) traders.
Traces of boric acid are often found in noodles, dumplings, cakes and soya bean products. It is also commonly used in ………(3) preservation such as in the preserving of fish and prawns for export. According to a local consumer association, less than a teaspoon of this ……….(4) preservative is enough to kill a child. Once inside our bloodstream, it attacks the liver and brain. In severe cases, the ……….(5) person will drift into a coma and eventually die if medical assistance is not provided early enough.
To ensure that the use of boric acid is not ……….(6), more effective measures must be taken in the enforcement of its ban. ……….(7) fines should be imposed on the culprits and their licences should also be withdrawn. These measures would surely deter other offenders from engaging in this unethical act.
1. A raw B toxic C tasty D common
2. A hopeful B inexperienced C irresponsibleD stingy
3. A seafood B edible C animal D vegetable
4. A fatal B lethal C corrosive
5. A sick B affected C victimised D unfortunate
6. A abused B harmful C careless D overlooked
PRACTICE 18
Questions 1 – 10 are based on the following passage.
It is important to know English well for several reasons. Students should take this subject ……….(1). English, an international language, is used ……….(2) in the business world. A lot of ……….(3) is carried out in English. Knowing English is useful if we want to travel to other countries. People who want to do business overseas must know English. As the world gets ………. (4) through rapid transport and technology, English increases in importance.
English is the main language used by Internet websites. We need to know English ………. (5) to use the Internet as a source of information. Many books ……….(6) in the market are in English. Of course, many have ……….(7) translated into other languages. However, it is better to read them in the original language.
1. A critically B importantly C gravely D seriously
2. A widely B wide C wider D widest
3. A communicate B communicating C communicated D communication
4. A small B smaller C smallest
5. A so that B in order C such that D though
6. A sell B sells C sold
PRACTICE 19
Questions A – E are based on the following passage.
She was walking back to 1………. (her/hers) house when she heard the sound of a car behind her. It sounded familiar. Wasn’t it 2………. (her/hers)? Why was 3………. (her/hers) car not in 4………. (it/its/it’s) usual place under the tree?
She turned around. It was indeed 5………. (her/hers) car. But there were two men driving it. Who were they?
‘Stop!’ she shouted. ‘That’s 6………. (my/mine) car!’ ‘No, it isn’t,’ they laughed. ‘It’s 7……….(our/ours).’
How could it be 8………. (their/theirs), she wondered. It had 9 ………. (her/hers) license plates. It was 10 ………. (her/hers) car. The men had stolen it.
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
a. When Mary …………..(see) the advertisement of the job in the papers, she ………… (decide) to apply for it. She …………(send) the application last week but she ………(not receive) a reply yet. She …………..(hope) to hear from them soon.
b. She ………..(come) home late one night. She …………..(pass) my house at exactly ten o’clock. I asked myself. ‘What …………(happen) to her car? Did anyone ……….(steal) it? I ………...(keep) asking myself until I ………(fall) asleep.
c. My roommates and I …………(is/are) going to the cinema tonight. The movie
…………(start/starts) at eight and will probably end at ten-thirty. I …………(hope/hopes) to catch a bus home and Susan may come with me.
