Grammar Practice

GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Before the examination

1. Master the rules of grammar, particularly on items commonly tested in this section:- verbs - pronouns- subject-verb agreements - adverbs- prepositions - articles- conjunctions - adjectives

2. Do a lot of practices for this section.

3. Read widely. You need to have a good command of vocabulary to do well in this section. Use a dictionary to help you find the meanings of difficult words or phrases.

During examination

1. Read through the whole passage to get an idea of what it is all about. If you do not understand, read it again slowly and carefully.

2. While reading, look out for clues that may help you in identifying the best answer. (Check for the tenses used and the grammatical keywords.)

3. Next, study the words or the sentences that come before and after the blanks. These words may provide you with important clues to get the best answer.

4. Try fitting each option into the numbered blank. Be extra careful. The correct phrase should be grammatically and logically acceptable.

5. Sometimes, the answers are very close. Choose the best answer for each blank. Cross out the options that are clearly incorrect.

6. Finally, when you have finished, read through the passage again to make sure your answers are grammatically correct and the passage itself makes sense.

Grammar : Parts of speech

Parts of speech

Definition Examples

Noun(kata nama)

A word that names a person, place, thing, animal, concept or activity or idea.Uncountable nouns (nU) : Nouns that cannot be countedCountable nouns (nC) : Nouns that can be counted

tree, apple, orange, kitten, hospital, froge.g.: The cat jumps over the fence.

Verb(kata kerja)

A word that describes an action or statetalk, eat, run, shout, jump, is , was, am.e.g. : the cat climbs.

Pronoun(ganti nama)

A word that takes the place of a noun

I, he, she, it, they, we, our, itselfe.g.: Ali likes durian. He is eating it now

Adjective(sifat nama)

A word that describes a noun or pronounbeautiful, tall, clever, blue, red, kinde.g.: A beautiful clever girl

Adverb(sifat kata)

A word that gives more information about a verb, an adjective or an adverb

quickly, fast, slowly, very, carefullye.g.: The cat walks slowly and quietly.

Preposition(Kata Sendi)

A word that shows relationship between a noun or pronoun with another word in a sentence

on, at, about, towards, near, along, under, below, onto, inside, around, between

Article

A word that is used before nouns. Indefinite articles (‘a’ and ‘an’) are used with singular uncountable nouns only. The definite article (the) is used for both countable and uncountable nouns.

a, an , the

Conjunction(Kata Hubung)

A word that joins two or more words, phrases or clauses.

and, or, but, however, therefore, moreover, so, although

Interjection(kata seruan)

A word used to show strong feeling.Ouch! Wow! Ah! Ops! Hey!

Grammar rules : TensesThe Simple Present Tense

The Simple Present Tense is used:

a) To show a habitual action ( done regularly) e.g.: Mother goes to market twice a week.e.g.: Aina always sleeps early.

b) To express a fact or truthe.g.: The owl hunts at night.

c) To declare something or make observationse.g.: That book belongs to Ali.e.g.: He always comes to school early.

d) To show future action that is part of a schedule / timetablee.g.: The train leaves in five minutes.

Singular (verb)

eatcatch

lie - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

eatscatches

lies

Plural (verb)

eatcatch

lie

IYou

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -HeShe

It

WeYouThey

The Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous Tense is used:

a) To show a habitual negative action ( done regularly) e.g.: The two brothers are always quarrelling. e.g.: She is always singing the same song.

b) To show an action that is happening.e.g.: The teacher is teaching now. e.g.: The boys are playing in the field.

c) To show a future action that is a part of a plan. e.g.: They are going camping next week. e.g.: I am visiting my grandmother this weekend.

d) To show a progress e.g.: The water is boiling. e.g.: Ali is improving.

Singular

am- - - - - - -

are- - - - - - -

is

( verb + ing )

eatingcatching

lying

Plural

are

( verb + ing )

eatingcatching

lying

I- - - - - - -

You- - - - - - -

HeShe

It

WeYouThey

The Present Perfect Tense

Present Perfect Tense is formed by using ‘has’ or ‘have’ with the past participle. Uses of the Present Perfect Tense include:

a) To describe an action or situation that ended a short time ago. (usually with the word ‘just’)

e.g.: Mr. Tan has just arrived home from work.

b) To describe an action which started in the past and continues up to the present (usually with the expressions ‘since’ and ‘for’)

e.g.: I have known Siti for ten years.e.g.: He has lived here since 2009.

c) To connect the result of a past action to the present.e.g.: Someone has stolen her purse. (She does not have the purse with her now.)

d) To describe an action or situation that has happened but the time reference is not given. e.g.: Ali has taken his lunch. e.g.: They have decorated the hall.

Singular

have- - - - - -

-has

(verb past participle)

eatencaught

lied

Plural

have


eatencaught

lied

IYou

- - - - - - - - -HeShe

It

WeYouThey

The Simple Past Tense

Simple Past Tense is formed by the past tense form of the verb. Uses of the Simple Past Tense include:

a) To describe an action or situation that has completed in the past. e.g.: Ali was a teacher.

b) To describe an action which happened in the past with a time reference.

e.g.: I went to Johor last year. e.g.: Ali spoke to the teacher yesterday.

c) To show habitual past action. e.g.: We swam in the river when we were young. e.g.: They always stayed at our place when they visited us.

Singular (verb)

atecaught

lied

Plural (verb)

atecaught

lied

IYouHeShe

It

WeYouThey

The Past Continuous Tense

The Past Continuous Tense is used:

a) To show a habitual negative action in the past. e.g.: The two brothers were always quarrelling. e.g.: She was always singing the same song.

b) To show an action that was happening at a time in the past.e.g.: The teacher was teaching. e.g.: The boys were playing in the field.

c) To show an action that was happening at a specific moment in the past. e.g.: Ali was reading when I visited him. e.g.: The girls were discussing their project when they heard a scream.

d) To show two actions taking place at the same time in the past. e.g.: While Ali was singing, his brother was playing the guitar. e.g.: While the boys were playing football, the girls were playing netball.

Singular

was

- - - - - - -

were

( verb + ing )

eatingcatching

lying

Plural

were

( verb + ing )

eatingcatching

lying

IHeShe

It- - - - - - -

You

WeYouThey

The Past Perfect Tense

Past Perfect Tense is formed by using ‘had’ with the past participle. Uses of the Past Perfect Tense include:

a) When two events happened in the past, the event that happened first is in the past perfect tense while the second event is in the simple past tense.

e.g.: I had cooked dinner before my parents came home.

b) with the conditional ‘if only’. e.g.: If only I had listened to your advice to leave early, I would not have missed the bus.

e.g.: If only I had not scolded my brother, he would not be crying.

Singular

had


eatencaught

lied

Plural

had


eatencaught

lied

IYouHeShe

It

WeYouThey

Future Tense

The Future Tense is used:a) To show a planned action for the future.

e.g.: I will buy the book tomorrow. e.g.: Ali will talk to the teacher later.

Singular

will

(base form verb)

eatcatch

lie

Plural

will

(base form verb)

eatcatch

lie

IYouHeShe

It

WeYouThey

Summary charts of verb tenses

simple present tense

Ahmad studies every day.

simple past tense

Ahmad studied last night.

Simple future tense

Ahmad will study tomorrow.

Present continuous tense

Ahmad is studying right now

Past continuous tense

Ahmad was studying when they came.

Present perfect tense

Ahmad has already studied Chapter One.

Past perfect tense

Ahmad had already studied Chapter One before he began to study Chapter Two.

NowNow

Now Now

Now Now

Now

Text Completion

Present Tense

Exercise 1Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks

Malaysians like to go on picnics. On weekends and public holidays, picnickers ________(1) on beaches with their family or friends to ________(2) their minds and bodies. They ________(3) in the sea or just ________(4) on mats and ________(5) children splashing about.

When it ________(6) time for lunch, they help themselves heartily to the delicious food and drinks they ________(7) brought along with them. They listen to songs and ________(8) games. Children build sandcastles and ________(9) seashells.

Soon it is time to________(10) home. Everyone feels tired but happy.

1 A gather B gathered C gathers D gathering2 A relax B relaxing C relaxed D relaxes3 A swim B swum C swam D swimming4 A lie B lay C laid D lies5 A watch B watching C watched D watches6 A was B is C were D are7 A have B has C are D is8 A play B playing C played D plays9 A collects B collect C collected D collecting10 A go B come C goes D comes

Exercise 2

Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks

Health inspectors _______ (1) for the government have a duty to check the food we ________(2) and eat. They frequently ________ (3) eating shops, markets, bakeries and dairies. Action ________(4) then taken against those who do not ________(5) their places clean and those who sell food unfit for consumption.

Food-stall owners should always ________ (6) cleanliness. Food should be covered to prevent flies and germs in the air from ________(7) it. If contaminated food ________(8) sold, anyone who ________(9) it will become ill. Therefore people who work in eating-shops must know, understand and _______ (10) rules of good personal hygiene.

1 A worked B have worked C working D work2 A bought B buy C had bought D buying3 A visit B visiting C visited D had visited4 A is B was C were D have5 A keeping B keep C kept D keeps6 A maintain B maintained C maintaining D maintains7 A contaminate B contaminating C contaminated D to contaminate8 A was B is C has D had9 A eat B eats C eaten D ate10 A follow B followed C following D follows

Exercise 1

‘TV15 - The Rakyat Channel’ gives out awards for the best local TV programme each year. Complete this commentator’s report on the ‘Super Show Award’ with the Present Perfect Tense of the verb in brackets.

“ I’m Farhah Aina, reporting live for TV15. Since 2001, TV15 (1)____________(start) a special award programme to acknowledge those who (2)_____________(contribute) to the local television entertainment industry. TV15 (3)_____________(choose) many nominees to compete in different categories. Up till now, TV15 (4)_______ ____(select) four nominees for each category. Some of these nominees (5)_____________(appear) many times in recent years, whilst others are newcomers to the entertainment scene.

This special award programme is very popular among viewers of all age groups. People (6)____________(travel) from many places to watch this show conducted annually at TV15. As expected, many (7) ____________(come) with expectations. Many (8) ____________(predict) that local sitcom ‘Coffee Break’ will receive several awards. Another programme, ‘Surviving on Pulau Satu’ (9)_________________(become) the most watched programme on Saturday night. The game show ‘Beg for Gag’ (10)____________(be) the top game show for the last 10 months.

This is going to be the show of the year. So sit back and relax, enjoy the show!”

(Adapted from Longman Super Score English by Sooria Kumari, et all)

Past Tense

It is used to express an action that began and ended in the past. Example:

Subject Verb Time Words

IYouHeShe

ItWe

TheyThe girl

ate(irregular verb)

washed(regular verb)

yesterdaylast night

two days agoin 1990

in the past

Exercise 1

Underline the correct answers

1 The hawker ( sells, sold ) fried noodles last night. 2 The boy ( fell, falls ) from his bicycle and hurt himself two days ago. 3 Jeff ( meets, met ) an old classmate at the party just now. 4 The policeman ( stopped, stops ) the driver who knocked the lamp post. 5 Mrs. Ooi ( buys, bought ) a lot of fruits yesterday. 6 The show ( starts, started ) an hour ago.

7 The baby ( missed, misses ) his mother when she went to work 8 I ( see, saw ) Ali at the bookshop this morning. 9 My friend ( comes, came ) to my house last week.10 Roslan ( lies, lied ) to his parents just now.

(Adapted from PMR English Module 2010 JPN Kedah)


A crowd of people ________ (1) inside the tent to see the circus. There ________ (2) a lot of clowns with red noses which seemed to glow. One of the clowns had a little monkey that ________(3) up a stick. Another one ________(4) to be a frog and jumped about on the grass, croaking. Everybody ________(5). One played funny tune on a flute. Then some acrobats _______(6) running into the ring while the band played some exciting music. They bowed to the crowd and then took off their cloaks and climbed up some ropes to the roof of the tent. The band ________ (7) playing. Then they began to swing from one rope to another, flying through the air like bird men! One of them seemed to slip in the middle of a flight. This ________(8) the crowd a fright, but he was only pretending. When acrobats ________(9), the band played a cheerful tune. This ________ (10) by a warm applause of the crowd.

1 A go B went C goes D going2 A is B are C was D were3 A climbed B climbing C climb D climbs4 A pretend B pretending C pretended D pretends5 A laughing B laughed C laugh D laughter6 A come B came C coming D comes7 A stopped B stop C stopping D stops8 A give B gave C given D give9 A finished B finishing C finish D finishes10 A was followed B were followed C is followed D are followed

(Adapted from You Can Do It Volume 2 PMR English JPN Kedah)


Last Monday, Kassim and I decided to go to the cinema. After school, I_______ (1) for Kassim at the bus-stop in front of the school. It ________ (2) raining and soon I felt chilly. Fifteen minutes ________(3) but Kassim had not come. I ______ (4) to feel impatient. At almost two o’clock, Kassim arrived. He ________(5 for being late.“While I ________(6) out at a chemistry experiment in the last period,” he explained,” I accidentally ________(7) a beaker. So the teacher ________(8) me to stay back to clean up the mess.”

“Never mind,” I replied, “Let`s hurry now. We may be late.”When we entered the cinema, the film show ________ (9) already started. We could not

see well in the dark and spent more than ten minutes __________ (10) for our seats.

1 A wait B waited C were waiting D have waited2 A started B start C starting D was started 3 A passes B passing C passed D to pass4 A begin B began C begun D beginning

5 A apologize B apologizing C apologized D was apologize6 A carry B carried C am carrying D was carrying7 A broke B break C broken D breaking8 A tell B telling C told D was told9 A were B had C has D having10 A look B looked C looking D to look


Past Perfect tense

Exercise 1Answer the questions below

1 The doctors __________ (complete) the operation successfully before the electricity went off.2 He told us that they __________ (offer) their services to the haze victims before3 If she __________ (eat) her meals regularly, she would not have suffered from gastric pains.4 Zakri _________ just __________ (come) home from the gym when his brother asked him to play table tennis. 5 He was very weak after he __________ (fast) for one week.6 She __________ (lost) two kilograms, but she put it all back on during holidays.7 Zaliza __________ (consider) plastic surgery when she was younger but then decided that beauty comes from within.8 We __________ already __________ (leave) the hospital when the fire started.9 I _________ (decide) to become a doctor by the time I was in Form 4.10 When he __________ (complete) his studies he went to work in hospital in Africa.

( Adapted from Longman Super Score English by Sooria Kumari, Doreen Da Costa, Ranee Helen )

Prepositions

Prepositions are usually used before nouns or pronoun to join them to the main sentence.It is used:

a) To show the location or position of something (ex: on, in, under, across)b) To show direction (ex: to, from, towards)c) To show time (ex: after, since, before)

Example:a) The book is under the tableb) The car is heading towards us.c) The host waited until all the guest had arrived.


I had been warned that the twins were not called the ‘Horrible Twins’ without any justification. However I was not prepared for the sight ________(1) my eyes. Eng Hock was sitting________(2) Eng Seng’s shoulders while Eng Hock was balancing an empty tin________(3) the tip of his nose.

When I told them to stop their act, Eng Hock jumped________(4) Eng Seng’s shoulder and landed ________(5) me. Then he took out a matchbox ________(6) his pocket. He held the box ________(7) my face and suddenly opened it. There was a big spider________(8) in the box. Then, he held the spider ________(9) his thumb and forefinger. Next, he threw the spider over my head and it landed________(10) the table in front of me.

1 A before B by C at D in2 A at B on C from D along3 A near B from C over D on4 A away B off C of D over5 A over B at C beside D with6 A in front of B under C from D below7 A between B in C near D along8 A in B on C beside D under9 A over B on C between D in10.A on B off C in D with



One day, father came home and announced that he had bought a new house ________(1) Taman Jaya. We received the news happily because we had always wanted ________(2) move away________(3) our noisy neighbourhood.

The next day, father took us ________(4) clean the house. We liked the new house the moment we saw it. It had an old Spanish design. We rushed________(5) excitedly when father open the door.

“ May I have this room________(6) myself, father? ” my younger brother asked. “ No, it’s too large________(7) you,” father replied.

We spent hours scrubbing and cleaning the floor________(8) it was shining. The walls were repainted and the lights fitted.

The following few weeks. We busied ourselves________(9) packing. It was really difficult deciding what________(10) pack. There were so many things which we had collected.

1 A at B in C beside D above2 A so B of C to D from3 A for B from C to D beside4 A the B by C under D to5 A to B in C by D through6 A from B to C by D all7 A by B at C to D for8 A it B for C on D with9 A until B with C by D to10 A so B but C along D to


Pronouns

Pronouns are words ( him, she, he, it, etc) that are used to replace nouns. Types of pronouns:

a) Personal Pronoun – replace the subject of sentence or object of the sentenceb) Possessive Pronouns – to show possession. Eg: his, hers, mine and theirs.c) Demonstrative Pronouns – to show which noun we are talking about. Eg: this,

that and those.d) Interrogative Pronouns – question words. Eg: who, which and what.e) Reflexive Pronouns – when the subject and object are the same. Eg: I-myself,

you-yourselfExercise 1Choose the correct words from the box to fill in the blanks.

us his who them theywe she my myself yourself

1 ……………….. have rice and meat for dinner.2 The men gave their food to …………………. .3 ……………….. runs very fast.4 The car in the porch is ………………. .5 These kittens belong to …………… sister and I.6 ……………… is the best student in your class?7 I cooked this meal………………………. .8 Once a week, she visits ………………… .9 You must do your homework ……………………10 …………………… watch television every night.



Ali wanted to buy a present for _______(1) father’s birthday. ________(2)went to a large departmental store and asked a salesgirl for help. “ Excuse ________(3),” he said. “ Could you help me to choose a shirt for________(4) father? ”

“ Certainly,”________(5) replied. “ We have a wide range of imported as well as locally-made shirts. What size does ________(6) father wear? ”

“________ (7) am not quite sure, but ________(8) is quite fat and tall, ”Ali said.The salesgirl took a few shirts from the rack and showed ________(9) to Ali. Ali chose

one which he hoped ________(10) father would like.

1 A he B she C his D her2 A he B his C she D her3 A I B me C my D he4 A she B he C I D my5 A we B I C she D he6 A you B your C my D his7 A you B I C my D she8 A his B hers C he D my9 A it B they C them D their10 A his B her C their D my


Nouns

Words that name people, places, animals, activities or concept. Categories of nouns: a) Singular or Plural – When it refers to one thing, it is singular. When it refers to more

than one, it is plural.b) Countable or Uncountable – Nouns that can be counted are called countable nouns.

– Nouns that cannot be counted and there is no change in spelling are called uncountable nouns.

Exe rcise 1 Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks

Many people do not know that there are about forty different kinds of cats. Lions, ________(1) and leopards all belong to the cat ________(2). They are wild cats. What we kept at home are domestic cats which are good as ________(3)

I have a pet________(4) called Fluffy. Every day she waits for me after school at the________(5). The moment I enter, she starts scratching at my________(6). It is amazing that with such sharp________(7) she has yet to make holes in my trousers. I have seen how she gripped and tore the________(8) of a rat with her long curved claws.

Many times I have watched _______(9) across the room. She walks on her toes with such grace and balance. Very often I do not know she is in the room until she nudges her________(10) against my leg.

1 A animals B people C cats D friends2 A family B gang C food D mammals3 A neighbours B guests C friends D pets 4 A dog B tiger C lion D cat5 A roof B school C doorway D house6 A dress B bag C doorway D trouses7 A eyes B flesh C dress D claws8 A heart B flesh C claws D dress9 A Suzy B Pussy C Fluffy D Beauty10 A body B legs C eyes D ears


Articles

‘A’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ are called articles. They are used before nouns. Indefinite articles (‘a’ and ‘an’) are used with singular uncountable nouns only. ‘A’ is used with nouns beginning with consonant (b, c, d, … x, y, z) sounds.’ An’ is used with nouns beginning with vowel (a, e, i, o, u) sounds. The definite article (the) is used for both countable and uncountable nouns. ‘The’ is used:

a) To refer something that has been mentioned earlierb) To refer to a particular nounc) With superlatives (the tallest, the biggest, etc)d) To show a noun that is unique or one of its kind. (the Antartic, the sun, the moon)


Although there are always job vacancies in the private and in the public sector, ________(1) unemployment continue to exist. One reason is that______(2) youth today are very choosy where _______(3) jobs are concerned. Most of them will be looking for only white-collar jobs in ________(4) air conditioned offices. Working in ________(5) farms or any jobs that may get their hand dirty is out of _______(6) question. They prefer to be unemployed rather than to toil in _______(7) sun. Even _______(8) graduates are fussy in choosing _______(9) jobs. Many just refuse to work _______(10) low-paying job, even if it is on _______(11) temporary basis. It’s therefore not surprising that many of the school-leavers and ________(12) fresh graduate are part of unemployed group.1 A a B an C the D - 2 A a B an C the D - 3 A a B an C the D - 4 A a B an C the D - 5 A a B an C the D - 6 A a B an C the D - 7 A a B an C the D - 8 A a B an C the D - 9 A a B an C the D - 10 A a B an C the D - 11 A a B an C the D - 12 A a B an C the D -

( Adapted from 1201 Question Bank Grammar Pan Asia by JC Lim)


Recently, there has been an increasing number of child abuse reported in the mass media. While it is disturbing to note that _______(1) child abuse is still rampant, it is also heartening that more and more people are coming forward to report child abuse. This shows that _______(2) public awareness of child abuse is on ______(3) rise.

Child abuse is indeed _______(4) social evil that has existed for ________(5) long time. It is prevalent everywhere, in _______(6) underdeveloped as well as developed countries, and in _______(7) rural as well as urban areas. _______(8) rate of child abuse is probably higher in _______(9) families faced with _______(10) financial or marital problems.

_________(11) State Welfare Services Department has been doing _______(12) splendid job in fighting child abuse. Not only does it look after ________(13) abused child, it also provides counseling service to ________(14) child’s parents. However, __________(15) department has to depend very much on the public for information so that prompt action can be taken.

1 A a B an C the D - 2 A a B an C the D - 3 A a B an C the D - 4 A a B an C the D -

5 A a B an C the D - 6 A a B an C the D - 7 A a B an C the D - 8 A a B an C the D - 9 A a B an C the D - 10 A a B an C the D - 11 A a B an C the D - 12 A a B an C the D - 13 A a B an C the D - 14 A a B an C the D - 15 A a B an C the D -


Subject-Verb Agreement

We use ‘is’ with a singular subject and ‘are’ with a plural subject. Sentences with subjects like ‘each’, ‘everyone’, ‘one’, ‘nobody’, ’everything’ , ‘neither of’, etc, take a singular verb. Sentences with subjects like ‘all’, ‘both’, ‘many’, ‘some’, etc take a plural verb.A single subject is followed by a singular verb . A plural subject is followed by a plural verb.

1 Nobody is allowed to enter the room.2 Both of these tins are filled with petrol.3 Neither of the pencils is mine.4 Neela is tall but her brothers are taller.

Exercise 1Fill in the blanks with ‘is’ or ‘are’.

1 They …………….. my classmates.2 She ……………………… going to Ipoh with her sister.3 It …………………….. a faithful dog.4 Each of the girls ……………………… given a cake.5 Everyone ………………… present at the meeting.6 All of the children …………………… tired after the picnic.7 Either Gopal or Kim Seng ………………… wrong.8 Mathematics ……………….. my favourite subject.9 These books …………………… to be kept in the cupboard.10 This group of boys ………………. noisy and mischievous.


Exercise 2 Fill in the blanks with ‘has’ , ‘have’, ‘do’ or ‘does’.

1 My mother ………………….. gone to the market.2 All the pupils ……………………… completed their work.3 He ………………….. not want to go home yet.4 …………………. you know where he lives?5 A lot of dust ……………been collected on the shelf.6 ……………………… they like to play badminton?7 The food she bought……………. gone bad.8 None of my friends ………….. come here before.9 Some of the trees ……………….. been cut down.10 ………………………. everyone got a drink?


Exercise 3Underline the correct answers

1 The birds ( fly, flies ) to their nest.2 The children ( hope, hopes ) to receive some good news.3 The boy (walk, walks) slowly towards the shop.4 I ( take, takes ) a bus home.5 The villagers ( shout, shouts ) for help.6 The wind (blow, blows ) strongly.7 Pn. Ng and her daughters ( love, loves ) to go shopping.8 My brother and I ( speak, speaks ) five languages fluently.

9 Aini always ( goes, go ) to the market with her mum.10 Hardip ( call, calls ) her cousin every month.


Exercise 4

Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks

The octopus has neither shells nor fins. Its well-developed head_______(1) complex eyes that provide excellent vision. A footlike part________(2) the front of the head and extend forward, dividing into eight arms or tentacles. Each arm_______(3) of two rows of adhesive suckers, which it ________(4) to pull itself along. When it is lying quietly at the bottom of shallow pool, it ________(5) out its tentacles on the ground. If a crab comes by, it ________(6) out its tentacles, catches hold of it and _________(7) it into its mouth. Besides crab, octopuses also__________(8) to eat lobster and other mollusks.

The female octopus is a devoted mother. Each of her eggs ________(9) enclosed in a capsule that _________(10) itself to an object in the water. There ________(11) always a number of them close together, with the mother faithfully keeping a virgil. She changes the water in which they _________(12) by squirting more water over them through her funnel-shaped siphon.

1 A had B has C have D does2 A surround B surrounds C surrounding D has surrounded3 A consists B consist C has consisted D consisting4 A use B using C has used D uses5 A spread B spreading C spreads D has spread6 A whips B whip C does D has whipped7 A draw B draws C drawing D has drawn8 A like B likes C do D are9 A is B are C has D have10 A attaches B attach C attaching D has attached11 A is B are C does D do12 A are lying B lies C lie D do


Verb Forms

Verbs are action words which says what a noun or pronoun does (run, write, fall, study, etc). Every sentence must have at least a verb. It can be used:

a) In the simplest present tenseb) In the simple past tense– formed by adding ‘-ed’ or ‘-d’ to the verb.c) In the present continuous tense – formed by adding ‘-ing’ to the verb.d) In the past participle - formed by adding ‘-n’ or ‘en’ to the verb.

Example:

Present Tense Past Tense Past Participlewidensoftencarry

widenedsoftenedcarried

widenedsoftenedcarried

feedsighbindtearsinkHit

fedsighedboundtoresankhit

fedsighedboundtornsunkhit


Aida : Fatin, ___(1)___ you _______ my handbag?Fatin: No, ___(2)___ you_______ it again?Aida : I___(3)___ I ___(4)___ it.Fatin: You seem to misplaced your handbag very often. Now try to recollect where you ___(5)___ it.Aida : I ___(6)___ on the dressing table but it is not there now.Fatin: Think again. Where else could you have left your handbag?Aida : Oh yes, now I ___(7)___. It must be in the car. You see, I ___(8)___ to you while I getting out of the car.Fatin: You ___(9)___ very forgetful nowadays. You know, you could be in real trouble if ___(10)___ your handbag.Aida : I know, thanks for the advice.

1 A had…seen B do…see C could…see D have…seen2 A have…lost B did…lost C had…lost D do…lost3 A thought B think C am thinking D have thought4 A am misplacing B had misplaced C have misplaced D misplace5 A were leaving B have left C are leaving D would leave6 A was leaving B leave C has left D left7 A remember B am remembering C remembered D have remembered8 A talked B was talking C have talked D had talked9 A are getting B get C got D have got10 A lose B are losing C lost D have lost


Conjunctions

We use conjunctions to join words, phrases and sentences. Commonly used conjunctions are ‘and’ ‘but’ ‘or’ ‘because’ ‘so’ ‘although’ ‘unless’ etc.

Example :i) There are papayas and bananas for sale.ii) He tried hard but could not succeediii) He slept early because he was tired.iv) He was not at home so I left.v) Although he was very sick, he refused to see a doctor.

Exercise 1Underline the correct conjunction.

1 We were hot (but, and) tired.

2 Ah Leng was intelligent (but, and) lazy.3 It was very expensive (so, if) I did not buy it.4 We could not enter (so, because) the gates were locked.5 You cannot go home (unless, if) you finish your work.6 He went out (because, although) it was raining heavily.7 He woke up late (because, if) it was a holiday.8 You must behave yourself (so, or) he will punish you.9 We sweated a lot (although, because) the day was hot.10 He switched on the lights (so that, or) he could read the newspaper.Exercise 2Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks

Jaime Berdal advises, “If you are going to teach kids, you had better practice what you preach ___(1)___ as a teacher you make a big impression, for better ___(2)___ for worse. Kids are set to follow the example you set.”

According to him, we can try to set good examples ___(3)___ the youngsters learn the real lessons through their personal experiences in their lives along the way. He teaches students the importance of setting priorities in life ___(4)___ fulfilling their commitments. He says he gets to know his students better ___(5)___ teaching them martial arts. They affectionately called him guru ___(6)___ teacher. As a teacher, he helps his students to fine-tune their lives for a happier lifestyle.

Whether one is learning martial arts ___(7)___ living his life; respect, discipline, hard work ___(8)___ care for others are the foundation in leading a successful life. One cannot just ‘receive’ all the times ___(9)___ has to ‘give’ too, ___(10)___ many would not take the trouble to do so.

1 A so B or C and D because2 A or B but C because D although3 A but B because C and D or4 A so B or C because D and5 A or B so C and D while6 A but B so C or D and7 A but B and C although D or8 A but B because C so D and9 A but B because C so D and10 A so B or C because D although

( Adapted from 1201 Question Bank Grammar Pan Asia by Ram Kumari)

Modals

Modals are helping (auxiliary) verbs. Some examples of modals are can, could, will, may, might, must, should and would. They are placed before verbs in the base form (infinitive) to express a person’s opinion, attitude or judgment.

1) She must complete the homework.2) They should stop smoking

Exercise 1Underline the correct answers

1. I could have ( do, done ) it myself.2. Will you ( dances, dance ) with me?3. Paul could ( feed, fed ) himself when he was three years old.4. We must ( attend, attends ) the meeting.5. They should ( pay, pays ) attention in class.6. You must not ( dirty, dirtied ) your clothes.7. May I ( borrow, borrows ) your book?8. They could have ( take, taken ) the money by mistake.9. She will ( wait, waits ) for us at the bus stop.10. I shall ( sleep, slept ) in my own room.


Exercise 2Complete the dialogue using the most suitable modals in the brackets.

Anis : When was the last time we had a reunion with our schoolmates?Aina : I don’t remember. It’s been such a long time.Anis : I think we (would/should/must) have one. It (would/should/must) be nice to

catch up with everyone.Aina : Good idea. When (would/might/could) (1) you like to have it?Anis : How about this Thursday? We (will/must/can) (2) have the gathering at my house.Aina : I’m sorry, I (couldn’t/can’t/won’t) (3) make it on Thursday. How about Saturday

instead? Around 6.00 pm?Anis : That’s fine with me. Do you think we (will/shall/ought to) (4) have food during the

gathering?Aina : Of course. We (can’t/mustn’t/won’t) (5) have a gathering without food.Anis : I just knew (should/would/could) (6) say that. Alright, we (will/must/would) (7) have some pasta and fruit punch…Aina : …and BBQ chicken and sausages? How about pizza, salad, maybe some

French fries, and apples for…Anis : Aina, you (can/must/will) (8) be joking? We (can’t/shouldn’t/won’t) (9) be able to

afford all the food. It (should/will/ought to) (10) be quite pricey.Aina : Don’t worry. We (can/might/may) (11) ask everyone to chip in. That way, we (mustn’t/won’t/shouldn’t) (12) have to pay for everything.Anis : Well, that (can/shall/might) (13) be a good idea. But it (might/must/will) (14) also be a mistake.Aina : Why?Anis : You know our friends. Some (must/will/may) (15) not agree if they have to contribute money.Aina : That’s absurd. But if they do disagree about helping to pay for the food, then I think they (mustn’t/shouldn’t/couldn’t) (16) come.Anis : I suppose you are right. They (ought to/can/shall) (17) understand. But just be prepared, you (shall/may/must) (18) need to cajole them.Aina : No problem. Everything (will/can/would) (19) turn out just fine. We (could/should/might) (20) have our best reunion yet.

(Adapted from Longman Super Score English by Sooria Kumari, Doreen Da Costa, Ranee Helen)

Adjectives

Adjectives describes a noun or a pronoun. it responds to the ‘what kind’, ‘which one’ and “how much’ or ‘how many’.

Comparison of adjectives takes four forms which are:

the positives form (as…as) – to compare two equal nouns.Example:

Ali is as tall as Abu. The cake is as sweet as the cookies.

the comparative form (-er than) to compare two unequal nouns.Example:

Mei Ling is thinner than Asha. My pencil is shorter than yours.

the superlatives form (the…-est) to compare three or more unequal nouns.Example:

Who is the richest man in the world? Aisha is the prettiest among her friends.

the irregular formExample:

Positive Comparative Superlative

goodbadlittle

manymuch

betterworselessmoremore

bestworstleastmostmost


Ajit won the ___(1)___ prize at the swimming competition. During the heat, he was as ___(2)___ as the wind. He was___(3)___ than his best friend, Rohan. In fact, he clocked the ___(4)___ time to become the champion. His interest in swimming began when he was in primary school. He was as ___(5)___ as ant. When he went up the rostrum to receive the trophy, it was the ___(6)___ moment in his life. Although the trophy was not as ___(7)___ as gold or diamonds, he treasured it nevertheless. Every day he wiped it and it was the ___(8) ___ trophy among his collection. He was very ___(9)____ of his achievements and showed off his trophies to his friends. He is the ___(10)___ among his friends.

1 A first B one C great2 A fast B faster C fastest3 A good B better C best4 A good B better C best5 A hard working B more hardworking C most hardworking6 A happy B happier C happiest7 A expensive B more expensive C most expensive8 A shiny B shinier C shiniest9 A proud B prouder C proudest10 A humble B humbler C humblest

(Adapted from 1201 Question Bank Grammar Pan Asia by Ram Kumari)

Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.

the most important more important than importantthe most famous grand

Prince William and Prince Henry are members of British Royal family. Prince William is an ____________(1) figure in the British Royal family. However, Prince Charles is the next in line to the throne, so he is __________(2) Prince William. Queen Elizabeth is the head of the Royal family and monarch of Great Britain. She is ___________(3) members of all. The royal family often hosts _____________(4) functions for dignitaries from other countries. They reside in ______________(5) place in United Kingdom – Buckingham Palace.

(Adapted from Longman Gusto! Grammar Workout Form 3)

Adverbs

Adverbs are words that give extra information to a verb, an adjective or another adverb.It usually end in ‘ly’. In a sentence, it responds to the question of how, when, where and how often.

Examplea) Siti sings beautifully.(how?)b) The robbery victim called the police later that day. (when?)c) Take the exercise books here. (where?)d) The girl frequently goes to the school library. (how often?)

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with suitable Adverbs.

1. He is a careless driver. He drives ___________.2. He is very polite. He always speaks __________.3. Ahmad is a fast runner. He can run very __________.4. Sarah is a good painter. People say that she can paint __________.5. Alisah is a good singer. She can sing __________ than her brother.6. You should work __________if you want to pass with flying colours.7. Alizah ___________ visits her grandmother.8. Fatima is a good person. She always thinks __________ of other people. 9. Kassim is sounds asleep. He is sleeping _________ after a tiring day at the office.10. The children looked very happy. They were playing ___________ in the garden.11. The roses smelled sweet. M y mother smiled __________ at me when I gave them, to

her.12. This is an easy question. I can answer the question __________.

(Adapted from One stop Discover English by Zuriah Azmi)

Exercise 2Read the dialogue below and choose the most suitable adverb for the adverb below.

Azal : What are your plans (1) (immediately / just / soon) after you finish your examination?Sara : I have not decided, but most (2) (certainly / likely / unusually) I will visit my uncle in Seremban.

Azali : I (3) (before / never / now) knew you had an uncle there. What does he do for a living?Sara : He owns a fruit orchard. The bulk of his income comes from selling electrical appliances. In spite of his wealth, he (4) (never / often / seldom) shows off. And, what about your plans?Azali : As you know, my parents run a small food outlets. They (5) (deeply / hardly /

sadly) have the time to think of holidays. I will (6) (better / likely / immediately) be called to help out because they cannot afford to employ workers.Sara : Today is (7) (exceptionally / strangely / seriously) hot. How about joining me for a drink.Azali : I will (8) (gladly / happily / specially) accompany you if you are prepared to give me a treat.Sara : Okay. I will foot the bill. Let’s go.

(Adapted from Pelangi Total Grammar by Francis Foo, Hamidah Hamid)

Phrasal Verb

A phrasal verb is a verb that has two parts. The first part is the verb while the second part can be a preposition, an adverb or both.

Examplea) It is impossible to break down this wall with a hammer.b) The match was suddenly called off.c) The burglar broke into the house and stole all the jewellery.

Exercise 1

Ever since Azilah (1) (moved to / moved into) the city, she doesn’t visit her grandmother often. She doesn’t even called anymore to (2) (ask after / ask for) her grandmother’s health. It is really sad as they used to be really close before Azilah left for the big city. People said the city can change a person. They can get (3) (caught up / caught out) in the rat race and forget those that matter in their life.

They (4) (give up / give in) their old life and start anew. It is like they are rejecting their old self and trying to (5) (look for / look after) a new image. It is hard to think of Azilah in that way. Before she left for the city, she would (6) (come by/ come in) the house and sit with his grandmother for hours just talking about anything they fancied.

Now, her grandmother just sits by the window waiting for Azilah to (7) (walk in / walk up) the driveway and wave to her like she used to. She wishes for Azilah to do that on this special day. But there is no sign of her. “Hello, Grandma, Happy Birthday,” comes a familiar voice from behind her. Azilah has (8) (snuck up / snuck in) on her and surprised her.

(Adapted from Total Grammar Penerbitan Pelangi)

Revision Exercise

Exercise 1

It is easy to __(1)__ a cake. All you need __(2)__ some flour, sugar and butter. You may __(3)__ some eggs too. First, you must __(4)__ the flour, sugar and butter well. Then,add the eggs. After __(5)__ the eggs, it is ready to be baked. Finally, the cake __(6)__ready to be served.

1 A bake B bakes C baking D baked2 A is B are C was D were3 A added B adds C add D adding4 A mixing B mixes C mix D mixed5 A add B adds C adding D added6 A is B are C was D were

Exercise 2

Ahmad was admitted to the hospital because he met with an accident two days ago. His friends heard about __ (1)___ accident. They ___(2)___ him and brought ___ (3)__some fruits. He was happy to __(4)__ his friends. The doctor who treated Ahmad said that he could __(5)__ the hospital in three days time. After __(6)__ to Ahmad and his friends, he went to another patient.

1 A a B an C the D -2 A visited B visit C visits D visiting3 A he B she C him D her4 A saw B sees C seeing D see5 A leave B left C leaves D leaving6 A talked B talking C talks D talkExercise 3

Three robbers in Kelantan used a coconut to ______ (1) a lorry attendant of his mobile phone. When the attendant ____(2) , one robber hit him with a coconut. As the victim_____(3), the robbers _______(4) the mobile phone and fled. Before ____(5), they warned him not to report to the police.

1 A robbed B robbing C rob D robs2 A refuse B refused C refuses D refusing3 A falls B fell C falling D fallen4 A snatching B snatches C snatched D snatch5 A leaving B leaves C left D leave

Exercise 4

Cats are interesting and adorable creatures. At times, they may _____(1) distant and even unfriendly. Unlike dogs, which ____(2) often quite friendly, cats seem to ________(3) to themselves a lot. They _____(4) not normally demonstrative but there are many cat lovers who _____(5) them lovable and cuddly.

1 A seemed B seem C seems D seemingly2 A is B was C are D were3 A kept B keeping C keep D keeps4 A are B were C was D is5 A found B find C finding D finds

Exercise 5

Maniam was caught stealing money and jewellery from his parents. His parents ______(1) him for being a drug addict, so he ______(2) away from home. He disappeared for two years. Then, one day, he arrived at his parents’ house and ______(3) for money. When they refused to

____(4) him any money, Maniam became very angry. His parents had to ______(5) the police to arrest him.

1) A. scolds B. scolded C. scolding D. scold2) A. run B. ran C. runs D. running3) A. demanded B. demands C. demand D. demanding4) A. gave B. give C. gives D. giving5) A. call B. called C. calls D. calling

Exercise 6

Questions 1 – 8Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blank.

There are many ways a teenager who has problems can _________(1) help. He or she can see the school counselor and _________(2) him or her the problems. They can also talk to their friends, who may not be able to give much _________(3) but will help _________(4) listening to the problems. This helps a lot especially if the emotions are kept for a long time.

Another way is to talk to their family members. They can either talk to their parents, brothers, sisters or relatives. Teenagers usually do not like to talk to their family members because they are either _________(5) or afraid. They do not know that these are the _________(6) people who will be able to help them. Whatever the problem, teenagers should understand that there is always a _________(7) and a person willing _________(8) help.

1. A fine B find C found D finding 2. A tell B tells C told D telling3. A worry B advice C advices D problems4. A to B by C for D with5. A shy B deaf C brave D humble6. A best B worst C worse D better7. A problem B solution C reason D confession8. A to B by C for D with

Exercise 7

Questions 1-8Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C, and D to fit the numbered blanks.

My family and I went to Pulau Langkawi last week. We took a bus from Ipoh to the jetty at Kuala Perlis. When we reached Kuala Perlis, we boarded …………(1) ferry to Pulau Langkawi. When I spotted the large statue of an eagle, I …………(2) excited. We stayed in a four-star hotel. It was …………(3) and the view was stunning. We could see the seaside …………(4) our hotel rooms. The water …………(5) crystal clear. The next day, we …………(6) shopping. Pekan Kuah is a shopping heaven. We saw busloads of people going there to shop. You can find household items, crystal ware, handicrafts …………(7) even beautiful silk material in Pekan Kuah. My mother felt at home here, as shopping is …………(8) favourite pastime. We left the island early the next morning. We will be going there again next year.

1. A that B the C one D an2. A is B are C was D were3. A comfort B comforting C comfortable D comforted4. A at B to C with D from5. A look B looks C looked D looking6. A go B goes C went D going7. A or B so C but D and8. A our B her C his D my

Exercise 8

Questions 1 – 8Each question in the text below refers to a numbered blank. For each question, choose the best answer from the options A, B, C and D to fit the numbered blanks.

Marisa’s family was very poor. When her father died, the family became even ____ (1).Her mother went out to work. ______ (2) school, Marisa and her brother washed dishes inrestaurants to earn extra money. ______ (3) worked hard. They studied hard. They refused to give up and to______ (4) of school. Marisa did very ______ (5) in her STPM and qualified to study medicine in the university. ______ (6), the family had no money to support her. So, after class, she worked in ______ (7) supermarket. She also taught tuition. Her mother and brother ______ (8) extra jobs to support her. When Marisa qualified as a doctor, her photograph appeared in the newspapers. She was a role model for all poor children.

1 A poor B poorer C poorly D poorest2 A Over B Since C After D Among3 A They B Them C Their D Themselves4 A drop in B drop out C drop off D drop away5 A well B good C best D better6 A In spite of B Therefore C Moreover D Unfortunately7 A a B the C an D -8 A take B takes C took D taken


PAST YEAR EXERCISEPMR 2010Question 11 – 18 are based on the following text.

Ever had a common cold? It is infection occurring in the nose and throat. It is caused by viruses and normally ____(11)___ two to five days to recover. Viruses causing common colds are very contagious and ___(12)____ spread by sneezes and coughs.

The symptoms of a cold are runny nose and weepy eyes. ___(13)___ people also suffer from sore throat, headache and fever.

Preventive measures can be taken to avoid being bitten ___(14)___ a cold bug. Firstly, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands. ___(15)___, always cover your mouth when sneezing. It is advisable to use tissues rather than handkerchiefs as they can be discarded after use. Besides, avoid sharing utensils and personal items. Lastly, avoid contact with others suffering from cold.

If you suffer ___(16)___ a cold, you should rest. Resting helps to build up ___(17)___ immune system. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps loosen mucus, enabling you to cough or blow out ___(18)___ . You can also gargle with warm, salty water to ease throat irritations.

If all these fail to relieve your problem, consult a doctor.

11. A take B takes C taken D taking12. A is B are C was D were13. A All B Less C Few D Some14. A by B from C with D in15. A Finally B Later C Next D Soon16. A of B for C with D from17. A its B our C your D their18. A easy B easily C easier D easiest

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