Modal Auxiliaries Exam: Trivia Quiz!
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My boyfriend is mad with me, but I don't know why :(
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You should have done something.
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You must have done something.
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You can have done something.
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This 'Modal Auxiliaries Exam: Trivia Quiz!' assesses understanding of modal verbs in English grammar. It features practical questions on usage of modal auxiliaries in various contexts, testing ability to deduce logical necessity, possibility, or impossibility.
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- 2.
Candy: "The photocopier has been out of order a day." Gerome: "When are they going to fix it?" Candy: "i don't know. I haven't informed them." Gerome: "___________________"
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You should have told them.
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You must have told them.
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You needn't have told them.
Correct Answer
A. You should have told them.Explanation
Gerome's response "You should have told them" implies that Candy had a responsibility to inform someone about the photocopier being out of order. It suggests that Candy had an obligation or duty to let someone know about the issue, and Gerome is expressing his belief that Candy should have fulfilled that responsibility.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Hans said is was raining. But no one was wet.
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He should have lied.
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He ought to have lied.
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He must have lied.
Correct Answer
A. He must have lied.Explanation
The given statement suggests that Hans claimed it was raining, but no one was wet, indicating that his claim was false. The phrase "must have" implies a strong probability or certainty, indicating that it is highly likely that Hans lied about the rain. Therefore, the correct answer is "He must have lied."Rate this question:
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- 4.
Three people came to the meeting even though it was canceled.
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They needn't have gotten the memo.
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They shouldn't have gotten the memo.
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They can't have gotten the memo.
Correct Answer
A. They can't have gotten the memo.Explanation
The correct answer is "They can't have gotten the memo." This is because the sentence states that the meeting was canceled, yet three people still came to the meeting. This implies that they did not receive the memo informing them about the cancellation. Since the meeting was canceled, it is not possible for them to have gotten the memo.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Business Upper-intermediate students ___________.
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Would have seen their videoed presentations by now.
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Will have seen their videoed presentations by now.
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Must have seen their videoed presentations by now.
Correct Answer
A. Will have seen their videoed presentations by now.Explanation
The correct answer is "will have seen their videoed presentations by now." This is because the phrase "will have seen" indicates a future action that will be completed before a specific point in the future, which in this case is "by now." It suggests that the Business Upper-intermediate students are expected to have already watched their videoed presentations at the present moment.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Amy may look for a new job
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Amy has permission to look for a new job.
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It´s possible that Amy will look for a new job.
Correct Answer
A. It´s possible that Amy will look for a new job.Explanation
The given answer suggests that Amy has permission to look for a new job and it is possible that she will actually do so. The statement "Amy may look for a new job" indicates that there is a chance or likelihood that Amy will seek new employment opportunities. This aligns with the explanation provided, which states that it is possible for Amy to pursue a new job.Rate this question:
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- 7.
I couldn´t swim until I was 16.
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I wasn´t allowed to swim until I was 16.
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I wasn´t able to swim until I was 16.
Correct Answer
A. I wasn´t able to swim until I was 16.Explanation
The correct answer is "I wasn't able to swim until I was 16" because it implies a lack of skill or capability to swim until the age of 16. It suggests that the person did not have the necessary physical or technical ability to swim before that age. The phrase "wasn't able to" indicates a limitation or inability to perform the action of swimming.Rate this question:
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- 8.
No one can smoke in the theater.
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No one is able to smoke in the theater.
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No one is allowed to smoke in the theater.
Correct Answer
A. No one is allowed to smoke in the theater.Explanation
The correct answer is "No one is allowed to smoke in the theater" because it implies that there is a rule or policy in place that prohibits smoking in the theater. This suggests that smoking is not permitted under any circumstances, regardless of individual preference or ability. The use of the word "allowed" indicates that there is a restriction or prohibition on smoking, reinforcing the idea that it is not permitted.Rate this question:
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- 9.
You should wear glasses.
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My advice is that you wear glasses.
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It´s possible that you will have to wear glasses.
Correct Answer
A. My advice is that you wear glasses.Explanation
The correct answer is "My advice is that you wear glasses." This answer is correct because it accurately reflects the original statement and conveys the idea that the speaker is offering advice or suggesting that the person should wear glasses. The use of "my advice" indicates that the speaker is offering their opinion or recommendation on the matter.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Will you answer the phone?
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Are you at some time in the future going to answer the phone?
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I´m asking you to answer the phone.
Correct Answer
A. I´m asking you to answer the phone.Explanation
The correct answer is "I'm asking you to answer the phone." This answer directly responds to the question being asked, which is whether the person will answer the phone. The other statements are either questions or statements about the future, which do not address the immediate action of answering the phone.Rate this question:
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- 11.
I couldn´t get the top off the jar.
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I didn´t manage to get the top off the jar.
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I wasn´t allowed to get the top off the jar.
Correct Answer
A. I didn´t manage to get the top off the jar.Explanation
The correct answer is "I didn't manage to get the top off the jar." This answer implies that the person tried to open the jar but was unsuccessful in doing so. It suggests that there was an attempt made to remove the top, but it was not successful.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You must be tired.
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I´m sure you are tired.
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You are allowed to be tired.
Correct Answer
A. I´m sure you are tired.Explanation
The given answer "I'm sure you are tired" is the correct option because it acknowledges the possibility of the person being tired based on the previous statements. It shows empathy and understanding towards the person's potential fatigue.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Any´s very busy, so he may not go to the party.
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Andy doesn´t have permission to go to the party.
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There´s a possibility Andy won´t go to the party.
Correct Answer
A. There´s a possibility Andy won´t go to the party.Explanation
The answer "There's a possibility Andy won't go to the party" is correct because the statement suggests that Andy is very busy, which may prevent him from attending the party. This implies that there is a chance or likelihood that he won't be able to go.Rate this question:
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- 14.
We ______ go to the beach this weekend but we're not sure yet.
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Could
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Must
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Might
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Should
Correct Answer
A. MightExplanation
Future possibilityRate this question:
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- 15.
You ______ remember to take your passport tomorrow
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Could
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Must
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Would
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May
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
It is necessary to do somethingRate this question:
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- 16.
Do you think I ______ apply for that job?
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Should
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May
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Must
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Will
Correct Answer
A. ShouldExplanation
Asking for an opinion/adviceRate this question:
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- 17.
He has been living in Japan for ten years but he still ______ speak any Japanese.
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Shouldn't
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Mustn't
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Might not
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Can't
Correct Answer
A. Can'tExplanation
The ability to do something.Rate this question:
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- 18.
I ______ understand her on the phone yesterday.
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Couldn't
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Can't
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Wouldn't
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Shouldn't
Correct Answer
A. Couldn'tExplanation
Ability in the past.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Dad and I ______ often go fishing when I was young.
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Can
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Might
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Would
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Will
Correct Answer
A. WouldExplanation
Repeated past actionRate this question:
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- 20.
I promise that I _____ look after your dog when you are away.
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Must
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Might
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Should
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Will
Correct Answer
A. WillExplanation
To express the idea of willingness - promise.Rate this question:
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- 21.
______ you turn the volume up a it, please?
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Could
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May
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Should
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Shall
Correct Answer
A. CouldExplanation
Polite requestRate this question:
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- 22.
A: I wonder why John isn't at work today. B: I'm not sure. He ______ be ill.
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Should
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May
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Can
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Must
Correct Answer
A. MayExplanation
Present possibilityRate this question:
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- 23.
David hasn't stopped eating since he got home. He _____ be hungry.
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Mustn't
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Must
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Can
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Can't
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
We are sure something is true.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Brian and Dimitri _________________ be good players. They have won hundreds of cups !
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Must
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Will
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Should
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Can
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
Brian and Dimitri must be good players because they have won hundreds of cups. The word "must" implies a strong probability or certainty, suggesting that their success in winning so many cups indicates their skill and ability as players.Rate this question:
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- 25.
You _________________ pay to use the library. It’s free.
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Mustn't
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Can't
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Shouldn't
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Couldn't
Correct Answer
A. Shouldn'tExplanation
The word "shouldn't" is the correct answer because it implies that it is not necessary or advisable to pay to use the library since it is free. This means that paying is not a requirement or a recommended action.Rate this question:
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- 26.
I’m not sure where my wife is at the moment. She _________________ be at her dance class.
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Must
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Can
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Will
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Could
Correct Answer
A. CanExplanation
The word "can" suggests possibility or ability. In this context, it implies that there is a possibility that the wife is at her dance class. The sentence indicates uncertainty about her whereabouts, so "can" is the most appropriate choice as it allows for the possibility of her being at the dance class.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Jerry _________________ be working today. He never works on Sundays.
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Mustn't
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Can't
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Shouldn't
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Couldn't
Correct Answer
A. Can'tExplanation
Based on the information given, the correct answer is "can't". This is because Jerry never works on Sundays, so it is impossible for him to be working today. "Can't" indicates impossibility or inability, which aligns with the fact that Jerry does not work on Sundays.Rate this question:
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- 28.
It _____ our dog which barked continuously all night, since it was sleeping inside with us.
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Mustn't have been
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Shouldn't have been
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Couldn't have been
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Might not be
Correct Answer
A. Couldn't have beenExplanation
The phrase "couldn't have been" suggests that it was impossible for the dog to have barked continuously all night. This implies that the dog did not actually bark, despite the initial assumption.Rate this question:
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- 29.
I’m sorry I’m late. You _____waited for a long time.
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Could have
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Should have
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Would have
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Must have
Correct Answer
A. Must haveExplanation
The correct answer is "must have" because it implies that the speaker believes it was necessary for the other person to have waited for a long time. This suggests that the speaker feels a sense of obligation or certainty that the other person waited.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Humans _____ smell about 10.000 scents, ranging from freshly cut flowers to the aversive smell of an angry skunk.
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Should
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Would
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Must
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Can
Correct Answer
A. CanExplanation
Humans can smell about 10,000 scents, indicating their ability to perceive a wide range of smells, from pleasant ones like freshly cut flowers to unpleasant ones like the smell of an angry skunk. This suggests that humans have a sense of smell that allows them to detect and differentiate various scents.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Well, if your pocket’s empty, you______ all your money.
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Must have spent
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Should have spent
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Have to spend
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Had to spend
Correct Answer
A. Must have spentExplanation
The correct answer is "must have spent" because it implies a logical deduction based on the condition given in the question. If someone's pocket is empty, it suggests that they have already spent all their money. "Must have spent" indicates a strong probability or certainty of the action being completed in the past.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Why are you still checking your Instagram? You______ your work already. I'm so mad at you right now.
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Have to finish
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Must have finished
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Should have finished
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Would have finished
Correct Answer
A. Should have finishedExplanation
The speaker is expressing frustration towards the person for still checking their Instagram. The use of "should have finished" implies that the person was expected to complete their work already, but they did not. The speaker is angry because the person's actions indicate a lack of prioritization and responsibility.Rate this question:
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- 33.
It’s strange that he hasn’t said any more about his plans to emigrate. He______ his mind about it.
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Should have changed
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Would have changed
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Might have changed
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Had to change
Correct Answer
A. Might have changedExplanation
The correct answer is "might have changed." This is because the sentence suggests that the person's lack of communication about their plans to emigrate is unusual. The phrase "might have changed" implies that there is a possibility that the person has changed their mind about emigrating, which would explain their silence on the topic.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Excuse me. You _________________ be 18 to see that film. Please choose another film.
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Should
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Must
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Can
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Will
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
The word "must" is the correct answer because it indicates a requirement or obligation. In the context of the sentence, it implies that being 18 years old is a necessary condition for watching the film, and there are no exceptions to this rule. The other options, "should," "can," and "will," do not convey the same level of necessity or obligation.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Dad _________________ work and instead, see a doctor. His cough is getting worse all the time.
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Mustn't
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Shouldn't
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Can't
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Wouldn't
Correct Answer
A. Shouldn'tExplanation
The correct answer is "shouldn't." This is because the sentence suggests that the dad should not go to work and instead should see a doctor because his cough is worsening. "Shouldn't" implies a recommendation or advice not to do something, which fits the context of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 36.
Let me look at your broken watch. Don't worry. I _________________ be able to help you.
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Must
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Should
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Could
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Can
Correct Answer
A. ShouldExplanation
In this context, the speaker is expressing their confidence in being able to help fix the broken watch. The word "should" is used to indicate a high likelihood or expectation that they will be able to provide assistance.Rate this question:
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- 37.
You have passed all your tests. You _________________ feel very pleased with yourself.
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Will
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Would
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Must
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Have to
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
The word "must" is used to express a strong obligation or necessity. In this sentence, it implies that feeling pleased with oneself is a natural and expected reaction after passing all the tests.Rate this question:
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- 38.
I _____ go to see the doctor last week because I was very ill.
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Must
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Must to
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Had to
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Have to
Correct Answer
A. Had toExplanation
The correct answer is "had to." In this sentence, the speaker is expressing a past obligation or necessity to see the doctor because they were very ill. "Had to" is the correct form to indicate a past requirement or compulsion.Rate this question:
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- 39.
I could ____ bought that car but I didn't have enough money to pay for the petrol.
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Had
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Have
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Have to
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Be
Correct Answer
A. HaveExplanation
The correct answer is "have" because it indicates the past conditional form of "could." It suggests that the speaker had the ability or opportunity to buy the car but didn't have enough money for the petrol.Rate this question:
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- 40.
I _____ go now because I am already late for my class.
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Must
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Will
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Have to
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Can
Correct Answer
A. Have toExplanation
The phrase "have to" is the correct answer because it indicates a necessity or obligation to go now. The speaker is already late for their class, so they must go in order to not miss it. The other options do not convey the same sense of obligation or necessity. "Must" and "will" could suggest a personal choice or intention to go, but they do not imply the same level of urgency as "have to." "Can" suggests ability or permission, but it does not indicate that going is necessary in this situation.Rate this question:
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- 41.
I may _____ able to come to your party if I have the time.
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Be
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Being
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Being to
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Am
Correct Answer
A. BeExplanation
The correct answer is "be" because it is the correct form of the verb to use in this sentence. The sentence is expressing a possibility or potential condition, indicating that the person may or may not be able to come to the party depending on their availability. Therefore, the correct form of the verb "be" is used.Rate this question:
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- 42.
Do you _____ clean the house every day or every week?
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Must
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Have
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Have to
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Should
Correct Answer
A. Have toExplanation
The word "have to" is the correct answer because it indicates an obligation or necessity to clean the house. It implies that there is a requirement or a rule that the person must follow in order to maintain cleanliness. The other options, such as "must," "have," and "should," do not convey the same level of obligation or necessity as "have to" does.Rate this question:
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- 43.
Bob: _____ I please go to the restroom, Mr. Greene? Mr. Greene: Sorry, no. You have not finished your task yet.
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May
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Can
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Shall
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Will
Correct Answer
A. MayExplanation
The correct answer is "May" because Bob is asking for permission to go to the restroom. "May" is used to ask for permission or to seek approval. The response from Mr. Greene suggests that Bob has not completed his task yet and therefore cannot go to the restroom.Rate this question:
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- 44.
Sue: That Math test was really hard. I need to blow of some steam. Let's go to the cinema after school. Ted: I'm afraid _____. I have Choir practice, remember?
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I can't
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I mustn't
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I should
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I couldn't
Correct Answer
A. I can'tExplanation
Ted is saying that he cannot go to the cinema with Sue because he has choir practice. "I can't" indicates that he is unable to go due to his prior commitment.Rate this question:
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- 45.
Mother: You ____ wash your hands when you come in. Son: Ok! I _____ wash my hands when I come in.
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Must/will
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Should/can
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Can/have to
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Will/must
Correct Answer
A. Must/willExplanation
The mother is expressing a strong expectation or requirement for the son to wash his hands when he comes in. The son acknowledges this by saying he will indeed wash his hands. The combination of "must" and "will" accurately conveys the sense of obligation and future action in this conversation.Rate this question:
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- 46.
_________________ you swim when you were 10?
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Could
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Can
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Was you able
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You were able
Correct Answer
A. CouldExplanation
The word "could" is used to indicate past ability or possibility. In this question, the verb "swim" is in the past tense, and the phrase "when you were 10" indicates a specific time in the past. Therefore, "could" is the correct choice as it expresses the ability to swim at the age of 10.Rate this question:
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- 47.
He _____________ be at work now, can he? It’s nearly midnight.
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Can
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Must
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Can't
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Should
Correct Answer
A. Can'tExplanation
The correct answer is "can't". Based on the context provided, it is implied that it is nearly midnight and the person in question should not be at work at that time. Therefore, it can be inferred that the person cannot be at work now.Rate this question:
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- 48.
We _________________ get to the meeting on time yesterday because the train was delayed by one hour.
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Could
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Couldn't
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Can
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Can't
Correct Answer
A. Couldn'tExplanation
The correct answer is "couldn't" because it indicates that the speaker was unable to get to the meeting on time due to the train being delayed.Rate this question:
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- 49.
The Stanton Squash Club has decided that it is obligatory for all club members to do these things: · wear sports shoes and clean clothes · have a shower · finish on time · be silent But these things are not allowed: · disturb other players · eat or drink outside the bar · take club balls home It is optional for the members: · wear white clothes · use your own balls · buy food or drinks at the bar Choose the option that best completes the sentence You ________________________ wear white clothes, but you ________________________ wear sports shoes.
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Mustn't, must
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Must, have to
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Don't have to, must
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Don't have to, mustn't
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Mustn't, don't have to
Correct Answer
A. Don't have to, mustExplanation
According to the given information, wearing white clothes is optional for the members, so they don't have to wear white clothes. On the other hand, wearing sports shoes is obligatory, so they must wear sports shoes.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 13, 2025 +
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Current Version
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Mar 13, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Aug 15, 2018Quiz Created by
Emery Filemon
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