Pre-employment English Practice Test
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Reading Comprehension A dog is bigger than a mouse, but smaller than an elephant.
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A dog is smaller than a mouse.
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A dog is very big.
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A dog is the biggest.
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An elephant is bigger than a dog.
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This Pre-employment English practice Test assesses key language skills through questions on reading comprehension, verb forms, compound nouns, and prepositions. Ideal for improving English proficiency, it prepares candidates for workplace communication.
- 2.
Verb Forms We usually ______ dinner at 8:00 p.m.
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Eat
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Eating
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Never have eaten
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I don't know
Correct Answer
A. EatExplanation
The correct answer is "eat" because it is the base form of the verb and is used to talk about a habitual or regular action. In this case, the sentence is stating that dinner is usually consumed at 8:00 p.m.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Verb Forms Yesterday, we ______ a very interesting conference call about the new ERP project.
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Are having
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Have
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Had
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Were had
Correct Answer
A. HadExplanation
The correct answer is "had". This is because the sentence is in the past tense, indicated by the word "yesterday". Therefore, the verb should also be in the past tense, which is "had".Rate this question:
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- 4.
Verb The plane _____ at New York's Kennedy Airport .
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Took off
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Took down
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Landed
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Drove
Correct Answer
A. LandedExplanation
The correct answer is "landed". This is because "landed" is the appropriate verb to describe the action of a plane touching down on the ground at an airport. "Took off" refers to the action of a plane leaving the ground and ascending into the air, "took down" and "drove" are not appropriate verbs to describe a plane's action, as planes do not drive, and "took down" does not accurately describe the action of a plane at an airport. Therefore, "landed" is the correct verb in this context.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Compound Nouns Thomas White, who orchestrated ___________ rescue packages, will address the group.
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Multibillion-dollars
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Multibillions dollars
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Multibillion-dollar
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Multibillion dollar
Correct Answer
A. Multibillion-dollarExplanation
The correct answer is "multibillion-dollar". In this sentence, "rescue packages" is a compound noun, and it is being described by the adjective "multibillion-dollar" to indicate that the packages are worth multiple billions of dollars. The hyphen is used to connect "multibillion" and "dollar" to show that they function together as a single adjective modifying "rescue packages".Rate this question:
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- 6.
Prepositions The computer printer is _______ the table ______ the computer.
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On ---- at
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On ---- next to
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On ---- on
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On ---- under
Correct Answer
A. On ---- next toExplanation
The correct answer is "on ---- next to" because it indicates that the computer printer is placed on the table and positioned next to the computer.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Prepositions She always gets up early ______ the morning, so she can make it to class ______ time.
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By ---- in
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In ---- in
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On ---- on
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In ---- on
Correct Answer
A. In ---- onExplanation
The correct answer is "in ---- on". The preposition "in" is used to indicate a specific time period, in this case, the morning. And the preposition "on" is used to indicate a specific point in time, in this case, the time for class.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Context Clues I took the tome off the shelf and opened it to page 94. Then I began to read.Tome means...
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Food
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Clues
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A book
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A cigarette
Correct Answer
A. A bookExplanation
In the given context, the phrase "I took the tome off the shelf and opened it to page 94" suggests that a physical object is being referred to. Additionally, the action of opening it to a specific page and reading further supports the idea that "tome" refers to a book. Therefore, the correct answer is "a book."Rate this question:
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- 9.
The next 6 questions are related to one paragraph, stated below. Each of the 6 questions will contain the same paragraph so you can refer to it.Reading ComprehensionThe "taint of melancholy" which Edgar Allan Poe throughout his life associated with the more "soulful" aspects of beauty was, of course, one of the familiar moods of romantics everywhere. But it is somewhat unusual that this particular mood should be so favoured by Southern poets.From the defiant anguish reminiscent of Byron to the delicate sadness characteristic of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans, the whole range of melancholy feeling could be found in the pages of The Messenger during the 1930's. This is not to say that the magazine published only the poems of the Southern poetasters who invoked melancholy. The significant point is that the Southern poets whom The Messenger did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. Poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messenger to make us feel some retroactive concern about the durability of Southern belles.Q1: Most poetry published in the South:
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Was cheerful in mood
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Was melancholic
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Did not reflect one of the familiar moods of the romantics
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Was written by Edgar Allan Poe
Correct Answer
A. Was cheerful in moodExplanation
The correct answer is "was cheerful in mood". The paragraph states that it is somewhat unusual for Southern poets to favor the melancholic mood, implying that most poetry published in the South was not melancholic.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Reading Comprehension The "taint of melancholy" which Edgar Allan Poe throughout his life associated with the more "soulful" aspects of beauty was, of course, one of the familiar moods of romantics everywhere. But it is somewhat unusual that this particular mood should be so favoured by Southern poets. From the defiant anguish reminiscent of Byron to the delicate sadness characteristic of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans, the whole range of melancholy feeling could be found in the pages of The Messenger during the 1930's. This is not to say that the magazine published only the poems of the Southern poetasters who invoked melancholy. The significant point is that the Southern poets whom The Messenger did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. Poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messenger to make us feel some retroactive concern about the durability of Southern belles. Q2: Poe had a preference for poems that dealt with:
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The death of a child
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Byronic despair
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Southern belles
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The death of a beautiful woman
Correct Answer
A. The death of a beautiful womanExplanation
Poe had a preference for poems that dealt with the death of a beautiful woman. This is evident from the passage where it mentions that poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messenger. The passage also states that Southern poets whom The Messenger published were prone to exploit melancholy, indicating that they often wrote about this subject. Therefore, it can be inferred that Poe had a preference for poems that explored the theme of the death of a beautiful woman.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Reading Comprehension The "taint of melancholy" which Edgar Allan Poe throughout his life associated with the more "soulful" aspects of beauty was, of course, one of the familiar moods of romantics everywhere. But it is somewhat unusual that this particular mood should be so favoured by Southern poets. From the defiant anguish reminiscent of Byron to the delicate sadness characteristic of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans, the whole range of melancholy feeling could be found in the pages of The Messenger during the 1930's. This is not to say that the magazine published only the poems of the Southern poetasters who invoked melancholy. The significant point is that the Southern poets whom The Messenger did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. Poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messenger to make us feel some retroactive concern about the durability of Southern belles. Q3: The author implies that Southern belles:
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May often have been delicately sad
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May often have died young
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May have written many poems
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May have lived very melancholy lives
Correct Answer
A. May often have died youngExplanation
The author implies that Southern belles may often have died young. This is suggested by the mention of poems on the death of a beautiful woman being numerous enough in The Messenger to raise concerns about the durability of Southern belles. The association of melancholy with the death of a beautiful woman implies that these women may have had tragic and short lives.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Reading Comprehension The "taint of melancholy" which Edgar Allan Poe throughout his life associated with the more "soulful" aspects of beauty was, of course, one of the familiar moods of romantics everywhere. But it is somewhat unusual that this particular mood should be so favoured by Southern poets. From the defiant anguish reminiscent of Byron to the delicate sadness characteristic of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans, the whole range of melancholy feeling could be found in the pages of The Messenger during the 1930's. This is not to say that the magazine published only the poems of the Southern poetasters who invoked melancholy. The significant point is that the Southern poets whom The Messenger did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. Poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messenger to make us feel some retroactive concern about the durability of Southern belles. Q4: The Messenger published:
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Only melancholy poems
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Only female poets
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Only Southern poets who wrote melancholy poems
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Many poems about death
Correct Answer
A. Only melancholy poemsExplanation
The correct answer is that The Messenger published only melancholy poems. This can be inferred from the passage where it states that the Southern poets whom The Messenger did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. This suggests that the magazine predominantly published poems with a melancholic theme.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Reading Comprehension The "taint of melancholy" which Edgar Allan Poe throughout his life associated with the more "soulful" aspects of beauty was, of course, one of the familiar moods of romantics everywhere. But it is somewhat unusual that this particular mood should be so favoured by Southern poets. From the defiant anguish reminiscent of Byron to the delicate sadness characteristic of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans, the whole range of melancholy feeling could be found in the pages of The Messenger during the 1930's. This is not to say that the magazine published only the poems of the Southern poetasters who invoked melancholy. The significant point is that the Southern poets whom The Messager did publish were prone to exploit melancholy. Poems on Poe's favorite subject, the death of a beautiful woman, were numerous enough in The Messanger to make us feel some retroactive concern about the durability of Southern belles. Q5: The words "reminiscent of" mean most nearly
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Prominent in
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Recalling
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Absent in
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Favoured by
Correct Answer
A. RecallingExplanation
The words "reminiscent of" mean most nearly "recalling". This means that the mentioned anguish in the writing brings back memories or thoughts of Byron and the delicate sadness brings back memories or thoughts of female poets like Mrs. Felicia Hemans. The word "reminiscent" indicates a connection or similarity between the mentioned anguish and sadness and the works of these other poets.Rate this question:
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- 14.
PrepositionsThe professor said ________ the first day of the course that there would be a big final test _______ the end of the semester.
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At ---- on
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At ---- at
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On ---- at
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On ---- in
Correct Answer
A. On ---- atExplanation
The preposition "on" is used to indicate a specific day or date, while the preposition "at" is used to indicate a specific time or point in time. In this case, the professor mentioned the first day of the course, which is a specific day, so "on" is the appropriate preposition. Additionally, the professor mentioned that there would be a big final test at the end of the semester, indicating a specific point in time, so "at" is the appropriate preposition.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Context Clues The thought of eating a rat is abhorrent to most people.
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Fun, lively
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Horrible, repugnant
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Delicious, tasty
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Sweet, sugary
Correct Answer
A. Horrible, repugnantExplanation
The given sentence states that the thought of eating a rat is abhorrent to most people. The word "abhorrent" means causing a strong feeling of disgust or hatred. Therefore, the correct answer is "horrible, repugnant" as these words convey the same meaning as "abhorrent".Rate this question:
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- 16.
Verb Tenses Usually, I (work) ______________ as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study) ______________ French at a language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.
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Am working ---- was studying
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Worked ---- studied
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Work ---- am studying
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Am working ---- am studying
Correct Answer
A. Work ---- am studyingExplanation
The verb tenses in the given sentence indicate that the speaker usually works as a secretary at ABT, but during the summer, they are currently studying French at a language school in Paris. The use of "work" in the present tense indicates the speaker's usual job, while the use of "am studying" in the present continuous tense indicates their current activity in Paris.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Pronouns If you happen to see your parents this weekend, give ___ my best regards.
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Her
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Him
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Them
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They
Correct Answer
A. ThemExplanation
The correct answer is "them". In this sentence, the pronoun should be plural to refer to both parents. "Them" is the correct plural form of the pronoun.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Tag Questions You'll be leaving for Los Angeles soon, __________ ?
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Won't you?
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Don't you?
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Aren't you?
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Shouldn't you?
Correct Answer
A. Aren't you?Explanation
The correct answer is "aren't you?" This is because "aren't you?" is a tag question that is used to seek confirmation or agreement from the listener. In this context, the speaker is assuming that the listener will be leaving for Los Angeles soon and is seeking confirmation of this assumption. The other options "won't you?", "don't you?", and "shouldn't you?" do not fit the context of the sentence and do not convey the same meaning as "aren't you?"Rate this question:
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- 19.
Subject-Verb AgreementChoose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree.
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At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after. Subject - they; Verb - was living
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At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. Subject - they; Verb - were living
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At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. Subject - they; Verb - were living happily ever after
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At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after. Subject - they; Verb - was
Correct Answer
A. At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after. Subject - they; Verb - were livingExplanation
In subject-verb agreement, the verb must agree with the subject in terms of number (singular or plural). In this case, the subject "they" is plural, so the correct verb form is "were" to agree with the plural subject. Therefore, the correct sentence is "At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after."Rate this question:
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- 20.
Context Clues You can trust the salesmen at that store because they always conduct business in an aboveboard manner.
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Honestly, openly
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Sneaky, dishonest
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Horrible, repugnant
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Strange, unusual
Correct Answer
A. Honestly, openlyExplanation
The phrase "conduct business in an aboveboard manner" suggests that the salesmen at that store are trustworthy because they are honest and open in their dealings. This means that they are not sneaky or dishonest, and their behavior is not horrible or repugnant. It also does not imply anything strange or unusual about their business practices.Rate this question:
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- 21.
VocabularyWear
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The opposite of win and find
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To 'carry' clothes on your body
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You do this every morning in the bathroom
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To take yourself on foot from one place to another
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If you want good grades you must do this
Correct Answer
A. To 'carry' clothes on your bodyExplanation
The correct answer is "Wear." This word is the opposite of "win" and "find" as it refers to carrying clothes on your body. It is something that you do every morning in the bathroom, and it is also necessary if you want good grades. Additionally, it can mean taking yourself on foot from one place to another.Rate this question:
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- 22.
VocabularyWash
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You do this when you are hungry
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To move in water like a fish
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You do this every morning in the bathroom
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You do this when you find something funny
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To take yourself on foot from one place to another
Correct Answer
A. You do this every morning in the bathroomExplanation
The correct answer is "to wash". Washing is a common activity that is typically done every morning in the bathroom. It involves cleaning oneself using water and soap to maintain personal hygiene.Rate this question:
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- 23.
PronounsHere's Hamad and ......... brother.
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Him
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He
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His
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They
Correct Answer
A. HisExplanation
The correct answer is "His." In this sentence, "His" is the possessive form of the pronoun "he." It is used to show that the brother belongs to Hamad.Rate this question:
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- 24.
PronounsCan you hear ....... ?
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I
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Me
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My
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They
Correct Answer
A. IExplanation
The correct answer is "I" because the question is asking if the person being addressed can hear the speaker. "I" is the subject pronoun used when referring to oneself as the speaker.Rate this question:
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- 25.
PronounsThe Manager told ....... not to leave.
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Our
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We
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They
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Us
Correct Answer
A. UsExplanation
The correct answer is "Us" because the pronoun "Us" is the objective form of "We" and is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition. In this sentence, "Us" is the object of the verb "told" and indicates that the Manager instructed a group of people, including the speaker, not to leave.Rate this question:
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- 26.
PrepositionThere is no doubt that Adam is very good .......... working individually.
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At
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Over
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Of
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With
Correct Answer
A. AtExplanation
The correct answer is "At". This preposition is used to show a specific point or location in time or space. In this context, it indicates that Adam is very good when it comes to working individually.Rate this question:
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- 27.
There is no video available yet, please upload the video
- 28.
The student’s name is ...
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Abdul Surimani.
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Ahmad Saeed.
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Ashraf Suri
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Mohammad Ali
Correct Answer
A. Ahmad Saeed.Explanation
The correct answer is Ahmad Saeed because it is the only name that is grammatically correct and does not contain any errors or inconsistencies. The other names have spelling mistakes or do not follow proper naming conventions.Rate this question:
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- 29.
He's ...
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14
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15
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16
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17
Correct Answer
A. 14Explanation
The answer is 14 because the pattern in the given numbers is increasing by 1 each time. Starting from 14, the next number is 15, then 16, and finally 17. Therefore, the missing number in the sequence is 14.Rate this question:
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- 30.
His address is ...
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Spring Avenue, Leicester
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Spring Avenue, Lester
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Spring Avenue, Lemster
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Spring Avenue, Lobster
Correct Answer
A. Spring Avenue, LeicesterExplanation
The correct answer is Spring Avenue, Leicester because Leicester is a city in England and the other options (Lester, Lemster, Lobster) are not valid addresses or locations.Rate this question:
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- 31.
He's ....
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Chinese
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Russian
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British
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Australian
Correct Answer
A. BritishExplanation
The given answer "British" suggests that the person in question is from Britain. This can be inferred based on the fact that the options provided are different nationalities, and "British" is the nationality associated with Britain.Rate this question:
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- 32.
He goes to ...
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Newtown Secondary School
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Newtown Secondary Collage
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Newton Secondary Collage
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Newton Secondary School
Correct Answer
A. Newtown Secondary SchoolExplanation
The correct answer is Newtown Secondary School.Rate this question:
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- 33.
His date of birth is ...
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2nd July 1997
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2nd June 1998
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22nd June 1998
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2nd July 1998
Correct Answer
A. 2nd June 1998Explanation
The correct answer is 2nd June 1998.Rate this question:
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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 18, 2016Quiz Created by
Ahmadbukhari
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