CREST English 8 Workbook Final

Contents
1. Synonyms and Antonyms .......................................................................................... 5
2. Analogies and Spellings .......................................................................................... 11
3. One Word Substitution ............................................................................................ 15
4. Nouns and Pronouns............................................................................................... 21
5. Verbs ...................................................................................................................... 30
6. Adjectives and Adverbs ........................................................................................... 37
7. Articles and Prepositions ......................................................................................... 43
8. Conjunctions and Determiners ................................................................................ 50
9. Jumbled Words ....................................................................................................... 54
10. Punctuation ............................................................................................................. 57
11. Tenses .................................................................................................................... 63
12. Vocabulary, Voice and Narration ............................................................................. 67
13. Information Retrieval ............................................................................................... 75
14. Spoken and Written Expressions ............................................................................ 83
15. Previous Year Paper (2021-22) ............................................................................... 86
16. Answer Key ............................................................................................................. 95

Preface
We are pleased to launch a thoroughly revised edition of this workbook. We welcome feedback from
students, teachers, educators and parents. For improvements in the next edition, please send your
suggestions at info@crestolympiads.com.
CREST Olympiads is one of the largest Olympiad Exams with students from more than 25 countries.
The objective of these exams is to build competitive spirit while evaluating students on conceptual
understanding of the concepts.
We strive to provide a superior learning experience, and this workbook is designed to complement
the school studies and prepare the students for various competitive exams including the CREST
Olympiads. This workbook provides a crisp summary of the topics followed by the practice questions.
These questions encourage the students to think analytically, to be creative and to come up with
solutions of their own. There’s a previous year paper given at the end of this workbook for the
students to attempt after completing the syllabus. This paper should be attempted in 1 hour to get an
assessment of the student’s preparation for the final exam.
Publishers
Chapter
1 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms and Homophones
Synonyms
Synonyms are words that have precisely or nearly the same meaning as the other given word or
words. For example, the word “probe” is a synonym of the word “investigate”. It can also be used
interchangeably with words like “scrutinise”, “explore”, “examine”, “analyse”, “inspect”, etc. All the
given words can be said to be synonymous with one other.
One way to verify that a word is synonymous with the other word is to use it in place of that particular
word in a sentence.
Look at the sentences given below:

I. There are innumerable stars in the sky.
II. There are countless stars in the sky.
The words “innumerable” and “countless” can mostly be used interchangeably. One can also use the
word “numberless” in place of the given words.
Some more examples of synonyms include*:

• Resilient-tough • Gruesome-frightful
• Specific-particular • Inspire-motivate
• Prevalent-widespread • Universal-general
• Source-origin • Despicable-hateful
• Consistent-persistent • Recur-reoccur
• Perish-vanish • Beginner-novice
• Concise-brief • Encompass-contain
• Modify-adjust • Bizarre-strange
• Validate-confirm • Wise-prudent
• Conclude-close • Daring-audacious
Note
Words generally have multiple synonyms. For example, the word “audacious” can also be replaced
by words like “bold”, “fearless”, “courageous”, “valiant”, etc. However, it is essential to remember that
synonyms cannot always be used interchangeably. It is always important to consider the context and
the sentence in which the word is being used.
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Synonyms and Antonyms
For example, although the words “unique” and “special” are generally regarded as synonymous, they
cannot always be used interchangeably.
If a person is dear to someone, he/she can say that the person is “special” to him/her. However, if
one intends to communicate that the person is one of a kind, he/she can say that the person is
“unique”.
Similarly, the words “complete” and “finish” can also not always be used interchangeably. Hence, it is
very essential to know the intent before using any synonymous word.
Antonyms
Antonyms are defined as words that have opposite meanings.
Ancient Contemporary/Modern
For example, the antonym of “ancient” is “modern” or “contemporary”. Similarly, the antonym of
“democracy”, that is, a government that is directly or indirectly chosen by the people will be “tyranny”,
that is, a government where one person has the supreme authority and is not chosen by the people.
One can also use “dictatorship” as an antonym of “democracy”.
Some more examples of antonyms*:

• Elementary-advanced • Private-public
• Adversity-prosperity • Descendant-ancestor
• Assent-dissent • Export-import
• Acquit-condemn • Vaguely-vividly
• Arrogant-humble • Compulsory-voluntary
• Arbitrary-rational • Vertical-horizontal
• Humid-dry • Attack-defend
• Ancient-modern • Ascent-descent
• Certainly-probably • Annoy-soothe
• Appreciate-depreciate • Particular-general
Homophones
Homophones are words that have similar or almost similar pronunciation but are spelled in a different
way and have different meanings as well. The meaning of such a word can either be understood in
the context of the sentence in which it is used or by analysing their spellings. For instance, the words
‘dyeing’ and ‘dying’ have similar pronunciations but their spellings as well as their meanings vary
significantly. ‘Dyeing’ refers to the process of adding colour or pigment to something, while ‘dying’
refers to someone being on the verge of death.

Some more examples of Homophones are*:

• Weather-whether • Knead-need
• Accept-except • Descent-dissent
• Foul-fowl • Veil-vale
• Great-grate • Straight-strait
• Cellar-seller • Council-counsel
• Dual-duel • Straight-strait
• Cereal-serial • Birth-berth
• Principle-principal • Hale-hail
• Billed-build • Allowed-aloud
• Addition-edition • Incite-insight
Homonyms
Homonyms are words that have the same pronunciation and mostly similar spellings but have
different meanings. Usually, the meaning of such words can be inferred by the sentence in which
they are used.
For example, “address” can mean either a location where one resides, or it can mean a formal
speech. One can therefore say:
i. The office has a new address.

ii. The politician will address a rally.
Some more words that have more than one meaning are: Advocate, circular, clip, lie, rose, right,
close, draft, watch, saw, watch, litter, light, might, etc.
*Note: This is just a representative and in-exhaustive list meant for guidance purpose only. Students
are advised to visit: https://www.crestolympiads.com/spellbee-winter-csbw-syllabus for more such
words.
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-4): Choose the correct word that can replace the word in bold
letters without changing the meaning of the sentence:
1. They are very cordial in their approach.
a. Calculated b. Cautious
c. Stern d. Affectionate
2. John was inspired by a number of heroic tales.
a. Serene b. Gallant
c. Delightful d. Unrealistic

3. I have never seen such a magnificent building.
a. High b. Crumbling
c. Splendid d. Primeval
4. It was a very unpleasant situation.
a. Unavoidable b. Irksome
c. Obligatory d. Anticipated
5. Pick out the word that is not a synonym of the given word:
Fundamental
a. Major b. Vital
c. Former d. Crucial
Direction (for questions 6-9): Choose the word that is the antonym of the word in bold letters:
6. She has always been appreciative of our efforts.
a. Obligated b. Grateful
c. Supportive d. Ungrateful
7. There was absolute silence in the hall.
a. Tranquillity b. Lull
c. Stillness d. Ruckus
8. His victory seemed absolutely effortless.
a. Strenuous b. Attainment
c. Superficial d. Elementary
9. It is futile to conceal your malice as your concern.
a. Obscure b. Invisible
c. Reveal d. Unnoticeable
10. Which of these is not an antonym of the word in bold?

Our destination is approximately two hundred miles farther.
a. Precisely b. Exactly
c. Accurately d. Roughly

Direction (for questions 11-16): Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word:
11. This is a very _________ surface.
a. course b. coarse
c. corse d. corpse
12. She asked him not to sit _______.
a. idol b. idle
c. idyll d. ideal
13. The rabbit was digging a _______.
a. borrow b. borough
c. burrow d. burro
14. She had put on a ______.
a. vale b. wail
c. vail d. veil
15. The car was ______ away.
a. toed b. towed
c. toad d. toward
16. Due to indiscriminate hunting, the species is likely to _______.
a. pearish b. parish
c. paris d. perish
Direction (for questions 17-18): Choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blanks:
17. You should _________ with absolute confidence.
a. precede b. forward
c. proceed d. further
18. There is no ______ in asking the question.
a. injury b. bruise
c. wound d. harm

Direction (for questions 19-20): Pick out the word which is not a homonym:
19.
a. Bark b. Lucrative
c. Litter d. Fair
20.
a. Bank b. Current
c. Circular d. Announce

Chapter
2
Analogies and Spellings
Analogies
Analogy means establishing similarity between two things that have some similar features. Analogies
are used to draw comparisons between certain qualities of objects or beings. It is usually used in
order to elucidate or simplify or clarify something. Usually, in an analogy test, two pairs of words are
stated that have a certain association. One is supposed to choose another pair with the same
relationship.
For example: Furious: Angry: Hardworking: Diligent.
It can be read as: “Furious is to angry as hardworking is to diligent”. In the stated example, an
analogy is drawn in terms of synonyms.
Study the following analogy:

Barrel: Monkeys:: Pride: Lions.
The given analogy is drawn in terms of collective nouns assigned to groups of animals. Hence, while
answering these questions, similar characteristics in the given pairs of words are brought out.
Analogies can also be drawn on the basis of person to situation relation, currencies, young ones,
cause and effect, object/action, part to whole, tool/worker, synonyms, antonyms, etc.
Spellings
Learning how words are spelt is fundamental as far as writing and reading skills are concerned.
Using incorrect spellings can impede our communication. One has to be aware of words that contain
silent letters or repetitive letters or have a different pronunciation.
Some of the most commonly misspelt words include:

• Occasion • Hierarchy
• Guarantee • Professional
• Immediately • Mysterious
• Conscious • Interruption
• Miniature • Disastrous
• Occur • Committed
• Occurred • Ceiling
• Embarrass • Grammar
• Equipment • Pronunciation
• Independent • Recommend
• Gauge • Omission
• Apparent

Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-5): Choose the correct analogy from the given options:
1. Yen is to Japan as rouble is to__________.
a. The United Kingdom b. Mexico

c. Europe d. Russia
2. Waves are related to air in the same way as ripples are related to ________.
a. wind b. water
c. storm d. smoke
3. Ability is related to competence as enchanting is related to ________.
a. puzzling b. repeating
c. stunning d. repulsive
4. Noisy is related to quiet as pleasant is related to _________.
a. awful b. awesome
c. incredible d. enjoyable
5. Valuable is related to most valuable as cheap is related to________.
a. most cheap b. cheapest

c. more cheap d. cheaper
Direction (for questions 6-10): Choose the answer that best describes the type of analogy:
6. Finch is to bird as cricket is to sport.
a. Cause and effect b. Object/Action

c. Antonyms d. Item to category
7. Scribble: Write:: Stammer:?
a. Walk b. Speak
c. Play d. Dance
8. Rain is to drench as sunshine is to dry.
a. Cause and effect b. Part to whole

c. Antonyms d. Item to category

9. Actor is to act as painter is to paint.
a. Problem/Solution b. Cause and effect

c. Performer/Action d. Item to category
10. Sleep is to tired as water is to thirsty.
a. Cause and effect b. Problem/Solution

c. Part to whole d. Item to category
Direction (for questions 11-20): Fill in the blanks with the correct spellings:
11. I have to attempt the __________exercise.
a. miscellaneous b. misceleneous
c. mislleneous d. misllineous
12. We had the __________ of meeting him.
a. privileige b. privilege
c. priviledge d. priviliage
13. They were asked to deposit the __________ charges.
a. maintenence b. mantainance
c. maintenance d. maintenance
14. They had to abide by the ____________.
a. jugement b. judgement
c. judgemant d. jugemant
15. The hostel can __________ fifty students.
a. accommodate b. acommodate
c. acomodate d. accomodate
16. He is on ________ number in the list.
a. twelth b. twelfth
c. twelveth d. twelvefth
17. His house is in a _________ condition these days.
a. dilapedated b. delapidated
c. dilapidated d. dilepedated

18. Their plan turned out to be __________.
a. ridiculous b. riddiculous
c. rediculaus d. ridiculeous
19. We visited the hill station in the month of ________.
a. feburary b. febrarury
c. February d. Febuary
20. The ___________ class has been behind most of the revolutions in the world.
a. borgeouia b. borgueia
c. bourgeois d. bourguea

Chapter
3
One Word Substitution

One word substitution refers to using a single word instead of wordy phrases or a string of words to
describe something or someone. For example, the term “bibliophile” means someone who loves
reading books. Hence, instead of saying someone loves reading books, one can simply state that
he/she is a bibliophile. Similarly, if one is not able to sleep, it can be said that the person is an
“insomniac”.
Some More Examples are Provided Below

• One who is extremely poor: Destitute.
• A place where coins are made: Mint.
• One who opposes war: Pacifist.
• Inappropriate or wrong word: Misnomer.
• A person who can speak more than five languages: Polyglot.
• The act of killing a famous or prominent person: Assassination.
• Something that is modern or happening in the same time period: Contemporary.
• Something that is no longer in use: Obsolete.
• A list of books/items: Catalogue.
• A substance that is used to stop or slow infection: Antiseptic.
• One who eats excessively: Glutton.
• One who does not believe in God: Atheist.
• A place where bees are kept: Apiary.
An Apiary
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are defined as phrases that consist of two or more parts. In a phrasal verb, one part is
usually a verb and the other is an adverb or proposition or may even contain both. Although a phrasal
verb contains two or more words, it is essential to remember that the meaning of the two words is not
considered separately. For example, the phrasal verb “bring up” means to look after a child till

he/she attains adulthood. The meaning of the words “bring” and “up” is not considered separately.
However, a phrasal verb can have more than one meaning.
Consider the following sentences:

• They will bring up the issue frequently.
• She will bring up her kids by herself.
In the two sentences the phrasal verb “bring up” has two different meanings. In the first sentence
“bring up” means to initiate a discussion, in the second sentence it means to raise someone.
There are phrasal verbs that use the word “bring” or “brought” along with other adverbs or
propositions and have different meaning. Study the following sentences:
• She brought about immense changes in everything. (Cause something to happen)

• Bring along your files when you visit me. (To take something/someone along)
• The government had been brought down. (To cause to fall)
• A new edition of the book has been brought out. (Published)
Some commonly used phrasal verbs are listed below:

• Stand out (to be noticeable) • Look through (go through something quickly)
• Stand up (to be proven true or correct) • Look up (search for)
• Stand aside (avoid getting involved in
• Look up to (admire someone)
something)
• Put away (discard) • Hang on (wait)
• Put down (stop something or note down) • Hang in (remain determined)
• Put up (to construct or raise) • Hang up (end a call)
• Put aside (to ignore or save something) • Hang out (go out, usually to socialize)
• Cheer on (to encourage) • Give up (to stop attempting)
• Cheer up (to begin feeling happier) • Give in (to yield to someone)
• Look after (to take care of something) • Giveaway (to give something for free)
• Look back (recall) • Call off (cancel)
• Look down on (to treat someone as
• Call up (to telephone somebody)
unimportant)
• Look for (to search) • Call upon (to formally invite)
• Look forward to (anticipate eagerly) • Call back (to telephone again)
Idioms
Idioms are expressions in which words do not have a meaning that can be deduced from the words
but have a deeper or figurative meaning. Idioms are generally used to simplify what is being said or
to capture or retain the interest of the readers. They can be used either as a part of a sentence or as
a stand-alone group of words.
For example, the idiom “to burn bridges” apparently means to set bridges on fire, which does not
sound sensible. However, the figurative meaning is to destroy all possibilities of going back to a
situation or to end an association forever.

It can thus be used in a sentence:
• You should not burn bridges before you analyse the situation.
Some popularly used idioms and their meanings are listed below:
• A blessing in disguise. (Something that eventually has a good outcome)
• Beat around the bush. (To speak in an indirect way)
• Bite the bullet. (To force oneself to do something difficult)
• Cut somebody some slack. (To not be judgemental)
• Let off the hook. (To let someone escape)
• Once in a blue moon. (A rare occurrence)
• Add insult to injury. (Make a situation worse for someone)
• Give someone a cold shoulder. (To deliberately ignore someone)
• A piece of cake. (Something that is very easy)
• Let the cat out of the bag. (To let a secret be known)
• Out of the blue. (Something unpredicted)
• A storm in a teacup. (Lot of responses to something trivial)
• Fit as a fiddle. (Absolutely healthy)
• To be on cloud nine. (To be very happy)
Proverbs
A proverb is generally defined as a well-known saying. It is often used to give advice or to convey a
life experience. For example, the proverb “the grass is always greener on the other side” means that
the situation and lives of other people seem better but that is not always the case. Similarly, the
proverb “every cloud has a silver lining” means that there is always a positive aspect of a
troublesome situation.
Some of the Most Popular Proverbs (and Their Meanings) Used

in the English Language are:
• Make hay while the Sun shines. (Take advantage of the situation)
• Curiosity killed the cat. (Investigating about or questioning others may land one in trouble
• A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (What one has is more significant than the
possibility to have something better.)
• Birds of a feather flock together. (People of similar interest tend to stay together.)
• You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. (One can make things easy for
someone to do, but cannot force him/her to do it)

• A rolling stone gathers no moss. (A wanderer is not likely to prosper)

• Necessity is the mother of invention. (Needs drive men to create new things)
• Two wrongs don’t make a right. (It is not appropriate to wrong someone just because that
person has wronged first)
• Better late than never. (It is better to do something late than not doing it at all)
• No man is an island. (Humans need a company to live and thrive)
• Least said, soonest mended. (A bad situation can be rapidly forgotten if it is not discussed
much)
• A watched pot never boils. (It seems to take more time when one is expecting something)
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-5): Choose one word for the given group of words:
1. Something that one can hear:
a. Illegible b. Audible
c. Legible d. Intelligible
2. Study of ancient things:
a. Ethnology b. Zoology
c. Botany d. Archaeology
3. A period of ten years:
a. Millennium b. Fortnight
c. Decade d. Century
4. One who talks a lot:
a. Reserved b. Withdrawn
c. Modest d. Loquacious
5. One who believes in God:
a. Theist b. Atheist
c. Agnostic d. Indifferent
Direction (for questions 6-10): Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate phrasal verbs:
6. They had to _______ their own house when they lost the keys.
a. break off b. break into

c. break up d. break down

7. They did not let her _______ with what she said.
a. get up b. get off

c. get away d. get across
8. You have been on the line for long. You should _____ the phone now.
a. hang on b. hang up
c. hang in d. hang out
9. He has to _______ his parents.
a. look after b. look out

c. look over d. look up
10. The extinguisher was used to _________the fire.
a. put up b. put out

c. put down d. put off
Direction (for questions 11-15): Fill in the blanks with appropriate idioms:
11. She is ______________ and needs to see a doctor.
a. feeling under the weather b. cutting corners

c. seeing eye to eye d. calling it a day
12. He should ________ and let bygones be bygones.
a. beat around the bush b. add insult to injury

c. pull himself together d. get a taste of his own medicine
13. The idea sounds good but ___________.
a. the devil is in the details. b. every cloud has a silver lining.

c. it is a blessing in disguise. d. it is fit as a fiddle.
14. She accidentally __________ and spoiled her relationship.
a. saved for a rainy day b. spilled the beans

c. gave benefit of doubt d. cried over the spilt milk
15. They could not resolve the issue since years. It seems they are _________.
a. giving a cold shoulder. b. hitting the nail on the head.

c. going on a wild goose chase. d. killing two birds with one stone.

Direction (for questions 16-20): Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word to complete
the proverbs:
16. Actions speak louder than ______.
a. gestures b. posture
c. silence d. words
17. Empty vessels _________.
a. hold more water. b. make much noise.

c. cannot overflow. d. are lighter.
18. An idle mind __________.
a. cannot function. b. suits none.

c. eventually rusts. d. is devil’s workshop.
19. Don’t put ___________.
a. the cart before the horse. b. the horse before the cart.
c. the horse and cart together. d. the horse elsewhere.
20. The early bird __________.
a. is the wisest. b. doesn’t need to work hard.

c. catches the worm. d. can’t find anything.

Chapter
4
Nouns and Pronouns
Noun
A noun is a naming word that names a person, place, thing, qualities, ideas or a place.
Examples: William, city, table, Monday, class, sorrow, truth, etc.
Nouns can be broadly categorized as:
1. Common Nouns: These are words that are used for people, places or things in general.
Examples: day, blanket, lad, country, etc.
2. Proper Nouns: These are used for a particular person or thing.

Examples: Sydney, Newton, Monday, Hyundai, Marigold, etc.
3. Abstract Nouns: These denote a quality, state or action.

Examples: Shrewdness, scarcity, youth, laughter, etc.
4. Material Nouns: These generally denote substances of which things are made.
Examples: Iron, gold, cement, etc. A material noun can be weighed or measured but not
counted.
5. Collective Nouns: They are the names of people, things or objects taken together.
Examples: Committee, board, company, jury, police, staff, etc.
However, when individuals of collective nouns are referred to, the verb is in plural.
• The staff are debating the new policy.
Examples of collective nouns assigned to groups of animals:
• A colony of bats. • A herd of cattle.

• An army of ants. • A pod of dolphins.
• A brood of hens. • A flock of sheep.
• A parliament of owls. • A colony of rats.
• A litter of puppies. • A school (or shoal) of fish.
• A sloth (or sleuth) of bears. • A flock of birds.
• A pack of wolves. • A leap of leopards.

Nouns and Pronouns
A litter of kittens
6. Countable Nouns: These refer to nouns that can be computed, that is, each separate item
can be counted with numbers.
For example: chairs, girls, colleges, etc.
7. Uncountable Nouns: The term is used for those nouns that cannot be counted or are treated
as indistinguishable unit. These generally include abstract concepts or tiny objects that cannot
be calculated. Hence, abstract nouns are always uncountable nouns while as concrete nouns
and common nouns can be either countable or uncountable. Usually, uncountable nouns do
not have a plural form.
Examples: advice, water, safety, beauty, tea, rice, fear, behaviour, sleep, music, etc.
8. Compound Nouns: These are comprised of two or more of smaller units of words. These
words are joined together.
Examples: seafood, courtroom, grasshopper, newspaper, classmate, etc.
Plurals of single word compound nouns are usually formed by adding “s” at the end.
For example:
• Chopstick-chopsticks
• Airport-airports
• Textbook-textbooks
• Classmate-classmates
When the compound noun consists of a noun and a preposition, the plural is formed by
adding “s” to the noun.
For example:
• Passer-by-passers-by
• Looker-on-lookers-on
• Build-up-build-ups
When neither of the two words in a compound noun is a noun then the plural is formed by
adding “s” to the last word.
For example:
• Run-away-run-aways
• Camp-follower-camp-followers
• Grown-up-grown-ups

Nouns and Pronouns
Also, another way to form plurals is to add -s to the word that is actually being pluralised.
For example:
• Maid-servant-maid-servants
• Spend-thrift-spend-thrifts
• Major-General-major-generals
• Step-daughter-step-daughters
Sometimes, both words are pluralised.

For example:
• Man-servant-men-servants
• Woman-servant-women-servants
Changing Singular Nouns to Plural Nouns

Generally, plurals of singular nouns are formed simply by adding an “-s” at the end. Mostly, the plural
of a noun depends on what the letter word ends in. Some common rules for changing singular nouns
to plurals are given below:
Rule 1: If the noun ends with -f or -fe, the f or fe is often changed to -ves to form plural nouns.
For example:
• Knife-knives
• Wolf-wolves
• Thief-thieves
However, some exceptions include:

• Chief-chiefs
• Proof-proofs
Rule 2: Usually -es is added to form plurals of words ending in -o and preceded with a consonant
sound:
For example:
• Potato-potatoes
• Mango-mangoes
• Buffalo-buffaloes
Exceptions include:
• Piano-pianos
• Radio-radios
• Photo-photos
Rule 3: The plurals of nouns ending in “-y” and are made plurals by adding an “s”:
• Boy-boys
• Key-keys
• Toy-toys
• Monkey-monkeys

Nouns and Pronouns
However, the plurals of nouns ending in an “”-y” that is preceded by a consonant sound are
usually formed by adding “ies”:
• Puppy-puppies
• Baby-babies
• Enemy-enemies
• Library-libraries
Note:
Some nouns have irregular plurals.
For example:
• Agendum-agenda
• Alumnus-alumni
• Crisis-crises
• Radius-radii
• Thesis-theses
• Axis-axes
Some nouns retain the same form in both numbers.

For example:
• Sheep-sheep
• Furniture-furniture
• Advice-advice
• Series-series
• Intestines-intestines
• Eatables-eatables
• Socks-socks
• Pantaloons-pantaloons
• Politics-politics
Forming Plural Possessive and Singular Possessive

The possessive of a singular noun is usually formed by adding an apostrophe and an s (’s). This rule
applies regardless of whether the word ends in “s” or not. For example:
• My sister’s friend.
• His son’s apology.
• The teacher’s book.
• The witness’s account.
• Rainbow’s colours.
• David’s assets.

Nouns and Pronouns
The possessive of a plural noun that ends in an “s” is formed by adding an apostrophe to make it
possessive and an apostrophe as well as “s” if the noun ends in any other letter.
For example:
• Men’s tournament
• People’s representatives
• Soldiers’ regiment
• Sailors’ ships
• Girls’ college
Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that is used in place of a noun. They are generally used to avoid the repetition of
a noun.
Generally, pronouns are categorized as follows:
1. Personal Pronouns: These pronouns are used in place of proper nouns. They are, hence,
used to identify particular persons, groups, or objects.
They can be categorized as:
• First person: (I, my, me, mine, us, ours)

• Second person: (You, yours, etc.)
• Third person: (He, him, his, she, hers, it, they, theirs, etc.)
While first person stands for the person speaking, second and third person pronouns refer to other
person/ people being spoken of.
Note that we use the pronoun “I” when the person speaking is doing the action. We use the pronoun
“me” when the person speaking is receiving the action of the verb.
For example:
• I was asking her a question.
• She was asking me a question.
Also, note that the possessive pronouns “mine”, “ours”, “theirs”, “yours” and “hers” are used to
indicate ownership or possession.
For example:
• Is this coat yours?
• This wallet is mine and that is hers.
• The apartment is theirs.
A word for which a pronoun stands is termed as its antecedent and relative pronouns always agree
with their antecedent in terms of number, gender and person.

Nouns and Pronouns
Read the following sentences:

• The boy delivered his speech very enthusiastically.
• Each of the heirs received his or her share.
• Both of them have their own priorities.
2. Interrogative/Relative Pronouns: These pronouns are generally used to ask questions.

Primarily, these pronouns include: Who, whose, whom, which and what.

• Who is the person you were referring to?
• Whom are you waiting for?
(Note that “whom” is used for the objective case. A tip to ascertain that whom can be used in a
particular question is to consider if it needs an object pronoun like “him” or “her” to be answered.)
• Whose book did you borrow?

• Which of the phones is in working condition?
(Note that which is usually used to ask preference among specific things or to ask for particular
information.)
• What are you going to cook tonight?
3. Demonstrative Pronouns: It is used to refer to nouns that may be far or near in time or
distance. ‘This’, ‘these’, ‘that’ and ‘those’ are demonstrative pronouns.
For example:
• This is the article that I had read.
• These are the pantaloons that he has purchased.
4. Indefinite Pronouns: These are used to refer to people or things in general. They do not
specify any particular person or thing. Words like few, anything, all, someone, something,
somebody, anyone, everyone, etc. are indefinite pronouns.
• They say that change is the law of nature.

• Everybody was eagerly waiting.
• Somebody had locked the door.
• None but the brave deserves the fair.
5. Reciprocal Pronouns: Reciprocal pronouns refer to two or more subjects of the same verb.
They primarily include “each other” and “one another”. Generally, “one another” is used where
more than two people are involved.
For example:
• They exchanged presents with each other.
• The group members have a lot of concern for one another.

Nouns and Pronouns
6. Reflexive Pronouns: These include words like myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself,
ourselves, yourselves, themselves, etc. They are generally used when the subject and the
object of the sentence are the same.
For example:
• She will wash the clothes herself.
• Some matters resolve themselves.
Practice Questions
1. Jack taught some interesting tricks to a group of seals and trained them for their circus
performance. A group of seals is termed as:
a. Sleuth b. Bob
c. Shiver d. Stand
2. Identify the type of noun: Congregation
a. Proper noun b. Abstract noun

c. Material noun d. Collective noun
3. What is the plural of brother-in-law?
a. Brother-in-laws b. Brother-ins-law
c. Brothers-in-law d. Brothers-in-laws
Direction (for questions 4-8): The sentences below may or may not contain an error. If there is
an error, choose the part of the sentence that contains the error. If there is no error, choose ‘D’.
4. This tongs (A) / were used by her (B) / instead of spatula. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
5. She has purchased (A) / a number of furnitures (B) / for her new apartment. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
6. Choose the correct plural possessive form of “authors”:
a. Author’s opinion b. Authors opinion

c. Authors’ opinion d. Authores opinion

Nouns and Pronouns
7. Which of the following nouns does not have a singular form?
a. Joys b. News
c. Beliefs d. Germans
8. Which of the following is an uncountable noun?
a. Family b. Boxes
c. Rice d. Chapters
Direction (for questions 9-10): Fill in the blanks with the most suitable noun:
9. She gave some ______ to the beggar.
a. Alm b. alms
c. alm’s d. almes
10. The ________ market is adjacent to the station.
a. cattle b. cattles
c. cattle’s d. cattles’
Direction (for questions 11-16): Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate pronoun:
11. _____ are you inviting for the dinner tonight?
a. Who b. Whom
c. Whose d. Who’s
12. _____ had switched on the lights?
a. Who b. Whom
c. Whose d. Who’s
13. _______ books are these?
a. Who b. Whom
c. Whose d. Who’s
14. She overworked _________.
a. Her b. herselves
c. itself d. herself
15. At ______ time are you likely to be available?
a. what b. which
c. who d. whom

Nouns and Pronouns
16. The five classmates are very fond of ______.
a. each other b. one another

c. any other d. oneself
an error, choose the part of the sentence that contains the error. If there is no error choose ‘D’.
17. It is me (A) / who asked them (B) / not to visit us today (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
18. Nobody was allowed (A) / inside the restricted area (B) / except she. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
19. Each of the students (A) / have been issued a book (B) / by the librarian. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
20. The man which (A) / was called for the interview (B) / did not turn up. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D

Chapter
5 Verbs
Verbs
Verbs are words that imply some action, existence or feeling.

• The plane will land at 10 a.m.
• He is a very decent man.
The words “land” and “is” in the above sentences are verbs.
Verbs can be broadly categorized as principal verbs and auxiliary verbs.
• The principal verb, also called the main verb refers to the verbs that generally express specific
action or state of being of the subject.

• He purchases a newspaper every morning.
• He is driving the car.
In the above sentences “purchases” and “driving” are the main verbs.
The primary auxiliary verbs include:
• Forms of to be: is, was, am, are, being, been, were

• Forms of to have: has, had
• Forms of to do: does, did
It also includes the following:
• May, might, can, could, shall, should, must, will and would (generally termed as modal verbs).
In the sentence, “I will speak to you in the morning”, “will” is the helping verb while “speak” is the
principal verb.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (as mentioned above) are auxiliary verbs that are used to express modalities that is,
they are used to express advice, ability, capacity, order, request, likelihood, permission, obligation or
suggestion.

Verbs
Some important modal verbs are:

• Can, could
• May, might
• Shall, should
• Will, would
• Must, ought to.
Can is used to convey that something is possible or is allowed or that someone has the ability to do
something:
• She can help you. (Possibility)
• He can visit me. (Permission)
• I can ride a bicycle. (Ability)
Could is also generally used to denote permission, possibility or ability and is mostly used as a past
tense of ‘can’:
• They could have met me earlier. (Possibility)
• Could you pass on the bowl? (Request)
• You could do a lot more. (Ability)
However, could can also be used for actions that can possibly take place now or in the future:
For example:
• If convenient, we could go by car.
May is used to convey that something is possible. Usually, ‘may’ and ‘might’ can be used
interchangeably.
For example:
• She may be bored by now (or) she might be bored by now.
May is also used when permitting.

For example:
• You may borrow my pen.
Might can also be used in hypothetical situations.

For example:
• If she ate healthy food, she might not be having health issues.
Shall is generally used to express something that can take place in the future.
For example:
• He shall be better by tomorrow morning.
Should is used to give advice or opinion.

For example:
• You should not waste your time.
One can also use ‘ought to’ interchangeably with ‘should’.

For example:
• Do you think I ought to call him?

Verbs
Will is used to express what we know or believe.

For example:
• The match will be played tomorrow.
It is also used to make an offer or promise or ask for one.

For example:
• I will make sure that there are no hurdles.
• Will you inform me about the developments?
Would is generally used to offer or request something.

For example:
• Would you like to go out with us? (Offer)
• Would you update me about the meeting? (Request)
It is also used for repetitive actions that one used to do.

For example:
• I would go for a walk every morning.
Must is used to convey certainty about something or express one’s point of view. It is also used to
emphasize necessity.
For example:
• You must not play video games so often.
• People must not smoke at public places.
Need and Dare: Generally termed as semi-modals, need and dare are used in both positive and
negative statements. However, need is more often used in the negative form “needn’t”.

• Dare he ask how she manages everything?
• Need I visit her?
• You needn’t involve yourself in these matters.
Transitive and Intransitive Verbs

Transitive verbs are the verbs that are used with the direct objects. These are the verbs in which the
action transfers from the doer to something or someone, usually termed as the direct object.
For example: She (subject) cooks (transitive verb) the lunch (direct object).
Intransitive verbs are used without a direct object. The action usually stops with the doer.
For example: She (subject) is eating (intransitive verb).

Verbs
Subject-Verb Agreement
Rule 1: A verb must always agree with its subject in person and number (singular or plural). If the
subject is singular, the verb must also be singular. If the subject is plural, the verb must also be
plural.
For example:
• She is a very hardworking child.
• They are a very unruly group of people.
Note that in conditional sentences, the verb may not agree with number or person.
For example: If I were the Prime Minister, I would improve the education system.
Rule 2: If two or more subjects are joined by “and”, they require a plural verb.
For example: Apples and oranges are being sold at exorbitant rates.
However, if the two subjects refer to only one idea, the verb used is singular.
For example: Bread and butter is her routine breakfast.
Rule 3: If a singular subject is joined to another pronoun or noun by phrases like “besides”, “in
addition to”, “with”, “along with”, as well as, etc., the verb agrees with the initially mentioned subject:

• No one, besides her, is responsible for the mayhem.
• He along with his colleagues was absent.
• She, besides him, is going to the party.
• The ministers as well as the Prime Minister have come to this decision.
Rule 4: Subjects that are modified by words like “somebody”, “either”, “everyone”, “no one”, “each”,
“every”, “someone”, “something”, etc. usually take singular verbs.
For example:
• No one is available online.
• Somebody has to pick her up from the office.
• Everyone is concerned about the developments.
• Every girl was awarded a certificate.
• Something has to be done about the issue.
Rule 5: Uncountable nouns usually take a singular verb.

For example:
• Her courage is laudable.
• The idea is very interesting.
Rule 6: If a collective noun describes a single whole, it takes a singular verb.

For example:
• The public is unhappy about the decisions taken.
• The jury has pronounced its verdict.
However, if it denotes each individual of which it is composed, it will take a plural verb.

Verbs
For example:
• After the decision, the committee commenced their journey toward their hometowns.
Rule 7: When the subjects are joined by or, neither…nor, either…or, etc the verb agrees with the
nearest subject.
For example:
• Either he or you are responsible.
• Neither she nor I am responsible.
• Either I or they are responsible.
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-7): Fill in the blanks with the most suitable option:
1. There ______ more than fifty students in the class.
a. was b. were
c. wasn’t d. is
2. They overrate _______.
a. himselves b. herselves
c. ourselves d. themselves
3. Law and order ____ maintained by the police.
a. are b. has
c. is d. had
4. John as well as Mary ______ to attend the function.
a. wants b. want
c. wanting d. was wanting
5. Either he or they ____ been fooled.
a. is b. are
c. have d. has
6. He _____ all the burdens with laudable courage.
a. bear b. bore
c. born d. borne

Verbs
7. Please be_____.
a. sitted b. seat
c. sit d. seated
8. If I was you (A) / I would not have (B) / entertained the plea (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
9. Every citizen (A) / were asked to (B) / sign up for the services (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
10. This news bulletin are (A) / being telecasted (B) / from Europe (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
11. Neither the boss (A) / nor the employees (B) / was concerned about it (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
12. You ____ obey the traffic rules.
a. may b. would
c. can d. must
13. She is a typist. She ____ type 80 to 95 words per minute.
a. should b. would
c. can d. must
14. I _____ memorize many poems as a child.
a. should b. could
c. will d. must

Verbs
15. You _____ call me later.
a. may b. would
c. will d. might
16. I apologize, I ______ report on time.
a. may b. would
c. couldn’t d. might
17. I’ll drop you at the airport. You _____ book a cab.
a. mustn’t b. needn’t
c. couldn’t d. dare not
18. _____ he speak to me in that tone?
a. Dare b. Might
c. May d. Would
19. You ______ respect your teachers.
a. dare b. might
c. ought to d. may
20. Identify the sentence containing an intransitive verb:
a. I was there for a day. b. She will call her today.

c. She took me to the market. d. He plays on their emotions.

Chapter
6 Adjectives and Adverbs
Adjectives
Adjectives are words that are used to modify or qualify a noun or a pronoun.
Study the following sentences:

• This is an important information.
• The baby has blue eyes.
• She purchased an expensive necklace.
The words in bold letters are adjectives.
Comparison of Adjectives
Adjectives can have positive, comparative and superlative degrees.
Mostly comparative and superlative degrees of adjectives are formed by adding -er and -est to the
word.
For example:
• Clear-clearer-clearest.
• Silly-sillier-silliest.
• Fierce-fiercer-fiercest.
• Dark-darker-darkest.
Sometimes the comparative and superlative degree of adjectives are formed by adding “more” or
“most”.
For example:
• Cunning-more cunning-most cunning.
• Fascinating-more fascinating-most fascinating.
• Famous-more famous-most famous.
Important Rules for Using Adjectives

• When the comparative degree of adjectives is used, it is generally followed by “than”.
For example:
This movie is more interesting than the previous one.
• Certain adjectives of comparative degree (junior, senior, inferior, prefer, superior, etc.) are
followed by to.

Adjectives and Adverbs
For example:
She is junior to me or I am senior to her.
Double comparatives or superlatives should not be used in the same sentence.

For example, the sentence, “They are the most best players” is an incorrect sentence. One
can instead say, “They are the best players”.
• When using cumulative adjectives, a certain order is followed. Cumulative adjectives are two
or more adjectives that are used to describe a particular noun. The general sequence
includes:
Quantity, opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin or ethnicity, material and purpose.
For example:
• An outdated Eastern tradition.
• A small round red ball.
On the contrary, coordinate adjectives are separated by a comma and do not follow any
particular sequence. In case of coordinate adjectives, the words describing the noun are
independent of each other.
For example: That is a very old, crumbling bridge.
Adverbs
An adverb generally modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb or a sentence. Hence it usually
modifies or qualifies any part of speech except a noun, an article or a pronoun.

• He is always late.
• She finished the task quickly.
• Luckily, he was available.
• He was walking very slowly.
In the above sentences, the italicised words are adverbs.
Formation of Adverbs
1. Generally, adverbs are formed by adding “-ly” to adjectives.
For example: Slowly, cleverly, stealthily, violently, etc.
2. By adding prefix or suffix-

Nouns.
For example: aside, beside, homeward, sideways, etc.
Adjectives.
For example: beautifully, patiently, easily, happily, etc.

Types of Adverbs
Broadly, adverbs can be classified as:
1. Conjunctive Adverbs: These adverbs are generally known as connectors and they usually
connect phrases or independent clauses.
For example: Therefore, however, nonetheless, consequently, etc.
2. Relative Adverb: It is a type of adverb that introduces an adverb clause.

For example: where, when, how, why, etc.
3. Sentence Adverbs: These usually initiate and modify the whole sentence.
For example: Hopefully, Certainly, Apparently, Unfortunately, etc.
4. Adverbs of Place/Direction: The adverbs of place usually signify movement in a

particular direction.
For example: Across, along, backward, onward, around, here, sideways, upstairs, etc.
5. Adverbs of Time/Frequency/Number: These define when or how often something happens.

For example: Today, yesterday, always, never, in the afternoon, never, last night, last year,
seldom, occasionally, two months ago, finally, daily, etc.
6. Adverbs of Manner: Adverbs that express the process of the action are called adverbs of
manner.
For example: Quickly, cruelly, hurriedly, suddenly, honestly, loudly, etc.
7. Adverbs of Degree: They specify the extent to which something happens.

For example: Completely, hardly, almost, very, much, entirely, totally, thoroughly, perfectly,
excessively, etc.
Comparison of Adverbs
Some adverbs can be compared or contrasted like adjectives.
Examples of the positive, comparative and superlative degrees of some adverbs are:
(Positive-comparative-superlative)
• Early-earlier-earliest.
• Soon-sooner-soonest.
• Hard-harder-hardest.
• Frequently-more frequently-most frequently.
Or
• Frequently-less frequently-least frequently.
• Seriously-more seriously-most seriously.
Or
• Seriously-less seriously-least seriously.

Practice Questions
1. This is the ________ dress I have ever seen.
a. fancy b. fancier
c. fanciest d. most fanciest
2. Of all the people in the hall, he was _______.
a. the less interested b. the least interested

c. the interested d. the more interested
3. She is getting _____ with each passing day.
a. good b. better
c. best d. very good
4. He is the _________ person we have ever come across.
a. more gullible b. gulliblest

c. most gullible d. gullible
5. They live in a _______.
a. white house cosy. b. house white cosy.

c. cosy white house. d. any of the above.
Direction (for questions 6-7): Identify the comparative degree of the given adjectives:
6. Strange
a. Stranger b. Most strange

c. More strange d. Strangest
7. Terrible
a. Terriblest b. Most terrible

c. Terribler d. More terrible

Direction (for questions 8-10): Identify the superlative degree of the given adjectives in bold in
the following sentences:
8. The ceramic cups she bought from the local fair were intricately beautiful despite being cheap.
a. More cheap b. Most cheap

c. Cheaper d. Cheapest
9. A modern research shows that for many people, engaging with superstitious behaviours
provides a sense of control and reduces anxiety – which is why levels of superstition increase
at times of stress and angst.
a. More modern b. Most modern

c. Moderner d. Modernest
10. Ken likes to have frothy and creamy coffee in the mornings and evenings.
a. More creamy b. Most creamy

c. Creamier d. Creamiest
Direction (for questions 11-15): Identify the kind of adverb given in bold letters in the
following sentences:
11. She seldom visited the market.
a. Adverb of time b. Adverb of place

c. Adverb of frequency d. Adverb of manner
12. He will gradually cope with the circumstance.

c. Adverb of number d. Adverb of manner
13. The house was completely destroyed by the storm.

c. Adverb of degree d. Adverb of manner
14. Ultimately, he set out for the journey.
a. Adverb of time b. Sentence adverb

c. Adverb of degree d. Adverb of manner
15. He went outside to have a look at the garden.
a. Adverb of place b. Adverb of time

c. Adverb of frequency d. Adverb of manner

16. The sentence below may or may not contain an error. If there is an error, choose the part of
the sentence that contains the error. If there is no error choose ‘D’.
It has been (A) / more hot (B) / since morning. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
Direction (for questions 17-20): Identify the superlative of the given words in bold in the
following sentences:
17. He wouldn't have gone very far.
a. Farther b. Farthest
c. More far d. Most far
18. Jonathan, the key-note speaker in the conference, answered the complicated question
joyfully.
a. Most joyfully b. More joyfully

c. Jollier d. Jolliest
19. The event was not only meticulously planned but also well-executed.
a. Most well b. More well

c. Better d. Best
20. Little things count the most.
a. Least b. More less

c. Less d. Lesser

Chapter
Articles and Prepositions
7
Articles
Articles are words that denote whether a noun is specific or unspecific. “A”, “an” and “the” are called
articles. “A” and “an” do not point to any specific place, thing or person and are hence termed as
Indefinite Articles. “The” is called the Definite Article because it is used to point to a particular object
and sometimes a concept.
“A” is Used
• Before a singular common noun beginning with a consonant sound.
For example:
o That is a good answer.
o She is a very intelligent student.
o They have constructed a hospital.
• Before a word that begins with “eu” or “u” but is pronounced as “you”.
For example:
o That is a unique idea.
o She purchased a utensil.
“An” is Used
• Before a word that begins with a vowel sound.
For example: An engine, an empire, an actor, an information, an umpire, etc.
• Before an abbreviation that has a vowel sound.
For example: An M.A., an M.B.B.S student, etc.
• Before a word that begins with a silent h.
For example: An honour, an honest man, an hour, etc.
“The” is Used
• Before a word that refers to a specific place or thing or to indicate something or someone that
has already been mentioned.
For example:
• The principal has convened a meeting.
• I cannot locate the watch that you purchased.
• It is used to refer to particular directions and regions.
Examples: The North, the South, etc.
• It is also used before the names of unions of countries and states, groups of islands, seas,
rivers, historical sites, holy books, important events, a nation or community, etc.
Examples: The United States, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, the Arabian sea, the
Yellow river, the Taj Mahal, the Bible, the Second World War, the French, etc.

Prepositions
A preposition is a word that is generally used before a noun or a pronoun usually to show its relation
to rest of the sentence.

o Your clothes are in the wardrobe.
o She is writing with a pencil.
o The cat was running after the mouse.
Kinds of Prepositions
1. Simple Prepositions: These are the prepositions that consist of only one word.
For example: After, against, in, on, at, etc.
2. Compound Prepositions: These consist of two or more than two words. They may be
written like one word or more than one separate words.
For example: Throughout, outside, in the middle of, on top of, below, etc.
3. Double Prepositions: These are formed by combining two simple prepositions.

For example: From within, outside of, out of, from among, etc.
4. Participle Prepositions: These are the words ending with ‘-ing’ or ‘-ed’, that also act as
prepositions.
For example: During, including, regarding, frustrated, etc.
5. Prepositional Phrases: These include a preposition, an object, as well as the object's

modifier.
For example: For the sake of, in the event of, in place of, by means of, on account of, on the
way to, etc.
Note that a participial phrase on the other hand is a group of words that consists of a
participle and the modifier or noun or pronoun or even noun phrase that behaves as the direct
or indirect object, of the action.
For example: Walking along the banks, I realized how serene nature is.
Some Important Prepositions

1. At, In, On:
• “At” is used to refer to a particular point of time, “in” is used to refer to a period of time
while “on” denotes dates or days.
For example: She is available in the office on Saturdays at 1 o’clock in the afternoon.
• “At” is also used to refer to smaller areas and “in” is generally used to refer to larger
countries or states.
For example:
▪ They are waiting at the restaurant.

▪ They have been living in Spain since a decade.
2. Above, Over, On:

• “Above” is used when there isn’t any contact between the objects or things.
For example: The eagles flew above the clouds.
• “Over” can be used when there is a possibility of contact between two surfaces.
For example: The packet was run over by a speeding car.
• “On” implies actual contact between two surfaces or things.

For example: He dropped the glass on the floor.
3. By, With:
• “By” is generally used to refer to the doer. It is also used to connote not later than,
alone, by means of etc.
For example:
▪ The discussion was initiated by me.
▪ She will complete the task by 10th of this month.
• “With” denotes instruments, in the company of, etc.

For example:
▪ He usually writes with a pencil.
▪ I walked with them along the shore.
4. Upon:
• While on and upon can be used interchangeably, upon is usually used for things at
rest and upon is used for things in motion.
For example: She placed the keys upon the table.
• It is however seldom used to indicate something that is taking place instantly after
something.
For example: Upon being called, he acted swiftly.
5. After, Behind:
• These are generally used to indicate time and position or place.
For example:
▪ I will take a shower after doing the chores.
▪ The car is parked behind the truck.
6. In, Before, Within:

• When used to specify time, “in” refers to the end of a time period, while “within” refers
to no later than. “Before” is used to suggest a particular point of time or a particular
day.
For example:
▪ She submitted the report in a week.
▪ She will complete it within the stipulated time.
▪ She will visit me before afternoon.

7. Between, Among:
• Between is used for two things, ideas or people. Among is used when the items or the
people are not specifically mentioned.
For example:
▪ She was caught between the devil and the deep sea.
▪ They were among the most respected people in the town.
8. Beside, Besides:
• Beside implies by the side of while besides indicates in addition to.
For example:
▪ Their pet cat was lying beside the dog.
▪ He is very clever besides being hard working.
9. Since, For, From:

• As a preposition “since” is used to indicate duration from a particular point in time.
For example: She has been working in the office since 2015.
• “For” is used to imply a period of time.

For example: They had been working in the office for two years.
• “From” is also used to denote a point or a span of time but it can be preceded by a
verb.
For example: He used to assist me from morning to evening.
10. Till, By:

• Till indicates ‘up to’. By suggests ‘not later than’.
For example:
▪ He will arrive till 2 p.m.
▪ Students were asked to submit the form by Monday.
11. Below, Under, Beneath:

• Below and under suggests a lower point or a degree of something. Under refers to
motion in a lower place.
• Beneath indicates a lower position and is generally used in formal statements.
For example:
▪ The temperature recorded was below the normal range.
▪ They were playing under the willow.
▪ It was beneath her dignity to put up a false pretence.
12. Of, Off:

• Of indicates possession, while off means removal or separation.
For example:
▪ He is a member of the party.
▪ The cat fell off the roof.

Practice Questions
Direction (for question 1-5): Fill in the blanks with the most suitable articles:
1. He is revered for being ____ impartial man.
a. an b. a
c. the d. no article required
2. ____ English and ____ French players were pitted against each other.
a. An, no article b. No article, the

c. The, the d. No article, no article.
3. ___ Man is by nature, a social animal.
a. An b. A
c. The d. No article required
4. They had devised ____ useful method.
a. an b. a
c. the d. No article required
5. She has been to ____ Europe and ___ United States.
a. A, an b. a, the
c. the, the d. no article, the
Direction (for question 6-10): The sentences below may or may not contain an error. If there is
6. Mount Everest (A) / is the highest (B) / peak in the world. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
7. The George V (A) / was king of (B) / the United Kingdom. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
8. The pen (A) / is mightier (B) / than sword (C). / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D

9. Sun rises (A) / in the East (B) / and sets in the West. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
10. He died of (A) / the typhoid (B) / thirty years ago. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
Direction (for question 11-17): Fill in the blanks using the most appropriate preposition:
11. They are accused _____ forgery.
a. of b. by
c. off d. in
12. Dogs are faithful ___ their masters.
a. with b. to
c. by d. upon
13. They tried to aim ___ the target.
a. of b. by
c. off d. at
14. Tapeworms do not have a digestive tract. Instead, they absorb their nutrients ______ the gut
contents of the host directly ______ their outside surface.
a. With, in b. with, to
c. by, with d. from, through
15. She often quarrels ____ her neighbours.
a. with b. to
c. by d. on
16. One should refrain ____ spreading rumours.
a. of b. by
c. from d. off
17. Farmers are _____ the front lines of sustainability, food security and economic growth.
a. with b. in
c. at d. across

Direction (for question 18-20): The sentences below may or may not contain an error. If there
is an error, choose the part of the sentence that contains the error. If there is no error choose
‘D’.
18. She was standing besides (A) / a very stout (B) / and strong girl. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
19. They are born (A) / with a very (B) / wealthy family. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D
20. He advised him (A) / to abstain (B) / of lying and cheating. (C) / No error (D)
a. A b. B
c. C d. D

Chapter Conjunctions and
8 Determiners
Conjunctions
Conjunctions are defined as words that join two words, sentences, or phrases.
Broadly, conjunctions are categorized as follows:
1. Co-Ordinate Conjunctions: These words join the word, phrases, or clauses of equal rank.
These include: And, but, for, nor, yet, so, or, etc.
2. Sub-Ordinate Conjunctions: These words join a subordinate clause to a principal clause.

They include: Although, though, because, since, otherwise, while, before, until, as far as,
unless, etc.
Generally, these conjunctions are used to express time, manner, condition, purpose, etc.
3. Correlative Conjunctions like neither…nor, either…or, both…and, not only…but, etc. are
also used. These conjunctions are used in pairs to join clauses, phrases or words.
Sometimes compound conjunctions like even if, as soon as, as though, provided that, etc. are also
used.
Using Some Important Conjunctions

1. Lest: He should hurry up lest he will be late.
2. Until: You should not speak until prompted by him.
3. Unless: Unless she has the medicine as prescribed, she will not recover.
4. Because: Because of inflation, the prices of commodities skyrocketed.
5. Since: I will accompany you since everybody wants me to do so.
6. For: You should visit him for he has been frequently looking for you.
Determiners
Determiners are words that are generally used before nouns. They are used to identify things or to
convey how much or how many. Words like the, each, my, some, this, five, etc. are determiners.
Therefore, commonly used determiners include definite and indefinite articles like the, a or an,
possessive determiners like my, your, their, etc., numerals like first, second, one, two, etc.,
demonstratives like this, that, etc., quantifiers like many, all, etc., distributive determiners like both,
half, each, every, any, etc., and interrogative determiners like which, what, whom, whose, etc.

Conjunctions and Determiners
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-3): Use the most appropriate co-ordinate conjunction to complete
the given sentences:
1. I had an appointment with the doctor today, _____ he is not available.
a. and b. but
c. for d. nor
2. She was feeling unwell, _____ she managed to complete the task.
a. and b. for
c. yet d. nor
3. You should follow the guidelines, ____ you will be in deep trouble.
a. and b. for
c. yet d. or
Direction (for questions 4-6): Use the most appropriate sub-ordinate conjunction to complete
the given sentences:
4. You won’t be able to retain good health _______ you exercise.
a. as far as b. since
c. unless d. although
5. _______ a storm was predicted, people were asked to stay indoors.
a. As far as b. Since
c. Unless d. Although
6. ________ the matter is concerned, it will be resolved soon.
a. As far as b. Since
c. Unless d. Although
Direction (for questions 7 and 8): Use the most appropriate correlative conjunction to
complete the given sentences:
7. _______ did she attend the call _____ did she pay a visit.
a. Neither, nor b. Either, or

c. Both, and d. Not only, but

8. _______ did he send us a letter ______ he called up as well.
a. Neither, nor b. Either, or

c. Both, and d. Not only, but
Direction (for questions 9 and 10): Identify the most appropriate sentence:
9.
a. The road has been closed since its undergoing repairs.
b. Although the road has been closed its undergoing repairs.
c. The road has been closed lest its undergoing repairs.
d. The road has been closed unless its undergoing repairs.
10.
a. Either the Alps or the Rocky Mountains are in Asia.
b. Both the Alps and the Rocky Mountains are in Asia.
c. Neither the Alps nor the Rocky Mountains are in Asia.
d. Not only the Alps but also the Rocky Mountains are in Asia.
11. ______ of the two brothers is working in the same company.
a. Every b. Each
c. Both d. Any
12. They should _____ be invited for dinner.
a. every b. many
c. all d. each
13. _____ of the pilgrims are going through the designated route.
a. Much b. Fewer
c. Enough d. Most
14. I am fond of a ____ songs by this artist.
a. some b. little
c. few d. none
15. _______ people protested against the new policy.
a. The few b. Several

c. Much d. All

16. ____ person who called us was the CEO of the company.
a. The b. These
c. That d. A
17. ______ those lambs are white.
a. Many b. Some
c. Enough d. All
18. I tried to look for the book _______.
a. somewhere b. anywhere
c. everywhere d. nowhere
19. There are ____ apples in the basket.
a. much b. little
c. none d. no
20. You can learn _____ from this book.
a. less b. many
c. much d. some

Chapter
9 Jumbled Words
Jumbled Words
A jumble is a word problem where sentences or words are to be rearranged by scrambling its words
or letters respectively. Usually, the words are rearranged to devise a grammatically correct and
meaningful word, sentence or even paragraph.
Read the following example:

• Canvassing / has been / for votes / the politician.
The sentence can be rearranged as:

• The politician has been canvassing for votes.
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-10): Identify the correctly spelt word:
1.
a. Sifeable b. Feasible
c. Blesifea d. Lesibfea
2.
a. Spontaneous b. Ponstaneous
c. Opnstaneous d. Tansponeous
3.
a. Cipafist b. Fistcipa
c. Pacifist d. Pafistci
4.
a. Verreberate b. Reverberate
c. Bereverate d. Ravereberate
5.
a. Mulsitaneous b. Tanmulsieous
c. Nemulsitaous d. Simultaneous
6.
a. Chronological b. Ronochlogical
c. Chnorological d. Lochronogical

Jumbled Words
7.
a. Siasmilate b. Assimilate
c. Lasiasmite d. Miasiaslate
8.
a. Repvalent b. Vareplent
c. Larepvlent d. Prevalent
9.
a. Interrogate b. Inrrotegate
c. Terroingate d. Intergatero
10.
a. Valueate b. Uatevale
c. Evaluate d. Euateval
Direction (for question 11-20): Identify the grammatically correct sequence:
11. Of Socrates (A) / the most (B) / Plato was (C) / ardent follower. (D)
a. D, C, B, A. b. C, B, D, A.
c. A, C, B, D. d. B, D, A, C.
12. Pressing problems (A) / of the major (B) / poverty is one (C) / of today. (D)
a. C, B, A, D. b. A, D, B, C.
c. A, C, B, D. d. B, D, A, C.
13. Feeble minds (A) / is said to be (B) / Superstition (C) / the religion of. (D)
a. D, C, B, A. b. C, B, D, A.
c. A, C, B, D. d. B, D, A, C.
14. Our country is (A) / of festivals and fairs (B) / to be the land (C) / popularly believed. (D)
a. C, B, A, D. b. A, D, B, C.
c. B, C, A, D. d. A, D, C, B.
15. Most powerful weapon (A) / education is the (B) / to change the world (C) / which you can
use. (D)
a. D, C, B, A. b. C, B, D, A.
c. B, A, D, C. d. A, D, B, C.

Jumbled Words
16. Sees difficulty (A) / in every (B) / a pessimist (C) / opportunity. (D)
a. D, C, B, A. b. C, A, B, D.
c. B, A, D, C. d. A, D, B, C.
17. Is an ancient (A) / is made of cement, rocks and bricks (B) / the Great Wall of China (C) / wall
in China that. (D)
a. D, C, B, A. b. C, A, B, D.
c. B, A, D, C. d. C, A, D, B.
18. Are widely accepted (A) / change over a period of time (B) / universal truths (C) / facts which
do not. (D)
a. C, A, D, B. b. D, A, B, C.
c. B, A, D, C. d. C, A, B, D.
19. Of any association (A) / sympathy and understanding (B) / the basis (C) / should be mutual.
(D)
a. B, A, D, C. b. D, A, B, C.
c. C, A, D, B. d. A, C, B, D.
20. Of the organization (A) / he has been (B) / the chief secretary (C) / selected as. (D)
a. C, A, D, B. b. B, D, C, A
c. D, A, B, C. d. C, A, B, D.

Chapter
10 Punctuation
Punctuation
Punctuation is a set of symbols that we usually use to separate sentences or parts of sentences
generally to make their meaning clear to the reader.
Rules to Punctuate Compound Sentences

Rule 1: Clause +, + coordinating conjunction + clause.
• Example: It was raining heavily, yet she managed to turn up.
Rule 2: Clause +; + conjunctive verb +, + clause.

• Example: She was fasting; therefore, she did not eat anything.
Rules to Punctuate Complex Sentences

Rule 1: Dependent clause +, + independent clause.
• Example: Since the movie was interesting, I recommended watching it.
Rule 2: Independent clause + Dependent clause.

• Example: I recommended watching the movie since it was interesting.
Using commas in direct sentences, introductory words, interjections and interrupters.
Direct speech involves quoting the actual words of the narrator or speaker. When quoting someone,
the quoted words are usually placed within quotation marks preceded by a comma.
1. I said, “I will look into the matter.”
2. She said to me, “You must watch out for updates.”
3. He will say, “I am available for lunch.”
4. The teacher said, “You should attend the class regularly.”
Introductory Words: These are usually used to introduce something and usually answer questions
like who, what, where, when, why, and how. A comma to separate the introductory word from the
independent clause.
1. Suddenly, she sped the car.
2. Finally, the results are declared.
3. Consequently, the prices of commodities shot up.
4. Furthermore, you should not make an issue out of it.
5. Ultimately, it is God’s will that prevails

Punctuation
Interjections are words or expressions that express surprise or spontaneous feelings. They are
usually followed by an exclamatory mark.
For example:
• Alas!
• Hurray!
• Wow!
• Hey!
• Yippee!
Interrupters are words that we use for emphasis or to stress certain sentiments. Generally, commas
are used to set interrupters apart from rest of the sentence.
For example:
• What cannot be cured, as they say, must be endured.
• I will, to be perfectly honest, do whatever I can.
• She is, in many ways, better than them all.
• They were, on the other hand, quite aware of the circumstances.
Using Semicolons, Colons and Commas in Lists

Generally, commas are used to separate various items in a list.
Look at the given list:

• Cakes
• Ice creams
• Candies
• Doughnuts
• Pastries
It can be written as: Cakes, ice creams, candies, doughnuts and pastries.
• It is used to connect independent clauses.

For example: It was hot, yet it wasn’t humid.
• To set off introductory phrases.

For instance: Yes, that is right.
• To set statements apart from question tags.

For example: You aren’t quite well, are you?
• A semicolon is generally used to separate two independent clauses, but it also indicates that
a close relationship exists between the two clauses.
For example: I like lemonades; my sister likes tea.
• Colons are used to introduce an independent clause.

For example: He can speak three languages: English, French and German.

Punctuation
• Full stop is generally used to indicate the end of a declarative sentence or an imperative
statement.
For example:
▪ They are going to reach out to you soon.
▪ You should avoid going there.
• Remember that an indirect question is a part of a statement and it does not require a question
mark.
For example: They asked her why she is feeling unwell.
Note that sometimes a hyphen (–) can also be used instead of a comma or a colon to improve
readability of a sentence.
Capitalisation
• Capital letters are used to commence a new sentence, a reported speech in inverted
commas, all the proper nouns as well as adjectives.
• They are also used in all nouns and pronouns used for God.
▪ For example: Lord, Almighty, etc.
• Historical events.
▪ Example: The Republic Day, American Revolutionary War, Second World War
• Names of the days of week and months.
• Religions and various sects.
• Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and subordinating conjunctions are capitalized
when mentioning the title of a book.
For example:
▪ My Experiments with Truth.
▪ Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-10): Identify the appropriately punctuated statement:
1.
a. He said “I, will by all means, defend, the truth.”
b. He said, “I will, by all means, defend the truth.”
c. He said, “I will, by all means defend: the truth.”
d. He said, “I will by all, means defend the truth.”
2.
a. Labour Day is celebrated in the United States on the first Monday in September.
b. labour Day, is celebrated in the United States, on the First Monday in september.
c. Labour day: is celebrated in the United states on the first Monday in september.
d. Labour day is celebrated in the united states on the first monday in September

Punctuation
3.
a. He was upset, with his job therefore he tendered his resignation.
b. He was upset with his job: therefore, he tendered his resignation.
c. He was upset with his job. therefore, he tendered his resignation.
d. He was upset with his job; therefore, he tendered his resignation.
4.
a. After, you are done with todays work, give me a call.
b. After you, are done with today’s work give me a call.
c. After you are done with today’s work, give me a call.
d. After you are done with todays work; give me a call.
5.
a. She said to them, “Be careful otherwise, you all have to pay the price.”
b. She said to them “Be careful: otherwise you all have to pay the price.”
c. She said to them, Be careful, otherwise you all have to pay the price.
d. She said to them, “Be careful, otherwise you all have to pay the price.”
6.
a. The Second world war lasted from 1939 to 1945.
b. The second world war lasted from 1939 to 1945.
c. The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945.
d. The Second world War lasted from 1939 to 1945.
7.
a. Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis Carroll.
b. Alice In Wonderland, is an 1865 novel by english author Lewis Carroll.
c. Alice in wonderland is an 1865 novel by English author Lewis carroll.
d. Alice in Wonderland is an 1865 novel by English Author lewis carroll.
8.
a. Wow that is splendid scenery. b. Wow! That is splendid scenery.
c. Wow, That is splendid scenery. d. Wow. That is splendid scenery.
9.
a. The College offers a combination of three subjects, botany, zoology and environmental
science.
b. The college offers a combination of three subjects; botany, zoology and environmental
science.
c. The college offers a combination of three subjects: botany, zoology and environmental
science.
d. The college offers a combination of three subjects. Botany, zoology and environmental
science.

Punctuation
10.
a. They have to assess the situation, attend a meeting and draft a report.
b. They have to assess the situation; attend a meeting; and draft a report.
c. They have to; assess the situation, attend a meeting and draft a report.
d. They have to assess the situation: attend a meeting and draft a report.
Direction (for question 11-20): Choose the most appropriate punctuation mark to fill in the
blanks:
11. To my utter surprise______ she performed exceptionally well.
a. . b. ,
c. : d. ;
12. Why are they so perturbed ______
a. . b. ,
c. : d. ?
13. May they live long ______
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. ?
14. How long do you think it is likely to take _________
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. ?
15. I often visit her place _____ she is very welcoming.
a. . b. ;
c. ! d. ?
16. They are scheduled to visit three places _____ Mexico, London and Madrid.
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. :
17. It is better to be safe than sorry________
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. :
18. She said____ “I would not like to take up the assignment.”
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. :

Punctuation
19. You aren’t much concerned about this news _____ are you?
a. . b. ,
c. ! d. :
20. She asked me whether they are happy about the decisions_____
a. . b. ;
c. ? d. ,

Chapter
11 Tenses
Tenses
The tense of a verb is used to imply time, state and degree of completion of an action.
There are three main tenses:
The Present Tense: It used to indicate that the action is being done at the present time or is
habitual.
For example: I go for a walk.
The Past Tense: It denotes an action that was done in the past.
For example: I went for a walk.
The Future Tense: Shows that the action will be done in the future.
For example: I will go for a walk.
There are Four Forms of the Three Main Tenses:

i. Indefinite/Simple
ii. Continuous/Progressive
iii. Perfect
iv. Perfect Continuous
Tense Indefinite Continuous (-ing) Perfect Perfect Continuous

(have/had/will (have or has
have + en) been/had been/will
have been + ing)
Present I eat oranges. I am eating oranges. I have eaten I have been eating
oranges. oranges.
Past I ate oranges. I was eating oranges. I had eaten I had been eating
oranges. oranges.
Future I will eat I will be eating I will have eaten I will have been
oranges. oranges. oranges. eating oranges.
Present Tense
i. Present indefinite tense: It is used to indicate an action that is taking place at the moment, a
habit, a universal truth, a saying, etc.
ii. Present continuous tense: It is used to indicate an action that is currently going on or that is
expected to take place in near future.

Tenses
iii. Present perfect tense: It is used to indicate an action that has been finished or accomplished
recently.
iv. Present perfect continuous tense: It is used to indicate an action that initiated in the past and
is still continuing.
Past Tense
i. Past indefinite tense: It is used to denote an action that has taken place in the past or a
habitual action carried out in the past.
ii. Past continuous tense: It is used to express an action that was going on in the past.
iii. Past perfect tense: It is used to indicate an action that had been completed before another
action initiated.
iv. Past perfect continuous tense: It is used to indicate an action that had not been completed
before another action initiated.
Future Tense
i. Future indefinite tense: It refers to an action that will take place in the future.
ii. Future continuous tense: It is used to indicate an action that will be going on at some time in
the future.
iii. Future perfect tense: It is used to express a completed action in the future.
iv. Future perfect continuous tense: It refers to a particular action that will continue up to a
particular point of time in future.
Practice Questions
Direction for questions (1-10): Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate option:
1. She just left but she _______ waiting for us for a long time.
a. will be b. have been

c. shall be d. had been
2. The teacher and the students ______ going for a picnic.
a. are b. has been

c. is d. have had been
3. Alexander Fleming _______ penicillin.
a. discovering b. was discovered

c. has been discovering d. discovered
4. She ______ the holy book every morning.
a. reciting b. recites
c. is reciting d. has recited

Tenses
5. The baby is nudging; I think it ______ some food.
a. wanted b. is wanting
c. wants d. has been wanting
6. It frequently______ in this part of the countryside.
a. rains b. rained
c. rain d. has been raining
7. At what time _________
a. will you been leaving? b. are you leaving?

c. leaving are you? d. is you leaving?
8. I hope to _______ soon.
a. see you b. seeing you

c. have been seeing d. seeing
9. She ________ for a new house now a days.
a. searching b. will search

c. searched d. is searching
10. It is very ______ to hear that.
a. heartened b. heartfelt
c. heartening d. much heartened
Direction for questions (11-20): Identify the tense of the underlined words:
11. They are packing their belongings.
a. Present perfect continuous b. Present continuous

c. Present perfect d. Present indefinite
12. He wrote to me about his health.
a. Past perfect continuous b. Past continuous

c. Past perfect d. Past indefinite
13. They will be arriving soon.
a. Future perfect continuous b. Future continuous

c. Future perfect d. Future indefinite

Tenses
14. John has lodged a complaint.

15. I have been waiting for them since morning.

16. The people were gathering in the park.

17. She had been working hard on the project.

18. I will greet them with a smile.

19. She will have closed the window.

20. He will have been going to the market every weekend.


Chapter Vocabulary,
12
Voice and Narration
Vocabulary (Words Related to Household Items / Issues, Social
Causes, Outdoor Locations and Activities, Question Tags),
Voice and Narration.
The Voice
The voice suggests whether the subject acts or is acted upon. For example:
• I am going to pack the clothes.
• The clothes are going to be packed by me.
In the first sentence, the action is carried out by the subject, while in the second sentence, the
subject is being acted upon by the verb.
There are certain rules to change active sentences to passive voice. They are as given below:
i. Object of the verb in active voice becomes the subject of the verb in the passive voice.
ii. The subject of the active form becomes the object of the passive form and is usually
preceded by prepositions. Mostly the preposition “by” precedes the object.
iii. The verb “to be” is generally used in one of its forms with the past participle of the
transitive/verb.
Examples:
i. They respect her. (Active voice)

She is respected by them. (Passive voice)
ii. Has he cooked the dinner? (Active voice)
Has the dinner been cooked by him? (Passive voice)
iii. I will look after them. (Active voice)
They will be looked after by me. (Passive voice)
Note that in active voice, the subject of the sentence carries out the action.
What is meant by Narration in Grammar?

Narration refers to the way the words of a speaker are reported. They can be reported in two ways:
1. Direct Speech: In direct speech, the actual words of the speaker are quoted within inverted
commas.

Vocabulary, Voice and Narration
Example: He said to me, “I will ensure that there are no hurdles.”
Generally, “said” is used to report the exact words of the speaker and is called the reporting
verb and the words that are quoted within the inverted commas is termed as reported speech.
This speech involves quoting the actual words of the narrator or speaker. When quoting
someone, the quoted words are usually placed within quotation marks, preceded by a
comma.
2. Indirect Speech: In indirect speech, the substance of the message is conveyed without
quoting the speakers words.
Example: He told me that he would ensure that there were no hurdles.
Rules for Changing Direct Speech to Indirect Speech

1. If the reporting verb is in the present or future tense, the verb in the reported speech is not
changed.
Example:
• She says, “I will have lunch.” (Direct speech)
• She says that she will have lunch. (Indirect speech)
2. If the reporting verb is in the past tense then the tense of the reported speech is changed into
the corresponding past tense.
Example:
• She said to him, “You are not attentive.” (Direct speech)
• She told him that he was not attentive. (Indirect speech)
Exception: If the reported speech is a universal truth or contains a habitual action, its tense remains
unchanged.
Example:
• She said, “honesty is the best policy.” (Direct speech)
• She said that honesty is the best policy. (Indirect speech)
Changing Words Denoting Time or Space

When changing direct speech to indirect speech, the words that signify time or space are changed to
the words that denote corresponding time or space.
For example:
• “Now” is changed to “then”.
• “Today” is changed to “that day”.
• “Tonight” is changed to “that”.
• “Yesterday” is changed to “the previous day”.
• “Tomorrow” is changed to “the next day”.
• “Last night” is changed to “the night before”.
• “Last week” is changed to “the previous week”.
• “Next week” is changed to “the following week”.

Example:
• John said to him, “I will be available tomorrow”. (Direct)
• John told him that he would be available the next day. (Indirect)
However, if the reporting verb is in the present tense or the future tense, no change is made.
Example:
• She says, “The results will be declared next week.” (Direct)
• She says that the results will be declared next week. (Indirect)
Sentences are often converted from direct to indirect speech based on the type of sentence,
that is, whether the sentence is assertive, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.
1. When converting an assertive sentence, (that is, a sentence that puts forth a statement,
feeling, opinion, etc.) conjunction “that” is used between principal clause and reported
speech.
Words like answer, inform, speak can also be used in the reported speech.
For example:
• She said to me, “The school will be closed on Saturday.”
• She informed me that the school would be closed on Saturday.
2. When converting an interrogative sentence (that is, a sentence that asks a question) the
conjunction “that” is not generally used. Instead, words like “asked”, “enquired”, “demanded”
etc. are used followed by conjunctions like “whether”, “if”, etc.
For example:
• He said to me, “Will you have coffee?” (Direct)
• He asked me if I would have coffee. (Indirect)
3. When converting an imperative sentence (that is, a sentence that expresses a command,
request, or advice), words like “order”, “command”, “entreat”, “request”, “urge”, etc. are used.
For example:
• He said to her, “Kindly forward my letter immediately.”
• He urged her to forward his letter immediately.
• She said to him, “You should not worry unnecessarily.”
• She suggested to him that he should not worry unnecessarily.
4. When converting an exclamatory sentence, words like sorrow, fear, delight, pleasure,
applaud, encourage, etc. are used.
For example:
• He said, “Wow! What an interesting match it was!”
• He exclaimed with delight that it was an interesting match.
Question Tags
We can add question tags like: are you? isn’t it?, won’t you?, didn't she?, etc., to a statement to turn it
into a question. Question tags are more often used in spoken language and sometimes in informal
written English.

Uses
• We often use question tags when we intend to check if something is true or correct.
For example: The bus will arrive at 10 o’clock, won’t it?
• Sometimes we use question tags to ask for agreement.
For example: It is a beautiful day, isn’t it?
Which Question Tag to Use?

• For an affirmative statement, a negative question tag is used. For example:
You are hungry, aren’t you?
She is going to spend some time here, isn’t she?
Note that we repeat the main verb, if it is a form of “be” in the question tag.
• For a negative statement, an affirmative question tag is used. For example:

You aren’t hungry, are you?
She isn’t going to spend some time here, is she?
• If the sentence has an auxiliary verb, it is repeated in the question tag. For example:
She can speak English, can’t she?
They weren’t interested, were they?
• If the sentence is in present simple and doesn’t not contain an auxiliary verb, the question tag
“do” is used. For example:
She doesn’t like chocolates, does she?
• If the sentence is in past simple and doesn’t contain an auxiliary verb, the question tag “did” is
used. For example:
She wrote a letter, didn’t she?
Words Related to Leisure, Household Items, Social Causes,

Outdoor Locations and Activities
Words related to leisure:
• Respite • Repose
• Time off • Spare moments
• Recreation • Ease
• Holiday • Celebration
• Vacation • Fest
• Serenity • Delight

Popular household items:
• Toaster • Dishwasher
• Coffee maker • Apron
• Blender • Blinds
• Mixer • Water purifier
• Vacuum cleaner • Evaporative cooler
• Microwave • Air conditioner
• Oven • Speaker
• Rice cooker • Couch
• Lantern
Social Cause: Social cause refers to socially useful activity that is not carried out for profit. It can be
directed to address the problems that impact a large section of citizens in a society or country.
For example:
• Eradicating poverty • Alcoholism
• Preventing bullying • Dowry
• Women’s Safety • Hygiene and Sanitation
• Unemployment • Increasing crime rate
• Civil Rights Advocacy • Helping the homeless
Outdoor Locations and Activity

Popular Names of places:
• Sugar bowl of the world – Cuba • Playground of Europe – Switzerland

• Gift of the Nile – Egypt • Vienna – The Imperial City
• Rainbow nation – South Africa • Pittsburgh – Iron City
• Land of white elephants – Thailand • Paris – The City of Lights
• Rome – The Eternal City, City of the
• Land of the midnight Sun – Norway
Seven Hills
• Land of the rising Sun – Japan • Jerusalem – The Holy City
• Land of thousand lakes – Finland • Los Angeles – The City of Angels
• Land of golden fleece – Australia • Amsterdam – Venice of the North
Outdoor Activities
Camping Angling Cycling Kayaking
Skiing Surfing Jogging Roller

skating
Practice Questions
Direction (for question 1-5): Choose the correct passive voice of the given statements:
1. She is filling the form.
a. The form is being filled by her. b. The form was being filled by her.
c. The form is filled by her. d. She has decided to fill the form.
2. Which country are you going to visit?
a. Which country are you visiting? b. You are going to visit which country?
c. Which country will be visited by you? d. You are visiting which country?
3. I will remember your advice.
a. Your advice I will remember. b. Your advice will be remembered.

c. I will be remembering your advice. d. Your advice will be remembered by me.
4. Let them enjoy the vacation.
a. Let them be enjoying the vacation. b. Let the vacation be enjoyed.

c. Let the vacation be enjoyed by them. d. They will be enjoying the vacation.
5. Did they rinse the utensils?
a. Are they going to rinse the utensils? b. Were the utensils rinsed by them?
c. Are they rinsing the utensils? d. Will the utensils be rinsed by them?
Direction (for question 6-10): Choose the most appropriate indirect speech of the given direct
sentences:
6. The general said to the soldiers, “Stay alert.”
a. The general exclaimed the soldiers to stay alert.

b. The general commanded the soldiers to stay alert.
c. The general requested the soldiers to stay alert.
d. The general beseeched the soldiers to stay alert.
7. She said to me, “Please help me with the assignment.”
a. She asked me to help her with the assignment.

b. She forbade me to help her with the assignment.
c. She requested me to help her with the assignment.
d. She exclaimed that I should help her with the assignment.

8. He said to his younger brother, “You should not lie.”
a. He asked his younger brother not to lie.

b. He ordered his younger brother to stop lying.
c. He advised his younger brother not to lie.
d. He entreated his younger brother to stop lying.
9. John said to Mary, “Watch out! There are pickpockets in the crowd.”
a. John warned Mary against pickpockets in the crowd.

b. John requested Mary to remain alert of the pickpockets.
c. John exclaimed to Mary that there are pickpockets in the crowd.
d. John ordered Mary to beware of the pickpockets.
10. He said to me, “Who has won the match?”
a. He asked me who has won the match.

b. He asked me who had won the match.
c. He told me who has won the match.
d. He entreated me to tell him who had won the match.
Direction (for question 11-18): Choose the appropriate question tags to fill in the blanks:
11. He will call me later, _________
a. Will he? b. Isn’t he?

c. Won’t he? d. Is he?
12. He is very popular, ___________
a. Will he? b. Isn’t he?

c. Won’t he? d. Is he?
13. You don’t like to be around, _______
a. Do you? b. Don’t you?

c. Will you? d. Won’t you?
14. They weren’t very happy about the developments, _________
a. Weren’t they? b. Were they?

c. Is it? d. Won’t they?
15. It is very hard to please him, ___________
a. Isn’t it? b. Is it?

c. Won’t it? d. Wouldn’t it?

16. It was a very pleasant day, _________
a. Isn’t it? b. Weren’t it?

c. Wasn’t it? d. Is it?
17. Which of the following cannot be considered a social cause?
a. Women’s safety b. Unemployment

c. Ragging d. Constructing a house
18. Identify the household item:
a. Screwdriver b. Hammer
c. Pliers d. Wrench
Direction (for question 19 and 20): Identify these outdoor activities:
19.
a. Surfing b. Paragliding
c. Bungee jumping d. Skiing
20.
a. Rafting b. Skiing
c. Paragliding d. Ice skating

Chapter
Information Retrieval
13
Understand Information, Search and Retrieve Information from

News Stories, Blurb, Dictionaries, Comprehension (Prose and
Poetry), Instruction Manual Format, Editorials, Essays, etc.
News Stories
A news story is an article or interview that informs people about recent events or issues.
News stories may be either extended or brief depending on its importance and interest. It can also be
written, recorded or live. They may also be categorized as:
• Hard News Stories: Stories that contain the most important information in a brief and
unbiased way are termed as straight or hard news stories. Examples include news reports on
crimes, accidents or politics.
• Feature News Stories: These stories are more in-depth than hard news stories. These
stories generally do not concentrate on facts only. A profile of a known personality is an
example of feature news story.
• Editorial: An Editorial is the opinion written by a senior editor or publisher of a newspaper

that puts forth the viewpoint on a particular topic. It communicates personal points of view
about various events and topics.
Generally, a news story contains a headline that sums up what it is about and also briefly refers to
other details like who and where. That is usually followed by the body content that offers other
details. Sometimes subheadings or quotes are included in the body content.
Blurbs
Blurbs are brief descriptions of creative works generally intended for promotional purposes. It is
hence usually crisp and punchy.
Using Dictionaries
Dictionaries are books containing words arranged alphabetically and typically contain meaning of
those words. When using a dictionary, one must verify the spelling of the word. Some words have
more than one meaning and the meanings of these words are generally numbered. One must
ascertain the context of the sentence in order to decipher the meaning of a word.

Instruction Manuals
Instruction refers to a directive or an order. Instruction manuals are texts that help the customer or
purchaser to get acquainted with the service or product. It usually lays out how a product is to be
operated or managed. It may also be useful to overcome a problem encountered after using the
goods.
It usually has a table of contents that helps a person to navigate to a particular page.
Editorials are articles that are written by senior editors or publishers of a newspaper or a magazine.
Typically, they represent the stance or perspective of the publication.
An essay is generally a short piece of writing, charting the writer's opinion.
Comprehension
Comprehension refers to the power of understanding something. The art of answering questions
based on an unseen passage helps us to develop clear and precise understanding. Some
suggestions for answering questions based on unseen passages are:
1. Read the passage multiple times.

2. Try to grasp the questions asked.
3. Try to figure out what the words mean in context.

Practice Questions
Read the following blurb and answer the questions that follow:
1. What is the title of the book?
a. Sea horse b. Seabiscuit

c. Sea Voyage d. Sea that engulfed everything

2. Which adjective has not been used in the blurb to describe the book?
a. Rare b. Wonderful
c. Inspiring d. Remarkable
3. How does the representative of the ‘Financial Times’ described the book?
a. Rip roaring narrative b. Classic tale

c. This season’s literary sensation d. Amazing inspiring narrative
4. Who is Seabiscuit?
a. A race horse b. A frog

c. A sea horse d. A mule
5. How many men formed an international sporting icon?
a. Five b. Two
c. Four d. Three
6. The three embattled men overcame the __________.
a. poverty b. depression
c. adversities d. injustice
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
It is said that Olympic Games were initiated in Greece in 776 B.C. and were then revived in 1896
A.D. in its modern form in the historic setting of Athens in Greece. The second Olympics were held in
Paris in France in 1900. Since then, they have been played at different places in the world usually
after every four years. The primary aim of these games is to bring about greater understanding and
friendship among the people of the world. They foster mutual understanding and goodwill. The
Olympics include a wide range of games and sports such as hockey, swimming, boxing, gymnastics,
weightlifting, archery, alpine skiing, football etc. The Olympic torch or fire has become the symbol of
these games.
7. In which year was the modern form of Olympic Games commenced?
a. 776 B.C. b. 1896 A.D.

c. 1900 A.D. d. 1950 A.D.
8. What does the term “revived” mean?
a. Relived b. Strengthened
c. Renewed d. Rescued

9. Pick out the synonym of the word “foster”.
a. Obstruct b. Restrict
c. Hamper d. Promote
10. Where were the second Olympic Games held?
a. Greece b. Athens
c. Paris d. Lyon
11. Which of the following is not a synonym of the word “historic”:
a. Ancient b. Famous
c. Trivial d. Renowned
12. After how many years are the Olympic Games generally held?
a. 4 b. 3
c. 6 d. 2
Read the following poem and answer the questions that follow:
I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed-and gazed-but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

--William Wordsworth
13. Where has the poet found the daffodils?
a. Along margin of a bay b. In the waves

c. Next to a tree d. Across the lake
14. How many daffodils does the poet claim to have seen at a glance?
a. Hundred b. Ten thousand

c. One hundred thousand d. Few dozens
15. What does the poet compare the daffodils to?
a. The planets b. Moths

c. Moons of planets d. Stars
16. Pick out the synonym of the word “sprightly”.
a. Sluggish b. Strained
c. Lively d. Purified
17. What is meant by “pensive” mood?
a. Unconcerned b. Thoughtful
c. Impatient d. Aggressive
18. Pick out the synonym of the word “jocund”.
a. Unfortunate b. Upset
c. Awful d. Cheerful
19. Who did the daffodils outdo in delight?
a. Waves b. Shudder
c. Brood d. Melt
20. With what does the poet compare his wandering to?
a. Rudderless ship b. Lonely cloud

c. Celestial objects d. Waves

Safety Precautions
Direction (for questions 21-30): Read the following safety precautions of an instruction
manual of a washing machine and answer the questions that follow:
WARNING
Do not allow children to use on their own.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons
May cause serious
(including children) with reduced physical, sensory
injury or death. or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and
knowledge, unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a
Never do the following about the power plug person responsible for their safety.
and cord • Children should be supervised to ensure that they
(To prevent fire or electric shock) do not play with the appliance.
• Do not plug in or unplug the power cord with wet
hands. Keep away from fire.
• Do not hold or pull on the cord when removing Do not put flammable materials or clothes with
the plug from the socket. such things attached in the tub. Keep them away
• Do not use a power cord or plug that is from the appliance.
damaged. If the power cord is damaged, it must (To prevent explosion or fire)
be replaced by the manufacturer, its service • For example: Kerosene, gasoline, benzine/thinner,
agent or similarly qualified persons to avoid a alcohol, etc.
hazard. Do not touch the tub until it
completely stops.
Observe the following about the power plug (To prevent injury)
and cord • If the tub does not stop within 15 seconds when
the lid is opened during spin process, switch off the
(To prevent fire or electric shock) appliance immediately and call a service person.
• Use a socket that satisfies the rating requirement Provide a ground.
solely for this appliance. Do not use a plug adaptor (To prevent electric shock by short circuit)
or extension cord. • Ask a service person to do the grounding work.
• Always fully insert the power plug into the socket. • In case of a 2-pin power cord, establish a ground.
• Wipe the power plug periodically with a dry cloth.
(Accumulated dust collects moisture, which may Keep magnets and magnetized objects
cause insulation failure, resulting in fire.) away from the operation panel.
• Unplug the power cord before cleaning. The tub may rotate even when the lid is open, resulting
in injury.
Never disassemble, repair or modify the appliance
yourself.
In case of malfunction or failure, immediately stop use,

unplug the power cord, and ask your nearest service
centre for repair.
21. The instructions warn against plugging or unplugging the cord with:
a. Dry hands b. Wet hands

c. Gloved hand d. Soiled hands

22. The manual instructs against:
a. Calling nearest centre for repair.

b. Getting it repaired by a professional.
c. Disassembling, repairing or modifying the appliance yourself.
d. Halting its use if it malfunctions.
23. What are flammable materials?
a. That do not catch fire. b. That easily catch fire.

c. That are fragile. d. That are not well stitched.
24. Within how many seconds is the spinning tub expected to stop?
a. 30 seconds b. 45 seconds
c. 60 seconds d. 15 seconds
25. Who among these should not be allowed to operate the machine on their own?
a. Children b. People with reduced capabilities

c. People with lack of experience d. All of the above
26. Which of the following are to be kept away from the operative panel?
a. Magnetic objects b. Non-magnetic objects

c. Non-flammable objects d. Dry objects
27. To prevent electric shock by short circuit, the manual instructs:
a. To unplug the cord b. To provide a ground

c. To repair immediately d. To disassemble the appliance
28. What is meant by “hazard”?
a. Welfare b. Goodness
c. Danger d. Protection
29. Pick out the synonym of the word “ensure”:
a. Confirm b. Destiny
c. Unlikely d. Doubtful
30. Pick out the most appropriate synonym of the word “warning”:
a. Encourage b. Pressurise
c. Caution d. Force

Chapter
Spoken and Written
14 Expressions
Spoken and Written Expressions
It is very essential to respond with the best possible option when one is posed with a question or
even a statement. While the response must be grammatically correct, there should also be a
continuity of intent and meaning. A person should be able to make the conversation cohesive and
coherent. It is also important to be courteous and polite. One should therefore respond with the best
possible answer.
Read the following Statements:
• Person 1: Can I borrow your book?

Person 2: Of course! Here it is. (Accepting)
• Person 1: May I use your laptop for a while?

Person 2: I am afraid. It might run of battery. (Refusing)
• Person 1: You are not following the rules.

Person 2: My apologies. I will adhere to them now. (Apologizing)
• Person 1: Are you going to cook the dinner?

Person 2: Yes, I will do it right away. (Expression of intent)
• Person 1: Are you going to stay at a hotel?

Person 2: No, I would rather look for a guest house. (Stating preferences)

Practice Questions
Direction (for questions 1-10): Choose the best polite option for the given situations:
1. John: Did you understand what I said?

David: ________________
a. No. You must repeat it.

b. You can repeat it. If you feel like.
c. Not at all and I don’t care.
d. Would you mind repeating that, please?
2. Jack: Can you help me with the assignment?

Bill: _________________________.
a. I would rather not know you have one. b. Now that you are pleading.
c. I surely wouldn’t mind. d. Ok. I will.
3. Person 1: Do you want the newspaper?

Person 2: ______________
a. Yes, give it to me immediately. b. Pass it over right now.

c. Yes, can you please pass it over? d. Yes, do that right away.
4. Susan: Can we get out for a walk?

Mary: _____________________.
a. Go away for now. b. Could you give me fifteen minutes, please?

c. Not yet. I won’t go at any cost. d. I am not free.
5. Person 1: Should I make tea for you?

Person 2: ______________.
a. No, give me coffee. b. Get me a cup of coffee instead.

c. No, I am willing to have coffee. d. I would rather like to have coffee, please.
6. Person 1: I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Person 2: _________________.
a. I appreciate your apology. You should be more careful though.

b. You have been careless. I don’t want an apology.
c. There is no point apologizing.
d. Will you be careful from the next time, nut-head?

7. Harry: Thank you for your concern.

Thomas: ______________.
a. That is the way I am. b. You needn’t mention that, please.

c. Nothing new. d. Glad you noticed.
8. Person 1: I will be there soon.

Person 2: ________________
a. Okay. As you like it. b. Oh God! Thank you for the information.
c. I will be looking forward to your visit. d. Why do you intend to do that?
9. Jack: I purchased a new novel yesterday.

Jacob: _______________
a. Give it to me after you read it.

b. Would you mind if I borrow it after you read it?
c. Finish it and give it to me sooner than later.
d. Give it to me, you can read it later.
10. Person 1: Will you visit us this evening?

Person 2: ________________. (Polite refusal)
a. No. I don’t think so. b. I don’t like visiting your place.

c. I am afraid I can’t. d. Not tonight.

Previous Year Paper (2021-22)
English Language (Each Question is 1 Mark)
1. Fill in the blank using a suitable preposition:

The kid responded to his mother ______ looking at his mother's face. Later, the mother
realised the kid is frightened.
a. with b. by
c. from d. on
2. Read the extract and answer the question:

Carly has a large family. She lives with four people and two pets. Her mom is a doctor who
works in a hospital and helps people who are sick. Carly’s dad works at home. He cooks for
the family and drives the kids to soccer practice. Carly has two brothers; James who is ten
years old and Scott, fourteen years old. Carly's pets are Jinx, a small, black cat and Diego, a
large, brown dog. Carly loves her family!
Carly's mom works in a ______.
a. restaurant b. mall
c. hospital d. theatre
3. Fill in the blank with the correct option:

A web_____ holds collective information about the specific page.
a. cite b. site
c. sight d. see
4. Choose the most appropriate option to replace the phrase marked in quotes, if it is wrong:
My name is Jacqueline. I am "a supervisor at Martin’s" Clothing Store. Sometimes I work in a
restaurant.
a. Supervisor at Martin’s b. The supervisor in Martin’s

c. A supervisor at the Martin’s d. No change required
5. Read the sentence and complete it with a question tag:

Your father can speak Mandarin, _____?
a. can he b. can't he
c. do him d. did him
6. Find the correct option:

You will die soon ______.
a. if you leave it out in the Sun. b. if he can avoid it.

c. if you smoke a lot. d. if I take the train.

7. Identify the type of noun for the quoted word:

The cake my mother prepared was very tasty. But my friend did not like it. She must have lost
her sense of "taste".
a. Countable noun b. Uncountable noun

c. Both d. Material noun
8. Find the correctly spelt word:
a. Pseudomonas b. Pseudamonas
c. Pseudomanos d. Pseudomanous
9. Complete the proverb:

When in Rome, ________.
a. do as the Romans do b. visit the amphitheatre

c. live life Rome – size d. dress like Romans
10. Fill in the blank:

You will be waiting for the bus, ________.
a. if you leave it out in the Sun. b. if he can avoid it.

c. if you start late from home. d. if I take the train.

When life gives you lemons, _______.
a. grow a lemon tree b. make lemonade

c. throw them right back d. run and hide
12. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable set of option:
When I looked through the window while eating, I noticed that _____ was reading a book.
_____ was wearing spectacles while reading.
a. I / He b. he / He
c. him / They d. him / He
13. Arrange the words given below in a meaningful sequence:

laughing / and / small children / there were / in the park / playing
a. Were small children laughing playing and there in the park.

b. There were small children laughing and playing in the park.
c. In the park there were laughing and playing the small children.
d. In the park laughing and playing the small children there were.

14. Select the appropriate conjunction to complete the sentence:

This exam is critical, ______ it rains I have to go and attend the exam.
a. even if b. furthermore
c. on grounds that d. despite
15. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:

It (be) ________ cold yesterday. It ______ freezing and my sister started to shiver.
a. was / was b. was / were

c. are / was d. were / was
16. Identify the type of adjective:

The physical workouts in the gym are painful.
a. Interrogative adjective b. Adjective of quantity

c. Demonstrative adjective d. Adjective of quality

She returned to the ______ of the accident to check if anyone was in need of medical
emergencies.
a. scene b. vision
c. visibility d. situation
18. Choose the most appropriate option:

The death of the minister left the corporation in a state of ______: without a clear successor,
conditions rapidly descended into ______.
a. confederation / disorder b. sorrow / tumult

c. anarchy / chaos d. panic / tranquillity

When the doctor removed a bullet from the army officer's shoulder, she used drugs to ______ the
pain and make him unconscious; if she hadn’t, the pain from the operation would have been
______.
a. sedate / uncomfortable b. amplify / fierce

c. dull / excruciating d. heighten / exquisite
20. Identify the adverb and fill in the blank:

The movie was _______ entertaining. I couldn’t believe we spent 3 hours in the theatre.
a. ago b. too
c. enough d. very

21. Arrange the words given below in a meaningful sequence:

no / the / had / poor farmers / to stay / place
a. The poor farmers had place to stay to no.

b. The poor farmers had no place to stay.
c. The farmers had no place to stay poor.
d. The poor farmers had no to stay place.
22. Choose the best polite answer to make a conversation:

Harry: Can you come here for a minute?
Peter: ________.
a. long and short b. Surely and clearly

c. Why don’t you come here? d. Sure, just give a minute and I ‘ll be there.
23. Fill in the blank using a suitable preposition:

I saw a car collide ___ a motorbike.
a. about b. with
c. in d. for
24. Identify the type of noun of the quoted word:

I prefer "tea" to coffee. I am not addicted to caffeine.
a. Countable noun b. Uncountable noun

c. Common noun d. All of the above
25. Choose the most appropriate option that has the same meaning as the quoted word:
The senator’s dedication to justice and liberty is "admirable".
a. Commendable b. Colourful or bright

c. Authentic or real d. Humorous or obnoxious
26. Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate options:

They (be) ________ busy yesterday. They did not have time to relax so they ______ sent
home soon.
a. were / was b. were / were

c. were / are d. are / were
27. Fill in the blanks with the most suitable set of option:
My name is Sonia. ______ love my family. _____ am fond of my pets.
a. I / We b. She / I
c. I / I d. We / I

28. Fill in the blank using an appropriate verb:

She's been ______ to music all day. I think she is going to fail.
a. listening b. ignoring
c. unnoticing d. disregarding
29. Choose the most suitable option to fill in the blank:

_________ is the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
a. Ambitious b. Spiritual
c. Healthy d. Well being

I had an orange and a ______ for lunch.
a. piar b. pair
c. pire d. pear

"She not know" if she should go in or run away! She couldn’t move. She heard the soft sound
of footsteps. She couldn’t breathe. The door slowly opened.
a. She doesn’t know b. She do not knew

c. She didn’t knew d. She didn’t know

Honey catches more _______.
a. Sweetness than jaggery b. insects than water

c. flies than vinegar d. bees than butter
33. Fill the blanks with suitable articles.

A: What's wrong?
B: I have _____ bad headache. I have been looking for help ______ from the morning. I found
none in _______ hostel room.
a. a, the, a b. a, no article, the

c. an, a, the d. the, no article, no article
34. Read the sentence and complete it with a question tag:

She recognised him at once, __________?
a. does she b. don't she

c. did she d. didn't she


The main purpose of a river is to fulfil the basic water needs. With the runoff of water, it is
routed to fill large dams that have to be built _____ store water for use.
a. notwithstanding b. regardless of
c. so as to d. thanks to
Direction (for questions 36-40): Read the passage and answer the question:
Niagara Falls were formed 10,000 years ago in Ontario, Canada. The falls were a result of glaciers
moving back to show the sharp face of the mountain. This allowed the waters of Lake Erie to flow
north, over the slope, to Lake Ontario. The sharp face gradually eroded back toward Lake Erie, a
process that has also formed the Niagara Gorge Whirlpool Rapids and the Whirlpool. This is how
Niagara Falls were formed. Niagara Falls is the most well-known waterfall in the world. As a result of
this, it attracts millions of tourists every year. There are many great hotels near the falls. The tourists
in these hotels witness and enjoy the beauty of the falls. July and August are the busiest months.
Hence, there are problems including traffic jams, crime and business problems like expanding
industries. While June and September are the best times to visit as the weather is nice and the place
is less crowded.
Here are mountain ranges with the highest being Cross Fell at 893 meters. Also, there is another
mountain with a peak of 775 meters. The lake flows from here, where it slowly becomes the River
Tees. There is a V-shaped valley in its early course, which holds many things. A dam has been built
here to form Cow Green Reservoir. This is a very important water supply for the towns further
downstream. There are farms in the V-shaped valley with the highest lying 370 meters above sea
level.
The ground is waterlogged so crops can’t be grown, but sheep are farmed there, spending most of
their time on hillsides. This is also significant for the towns downstream as it is used for food
purposes. The climate in the upper course is quite poor. Precipitation reaches up to 1500 mm a year
with about 3 months of snow cover. Also, contributing to the bad weather is the fact that there is
barely any sunshine. Because of this, Whinstone waterfalls were formed. This happens when the
river flows down, as the Whinstone. On March 29th, 1848, papers reported that Niagara Falls ran dry.
During weather-related occurrence, a southwest storm blowing off of Lake Erie caused ice to jam and
dam up at the mouth of the Niagara River causing the water flow to be severely restricted.
36. Which dam is built near Niagara Falls?
a. Lake Erie b. Ontario

c. Cow Green Reservoir d. Cross Fell
37. According to the passage, when did paper report Niagara Falls ran dry?
a. March 29th, 1848 b. March 29th, 1868

c. March 29th, 1846 d. March 28th, 1849

38. According to the passage, which of the given statement is true?
a. The Niagara Falls were formed as a result of flood moving back to show the
sharp face of the mountain.
b. The Niagara Falls were formed as a result of rain moving back to show the
sharp face of the mountain.
c. The Niagara Falls were not formed as a result of glaciers moving back to
show the sharp face of the mountain.
d. The Niagara Falls were formed as a result of glaciers moving back to show
the sharp face of the mountain.
39. According to the passage, which is the best month to visit Niagara Falls?
a. July and September b. June and September

c. June and August d. January and September
40. According to the passage, which of the given statement is false?
a. July and September are the busiest months.

b. The ground is waterlogged so crops can’t be grown, but sheep are farmed there, spending
most of their time on hillsides.
c. The lake flows from here where it slowly becomes the River Tees.
d. There are many great hotels near the falls to witness this beautiful waterfall.
Achiever’s Section (Each Question is 2 Marks)
41. Read the notice and answer the question:

K.P.S. SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, GURGAON
NOTICE
18th March, 2022
VOLUNTEER FOR ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMME
The students of class X-XII are hereby informed that our school is going to hold ‘Adult
Education Programme’ during this summer vacation. The volunteer teachers will be sent to
teach the adults in the nearby villages for twenty days i.e. 10th May to 30th May 2022. Extend
your help and volunteer yourselves for this noble cause. Give your name to the undersigned
by 25th March positively.
Lisa Stanley
(In charge, NSS Wing)
Alex is interested to volunteer for adult education program. So, he should ___________.
a. train himself to be a volunteer.

b. keep himself free for twenty days.
c. contact the undersigned for details.
d. give name before 25th March to the undersigned.

42. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option:

Her _________ was exemplary.
a. atiquette b. etiquette
c. atiqeutte d. etiqeutte

The ______ of the story is to always be kind to others. Each story has its own value.
a. conclusion b. moral
c. ending d. epilogue

I started with my new business and I have never come across this type of financial problem
and therefore, I have to confess that people have no resolution to the problem. The logic is
that _______ this person has never encountered this type of financial crisis earlier so he has
no solution to it.
a. despite b. although
c. since d. contrary to
45. Choose the option which means the same as the quoted words:
Watching my daughter sing makes me "happy as a clam".
a. sense of sadness b. sense of forlorn

c. sense of happiness d. sense of vexation
46. Choose the most appropriate option to correct the given sentence:
The workers in the trade centre "always very busy". They need to stand the entire day doing
their work.
a. are always very busy b. are very always busy

c. were always very busy d. always very are busy
47. Select the correctly punctuated sentence:

online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy
goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser
a. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers, to directly buy
goods or services, from a seller over the Internet using a web browser.
b. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy
goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser.
c. Online shopping - is a form of electronic commerce which allows consumers to directly buy
goods or services from a seller over the Internet, using a web browser.
d. Online shopping is a form of electronic commerce, which allows consumers to directly, buy
goods or services from a seller over the Internet using a web browser.

48. Find the correct option:

If you spoke less and listened more, _______________________________.
a. I'd resign rather than wait to be sacked.

b. I'd have a lot of problems getting another one.
c. I'd try to find a job with one of the Japanese banks.
d. then the problem would have come to an end.
49. Select the pair which has the same relationship:

Salsa: Dance
a. Aluminium: Metal b. Watch: Time

c. School: Teacher d. Water: Thirst
50. Read the statement and identify the correct term:

Migration of a population from populated towns and cities to low-density residential
development over more and more rural land is known as ________.
a. migration b. immigration
c. rural-urban fringe d. urban sprawl

Answer Key
Chapter 1: Synonyms and Antonyms
1. d 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. c 6. d 7. d 8. a 9. c 10. d
11. b 12. b 13. c 14. d 15. b 16. d 17. c 18. d 19. b 20. d
Chapter 2: Analogies and Spellings

1. d 2. b 3. c 4. a 5. b 6. d 7. b 8. a 9. c 10. b
11. a 12. b 13. d 14. b 15. a 16. b 17. c 18. a 19. c 20. c
Chapter 3: One Word Substitution

1. b 2. d 3. c 4. d 5. a 6. b 7. c 8. b 9. a 10. b
11. a 12. c 13. a 14. b 15. c 16. d 17. b 18. d 19. a 20. c
Chapter 4: Nouns and Pronouns

1. b 2. d 3. c 4. a 5. b 6. c 7. b 8. c 9. b 10. a
11. b 12. a 13. c 14. d 15. a 16. b 17. a 18. c 19. b 20. a
Chapter 5: Verbs
1. b 2. d 3. c 4. a 5. c 6. b 7. d 8. a 9. b 10. a
11. c 12. d 13. c 14. b 15. a 16. c 17. b 18. a 19. c 20. a
Chapter 6: Adjectives and Adverbs

1. c 2. b 3. b 4. c 5. c 6. a 7. d 8. d 9. b 10. d
11. c 12. d 13. c 14. b 15. a 16. b 17. b 18. a 19. d 20. a
Chapter 7: Articles and Prepositions

1. a 2. c 3. d 4. b 5. d 6. d 7. a 8. c 9. a 10. b
11. a 12. b 13. d 14. d 15. a 16. c 17. c 18. a 19. b 20. c
Chapter 8: Conjunctions and Determiners

1. b 2. c 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. a 7. a 8. d 9. a 10. c
11. b 12. c 13. d 14. c 15. b 16. a 17. d 18. c 19. d 20. c

Answer Key
Chapter 9: Jumbled Words

1. b 2. a 3. c 4. b 5. d 6. a 7. b 8. d 9. a 10. c
11. b 12. a 13. b 14. d 15. c 16. b 17. d 18. a 19. c 20. b
Chapter 10: Punctuation

1. b 2. a 3. d 4. c 5. d 6. c 7. a 8. b 9. c 10. a
11. b 12. d 13. c 14. d 15. b 16. d 17. a 18. b 19. d 20. a
Chapter 11: Tenses

1. d 2. a 3. d 4. b 5. c 6. a 7. b 8. a 9. d 10. c
11. b 12. d 13. b 14. c 15. a 16. b 17. a 18. d 19. c 20. a
Chapter 12: Vocabulary, Voice and Narration

1. a 2. c 3. d 4. c 5. b 6. b 7. c 8. c 9. a 10. b
11. c 12. b 13. a 14. b 15. a 16. c 17. d 18. c 19. b 20. d
Chapter 13: Information Retrieval

1. b 2. a 3. c 4. a 5. d 6. b 7. b 8. c 9. d 10. c
11. c 12. a 13. a 14. b 15. d 16. c 17. b 18. d 19. a 20. b
21. b 22. c 23. b 24. d 25. d 26. a 27. b 28. c 29. a 30. c
Chapter 14: Spoken and Written Expressions

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

1. b 2. c 3. b 4. d 5. b 6. c 7. c 8. a 9. a 10. c
11. b 12. b 13. b 14. a 15. a 16. d 17. a 18. c 19. c 20. d
21. b 22. d 23. b 24. d 25. a 26. b 27. c 28. a 29. d 30. d
31. d 32. c 33. b 34. d 35. c 36. c 37. a 38. d 39. b 40. a
41. d 42. b 43. b 44. c 45. c 46. a 47. b 48. d 49. a 50. d

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Contents

1. Synonyms and Antonyms .......................................................................................... 5

2. Analogies and Spellings .......................................................................................... 11

3. One Word Substitution ............................................................................................ 15

4. Nouns and Pronouns............................................................................................... 21

6. Adjectives and Adverbs ........................................................................................... 37

7. Articles and Prepositions ......................................................................................... 43

8. Conjunctions and Determiners ................................................................................ 50

9. Jumbled Words ....................................................................................................... 54

10. Punctuation ............................................................................................................. 57

11. Tenses .................................................................................................................... 63

12. Vocabulary, Voice and Narration ............................................................................. 67

13. Information Retrieval ............................................................................................... 75

14. Spoken and Written Expressions ............................................................................ 83

15. Previous Year Paper (2021-22) ............................................................................... 86

16. Answer Key ............................................................................................................. 95

Look at the sentences given below:

Some more examples of synonyms include*:

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Some more examples of antonyms*:

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Some more examples of Homophones are*:

i. The office has a new address.

1. They are very cordial in their approach.

2. John was inspired by a number of heroic tales.

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3. I have never seen such a magnificent building.

4. It was a very unpleasant situation.

6. She has always been appreciative of our efforts.

7. There was absolute silence in the hall.

8. His victory seemed absolutely effortless.

9. It is futile to conceal your malice as your concern.

10. Which of these is not an antonym of the word in bold?

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11. This is a very _________ surface.

12. She asked him not to sit _______.

13. The rabbit was digging a _______.

14. She had put on a ______.

15. The car was ______ away.

16. Due to indiscriminate hunting, the species is likely to _______.

17. You should _________ with absolute confidence.

18. There is no ______ in asking the question.

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Study the following analogy:

Some of the most commonly misspelt words include:

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1. Yen is to Japan as rouble is to__________.

a. The United Kingdom b. Mexico

3. Ability is related to competence as enchanting is related to ________.

4. Noisy is related to quiet as pleasant is related to _________.

5. Valuable is related to most valuable as cheap is related to________.

a. most cheap b. cheapest

6. Finch is to bird as cricket is to sport.

a. Cause and effect b. Object/Action

7. Scribble: Write:: Stammer:?

8. Rain is to drench as sunshine is to dry.

a. Cause and effect b. Part to whole

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9. Actor is to act as painter is to paint.

a. Problem/Solution b. Cause and effect

10. Sleep is to tired as water is to thirsty.

a. Cause and effect b. Problem/Solution