Idioms
True or false?
If someone is the teacher’s pet, they are likely to receive special attention and praise from the teacher.
True
If you’re not taking things seriously and are just wasting time during a meeting, what are you probably doing?
messing around
Which modal verb would be used to talk about successful completion of an action in the past?
a) could
b) can
c) managed to
C) managed to
Which form would you use to describe a habit in the past that no longer happens in the present?
used to
In Finland, at what age do students typically begin primary school?
What is 7 years old?
Which idiom fits the best in this sentence?
Fill the blanks correctly.
Because I have already finished my project succesfully, I was able _______________ when she was struggling with her project."
to give someone a hand
"Because I have already finished my project successfully, I was able to give my friend a hand when she was struggling with her project."
I was able to _______ the new computer program quickly because of the training session.
pick up
True or false? Give your explanation.
"Can" and "could" are used for the same time period (present/past).
False.
"Can" is used for present ability, while "could" refers to past ability. "Could" is also used for hypothetical situations.
Which sentence correctly uses the past simple to describe a completed action in the past?
a) "I used to travel to Paris last year."
b) "I would travel to Paris last year."
c) "I travelled to Paris last year."
C) I travelled to Paris last year.
In Denmark, what is the name of the primary and lower secondary school that all children must attend from the age of 6?
What is "Folkeskole"?
This idiom means passing a test or challenge with great success.
Answer: What is "to pass with flying colours"
If you want to start studying seriously for your upcoming exam, you need to stop wasting time and ________ your revision.
get down to
True or false?
"Could" is used to express ability in the past, while "can" is used for ability in the present. However, "was able to" can also express past ability in specific situations.
True
Which sentence correctly uses "used to" to describe something that no longer happens?
a) "I used to go to the gym every day, but now I don’t have time."
b) "I would go to the gym every day, but now I don’t have time."
c) "I go to the gym every day, and I used to love it."
a) I used to go to the gym every day, but now, I don't have time.
- it emphasizes something that no longer happens
In the United Kingdom, what is the name of the exams that students typically take at the age of 18 to qualify for university admission?
What are A-levels?
Is this a correct use of the idiom?
"She knows the topic inside out, so she was able to explain it to the class effortlessly."
Yes, this is a correct use of the idiom "to know something inside out." It means she has a thorough and complete understanding of the topic.
Even though I had little time to study, I managed to _______ the final exam with a good grade.
get through
Finish the sentences with correct modals.
1) I was younger, I _______ ski really well, but now I’m not as confident.
2) Even though he didn’t have any experience, he _______ fix the car.
3) I _______ finish the assignment on time because I was in the hospital.
1) could
2) managed to
3) wasn't able to
True or false?
You can use "would" to talk about past states (like "I would be happy").
False
In China, what is the name of the final exam that students take after completing high school, which determines their eligibility for university?
What is the "Gaokao"?
Is this a correct use of the idiom?
"I was able to make a wild guess on the math exam and I passed with flying colours."
Explain why yes/no.
No, this is not a correct use of the idiom "make a wild guess." The idiom "make a wild guess" means to guess without enough information, usually when you're unsure. It doesn’t imply success. The sentence incorrectly suggests that making a wild guess led to passing with flying colours. The correct idiom for passing a test with great success is "pass with flying colours."
I haven’t played the piano in years, and now you want me to play at a concert? I'll have to ______________ my piano skills.
brush up
Explain the difference between "be able to" and "manage to"
"Be able to" is a more general expression used to describe ability or possibility. It refers to someone's general capacity to do something, whether it is in the present, future, or past. It's used when referring to an ability that is consistent or expected, not necessarily implying difficulty.
"Manage to" is often used when something is difficult or requires extra effort. It emphasizes that despite challenges or obstacles, the action was successfully completed. It often suggests that something was not easy to do.
Which sentence is correct? Explain why.
a) "When I was younger, I would like to swim every day."
b) "When I was younger, I used to like to swim every day."
c) "When I was younger, I liked to swim every day."
b) "When I was younger, I used to like to swim every day."?
Explanation: "Used to" is used for past habits, while "liked" is correct for a general past state.
In Japan, what are the names of the two types of institutions that provide early childhood education: one for children under 3 years old (childcare centers), and the other for children ages 3 to 6 (kindergartens)?
What are hoikuen and youchien?