Writing
Words
Grammar 1
Grammar 2
Grammar 3
Facts about America
Reading
100
The first and most important sentence in a paragraph is called what?
The topic sentence is the first and most important sentence in a paragraph because it tells the reader what the paragraph is discussing.
100
What do we call a word that is similar in meaning to another word, such as "mad" and "angry?"
A synonym is a word that means the same or almost the same as another word. They help us say the same thing in different ways. They make speaking and writing more interesting.
100
Connect the following two sentences with an appropriate conjunction: "Richard likes tea." "Richard prefers coffee."
Several possibilities exist. For example:
Although Richard likes tea, he prefers coffee.
Richard likes tea, but he prefers coffee.
100
What is the correct verb tense for the word missing in this sentence:
"Sarah (eat) _____________ breakfast at 6:00 every day."
The correct verb tense is "eats." This is the simple present tense, which is used to discuss things that are always true and habits.
100
What do we call a short question added to the end of a statement to check that the information is correct?
A tag question is used to check that information is correct.
100
What is the capital of the United States?
The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C.
100
When renting a home, what do we call the money paid by the tenant in advance to be used in case of damage to the home?
Money paid by a tenant in advance to be used in case of damage is called a "security deposit."
200
It is important to use a variety of sentences in writing. Name the three types of sentences.
Simple sentence
Compound sentence
Complex sentence
200
What do we call a word that is opposite in meaning to another word, such as "cold" and "hot?"
An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
200
This sentence is in direct speech: "Ask a question if you're not sure." Repeat this statement using indirect speech. ("He said ....")
"He said to ask a question if we're not sure."
200
What do we call a common error made by joining multiple thoughts in one sentence that is too long?
This is a run-on sentence that happens when two sentences are joined together incorrectly, without punctuation or a connecting word, or when too many thoughts are put into one very long sentence.
200
Correct the following sentence: "If she study, she will passed the test."
The correct sentence, using the future real conditional tense, is "If she studies, she will pass the test." The "if" clause is in the present simple test, and the "result" clause is in the future tense.
200
What is the American holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. It announced the separation of 13 British North American colonies from Great Britain. We celebrate this day on Independence Day, which is on July 4th every year.
200
What is the main cause of fires in the United States?
Cooking is the main cause of fires in the US. You should never leave the kitchen while the stove is on. IF food in your pan catches fire, put a lid on the pan. Teach your children not to touch anything on the stove.
300
Which sentence is the best topic sentence for a paragraph about learning English?
A) I study English on Monday and Wednesday.
B) Many people around the world speak English.
C) Learning English can open up many opportunities.
D) English grammar has many confusing rules.
C) Learning English can open up many opportunities.
This sentence tells the reader the subject of the paragraph.
300
Name three synonyms for the word "cold."
Possible synonyms for the word "cold":
chilly, freezing, icy, frosty, cool, frigid, nippy, bitter, wintry, raw, brisk, chilled, polar, snowy, coolish
300
This sentence is in direct speech: "Please don't wear jewelry on the job." Repeat this statement using indirect speech. ("She said ....")
"She said to not wear jewelry on the job."
300
In this sentence, "If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic." What is the verb tense used in the "if" clause?
Present simple.
300
What is the appropriate tag question for the following statement: "The plumber fixed the sink, _____?"
"The plumber fixed the sink, didn't he?"
300
What is the popular American sport that is played with a bat and a ball and is known as "America’s pastime."
Baseball.
300
Where is the safest place to be during an earthquake?
During an earthquake, the best strategy is to get under a piece of furniture. Practice "drop, cover, and hold on." Cover your head with one arm and hold onto something solid with the other arm. Stay in this position for a few minutes after the shaking stops as aftershocks are common.
400
What is a complex sentence? Provide an example.
A complex sentence contains both a dependent and an independent clause. There are many examples such as "Although I left the house on time, I was late due to a traffic accident."
400
What is a conjunction? Give three examples.
A conjunction is a word that connects (joins) words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. Examples: and, but, or, so, because yet.
Example: She was tired, but she finished her work.
400
What is the adverb clause in the following sentence: "The sky usually turns dark before a thunderstorm begins."
The adverb clause is "before a thunderstorm begins."
400
In this sentence, "While he was performing CPR, the ambulance arrived." What is the tense for the "while" clause?
The "while" clause is in the past continuous tense. The past continuous tense describes an activity that was in progress at the time another action happened.
400
What is the appropriate tag question for the following statement: "There isn't any damage in your apartment, ______?"
"There isn't any damage in your apartment, is there?"
400
What is the most watched American sporting event of the year that is held on a Sunday in February?
The Super Bowl
400
There are two types of crimes. Name them and indicate which is the more serious crime.
The two types of crimes are misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors are minor crimes for which a fine or a short jail sentence may result. Felonies are serious crimes and usually involve jail times of longer than one year.
500
Define an adverb and an adjective.
An adjective gives more information about a noun (such as a "happy student" or "three books") and an adverb describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb (such as "runs quickly," "arrived late," or "very tired."
500
Name three antonyms for the word "big."
Possible antonyms for the word "big" include:
small, tiny, little, mini, miniature, petite, minor, compact
500
Fill in the missing word with the appropriate gerund or infinitive:
"You should consider ______ (apply) for a promotion."
"You should consider applying for a promotion." Applying is a gerund and follows the pattern of verb + gerund. We use a gerund after verbs such as enjoy, discuss, finish, recommend, and consider.
500
Correct the following sentence: "She talked to the 911 dispatcher when the police were arriving."
"She was talking (past continuous tense) to the 911 dispatched when the police arrived (simple past tense)."
500
Fill in the blanks where needed," Yesterday, I went to ___ store and bought ___ apple, and ____ bottle of milk."
"Yesterday, I went to the store and bought an apple, and a bottle of milk."
500
What is the largest state in the United States?
Alaska is the largest state in the US. It is very big but has a small population. It is in the northwest next to Canada and is separate from the other 48 states. It is known for beautiful nature and wild animals.
500
In America, everyone has certain rights, including the right against unlawful search and seizure, that are guaranteed by what document?
The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the country and provides for certain rights available to every person in the country.
600
Explain the difference between an "independent" and "dependent" clause.
An "independent" clause has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can be a complete sentence. A "dependent" clause has a subject and a verb, but does not express a complete thought. It must be paired with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
600
Explain the meaning of "obligation," "expectation," and "permission."
An "obligation" is something that someone MUST do.
An "expectation" is something that someone is SUPPOSED or EXPECTED to do.
"Permission" is something someone is ALLOWED to do.
600
Identify an article, noun, pronoun, verb, preposition, and adjective in the following sentence: "She found a small cat hiding under the porch."
She - Pronoun Found / Hiding - Verb
A / The - Article Small - Adjective
Cat / Porch - Noun Under - Preposition
600
Identify an article, noun, pronoun, verb, preposition, and adjective in the following sentence: "The small cat followed her under the old table."
Article: The Adjective: small, old
Noun: cat, table Pronoun: her
Verb: followed Preposition: under
Adjective: old
600
Use the correct form of the verb in the following sentence to write a negative question: "___________________ (you/did clock in) yet?"
"Didn't you clock in yet?" We use negative yes/no questions to check information that we think is true.
600
What is the smallest state in the United States?
The smallest state is Rhode Island. It is only about 1,200 square miles but has many beaches and bays. It was one of the original 13 colonies in the US and was the first colony to declare independence from Britain.
600
Explain "points" on a license.
"Points on a license" are points you receive for traffic violations. If you get too many points, you may lose your license.
