Identifying Sentence Problems

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. By the time Julia Roberts was 23, she had won two academy award nominations, she had also become the world's most popular female actress.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answerc

2. Since then, Roberts has appeared in fourteen films. Most recently, "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "The Conspiracy Theory."
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answera

3. She didn't plan to become an actress. She wanted to be six feet tall. She wanted to be a veterinarian. She wanted to be happy and make others happy.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answerd

4. Although Julia Roberts has had much professional success. Her personal life has been troubled with several failed relationships.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answera

5. Julia Roberts lives in Manhattan, not far from the apartment she once shared with her sister in Greenwich Village.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answere

6. She came to New York when she was seventeen. Because her older sister lived there and she was influenced by her sister.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answera

7. Roberts was raised in Georgia. Her parents ran a theater school there. Her sister and brother are also actors. The family was always short of money.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answerd

8. When Julia was four years old, her parents divorced. After eighteen years of marriage.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answera

9. Julia and her sister lived with their mother. Their brother stayed with their father. Who died of cancer five years later.
   a. fragment
   b. run on
   c. comma splice
   d. choppy
   e. correct
   Answera

10. In high school, Julia found classwork boring, she didn't know how to be a good student.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answerc

11. After she graduated from high school, Julia worked in a shoe store while auditioning for acting jobs. Though didn't get hired for a year.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answera

12. In 1990, "Pretty Woman" became a smash hit her natural gift for this type of comedy brought her a nomination for Best Actress.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answerb

13. Julia Roberts was engaged to Keifer Sutherland in 1991. Three days before the wedding, she changed her mind and canceled everything.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answere

14. The singer-actor Lyle Lovett is ten years older than Julia she married him in 1993 but split up after less than two years.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answerb

15. "Stepmom" is Julia Robert's new movie. It is a family drama. It co-stars Susan Sarandon. Ed Harris is also a co-star.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answerd

16. Currently, Julia is dating Benjamin Bratt. Who plays a detective on the TV series, "Law and Order."
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answera

17. Roberts says that she enjoys getting older and is content with her life experiences.
    a. fragment
    b. run on
    c. comma splice
    d. choppy
    e. correct
    Answere

Copyright (C) 1999

Find the Missing Word

Find the Missing Word

One word is missing in each sentence. Find this word, then click on the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. When visitors come, don't forget keep these chipped dishes out of sight.
   Answer When visitors come, don't forget to keep these chipped dishes out of sight.
2. The car wasn't a success, so they decided to work a new model.
   Answer The car wasn't a success, so they decided to work on a new model.
3. The books used in our school published in the USA.
   Answer The books used in our school were published in the USA. The books used in our school are published in the USA.
4. If you don't know the meaning of a word, look up in the dictionary.
   Answer If you don't know the meaning of a word, look it up in the dictionary.
5. She was little late, but still in time for the closing session.
   Answer She was a little late, but still in time for the closing session.
6. Young boy finally plucked up courage to invite his beautiful classmate to dinner.
   Answer The young boy finally plucked up courage to invite his beautiful classmate to dinner.
7. You shouldn't live memories of your childhood.
   Answer You shouldn't live on memories of your childhood.
8. The girl was dressed in blue head to foot.
   Answer The girl was dressed in blue from head to foot.
9. When they looked through the window, saw a boy hiding behind a tree.
   Answer When they looked through the window, they saw a boy hiding behind a tree.
10. Don't fill the glasses to brim.
    Answer Don't fill the glasses to the brim.

Keyboard Symbols and Punctuation Marks

What are these symbols?
Click the answer button to see the answer.

Look at the keys across the top of the computer keyboard.

1. ~ This is called a ___.
   Answertilde

2. ` This is called a ___.
   Answergrave or grave accent

3. ! This is called an ___.
   Answerexclamation mark

4. @ This symbol means ___.
   Answerat

5. # This symbol means ___.
   Answernumber

6. $ This is called a ___.
   Answerdollar sign

7. % This symbol means ___.
   Answerper cent

8. ^ This symbol is called a ___.
   Answercaret or circumflex

9. & This symbol is called an ___ and means ___.
   Answerampersand - and

10. * This symbol is called an ___.
    Answerasterisk

11. ( ) These two marks are called ___.
    Answerparentheses

12. - This is called a ___.
    Answerhyphen

13. + This symbol is called a ___.
    Answerplus sign

14. = This symbol is called an ___.
    Answerequal sign

Look around the computer keyboard.

1. { } These marks are called ___.
   Answerbraces

2. [ ] These marks are called ___.
   Answerbrackets

3. : This is called a ___.
   Answercolon

4. ; This is called a ___.
   Answersemicolon

5. " " These marks are called ___.
   Answerquotation marks or quotes

6. " " In British English, these marks are called ___.
   Answerinverted commas

7. ' This is called an ___.
   Answerapostrophe

8. , This is called a ___.
   Answercomma

9. . This is called a ___.
   Answerperiod

10. . In British English, this is called a ___.
    Answerfull stop

11. ... Three periods together are called an ___.
    Answerellipsis

12. ? This is called a ___.
    Answerquestion mark

13. / This is called a ___.
    Answerforward slash or virgule

14. \ This is called a ___.
    Answerback slash

15. < > These marks are called ___.
    Answerangle brackets

(C) 1999 Nevitt Reagan

Suffixes

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Which of the following words cannot use the suffix -ful?
   a. color-
   b. doubt-
   c. hope-
   d. joy-
   e. value-
   Answere
2. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ive?
   a. conclus-
   b. decis-
   c. impress-
   d. reduct-
   e. reveal-
   Answere
3. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ial?
   a. commerc-
   b. debat-
   c. mart-
   d. part-
   e. spac-
   Answerb
4. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ure?
   a. clos-
   b. depart-
   c. fiss-
   d. lect-
   e. polit-
   Answere
5. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ion?
   a. collect-
   b. correct-
   c. exhaust-
   d. predict-
   e. put-
   Answere
6. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ance?
   a. allow-
   b. brief-
   c. deliver-
   d. repent-
   e. vigil-
   Answerb
7. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ness?
   a. cheerful-
   b. dark-
   c. gentle-
   d. honest-
   e. small-
   Answerd
8. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -ward?
   a. down-
   b. for-
   c. heaven-
   d. home-
   e. house-
   Answere
9. Which of the following cannot use the suffix -less?
   a. care-
   b. fear-
   c. grand-
   d. power-
   e. thought-
   Answerc

(C) 1997 by Jim J. Johnson

Homophones

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. You reap what you ___.
   a. sew
   b. so
   c. sow
   Answerc

2. The heart is a ___ of love.
   a. symbol
   b. cymbal
   Answera

3. Put that into the ___ cabinet.
   a. file
   b. phial
   Answera

4. Frank and ___ are best friends.
   a. earnest
   b. Ernest
   Answerb

5. Love made my heart ___ like an eagle.
   a. soar
   b. sore
   Answera

6. Grandfather was a ___ and hearty man.
   a. hail
   b. hale
   Answerb

7. They say that ___ comes before a fall.
   a. pride
   b. pried
   Answera

8. What have you ___ that is so frightening?
   a. scene
   b. seen
   Answerb

9. They say that ___ going to get colder this week.
   a. its
   b. it's
   Answerb

10. The coat might be ___ but it is not poorly made.
    a. cheap
    b. cheep
    Answera

11. For heaven's sake ___ be glad to have you stay with us.
    a. weed
    b. we'd
    Answerb

12. The cracks in the ___ were made by the weight of the chandelier.
    a. ceiling
    b. sealing
    Answera

13. The fraction that is calculated for an angle by dividing the length of the opposite side is the "___".
    a. sign
    b. sine
    Answerb

14. An Arab prince or chief is called a ___.
    a. shake
    b. sheik
    Answerb

15. Where can you ___ flannel shirts?
    a. buy
    b. by
    Answera

16. A delicious fruit is the French ___.
    a. pear
    b. pair
    Answera

17. Harry carried his golf ___ in his hip pocket.
    a. tease
    b. tees
    Answerb

18. Birds catch worms that come out with the morning ___.
    a. dew
    b. do
    c. due
    Answera

19. She had her first cup of ___ when she was three.
    a. tea
    b. tee
    Answera

20. Give me a new ___ of socks.
    a. pear
    b. pair
    Answerb

Copyright (C) 1998 Donna Tatsuki

More Homophones

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. If the traffic is jammed, why don't you take another ___.
   a. root
   b. route
   Answerb

2. He ___ constantly about the expense of those dinners.
   a. wind
   b. wined
   c. whined
   Answerc

3. I hate to ___ the subject but have you ever considered moving out?
   a. broach
   b. brooch
   Answera

4. Velvet has a soft ___.
   a. knap
   b. nap
   Answerb

5. I hear it all the ___.
   a. time
   b. thyme
   Answera

6. Do you want to go ___?
   a. higher
   b. hire
   Answera

7. She ___ kisses to her lover.
   a. blew
   b. blue
   Answera

8. I was ___ to obey my elders.
   a. taught
   b. taut
   Answera

9. What ___ of shoes do you wear?
   a. sighs
   b. size
   Answerb

10. What ___ you like for breakfast?
    a. wood
    b. would
    Answerb

11. This ___ is about traffic safety.
    a. lessen
    b. lesson
    Answerb

12. The ___ rushed in and covered the beach.
    a. tide
    b. tied
    Answera

13. Only ___ can make my life complete.
    a. ewe
    b. you
    c. yew
    Answerb

14. The ___ bear is a very dangerous animal.
    a. grisly
    b. grizzly
    Answerb

15. His ___ attention was focused on the film.
    a. rapt
    b. wrapped
    Answera

16. The ___ shop sold dress, veils and flowers.
    a. bridal
    b. bridle
    Answera

17. The ___ shop sold saddles, spurs and cowboy hats.
    a. bridal
    b. bridle
    Answerb

18. That ___ has been in the river for hundreds of years.
    a. weir
    b. we're
    Answera

19. The ___ character in the play is a middle-aged widow.
    a. principal
    b. principle
    Answera

20. Jerry ___ so much syrup over his pancakes that you can hardly see the plate.
    a. pores
    b. pours
    Answerb

Copyright (C) 1998 Donna Tatsuki

Correct the Mistake

One word is wrong in each sentence. Find this word, then click on the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. I eat Japanese food for lunch yesterday.
   AnswerI ate Japanese food for lunch yesterday.

2. I will borrow you $100.
   AnswerI will lend you $100.

3. He's hobbies are listening to music and fishing.
   AnswerHis hobbies are listening to music and fishing.

4. Two of my sister are students.
   AnswerTwo of my sisters are students.

5. She don't like taking a trip with her family.
   AnswerShe doesn't like taking a trip with her family.

6. My father name is John Kelly.
   AnswerMy father's name is John Kelly.

7. Please borrow me your car.
   AnswerPlease lend me your car.

8. At the second floor of my house is my bedroom.
   AnswerOn the second floor of my house is my bedroom.

9. I want to visit Europe, but I don't decided when to go.
   AnswerI want to visit Europe, but I haven't decided when to go.

Copyright (C) 1996 by Lucy Kelly

Common Mistakes

How would you fix these mistakes? Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. He speaks well Germany.
   Answer He speaks German well. He speaks good German.

2. I said him he had done a mistake.
   Answer I told him he had made a mistake. I told him that he had made a mistake. I said to him that he had made a mistake.

3. He travelled with boat and arrived to Helsinki yesterday.
   Answer He travelled by boat and arrived in Helsinki yesterday. He went to Helsinki by boat and arrived yesterday.

4. She is a too clever woman to stay in a so boring job.
   Answer She is too clever a woman to stay in such a boring job. She is too clever to stay in such a boring job.

5. In last years the Finnish economy has improved markedly.
   Answer The Finnish economy has improved noticeably recently. During recent years, the Finnish economy has improved noticeably. During the last few years, the Finnish economy has improved markedly.

6. Never I have seen such an excited film.
   Answer Never have I seen such an exciting film. I have never seen such an exciting film.

7. We arrived to Stockholm for two hours ago.
   Answer I arrived at Stockholm (the harbour) two hours ago. I arrived in Stockholm two hours ago.

8. The news are in the television soon.
   Answer The news will be on (TV) soon. The news is coming soon. The news will be coming soon.

9. I will another cup of coffee, please.
   Answer I'd like another cup of coffee, please. Another (cup of) coffee, please. May/Can I have another cup of coffee, please? Could I have another cup of coffee, please?

10. What means gibberish please?
    Answer What does gibberish mean, please? Could/Can/Will you tell me what gibberish means, please?

11. In spite of he was tired,his wife made him to wash dishes.
    Answer In spite of his/him being tired, his wife made him wash the dishes. In spite of the fact that he was tired, his wife made him wash the dishes.

12. He is living by his aunt on the country.
    Answer He is staying (for a while) with his aunt in the country. He is staying at his aunt's (place)in the country. He is living (permanently) with his aunt in the country.

13. I was given lots of advices about buying new furnitures.
    Answer I was given lots of advice about buying new furniture. I was given a lot of advice about buying new furniture

14. I could not be without laughing when he explained it me.
    Answer I couldn't help laughing when he explained it to me.

15. He got married with a Swedish in last year.
    Answer He got married to a Swedish girl last year. He got married to a Swede last year. He married a Swedish girl/woman last year.

16. She is waiting now her second child.
    Answer She is now expecting her second child.(She is pregnant) She is expecting her second child now.(She is pregnant) --The following answers are possible, but not very usual.-- She is waiting for her second child now. (The first one has finally arrived, e.g. home from school) She is now waiting for her second child. (The first one has finally arrived, e.g. home from school)

17. They have spared carefully their money.
    Answer They have saved their money carefully.

18. They are living there during six months.
    Answer They have been living there for six months. They have lived there for six months

19. Are you still interesting to do a trip to Lapland.
    Answer Are you still interested in doing a trip to Lapland? Are you still interested in taking a trip to Lapland? Are you still interested in going to Lapland?

20. The city of Tampere is full of fabrics, though it is surrounded by some lovely nature.
    Answer The city of Tampere is full of factories, but the surroundings are beautiful. The city of Tampere is full of factories; the surroundings are beautiful though. The city of Tampere is full of factories, though the surroundings are beautiful.

21. The company was grounded in 1903.
    Answer The company was established in 1903. The company was founded in 1903

22. There are many cheap things at the realisations in the warehouses behind the corner.
    Answer There are many cheap things at the sales in the department store around the corner.

23. In near future I shall be going to abroad in every case.
    Answer In the near future I shall be going abroad anyway. I shall be going abroad in any case in the near future

24. In Finland we are used to live in a cold climate.
    Answer In Finland, we are used to living in a cold climate. We Finns are used to living in a cold climate.

25. We shall not go unless we shall be asked.
    Answer We won't go unless we're asked. We won't go unless we are asked.

26. Between you and I, I think his plan is crazy.
    Answer Between you and me, I think his plan is crazy.

27. Thank you for everything.You have been the most generous.
    Answer Thank you for everything. You have been most generous.

28. I can a little Swedish.
    Answer I know a little Swedish. I understand a little Swedish. I can speak/write/read a little Swedish.

29. What do you like Finland?
    Answer How do you like Finland? What do you like about Finland? What do you think of Finland/Finnish people?

Copyright (C) 1997 by Ruth Vilmi

What's the Right Verb I?

Use the boxes on the left to write your choices.
Then click on the answer button to see if your answer is correct.

1. Can you ___ over to our place on Saturday? 2. Don't worry. The scandal will soon ___ over. 3. It's been hard for her to ___ over the loss of her husband. 4. Who will ___ over the company when the boss dies? 5. We must ___ over the applications before we hire someone. 6. You should have paid more attention not to let the milk ___ over. 7. A snowmobile isn't really stable. It might ___ over and hurt you badly. 8. Be strong! You can't ___ yourself over to despair.

a. give b. come c. take d. boil e. look f. turn g. get h. blow

Answers 1-b 2-h 3-g 4-c 5-e 6-d 7-f 8-a

What's the Right Verb II?

Use the boxes on the left to write your choices.
You can check your answers at the bottom of this page.

1. ___ out for that car, darling. 2. I can't remember whose name he asked me to ___ out. 3. Could he ___ out all the candles on his birthday cake. 4. If you make a mistake, just ___ it out. 5. I can't ___ out the meaning of this word. 6. Please ___ out this form before you enter the room. 7. The firemen finally ___ out the fire. 8. You can ___ it out before you buy it.

a. figure b. put c. fill d. watch e. leave f. try g. blow h. cross

See Answers 1-d 2-e 3-g 4-h 5-a 6-c 7-b 8-f

(C) 1998 Vera Mello

Bits and Pieces

Vocabulary Quiz

Make a choice by clicking on the radio button, then compare it with the correct answer hidden under the answer button.

1. Who judges points in a soccer match?
   a. a judge
   b. a referee
   c. a proctor
   Answerb
2. Which word means fortunate?
   a. genial
   b. lucky
   c. lively
   Answerb
3. Which word means behave badly?
   a. act up
   b. act out
   c. act on
   Answera
4. Which word completes the expression: "dead as a _____ nail".
   a. finger
   b. toe
   c. door
   Answerc
5. When you put in for a job, you are _____ .
   a. an applicant
   b. a customer
   c. a claimant
   Answera
6. When a person says: "I took it with a pinch of salt", he means:
   a. he ate it with some salt.
   b. he sprinkled the food with salt.
   c. he felt some doubt whether it was altogether true.
   Answerc
7. What is the person who pays rent called?
   a. an occupant
   b. a tenant
   c. a landlord
   Answerb
8. Which word does not mean lazy?
   a. idle
   b. inactive
   c. industrious
   Answerc

(C) 1997 Vera Mello

L or R?

L & R Minimal Pair Quiz

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Are phone calls cheaper ___ at night?
   a. late
   b. rate
   Answera
2. The evening prayer begins "Now I ___ me down to sleep".
   a. lay
   b. ray
   Answera
3. Home owners are advised to ___ their doors at all times.
   a. rock
   b. lock
   Answerb
4. That oak-paneled door is as solid as a ___.
   a. rock
   b. lock
   Answera
5. I am sorry to ___ behind but I am too tired to keep up.
   a. lag
   b. rag
   Answera
6. Use a ___ to wipe the dirt from your shoes.
   a. lag
   b. rag
   Answerb
7. The ___ in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
   a. rain
   b. lain
   Answera
8. Light the kerosene___ before you go outside.
   a. lamp
   b. ramp
   Answera
9. Use a ___ to move heavy objects from one level to another.
   a. lamp
   b. ramp
   Answerb
10. Please sit on my ___.
    a. rap
    b. lap
    c. wrap
    Answerb
11. Instead of saying "Let"s talk" one can say "Let's ___".
    a. rap
    b. lap
    c. wrap
    Answera
12. To save money and resources ___ packages in newspapers.
    a. rap
    b. lap
    c. wrap
    Answerc
13. A dangerous disease carrier is the common ___.
    a. rat
    b. lat
    Answera
14. I will see you ___, after I finish work.
    a. later
    b. rater
    Answera
15. Purple is considered a ___ color, the color of Kings.
    a. loyal
    b. royal
    Answerb
16. I would ___ be healthy than rich, but both would be nice.
    a. lather
    b. rather
    Answerb
17. Work up a good ___ with the soap before you rinse.
    a. lather
    b. rather
    Answera
18. It is against the ___ for teenagers to smoke and drink.
    a. law
    b. raw
    Answera
19. Stop! You are going the ___ way on a one-way street!
    a. wrong
    b. long
    Answera
20. This is the ___ way to the library but I know how to go there.
    a. wrong
    b. long
    Answera

(C) 1998 Donna Tatsuki

Lie or Lay?

Make a choice by clicking on the radio button, then compare it with the correct answer hidden under the answer button.

1. He was ___ when he said that he didn't see anyone there.
   lying
   laying
   Answer lying
2. She ___ about her experience in order to get that job.
   lay
   lied
   laid
   Answer lied

You'll feel much better if you just ___ down and rest for a while.
lie
lay
Answer lie

He ___ the books on the table.
lied
lay
laid
Answer laid

The hens aren't ___ any eggs this week.
lying
laying
Answer laying

Why did they ___ so many employees off at that company last year ?
lay
lie
Answer lay

He___ a serious charge against his employer.
has lied
has laid
has lain
Answer has laid

What I did ___ heavily on my conscience ever since.
has lain
has laid
has lied
Answer has lain

The solution ___ with you.
lies
lays
Answer lies

Remember lie, lied, lied ( tell a lie)lie, lay, lainlay, laid, laid

(C) 1997 Vera Mello

Connecting Words

Choose the connecting word that completes the
sentences meaningfully. Then check your answer.

1. I don't know ___ you want to meet that lady. She's such a snob.
   that
   why
   when
   Answerwhy
2. He looks ___ he were sick.
   even if
   even though
   as if, as though
   Answeras if, as though

He asked ___ he could smoke a cigarette.
whether, if
what
that
Answerwhether, if

He insists ___ I be there.
if
that
as if
Answerthat

He punished the little boy ___ put salt in his coffee.
who
which
whenever
Answerwho, that

It was raining hard ___ we left the office.
where
when
although
Answerwhen

He'll have the work done ___ that you arrive.
when
after
by the time
Answerby the time

___ I was saying, how many of you want to attend the conference?
As
So
For
AnswerAs

He must be rich, ___ he spends a lot of money on gifts for his girlfriend.
but
for
in order to
Answerfor

We have been having problems with the heater ___ we bought it.
when
while
since
Answersince

___ he said did not please us.
That
Which
What
AnswerWhat

I liked the car, ___ I bought it.
so
for
even so
Answerso

The picture ___ is hanging over my bed was painted by an art student.
which
who
whom
Answerthat, which

Her parents will be very happy ___ she passes with flying colors.
so that
if
though
Answerif

(C) 1997 Vera Mello

The "Mother" Quiz

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. ___ is the mother of good luck.
   a. Diligence
   b. Experience
   c. Intelligence
   d. Arrogance
   Answera

2. ___ is the mother of wisdom.
   a. Diligence
   b. Experience
   c. Intelligence
   d. Necessity
   Answerb

3. ___ is the mother of invention.
   a. Diligence
   b. Experience
   c. Intelligence
   d. Necessity
   Answerd

4. He that would the ___ win, must with the mother first begin.
   a. battle
   b. argument
   c. lottery
   d. daughter
   Answerd

5. "Like mother, like daughter" means ___.
   a. If you admire the mother you will also admire the daughter.
   b. Daughters tend to do the same things as their mothers.
   Answerb

6. "Tied to one's mother's apron strings" means ___.
   a. A person likes cooking.
   b. A person has a fetish for his or her mother's clothing.
   c. A person is dependent on his or her mother.
   d. A person has very strict ideas about what is proper behavior.
   Answerc

7. "Every mother's son (of someone)" means ___.
   a. Absolutely everyone with no exception
   b. Anyone who is underage
   c. All who are immature
   d. Anyone who is living at home
   Answera

8. "Old enough to be someone's mother" means ___.
   a. A person is as old as someone's parents (too old for a relationship).
   b. A person is old enough to have children.
   c. A person is well matched emotionally with another person.
   d. A person ought to act more mature.
   Answera

9. Children are the ___ that hold a mother to life. (Sophocles)
   a. stitches
   b. anchors
   c. pillars
   d. glue
   Answerb

10. Every beetle is a gazelle in the ___ of its mother. (Moorish Proverb)
    a. mind
    b. view
    c. eyes
    d. heart
    Answerc

11. A ___ son is the heaviness of its mother. (Bible, Proverbs)
    a. foolish
    b. friendly
    c. frank
    d. fiendish
    Answera

12. The ideal mother, like the ideal ___ is fiction.(Milton B. Sapirstein, Paradoxes of Everyday Life, 1955)
    a. house
    b. job
    c. marriage
    d. vacation
    Answerc

13. A mother is glad to get the loveliest child ___. (Emerson)
    a. dressed
    b. ready
    c. home
    d. asleep
    Answerd

14. No woman can call herself ___ unless she can choose consciously whether she will or will not be amother. (Margaret Sanger, Parade, Dec.1, 1963)
    a. happy
    b. open
    c. free
    d. modern
    Answerc

15. What mother sings to the cradle goes all the way ___ to the coffin. (Henry Ward Beecher, Proverbsfrom Plymouth Pulpit, 1887)
    a. down
    b. after
    c. on
    d. in
    Answera

16. Who takes the child by the ___ takes the mother by the heart. (Danish Proverb)
    a. storm
    b. hand
    c. shirttails
    d. arm
    Answerb

17. Men are what ___ mothers made them. (Emerson)
    a. some
    b. other
    c. their
    d. many
    Answerc

18. Only mothers can think of the ___ because they give birth to it in their children. (Maxim Gorky)
    a. future
    b. past
    c. present
    d. possible
    Answera

19. Motherly love begins with oneness and ___ to separateness. (Erich Fromm)
    a. ends
    b. leads
    c. results
    d. depends
    Answerb

20. A motherless son is a fish ___low water. (Burmese Proverb)
    a. out
    b. over
    c. in
    d. on
    Answerc

Copyright (C) 1998 by Donna Tatsuki

Bits and Pieces

What's the Correct Word Order?

Click the answer button to see the correct answer.

1. a. beautiful
   b. to
   c. lady
   d. what
   e. young
   f. that
   g. happened
   h. ?
   AnswerWhat happened to that beautiful young lady?
2. a. how
   b. us
   c. waiting
   d. has
   e. long
   f. she
   g. been
   h. for
   i. ?
   AnswerHow long has she been waiting for us?
3. a. far
   b. gas
   c. is
   d. the
   e. how
   f. nearest
   g. it
   h. to
   i. station
   j. ?
   AnswerHow far is it to the nearest gas station?
4. a. didn't
   b. our
   c. come
   d. meeting
   e. to
   f. why
   g. you
   h. ?
   AnswerWhy didn't you come to our meeting?
5. a. tonight
   b. you
   c. come
   d. do
   e. guests
   f. how
   g. will
   h. many
   i. know
   j. ?
   AnswerDo you know how many guests will come tonight?
6. a. green
   b. cost
   c. much
   d. that
   e. vase
   f. how
   g. does
   h. Japanese
   i. ?
   AnswerHow much does that green Japanese vase cost?
7. a. I
   b. in
   c. may
   d. this
   e. room
   f. smoke
   g. ?
   AnswerMay I smoke in this room?
8. a. me
   b. you
   c. ride
   d. can
   e. give
   f. a
   g. ?
   AnswerCan you give me a ride?
9. a. break
   b. it
   c. we
   d. should
   e. before
   f. do
   g. coffee
   h. ?
   AnswerShould we do it before coffee break?
10. a. will
    b. here
    c. he
    d. when
    e. be
    f. again
    g. ?
    AnswerWhen will he be here again?

(C) 1998 Vera Mello

Correct or Incorrect use of preposition?

Click the answer button to see whether
the sentence is correct (c) or incorrect (i).

1. She's a very selfish person who doesn't show any consideration for others.
   Answerc
2. On our school the teachers' basic hourly rate was increased by 5%.
   Answeri (in,by)
3. When we said: "the time is over", the young girl glanced quickly on her watch.
   Answeri (at)
4. There's a fine of 25 cents a day at overdue library books.
   Answeri (of,on)
5. In the beginning of his career he had very little success.
   Answeri (at,of)
6. He forgot to consider the rise in the cost of living.
   Answerc
7. This ticket entitles you to a free meal in our new restaurant.
   Answerc
8. Why did the burden to bringing up her two brothers fall on her shoulders?
   Answeri (of)
9. When I came through the customs at the airport, I had to pay duty about an electric knife I had in my luggage.
   Answeri (on,in)
10. The botanist discovered some new specimens of flowers on that island.
    Answerc

(C) 1998 Vera Mello

Homophones - A homophone is a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning. The words may be spelled the same, such as rose and rose (past tense of "rise"), or differently, such as to, two, and too. Homophones that are spelled the same are also both homographs and homonyms.

Click the answer button to see the answer.

1. Things are not as they ___.
   a. seam
   b. seem
   Answerb
2. A type of corn is called ___.
   a. maize
   b. maze
   Answera
3. On the ___, he is a nice person.
   a. whole
   b. hole
   Answera
4. He ___ better but he did it anyway.
   a. knew
   b. new
   Answera
5. Always try to buy low and ___ high.
   a. sell
   b. cell
   Answera
6. Didn't you ___ me when I called you?
   a. hear
   b. here
   Answera
7. A rank lower than general is ___.
   a. colonel
   b. kernel
   Answera
8. Do not ___ in the affairs of other.
   a. medal
   b. meddle
   Answerb
9. Do you really ___ the money?
   a. knead
   b. kneed
   c. need
   Answerc
10. During the summer I work as a tour ___.
    a. guide
    b. guyed
    Answera
11. I will have a ___ sandwich on rye bread.
    a. stake
    b. steak
    Answerb
12. I told ___ not to go but he would not listen.
    a. him
    b. hymn
    Answera
13. His car broke down so he called for a ___ truck.
    a. toe
    b. tow
    Answerb
14. If you run a bear will chase and try to ___ you.
    a. mall
    b. maul
    Answerb
15. If you sleep with ___ hair you will catch a cold.
    a. wet
    b. whet
    Answera
16. A vein of gold in a mine is known as the mother ___.
    a. load
    b. lode
    Answerb
17. I want to ___ you for your delicious meal.
    a. complement
    b. compliment
    Answerb
18. He was not ___ to stay up later than 9:00 at night.
    a. allowed
    b. aloud
    Answera
19. My son has ___ 10 centimeters since this past summer.
    a. groan
    b. grown
    Answerb
20. He ___ flowers to his mother on Mother's Day.
    a. cent
    b. scent
    c. sent
    Answerc

(C) 1998 Donna Tatsuki

Grammar Basics

Click the answer button to see the answer. You may need a dictionary in some cases.

1. Beer is the world's best-selling ___ drink.
   a. alcohol
   b. alcoholic
   c. alcohols
   Answerb
2. The process of making beer is called ___ .
   a. beering
   b. brewsing
   c. brewing
   Answerc
3. The first recorded recipe ( ___ on clay tablets) seems to be one for making beer.
   a. write
   b. written
   c. wrote
   Answerb
4. The ___ ingredients used in making beer are malted grains, water, hops, and yeast.
   a. principal
   b. principle
   c. principles
   Answera
5. The most common grain ___ for beer-making is barley, but sometimes wheat, corn, or rice are also added.
   a. use
   b. uses
   c. used
   Answerc
6. Grain is malted by first soaking it in water, then allowing it to sprout, and finally drying it ___ stop the sprouting.
   a. in order to
   b. to order to
   c. into order to
   Answera
7. Hop cones add both flavor and aroma to beer; they are also good ___ .
   a. preserves
   b. preservatives
   c. preservations
   Answerb
8. In a process ___ fermentation, yeast changes sugar from the malted grain into alcohol.
   a. call
   b. calling
   c. called
   Answerc
9. Although the alcohol level in beer ___ ranges from 4-7%, it can go as high as 15%.
   a. usual
   b. unusual
   c. usually
   Answerc
10. The two most ___ styles of beer are lager and ale.
    a. common
    b. commons
    c. commonly
    Answera
11. Lager ___ about 150 years ago, and it is now the most popular style of beer.
    a. has developed
    b. was developed
    c. has been developed
    Answerb
12. However, in recent years, ale has been regaining ___ .
    a. popular
    b. population
    c. popularity
    Answerc
13. One difference between lager and ale ___ the kinds of yeast used in the fermentation process.
    a. lies in
    b. lies at
    c. lies on
    Answera
14. Another difference between these two ___ of beer is the temperature of the fermentation process.
    a. type
    b. types
    c. typicals
    Answerb
15. In addition, lager ___ lighter in color and body than ale.
    a. tends to be
    b. tend to be
    c. tends to have
    Answera
16. Most beer in the United States is made by big breweries, such as Anheuser-Busch and Miller; microbrew or "craft" beer ___ only 5-10% of all beer produced.
    a. account for
    b. accounts for
    c. count for
    Answerb
17. However, the rapid ___ in the number of microbreweries in the past 20 years means that the United States has a wider selection of beer styles than any other country.
    a. increasing
    b. increases
    c. increase
    Answerc
18. In Europe, one of the smallest countries, Belgium, produces the ___ variety of beer styles of all and is sometimes thought of as a "Disneyland" for beer drinkers.
    a. great
    b. greatest
    c. greater
    Answerb

Copyright (C) 1999 Nevitt Reagan

Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary

Hello there,
Les dejamos un ejercicio de comprensión de texto junto con un ejercicio de vocabulario vocabulario. La idea es que NO usen diccionario sino que puedan entender globalmente de que se trata. Requiere concentración, intuición linguística, and the best of your English,
It's challengeing, isn't it?

Kind regards,
Porfesores del CUI

EJERCICIO (desde acá)