Practical English Usage Book 3

PART1
Lesson Page
1 Nouns 1
2 Countable and Uncountable Nouns 4
3 Proper Nouns 9
4 Collective Nouns 11
5 Singular and Plural Nouns 14
6 Agreement ( 1) 21
7 Gender 27
8 Possession - Nouns, Adjectives and

Pronouns 32
9 Forming Nouns 38
10 Forming Verbs 43
11 Forms of the Verb 47
12 Present Continuous Tense

I
56
13 Simple Present Tense 60
14 Present Perfect Tense 64
15 Simple Past Tense 68
16 Past Continuous Tense 71
(iii)
Lesson Page
17 Past Perfect Tense 76
18 Simple Future Tense & 'Going to' Form 79
19 Future Continuous & Future Perfect Tenses 83
20 'Wish' followed by the Subjunctive 86
21 'Used (to)' 90 .
22 'Would rather' 93
23 'Have to', 'Must', 'Ought to', 'Should', etc. 97
24 Conditional Tenses (Present, Past and Past

Perfect) 104
25 Tense Sequence 111
26 Adjectives 117
27 Comparison of Adjectives 123
28 Forming Adjectives 127
29 Definite and Indefinite Articles 132
30 A, An, The, Some and Any 139
31 Adverbs 145
32 Comparison of Adverbs 153
33 Forming Adverbs 158

34 Pronouns - -Personal and Reflexive .162
35 Adverbial Clauses 166
36 Relative Pronouns 173
(iv)
Lesson Page
37 Joining Sentences 177

38 Conjunctions 181
39 More Conjunctions 184
40 Prepositions 188
41 More about Prepositions 192
42 Words Followed by Prepositions 200
43 Missing Words 204
44 Agreement (2) 208
45 Contractions 214
46 Positive and Negative Sentences 219

47 Question-tags 227
48 Question-words 231
49 Yes and No Answers + Expected Answers 236
50 Abbreviations 242
51 Punctuation 249
52 Indirect Statements 257
53 Indirect Questions 263
54 Antonyms 268
55 Synonyms 276
56 Word Substitution 282
(v)
'
Lesson
57
58
Homonyms
Rhyming Words
Page
287
292
'
59 Changing Statements into Questions 296
60 Active and Passive Voice 302
61 Idiomatic Phrases 308
62 Noun Clauses 314
63 Inchoative Verbs 319
64 Useful Lists of Words 323
PART2
Passage Page
1 A Surprise for Janet 335
2 Silly Kai Foo 336
3 When the Pen Was Invented 337
4 Saved by a Sewing-machine 338
5 The Missing Boy 339
6 Shopping for Cloth 341
7 The Hippopotamus 342
8 Mr Lim's Shop 343
9 The Clever Donkey 344
(vi)
Passage Page
10 .. Frogs for Dinner 345
11 The Tallest Man in the World 346
12 A Letter from Mother 347
13 The Dog That Wore the Victoria Cross 348
14 The City of Mud 350

15 Rules for the Cyclist 351
16 The Turtle Ceremony 352
17 The Great Bear 353
18 Not Guilty! 354
19 Liu 's Lucky Escape 355
20 Louis Pasteur 356
(vii)
NOUNS
Can you name all that you see in the pictures?

We can see a pool, a field, a dog, some trees, some birds, some boys and
some girls.
They are names of people, animals, places and things.
Such words are called nouns.
Nouns are called naming.words. They are the names of people, .

animals, plac~s and things.
1
NOUNS
EXERCISE 1 - NOUNS
Pick out the nouns in these sentences.
e.g. Most birds build their nests in trees.

Most birds build their nests in trees. - birds, nests, trees
1. The careless boy lost his pen.

2. I went to the market with my mother.
3. The girl fell down the stairs.
4. ls there any water in the vase?
5. We used to live in that house across the river.
6. My grandfather has an old car.
7. Cats love to eat fish.
8. I heard a noise in the middle of the night.
9. This dictionary consists of two thousand pages.
10. The typist can type sixty words in a minute.
11. The fishermen are drying their nets in the sun.
1 z. The scout jumped into the pond to save the child.
13. Cakes are made of flour, eggs, butter and sugar.
14. She received a present for her birthday from her aunt.
15. The robbers broke into the shop and took all the money.
EXERCISE 2 - NOUNS
Write down the names of six things you can see in these places.
1. A market 2. A street 3. Your classroom
4. The seaside 5. Your garden 6. The railway station
EXERCISE 3 - NOUNS
Fill in the blanks with the words in the box.
When .......... fell, the .; ........ came out of their .......... and gathered
in an open ............. 'in the centre of the ... ....... They lit the pile of ......... .
under a tall .. ........ Soon thick .......... rose high up into the sky. Then
some men, who had their .......... painted, danced wildly round in a ......... .
At the end of their .......... , they dipped their long ........... in a huge pot of
2
NOUNS
EXERCISE 4 - NOUNS
Fill in the blanks with suitable nouns.
e.g. She hung up the .......... on the ......... .

She hung up the picture on the wall.
1. Mice are afraid of·······~···

2. I left my books in the .. :....... .
3. The .......... rises _in the east and sets in the west.
4. The aeroplane flew· over the ......... .
5. The thief was chased by the .......... .
6. Those naughty boys threw a .......... and broke our window.
7. Susan is very fond of collecting ......... .
8. They crossed the ........... in a boat.
9. The guide took the ........... round the .......... .
10. Mother has put some ............ and .......... into the soup.
11. He wrote a ........... to his .......... .
12. The hunter shot the ........... with a ........... .
13. She ate a ........... and drank some ........... .
14. They walked across the ........... to the .......... .
15. The boys are playing ........... in the ........... ·
3
COUNTABLE AND
UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
a an
a few plenty of
many some
a lot of any
A a large nwnber of several
~ -
~-:-:..~
9=~= -~--~~.....
~
-~=::.;=~~
~ - ~ ~
a little a great deal of

much any
some plenty of
B
a large amount of a lot of
Look at the nouns in A and then in B.

We can count the nouns (books, boys, cars, etc.) in picture A.
We call them countable nouns.
Can we count the nouns (rice, butter, water, etc.) in picture B?
No, we can't.
Such nouns are called uncountable nouns.
C«>untable nouns are nouns which can be counted.

Uncountable nouns are those which cannot be counted.
The expressions given in each picture can be used with the nouns.
Which are the expressions that can be used with both countable and
uncountable nouns?
4
COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS
The expressions are a lot of, plenty of, some and any. A, an, many, a few
and a large number of are only used with countable nouns.
A little, much, a large amount of and a great deal of are used with un-
countable nouns .
•, The word's a, an, ma~y; aJew, a lot of; plenty of,,some, any, several
and a large number ofare used with countable nouns. A little, much.
some, any, plenty of, a lot of, a large amount of and a great deal of
are used with uncountable nouns.
EXERCISE 5 - COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Put a tick\/' for a countable noun and a cross 'X' for an uncountable
one. The first two are done for you.
l. boxes (✓) 11. flour ( ) 21. air ( )
2. chalk ( X) 12. bread ( ) 22. bees ( )
3. ink ( ) 13. pins ( ) 23. coffee ( )
4. bottles ( ) 14. coins ( ) 24. smoke ( )
5. butter ( ) 15. stones ( ) 25. mutton ( )
6. jam ( ) 16 . seeds ( ) 26. fish ( )
7. snakes ( ) 17. dirt ( ) 27. iron ( )
8. cotton ( ) 18. dust ( ) 28. news ( )
9. nails ( ) 19. rivers ( ) 29. medicine ( )
10. sugar ( ) 20. holes ( ) 30. grass ( )

Put in 'a' or 'an' where necessary. Do not write anything in the blanks if it
is not necessary.
e.g. .......... knife is made of .......... steel.

A knife is made of steel.
1. .. ........ book is made of .... ....... paper.

2. He is drinking ........... cup of tea and reading ... ....... newspaper.
3. She ate ......... orange and .... .. .... banana just now.
4. .. ........ barber is .......... man who cuts .......... hair.
5. I usuall y have ........... bread and .......... butter in the morning.
6. We must drink ............ water with ........... cup or ........... glass.
7. .. ......... cigarette is made of ... ........ tobacco and ........... paper.
8. .. ......... mutton is the meat of ........... goat.
9. Do you eat .. .. ...... meat on .......... Fridays?
5
10. We can live for ........... day without ........... water, but we cannot
live for .......... hour without .......... air.
11 . He drew ........... circle on ........... piece of ........... paper.
12. I must write this letter in ........ ... ink. Please lend me ......... .. pen.
13. There is ........... grain of ............ salt in this tin of ........... milk.
14. There is ........... leak in your roof. A few drops of ........... water are
dripping in.
15. There is no ........... smoke without ............ fire.

Fill in the blanks with 'many', 'much', 'a few' or 'a little'.
e.g. We have .......... eggs but not ........... flour.
We have many eggs but not much flour.
1. There has-not been ........... rain so there is only ...... ~ .... water in the
well.
2. I could not buy ............ mangoes in the market because there were
only ........... left.
3. I really haven't ......... money. I have only ........ coins in my pocket.
4.
5.
How ........... glasses were broken? I hope there were not .......... .
We haven't ..........· time to finish this work. We have only ......... ..
(
days left.
6. There are only ........... of us here. I don't think we can get ........ ..
work done.
7. There isn't .......... petrol in rny car. I don't think we can go on
for more than ........... miles. ·
8. He wants ........... ink and ........... pieces of paper.
9. ........... soap and ........... water should remove the stains from your
shirt.
IC. There were not ........... eggs to choose from, so I bought .......... .
which I thought were fresh.
11. Please may I have ........... biscuits? I didn't eat ........... rice just now
and I'm still hungry.
12. There were ........... people in the room but there were only ......... ..
chairs.
13. She has taken on1y ........... sweets from the box. I think there are
still ........... left.
14. Mr Lim caught ........... fish yesterday, so he gave ........... to his
neighbour.
15. Go and put ........... powder on your face but please don't take too
........... time because the bus will be here in just ............ minutes.
6

Fill in the blanks with 'a few', 'much', 'a little', or 'a lot of'. Remember
you must not use 'much' in a positive sentence. In such a case use 'a lot
of'.
e.g. I haven't .......... butter; but I have .......... bread.

I haven't much butter; but I have a lot of bread.
1. I shan't take .......... of your time. I have only ........... questions to

ask you.
2. I haven't ........... flour; but I have ........... rice.
3. It will take only ........... hours to finish the job. We have .......... .
men working on it.
4. In this country only ........... of us can speak Jap:rnese, but ......... ..
us can speak English.
5. He can't find M••······· time for swimming these days because he has
....... ... work to do.
6. Please give me ........... drops of ink. My pen is running dry. There
isn't .......... ink in it.
7. How .......... more money do you want? I thought I gave you ......... .
dollars just ..........• days ago.
· 8. My father will be back in just ........... while. Please wait here for
...... ..... minutes.
9 There isn't ........... sugar in this coffee. Could you please put . ......... .
more sugar in it?
I 10. We haven't .......... food to serve you; only ....... cheese and ....... bread.
11. The hospital is just ........... miles from here. I'm sure you can drive
there in ........... minutes.
12. Although there isn't ....... traffic in this street, there is still ........ dust.
13. Only .......... of the mangoes could be eaten ........... them had
gone bad.
14. He did not eat ........... food but he drank ............ water.
15. There is only ........... dirt on the shelf. It doesn't take ........... work
to clean it off.
EXERCISE 9- COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

Make the following sentences positive. Use 'a lot of' to replace 'many',
and 'a great deal of' to replace 'much' .
. e.g. She did not bring many things home.

She brought alot of things home.
7
1. He did not eat many durians.

2. She did not visit many places.
3. I did not spend much money.
4. They did not drink much wine.
5. There were not many people at the concert.
6. There was not much rain in October.
7. I shall not leave many things behind.
8. He will not have much time to finish the job.
9. Your father has not been reading many books.
10. You have not been doing much work.
11. There is not much space left in the room.
12. There are not many crocodiles in the river.
13. They did not catch many fish yesterday.
14. Mrs Lee has not stored up much sugar.
15. We have not picked many flowers from the garden.

Make these sentences negative by putting in 'not'. You must change 'some'
to 'any'.
e.g. I gave him some money two days ago.

I did not give him any money two days ago. (
l. She spilled some ink on the floor.
2. He bought some oranges for us.
3. I ate some cakes before I went to bed.
4. He drank some coffee before he went out .
5. There are some eggs in that nest.
6. There is some paper in the drawer.
7. There were some boxes in the room.
8. There were some girls at the football match. \
9. We shall buy some bread for tomorrow.
10. She will bring us some books tomorrow.
11. We shall see you sometime this evening.
12. He will have something to do tomorrow.
13 I have poured some oil into the frying-pan.
14. He put some paper in the drawer.
15. We met someone on the way home.
8
I
PROPER NOUNS
The picture shows a girl. My name is Lai Ying.

She is telling us her name.
It is Lai Ying.
'Lai Ying' is called a Proper Noun.
It is the special name of a person.
Animals, places and things have special
names too, e.g. Lassie, Singapore and
Parker.
These names are also called Proper
Nouns.
Special names given to a person, anirrtal,place orthing are called

Proper Nouns. P~oper· Nouns always begin with capital letters.
~.~ ~. ·:.
EXERCISE 11 - PROPER NOUNS

Write down the special names of the following.
I. Five countries 2. Five towns
3. Five rivers 4. Five boys or girls
5. Five animals 6. Five streets

Underline all the Proper Nouns in this passage.
Mr Lim has two daughters. Mei Fong, the eldest daughter, is a pupil
of the Marymount Convent School. She is sitting for her Cambridge
School Certificate Examination this year. She intends ·to go to England
to study nursing if she passes her examination. Her sister. Mei Ying. is only
a Primary Six pupil. She has to pass the Primary School Leaving Examina-
tion before she can continue her studies in the secondary school next year.
Mr Lim has promised to give her a new 'Seiko' watch if she passes the
examination.
9
PROPER NOUNS

Rewrite these sentences using capital letters for Proper Nouns.
.e.g. paul has a dog called blackie.

Paul has a dog called Blackie.
1. mr murray is the headmaster of driveway secondary school.

2. They are showing 'the night of terror' at the odeon cinema tonight.
3. chee seng and his friends went to katong park last evening. ·
4. He was born in bulim village on 8th april, 1955.
5. st. helena is an island in the atlantic ocean.
6. We stayed at the hilton hotel when we visited hong kong last month.
7. poh weng and poh hong are mr lim's sons.
8. My brother, john, is studying in the university of singapore.
9. daisy and maisie are ah chong's cows.
10. They often go for a swim at the river valley swimming pool on
sunday.
11. Is the 'haw par villa' anywhere near the national i:nuseum?
12. The 'seabird', which is sailing to sydney today, is under the command
of captain leong.
13. He flew off from the kai tak airport to australia in a qantas aircraft.
14. The empire state building in new york is the highest building in the
world.
15. mt. everest is a mountain in the himalayas which are situated to the
north of india.
10
COLLECTIVE NOUNS
Look at the underlined words in the pictures.

Such words are also nouns.
They are the names of a number of persons, animals or things grouped
together and spoken of as one whole.
Name all these nouns in the pictures.
They are 'army:, 'herd' and 'cluster'.
They are called Collective Nouns.
Study this list of Collective Nouns.
People
a company of actors a posse of policemen

a host of angels a school/cliw of pupils
a troupe of dancers a crew of sailors
a board of di,.rectors a horde of savages
a party of friends a staff of servants
a gang of labourers an army of soldiers
a bevy of girls; ladies a choir of singers
a bench of magistrates a crowd of spec ta tors
a band of musicians a staff of teachers
a tribe of natives a gang of thieves
a band of pilgrims a congregation of worshippers
11
COLLECTIVE NOUNS
a swarm of bees a troop of lions

a flock of birds a plague of locusts
a herd of buffaloes a nest of mice
a herd of cattle a troop of monkeys
a brood of chickens a team of oxen
a herd of elephants a litter of pups
a shoal of fish a nest of rabbits
a gaggle of geese a flock of sheep
a shoal of herring a flight of swallows
a stud of horses a school of whales
a swarm/plague of insects a pack of wolves
a litter of kittens
Things
a flight of aeroplanes a crate of fruit

a quiver of arrows a suite of furniture
a bunch of bananas a tuft of grass
a peal of bells a stack of hay
a library of books a group of islands
a batch of bread a fleet of motor-cars
a hedge of bushes a string of pearls
a pack of cards a collection of pictures
a set of china a bundle of rags
a packet of cigarettes a fleet of ships
a suit of clothes a skein of silk
a sheaf of corn a collection of stamps
a bale of cotton a cluster of stars
a cluster of diamonds a flight of steps
a chest of drawers a bundle of sticks
a clutch of eggs a heap/pile of stones
a hail of fire a set/kit of tools
a bouquet of flowers a clump of trees
EXERCISE 14 - COLLECTIVE NOUNS

Fill in each blank space with the correct Collective Noun in the box.
e.g. a .......... of geese a gaggle of geese
company · .chest bench pile cluster, stack · shoal brood

class bevy collection gaggle · flock bunch staff team
I
1. a .......... of pupils 3. a .......... of oxen
2. a .......... of hay 4. a .......... of diamonds
12
COLLECTIVE NOUNS
5. a .......... of actors 11. a .......... of birds

6. a ......... . of bananas 12. a .......... of stones
7. a .......... of drawers 13. a .......... of pictures
8. a .......... of chickens 14. a .......... of fish
9. a .......... ofservants 15. a .......... of ladies
10. a .... ...... of magistrates

Insert a suitable Collective Noun in each of the spaces.
I e.g. a .......... of mice a nest of mice
I. a .......... of wolves 9. a .......... of teachers

2. a .......... of bees 10. a .......... of furniture
3. a ....•..... of thieves 11. a .......... of steps
4. a .......... of sticks 12. a .......... of cotton
5. a ........ .. of islands 13. a .......... of tools
6. a .......... of singers 14. a .......... of savages
7. a .... .. .... of musicians 15. an .......... . of soldiers
8. a .......... of kittens 16. a .......... of sheep

FiU in the blanks with the correct Collective Nouns.
e.g. A .......... of ships has anchored at the harbour.
A fleet of ships has anchored at the harbour.
1. Our school has a large ...... .. .. of books of all kinds.

2. My father smokes a .......... of cigarettes every day.
3. The little girl presented Mrs Jones with a ... ..... .. of flowers.
4. In the evening a ........... of cars passed by my house.
5. Ah Soon returned with a new ........... of clothes.
6. A .......... of locusts destroyed the farmer's padi.
7. A .......... of labourers fought near the wharf.
8. There was a large ...... .... of spectators at the football match.
9. A .......... of cattle is grazing down in the valley.
10. He was greeted by a ...... .. .. of friends at the airport.
11. The gardener is trimming a ........... of bushes in the garden.
12. My brother has a fine .... ...... of stamps in his album.
I 3. Her father gave her a ........... of pearls for her birthday.
14. The captain and a ........... of sailors stood on the deck of the ship.
I 5. We saw a .......... of monkeys at the Botanic Gardens.
13
SINGULAR AND
PLURAL NOUNS
How many cars can you see in this picture?

We can only see one car.
The noun 'car' is a singular noun.
<·
How many cars are there in this picture?
There are more than one car in this picture.
There are four cars altoge,ther.
The noun 'cars' is a plural noun.
It is formed by adding '-s' to the singular noun 'car'.
There are other ways of forming plural nouns, such as by adding '-es',
'-ies', '-en', etc.
14
~NGULARANDPLURALNOUNS
Here is a list showing how plural nouns are formed. Study them carefully.
1. By adding -s.
boy boys uncle uncles
book books duck ducks
cat cats building buildings
river rivers apple apples
2. By adding -es to nouns ending in -s, -sh, -ch or -z.

class classes ash ashes
gas gases brush brushes
kiss kisses bush bushes
glass glasses dish dishes
church churches box boxes
watch watches tax taxes
match matches fox foxes
branch branches sex sexes
3. By adding -es to nouns ending in -o.

buffalo buffaloes echo echoes
mosquito ...... mosquitoes hero heroes
potato potatoes mango mangoes
tomato tomatoes negro negroes
4. By adding -s to some nouns ending in -o.

piano pianos dynamo dynamos
halo halos bamboo bamboos
radio radios banjo banjos
5. By changing-y into -ies.

baby babies story stories
lady ladies army armies
pony ponies fly flies
city cities cry cries
6. By adding -s to some nouns ending in -y.

key keys valley valleys
monkey monkeys day days
way ways boy boys
7. By changing-for -fe into -ves.

loaf loaves half halves
calf calves wolf wolves
leaf leaves life lives
shelf shelve_s wife wives
thief thieves knife knives
15
SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS
8. By just adding •s to some nouns ending in-for -fe.

chief ... . . . chiefs proof proofs
dwarf dwarfs roof roofs
g4lf gulfs reef reefs
hoof hoofs safe safes
9. By changing the inside vowels.

man men tooth teeth
goose geese foot feet
mouse mice woman women
louse lice
10. By adding -en.

ox ...... oxen child .. .... children
11. No change in plural forms.

sheep sheep swine swine
trout trout deer deer
cod cod salmon salmon
12. By adding -s to some unusual nouns. Note where the •sis placed.
brother-in-law brothers-in-law
son-in-law sons-in-law
mouse-trap mouse-traps
passer-by passers-by
maid-servant maid-servants
step-son step-sons
<laughter-in-law <laugh ters·in-law
man-of-war men-of-war
13. Some nouns are used only in the plural.

scissors spectacles pincers trousers
tongs measles shorts clothes
14. Some plural forms are only used in the singular.

news ma them a tics furniture traffic scenery
This list shows how pronouns and adjectives form their plural. Study
them well.
16
l
EXERCISE 17 ~ SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

Write down the singular of each of these words.
e.g. branches - branch
1. cities - 6. sheep - 11. pianos -

2. matches - 7. armies - 12. loaves -
3. mouse-traps - 8. geese - 13. knives -
4. children - 9. boxes - 14. glasses -
5. mosquitoes - 10. women- 15. days-
EXERCISE 18 - SINGULAR AND PLURAL NOUNS

Write down the plural of each of these words.
e.g. louse - lice
I. wife- 7. monkey- 13. roof-

2. face - 8. tomato - 14. tooth-
3. bush- 9. mouse - 15. son-in-law -
4. baby- 10. ox- 16. deer -
5. radio - 11. watch- 17. shelf -
6. valley- 12. thief - 18. passer-by -

Rewrite in the plural.
e.g. 1. This is a match. These are matches.

2. A dog is an.animal. Dogs are animals.
3. A cow has a tail. Cows have tails.
1. This is a potato.
17
2. That is an umbrella.
3. A crocodile is a reptile.
4. A fly is an insect.
- 5. A box has a lid.
6. Every bird has a beak. ·
7. An axe is made of steel.
8. That is a man's shoe.
9. A policeman wears a uniform.
10. A good knife does not rust easily.
l 1. Is this a capitalletter?
12. That is not my handkerchief.
13. This box is heavy.
14. I have finished my work.
15. An elephant is a big animal.

Rewrite these sentences, making the words in bold plural, and making
any other necessary changes. You should not make every noun plural -
that would be silly!
e.g. 1. There is a box in the corner.

There are some boxes in the comer.
2. Is there a knife on the table?
Are there any knives on the table?
1. There is a picture on the wall. (Use 'some')

2. Is there a picture on the wall? (Use 'any')
3. There i•s a.match in the box. (Use 'some')
4. Is there a match in the box? (Use 'any')
5. There is an elephant in the jungle. (Use 'some')
6. Is there an elephant in the jungle? (Use 'any')
7. There is a bottle of ink on the desk. (Use 'some')
8. Is there a box of chalk on the table? (Use'any')
9. There was a woman at the gate. (Use 'some')
10. Was there a woman at the gate? (Use 'any')
11. He drar.k a cup of tea just now. (Use 'a few')
12. Did he drink a cup of tea just now? (Use 'any')
13. Is your friend a postman? (Don't use 'any')
14. That isn't a worm; it's a snake. (Use aren't & they're}
15. This is a baby's cot. (Use babies')
18

Rewrite these sentences, making the words in bold plur~l, and making
any other changes.
e.g. This isn't my book; it's his.

These aren't our books; they're theirs.
1. That policeman is standing in front of him.

2. Her dog is walking beside her.
3. Is that ruler mine or hers?
' 4. I am washing my hands with soap and water.
5. This bag belongs to him.
6. That dress belongs to her.
7. Does that knife belong to me?
8. This isn't my ruler; it's hers.
9. That isn't his bicycle; it's mine.
10. I hurt myself while playing football.
11. She baked this cake herself.
12. Does he always look at _himself in the mirror?
13. He led his army towards.the city.
14. The boy did not know the answer.
15. The farmer used a buffalo to plough his field.

Rewrite these sentences, making the words in bold plural and making
any other changes.
e.g. She is your sister, isn't she?

They are your sisters, aren't they?
1. That is a squirrel, isn't it?

2. This is an ink-bottle, isn't it?
3. Please put it on my table.
4. That worker has a wife and a child.
5. She was wearing a flower in her hair.
6. He has read the book, hasn't he?
7. I have painted it red, haven't I?
8. A pen is more expensive than a pencil.
9. I saw her riding away on a horse.
10. Whose orange is this, yours or mine?
19
11. Is this a boy's or a girl's shoe?

12. That is not a man's glove; it's a woman's.
13. She failed to find the atlas in the library.
14. I have lost the _key to that room.
15. The thief has stolen the child's bicycle.

Rewrite these sentences in the plural. Make changes where necessary, but
do not make the nouns in brackets plural.
e.g. There is a man waiting at my office. (office)

There are some men waiting at our office.
1. There is a sheep in the valley. (valley)

2. There is a hut at the foot of the hill. (foot, hill)
3. That is the girl who comes by bus. (bus)
4. Is he a policeman or a postman?
5. Thal child has an apple in his hand.
6. Is there an empty tin in the garage? (garage)
7. A fisherman is a man who catches fish. (fish)
8. A Oy is an insect; but a spider is not.
9. A potato is a vegetable; but a rose is not.
10. That lorry isn't mine. is it?
11. This isn't his glass, is it?
12. Your brother is fairly tall. isn't he?
13 . His sister is a nurse, isn't she?
14. We cannot send a letter without a stamp on it.
15. A hawker is a person who sells things on the road. (road)
20
AGREEMENT (1)
The banana is ripe. The bananas are ripe.

The girl was angry. The girls were angry.
The man has a bicycle. The men have bicycles.
She does not know him. They do not know him.
My sister likes sweets. My sisters like sweets.
All the subjects in the sentences on the left ·are singular.

Can you name them?
They are 'banana', 'girl', 'man', 'she' and 'sister'.
What are the verbs used with the subjects?
The verbs are 'is', 'was', 'has', 'does not know' and 'likes'.
They are singular verbs.
The subjects in the sentences on the right are 'bananas', 'girls', 'men',
'they' and 'sisters'.
They are plural in form.
The verbs used with these subjects are also plural.
These verbs are 'are', 'were', 'have', 'do not know' and 'like'.
EXERCISE 24 - AGREEMENT
Fill in the blanks with 'is' or 'are'.
e.g. The cock .......... crowing.

The cock is crowing.
I
I. The child .......... crying.
2. · My mother .......... cooking dinner.
3. My books .......... stolen.
4. Most boys ... ....... fond of playing football.
5. The drawer .......... locked .
6. The women .......... selling vegetables.
7. My friend .......... absent.
21
AGREEMENT (1)
8. ... :...... that your car?

9. They .......... going for a picnic.
IO. You .......... a naughty boy.
11. Her brothers .......... weeding the garden.
12. The girls .......... waiting for the bus.
13. We .......... very hungry.
14. He .. .... .... climbing up the tree.
15. The box .......... under the table.
Fill in the blanks with 'was' or 'were'.
e.g. He ........... listening to the radio.
He was ltsfening to the radio.
l. All the schools .......... closed yesterday.

2. My books .......... in the drawer.
3. The farmer ...... .... ploughing the field.
4. Some girls .......... playing netball.
5. One boy ....... .. .. hurt in the car accident.
6. Only one scout ........... absent.
7. The robber ....... .... caught by the police.
8. They ........... happy to see their father.
9. It .... ...... a rainy day.
10. You ........... too slow in the race.
I I. She ........... not at home last night.
12. The dog ........... barking loudly all last night.
l3. The chair ........... broken.
14. He ........... getting up the bus.
15. The hut .......... on top of the hill.
EXERCISE 26- AGREEMENT

Fill in the blanks with 'has' or 'have'.
e.g. My brother ........... not eaten his dinner yet.
My brother has not ealcn his dinner yet.
I. Elephants ......... short tails.

2. The boy's father .......... a big car.
3. The house ...... .... a high ceiling.
4. I .......... sprained my ankle.
5. The pupils .......... not completed their work.
22
AGREEMENT (1)
6. Our teacher .......... told us that story.

7. The soldiers.. .......... returned after the battle.
8. He .......... a good memory.
9. Some birds .......... beautiful feathers.
10. The enemies .......... surrendered.
11. Lightning .......... struck down the tree.
12. We .......... a bungalow by the sea.
13. Our cat .......... caught a rat.
14. The dog ........... long ears and a long body.
15. .. ......... she taken it home?
Fill in the blanks with ·does' or 'do'.
e.g. My sister .......... the cooking every day.
My sister does the cooking every day.
1. Cats .......... not like dogs.

2. The boy ........... his work carefully.
3. We ........... not know that man.
4. This ........... not mean that you are right.
5. These books ........... not belong to us.
6. They ........... most of the sums mentally.
7. The policeman .......... his job well.
8. They ........... not like to see the film.
9. If it ........... not rain, I will come .
IO. .......... this well and you will get a prize.
11. I usually .......... my homework in the evening.
12. .. ........ you hear me?
13. The woman ...... .... the cleaning for us.
14. We ........... not often go there.
15. What .......... he do for a living?
Fill in the blanks with 'is' or 'are', 'has' or 'have'.
e.g. The men .......... repairing the bridge.

The men are repairing the bridge.
1. Larry .. ......... an honest boy.

2. Those people ........... no houses to live in.
3. The dog ........... black spots on its fur.
23
AGREEMENT (1)
4. This bag ........... old and tattered.

5. The garden ............ a fence round it.
6. The children ........... walking home.
7. This book ........... many new words.
8. She .. ......... finished washing the clothes.
9. Mr Chong ........... our new headmaster.
10. The orchid ........... a very beautiful flower.
11. There ........... n't any food left. They ........... eaten it all.
12. June ........... thirty days. Some months ........... thirty-one days.
13. These pictures ........... without colours. Those pictures .......... .
beautiful colours.
14. My father ............ not in. He ............ just gone out.
15. Each of us ............ two pens but Mei Ling ............ only one.
Put in the Present tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. Bats (come) out at night.
Bats come out at night.
1. The dog (bark) at strangers.

2. That bird (sing) sweetly.
3. My friends (visit) me daily.
4. Most people in that country (speak) English.
5. Little boys (like) to eat ice-cream.
6. He (walk) to school every morning.
7. His brother always (do) his work well.
8. The stranger (wish) to Jee my sister.
9. The mice (live) in those holes.
10. She (want) a glass of milk.
11. We (do) not like that rude boy.
12. John and Poh Wah (love) to play football.
13. Our teacher (buy) a new car every year.
14. His sisters (bake) cakes every Sunday.
15. They (sleep) early at night and (get) up early in the morning.
Rewrite the following sentences, changing the words in bold into plural.
Make other changes where necessary.
e.g. I am going to his house today.
We are going to his house today.
24
AGREEMENT (1)
1. His hobby is playing badminton.

2. This dog has a long tail.
3. That farmer is working in the field.
4. The Chinese boy speaks English well.
5. The shop was closed on Sunday.
6. An ox is a strong animal.
7. He has ordered a new suite of furniture.
8. The news-boy goes round on his bicycle.
9. This basket contains mangoes while that contains oranges.
10. His servant has gone to sleep.
11. Where is my book?
12. A giraffe is a tall animal.
13. Is he coming here?
14. Does he come by bus?
15. The teacher puts his book on the table.
Rewrite these sentences, changing the words in bold into singular. Make
other changes where necessary.
e.g. Her sisters have already gone home.

Her sister has already gone home.
1. There are pencils in the boxes.

2. The elephants in the zoo are very tame.
3. They were punished by their teacher.
4. The thieves were caught last evening.
5. My brothers collect stamps.
6. Some girls are singing in the hall.
7. Those boys do not know the way there.
8. Those children were playing in the rain.
9. There are special keys for those doors.
10. There are interesting stories in these books.
11. Do they drink coffee?
12. Have we seen this before?
13. The women are talking in the hall.
14. The men want to see Mr Lim.
15. The workmen have left their tools here.
25
AGREEMENT (1)
Turn these sentences plural.
e.g. The boy goes to school on his bicycle.
The boys go to school on their bicycles.
1. She is planting the flower in the pot.

2. A bird loves to sing.
3. The child looks after the goose.
4. This girl is calling for her mother.
5. The thief has stolen my watch.
6. The ship always stops here for refuelling.
7. My friend has promised to come to visit me next week.
8. That girl is my friend's daughter.
9. She likes to play the piano.
10. I am very happy to see him.
11. The man's child was hurt.
12. He has seen the lady before.
13. She smiles whenever she sees me.
14. The woman cleans the house once a week.
15. His sister does not know what is in the box.
. Rewrite these sentences in the plural.
e.g. The pupil wears spectacles.
The pupils wear spectacles.
1. I am going to school with my brother.

2. This book belongs to Siew Ming.
3. The little girl is playing with her doll.
4. He hag. kicked the ball into the drain.
5. The servant goes to the market every morning.
6. My foot is badly hurt.
7. The postman is cycling to work now.
8. My uncle gave me a story book for my birthday.
9. The roof of that house.is new.
10. I am sure that you are not as old as I.
11. The bird has a long beak but a short tail.
12. That room is rented to the salesman.
n. I keep my bag in this cupboard.
14. Does she know why the boy was late?
15. My sister doesn't understand what he is talking about.
26
GENDER
Can you remember how many types of gender there are?

There are four types of gender.
They are the Masculine Gender, the Feminine Gender, the Common
Gender and the Neuter Gender.
Name the nouns in the picture.

The picture shows a man, a woman, a baby, a car and a tree.
They can be classified under the four different types of gender.
'Man' is the name of a male person so it belongs to the Masculine Gender.
'Woman' is the name of a female person; it belongs to the Feminine Gender.
'Baby' can be either male or female. It belongs to the Common Gender.
'Car' and 'tree' have neither sex nor life. So they belong to the Neuter
Gender.
.· . . . ·. . Gender. Nouns ·.
emmw.e Gen~er~ Nqp.ns which
to the Common Genaer. ·
belol!I:to the Neutei Gender.
.. .
27
GENDER
Ways of Forming the Feminine Gender
1. By using a different word
Masculine Feminine j Masculine Fem1mn~

bachelor spinster governor matron
boar SOW hero heroine
boy girl husband wife
brave squaw king queen
brother sister lad lass
buck doe lord lady
bull cow man woman
bullock heifer monk nun
cock hen nephew niece
colt filly papa mama
dog bitch ram ewe
drake duck sir madam
drone bee son daughter
earl countess stag hind
executor executrix stallion mare
father mother sultan sultana
fox vixen uncle aunt
gander goose widower widow
gentleman lady wizard witch
2. By using -ess
Masculine Feminine Masculine Feminine
author authoress manager manageress

baron baroness poet poetess
count countess priest priestess
god goddess prophet prophetess
heir heiress shepherd shepherdess
host h')stess steward stewardess
Jew Jewess tailor tailoress
3. By leaving out the vowel and adding -ess
Masculine Feminine r Masculine Feminine_
abbot abbess Negro Negress

actor actress prince princess
conductor conductress songster songstress
duke duchess tempter temptress
emperor empress tiger tigress
instructor instructress traitor traitress
master mistress waiter waitress
28
GENDER
4. By changing part of a compound word

Masculine Feminine Masculine Feminine
billy-goat nanny-goat landlord landlady

Boy Scout Girl Guide manservant maidservant
bridegroom bride milkman milkmaid
buck-rabbit doe-rabbit pea-cock pea-hen
cock-sparrow hen-sparrow postman postwoman
father-in-law mother~in-law postmaster postmistress
grandfather grandmother son-in-law daughter-in-law
headmaster headmistress step-father step-mother
he-bear she-bear step-son step-daughter
he-goat she-goat tom-cat tabby-cat
Jack-ass Jenny-ass washerman washer-woman
EXERCISE 34 - GENDER
State whether these words belong to the masculine, feminine, common or
neuter gender. Write them out in the brackets. The first one is done for
you.
1. nephew (masculine) 11. mistress ( )
2. wife ( ) 12. skirt ( )
3. book ( ) 13. pupil ( )
4. teacher ( ) 14. child ( )
5. cow ( ) 15. monk ( )
6. priest ( ) 16. friend ( )
7. bride ( ) 17. hat ( )
8. field ( ) 18. visitor ( )
9. host ( ) 19. mosque ( )
10. parent ( ) 20. vixen ( )
Fill in the blanks with the masculine or feminine gender of the words
given. The first one is done for you.
1. bachelor spinster 9. fox
2. hen 10. waitress
3. duck 11. emperor
4. sir 12. Sultan
5. nephew 13. squaw
6. god 14. boar
7. Girl Guide 15. tQm-cat
8. milkman
29
GENDER
16. master 24. lass

17. pea-cock 25. he-goat ..........
18. goose 26. bride
19. heir 27. manager
20. hero 28. duchess
21. gentleman 29. conductress
22. widow 30. actor
23 . uncle
EXERCISE 36- GENDER
Rewrite these sentences, changing the nouns in bold from masculine to
feminine.
e.g. My father and uncle went to the market.

My mother and aunt went to the market.
1. The dog bit my brother.

2. This man knows your husband.
3. Mr Tan is our headmaster.
4. The hunter shot the tiger.
5. The actor played the part of the hero.
6. The gentleman was introduced to the Sultan.
7. The Boy Scout saved my nephew from drowning.
8. Our landlord is a widower.
9. The manager has dismissed the steward.
10. Our landlord's father-in-law is very old.
11. The colt was stung by a drone.
12. The shepherd prayed to the god.
13. The son of a king is called a prince.
14. My father's brother is my uncle.
15. The bridegroom is the postmaster's step-son.
Change the words in -bold from feminine to masculine.
e.g. The woman took her daughter to school.

The man took his son to school.
l. The girl looks very much like her mother.

2. The duchess spoke to the washer-woman kindly.
3. The mistress gave her maidservant a present.
4. "Hasn't the priestess come yet?" she asked the empress.
30
GENDER
5. The nun heard the duck quacking.

6. The mare is running around with the filly.
7. The heroine is the heiress to the throne.
8. Her grandmother is talking to the Negress.
9. The conductress collected the fares from the women.
10. The authoress is a widow.
11. The farmer has a goose and a she-goat.
12. The postmistress was the murderess.
13. The poetess is a spinster.
14. The instructress is the duchess' daughter-in-law.
15. The witch changed the lady into a tabby-cat.
31
POSSESSION - NOUNS,
ADJECTIVES AND
PRONOUNS
The girl's pen The birds' beaks
he children's park
Which are the words which make use of the apostrophe?
They are the nouns girl's, birds' and children's.
These nouns show possession.
They are called Possessive Nouns.
Girl's is singular.
It is formed by adding an apostrophes ('s) to the possessor 'girl'.
Birds' and children's are formed from the plural nouns 'birds' and 'children'.
Birds' end in s, so we form the Possessive Noun by just adding an apostro-
phe (') to it.
Does children end ins too?
No, it doesn't.
An apostrophes ('s) is added to it to show possession.
32
POSSESSION - NOUNS, ADJECTIVES AND PRONOUNS
Which is the possessor in the

expression in the picture?
'House' is the possessor.
It is not a living thing.
Is the apostrophe used to show
possession?
No, of the is used instead.
However, there are some exceptions The roof of the house
to this rule.
Read these expressions.

A day's work The sun's rays
A month's salary A dollar's worth
'Day', 'month', 'sun' and 'dollar' are also non-living things.
But they can be used with the apostrophe.
' P°'.SseS$iVe Nouns a{~ noun{wruch show poss,ss~Q~- They are formed
; (l)by adding an"apostrophe s Cs) to.singular rtouns and plural nouns
· riot ending in s~ (2) by adding an apostrophe C) to plural nouns
of
ending ins and (3) by' usi~g the with names of non-living things.
flowever, there are ~xcepti<>ns to the last rule, especially when the
pouns ·show time and measure. ,
Can you name the adjectives which show possession?

They are 'my' and 'their'.
These words are used with the nouns 'car' and 'house'.
Such words are called Possessive Adjectives.
Other Possessive Adjectives indude 'your', 'his', 'her', 'our' and 'its'.
33
This is my bag. It i s ~
The word 'mine' is a pronoun.
It replaces an adjective + a noun,
that is, 'my bag'.
It shows possession too.
So it is called a Possessive Pronoun.
Other Possessive Pronouns are 'yours',
'his', 'hers', 'ours' and 'theirs'.
EX ERCISE 38 - POSSESS ION - NOUNS, ADJECTIVES AND

PRONOUNS
Use an apostrophe(') or an apostrophes ('s) or 'of the' to rewrite each of
the following.
e.g. The tail of the dog - The dog's tail

The bags of the pupils - · The pupils; bags
The legs - table - The legs of the table
1. The shirt of the man

2. The boots of the player
3. The cover - book
4. The sheep of the farmer
5. The uniform of the postman
6. The mother of the girl
7. The stalls of the hawkers
8. The gloves of the ladies
9. The cries of the babies
10. The patients of the doctors
11. The work of the policemen
12. The playground of the children
13. The baskets of the women
14. The hands - clock ·
15. The handle - pail
EXERCISE 39 - POSSESSION - NOUNS, ADJECTIVES AND

PRONOUNS
Rewrite each of the expressions in bold in a better way.
e.g. The car of my uncle was stolen last night
My uncle's car was stolen last night.
34
1. The ship o~"that captain was destroyed during the war.

2. The unif~rm of a nurse is white.
3. Th~-£hitare!J of Mr Smith·are still very young.
4. The" bjce oT the headmistress was loud and clear.
5. The la~~.te~ of the sailors could be heard far away.
6. The works of those artists were seen at the exhibition. ·
7. The room of the children was in a mess.
8. The bags of those ladies are very expensive.
9. The rays of the sun crept in through that window:
10. The headmaster spoke at the association of the parents.
l 1. The shirt of Kim Seng .was torn.
12. The feet of a duck are webbed.
·13. The house of that man was completely burnt down.
14. The tools of the workmen are kept in that shed.
15. The cars of the teachers were parked in the school compound.

PRONOUNS
Put in the correct form of the nouns in brackets.
e.g. This looks like a (child) handwriting.

This looks like a child's handwriting.
l. The (teachers) meeting was held in that -room. _

2. The (pupils) concert was very entertaining.
3. Our teacher pointed out (Bill) mistake just now.
4. I was sleepy; I did not see the (policeman) signal.
5. The referee wrote down the (players) names.
6. My (brother) ankle was badly hurt when he fell.
7. Ivory is a substance found in (elephants) tusks.
8. That shop only sells ( women) clothing.
9. I'm sure we can get all these things at the (grocer) shop.
10 Many of the girls asked for the (singers) autographs.
11. Those men could do with a few (minutes) rest.
12. I was very tired after the (day) journey.
13. I spent all of a (month) salary in a week.
14. My father will be fifty in two (weeks) time.
15. Look! Only the (mouse) tail is caught in the mouse-trap
35

PRONOUNS
Put in an apostrophe only where it is necessary.
e.g. Terrys father won the Old Boys race at the sports meet.
Terry's father won the Old Boys' race at the sports meet
1. This is not Alices umbrella; it is Swee Lans.

2. Those are not boys shoes; they are girls.
3. I saw your friends daughter in the childrens park.
4. An owls eyes are large and round.
5. He promised to write to me in a weeks time.
6. I am going to the butchers stall to get some bones for my dogs.
7. Look! That tree in front of Eng Hocks house has shed nearly all its
leaves.
8. I think Chong Mengs bicycle is among those bicycles - I mean those
girls bicycles.
9. Some of my friends say that goats milk is more nutritious than cows
milk.
10. What do people mean when they say 'right from the horses mouth'?
11. That book isn't mine. It's someone elses book.
12. Our neighbours garden is separated from ours· by a fence.
13. Mei Lings bag is green but her friends is blue.
14. It is about ten minutes walk from here to my uncles shop.
15. The doctor wrote down the patients temperature on the card.

PRONOUNS
Fill in the blanks with the correct words showing possession.
e.g. That bag belongs to me. It is .......... bag.

That bag belongs to me. It is my bag.
1. That dress belongs to her. It is .......... dress.

2. That hat belongs to him. It is .......... hat.
3. Those apples belong to them. They are .......... apples.
4. These are our boxes. They are ...... ,.. .
5. Will you please lend me .......... pen for a while?
6. I'll be down in a minute. I'm washing .......... hands.
7. He puts .......... pen into the box.
8. This is our boat. It is ......... .
36
9. They took off .......... shoes before they entered the house.
10. She picked up .......... bag and left the house.
11. That is his knife. It is ........ ..
12. Our cat is limping. It has hurt .......... foot.
13. Please lend us your pencils. We have forgotten to bring ........ ..
14. The man lost all .......... possessions in the ·flood.
15. "Is this .......... book, Jim? It has .......... name in it."
EXERC ISE 43- POSSESS ION - NOUNS, ADJECTI V ES AND

PRONOUNS
Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. You will have to use some of
the words more than once.
e.g. Look at that lizard. It has lost .......... tail.

Look at that lizard. It has lost its tail.
my · your ·his her , our ·their its
1. The cat licked .......... bocty with its tongue.

2. The players are putting on .......... jerseys now.
3. You can't park .......... car here. It is against the law.
4. I can't use this pen. .......... nib is broken.
5. Kok Weng is crying. Somebody has stolen ..... ..... bicycle .
6. We will have to continue the journey by train. .......... car has broken
down.
7. She looked in the mirror and saw a cut on ........... forehead.
8. My father gave me this bag for ......... . birthday.
9. He loves that girl as if she were .......... own daughter.
10. This pair of shoes has lost .......... shine.
11. Anyone who has not done .......... homework will be punished.
12. I did not enjoy the show. All the people in the audience were
stamping .......... feet.
13. The boys cheered happily when they heard that .......... school team
won the match.
14. He took off .......... clothes and jumped into the pool.
I 5. We were cleaning .......... house when Mary came.
37
FORMING NOUNS
Miss Chan
Can you answer Miss Chan's question?
Nouns can be formed from adjectives, verbs and other nouns.
The nouns 'kindness' and 'cruelty' on the board are formed from the
adjectives 'kind' and 'cruel' . ·
They are formed by adding -ness and -ty.
'Agreement' and 'appearance' are formed from the verbs 'agree''and 'appear'
by adding -ment and ~ance.
·Neighhourhood' and 'friendship' come from the nouns 'neighbour' and
~friend' .
-Hood and -ship are added to them-
Endings such as -th, -ry and -dom can also be used to form nouns.
38
FORMING NOUNS
Here is a list of nouns formed from other words. Study them carefully.
Words Nouns Words Nouns
able ability destroy destruction

absent absence die death
absorb absorption discover discovery
act action disturb disturbance
add addition divide division
advertise advertisement do deed
agree agreement draw drawing
angry anger dry dryness
anxious anxiety encourage encouragement
appear appearance enjoy enjoyment
apply application enter entrance
approve approval expect expectation
arrive arrival explain explanation
attend attention; attendance fail failure
bad badness faithful faithfulness
bag baggage famous fame
beautiful beauty fat fatness
begin beginning fit fitness
behave behaviour fix fixture
believe belief feed food
brave bravery fly flight
breathe breath foolish foolishness
bright brightness free freedom
broad breadth friend friendship
bury burial gay gaiety
busy business gentle gentleness
child childhood give gift
choose choice glad gladness
civilize civilization good goodness
clean cleanliness grand grandeur
collect collection great greatness
compare comparison grow growth
compete competition hate hatred
confident confidence heal health
conquer conquest high height
continue continuation honest honesty
correct correction humble humility
create creation imagine imagination
cruel cruelty inform information
curious curiosity injure injury
dark darkness instruct instruction
decide decision interfere interference
deep depth introduce introduction
defend defence invade invasion
depart departure invent invention
describe description invite invitation
39
FORMING NOUNS
- Words Nouns Words Nouns · ·
judge judgment remember remembrance

just justice repeat repetition
kind kindness sad sadness
king kingdom safe safety
know knowledge scarce scarcity
laugh laughter see sight
lazy laziness select selection
lend loan sell sale
like likeness serve service
live life sharp sharpness
long length sick sickness
lose loss simple simplicity
loyal loyalty sit seat
mad madness slave slavery
marry marriage slow slowness
mix mixture soft softness
move movement speak speech
multiply multiplication strong strength
neighbour neighbourhood succeed success
obey obedience teach teaching
perform performance tell tale
permit permission thick thickness
persuade persuasion think thought
please pleasure tight tightness
poet poetry true truth
prosper prosperity unite unity
proud pride vain vanity
prove proof valuable value
punctual punctuality warm warmth
punish punishment weak weakness
pure purity wed wedding
pursue pursuit weigh weight
ready readiness wide width
real reality wise wisdom
receive reception young youth
recognize recognition
EXERCISE 44 - FORMING NOUNS

Form nouns from these words by adding '-ness'. Make other necessary
changes.
e.g. fat - fatness
1. bright ·- 4. bad- 7. thick-

2. lazy- 5. gentle - 8. sad-
3. slow- 6. sick- 9. weak-
40
FORMING NOUNS
10. busy - 12. clean - 14. good -

11 . foolish - 13. dark - 15. ready -

Form nouns from these words by adding 'ion'. Make other necessary
changes.
e.g. receive - reception
1. attend - 6. act - 11. repeat -

2. decide - 7. add - 12. invent - -
3. invite - 8. inform - 13. collect -
4. occupy - 9. permit -- 14. imagine -
5. civilize - 10. select -- 15. introduce ---

Change these words in to nouns ending in •-th'.
e.g. die - death
1. long- 4. wide - 7. strong -

2. true - 5. deep- 8. broad-·
3. warm- 6. grow -- 9. young-

Make nouns from the following words.
I
l.
e.g. proud - pride
absent - 9. think - 17. attract -

2. imagine - 10. wise - 18. attend -
3. high- 11. hate - 19. subtract -
4. angry - 12. famous - 20. deep -
5. invent - 13. move -- 21. believe --
6. judge - 14. cruel -··· 22. beautiful -
7. see - 15. decide - 23. describe -
8. speak - 16. fly - 24. clean -

Fill in the blanks with nouns in the box.
e.g. The explorer's .......... was made known to the world.

The explorer's discovery was made known to the world.
41
FORMING NOUNS
1. Peter has lost a lot of .......... since his illness.

2. Our teacher's ......... . of the sum was clear.
3. The candle flickered out and the room was filled with ......... .
4. Children are always filled with ....... .. .
5. The soldier was awarded a medal for ......... .
6. The crowd cheered at the .......... of the film star.
7. Without suitable ........... seeds cannot grow.
8. We celebrated his ...... ..... in the recent examination.
9. In his ........... he was a good sportsman.
I 0. There was much .......... when the news was heard.
11. He was sitting in the back .......... of the car.
12. Our headmaster is going to give a .......... tomorrow morning.
13. My parents have given me .......... to go for the picnic.
14. I received a .......... from my aunt on my birthday.
15. The motorist suffered serious .......... in the accident.

Rewrite each sentence, changing the words in brackets into nouns.
e.g. He hadn't enough .......... (strong) to carry the bag.
He hadn't enough strength to carry the bag.
I The .......... (laugh) of the children could be heard.

2. The prisoner escaped through the narrow ........ .. (enter).
J. Our teacher punished Chee Tong for his bad .......... (behave).
4. Although my sister and I had an ........... (argue), we became friendly
after a while.
5. He was poor, but he lived an honest .......... (live).
6. His .......... ( fly) to Hong Kong took only a few hours.
7. Th~re was a lot of .......... (disturb) during the concert.
8. We were very sad at our headmaster's .......... (depart).
9. My brother has a large .......... (collect) of stamps.
10. Did yoµ attend their ......... (wed)?
l l. The teacher hung the boy's ... ...... ( draw) on the waJl.
12. ·•You must take care of your own .......... (heal)," he said.
13. They were impressed by the .. ...... (grand) of the house.
14. They asked him for the reason of his .. ,....... (absent) at the meeting.
15 Her sister has won the first prize in the art .......... (compete).
42
FORMING VERBS
Look at the pictures above.

Which are the verbs?
They are 'sharpen' and 'feed'.
What are the wNds used to form these verbs?
An adjective and a noun are used.
'Sharpen' is formed from the adjective 'sharp' by adding -en.
'Feed' is formed from the noun 'food' by ·changing the inside vowels.
Verbs can also be formed by adding en-, be-, -ize, etc. to other words.
Examples of these can be found in the table on the next page.
43
FORMING VERBS
Words Verbs · · Words Verbs
able enable full fill

actor act glad gladden
angry anger; aggravate government govern
bath bathe health heal
beauty beautify imitation imitate
belief believe joy enjoy
black blacken judgement judge
blood bleed just justify
breath breathe knee kneel
bright brighten knowledge know
calm brighten large enlarge
camp encamp less lessen
certain certify liberty liberate
cheap cheapen light lighten
circle encircle liquid liquify
civil civilize lively · enliven
clean cleanse long lengthen
clear clarify loose loosen
cloth clothe loss lose
colony colonize low lower
company accompany obedience obey
comparison compare peace pacify
composition compose pleasure please
courage encourage proof prove
creation create provision provide
critic criticize pure purify
custom accustom pursuit pursue
danger endanger quick quicken
dark darken relief relieve
deed do residence reside
deep deepen resolution resolve
description describe rich enrich
dictation dictate roll enroll
division divide sad sadden
drama dramatize safe save
education educate sale sell
electric electrify satisfaction satisfy
endurance endure sharp sharpen
equal equalize short shorten
false falsify sight see
fast fasten simple simplify
fat fatten slave enslave
fertile fertilize smooth smoothen
fine refine soft soften
food feed solid solidify
force enforce solution solve
freedom free song sing
friend befriend speech speak
44
FORMING VERBS
Words Verhs I Words Verbs
strong strengthen thought think

success succeed tight tighten
suspicion suspect trial try
sweet sweeten unity unite
sympathy sympathize vacant vacate
tale tell wide widen
terror terrorize; terrify
EXERCISE 50 - FORMING VERBS

Make verbs from these words by putting 'en' at the beginning or at the
end of the words. Make other necessary changes.
I e.g. wide - widen camp - encamp
1. deep - 12. sharp - 23. large -

2. short - 13. length - 24. glad-
3. light - 14. sure - 25. loose -
4. rich- 15. throne - 26. soft -
5. title - 16. trust - 27. cheap -
6. fright - 17. courage - 28. joy-
7. able - i8. strength - 29. smooth -
8. sweet - 19. slave - 30. less -
9. height - 20. hard- 31. force -
10. circle - 21. black - 32. sad -
11. rage - 22. broad -
EXERCISE 51 - FORMING VERBS

Make verbs from the following words.
I e.g. knee - kneel
1. sight - 11. low- 21. pure -

2. blood - 12. fine - 22 . danger -
3. full - 13. soft - 23. song-
4. product - 14. composition - 24. deed -
5. calm- 15. imitation - 25. obedience -
6. thought - 16. success -- 26. fast -
7. bath- 17. clean - 27. simple -
8. knowledge - 18. loss - 28. sale -
9. division - 19. equal - 29. fertile -
10. description - 20. custom - 30. safe -
45
FORMING VERBS
EXERCISE 52 __, FORMING VERBS

Rewrite each sentence putting in a verb formed from the word in brackets.
e.g. They usually ... ... .... ( deed) their work during the night.
They usually do their work during the night.
You must not .......... (danger) your life by standing near the edge of
the cliff.
2. The hunter .......... (tight) his grip on the snake
3. We were told not to .......... (friend) the naughty boy
4. He .......... (safe) the boy from drowning.
5. · Did you .......... (joy) yourselves at the party last night?
6. The boy is allowed to do as he .......... (pleasure)
7 The teacher said." .... ...... (sharp) your pencil outside the classroom.''
8. The teacher .......... (dictation) notes to the pupils every day .
. 9. You cannot .......... (success) unless you work hard.
10. We were not ........... (custom) to the strange habits of those aborigines
11. Every day we walk along the beach to ......... (breath) in the fresh air.
12. If I fail in this examination, I will .. ... . ... (trial) again.
13. She .......... (tale) the children a story every night
14. We did not ......... (belief) in what he told us.
15 . We could not .... ..... (solution) the .problem so we asked our teacher
· to help us.
46
FORMS OF THE VERB
Read the sentences below.

1. I do my homework every day
2. I am doing my homework now .
3. I did my homework yesterday.
4. I have already done my homework
In these sentences the four forms of the verb 'do' are used.
'Do' in the first sentence is in the Simple Present tense.
'Did' is the Simple Past tense of 'do'
'Doing' in the second sentence ends in (ing).
What form of the verb is it?
It is the Present Participle of 'do'.
The Present Participle is always used with a 'helping word' or Special
Finite such as 'am'. 'is', etc.
Which other form of the verb is used with a Special Finite?
'Done' is used with the Special Finite 'have'
It is the Past Participle of 'do'
Study the words in this table
· Present Tense I Present Partinplc f Past Tense l Past Participle
awake awaking awoke awakened

bear bearing bore borne
beat beating beat beaten
become becoming became become
begin beginning began begun
bend bending bent bent
bind binding bound bound
47
FORMS OF THE VERB
Present Tense Present Participle J Past Tense Past Participle
bite biting bit bitten

bleed bleeding bled bled
blow blowing blew blown
break breaking broke broken
bring bringing brought brought
build building built built
buy buying bought bought
catch catching caught caught
choose choosing chose chosen
come coming came come
creep creeping crept crept
deal dealing dealt dealt
dig digging dug dug
do doing did do.ne
draw drawing drew drawn
drink drinking drank drunk
drive driving drove driven
eat eating ate eaten
fall falling fell fallen
feed feeding fed fed
feel feeling felt fe.lt
fight fighting fought fought
find finding found found
flee fleeing fled fled
fly flying flew flown
forget forgetting forgot forgotten
forgive forgiving forgave forgiven
forsake forsaking forsook forsaken
freeze freezing froze frozen
get getting got got
give giving gave given
go going went gone
grind grinding ground ground
grow growing grew grown
hang (an article) hanging hung hung
hang (a person) hanging hanged hanged
hear hearing heard heard
hide hiding hid hidden
hold holding held held
keep keeping kept kept
kneel kneeling knelt knelt
know knowing knew known
lay laying laid laid
lead leading led led
leave leaving left left
light lighting lit lit; lighted
lie lying lay lain
lose losing lost lost
48
FORMS OF THE VERB
Present Tense I Present Participle Past Tense Past Participle
make making made made

mean meaning meant meant
meet meeting met met
mow mowing mowed mown
pay paying paid paid
ride riding rode ridden
ring ringing rang rung
rise rising rose risen
run running ran run
saw sawing sawed sawn
say saying said said
see seeing saw seen
seek seeking sought sought
sell selling sold sold
send sending sent sent
sew sewing sewed sewn
shake shaking shook shaken
shine shining shone shone
shoot shooting shot shot
show showing showed shown
sing singing sang sung
sink sinking sank sunk
sit sitting sat sat
slay slaying slew slain
sleep sleeping slept slept
sow sowing sowed sown
speak speaking spoke spoken
spend spending spent spent
spin spinning spun spun
stand standing stood stood
steal stealing stole stolen
strike striking struck struck
swear swearing swore sworn
swell swelling swelled swollen
swim swimming swam swum
take taking took taken
tear tearing tore torn
tell telling told told
think thinking thought thought
throw throwing threw thrown
tread treading trod trodden
wake waking woke waked; woken; woke
wear wearing wore worn
weave weaving wove woven
win winning won won
f
wind winding wound wound
wring wringing wrung wrung
write writing wrote written
49
FORMS OF THE VERB
The Past tense and the Past Participle of the verbs in this table end in
'-ed'
PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE
Present Tense I Present Participle Past Tense I Past Participle
add adding added added

advise advising advised advised
agree agreeing agreed agreed
allow allowing allowed allowed
appear appearing appeared appeared
arrange arranging arranged arranged
arrive arriving arrived arrived
behave behaving behaved behaved
breathe breathing breathed breathed
care caring cared cared
carry carrying carried carried
cause causing caused caused
change changing changed changed
close closing closed closed
compare comparing compared compared
complete completing completed completed
continue continuing continued continued
copy copying copied copied
cry crying cried cried
dance dancing danced danced
die dying died died
divide dividing divided divided
drop dropping dropped dropped
escape escaping escaped escaped
fit fitting fitted fitted
hand handing handed handed
hope hoping hoped hoped
hurry hurrying hurried hurried
join joining joined joined
jump jumping jumped jumped
laugh laughing laughed laughed
live living lived lived
marry marrying married married
reply replying replied replied
roam roaming roamed roamed
show showing showed showed
stop stopping stopped stopped
study studying studied studied
talk talking talked talked
tie tying tied tied
try trying tried tried
use using used used
wait waiting waited waited
50
FORMS OF THE VERB
The Past tense and Past Participle of the verbs in this table remain
the same.
Present Tense I Present Participle I Past tense f Past Participle
burst bursting burst burst

cast casting cast. cast
cost costing cost cost
cut cutting cut cut
hit hitting hit hit
hurt hurting hurt hurt
let letting let let
put putting put put
read reading read read
rid ridding rid rid
set setting set set
shed shedding shed shed
shut shutting shut shut
slit slitting slit slit
split splitting split split
spread spreading spread spread
EXERCISE 53 - FORMS OF THE VERB

Fill in the blanks with the correct tense forms of the verbs in the left
column. The first one is done for you.
Every day Now Yesterday Tomorrow Already
He runs He is He ran He· will He has
running run run
2. I sit
3. She stands
4. You catch
5. They beat
6. We tear
7. He finds
8. She sees
9. I come
10. She washes ........ .
11. They bring
12. I do
13. You shoot
14. He arrives
15. · We cut
51
FORMS OF THE VERB

Rewrite these sentences changing 'always' to (a) last week, (b) already and
(c) soon.
e.g. He always eats a lot.

(a) He ate a lot last week.
(b) He has already eaten a lot.
(c) He will eat a lot soon.
1. My neighbour always mows the grass.

2. His mother always bakes cakes.
3. She always thinks up some good ideas.
4. The farmer always ploughs the field.
5. Our dog always runs after the chickens.
6. We always wake up at seven in the morning.
7. Sally always comes to our house.
8. Chee Seng always takes that bag to school.
9. The farmer's children always feed the chickens.
10. Stephen always shows his friends his collection of stamps.
11. Kar Ling always writes to her.
12. They always send me a card for my birthday.
13. She always talks to them.
14. They always win the game.
15. These trees always shed their leaves.

Put in the Simple Present tense or the Present Participle of the verbs in
brackets.
e.g. (a) He is .......... (tear) up the letter.

He is tearing up the letter.
(b) The guard ........... (lock) the gate every night.
The guard locks the gate every night.
1. The boys were .......... (swim) in the river.

2. Who are you .......... (wait) for?
3. She always .......... (put) her books on that shelf.
4. I am .......... (put) some more salt in the soup.
5. The boys always .......... (meet) her on their way home.
6. My father .......... (mow) the lawn every fortnight.
7. The children are .......... (study) for their examination.
52
FORMS OF THE VERB
8. The hawker is .......... (sell) bananas.

9. We ........... (come) to school before eight every morning.
10. He ........... (carry) his briefcase to the office every day.
11. The girl who is ........... (wear) the green dress is my sister.
12. The baby always ........... (cry) at night . .
13. The headmaster was ........... ( talk) to our teacher.
14. They .......... (know) that you are here.
15. The clouds are .......... (hide) the moon.

Fill in the blanks with the Simple Past tense or Past Participle of the verbs
in brackets.
· e.g. (a) It is years since I .......... (meet) him.
It is years since I met him.
(b) He has .......... (meet) my uncle before.
He has met my uncle before.
1. The price of sugar has .......... tgo) up.

2. They .......... (go) home after· the party.
3. It .......... (begin) to rain before we were ready to go.
4. It has .......... (begin) to rain already.
5. Has the school bell .......... (ring)?
6. I .......... (ring) him up last night.
7. Somebody has .......... (steal) Poh Wah's pen.
8. The thief .......... (steal) the woman's jewels.
9. He .......... (shake) the bottle before he poured out the medicine.
10. The cyclist was badly ........... (shake) after the accident.
11. She ........... (eat) in a hurry.
12. Who has .......... (eat) my cake?
13. When the clock .......... (strike) one, we went home.
14. The old tree was ........... (strike) down by lightning.
15. ·This piece of work was ........... (do) by him.
16. The tiger ........... (spring) at the game warden.

in brackets.
e.g. The boy .......... (close) the door behind him.

The boy closed the door behind him.
53
FORM OF THE VERB
1· The careJess pupil had ........ .. (forget) to bring his book.

2 He has .......... (come) a long way to see the game
3 l .......... (see) him last Sunday Since that day I have not ..... .... .
(_see) him.
4 The servant .. ...... (drop) the glasses on the floor.
5. They . ... ..... (speak) loudly because they were angry.
6. She ........... (wear) a blue dress to the dance. ·
7. He .......... (tear) the pages of my book.
8. That poor boy has been ... ........ (sting) by a scorpion.
9 You look tired. Did you ........... (run) all the way here?
10. They could not have ........... (choose) a better gift.
11. The duck .......... (swim) across the lake.
12. He should have ........... (write) to us on his arrival there.
13. My hen has not.. ... ...... (Jay) any eggs since last month.
14. They ........... (wait) until she arrived.
15. The captain has ........... ( spread) the map in front of him.

in brackets.
e.g. The boy wa_s .......... (bite) by an ant

The boy was bitten by an anr
1 The sun has .......... (rise) above the hills.

2 I .......... (beat) Kim Seng in yesterday's race.
3 The strong wind .......... (blow) off the roof of the house.
4 She ........... (add) some water to the mixture.
5. They were ........... (awake) by the barking of the dogs.
6. The haunted house ........... (stand) on top of that hill.
7. She ........... (know) that she was right
8. He ........... ( read) the story aloud.
9 On hearing the news. she ........... (weep) bitterly.
10. Who ........... (draw) that picture on the wall?
11. The artisi has ..... ...... (draw) a portrait of the Duke.
12. The aeroplanes have been .. ......... (shoot) down.
13. His new shirt had ........... (shrink) after washing.
14. The boat was ........... ( sink) during the storm.
15. He ........... (split) the wood into two .
54
FORM OF THE VERB

Rewrite each sentence putting in the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. The train has already ........... (leave).

The train has already left.
l. That cupboard .......... (cost) fifty dollars.

2. I ........... (buy) this jacket two years ago.
3. The headmaster has just .......... (punish) the boy.
4. We ........... (meet) them at the bus-stop every morning.
5. The barber is ........... (cut) Kim Seng's hair.
6. Are you sure you have ... ..... .. (leave) nothing behind?
7. Those trees have .......... (grow) taller since last year.
8. The boy always . ... ...... (behave) badly in class.
9. Not a whisper was ......... (hear) in the room.
10. He has ........... (fight) bravely for his country.
11. Miss Lim .......... ( teach) us English last year.
12. I .......... (wind) my watch last night but it has ..... ..... tstop) now.
l3. Those birds .......... (fly) away as soon as they .......... (see) the farmers.
14. It is .......... (begin) to rain now. It usually .......... (rain) at this time
of the day.
15. He .......... (read) a book before he goes to bed every night.
55
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
TENSE
John and Swee Lan are speaking in the pictures.

They are telling us about certain actions.
Are the actions still taking place while they are speaking?
Yes, they are.
Name the verbs used.
They are 'am writing' and 'is raining'.
These verbs are used in the Present Continuous tense.
The Present Continuous tense is also used in the sentence above.
56
But in this case it does not show that an action is taking place at the time
of speaking.
What action does it show?
It shows future action.
Definite arrangements have already been made for this action.
terise is also used ·to snow 'ruture action.

•t.fhe,,Present(::ontinuoU:s
We use this tense)~h~tj,:we -~~ve,lre~dy ~ade deftqJte ~angements.
EXERCISE 60 - PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Fill in the blanks with the Present Continuous tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. Hurry up! The bus .......... (come) now.

Hurry up! The bus is coming now.
1. Please shut the window. The rain ........... (beat) in.

2. Switch off the radio. I .......... (try) to read this book.
3. The water ........... (boil) now. Let's make some tea.
4. Please be quiet. The children ........... (sleep) upstairs.
5. It's a lovely day. The birds .......... (sing) away.
6. The tap .......... still .......... (run). Please turn it off.
7. It's going to rain. The people .......... (hurry) home.
8. Listen to them. They .......... (shout) in the room.
9. Look! The sun .......... (rise) above those hills.
10. Someone .......... (knock) at the door. Please see who it is.
11. She .......... (read). She .......... (not cook) _in the kitchen.
12. The men .......... (rest). They .......... (not work) now.
13. It is time to go home. The pupils .......... (pack) up their things.
14. You can see the moon now. The clouds .......... (not hide) it.
15. That road is under repair. The buses ........... (not run) along it today.

Fill in the blanks with the Present Continuous tense of the verbs in
brackets.
e.g. I have bought some eggs, sugar, butter and flour. I ......... .
(bake) a cake this afternoon.
I have bought some eggs, sugar, butter and flour. I am baking
a cake this afternoon.
57
I. We ........... (fish) in the river on Sunday.
2. He ......... .. ( clean) the car this evening.
3. She .......... (leave) for Brunei this week-end.
4. I've written to my aunt. I ........... (expect) her for dinner on Friday.
5. He has already packed his clothes. He .. ......... (fly) to England on
Tuesday.
6. She has borrowed a brush. She .......... (paint) a picture for me.
7. We've asked our parents' permission. We ........... (hitch-hike) to
Harford's Point next week.
8. They have cleared the jungle. They ........... tbuild) some houses
there soon.
9. We are not going out tonight. Eng Hock and his brother ........ ..
(come) to see us.
10. I am waiting for my brother. He .......... (drive) me to school today.
1.1. My sister has just left the house. She ,......... (meet) a friend at the
railway station at 8 o'clock.
12. Peter has given me two dollars. I .......... (buy) a book for him
tomorrow.
13. Ah Seng is 0ringing a ladder. He ..... ...... (climb) up the tree to pick
some mangoes.
14. I have bought a badminton racket. l .......... lgive) it to my brother
for his birthday.
15 Mother ........... (not cook) dinner tonight. We ........... (eat) out.

brackets.
e.g. (a) It .......... (not rain) now. We can go ouno play

It is not raining now. We can go out to play.
(b) Mary has just phoned us. She .......... Goin) us for the picnic
this Sunday.
Mary has just phoned us. She is joining us for the picnic this
Sunday.
l. Listen! Someone ........•. (call) for help.

2. I'm ill. I .......... (not go) to school today.
3. Look at the children. They .......... (play) happily in the garden.
4. The phone .......... (ring). Go and answer it.
5. I have given Mother my torn shirt. She ........... (mend) it for me this
afternoon.
58
6. Father has come home early. He .......... (take) us to the cinema to-
night.
7. Don't get down from the bus yet. It ........... still ........... (move).
8. Can you hear what the speaker .......... (say)?
9. They have saved up some money. They ........... {buy) a new house
soon.
10. Don't disturb him. He ........... (do) his homework.
11. It is a hot day. The sun ........... {shine) brightly.
12. Someone ........... (call) for you outside. Open the window and see
who it is.
13. Wai Mei came just now. She said she ........... {bring) some magazines
over tonight.
14. The dog ........... {bark) fiercely because there is a stranger at the
gate.
15. Do hurry up! Your friends .......... (wait) for you outside.
EXERCISE 63- PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENS!;

brackets. In line 8 of this exercise, you will have to use 'is being pushed'.
This is the Passive Voice of the Present Continuous.
e.g. Look at that boy! He .......... {snatch) a bag from that woman.
Now he .......... (turn) round and .......... (run) away with it.
Look at that boy! He is snatching a bag from that woman. Now
he is turning round and running away with it.
Look at those clouds. They ........... (come) this way. It ......... .

(go) to rain soon. Look at the people in the street. They .......... {hurry)
home. Some of them .......... (run) across the street. Many people ........ ..
(stand) at the bus-stop waiting for the bus. A few of them .......... {hold)
up their umbrellas. Now the bus .......... (come) down the street. All the
people .......... (rush) to get into the bus. There is an old woman behind
all those people. She .......... (try) to push her way through the crowd,
but she .......... (push) back. Poor woman! She is left behind. What ......... .
she .......... (do) now? She .......... (call) for a taxi, but none of them
.......... (stop) for her. It ........... {begin) to rain now. The old woman
........... (walk) into that shop. She .......... (wait) to catch the next bus.
59
S IMPLE PRESENT
TENSE
~ <
Birds~ w i n ~ ./. ~ __. ~~~
Are the two statements above true?
Yes, they are.
What is the tense used?
The Simple Present tense is used.
I ~ my teeth every morning.
The verbs in these sentences are also in the Simple Present tense.
The verbs are 'clean' and 'have'.
They are used with the adverbs 'every morning' and 'often'.
They show actions which happen regularly or are done habitually.
Other adverbs which can be used with the Simple Present tense are 'every
week', 'once a month', 'usually', 'always', 'never', etc.
60
SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE
EXERCISE 64 - SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Fill in the blanks with the Simple Present tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. The train usually .......... (leave) here at eight o'clock.

The train usually leaves here at eight o'clock.
1. I ........... (write) to my pen-pal once a week.

2. The earth ........... (move) round the sun.
3. She .......... (drink) coffee every morning.
4. He ........... (be) good at football. He .......... (practise) every evening.
5. Ducks ........... (have) webbed feet and they ........... (swim).
6; I usually ........... (read) a book when I ........... (be) free.
7. I seldom ........... (talk) to Kean Soon. I ........... (not like) him.
8. Cocks ........... (crow); a hen ........... (cackle).
9. I usually .......... (cycle) to school, but sometimes I ........... (walk).
10. Do you often ... ....... (watch) television at night?
No, I usually .......... (listen) to the radio.
11. Miss Chan ........... (be) our form teacher. She ........... (teach) us
English and History.
12. My friend .......... (speak) Chinese but he .......... (not know) how to
write it.
13. We often .......... (go) for a swim in the lake. Sometimes we ......... .
(camp) near it during week-ends.
14. Most birds ........... (fly) but some .......... (do not).
15. Mosquitoes ........... (be) harmful insects. They .......... (suck) our
blood and .......... (spread) diseases.
EXERCISE 65 - SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Fill in the blanks with the Simple Present tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. The girls often ........... (play) netball on Sundays.

The girls often play netball on Sundays.
1. Larry ........... (swim) in the pool once a week.

2. My mother ........... (wash) her hair every Saturday.
3. The men always .......... (collect) the rubbish in the morning.
4. The farmers in that village .......... (use) buffaloes to pull their
ploughs.
5. My grandfather never ........... (smoke) cigarettes; he always ........... .
(smoke) a pipe.
61
6. I usually ........... (go) to see Dr Smith when I ........... (be) ill.

7. She ........... (have) her hair cut whenever it ........... (grow) long.
8. I ........... (know) that woman. She .... ,...... (sell) vegetables.
9. A baby always .......... (cry) when it .......... . (be) hungry.
10. The sun ........... (rise) in the east and ........... (set) in the west.
11. We seldom ........... (visit) them because they ........... (live) quite far
from here.
12. We cannot have Mary in the choir. She ........... (not sing) well
although she .. ........ (try) very hard.
13. School ........... (be) usually over at one, but sometimes we .......... .
(go) back for games in the evening.
14. " .......... cats .......... (like) dogs?" "No, they .......... (do not)."
15. Many insects .......... . (fly) from flower to flower to collect nectar. In
this way, they ........... (help) to pollinate the flowers.
EXERCISE 66- SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Put in the Simple Present or the Present Continuous tense of the verbs in
brackets.
e.g. It seldom .......... (rain) here, but it .......... (rain) now.

It seldom rains here, but it is raining now.
1. It usually ........... (get) dark at about 7 o'clock, but it ........... (get)

dark now.
2. On my way to school I usually ........... (meet) many people who
........... (go) to work.
3. Please wait for a while. My father .......... (have) his bath now. He
usually ........... (have) his bath at this time.
4. Can I borrow your pen, or .......... you .......... (use) it now?
5. You always ......... (stay) at home every night, but why .......... you
.......... (go) out tonight?
6. Look! Your sister ........... (come) home from the library. I suppose
she ........... (go) there once a week.
7. This .......... (be) rather strange. Nobody usually ........... (come)
here at this hour, yet someone .......... (knock) at the door now.
8. I ........... (not understand) what he ........... (say).
9. We .......... (cut) cloth with a pair of scissors; we .......... (chop) meat
with a knife.
10. l usually ........... (speak) quite loudly, but I .......... (have) a sore
throat today. Can you hear what I .......... (say) now?
62
11. My brother ........... (eat) his dinner now. He always ............ (have)
his dinner at 7 o'clock.
12. Listen. The clock ........... (strike) now. It ........... (be not) even half-
past four yet.
13. Kim Seng always ............ (play) badminton with us in the evening but
this evening he ........... (not play) because he ........... (be) ill.
14. Children usually .......... (like) to eat sweets but not Lian Choo. She
always ............ (throw) them away whenever I ............ -(give) them to
her.
15. Every year she ........... (spend) her holidays with her aunt who ......... ..
(live) near the sea. However, she ............. (not go) there this year.
63
PRESENT PERFECT
TENSE
The actions mentioned above have already taken place.

What are the verbs used for these actions?
They are 'has cut' and 'have shut'.
These verbs are in the Present Perfect tense.
They are not used in the Simple Past tense because no definite point of
time is mentioned.
Only indefinite time adverbs such as 'just' and 'already' are used with
verbs in the Present Perfect tense.
T~e .. rese~t .e ·. ect tense is ·useq f()r an action a as a ead taken

place t,rnf thedefiriit~; o· . . ·. tig1eis not kriOW'r); . . . . h'.
·indefinite time ad •.·
.~ ~ .
1. Have you ever seen a giraffe? 3. Mary has been ill for a week.
2. I have never seen a giraffe. 4. Mary has been ill since last week.
64
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
The verbs in the sentences on the previous page are also in the Present
Perfect tense.
They are used with the words ever, never, for and since.
What do these words show?
'Ever', 'never' and 'for' show a period of time from the past till now.
'Since' shows a point of time from the past till now.
We ~se the -PrescintPeri~cf;tense with ever, ne~rJfor an~ since.for

an action which h11ppene<l-from aPQtiod or point ofd~e in the past
till rioW, . .
C:XERCISE 67 - PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Put in the Present Perfect tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. Here's your bicycle. Seng Onn .......... Uust return) it.
Here's your bicycle. Seng Onn has just returned it.
I. I have some good news for you. You ........... (pass) your examina-
tion.
2. My father .......... (buy) a new car. He drives us to school every day
in it.
3. You can eat the food now. I .......... (already cook) it.
4. I can't pass up my work today. I .......... (not finish) it yet.
5. You can go home now. The bell ........... Uust ring).
6. The jug is still empty. She .......... (not fill) it with water yet.
7. He hasn't a cent with him. He .......... (spend) all his money.
8. "Please may I borrow your pencil? I ................. (leave) mine at
home."
9. The bus .......... (not arrive) yet. Many people are standing at the bus-
stop, waiting for it.
10. Look! The door of the cage is wide open and the bird ........... (fly)
away.
11. You can have the book. I ......... . (already read) it.
12. The pipe .......... (burst). Water is gushing from it now.
13. "Where is Don?" "He .......... Uust walk) down the road."
14. Mr Wong .......... (already close) his shop. You can't buy the book
now.
15. " .............. they ............. ( tell) her the news yet?" "No, they
haven't."
65
EXERCISE 68 - PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Put the verbs in brackets into the Present Perfect tense.
e.g. Mary isn't back yet. She ....... ... (be) out for almost an hour.
Mary isn't back yet. She has been out for almost an hour.
1. I .......... (not see) her since she shifted last month.

2. Put the jelly into the refrigerator after it .......... (cool) for about ten
minutes.
3. We .......... (visit) most of the places of interest since we arrived her_e
two days ago.
4. That boy .......... (not say) a word since he came in half an hour ago.
5. I don't know what a bread-fruit tastes like. I .......... (never eat) one
before.
6. His hair is very long. He .......... (not go) to the barber for almost two
months.
7. The clock has stopped. They .......... (not wind) it up since last week.
8. Kok Wah is a very old friend of mine. I .......... (know) him since I
was a child.
9. " .......... you .......... (ever see) a koala bear?" "No, I haven't."
10. We .......... (live) in this town since we were born.
11. " .......... John ........_.. (write) to you since he left for England two
months ago?"
12. Kim Seng .......... (lock) himself up in his room since lunch time.
Do you know what he is doing inside?
13. We ........... (never meet) him before but we .......... (hear) a lot about
him.
14. The audience is getting restless. They ...... , .... (sit) in the hall for
almost half an hour but the concert .......... (not start) yet.
15. We ........... (wait) for almost half an hour but she ........... (not turn)
up yet.
EXERCISE 69 - PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Fill in the blanks with the Present Perfect tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. I can't go home now. I ...... ;... (not finish) my work yet.
I can't go home now. I have not finished my work yet.
I. My hands are clean. I ........... Gust wash) them.

2. He can't eat anything now. Be ....•.. .... Gust eat) some cakes.
3. We have to wait for Mei Ling. She .......... (not come) here yet.
66
4. What does a volcano look like? I ........... (never see) one in my life.
5. We can't leave now. It .......... Gust start) to rain.
6. Don't touch the door. He ........... Gust paint) it.
7. This is my house. I ......... (live) here for ten years.
8. Your ruler is there. No one .......... (take) it.
9. I don't think I can play badminton now. I .......... (not_play) it for
many years.
10. He doesn't know anything about your father. He .......... (not see)
him since last Friday.
11. The cars can go through this road now. The men .......... (already cut)
the tree down, and they .......... (pull) it to the side of the road.
12. I won't lend you any more money. You .......... (already borrow)
more than five dollars from me, and you.'. ......... (not pay) me b·ack
yet.
13. I can't se._em to find my pen. Either I .......... (lose) it or someone
........... (steal) it.
14. I shan't be going with you tonight. I .......... (already see) the film,
but my sister ........... (not see) it yet. I think she .......... (buy) two
tickets. Maybe you can go with her.
67
SIMPLE PAST TENSE
fflj
Peter is telling us about an action which he did at a definite point of time

in the past.
The time given is 'yesterday'.
Is the verb in the sentence used in the Present Perfect tense?
No, it is in the Simple Past tense.
A verb cannot be used in the Present Perfect tense if a definite point of
time is given.
We use the Simple Past tense for a past action when a definite
point of time such a~ 'yesterday', 'last night', 'a month ago', etc. is
given.
·.
EXERCISE 70 - SIMPLE PAST TENSE

Fill in the blanks with the Simple Past tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. The postman ........... (bring) this letter an hour ago.
The postman brought this letter an hour ago.
1. I .......... (receive) his letter about a week ago.

2. I .......... (reply) to his letter last night.
3. I .......... (post) the letter early this morning.
4. Poh Wah ........... (not play) badminton last evening.
5. We .......... (catch) a lot of fish yesterday, but we ........... (not eat)
any of them.
6. The lights .......... (go) out last night, so we ........... (light) some
candles.
68
PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE
7. We ........... (visit) Swee Lan last week but she ........... (be not) at
home.
8. They ........... (plant) a tree in their garden last month but it ......... ..
(die) a week later.
9. He ........... (hurt) his leg when he ........... (fall) down just now.
10. She •..•....... (be) ill yesterday morning, so she .......... (not go) to
school.
11. The glass ........... (break) when she .......... (drop) it just now.
12. We ........... (meet) your brother just now. He .......... (speak) to us
for a few minutes and then he ........... (drive) off.
13. He .......... (come) home at a quarter past twelve last night. Then he
........... (go) straight to bed. He ........... (not wake) up until it ........ ..
(be) eleven o'clock this morning.
14. I ........... (visit) Australia in July last year. I ........... (enjoy) my stay
there. I even ........... (take) a photograph of a kangaroo, but I ......... .
(forget) to take it home with me when I ........... (leave).
15. Last Sunday my father ........... (take) us to the beach. Half-way
through the journey it .......... (start) to rain. The road ........ ..
(become) very slippery. Suddenly our car ........... (skid) at a sharp
bend in the road and .......... (crash) into a big drain. Luckily none of
us ........... (be) hurt.

Rewrite these sentences in the Simple Past tense, adding in the time
expressions in brackets.
e.g. She has sewn the dress. (yesterday)

She sewed the dress yesterday.
1. I have dusted the shelves. (just now)

2. She has typed all the letters. ( this morning)
3. They have put out the fire. (an hour ago)
4. The doctor has given him an injection. (yesterday)
5. He has won a prize. (last week)
6. The thieves have stolen her jewellery. (two nights ago)
7. Some rats have eaten up the bread. {last night)
8. He has shown us the photographs. (last Sunday)
9. We have repainted the door. (last month)
10. A snake has bitten him on the leg. (just now)
11. The cobbler has mended your shoes. (yesterday)
12. We have raised the flag. (a short time ago) -
13. They have left. (ten minutes ago)
69
SIMPLE PAST TENSE
14. He has shot it down. (this afternoon)

15. I have turned off the tap. (half an hour ago)

Fill in the blanks with the Simple Past or the Present Perfect tense of the
verbs in the brackets.
e.g. He .......... (start) to learn English at the age of six, and till now he
.......... (learn) it for five years.
He started to learn English at the age of six, and till now he has
learnt it for five years.
1. I .......... (buy) some fish for lunch this morning but I .......... (not
cook) them yet.
2. The sun .......... (already set) and the moon .......... Gust come) out.
3. My brother .......... (be) here a minute ago, but he ........... (go) out
now.
4. I ........... (meet) Yee Keong last Saturday. Since then I .......... (not
see) him. I think he ........... (go) to his uncle's house.
5. I .......... (post) that letter a week ago. I wonder why you ......... .
(not receive) it yet.
6. He ........... (leave) the room just now and .......... (not return) till
now.
7. You must ride in my new car. I .......... (buy) it a week ago, but I
.......... (already drive) more than a thousand miles in it. John ......... .
(see) it last evening and he .......... (like) it very much. He ......... .
(say) it .......... (be) a good buy.
8. That bag .......... (cost) me five dollars when I .......... (buy) it last
year. The price .......... (go) down now, and you can get it for three
dollars.
9. I .......... (not find) my watch yet although I .......... (look) for it
everywhere. I remember I .......... (leave) it in the bathroom last
evening.
10. Lucy .......... (not come) to school today. This means that she ......... .
(be) absent for three days. I think she .......... (fall) ill.
11. He .......... (break) his leg a year ago. It .......... (heal) now, but he still
limps when he walks. This is why he .......... (give) up playing foot-
ball.
12. I .......... (want) to buy those glasses yesterday but I .......... (not have)
enough money with me. I .......... (go) home to get some more.
When I .......... (return) to the shop, the glasses ............. (be) not there
any more.
70
PAST CONTINUOUS
TENSE
m
' 7
When their father came home, they were having dinner.
Read the sentence above.
Did the children start eating their dinner when their father came home?
No, they didn't.
They started eating before their father came home.
They were still eating when he appeared at the door.
What tense of the verb is used to show this?
The Past Continuous tense is used.
The verb is 'were having'.
· My sister was crying We were watching television

all yesterday afternoon. at 9 o'clock last night.
71
The verbs in the two sentences on the previous page are 'was crying' and
'were watching'.
They are in the Past Continuous tense.
They show actions that were going on in the past.
A general period of time in the past or an exact time expression, e.g. 'all
yesterday afternoon' and 'at 9 o'clock last night' are used with these verbs.
·. 'We'also usc.Hlie Past Continuou{ tense foran actidn that was going,
•. ()~ ~t a' given time or period of time jn the past. . ,
The picture shows what Mr and Mrs Chan were doing yesterday morning.
Were both of them doing the actions at the same time?
Yes, they were.
The verbs are 'was cooking' and 'was mowing'.
They are in the Past Continuous tense.
\\'e ~~ also use the fast <;ontinuous !ense ~o show two actions.going ·
on at the same time.jn the past. . . ., · · ' '· •• . ·
EXl:RCISE 73 - PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE

Put in the Past Continuous tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. We .......... (play) badminton at 6 o'clock last evening.

We were playing badminton at 6 o'clock last evening.
72
1. What .......... you both .......... (discuss) at 11 o'clock last night?

2. He .......... ( dig) in the garden all yesterday evening.
3. The birds .......... (sing) all morning.
4. Mother .......... (sew) my dress at 10 o'clock this morning.
5. We .......... (have) dinner at 7 o'clock last night.
6. The boys ........... (practise) for the sports all last week.
7. My uncle .......... (fish) in the pond the whole afternoon.
8. I .......... (read) a novel at 8 o'clock last night.
9. The farmer .......... (plough) his field all yesterday afternoon.
10. They .......... (stand) at the gate all evening.
11. The women .......... ( quarrel) all this morning.
12. I ........... (walk) home at 9 o'clock last Tuesday morning.
13 . She .......... (shop) in town all yesterday afternoon.
14. The wind .......... (blow) strongly throughout the night.
15. We ....... ... (cycle) to the farm at 7 o'clock yesterday morning.
EXERCISE 74 - PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE

Put in the Past Continuous tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. They .......... (laugh) loudly when she entered the room.
They were laughing loudly when she entered the room.
1. I .......... (sleep) when he knocked on my door.

2. He ......... . (stand) on the branch when it broke.
3. The pupils ...... .... (listen) attentively while their teacher ......... .
(speak).
·I
4. As he ........... (water) the plants, it started to rain.
5. While I ........... ( dust) the shelves, he ........... (sweep) the floor.
6. She ........... (write) a letter when the lights went out.
7. As we ........ ... (walk) along the road, we found a small kitten.
8. He ......... . (run) up the stairs when I saw him.
9. We ... ....... (drive) home when our car ran out of petrol.
10. She ........... (draw) a picture while we .... ...... (listen) to the radio.
11. The men ...... ;... (repair) the bridge when we passed them.
12. While Mr Ong ........... ( read) the newspaper, his wife .......... (prepare)
breakfast.
13. As he ........... (blow) up the balloon it burst.
14. While she .......... (make) tea, I ....... ... (cut) some sandwiches.
15. They .......... (wave) to us as the train .......... (leave) the station.
73

Fill in the blanks with the Past Continuous tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. While I .......... (do) my homework yesterday, my father ......... .

(polish) his car.
While I was doing my homework yesterday, my father was
polishing his car.
1. While I .......... (write) a letter, my mother walked in.

2. He twisted his ankle as he ........... (go) up the stairs.
3. While I .......... (have) my bath, I heard a scream.
4. I met your brother when I ........... (walk) down the street.
5. We ........... (wait) for Kok Wah at 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
6. While the pupils .......... (shout) and ............ (play) in the room, the
headmaster walked in.
7. It ........... (rain) this morning when l woke up.
8. While you .......... (play) with Mary, I .......... (study) for my examina-
tion.
9. She burnt her fingers while she .......... (bake) the cake.
IO. While you .......... (not look), he spilled the bottle of ink.
11. Those men ............ (paint) my house all yesterday afternoon.
12. I did not kill that man! I .......... (enjoy) myself at the party when
he was murdered.
13. While the ant .......... (work) all summer, the grasshopper ......... .
(play) and ........... (dance) in the sun.
14. He jumped off the bus while it .......... (still move).
15. "What ....... ,.. you ........... (do) at 9 o'clock last night?" "Oh, I ........ .
(read) a book."

Put the verbs in brackets into the Simple Past or the Past Continuous tense.
e.g. While he ........... ( weed) the garden, a snake ..... ...... . (bite) him.
While he was weeding the garden, a snake bit him .
. l. As I ........... (go) to school yesterday, I .......... (see) a lorry crash into

that shop.
2. He ........... (hurt) his ankle while he ........... (play) football.
3. I .......... (wash) my hands when the telephone ........... (ring).
74
4. When we .......... (reach) his house last evening, he and his wife ......... .
(laugh) loudly.
5. Just as he ........... (come) out of the shop, he .......... (meet) his old
neighbour.
6. As my sister ........... (run) down the steps, she ........... (trip) over a
brick and ........... (fall) flat on her face.
7. At 6 o'clock yesterday I .......... (wait) for you at the cinema. I ........ .
(wait) until it was seven, then I ........... (go) in to see the film alone.
8. I made it just in time. When I .......... (reach) school this morning,
the bell ........... (ring) and all the pupils .......... (walk) into their class-
rooms.
9. As I .......... (get) into the bus, it suddenly ........... (start) to move
and I ........... ( fall) backwards on to the road.
10. They .......... ( watch) television when the fire .......... (break) out.
11. She ........ ,.. (sit) on the chair when she suddenly .......... (scream)
and ........... Gump) up.
12. He .......... (lie) down and .......... (read) a book while I .......... (do)
my sums.
13. At 8 o'clock last night I .......... (read) an interesting book when the
light .......... (go) out. It ....... ... (come) on again at a quarter past
nine, so I .......... (continue) reading.
14. When I ........... (walk) into the room they .......... (have) their dinner.
They .......... (take) no notice and .......... (go) on eating.
15. I .......... (look) for my pen when I discovered that I ........... (have)
it in my pocket all the time.
75
Peter is telling his friend what he did yesterday.
What was the first action that he did?
He did his homework first.
After that what did he do?
He went to sleep.
What tense of the verbs is used to show that one action was completed
before another took place?
The Past Perfect tense is used.
The Past Perfect tense is used for the first action and the Simple Past tense
Jor the second action.
We use the Past Perfect tense for an action that was completed
before another took place. This tense is usually used with words like
~when', 'after', 4before', etc.
--
::.~~ ~~~
,:;.a.---
76
PAST PERFECT TENSE
Jn picture B Swee Lan is talking to Chee Meng.

What is she saying?
She is repeating what Poh Wah has said. (see picture A)
Swee Lan's sentence is in Indirect Speech.
What tense does she use in her sentence?
She uses the Past Perfect tense.
. We also use the Past Perfect te11se in, Indirect or Reported Speech.
EXERCISE 77 -- PAST PERFECT TENSE

Put the verbs in brackets into the Past Perfect tense.
e.g. The plane .......... (leave) when they reached the airport.
The plane had left when they reached the airport.
1. They .......... (put) out the fire when the fire-brigade arrived.
2. The rain .......... (stop) when I woke up.
3. She went out after she .......... (get) dressed.
4. My sister washed up the plates after she ........... (have) her lunch.
5. They stopped working after the sun ............ (set).
6. When she ...... ..... (finish) reading the book, she put it back on the
shelf.
7. After the gardener ......... (sweep) up the leaves, he burnt them.
8. Before we could get up the bus, it ........... (start) moving.
9. After she .......... (cook) the dinner, she laid the table.
10. They .......... (arrive) at my house before I was ready.
11. He drove off when he .......... (say) good-bye to us.
12. She bought the dress after she .......... (try) it on.
13. The man at the"door allowed them to enter when they .......... (show)
him their tickets.
14. The car .......... (disappear) round the corner before I could see who
the driver was.
15. Just before I left the country, I ........... (send) a cable to him.
EXERCISE 78- PAST PERFECT TENSE

Rewrite the following in the Indirect Speech. Begin with the words in
brackets and use the Past Perfect tense of the verbs. Where necessary
change certain words in order to retain the same meaning.
e.g. "I have lost my pen." (She said that)

She said that she had lost her pen.
77
PAST PERFECT TENSE
I. "I have seen the film." (He said that)

2. "I have passed the examination." (She said that)
3. "I have been to her house several times." (Kim Seng said that)
4. "I saw an eagle." (He told me that)
5. "We cleaned the room." (They told her that)
6. "My sister has gone away." (He told me that)
7. "I had a bad headache." (She told me that)
8. "Someone has broken into my house." (Mr Lim told me that)
9. "What has happened to my bag?" (He asked me)
10. "What has happened to your face?" (She asked me)
l 1. "We have not seen it yet." (They said that)
12. "I have had my bath." (He said that)
13. "Who has taken my pen?" (She asked us)
14. "John sent this book for me." (My brother told me that)
15. "The boys have gone out." (She said that)
EXERCISE 79- PAST PERFECT TENSE

Put the verbs in brackets into the Simple Past or the Past Perfect tense.
e.g. I .......... (go) home after I .......... (finish) my work.
I went home after I had finished my work.
1. After she .......... (hear) the sad news, she ........... (begin) to cry.
2. After he .......... (write) the letter, he ........... (go) to bed.
3. Before it ........... (start) to rain, I ........... (reach) the station.
4. The bell .......... (already ring) when the bus ........... (arrive) at school.
5. I ............ (finish) my homework before he .......... (come) to see me.
6. When we ........... (get) there, the show .......... (already begin).
7. He .......... (say) that he ........... (just receive) a letter from Swee Lan.
8. She .......... (just.go) out when I ........... (call) at her house.
9. The fire ........... (destroy) the whole building before the firemen
........... (arrive).
10. The motorist and one passenger .......... (die) by the time the ambu-
lance ........... (arrive).
11. The gid ........... (tell) us that she .......... (lose) her way.
12. After leaving my house, I suddenly .......... (remember) that I ......... .
(for.get) to lock the front door.
13. When he ........... (get) home, he .......... (discover) that his little
brother ·............ (eat) all the chocolates.
14. When I ........... (meet) him last week, ·I suddenly ........... (realize) that
I ... :...... (not see) him for many years.
15. He .......... (want) to know who ........... (break) the glass.
78
SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE
1
& GOING TO' FORM
Can you name the verbs which Mr Koh is referring to?

They are 'shall buy', 'will bake' and 'will play'.
They are used in the Simple Future tense.
This tense is used with such time expressions as 'tomorrow', 'this Sunday',
'this evening', 'next week', etc.
You will notice that 'shall' and 'will' only go with certain nouns and
pronouns.
'Shall' is used with 'l' and 'we' and 'will' with other nouns and pronouns.
She's bought a piece of cloth.

She is going to make· a dress.
79
SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE & 'GOING TO' FORM
Look at the clouds.

It is going to rain.
The 'going to' form in the sentences above also shows future action.
But unlike 'shall' and 'will', it does not merely show future action alone.
It may be used when a plan has been made, as in picture A.
It may also be used when we speak of things which are certain to happen.
-.We use the 'going to' form foduture action, especially when a ·
plan has been made. We also use it w~en we speak of things that are
~rtain to happen. ,
EXERCISE 80 - SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE & 'GOING TO'

FORM
Put the verbs in brackets into the Simple Future tense.
e.g. (a) I .......... (be) twelve years old next year.

I shall be twelve years old next year.
(b) .......... you ........ ., (help) me push my car, please?
Will you help me push my car, please?
1. I ... -....... (be) fourteen years old in September.

2. We .......... (not start) the meeting until he arrives.
J. .. ........ he ........... (get) well soon?
4. Christmas Day ........... (fall) on a Sunday next year.
5. Please wait for a while. She .......... (come) down in a minute.
6. I hope I .......... (not forget) to bring the book tomorrow.
7. Tomorrow ........... (be) a holiday; all the shops ........... (be closed).
8. If you work hard, you ........... (pass) the examination.
9. If she comes home late, she ........... (miss) dinner.
10. If we ask Chin Seong, he .......... (tell) us the story.
11. ........... she ............ (meet) us there on Monday?
12. When ........... I ........ .... (see) you again?
80
13. . .......... we ........... (go) home in a taxi?

14. ........... you ........... (post) this letter for me, please?
15. When it's time to go home, she ........... (ring) the bell.
1
EXERCISE 81 - SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE & GOING TO'
FORM
Rewrite these sentences in the 'going to' form.
e.g. She will play badminton tomorrow evening.

She is going to play badminton tomorrow evening.
1. He will buy some oranges tomorrow.

2. He will finish the work next week.
3. They will bring some boxes tomorrow.
4. She will write him a letter tonight.
5. My uncle will leave here tomorrow.
6. I shall see the headmaster tomorrow.
7. We shall play golf tomorrow afternoon.
8. She will dance again this evening.
9. My father will take me to the circus tomorrow.
10. He will not show me the book.
11. I shall not tell you the answer.
12. They will not work on Saturday.
13. Will you attend the meeting this Monday?
14. We shall paint the house this week-end.
15. The plane will leave in an hour.
EXERCISE 82 - SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE & 'GOING TO'

FORM
Put in either the 'will' form or the 'going to' form of the verbs in brackets.
When you have already decided to do something BEFORE you speak, use
the 'going to' form. In all other cases use the 'will' or 'shall' form.
e.g. "I have already typed this letter. I .......... (post) it first thing
in the morning."
"I have already typed this letter. I am going to post it first
thing in the morning."
"Tliere's someone at the door." "Oh, I ........... (open) it."
"There's someone at the door." "Oh, I will open it."
81
1. "Why have you borrowed that spade?" "Oh, I ........... (plant) some
flowers."
2. "You are not strong enough to carry that sack. Come, I ......... .
(help) you carry it."·
3. "This typewriter is not working." "Oh, isn't it? I .......... (send) it
to be repaired tomorrow."
4. I have been thinking of getting a cupboard for a long time. I ......... .
(get) one tomorrow. It ........... (hold) all the books I've got here.
5. "Be careful. You .......... (burn) your fingers."
6. "Just ring the bell and the servant ........... ( open) the door to let
you in."
7. I have already packed my clothes. I ........... (spend) the week-end
with my grandmother.
8. Mr and Mrs Chan have promised to come tonight. They .......... (have)
dinner with us.
9. The boys are practising hard. They ........... {play) the match on
Sunday.
10. The holidays ........... (begin) on the 4th of April. We have already
written to our aunt. We .......... (stay) in her house during the
holidays.
1 l. ''If you ask her, she .......... (tell) you the news; but if I ask her, she
........... (not tell) me."
12. "This letter does not belong to us. When the postman comes
tomorrow, I ........... (give) it back to him."
13. "Why are you trying so hard to save all this money?"
"Oh, I ..... :..... (buy) a house soon."
14. Tomorrow ........... (be) a holiday. My father .has promised to take
us to the beach. We ........... (spend) the whole day there.
15. "You must hurry or you .......... (not be) able to buy the eggs. The
shop ........ ... (be closed) at eight o'clock."
82
FUTURE CONTINUOUS &
FUTURE PERFECT
TENSES
a·
What are Jane and Siew Fong doing in the picture?
SiewFong
They are talking to each other on the phone.

They are planning to go somewhere tomorrow.
Jane has agreed to wait for Siew Fong at 8 o'clock.
She uses the verb 'shall be waiting' in her sentence.
It shows that Jane's action ('shall be waiting') will be going on at a time in
the future ('at 8 o'clock tomorrow').
'Shall be waiting' is the Future Continuous tense of 'wait'.
It is 7.30 now. I will have finished writing the

What is Kim Seng doing? letter by 8 o'~lock.
He is writing a letter.
He is telling us when he will finish
writing the letter.
When will he finish writing it?
He will finish writing it at a certain
time in the future. ('by 8 o'clock')
He uses the verb 'will have written'
to refer to such an action. -
It is the Future Perfect tense of
'write'. Kim Seng
83
FUTURE CONTINUOUS & FUTURE PERFECT TENSES
~XERCISE 83 - FUTURE CONTINUOUS & FUTURE

PERFECT TENSES
Fill in the blanks with the Future Continuous tense of the verbs in
brackets.
e.g. I ........... (wait) for yoU'when you arrive.

I shall be waiting for you when you arrive.
1. I ........... (do) my homework the whole evening.

2. He ........... (swim) when we reach there.
3. You ...... ..... (go) to school at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning.
4. ........... she .......... (cook) at 6 o'clock on Monday?
5. He ........... {shout) at us next.
6. They ........... {practise) for the concert at five on Sunday.
7. I .......... ( work) the whole of next week.
8. My brother ........... (return) home from England in a few months'
time.
9. She ........... {rest) at home at noon tomorrow.
10. He wants to know what you ........... {do) at this time tomorrow.
11. The men ........... {repair) the road the whole of next week.
12. We ......... .. {fly) to Hong Kong at this time tomorrow.
13. Mr Chong .......... ( work) here again after he is discharged from
hospital.
14. They .......... {shiver) with cold when they come out of the water.
15. We ........... {have) dinner at eight o'clock tonight.
EXERCISE 84 - FUTURE CONTINUOUS & FUTURE

PERFECT TENSES
Put the verbs in brackets into the Future Perfect tense.
e.g. The sports ........... (end) by 6 o'clock this evening.
The sports will have ended by 6 o'clock this evening.
1. By the end of this month they ........... (arrive) in India.

2. I ........... {finish) reading this book by ten o'clock.
3. We .......... (paint) the whole house by tomorrow.
4. The trees .......... (grow) taller six months later.
84
FUTURE CONTINUOUS & FUTURE PERFECT TENSES
5. They .......... {shift) by that time.

6. The sun ........... (set) by seven o'clock tonight.
7. By the time you reach the station the train ........... {leave).
8. He .... ... .... (reach) here in half an hour's time.
9. We .......... (sit) for the examination by the end of the year.
10. They ........... (go) by the time we reach there.
11. The children ........... {sleep) when you come home tonight.
12. He ........... (wake) up by dinner time.
13. On the sixth of May they ........... {be married) for ten years.
14. The rain ........... (stop) before the meeting is over.
15. By the beginning of next month the farmer ........... (harvest) the
crop.
EXERCISE 85 - FUTURE CONTINUOUS & FUTURE

PERFECT TENSES
Put in the Future Continuous or the Future Perfect tense of the verbs in
brackets.
e.g. (a) We .......... (play) football at six o'clock this evening.

We will be playing football at six o'clock this evening.
(b) They .......... (lock) up all the doors when we reach the
hostel.
They will have locked up all the doors when we reach the
hostel.
1. By the time they arrive, we ........... (get) dressed.

2. I ........... (wait) for you at the station at noon tomorrow.
3. The game ........... (start) by the time you get there.
4. He ........... {drive) to Beach Town at this time next week.
5. She ........... {play) the piano from six to seven o'clock tomorrow.
6. We .......... (eat) our dinner before you finish bathing.
7. I ........... {visit) you at 5 o'clock this Sunday.
8. We .......... (meet) him at the bus-stop at 9 o'clock tomorrow
morning.
9. They .......... (sell) out the tickets before you arrive at the cinema.
I
10. They ........... {help) their father in the garden the whole of this
I evening.
11. He .......... (phone) you in half an hour's time.
12. At this time tomorrow we .......... (study) history.
13 .. She .......... (complete) the work by the end of the day.
14. My sister .......... (talk) about her trip the whole of tonight.
15. We .......... (walk) for about 3 miles when we reach that junction.
85
'W ISH ' FOLLOW ED BY
THE SUBJU N CTIVE
Tom wants to buy the ball in the shop.

Has he the money to buy it?
No, he hasn't.
'Wish' in the sentence is in the Simple Present tense.
It is used with 'had' to show a desire which cannot be fulfilled.
'Had' is in the Simple Past tense.
It is called the Past Subjunctive.
'Wish' in the above case refers only to things of the present.

What happens when we wish to refer to things of the past?
Read these sentences.
1: l wish I had passed the test.
2. He wishes he had not lost the pen.
What tense of the verb is 'wish' in these sentences?
It is in the Simple Present tense.
ls it used with the Past Subjunctive as in the previous case?
No, it is used with the Past Perfect Subjunctive, e.g. 'had passed' and 'had
not lost'.
86
'WISH'. FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
What tense of the verb is 'wished' in the sentences on the chart?

It is in the Simple Past tense.
It shows that the wish was made sometime ago and not now.
What are the verbs used with 'wished' in the sentences?
They are 'had done', 'had learnt' and 'had seen'.
These verbs are the Past Perfect Subjunctive of the verbs 'do', 'learn' and
'see'.
1
EXERCISE 86 - WISH' FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
Put in the correct tense forms of the verbs in brackets. Use only the Past
Perfect tense (had+ past participle).
e.g. I wish I .......... (pass) the examination, but I didn't.
l wish I had passed the examination, but I didn't.
1. I wish I ......... (go) with them to Sydney but I didn't.

2. I wish you .......... (see) the film last week, but you didn't.
3. I wish I .......... (learn) English when I was younger.
4. I feel sick now. I wish I .......... (not eat) so much just now.
5. I wish I .......... (bring) my umbrella with me. Then I would not have
got wet in the rain.
6. I wish I .......... (study) harder. Then I would have passed the
examination.
7. He wished he .......... (know) about the match.
87
'WISH' FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
8. She wishes she .......... (meet) that young man earlier. Then she
might have married him.
9. My watch is not working now. I wish I .......... (not buy) it from that
man.
10. I can't seem to find another good pen. I really wish I .......... (not
lose) mine.
11. He wished he ... ;...... (not make) that same mistake again.
12. He told me that he wished he ........... (help) us.
13. I feel cold. I wish I .......... (bring) my coat along.
14. She wishes she .......... (buy) the pen. Then she would not have fo
borrow it from you.
15. He wished he .......... (water) the piants. Then they would not have
died.
EXERCISE 87 - 'WISH' FOLLOWED BY _THE SUBJUNCTIVE

Put in the correct tense forms of the verbs in brackets. Use the Simple
Past or the Past Perfect tense.
e.g. (a) I wish I .......... (know) the address now, but I don't.
I wish I knew the address now, but I don't.
(b) I wish I .......... (know) the address last week, but
I didn't.
I wish I had known the address last week, but I didn't.
1. I wish I .......... (can help) you now, but I can't.

2. They wish they .......... (help) you yesterday; but they were too busy
with their own work.
3. I'm hungry. I wish she ........... (can cook) me something to eat now.
4. He didn't like the food she served last night. He wishes she ......... .
(cook) a better meal. Then·he would have enjoyed it.
5. I wish he .......... ( will come) this evening. I have something important
to tell him.
6. I wish he .......... (come) earlier last night. Then he would have met
my uncle.
7. Your friends are waiting for you. I wish you .......... (will hurry) up.
8. Your friends have left without you. Don't you wish you ............ .
(hurry) up?
9. I like the way Tak Choy plays football. I wish I ......... (can play) as
well as he does.
10. I wish I ........... (play) the game as well as Kim Seng did last evening.
88
'WISH' FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE
Then I could have scored more goals.

11. He wished he .......... (finish) the work in school. Then he needn't
have to bring it home to do.
12. We wish we .......... (have) enough money now. Then we would be
able to see the show together.
13. They wished they .......... (cut) down the old tree last week. Then it
would not have fallen on their house. •.
14. I wish I ........... (eat) something earlier. Then I would not feel so
hungry now.
15. She wishes she ........... ( can understand) Malay. Then she would
know what the boys are talking about.
EXERCISE 88 - 'WISH' FOLLOWED BY THE SUBJUNCTIVE

Put in the correct tense form of the verbs in brackets. Use only the
Simple Past tense.
e.g. Don't you wish you ........... (be) rich?

Don't you wish you were rich?
1. Don't you wish you .......... (be) a little taller?

2. Don't you wish you ........... (have) a million dollars?
3. Don't they wish they .......... (can go) to America?
4. Doesn't she wish she .......... (know) the answer?
5. Don't you wish you .......... (be) a pilot?
6. Does she wish she ......... (can buy) a house?
7. Doesn't she wish it .......... (will not rain) tomorrow?
8. Do you wish you .......... (have) more time for games?
9. Do you wish you ........... (can do) better in the next test?
10. Do you wish you .......... (can see) her again?
11. Doesn't your brother wish he .......... (own) a bicycle?
12. Don't you wish you .......... (can speak) many languages?
13. Don't they wish they .......... (live) near each other?
14. Does he wish he ........... (can come)?
15. Do they wish they ........... {have) the time to do it?
89
Mr Lee played in that field when he was a boy.
Does he play there now?
No, he doesn't.
What words in the sentence tell us that Mr Lee no longer plays in that field
now?
The words are 'used to'.
What tense of the verb is 'used'?
It is in the Simple Past tense; it has no Simple Present tense form.
We call 'used' a Special Finite.
It is followed by the infinitive 'to'.
How would we write the question form of 'used to'?

Do we just change the order of the words in the sentence, using 'used' to
begin the sentence or do we use the Special Finite 'did'?
Both these forms can be used.
90
'USED (TO)'

1. (a) Did she use to drink coffee?
(b) Used she to drink coffee?
2. (a) They used to go to the cinema, didn't they?
(b) They used to go to the cinema, use(d)n't they?
Which of the two forms do you think are more commonly used? 'Did+
use to' is more commonly used.
EXERCISE 89 - 'USED (TO)'

Write out each sentence adding 'used to' to the verb in brackets to show
that the action was done in the past.
e.g. We (live) in Hong Lim Park before we shifted here.

We used to live in Hong Lim Park before we shifted here.
1. Kim Seng and Chee Tong (go) to school together when they were in
the same class.
2. We (swim) in that pool at one time.
3. Our mother (tell) us fairy-tales when we were very young.
4. They (tease) her when she was a small girl.
5. He (sleep) very early when he was in the primary school.
6. I (visit) him before he shifted to Bulim Village.
7. Mr Lim (smoke) a lot but he no longer smokes now.
8. She ( quarrel) with him when they were neighbours.
9. He (drive) us to school before he sold his car.
10. I (write) to John but I don't now.
11. The villagers (cross) the river in ab-oat before the bridge was built.
12. We (come) to school by bus before our father bought a car.
13. Their mother (clean) the house and cook the food herself before they
employed a servant.
14. We (play) hide-and-seek in the garden when we were children.
15. They (write) to each other before the war started.

Turn the following statements into questions using 'did+ use to'.
e.g. He used to work on a farm.
Did he use to work on a farm?
91
'USED (TO)'
1. I used to have bread and butter for breakfast.

2. They used to go to the cinema every Saturday.
3. We used to go for picnics by the seaside.
4. She used to sew her own clothes.
5. We used to go for a walk in the evening.
6. He used to listen to the news every morning.
7. I used to help my mother in the kitchen.
8. My little brother used to cry at night.
9. Mary used to wait for me here every morning.
10. I used to read a book before I go to bed.
11. My sister used to help me with my homework.
12. She used to meet Mr Lim on her way home every evening.
13. Miss Wong used to teach us geography.
14. They used to visit us regularly.
15. He used to polish his car every week.

Put in an expression beginning with 'used to'.
e.g. She used to .......... , but now she has short hair.
She used to keep her hair long, but now she has short hair.
1. He used to ..................... , but now he lives in Farrer Park.

2. We used to .................... , but now we play football.
3. He used to .................... , but now he smokes a pipe.
4. They used to .................... , but now they go by bus.
5. She used to .................... , but now she writes with a pen.
6. When I was a boy, I used to .................... .
7. Before he was married, he used to ..................... .
8. Three years ago she used to .................... .
9. When we were in Japan, we used to .................... .
10. You can't see it now, but there used to be ................... ..
11. At one time she used to .................... .
12. Before he left school, he used to .................... .
13. Did his father use to .................... ?
14. Did she use to .................... ?
15. He used to .................... , didn't he?
92
'WOULD RATHER '
What~ you~ have: an apple or an orange?
I would rather have an

apple than an orange.
What~ you~ do: take a bus or walk?
'Would rather' in Wai Fong's and Kim Seng's statements is used with 'than'.
What does it show?
It shows preference.
Name the verbs used with 'would rather'.
They are 'have' and 'take' which are called bare infinitives or infinitives ·
without 'to'.
93
'WOULD RATHER'
1. I would
,full ~
I would rather we went
the work now. there tomorrow. ·
How is 'would rather' used in the above sentences?

'Would rather' in these sentences is used with a noun or pronoun
('Mary' and 'we').
What are the verbs used in the following clauses?
They are 'did' and 'went'.
They are in the Simple Past tense.
'Would rather' can have a present meaning (as in sentence 1) or a future
meaning (as in sentence 2).
Whe~we,use 'wouldrathe?with ~-noun or pronoun, the foJlowing .

cl~'4,~tJs in the $itnple Pasf!ense. This use-of 'would rat~er; can .nave a
pti?~'ni or a.Juture meaning. , ,'
1
EXERCISE 92- WOULD RATHER'
Finish these sentences.
e.g. I would rather go for a swim than ........................................ .

I would rather go for a swim than play badminton.
1. I would rather write with this pencil than ......................................... .

2. I would rather have a cup of tea than ............................................... ..
3. She would rather stay at home than ................................................. ..
4. I would rather go with Poh Wah than ................................................ .
5. I would rather stay at this hotel than ............................................... ..
6. We would rather play hockey than .................................................... .
7. I would rather put my money in a bank than .................................... .
8. I would rather sleep on the floor than ............................... ................ .
94
'WOULD RATHER'
9. We would rather live in a village than ................................................ .

10. He would rather leave on Tuesday than ...... ...................................... ..
11. They would rather go to work by train than ..................................... .
12. I would rather spend my money on books than ............................... ..
13. She would rather sweep the room than ........................................... ..
14. They would rather walk to the station than ...................................... .
15. He would rather read a book than .......................................... .......... ..
EXERCISE 93- 'WOULD RATHER'

Put the verbs in brackets into the Simple Past tense.
e.g. I would rather you (stay) a little longer.
I would rather you stayed a little longer.
l. I would rather you (return) my book tomorrow.

2. I would rather you ( talk) less in class.
3. I would rather she (do) it herself.
4. We would rather they (not know) about the meeting.
S. I would rather you (not lock) that drawer
6. I would rather she (not leave) her job.
7. I would rather we (go) there by train.
8. We would rather you (not mind) our business.
9. I would rather they (finish) the work quickly.
10. I would rather you (tell) him the news.
11. I would rather he (not marry) that girl.
12. We would rather you (show) us the way.
13. We would rather they (not stay) behind.
14. I would rather she (come) tomorrow.
15. I would rather he (tell) us the truth.
EXERCISE 94- 'WOULD RATHER'

Use the bare infinitive or the Simple Past tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. (a) He would rather (stand) here than sit there.
He would rather stand here than sit there.
(b) I would rather he (switch) off the light.
I would rather he switched off the light.
l. I would rather we (go) there tomorrow.

2. I would rather (carry) the basket than the bag.
3. She would rather (read) a book than watch televis10n.
95
'WOULD RATHER'
4. We would rather he (meet) us at the Rex cinema.

5. I would rather we (not waste) any more time.
6. She would rather (buy) the red one.
7. I would rather they (not see) it.
8. He would rather he (do) the work himself.
9. We would rather (wait) for her than go home now.
10. I would rather (watch) the football match.
11. I would rather you (phone) me tonight.
12. She would rather (take) a walk than sleep on the beach.
13. They would rather you (plant) the tree there.
14. We would rather she(help) us now.
15. I would rather we (buy) the tickets now.
96
HAVE TO',
1
23 1
MUST', OUGHT TO',
'SHOULD', ETC.
1
'Have to', 'must', ·ought to' and 'should' are Special Finites.
They are all used to express obligation and necessity.
We have to be in bed by ten o'clock.

(Because it is a hostel regulation.)
Both 'must' and 'have to' in the sentences express obligation and
necessity.
However, there is a slight difference.
Can you see the difference?
Which of the words is used when the obligation is expressed from the
speaker's point of view?
'Must' is used.
When is 'have to' used?
It is used when the obligation depends on outside circumstances, e.g.
hostel regulations.
'Must' and 'have to' express obligation and necessity. 'Must' is used
when the QbHgation is expressed from the speaker•s point of view.
'Have to' is used when the obl!gation, depends on outside circum-
stances.
MUST
1. I must leave now. (PRESENT)
2. We must finish it tomorrow. (FUTURE)
'3. She had to stay at home last night. (PAST)
4. Must you go now? (QUESTION)
5. You need not switch it on. (NEGATIVE)
97
'HAVE TO', 'MUST', 'OUGHT TO', 'SHOULD', ETC.'
HAVE TO
1. I have to leave now. (PRESENT)
2. We shall have to finish it tomorrow. (FUTURE)
3. She had to stay at home last night. (PAST)
Can you tell what time 'must' and 'have to' refer to?
'Must' refers to the present and the future.
It has no past tense form; we use 'had to' to refer to the past.
'Have to' can refer to the present, future as well as the past.
What is the negative of 'must'?
It is 'need not'.
It isn't 'must not'.
'Must not' is used to express prohibition:
1. You must not smoke in the hall.
2. Cars mustn't be parked at the entrance.
· Study the following:
QUESTIONS
1. Have you to go now?
2. Need you to go now?
3. Do you have to be there every week?
4. Do you need to be there every week?
NEGATIVE FORMS
1. You haven't to switch it on.
2. You need not switch it on.
3. I don't have to be there every week.
4. I don't need to be there every week.
Other than 'have to' what other words are used to form the questions?
The words used are 'do' and 'need'.
Note that 'do' is used to refer to a habitual action.
98
'HAVE TO', 'MUST', 'OUGHT TO', 'SHOULD', ETC.
'Ought to' in the sentences expresses a duty to do something.

It may refer to the present or the future ('now' and 'tomorrow').
Can you think of another verb which has the same sense as 'ought to'?
It is 'should'.
Now read these sentences.

1. You ought to have done it yesterday.
2. He should have told you_about it just now.
Name the verbs used.
They are 'ought to have done' and 'should have told'.
These verbs are formed by using 'ought to have' or 'should have'+ the
past participle.
Such verbs refer to the past.
The question form of 'ought to~ and 'should' is formed by changing the
order of the words in the sentence.
Study these sentences.

1. You ought to stay here. (STATEMENT)
Ought you to stay here? (QUESTION)
2. She should listen to him. (STATEMENT)
Should she listen to him? (QUESTION)
99
How is the negative of 'ought to' and 'should' formed?

It is formed by adding 'not'.
However, it is more common to use 'should not' than 'ought not to':
1. You should not trust him.
2. They shouldn't throw it away .
. The q~e$ti9n ;foim of.~ought to'' ahd ~should; is formed by changing

the order ofthe words' in the sentence. We add 'not' to form the
. n~gatf\fe, lt ism~te common'to -µ,s e'~?ulp ri9t' than'ou~t not to'.
EXERCISE 95 - 'HAVE TO', 'MUST', 'OUGHT TO',

'SHOULD', ETC.
Rewrite each sentence using (a) 'must' and (b) 'have to' or 'has to' in
place of the expression containing 'necessary'. Make other changes.
e.g. It is necessary for her to do it again.
(a) She must do it again.
(b) She has to do it again.
1. It is necessary for you to come with us.

2. It is necessary for him to go to bed early.
3. It is necessary for them to wait for her.
4. It is necessary for Jane to drink the medicine.
5. It is necessary for me to post the letter.
6. It is necessary for us to stay behind.
7. It is necessary for you to work hard.
8. It is necessary for the children to stop making noise.
9. It is necessary for him to answer all the questions.
10. It is necessary for them to help him.
11. It is necessary for you to listen to us.
12. It is necessary for her to throw the rubbish away.
13. It is necessary for the gardener to cut the grass now.
14. It is necessary for us to tell him the news.
EXERCISE 96- 'HAVE TO', 'MUST', 'OUGHT TO',

'SHOULD', ETC.
Use 'has to' or 'have to' in place of 'must'.
e.g. I must speak to him now.

I have to speak to him now.
100
1. John must go home immediately.

2. She must leave now.
3. They must study hard this term.
4. You must finish it now.
5. I must ring him up now.
6. The boys must stay back.
7. You must show it to him.
8. We must go now.
9. He must clean the car.
10. Siew Kim must prepare lunch today.
11. You must follow his instructions.
12. We must pass a notice round.
13. She must reply to his letter.
14. They must look for it.
15. The children must go to bed now.

'SHOULD', ETC.
Rewrite these sentences in the Simple Past, changing 'must' to 'had to'.
Replace the time expressions with those in brackets.
e.g. They must go there this evening. (last evening)

They had to go there last evening.
1. I must see him now. (then)

2. She must be there tonight. (last night)
3. We must get it repaired this week. (last week)
4. They must practise hard this year. (last year)
5. The referee must stop the game now. (just now)
6. I must send her the flowers this Friday. (last Friday)
7. We must leave tomorrow morning. (yesterday morning)
8. We must change our plans now. ( then)
9. They must sit for the examination this year. (last year)
10. They must finish the work this afternoon. (yesterday afternoon)
11. He must stay at home tonight. (last night)
12. We must attend the meeting this evening. (last evening)
13. I must write her a letter today. (yesterday)
14. She must hang up the notice now. (this morning)
15. The boys must postpone the match this week. (last week)
101

'SHOULD', ETC.
In these sentences change 'has/have to' to 'shall/will have to', and write
the time expressions in brackets at the end.
e.g. (a) I have to mow the lawn. (tomorrow)

I shall have to mow the lawn tomorrow.
(b) She has to write the report. (tomorrow morning)
. She will have to write the report tomorrow morning.
1. I have to see him. (tomorrow evening)

2. We have to be there early. (tomorrow night)
3. She has to study hard. (next year)
4. He has to weed the garden. (tomorrow evening)
5. They have to inspect the stalls. (next Saturday)
6. She has to sit for the examination. (next year)
7. J have to conduct a survey. (before the next meeting)
8. She has to watch her weight. (from now on)
9. We have to reach a decision. (before they arrive)
l 0. I have to go to London. (in December)
11. You have to return the books. (by next week)
12. She has to go to the dentist. (this week-end)
13. They have to meet them there. (at 9 a.m. tomorrow)
14. He has to takt:: a bus home. (this evening)
15. We have .to send for a mechanic. (tomorrow)

'SHOULD', ETC.
Rewrite these sentences replacing 'ought to' or 'ought not to' with
'should' or 'shouldn't'.
e.g. (a) You ought to tell her the news.

You should tell her the news.
(b) You ought not to climb up that tree.
You shouldn't climb up that tree.
I. They ought to follow his instructiuns.

2. You ought not to get up.
3. We ought not to walk in the rain.
4. He ought to be here by now
5. She ought to carry an umbrella with her.
102
6. We ought not to be late tomorrow.

7. They ought to boil the water before drinking it.
8. He ought to switch off the fan.
9. She ought not to cut it shorter.
10. You ought not to sleep so late.
l l. We ought to help them to carry it.
12. They ought not to loiter in town.
13. He ought to tell her the truth.
14. The children ought not to run about in the room.
15. We ought not to put our things here.

'SHOULD', ETC.
Rewrite these sentences in (a) the negative and (b) the interrogative.
e.g. You ought to listen to him.

(a) You ought not to listen to him.
(b) Ought you to listen to him?
1. She ought to put it in the refrigerator.

2. We ought to borrow it from him.
3. They ought to do it.
4. He ought to throw it away.
5 . . You ought to write to his parents.
6. They ought to announce it.
7. Wendy ought to talk to him.
8. We ought to carry it home.
9. She ought to ask him for a lift home.
10. You ought to open it.
11. We ought to warn him.
12. The girls ought to show them the way.
13. She ought to lock the door.
14. He ought to hang them up.
15. Your brother ought to unscrew the nuts.
103
CONDITIONAL TENSES
(PRESENT, PAST AND
PAST PERFECT)
If you don't hurry,

you will miss the bus.
'If is used in the sentences above.

The clauses with 'If are called Conditional Clauses.
Is it likely that these conditions will be fulfilled?
Yes, it is.
What is the tense used in the Conditional Clauses?
The Simple Present tense is used.
What is the tense used in the other clauses?
The Simple Future tense is used.
'If' is used in Conditional Clauses. The Simple Present tense is used

in Conditional Clauses to show that things are likely to happen.
The other clauses ·are in the Simple Future tense. , .
Mr Low uses a Conditional Clause in his If I ~ a millionaire,

sentence. I would not work at all.
Is it likely that the condition, i.e. to
be a millionaire, will be fulfilled?
No, it isn't.
Does Mr Low use the Simple Present
tense in the Conditional Clause?
No, he uses the Simple Past tense:
The verb in the other clause is 'would
not work'.
It is called the Present Conditional tense
('would' or 'should'+ the infinitive).
I~•'-'-=---
104
CONDITIONAL TENSES (PRESENT, PAST AND PAST PERFEcn
The Simple Pas(tense is u~d in Conditio~alClauses to show that

· ... Uungs are iinlikelr to h~ppen..
If you had broken the window just now, 6. ;;.=::;;:::=::;ii,====mm

Father would have punished you.
Does the Conditional Clause in Mei Ling's sentence refer to a past or a

present action?
It refers to a past action.
Did the action happen?
No, it didn't.
The Conditional Clause is in the Past Perfect tense.
Name the verb in the other clause.
It is 'would have punished'.
It is called the Perfect Conditional tense ('would have' or 'should have'+
the past participle).
.
The Past Perfect tense is used in Conditional Clauses to, refer to

things of the past which did not happen. The other clau~es are jn
1
' the Perfect Conditional tense.
EXERCISE 101 - CONDITIONAL TENSES (PRESENT,

PAST AND PAST PERFECT)
Give the correct tense fonn of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. If you tell him, he .......... (listen) to you.

If you tell him, he will listen to you.
1. If it does not rain, he .......... (come) to my house.

2. If she meets him, she .......... (tell) him the news.
3. If you do that, I ........... (give) you a preserit.
4. If you don't hurry, you ........... (miss) the train.
105
CONDITIONAL TENSES (PRESENT, PAST AND PAST PERFECTt
5. If you listen carefully, you ........... (hear) a noise.

6. If we have enough money, we .......... (buy) a house.
7. If you don't water the plants, they ........... (die).
8. · If they leave now, they ........... (get) wet.
9. If he drives fast, he ........... (reach) there in an hour.
10. If I am not at home, my mother ........... (be) worried.
11. If you ask her, she ........... (lend) you the bicycle.
12. If she has the time, she .......... (do) the work for you.
13. If he hears the news, he ........... (be) shocked.
14. · If she thinks carefully, she ........... (remember) his name.
15. If you bathe now, you ............ (catch) a cold.

Give the correct tense form of the verbs in brackets. · Use only the Simple
Present or the Simple Future.
e.g. That chair will break if he ........... (sit) on it.
That chair will break if he sits on it.
1. Mary will cry if the ball ..... ...... (hit) her. .

2. He will cut himself if he .... ....... (play) with the knife.
3. If you give him the book, he ........... (be) pleased.
4. If you tell her the news, she ........... (cry) at once.
5. We shall not play football if the field ............ (be) wet.
6. She will be angry with you if you .... .. ;.... (lose) her pen.
7. If you are not careful, you .......... (burn) yourself.
8. If he is late, we ........... (not wait) for him.
9. That branch will break if he ........... (step) on it.
10. She will win the game if she ........... (try) hard enough.
11. If you ring the bell, everybody ........... (go) home.
12. If he does not like the cake, he .......... (not eat) it.
13. They will laugh if they ........... (hear) it.
14. Mr Leong will explain it to you if you ........... (ask) him.
15. If I find out the answer, I ........... (phone) you.

Give the correct tense form of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. If I had the money, I .......... ( travel) round the world.
If I had the money, I would travel round the world.
106
CONDITIONAL TENSES (PRESENT, PAST AND PAST PERFECT)
1. If we had time, we ........... (paint) the house.

2. If he were a rich man, she ........... (marry) him.
3. He would tell you if he ........... (know) the answer.
4. I should go at once if I ........... (be) you.
S. We would be late if the car ........... (break) down.
6. You would fall if you ........... (try) to climb that tree.
7. If you ................. (speak) English there, no one would understand
you.
8. If I ........... (live) in America, I would like to be a cowboy.
9. If the bridge ........... (break), we would fall into the river.
10. If there ........... (be) another pen like this, I would buy it.
11. I would not live in this pond if I ........... (be) a fish.
12. He would help you with the work if he .......... (can).
13. If she saw you now, she ........... (scold) you.
14. If the lights ................ (go) out, I would not be able to finish my
work.
15. If I had an axe, I .......... (lend) it to you.

Finish these sentences in any way you like.
e.g. If I knew the answer, ......................................................... .

If I knew the answer, I would tell you.
1. If I had a dollar, ................................................................................ .

2. If I went to London, ........................................................................ ..
3. If there were no water, ...................................................................... .
4. If I won the first prize, ...................................................................... .
5. a
If I were bird, ................................................................................. .
6. If there were a fire, ........................................................................... ..
7. If the sun fell on us, ...................................... ;................................... .
8. If we had an aeroplane, ...................................................................... .
9. If he were my teacher, ...................................................................... .
10. If the sun didn't rise tomorrow, ...................... ;................................. .
11. If I were sick, .................................................................................... .
12. If I saw a tiger, ....................... ·........................................................... .
13. If he wrote me a letter, ....................................... _............................... .
14. If we found a treasure, ..................................................................... ..
15. If she left the bag behind, .................................................................. .
CONDITIONAL TENSES (PRESENT. PAST AND PAST PERFECT)

Rewrite the following in the Perfect Conditional tense. Put in the word
'have'+ a past participle.
e.g. I should wait for him.
I should have waited for him.
1. I should know about it.

2. We should stay behind.
3. He would give it t o me.
4. She would go by train.
5. They would win the game.
6. You could finish the work.
7. She could tell you the news.
8. He might read that book.
9. I wo uld not walk home.
10. We would not drown in the pond.
11. Jane would tell us the news.
12. The men should repair the bridge.
13. It would not go bad.
14. She should not shout at him.
15. We would throw it away .

e.g. If I had known about it, I ........... (tell) you.
If I had known about it, I would have told you.
1. If you had come yesterday, you .......... (meet) my uncle.

2. If he had played yesterday, we ....... .. . (win) the game.
3. If she had seen the. picture, she ........... (cry).
4. If he had given it to me, I ........... (thank) him.
5. If it had been a fine day, we ........... (go) to the seaside.
6. If we had not helped him, he ....... .... (not finish) the work.
7. If you had no t hurried, y ou ........ ... (miss) the train.
8. If he had broken the window, his father ........... (punish) him.
9. If you had not called him, he ......... .. (no t come) here.
108
10. If I had not been careless, I ........... (not make) that mistake.
11. If he had studied harder, he ........... (pass) the examination.
12. If she had put the book there, I ............ (find) it.
13. If you had posted the letter yesterday, John ............ (receive) 1t by
now.
14. If he had not made a noise, we ........... (not get) up.
15. If I had eaten the bread; I ........... (not feel) so hungry.

e.g. If you ........... (lose) it, she would have scolded you.
If you had lost it, she would have scolded you.
1. If you ................... (go) with me, you would have enjoyed the
trip.
2. If the car .......... (break) down, we would not have reached the City
Hall in time.
3. If the door had been open, the thief .......... (walk) in.
4. I should have heard him if he ......... (shout) to me.
5. We .......... (be caught) in the rain if we had left earlier.
6. If she .......... (not write) the letter to me, I would have sent her a
telegram.
7. If he .......... (not drive) so fast, hP- would not have met with the
accident.
8. If the policeman .......... (not show) me the way, I would have been
lost in the town. ·
9. If you .......... (ask) him for his help, he would have done something
for you.
10. He would not have got wet in the rain if you .......... (lend) him the
umbrella.
11. . If they ........... (behave) themselves, the teacher would not have
punished them. "
12. If you had fallen from the ladder, you ................... (break) your
head.
13. If you ................... (look) out of the window, you would have seen
her.
14. I .......... (hang) the clothes out to dry if it had not rained.
15. We ........... (finish) the work now if they had helped us.
109

Put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense.
e.g. (a) If you press the button, the lift .......... (go) up.
If you press the button, the lift will go up.
(b) If the bomb exploded, they ........... (be) killed.
If the bomb exploded, they would be killed.
(c) If the thief had seen the policeman, he .......... (run).
If the thief had seen the policeman, he would have run.
I. If you practise hard, you ........... (win) the game.

2. If he ........... (come) just now, he would have seen her.
3. If they had a map, they ........... (find) the way.
4. She .......... (swim) in the sea if she had brought her swimsuit.
5. If you open the cupboard, you .......... (see) a big box inside.
6 We ........... (be) late if we had walked here.
7. The dog will bite him if he .......... (disturb) it.
8. If I ........... (have) a bicycle, I would cycle to school every day.
9. You ........... (not spill) the ink if you had been more careful.
10. If I ........... (be) a bird, I would be able to fly.
11. The wax .......•... (melt) if you heat it.
12. She .......... (stop) the car if she had-seen her friend.
13. If you don't behave yourself, I .......... (not take) you to the zoo on
Sunday.
14. What ........... (happen) if we pull the lever?
15. I ........... (help) you if I ........... ( can) . .
110
TENSE SEQUENCE
What are the three main time divisions?

They are past time, present time and future time.
There are many tenses to indicate time.
Is it true that the Present tense must refer only to present time and the
Future tense only to future time?
No, it isn't.
Read the sentences on this chart.
What is the verb used in the main clause of each sentence?
It is 'sent'.
It is in the Simple Past tense.
Is it used only to refer to past time?
No, it isn't.
It is also used to refer to present and future time ('now' and 'tomorrow').
111
TENSE SEQUENCE
EXERCISE 109 - TENSE SEQUENCE

Put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense.
e.g. "I .......... (wait) for Jane. She .......... (promise) to meet me
here when I saw her yesterday." .
"I am waiting for Jane. She promised to meet me here when
I saw her yesterday." '
1. Before he ........... (leave) for Malaysia last week, he ........... (write)

a note to his friend, Chee Weng.
2. I ........... (meet) Kok Wah on my way home yesterday. He ......... .
(cycle) along the road and ........... {whistle) to himself.
3. " .......... you ........... {want) a sandwich?" she asked.
"No, thank you," I replied, "I ........... (just have) my breakfast."
4. Mei Ling .......... (write) to me two months ago. Since then I .......... .
(not hear) from her.
5. The girls ........... (not dress) yet. By the time they are ready, the
train ........... {leave).
6. I wish I ........... (have) ten dollars. Then I .......... (be) able to buy
this dress.
7. She .......... ( not have) the time to visit us tomorrow. She ........ ..
( work) the whole day.
8. Ah Seng ........... (be) a very hardworking man. He ........... (get)
up very early every morning and ........... {begin) working in his farm
immediately after breakfast.
9. When I ........... (get) to school this morning, I ........... (find) that
Paul ........... (already arrive).
10. This Friday ........... (be) a holiday. We ........... (go) for a picnic by
the sea on that day.
11. It ........... (be) half past six now. The show ........... (start) by the
time you reach the cinema.
12. After she ................ (examine) the object, she ............... (hand) it
to me.
13. I ........... (just send) Mary a birthday card. She ........... (be) twelve
years old tomorrow.
14. " ............ you ........... (see) that film yet?" Mary asked. "No, we
haven't," Wai Fong replied, "but we ........... (go) to see it tonight.
We ............ (already buy) the tickets."
15. We often ............ ( walk) along the beach in the evening. Some-
times we ............ (sit) on the beach and ............ (watch) the waves
rush in.
112
TENSE SEQUENCE
EXERCISE 110- TENSE SEQU ENCE

Fill in the blanks with the correct tense of the verbs in brackets.
e.g. "Why ............ you ............ (put) on your shoes now?"
"Oh, I ............ (go) out to buy something."
"Why are you putting on your shoes now?"
"Oh, I'm going out to buy something."
I. While she ........... {hang) out the clothes yesterday afternoon, it ....... .
........... (start) to rain.
2. The shop ........... {open) at 8 o'clock as usual tomorrow but it .......... .
(close) an hour earlier.
3. The farmer ............ (sow) the seeds after he ·............... {plough) the
land.
4. There isn't much work to do. By the time you return I ............ .
{finish) all of it.
5. " ........... you .......... (come) to the meeting tonight?"
"No, I ........... (not be). I ........... {visit) my aunt who ........... {fall)
ill".
6. I ........ :.... (wear) sun-glasses now because I ............. {have) sore
eyes.
7. Why .......... the dog ........... (bark) so loudly? It ............ (sit) quietly
at the gate when I ............ (come) in just now.
8. We ........... (cycle) to John's house at 5 o'clock this evening. Do you
think it ........... ( still rain) then?
9. You'll have to wait for a while. The headmaster ........... {be) busy
now. He ........... (talk) to a few prefects.
10. When he ........... (reach) home last night, he ........... (find) that
·someone ..........:. (break) his window.
11. My brother ........... {like) to collect stamps. It ............ {be) his
hobby. He ........... (have) quite a collection in his album now.
12. My father always ........... {buy) lottery tickets, but till now he .......... .
(not win) anything. He firmly ............ {believe) that he ........... .
(win) the first prize one day .
13. I'm sure you ........... (not forget) where Mei Ching ........... (live).
Her house ........... {be) at the end of Market Lane.
14. I'm sorry, but I ........... (not know) his address. I wish I .... ·...... .
{know), then I ........... (write) to him too.
15. ........... you ........... (look) for my sister? She ........... (not be) at
home now. She ........... (go) to the library. She usually ........... (go)
there twice a week. Please do come in and sit down. I think she
........... {be) back in half an hour.
113
TENSE SEQUENCE

e.g. If I had known it was such a long journey, I .......... (not bring)
my little daughter along.
lfl had known it was such a long journey, I would not have
brought my litt_le daughter along.
1. If I meet him tomorrow, I .......... ( tell) him what you ........... ( tell)
me.
2. If I help you today, ........... you ........... (help) me tomorrow?
3. He will finish last in the race if he ........... (not practise) at all.
4. If you saw a thief in your house, what ........... you .......... (do)?
5. How .......... you .......... (pass) your examination if you .......... (not
study) for it?
6. What ........... (happen) to us if we fell over this cliff?
7. If you had been there, you ... :···· ... (enjoy) the show.
8. If I had left by the back door, he ........... (not see) me.
9. If he had been more careful, he ........... (not make) such a big
mistake.
10. If you follow that bus, it ........... (lead) you to the Star Cinema.
11. What would you do if you ........... (see) a lion?
12. If you ........... (hide) it under the cupboard, he would not have
found it.
13. If I lend you my typewriter, ........... you ... ........ (take) good care of
it?
14. I ........... (run) for shelter if I were caught in the rain.
15. If my dog had not barked, I ........... (not know) the thieves were at
my window .
.EXERCISE 112- TENSE SEQUENCE

e.g. Last night, as I .......... (write) a letter, the light ........... (go) out.
After a while it .......... (come) on again.
Last night, as I was writing a letter, the light went out. After a
while it came on again.
1. We .......... (see) Peter at the stadium this evening. He ........... (play)

in the match.
2. You should start doing your sums. If you ........... (not do) them
114
TENSE SEQUENCE
now, you .......... (not be) able to finish in time.

3. The tide ........... (already go) out but it ........... (come) in this
evening.
4. I ........... . (fly) to London tomorrow. I ........... (already buy) a
ticket. The plane ........... (leave) at a quarter to nine.
5. Every night I .......... (eat) a few sandwiches and ........... (drink) a
glass of milk before I ........... (sleep).
6. I wish Mei Ling .......... (bring) her racket this evening. Then I ........ ..
(play) badminton with her.
7. I .......... (be) very grateful to you for helping me. If you .......... (not
help) me I ....... ... (not finish) the work in time.
8. Since their last quarrel, they .......... (not talk) to each other. I
.......... (try) several times to bring them together again, but till now
I .......... (not be) successful.
9. He .......... (not come) yesterday. He would have come if he ......... .
(know) about it.
10. The bell ........... (just ring). All the pupils .......... (leave) their class-
rooms for break. The bell .......... (ring) again when the break is over.
11. While I .......... (water) the plants in my garden, I .......... (see) a
snake. I ......... (take) a big stick and ......... (hit) it squarely on the
head. It ........... (die) in ·an instant.
12. What a pity you .......... (miss) the concert last evening. It ........ .
(be) very good indeed. If you .......... (see) it, you ......... (enjoy)
every minute of it.
13. I used to smoke three packets of cigarettes a day, but now I ....... ..
(smoke) less. A month ago, I ......... (have) a very bad cough and the
doctor ......... (tell) me to cut down on my smoking.
14. We can't go home now. It ......... (rain) heavily and we ......... (not
bring) an umbrella with us. I .......... (want) to bring one but ......... .
(forget) all about it as we ......... (leave) the house in such a hurry.

Fill in the blanks with the correct tense of the verbs in the brackets.
Last Saturday Kim Seng and I ........... (go) for a swim in a pond. As
we .......... (play) and .......... (laugh) in the water, we .......... (hear) someone
shouting for help. A little boy .......... (struggle) in the middle of the pond.
Again he .......... (cry), "Help! Help! I .......... (drown)." Just at that
moment a man ......... (walk) past the pond. He ........ (hear) the cry too.
Immediately he ........ (dive) into the pond and ......... (swim) towards the
drowning boy. Then he .......... (catch) hold of the boy's head and ......... .
115
TENSE SEQUENCE
( drag) him to the edge of the pond. Even before they ..... ...... {be) com-
pletely out of the water, the frightened child .......... (shake) himself free
from the man, and ......... (run) away without a word of thanks. The man
.......... (walk) up to us and ......... (ask)," .......... you ........ {know) who he
......... {be)?" We ........ (stare) blankly at each other. "Never mind," he
......... (say), "I .......... (come) to warn you. This pond ......... {be) not a
safe place for swimming. Till now five children ........ ( drown) here, lfl
........ (not be) here, that little boy .......... {drown) too."
116
ADJECTIVES
Do you know what adjectives are?

They are words which add something to the meaning of a noun.
There are many types of adjectives.
Look at this picture.
a white shirt
l
~ a dirty dish
The underlined words in the picture are adJectives.
They describe the nouns 'table', 'box', 'shirt' and 'dish'.
They tell us about their shape, size, colour and condition.
Such adjectives are called Descriptive Adjectives.
All the adjectives above are placed before nouns.

However, an adjective can also be placed after certain verbs.
1. The book is thick.
2. You look tired.
3. She appears angry.
Can you name the verbs?
They _are 'is', 'look' and 'appears'.
117
ADJECTIVES
many books a little rice five eggs

Can you name the adjectives in these pictures?
They are 'many', 'a little' and 'five'.
What do these adjectives do?
They tell us the amount or number of things.
They answer the question 'How much?' or 'How many?'.
What type of adjectives are these?
They are Adjectives of Quantity.
· J\djectives,of Quantity t~ll ~s th~.~ount ot number ofot~ings and

,,~OS\\f~t ihe question, •How µ-ivchj~ 0~ -:1:fow many_?'~ . . -
There are two types of adjectives in the sentences above.

One type is used to ask questions; the other points out the noun named.
Can you identify them?
'Whose' and 'which' are used to ask questions.
They are called I_nterrogative Adjectives.
'This' and 'that' point out the nouns they are used with.
What type of adjectives are they?
They are Demonstrative Adjectives.
tnJeo-ogatJve Adjectives are used to a~ questions. Detjlonstrative

( fAdjectives
~--
::'.::- ..
point out the
.. . ··•.
nouns they a.re used with. ·
: . ,;~:-' . '.
118
ADJECTIVES
Each girl has a bag. All the girls have bags.

'Each' and 'all' are also adjectives.
Which of them shows that the noun 'girl' is taken singly?
It is 'each'.
'All' shows that the girls are taken as a group.
'Each' and 'all' are called Distributive Adjectives.
There is one other type of adjectives which you have already learnt in a
previous chapter.
Can you remember it?
It is the Possessive Adjective, e.g. my,_his, their, its, etc.
EXERCISE 114 - ADJECTIVES

Fill in the blanks with these adjectives.
e.g. These .......... shoes have to be washed.
These dirty shoes have to be washed.
1. My school.has a ........... playground.

2. Their king was a kind and .......... ruler.
3. Iron is a .......... metal.
4. The buffalo is a ........... animal.
5. l like this chair. It is .......... .
6. The gardener swept up all the ........... flowers.
7. I can't afford to buy that shirt. It is too ......... .
119
ADJECTIVES
8. Open the window and let some ........... air in.

9. Please pour some water into that ........... vessel.
10. Although he is poor, he is ......... ..
11. Which is the ........... way to the railway station?
12. He missed the bus because he was .......... .
13. Can you climb up that ........... tree?
14. The giraffe h~ a ........... neck.
15. Mr Chan has brought his .......... car for repairs.

It is NOT always necessary to place an adjective in front of a noun. This
exercise is meant to show you some other ADJECTIVE PATTERNS.
Rewrite each sentence, using the right adjective in th_e brackets.
e.g. It is ( difficult, easy) to boil rice.
It is easy to boil rice.
I enjoyed the film. It was ( dull, exciting).

2. I can't afford to buy it. It is too (expensive, cheap).
3. It is (safe, dangerous) to play with matches.
4. It is (easy, difficult) to ride a bicycle.
5. You were (clever, stupid) to make such a mistake.
6. He was (brave, cowardly) enough to tell the truth.
7. I am ( delighted, sad) to hear of your success.
8. He's only fifteen. He is too (young, old) to drive _a car.
9. It was (careful, careless) of you to leave the door open.
10. It was (thoughtful, thoughtless) of you to bring me a gift.
11. It was (good, naughty) of her to tease her sister.
12. We -were ( displeased, pleased) to see our old neighbour after such a
\
\
long time. ·
13. We shall be (delighted, disappointed) if we do not win the match.
14. I like Mrs Jones. It is (pleasant, unpleasant) to talk to her.
15. Your question is silly. It is (impossible, possible) to answer it.

Choose the correct adjective. Then write out each sentence.
e.g. "(Which, whose) book is yours?"

''(That, these) book is mine."
"Which book is yours?"
"That book is mine."
120
ADJECTIVES
1. She is pointing at ( that, these) bird.

2. (Whose, which) book is it?
3. (Each, all) boy was given a pencil to write with.
4. Can you see ( those, these) girls over there?
5. (Every, all) the boys have gone home except Peter.
6. (Whose, which) dress do you like better, the green or the red one?
7. I can't do (this, these) sums. They are too difficult.
8. (Every, these) house on this street has a garden.
9. (All, this) string is too short to tie up the parcel.
10. (That, what) time is it now?
11. Poh Kong and Poh Wah are twins. (Both, every) boys look alike.
12. We haven't seen (this, such) things before.
13. "(Which, what) shirt do you want?"
"I want (those, that) shirt."
14. Not (all, each) the children have bags. (These, those) girls here
haven't any.
15. (Every, all) the glasses are already washed. (Every, all) glass is clean
now.

Rewrite each sentence choosing the correct adjective.
e.g. Only ( one, two) boy is absent; all the rest are present.
Only one boy is absent; all the rest are present.
1. He ate a cake and then drank (a few, some) water.

2. You haven't put (few, enough) salt in the soup.
3. There were (many, much) people watching the match.
4. Which of the ( one, five) pictures do you prefer?
5. It hasn't rained for a week. There is only (several, a little) water
left in the well.
6. He hadn't (much, many) money with him, so he did not buy the
shirt.
7. The farmer has (several, little) cows on his farm.
8. She poured (a few, a little) milk into the coffee.
9. The old man is (ten, seventy) years old.
10. How (several, many) marks did you get in the test?
11. He stood up and spoke (a few, a little) words. Then he sat down
again.
12. I'm thirsty. May I have (a, several) drink please?
13. The captain said, "Step back ( a little, four) paces."
121
ADJECTIVES
14. It is late now, we haten't (much, little) time to finish this work.
15. The wicked man has (few, little) friends and (much, many) enemies.

Fill in the blanks with suitable adjectives.
e.g. (a) ........... Kim Seng and Kok Fai are here.
Both Kim -Seng and Kok Fai are here.
(b) A square has ........... sides.
A square has four sides.
1. He cut down the tree with a ........... axe.

2. Enid Blyton has written ........... stories for children.
3. The road is too ........... for two cars to pass.
4. The .......... man shouted at the boys.
5. The witch had a long ........... nose.
6. Our cat has given birth to ........... kittens.
7. .. ......... pen is yours, this or that?
8. I have met him ........... times before.
9. "Look over there! Can you see ........... tiny insects?"
10. .. ......... pupil in the class has passed the examination.
11. I have a .......... shirt. Please mend it for me.
12. There are .......... days in a week.
13. "Has the well dried up?"
"No, there is still .......... water in it."
14. "Mei Ling, come over here and look at the ........ .. flowers," she said.
15. She chose .......... potatoes and asked the shopkeeper to weigh them.
122
COMPARISON OF
ADJECTIVES
Can you name the three different forms of

the adjective 'big' in the picture?
They are 'big', 'bigger' and 'biggest'.
How is 'big' used?
It is used in picture A to compare two dogs
which are equal in size.
~I as big as
'Big' is called the Positive degree.

®~ ~
.Ji
'Bigger' is used in picture B to compare the
two dogs which are different in size.
It is called the Comparative degree and is
formed by adding -er to 'big'. bigger than
Three dogs are }:eing compared in picture C.
~,~
'Biggest' is used in this comparison.
It is called the Superlative degree.
How is it formed?
It is formed by adding -est.
the biggest of
J)the;fos~tive 4~~~e _o CQOlP'fe>two ~q~t~ings

<(2)>tli.~ ~ll)paratiy(degt~;t2sompare .• ~Q uneq
·• · · ,_.; ·· . (3) th~$upetlativedegreeto ~otnpat
so~S: t 1,ie Cottjpa · ~ ·.· · ·· •· •..· .· '
-.:-' ..... :\_· ;•---,_ . . .; --- ..
expensive
~
V IL-- beautiful
1.,.-.rr--_
~
.
I_
more expensive ~ more beautiful 11 §"~ I
most expensive ~ most beautiful ~~· I

The adjectives compared above are 'expensive' and 'beautiful'.
These adjectives are different from those mentioned just now.
'Expensive' consists of three syllables and 'beautiful' ends in '-ful'.
123
COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
How are the Comparative and the Superlative of these adjectives formed?
The Comparative is formed by adding 'more' and the Superlative by
adding 'most' to the adjective.
Here are some more adjectives: bad, many, little.

How is the comparison of these adjectives formed?
They are formed irregularly;
as bad as worse than the worst
as many as more than the most
as little as less than the least
EXERCISE 119 - COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES

From each adjective, make THREE expressions as shown.
e.g. clever (a) as clever as
(b) cleverer than
(c) the cleverest of
1. narrow 1 i. lazy 21. careful

2. dark 12. happy 22. wonderful
3. sharp 13. dirty 23. beautiful
4. hot 14. naughty 24. difficult
s. shallow 15. safe 25. important
6. smooth 16. wide 26. valuable
7. thin 17. foolish 27. exciting
8; heavy 18. handsome 28. interesting
9. pretty 19. honest 29. good
1.0. ugly 20. useful 30. little

Put in the correct form of the adjectives in brackets.
e.g. (a) I am not as (tall) as my brother is.
I am not as tall as my brother is.
124
(b) Pak Choy is (tall) than Kok F ai.

Pak Choy is taller than Kok F ai.
(c) He is the {tall) of the three boys.
He is the tallest of the three boys.
1. Mei Ching is the ( old) of the twins.

2. Her house is as (big) as Kim Seng's.
3. Which is (heavy), iron or lead?
4. This road is the (narrow) in the town.
5. Last night my brother told me the (interesting) story that I have
ever heard.
6. We don't like James. He is as (naughty) as'his brother.
7. She wants a {long) string than this to tie the parcel.
8. There isn't as (much) work to do now as there was yesterday.
9. "Your father is asleep, so try to be as (quiet) as you can," she said.
10. I won't forget how I spent my holidays last year. That was the
(enjoyable) time I've ever had.
11. · I can't do this sum. It is ( difficult) of all in the exercise.
12. He conquered all the surrounding states and became the (powerful)
king in the region.
13. Market Lane is the (busy) and (noisy) part of this village.
14. Today is the (warm) day of the week. However, it is not as (warm)
as it was last Tuesday.
15. This water-melon is the ( small) of the two. So· it is (cheap).

Give the correct form of the adjective in brackets.
e.g. (a) He is as (clever) as I am.
He is as clever as I am.
(b) Poh Wah is (clever) than he is.
Poh Wah is cleverer than he is.,
(c) Don is the (clever) boy in our class.
Don is the cleverest boy in our class.
1. An apple is as (big) as an orange.

2. A grape is (small) than an apple ..
3. It is (hot) today than it was yesterday.
4. It is not so (hot) today as it was last Friday;
5. Who is (lazy), he or his brother?
6. I enjoyed every minute of the match. I should say the (good) team won.
7. Paul is eight years old, Tom is nine and; John is ten. Paul is the
125
(young) and John is the ( old).

8. You may be (rich) than I, but you are certainly not as (happy) as
I am.
9. This painting is the (bad) you have ever done. Do it again, and see
that it is a (good) one this time.
10. "Which is the (short) way to the post-office?"
"There are only two ways; the one on the left is (short)."
11. There are three ways of doing this sum. The (short) way is the
(fast), but it is also the (easy) way of making a mistake if you are
not careful.
12. I have $2.00, Jerry has $5.00 and John has $9.00. John has the
(much) and I have the (little).
13. This book is (difficult) to understand than that one. But that red
one on the shelf is the ( difficult) of them all.
14. My ( old) sister is two years ( old) than I am. (Be careful of 'old' in
the first bracket).
1S. I'll never forget the day I got married. It was the (happy) day of my
life. I don't suppose there will ever be a (happy) day than that.

Correct these sentences. The mistakes are in bold.
1
e.g. Please hold the thickest end of the pole. (wrong)
Please hold the thicker end of the pole. (right)
1. She is the cleverest of the two girls.

2. Which o(the two photographs is the clearest?
3. He is more busier this year than he was last year.
4. His brother is elder than he is.
5. I am three years elder than you.
6. We prefer this room to that one. It is more cleaner.
7. His cough is more worse today than it was yesterday.
8. Yau Fook is the tallest than all the other boys.
9. Bangkok is more larger than Chiengmai; in fact it is the most largest
city in Thailand.
10. The bus stopped at a place more farther away from this house.
1L My pen is more better than yours. The nib is more finer.
12. She is the most tallest in the class.
13. This is the best of the two books.
14. Who is more younger, Don or Kim Seng?
15. I saw the boxing match last night. I should say the most skilful boxer
won the fight.
126
FORMING ADJECTIVES
r======----- - - - - - - 1 These are adiectives.

What words are they
formed from?
Can you answer Miss Jones' question?

'Poetic' and 'poisonous' are formed from the nouns 'poet' and 'poison'.
These adjectives are formed by adding -ic and -ous.
'Forgetful' and 'obedient' are formed from the verbs 'forget' and 'obey'.
They are formed by adding -ful and -ient.
Adjectives can also be formed by adding -ish, -en, -some, -ive, -al, -less,
etc. to other words.
addin -ful, •less,

..fsh~'~hi :?\\S,, tS()JDe; i ~t-aJ,}able; et.·
Study how these adjectives are formed.
Words Adjectives f Words Adjectives
ability able care careful

accept acceptable caution cautious
accident accidental centre central
admire admirable change changeable
adventure adventurous charity charitable
affection affectionate child childish
anger angry choir choral
anxiety anxious choose choosy
athlete athletic circle circular
attract attractive collect collective
beauty beautiful comfort comfortable
bible biblical compete competitive
boy boyish continent continental
127
FORMING ADJECTIVES
Words Adjectives Words Adjectives
courage courageous length long

coward cowardly love lovable
craft crafty luxury luxurious
crime criminal man manly
critic critical marvel marvellous
cruelty cruel mercy merciful
custom customary metal metallic
danger dangerous mine my
decide decisive mischief mischievous
decorate decorative mountain mountainous
describe descriptive music musical
destroy destructive mystery mysterious
disaster disastrous nation national
distance distant nature natural
duty dutiful noise noisy
energy energetic north northern
enjoy enjoyable notice noticeable
faith faithful obey obedient
fame famous occasion occasional
father fatherly origin original
fault faulty parent parental
favour favourable patience patient
fire fiery peace peaceful
fool foolish person personal
force forceful picture picturesque
forget forgetful pity pitiful
fortune fortunate please pleasant
friend friendly poet poetic
fury furious poison poisonous
giant gigantic pride proud
girl girlish prosper prosperous
glory glorious quarrel quarrelsome
gold golden reason reasonable
grace graceful science scientific
habit habitual sense sensible
harm harmful shade shady
hate hateful silk silky
heal healthy sister sisterly
heat not skill skHful
height high smoke smoky
help helpful sorrow sorrowful
hero heroic south southern
hope hopeful spirit spiritual
horror horrible storm stormy
imagine imaginary; imaginative strength strong
industry industrial; industrious study studious
joy joyful success successful
law lawful sun sunny
128
FORMING ADJECTIVES
Words Adjectives Words Adjectives
talk talkative war warlike

terror terrible water watery
thirst thirsty wave wavy
thought thoughtful west western
tire tiresome winter wintry
trouble troublesome wisdom wise
truth truthful . wit witty
unite united wood wooden
value valuable wool woollen
victory victorious year yearly
volcano volcanic youth young
EXERCISE 123 - FORMING ADJECTIVES

Make adjectives from these words by adding '-less'. Make any other
necessary changes.
e.g. help - helpless
1. care - 6. home- 11. law - 16. pain -

2. friend - 7. air - 12. hope- 17. harm-
3. fear - 8. tooth - f3. father - 18. end-
4. mercy - 9. water - 14. fault - 19. shame -
5. name- 10. life - 15. use - 20. power -
Make adjectives from these words by adding '-ful'. Make other necessary
changes.
e.g. law - lawful
1. hope - 6. care - 11. shame - 16. peace -

2. mercy - 7. doubt - 12. hate - 17. sorrow -
3. truth - 8. power - 13. wonder - 18. beauty -
4. harm- 9. use - 14. plenty - 19. force -
5. joy-· 10.- fear - 15. pain - 20. help -
Make adjectives from these words by adding '-ous'. Make other necessary
changes.
e.g. joy -- joyous
1. marvel 2. mischief - 3. fame - 4. mystery -
129
FORMING ADJECTIVES
5. glory - 8. victory - 11. prosper -- 14. mountain -

6. vigour - 9. grief - 12. study - 15. danger -
7. courage - 10. adventure - 13. continue - 16. fury --··
Make adjectives from these words by adding •-ish'. Make other neceuary
changes.
e.g. child -- childish
I. foo) - 4. style - 7. self - 10. Turk -

2. baby -- 5. slave - 8. girl - 11. green -
3. red - 6. boy- 9. yellow - 12. sheep -

Form adjectives from the following words.
e.g. accident - accidental
1. anger - 11. youth - 21. forget -

2. obey- 12. fool - 22. accept -
3. prosper - 13. caution - 23. quarrel -
4. thirst - 14. music - 24. wave -
5. talk - 15. study - 25. year-
6. west - 16. east - 26. attend -
7. mine- 17. poison - 27. picture -
8. . anxiety - 18 . peace - 28. nation -
9. please - 19. length - 29. cruelty -
10. circle - 20. choir - 30. crime -

Form adjectives from the words below.
e.g. imagine -- imaginary
L success 8. collect 15. love

2. faith 9. noise 16. science
3. ·volcano 10. enjoy 17. destroy
4. spirit · 11. height l8. terror
5. giant 12. water 19. disaster
6. man . 13. distance 20. custom
7. poet 14. · courage 21. fire
130
FORMING ADJECTIVES
22. trouble - 25. coward - 28. energy-

23. sister - 26. mercy- 29. skill -
24. affection - 27. heat- 30. favour -

Fill in the blanks with adjectives formed from the words in brackets.
e.g. He was awarded a medal for his ....... :.. (hero) deeds.
He was awarded a medal for his heroic deeds.
1. We cannot go boating in this ........... (storm) weather.

2. We cannot help liking that .......... (friend) boy~
3. Many gorillas are found in this ........... (hill) country.
4. I was ........... (fortune) to escape unhurt.
5. That ........... (pride) boy ought to be taught a lesson.
6. Not all snakes are ........... (poison).
7. The audience applauded the .......... (grace) dancer.
· 8. Today is a ........... (sun) day. Let's go for a picnic.
9. It was so .......... (noise) that we couldn't hear what he was saying.
10. Mr Lai's daughter is an .......... (attract) girl.
I 1. There are many .......... ( width) streets in this town.
12. Hunters lead very ........... (adventure) lives.
13. That farmer is old but ........... (energy).
14. They stood up when the .......... (nation) anthem was played.
15. He was praised for his ........... (bravery) action.
131
DEFINITE AND
INDEFINITE ARTICLES
hour-glass
Study how 'a' and 'an' are used in the pictures.
Do you know how 'a' is used?
It is used with singular countable nouns which begin with a consonant
sound.
How is 'an' used?
It is used with singular countable nouns which begin with a vowel sound
or a silent 'h'.
What do we call 'a' or 'an'?
We call them the Indefinite Article.
We call 'a' or 'an' the Indefinite Article. The Indefinite Article is

used before singular countable nouns, ~ A' isused before nouns
which begin with a consonant sound. 'An' is used before nouns begin-
ning with ·avowel sound or a silent fh'. ·
Here is a pencil.
The pencil was on the floor.
Is it the pencil you are looking for?
132
DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES
'A' is used in the first sentence when the noun 'pencil' is mentioned
for the first time.
In the second sentence, what word is used with 'pencil' instead of 'a'?
'The' is used because 'pencil' is mentioned for the second time here.
'The' is called the Definite Article.
'Pencil' in the third sentence refers to a particular pencil.
What is the article used?
'The' is used.
,... .
We call 'tlie' the Defmite Article. 'When something is mentioned .

" 'for the first time, .we use ~a' or 'ari' but when it is m,entioned for the
second tittie, we tiSe •the'. We also use 'tl\·e'io refei:·to a special or
particular thing. , '
'The' is also used in two other ways as shown in the examples above.
It can be used with words like 'earth', 'north' and 'south'.
There is only one of each of these things.
'The' can also be used with words such as 'biggest', 'oldest', etc.
What are these words?
They are superlatives.
We use ~the' ·when we refer toorilyone such ·thing and also before
a·superlative~ ;/'
Read these words: River Rhine, Red Sea, Alps, Atlantic Ocean, Tiger Balm
Garden, Bright Cinema.
What are they?
They are special names given to a river, sea, mountain range, an ocean and
particular places.
What article do you think is used with these words?
The Definite Article 'the' is used.
133
Do we use it before the name of a mountain, a road or a game?

No, we don't.
We just say 'Mount Kinabalu', 'Green Road' or 'badminton'.
EXERCISE 127 - DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES

Put 'a' or 'an' in each space.
e.g. (a) .......... hill (b) .......... honest man
ahill an honest man
1. .......... magazine 16. ,..:: ...... helicopter

2. .......... Indian 17. .......... onion
3. .......... orange 18. .......... union
4. .......... sour orange 19. .......... empty box
5. .......... watch 20. .. ........ untidy room
6. .......... old watch 21. .......... useful box
7. .......... eye 22. .......... "o"
8. .......... arm 23. .......... '' r,, .
9. .......... ear 24. .......... important matter
10. .......... ankle 25. .. ........ unicorn
11. .......... hose 26 . .......... hair
12. .......... hour 27. .......... heir
13. .......... hotel 28. .......... even number
14. .......... writer 29 . .......... odd number
15. .......... author 30. .......... uniform

Put in 'a' or 'an'.
e.g. (a) .......... idea (b) .......... university
an idea a university
I. .... ......Englishman 6. .. ........ American

2. .. ........European 7 .......... honour
3. .......... Eurasian 8 .......... hollow tree
4. .......... Arab 9 .......... stamp
5. .......... Indonesian 10 .......... unused stamp
134
11. .......... unusual tale 21. .......... oath

12. .......... referee 22. .......... hoax
13. .......... umpire 23. .......... injection
14. .......... ugly thing 24. .......... object
15. .......... urn 25. .......... invention
16. .......... G :ecian urn 26. .......... organ
17. .......... entrance 27. .......... artist
18. .......... exit 28. .......... urchin
19. . ......... ink-bottle 29. ...... .... usher
20. . ......... insect 30. .. ........ unit

Put in 'a', 'an' or 'the' where NECESSARY.
e.g. I usual-ly have, ......... cup of ., ........ co'ffee and .......... egg for
.......... breakfast. Then I go to ........ .. school by .......... bus.
When ...•. ..... bell rings, we march into .......... classroom.
I usually have a cup of coffee and an egg for breakfast. Then I
go to school by bus. When the bell rings, we march into the
classroom.
1. Would you like to have ........... cup of tea and ........... cake?
2. I can hear ........... noise. I think there is .......... man at ............. door.
3. I bought ....... .... piece of ........... cloth yesterday. It cost three
dollars ........... metre.
4. This is not ........... book I want. That is .......... one I want. It is on
........... top of ........... shelf.
5. I'm not having ........... dinner at home. I've been invited to .... ..... .
dinner at .......... Merlin Hotel.
6. .......... empty vessel makes .......... most noise.
7. I live in .......... semi-detached house at ........... end of .......... Orchid
Road.
8. Put your things at ........... back of ........... car. If there isn't enough
room, put them on .......... rack on ........... top.
9. My father is in .......... hospital now. He met with ........... accident
on ........... Friday.
10. .. ........ cousin of mine had four dogs and .......... cat. One of ....·..... .
dogs is .......... Alsatian; .......... cat is .......... Siamese one.
11. .......... axe is .......... useful weapon. You can use it either to chop
.......... wood or to kill ........... wild animals like .......... cavemen used
to do.
135
12. We can't play .......... football today. .......... ground is flooded after
.......... rain.
13. Take .......... chair and make yourself at .......... home. My brother
will be back in half .......... hour.
14. He walks to .......... school in .......... morning, but comes .......... home
by ........... bus in ........... afternoon.
15. Last night she had ........... bad headache. I gave her ........... aspirin
and .......... glass of ........... water. After ........... while she felt better
and went to .......... bed.
EXERCISE 130- DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES

Put in 'a', 'an' or 'the' where NECESSARY, otherwise leave the space
empty.
e.g. I had planned to play .......... badminton with .......... friend last
evening. However, .......... wind was too strong; so we played
chess instead.
I had planned to play badminton with a friend last evening.
However, the wind was too strong, so we played chess instead.
' )I
1. She opened .......... present which he sent her and was pleased to see
.......... beautiful watch inside.
2. .......... water in .......... well was so clear that we could see ........ .
bottom of it clearly.
3. 'To have .......... axe to grind' is .......... idiomatic expression.
4. My friend collects .......... postcards, .......... stamps and ......... .
butterflies.
5. .......... hotel I was telling yQu about is .......... good one. You have
to pay only ten dollars .......... day for ........... room.
6. If you look at .......... bottom of ............. car, you will see .......... lot
of .......... mud on .......... axle. Get .......... cloth and clean it.
7. ........... weather today is fine. We can go for .......... picnic at ......... .
seaside.
8. You can't go out without .......... umbrella! You'll get wet in ......... .
rain. Come, I'll give you .......... lift to .......... station.
9. I've already written .......... letter you told me to write, but I can't
find ........... envelope or .......... stamp.
10. I hurt my leg in .......... football match .......... last Saturday. I went
to see .......... doctor after ......... game. . ......... doctor told me it was
.......... bad sprain.
11. 'Ox' is .......... general name for ......... animal which looks like ........ .
bull ............ plural of ......... 'ox' is .......... 'oxen'.
136
12. In .......... old days people used to tell .......... time by .......... hour-
glass. Nowadays we tell .......... time by .......... clock or ........ ..
watch.
13. .......... Eskimo lives in .......... igloo. You will be surprised to know
that ......... igloo is built of ......... snow; and .......... roof of ....... ..
igloo is round.
14. .......... 'a' is .......... first letter of ........... English alphabet; ......... .
'z' is .......... last. If you turn ......... 'm' upside down, it looks like
.......... 'w'.
15. My father had ........... lunch with ......... old friend of his on .......... .
Sunday. When he came home, he had ......... bad stomach-ache and
had to see .......... doctor.

Put in 'a' ;'an' or 'the' where NECESSARY.
e.g. I live iff .......... King Street. My next-door neighbour is ......... .

Indian man who has .......... fierce Alsatian dog. He chains up
.......... dog in .......... day but frees it when night falls.
I live in King Street. My next-door neighbour is an Indian man
who has a fierce Alsatian dog. He chains up the dog in the day
but frees it when night falls.
1. Yesterday I found .......... egg in .......... nest. I took ........... egg ....... .
home and showed it to my mother. She s;iid it was .......... biggest
she had ever seen.
2. Singapore is ......... island situated near .......... equator, lying to ....... ..
south of ........... West Malaysia. Singapore is linked to West Malaysia
by .......... causeway.
3. Chile is .......... longest country in .......... world. It lies between ....... .
range of mountains called .......... Andes and .......... South Pacific
Ocean.
4. Mecca is ......... holy city of .......... Muslims ........... Muslim who has
gone on .......... pilgrimage to .......... Mecca is known as ......... 'Haji'
or ......... 'Hajjah'.
5. If you want to go to ......... Moon Cinema, you must take ........ .
first turning on ......... right. Then go straight till you reach ....... ..
junction. Look for ......... Space Street and drive along it. You'll
soon see ........ Moon Cinema on .......... left.
6. .. ....... earth is round, so is .......... sun. .. ....... earth moves round
......... sun, and .......... moon moves round ......... earth.
137
stars can be seen at ......... night, but sometimes they are hidden by
.......... clouds.
7. .. ........ week ago some men went to climb .......... Mt. Linkert. On
.......... way up ........... mountain, one of ......... men had ......... fall.
He injured his leg and had to be helped down by .......... rest of ........ .
men.
8. ........ : three boys have planned to visit ......... Kuala Lumpur during
.......... holidays. John has ......... aunt who is living in that city. He
has written ......... letter to her, telling her of their coming visit there.
9. During .......... holidays, I went to .......... Penang with ......... uncle of
mine. As you know, Penang is ........ island, but it is quite unlike
.......... Singapore. There isn't .......... causeway connecting it to ...... ..
mainland, and in order to get to ......... island you have to cross .. ..... ..
sea in .......... ferry.
10. Russia is .......... largest country in ......... world; it occupies .......... ·
half of ......... Europe and ......... third of ......... Asia. It has ......... .
population of 210 million. It is commonly known as .......... U.S.S.R.,
which in full means ........... Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
EXERCISE 132- DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES

Put in 'a', 'an' or 'the' where NECESSARY.
Once .......... American and ......... European were on ........ '. same
train sitting next to ......... each other. For .......... long time during ........ .
journey ......... American kept silent, and so did .......... European. At last
......... American said, "Would you like to have ......... cigarette? It's ........ ..
American, you know." .......... European gave .......... smile and replied,
"No, thanks. I smoke .......... pipe. It's .......... European pipe, but ......... .
tobacco I use is .......... American."
When I was ......... little boy, I lived by .......... sea. In ......... morning
I used to bathe •in ......... sea, play on ... :..... sand and colJect ......... shells
on ......... beach. During .......... night l would sit under .......... old COCOQUt
palm and listen to .......... waves beating on ......... shore. One day I saw
.......... fisherman struggling with .......... big fish. .......... fisherman was
using all his might, and ........... fish was fighting him alJ .......... way. At
last .......... fisherman gave up and said, "Life is always .......... battle. We
can't win all .......... time, but ........... next time I'll catch that fish."
138
A AN THE SOME
AND ANY
We have just learnt that we use 'a' and 'an' before singular countable nouns.
What word will we use if the noun is plural?
We use either 'some' or 'any', e.g. some eggs, any bags.
However, we do not only use 'some' and 'any' before countable nouns.
We also use them before uncountable nouns.
Thus we say 'some water' and 'any rice' too.
How is 'some' different from 'any'?
Read what the two girls are talking about.
There is some water

.in this bottle. But
there isn't ~ water
in that.
'Any' is used in a question.
It is also used when it means the negative.
How is 'some' used?
It is used in a Positive Statement.
However, it can also be used in a question like this:
The question is used as a request.

How else can 'some' be used in a question?
It can also be used if the question is an invitation:
Would you care to have some cakes?
139
A, AN, THE, SOME AND ANY
How are 'some' and 'any' used in these sentences?

They are each joined to the word 'one' to form another word.
The words formed are 'someone' and 'anyone'.
What are these words called?
They are called compound words.
What other words can 'some' and 'any' be joined with to form compound
words?
They are 'body' and 'thing' as in these examples:
I have something to tell you.
Is there anything left to eat?
She did not tell anybody about the incident.
Can you tell how these words are used in the sentences?
They are used in the same way as 'some' and 'any'.
However, the compounds of 'some' can also be used in questions such as
these:
Are you hiding something from us?
Is there someone at the door? l heard a noise just now.
These are questions which expect 'Yes' answers.
bing. . .
ome' '. ·
•' s
140
EXERCISE 133 - A, AN, THE, SOME AND ANY

Turn each statement into (a) a question, (b) a negative statement.
e.g. (a) She wants some paper.
Does she want any paper?
She does not want any paper.
(b) He bought some oranges.
Did he buy any oranges'!
He did not buy any oranges.
1. There are some boxes here.

2. There is some coffee left. .
3. He has some money.
4. They have some books.
5. He ate some pears.
6. They want some of the tins.
7. Vicky gave·me some nails.
8. He knows some of your friends.
9. They saw some drops of blood on the floor.
10. She bought some nuts from the hawker.
11. He wants to do something.
12. You can get someone to help you.
13. That man is looking for somebody.
14. We must do something about this;
15. She will find someone to go with her.

Fill in the blanks with 'some or 'any'.
1
e.g. There isn't .......... tea in that pot but there is .......... more coffee
in this one.
There isn't any tea in that pot but there is some more coffee in
this one.
1. I've .. ....... envelopes but I haven't ......... . stamps.

2. There aren't .......... biscuits left; we must remember to buy ......... .
tomorrow.
3. I have .......... more letters to write. Please let me have ........... more
paper. I haven't got .......... left.
4. There are .......... new books in the cupboard. You may take ........ .
out and read them, but you can't take .......... home.
141
5. There are ........... nails in this tin, but there aren't ........... screws.
I'll go and get ........ ..
6. There isn't .......... sugar in this cup of coffee; it's bitter. Please put
.......... in it.
7. I shan't waste .......... more of your time. I know you've got ........ .
work to do at this moment.
8. l hope you won't eat all the biscuits. Do eat ........ , but please leave
......... for me as well.
9. I wanted to buy .......... mangoes but there weren't .......... So I
bought .......... oranges instead.
10. I have .......... thing to tell you but it isn't ......... thing bad. So please
don't look so worried!
11. I don't think there is ......... one at the door. I doubt .......... body
will come at this late hour.
12. I heard a l;rnockjust now. I think there is .......... one at the door.
Maybe it's .......... one who needs help.
13. Please do eat .......... thing. You haven't had .......... thing since this
morning.
14. .. ......... of the boys in my class are clever; ......... of them are dull.
There isn't ........... one who is lazy.
15. Look at the blackboard. There are .......... words which you know,
and .......... which you don't. If you are not sure of .......... word,
look it up in your dictionary.
EXERCISE 135 - A, AN~ THE, SOME AND ANY

Put in 'some' or 'any'. You mus.t be very careful in this exercise. THINK
before you do it!
e.g. You look worried. Has .......... thing gone wrong? Please tell
me. Maybe I can be of .......... help. I don't think you should
hide .......... thing from me.
You look worried. Has something gone wrong? Please tell me.
Maybe I can be of some help. I don't think you should hide
anything from me.
l. Would you like to have .......... tea?· Maybe you would like to have
.......... thing to eat as well.
2. There are .......... orchids in my garden, but there aren't ......... .
roses.
3. Are you sure you don't need .......... help? I really don't think you
can do .......... thing much by yourself.
142
4. Have you seen ......... of these photographs? Here are ...... .... I took
while I was in England. I look very fat in :. ....... of these photographs,
don't I?
5. Is there ......... thing else that you want? Here are .......... very fresh
eggs. There aren't .......... bad ones among them. Why don't you
buy ......... ?
6. You look pale! ls there ......... thing wrong? Here, have ......... .
coffee. I'll ask .......... one to give you a lift home now.
7. Please get me ......... thing to eat. ......... thingw.m do as ·Pm very
hungry.
8. He did all the sums without ........... difficulty at all, but he didn't
get .......... one right.
9. I can't find .......... soap. 1 thought we had ......... in the cupboard.
Please go and get .. ......... or c!se I can't do .......... washing today.
10. I've had enough. I really can't eat ........... more, but I should like to
have ........... more coffee.
11. Before you decide to do .......... thing foolish, let me tell you ......... .
thing. There wasn't .......... trnth in what she told you yesterday.
12. If ........... one should ask you where I am, please say that I'm out.
I don't have time to see .......... one today.
13. You can call over,.,,...... day you like. You can be sure we'll have
.......... thing to talk abont.
14. Can I borrow ......... of your books? Oh, i mean only those new ones.
If you like, you can borrow .......... of mine too.:_
15. I see you do have .......... lovely stamps. I haven't .......... stamps of
these countries. Would you like to exchange ........... of yours with
.......... of mine?

Put in 'a', 'an', 'the', ·'some' or 'any' where NECESSARY.
e.g. If .......... one asks for me, tell him I'll be back in .......... hour.
Ask him to wait in .......... lounge and let him have .......... cup
of tea to drink and .......... magazines to read.
If anyone asks for me, tell him I'll be back in an hour. Ask
him to wait in the lounge and let him have a cup of tea to ·drink
and some magazines to read.
I. During .......... thunderstorm, .......... lights went'out and ......... rain

came pouring in through ......... windows.
2. He put ......... clothes into .......... suitcase and took .......... taxi to
......... station to catch .......... morning train.
143
3. Last night .......... thief broke into their house while they were out
visiting .......... friends ............ thief ransacked ........... cupboards and
drawers and got away with .......... money and jewellery.
4. I met .......... old man on ......... way home. He was wearing ......... .
old pair of .......... trousers and ............. brown shirt but he hadn't
............ shoes on.
S. I ordered ........... cup of ......... coffee, but ......... waiter brought me
........... tea. When I told him that I had not ordered ......... tea, he
gave me .......... an$ry look.
6. Whenever .......... accident occurs, .......... people are bound to be
injured ........... lot of traffic rules have been drawn up, but they
don't seem to be of ......... help.
7. We haven't had .......... news of him since he left on ......... 22nd of
.......... February. He should have written ........... letter to us. May-
be he is in .......... kind of trouble.
8. That clumsy boy has spilled .......... of ......... ink on ......... floor, but
luckily he hasn't spilled ......... on my trousers. It's not easy to
remove ......... ink-stain from ......... cloth.
9. I've just bought ......... oranges and .......... pineapple from ........ .
hawker who usually comes here in ......... afternoon. When I gave
him ......... five-dollar note, he said he hadn't ........ change. Instead,
he gave me ......... pineapple and ......... extra orange.
10. . ........ bees are workers; .......... are soldiers .......... biggest of them
all is ......... queen bee. She does not do ......... of ...... ,.. work ........ ..
others do. She lays ............. great number of ......... eggs, which
eventually turn into ........... young bees. Like ......... ant, ............. .
bee is always hardworking.

Put in 'a', 'an', 'the', 'some' or 'any' where NECESSARY.
Once I went for .......... shave in .......... shop at ........ end of ........ ..
Shadow Lane. This was what happened. . ......... barber made me sit on
........ chair and put ........ cloth round my neck. Then he put ........ shaving
cream on my face, and worked it up to ......... lather. After that he took
......... ·. old razor and began to shave ...•...... beard off my chin. All .......... .
time he was shaving, he was talking to .......... Indian man who was sitting
on .......... chair next to me. Suddenly I let out ......... scream for he had
just made ......... cut on my cheek. Immediately I left ......... shop without
giving him ......... money.
144
ADVERBS
Chee Fai smiled.

This sentence does not tell us anything much.
Can you think of a way to build it up?
Chee Fai
Chee Fai smiled broadly.
Here we have added a word to the first sentence.
What is the word?
It is 'broadly'.
What does this word tell us?
It tells us _the manner in which Chee Fai smiled.
We now know how Chee Fai smiled.
'Broadly' is called an adverb.
It is an Adverb of Manner. Chee Fai
Adverbs are words which add more to the meaning of verbs, adjec~ .
tives or other adverbs. Adverbs of Manner answer the question
. 'HOW?'. They are ~laced af~r the verbs;
d}!~ ;38
w c::::::,
- ~ c:::;::,
Jane Wah Meng.
145
ADVERBS
Which is the adverb in Jane's statement in the picture on the previous page?
It is 'there'.
What does it tell us?
It tells us about place.
It answers the question 'Where?'.
So we call it an Adverb of Place.
Where is this adverb placed?
It is placed after the verb 'is standing' .
. Adier~s9f'P1~~an;~~er theA~estio~ '~!{ERE1!andare placed .

after the verbs. , . . ,. · -
What does 'tomorrow' in the sentence There will be a holiday tomorrow.

tell us?
It tells us about time.
It is an adverb too.
It answers the question 'When?'.
What type of adverb is it?
It is an Adverb of Time.
Where is it placed in the sentence?
It is placed at the end of it.
Where else do you think it can be placed?
It can also be placed at the beginning of
the sentence.
What are the adverbs in the sentences below?

They are 'always', 'often'.:.and 'never'.
Read the sentences and note carefully where the adverbs are placed.
always walk to school.
He often goes home alone.
They never clean their house.
The adverbs are placed in front of the verbs.

What question do they answer?
They answer the question 'How often?'.
These adverbs are called Adverbs of Frequency or Mid-position Adverbs.
Name some other Adverbs of Frequency.
'Usually', 'sometimes', 'seldom' and 'ever' are also Adverbs of Frequency.
4AC
ADVERBS
.,\\~~
The boy ran fast. \\ The boy ran .Y!:!Y fast.
What is the difference between these two sentences?
The second sentence has an extra word 'very'.
It is placed before the adverb 'fast'.
What question does the word 'very' answer?
It answers the question 'To what degree?'.
It is called an Adverb-of Degree.
Adverbs of Degree can also be used before adjectives.
Pick out the Adverb of Degree in this sentence:
The bag is too heavy for me to carry.
It is 'too'.
',; J\_~yer~!i otp~&l!~ ~nswer,;\~e questfor<~.o..wijt,Pf:GRE~i• '.

. ,'J1foy are usually placed bef6re_•-~ .adverb .br ari:i~jective; -· .,.. / ·_ _
What form of sentences are these?
------.~_,,__ ____________ __,
When are you leaving?

Where have you gone?
How did you get here?
These are questions.

What are the words which are used to ask the questions?
They are 'when', 'where' and 'how'.
These words, which are placed at the beginning of the sentences, are also
adverbs.
147
ADVERBS
They are called Interrogative Adverbs.

Can you think of other examples of Interrogative Adverbs?
lnteqogative Adverbs are used to ask q~5tions. They ~re'µsuaU~r,,,

placed at the beginning of a sentence. ., · >· '
So far we have learnt about the use of an adverb in a sentence.

However, if two or more adverbs are put together in a sentence, how
would we place them?
Study these sentences.
He drove quickly home last night.
She was sitting quietly in the corner this morning.
They sang sweetly at the concert yesterday.
In each of these sentences three types of adverbs are used.
Which adverbs are used first?
They are the Adverbs of Manner 'quickly', 'quietly' and 'sweetly'.
Name the other adverbs which follow these.
The Adverbs of Place are put after the Adverbs of Manner and the Adverbs
of Time are placed at the end.
'Wl)eri two or more~dverbs are put together in one senienc~, they@.re ·

· ~suall~ placed inthisorder:-'Maruiet, Place, Tim.e.
~;:" ; •• ' ' ,•.·,.. • • • -❖-
·
• ,
EXERCISE 138 - ADVERBS

Opposite each verb on the left write two adverbs to tell how the action is
done.
e.g. sleeping soundly quietly
1. walking
2. drinking
3. shining
4. sitting
5. speaking
6. behaving
7. waving
8. waiting
9. barking
10. writing
148
ADVERBS

Pick out the adverbs in these sentences and write them down. Then
make a sentence with each adverb.
e.g. He went up the stairs.
up - The men climbed up the mountain.
1. They missed the bus so they arrived late.

2. They left Singapore yesterday.
3. We often go fishing in that pond.
4. She behaved badly at the party.
5. His father was very angry with him.
6. He kicked the ball hard.
7. I did not put it here.
8. Please sit down here.
9. Why are they shouting at each other?
10. The train will be leaving soon.
11. Are you tall enough to reach the shelf?
12. Have you ever met him?
13. They stood idly by the road.
14. I have left my bag behind.
15. His brother is quite tall.
EXERCISE 140- ADVERBS

Fill in the blanks with suitable adverbs.
e.g. The bird flew .......... in the sky.
The bird flew swiftly in the sky.
1. The road is not broad ......... for two cars to pass.

2. He dropped the cup ......... .
3. We ......... have bread in the morning.
4. .......... have you thrown it?
5. You will have to pass up your books by ........ .
6. We went ......... by train.
7. You shouldn't drink the tea yet. It's still ......... hot.
8. ......... are you looking so sad?
9. We can't find the pen. It's ......... to be seen.
10. . He held the ball ......... in his hand.
11. Tqe car is .......... small for five people to sit in.
12. The guests will be leaving ......... .
13. The two men were quarrelling ........ .
.149
ADVERBS
14. He crept ......... up the stairs.

15. The soldiers stood ......... during the inspection parade.

Put the adverb of manner correctly in the sentence. Sometimes you can
put it in more than one position.
e.g. (a) (beautifully) She dressed herself beautifully.
(b) (beautifully) She sang beautifully in the hall.
1. (angrily) He tore up the letter.

2. (angrily) She spoke for a few minutes.
3. (carefully) She arranged the flowers in the vase.
4. (immediately) He sent a cable to his father.
5. (slowly) I saw him eating in that shop.
6. (closely) He looked at me, and then let me go.
7. (tightly) He tied the rope round the post and lowered
himself into the hole.
8. (quickly) She washed her blouse with soap to remove the
ink-stain.
9. (abruprly) He got up and left the room without a word.
10. (patiently) He was cold and hungry, but he waited for his
little brother.
11. (accidentally) He tripped over a wire and fell flat on his face.
12. (suddenly) He raised his hand and put on the brakes.
13. (cautiously) He pulled out the pin, and .then threw the hand
grenade.
14. (swiftly) They dared not swim in the river as it was flowing.
15. (quietly) He tiptoed into the room and went to bed.

Put the adverb correctly in each of these sentences.
e.g. (usually) He gets up at six every morning.
He usually gets up at six every morning.
1. (never) It snows in that country.

2. (never) I have been to Japan.
3. (often) He comes to my house.
150
ADVERBS
4. (often) He is busy in the office.

5. (always) He washes his hands before he eats.
6. (always) there is a watchman at the gate.
7. (rarely) This mineral is found here.
8. (rarely) He writes to me these days.
9. (frequently) I meet him in the morning.
10. (frequently) He is absent from school.
11. (generally) We go to the seaside on Sundays.
12. (generally) Those women are hard to please.
13. (seldom) I listen to the radio at night.
14. (seldom) She is around when you need her.
15. (usually) I read the newspaper before breakfast.
16. (usually) You can find him at the club.
EXERCISE 143- ADVERBS

Put the adverb correctly in each of these sentences.
e.g. ( often) He does not come here.

He does not often come here.
1. (always) You cannot be right.

2. (often) I do not wear a tie to school.
3. (often) He was not punished by his parents.
4. (sometimes) My little brother cries in the night.
5. (sometimes) These flowers are hard to find.
6. (usually) He does not go out at night.
7. (usually) Flies are found in dirty places.
8. (seldom) I sleep in the afternoon.
9. (never) They have been up in an aeroplane.
10. (never) Apples are grown in equatorial countries.
11. (frequently) The rainbow is seen after heavy rain.
12. (rarely) I eat before I have my bath.
13. (rarely) We meet them these days.
14. (ever) Have you spoken to the new headmaster?
15 (ever) Will he forget what you have done?

Put the adverb correctly in the sentence. Sometimes you can put it in
more than one position.
e.g. (still) He goes to work at 7 o'clock.
He still goes to work at 7 o'clock.
151
ADVERBS
1. {already) I have finished all my work.

2. (already) I know what you have to tell me.
3. (still) My uncle lives in Penang.
4. (still) My sister is in bed.
5. (yet) Have you heard from him?
6. (yet) The girls are not here.
7. Gust) They are leaving·the house.
8. Gust) · There's plenty of time. It's half past ~ix.
9. (enough) He didn't run fast, so he lost the race.
10. (rather) I can't lift the box. It is heavy.
11. (fairly) This is a good book. I think you'll like it.
12. (almost) Please wait a while. The work is finished.
13. (nearly) He was lucky. He missed the train ..
14. (quite) I am sure she is coming this evening.
15. (also) My neighbours have seen the film.
16. (soon) I'm quite excited. It will be Christmas.

Rewrite each sentence, putting the adverbials in the right order.
e.g. He was reading (in the room; for an hour; quietly).

He was reading qu~etly in the room for an hour.
1. We reached (yesterday; at 3 o'clock; Tokyo).

2. Please be (on Tuesday morning; at 9 o'clock; here).
3. Mr Jones spoke (yesterday; at the meeting; very well).
4. She sang (sweetly; a week ago; at the concert).
5. I woke up (at 6 o'clock; yesterday morning).
6. I have been (several times; to the beach; this year).
7. The dog was barking (at the gate; loudly; the whole oflast night).
8. We were playing (when it started to rain; happily; in the garden).
9. She wrote her name (a moment ago; at the bottom of the page;
neatly).
10. I'm going to meet her ( on Monday; outside the Royal Cinema; in
the afternoon; at 2 o'clock).
11. He missed his parents (while he was in Japan; badly; last year).
12. I have been thinking it over (in my office; carefully; for a long time).
13. He was talking (quietly to himself; when I saw him; in his room).
14. Our schoolteam played (in the semi-finals; badly; yesterday evening).
15. The boy slept (for an hour; soundly; in the chair; near the window).
152
,.·.,. • ·2···'·: .'
3
-.·_.· -,-:-:,.-,
COMPARISON OF
-·- .
ADVERBS
Can you remember what you've learnt about the comparison of adjectives?
If you can't, turn back to chapter 27 and study again how they are com-
pared.
Adverbs are also compared in quite the same way as adjectives. ·
They have three degrees of comparison too - the Positive, the Comparative
and the Superlative.
Many adverbs end in -ly such as 'rudely', 'brightly' and 'happily'.
Do you know how these adverbs form the Comparative and the Superlative?
They form the Comparative with 'more' and the Superlative with 'most'.
The following shows how the adverbs are compared.
rudely more rudely most rudely

brightly more brightly most brightly
happily more happily most happily
:,Adverbs have .three degrees ofcomp,ui

son - the Positive: the Comparative
·and ih" ·Superlative. ,f\~verbs which .~~d
~;in '. ly\usually fonn the Comparatiye: , ·
,. with 'mort( and the Sµpetlative with
<•mos(. ··
Can you name other adverbs which do not end in '-ly'?

They are hard, late, fast, etc.
They are one-syllable adverbs.
How are the Comparative and the· Superlative of.such adverbs formed?
The Comparative is formed with '-er' and the Superlative with '-est',
e.g. 'harder', 'hardest'.
153
COMPARISON OF ADVERBS
There are some other adverbs which form their Comparative ahd
Su_perlative in a different way.
Can you name some of these adverbs?
They are 'well', 'much', 'far', etc.
How are these adverbs compared?
Like some adjectives, these adverbs have no regular forms of comparison.
Study the following.
well
much
far
better
more
farther
best
most
farthest I -l"
- ~ I
Study the comparison of adverbs below. Then make some of your own.
angrily more angrily most angrily
beautifully more beautifully most beautifully
bravely more bravely most bravely
brightly more brightly most brightly
busily more busily most busily
carefully more carefully most carefully
cheerfully more cheerfully most cheerfully
clearly more clearly most clearly
cleverly more cleverly most cleverly
comfortably more comfortably most comfortably
cruelly more cruelly most cruelly
dearly more dearly most dearly
dimly· more dimly most dimly
dirtily more dirtily most dirtily
easily more easily most easily
faithfully more faithfully most faithfully
fiercely more fiercely most fiercely
foolishly more foolishly most foolishly
freely more freely most freely
gladly more gladly most gladly
gracefully more gracefully most gracefully
gradually more gradually most gradually
happily more happily most happily
heavily more heavily most heavily
hurriedly more hurriedly most hurriedly
infectiously more infectiously most infectiously
joyfully more joyfully most joyfully
kindly more kindly most kindly
lazily more lazily most lazily
154
lightly more lightly most lightly

loudly more loudly most loudly
madly more madly most madly
merrily more merrily most merrily
naturally more naturally most naturally
neatly more neatly most neatly
nicely more nicely most nicely
noisily more noisily most noisily
obediently more obediently most obediently
openly more openly most openly
painfully more painfully most painfully
patiently more patiently most patiently
peacefully more peacefully most peacefully
pleasantly more pleasantly most pleasantly
politely more politely most politely
prettily more prettily most prettily
proudly more proudly most proudly
quickly more quickly most quickly
quietly more quietly most quietly
readily more readily most readily
roughly more roughly most roughly
sadly more sadly most sadly
safely more safely most safely
shamefully more shamefully most shamefully
silently more silently most silently
sincerely more sincerely most sincerely
skilfully more skilfully most skilfully
slowly more slowly most slowly
soundly more soundly most soundly
successfully more successfully most successfully
sweetly more sweetly most sweetly
swiftly more swiftly most swiftly
terribly more terribly most terribly
truthfully more truthfully most truthfully
wisely more wisely most wisely
fast faster fastest

bard harder hardest
late later latest
long longer longest
near nearer nearest
soon sooner soonest
badly worse worst

well better best
early earlier earliest
little less least
much more most
far farther farthest
far further furthest
155
EXERCISE 146 - COMPARISON OF ADVERBS

Give the comparative and the superlative of these adverbs.
e.g. (a) quickly - more quickly - most quickly

(b) fast - faster - fastest
(c) little - less - least
1. quietly fl. much 21. politely

2. rudely 12. tightly 22. pleasantly
3. swiftly 13. soon 1
23. patiently
4. badly 14. near 24. happily
5. hard 15. wisely 25. long
6. slowly 16. - skilfully 26 . bitterly
7. early 17. loudly 27. well
8. smoothly 18. dearly 28. clumsily
9. seriously 19. bravely 29. silently
10. lazily 20. clearly 30. often
EXERCISE 147 - COMPARISON OF ADVERBS

Give the correct form of the adverb in brackets.
e.g. He sang ( well) just now than he did last night.
He sang better just now than he did last night.
1. I get up early but my sister gets up (early) than I do.

2. My uncle drives (carefully) than my father.
3. Of all the girls, Grace does her work the (neatly).
4. Mrs Jones came (late) than all the other guests.
5. He has walked (far) than you, so he feels (tired) than you.
6. He has worked the (hard) of them all, so he deserves to win the prize.
7. I can kick a ball (far) than you, but you can play the game (well)
than I.
8. Three years ago I could run as (fast) as he, but now he runs (fast)
than I.
9. I generally eat (much) than he does, but I think he eats (often) than
I.
10. You must see a doctor tomorrow. Your cough is getting (badly) and
(badly) every day.
11. You played badly, I played (badly) than you; but your brother
played the (badly) of all.
156
12. He sleeps three times as (much) as I do, yet he claims that he works
(hard) than I.
13. You mustn't talk while you are working. The (much) you talk the
(little) you do.
14. I heard that it rained (heavily) last night than it did yesterday after-
noon. I didn't know a thing. I was sleeping (soundly) than usual.
15. He dances (gracefully) than his brother, but his sister dances the
(gracefully) of them all.
EXERCISE 148
Give the correct form of the adverbs in brackets.
e.g. Of the five people in the car, the driver was hurt the
(seriously). in the accident.
Of the five people in the car, the driver was hurt the most
seriously in the accident.
1. That boy came for practices ( often) than all the other participants.
2. He-left his house as (soon) as he could in order to catch the train.
3. Her brother got the first prize because he ran the (fast) in the race.
4. These questions can be answered (easily) than those you gave us last
week.
5. Of all the pictures in the room, he had painted this one the {beauti-
fully).
6. The baby is asleep, so try to talk as (softly) as you can.
7. The wind is blowing (strongly) than it did just now.
8. The bird which sings the (sweetly) at the contest will win a prize.
9. I think you can do (well) than this. You should try a bit {hard).
10. The torchlight is shining (dimly) today than it did yesterday. You
will have to replace the batteries soon.
11. My brother gets up the (early) but leaves the house the (late) every
morning.
12. You should hurry up. The (slowly) you walk, the (long) you will
take to reach there.
13. We stood at the station and watched the train go (far) and {far)
away" until it disappeared from sight.
14. I waited for Poh Meng (long) than usual yesterday. He arrived almost
half an hour (late) than I.
15. Kim Seng can play badminton (well) than Yew Fai, but Paul can
play the (well) among them.
157
FORMING ADVERBS
Miss Wong
Your answers should be like those on the board below.
Miss Wong
From these answers can you tell how the adverbs are formed?
They are formed by adding ~-ly' to the words given.
Do all the words from which the adverbs are formed belong to the same
part of speech?
No, the adverbs are formed from nouns such as 'year' and 'night', from
adjectives such as 'sad', 'merry' and 'mad' as well as from verbs such as
'shake' and 'continue'.
158
FORMING ADVERBS
Here is a list of words showing how adverbs are formed. Notice how
many adverbs can be formed by adding '-ly' .
Words Adverbs W.ords Adverbs

' '
able ably fool fo olishly

accident accidentally forget forgetfully
actual actually free freely
adventure adventurously fright frightfully
agree agreeably general generally
angry angrily glory gloriously
annual annually grace gracefully
art artfully gracious graciously
attention attentively gradual gr3;dually
awful awfully grief grievously
beauty beautifully happy happily
boast boastfully hard hardly
brave bravely heavy heavily
brief briefly help helpfully
bright brightly history historically
busy busily honour honourably
careful carefully hope hopefully
cheerful cheerfully horror horribly
clean cleanly hurry hurriedly
clear clearly ideal ideally
comfort comfortably ignore ignorantly
compare comparably imagination imaginatively
considerable considerably infect infectiously
contirtue continually injure injuriously
cruel cruelly joy joyfully
dangerous dangerously justice justly
day daily kind kindly
delight delightfully know knowingly
describe descriptively last lastly
despair despairingly late lately
destroy destructively lazy lazily
dim dimly loud loudly
dreadful dreadfully luck luckily
double doubly mad madly
dull dully magic magically
easy easily mourn mournfully
effect effectively mystery mysteriously
enjoy enjoyably natural naturally
entire entirely hecessary necessarily
excellent excellently neglect neglectfully
expect expectantly nice nicely
faith faithfully noise noisily
fatal fatally obey obediently
fear fearfully occasion occasionally
first firstly one once
159
FORMING ADVERBS
Words Adverbs Words Adverbs . . · .

. .
office officially secure securely
open openly shake shakily
pain painfully shame shamefully
pardon pardonably simple simply
part partly sincere sincerely
peaceful peacefully skill skilfully
persist persistently sleep sleepily
persuade persuasively special specially
please pleasantly study studiously
poison poisonously success successfully
polite politely terror terribly
prosper prosperously thought thoughtfully
pure purely true truly
quick quickly truthful truthfully
rare rarely vain vainly
ready readily whole wholly
regular regularly will wilfully
safe safely wise wisely
satisfy satisfactorily
EXERCISE 149- FORMING ADVERBS

Form adverbs from these words.
e.g. attention - attentively
1. careful - 11. slow- 21. easy-

2. happy- 12. weary- 22. heavy-
3. willing - 13. clean - 23. gradual -
4. sorrow - 14. child - 24. luck -
5. natural - 15. one- 25. horror -
6. accident- 16. special - 26. smooth-
7. anger - 17. sleep- 27. compare -
8. awful - 18. rough- 28. late -
9. faith- 19. nice - 29. shake -
10. fatal - 20. noise - 30. boast -
EXERCISE 150- FORMING ADVERBS

Form adverbs from the words in brackets. Then write out each sentence.
e.g. He whispered (soft) to me so that no one could hear him.
He whispered softly to me so that no one could hear him.
1. She looked (know) at me when I met her yesterday.
160
FORMING ADVERBS
2. Their stepmother treated them ( cruel).

3. "You have arranged the flowers (beauty)," he praised her.
4. They were allowed to roam around the countryside (free).
5. The teacher was displeased with him for not doing his work (satisfy).
6. The dog followed its master (faith) wherever he went.
7. They reached their destination (safe) after a day's journey.
8. She walked (hurry) to the station to meet her friend.
9. We visit our aunt quite (regular).
10. "It was (part) my fault that this happened," he said.
11. He knocked (loud) on the door but no one answered.
12. They ran Goy) to greet their father.
13. The survivors clung (desperate) to the floating planks.
14. The police are still searching for the girl who had (mystery) disappear-
ed last week.
15. The girls were (busy) cooking in the kitchen when their mother
returned.
EXERCISE 151 - FORMING ADVERBS

Form adverbs from the words in brackets. Then write out each sentence
with the adverb formed in the right place.
e.g. She answered the teacher. (polite)

She answered the teacher politely.
1. They have completed their mission. (successful)

2. The two enemies faced each other before the duel. (anger)
3. Please tie the rope round the box. (secure)
4. He settled in the chair and took up the newspaper to read.
(comfortable)
5. Her brother hammered the plank into place. (skill)
6. My sister, who works in another town, comes home. (occasion)
7. "I hope that you will succeed in this project," he said. (sincere)
8. He climbed up the stairs despite the fact that everyone was asleep.
(noise)
9. The crane lowered the boxes on to the lorry. (gradual)
10. The new building was not opened yet. (office)
11. They don't own the house; they only rented it. (actual)
12. The sick man reached for the glass of water. (pain)
13. He was in love with her. (mad)
14. It's hotter today than it was yesterday. (considerable)
15. They looked at the giant as he walked towards them. (fear)
161
PRONOUNS - PERSONAL
AND REFLEXIVE
1. Mary is singing. . John andS .

2. Can you hear Mary? 4. Can you see John and Swee Lin?
Which are the subjects of sentences 1 and 3?

They are the nouns 'Mary' and 'John and Swee Lin'.
Can you replace these nouns with other words?
We can use 'She' in place of 'Mary' and 'They' in place of 'John and Swee
Lin' .
'She' and 'They' are called Personal Pronouns.
Can you name ·other Personal Pronouns which are also used as the subjects
of sentences?
They are 'he', 'we', 'it', etc.
Is 'Mary' and 'John and Swee Lin' in sentences 2 and 4 used as subjects
too?
No, they are used as objects.
Can we use 'she' and 'they' to replace these nouns in the sentences too?
No, we use 'her' to replace 'Mary' and 'them' to replace 'John and Swee
Lin' instead.
Other examples of these pronouns are 'him', 'us', etc.
162
PRONOUNS - PERSONAL AND REFLEXIVE
'I' and 'she' are the subjects of these sentences.

Can you name the objects?
They are 'myself and 'herself'.
Do the subject and object of each sentence refer to different people?
No, they refer to the same person.
Thus the action done by the 'doer' goes back to himself.
'Myself and 'herself are called Reflexive Pronouns.
What word do they end in?
They end in 'self.
Can you give other examples of Reflexive Pronouns?
EXERCISE 152 - PRONOUNS - PERSONAL AND

REFLEXIVE
Replace the words in bold with suitable pronouns.
e.g. When the tiger saw the hunter, the tiger sprang upon the hunter.
When the tiger saw the hunter, it sprang upon him.
1. The teacher asked Ronald and Chee Fai, "Have Ronald and Chee Fai
finished the work?"
2. Foong Mei is Ah Seng's sister. Foong Mei is five years old.
3. Do you know where Chee Seng is? Someone has come to see Chee
Seng.
4. A friend gave me some oranges yesterday. The oranges were very
sour.
163
PRONOUNS - PERSONAL AND REFLEXIVE
5. Kok Wah has a dog. Kok Wah takes the dog for a walk every
evening.
6. The boys found a nest in a tree. The boys saw four eggs in the nest.
7. Kim Chye's father owns a fruit stall. Kim Chye helps his father
whenever Kim Chye is free.
8. James and John are my neighbours. Sometimes I play football with
James and John. Occasionally James, John and I go fishing in the
pond near by.
9. My sister and I catch the 7 o'clock bus to school every morning.
However, this morning my sister and I missed the bus. Luckily our
neighbour gave my sister and I a lift, so my sister and I weren't late
for school.
10. Joan and I met Wai Ling on the way home. Joan and I asked Wai
Ling where Wai Ling was going.
11. The little girl found an ant-hill in the garden. The little girl poked
her finger into the ant-hill and screamed loudly when an ant bit the
little girl.
12. The girls could not find the way to Yoke Kuan's house. The girls
saw a policeman and went up to the policeman to ask the policeman
for help.
13. I see you have an empty box. Please could you let me have the box
so that I can put all these things in the box?
14. The stranger spoke to Poh Wah and I. The stranger asked Poh Wah
and I to show the stranger the way to the post-office.
15. Th~ audience listened to the girl while the girl sang. The audience
gave the girl a big applause when the girl had finished singing the
song.

REFLEXIVE
Fill in the blanks with suitable Reflexive Pronouns.
e.g. They have got ......... into trouble.
They have got themselves into trouble.
1. He hurt ........... during the game.

2. "Please express ....... .... clearly," she said to him.
3. I wash ........... before I go to bed.
4. They have only ........... to blame.
5. She threw ........... on the bed.
6. The man hurled ........... at the burglar.
7. She made .......... some coffee and took out some biscuits to eat.
164
PRONOUNS - PERSONAL AND Rl:FLEXIVE
8. The hunter has accidentally shot ......... .

9. The children shared the sweets among .......... .
10. You should dry .......... with a towel.
11. The dog scratched .......... with its paws.
12. The hermit isolated .......... from others and lived on the hill.
13. We shouted .......... hoarse during the football match.
14. I have bought ........... a new pair of shoes.
15. She sewed .......... a new dress for the party.

REFLEXIVE
Fill in the blanks with suitable Personal or Reflexive Pronouns.
e.g. Mary felt very hot so ........... fanned ........... with the magazine.
Mary felt very hot so she fanned herself with the magazine.
1. The teacher punished the boy because ........... did not do his home-
work.
2. My sister and I have not eaten anything since ........... left our house
this morning.
3. You won't be able to keep ........... warm unless you wear another
coat.
4. "Don't feel shy," he said to us. "Make .......... at home."
5. Here are the keys. I found ........... under the table.
6. They panicked when ........... found ........... lost in the jungle.
7. The boy escaped b¥ lowering ........... with a rope from the window
of the room.
8. My father shaves .......... before .......... goes to work every morning.
9. On my way to school ........... saw Molly standing by the road. I
waved to ... ,....... but she did not see ......... .
10. "What have you done to .......... ?" Mr Lee asked when ........... saw
me.
11. Mei Fong should take a rest. ....•. will work .......... to death if
........... carries on at this rate.
12. When she came home, .......... shut .......... up in her room and did not
come out until the next day.
13. I waited for her call but she didn't phone ......... up although ........ ..
had promised to.
14. Ah Chong hasn't been to school at all. ........... taught .; ......... to read
and write when ........... was young.
15. After we had bathed the dog, .......... ran into the garden and shook
.......... dry.
165
ADVERBIAL .CLAUSES
Can you remember what adverbs are?

They are words used to add more to the meaning of verbs.
Adverbial clauses do the work of adverbs.
There are many types of adverbial clauses.
The pupils stood up .when

the teacher walked in.
Can you pick out the adverbial clause in this sentence?

It is 'when the teacher walked in'.
What does this clause tell us?
It tells us when an action was done.
It is therefore called an Adverbial Clause of Time.
What words do these clauses begin with?
They begin with conjunctions such as 'when', 'while', 'after', 'until',
'since', etc.
dver 1 . c auses do the work o ,a verbs; An Adver 1a ause .

, ..·. ·. ·• .• . •· .s when an a<:tion was'done. The cla . .· n<b·e iritto~ . ,
... , , .•. + :· ...• . . . ., .··. . .. '
166
ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
John has told his teacher why he was late.

What is the reason that he has given?
It is 'because I missed the bus'.
What do we call this clause?
Since it indicates reason, we call it an Adverbial Clause of Reason.
What word is used to begin this clause?
'Because' is used.
Can you think of other conjunctions that can be used in Adverbial
Clauses of Reason?
They are 'as', 'since' , etc.
/. An'Adv~rbial Clause of 'Reason tells us why an action was don~:

, c~U(bf ijtfroduceq by ~because\ 'as', 'since', etc.
It was raining, so we stayed in the house.

She talked so softly that I could not hear her.
Pick out the adverbial clauses in these sentences.
They are 'so we stayed in the house' and 'so that I could not hear her'.
What do these clauses show?
They show the results of the actions done.
Thus we call them Adverbial Clauses of Result.
What are the words used to introduce these clauses?
They are 'so', 'so .......... that', 'such .......... that', etc.
He did not switch [ although it was hot.

on the fan though he was sweating .
What words do the adverbial clauses on the blackboard begin with?

They begin with 'although' and 'though'.
What are these clauses called?
They are called Adverbial Clauses of Concession.
167
APVERBIAL CLAUSES
Study the sentences in the pictures below.

Can you pick out the adverbial clauses?
I will buy the watch if I have the I cannot climb up the tree unless
money. I have a ladder.
The adverbial clauses here are introductd by 'if and 'unless'.

They are called Adverbial Clauses of Condition.
An Adverbial.Clause of Condition is introduced by 'ir, ~nless,. etc.
EXERCISE 155 - ADVERBIAL CLAUSES

Complete the Adverbial Clauses of Time by using the words in brackets
and some other words.
e.g. They waited until ..................... (rain)
They waited until the rain stopped.
1. The dog barked when .................... (strangers)

2. You must come as soon as .................... (clock)
3. His face turns red when ....................... (angry)
4. He went to bed after ..................... (work)
5. They went home before .................... (show)
6. I haven't met him since ................. ~·· (school)
7. She waved to him until .................... (train)
8. The children laughed when ..................... (story)
9. The pupils started talking as soon as .................... (teacher)
10. They hid in the cave until .................... (enemies)
11. She cut up the vegetables after .................... (washed)
12. He switched on the lights when ..................... (dark)
168
ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
13. The gardener set fire to the leaves after ................... (swept)
14. She shouted for help as soon as .................... (thief)
15: The ice began to melt after .................... (refrigerator)

Rewrite these sentences using 'as' in place of 'because'.
e.g. He failed in the examination because he was lazy.

As he was lazy, he failed in the examination.
1. I could not see him because it was dark.

2. He has to work hard because he is poor.
3. We did not go out because it was raining.
4. I took a taxi because I was late.
5. She couldn't buy the hat because she had no money.
6. He did not go to school because he was ill.
7. We built a fire because it was cold.
8. I threw it away because it was broken.
9. He went to see a dentist because he had toothache.
10. They could not get home because the road was flooded.
11. They behaved badly because they were drunk.
12. She had to look after the baby because her mother was away.
13. He could not walk any farther because he was tired.
14. We couldn't see anything because it was very dark.
15. I threw it away because it was old and torn.

Rewrite these sentences using 'so' to replace 'as' in order to form
Adverbial Clauses of Result.
e.g. As there was nothing to do, I went to the cinema.

There was nothing to do, so I went to the cinema.
1. As he was very hungry, he ate the whole chicken.

2. As the road was slippery, Mr Tong had to drive carefully.
3. As he is out of a job, he has no money to pay the rent.
4. As we knew it was going to rain, we postponed the match.
5. As I wanted to buy some eggs, I went to the market.
6. As the hotel was not far away, we decided to walk there.
7. As there was no answer, I pushed the door open.
8. As it is a holiday, all the shops are closed.
169
ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
9. As the entrance was crowded, we went in by the back door.

10. As it was very cold, we did not go for a swim.
11. As I did not know who he was, I did not let him come in.
12. As the lignt was shining in my eyes, I could not see him.
13. As she was thirsty, She decided to buy herself a drink.
14. As he had lost his pen, he bought a new one.
15. As he hadn't enough money, he did not buy the book.

Use 'although' or 'though' in place of 'but' in these sentences.
e.g. She was sleepy, but she kept watch all night.
Although she was sleepy, she kept watch all night.
1. She was not hungry, but she ate all the food.
2. He shouted for help, but nobody heard him.
3. My car is old, but it still tuns well.
4. Alice fell from the stairs, but she did not hurt herself.
5. He knew he would die, but he was not afraid.
6. He met with an accident, but he was not injured.
7. We were there early, but there weren't any tickets left.
8. He was not a rich man, but he gave all his money away.
9. They searched everywhere, but they did not find anything.
10. The cupboard was heavy, but Larry could lift it.
11. I read it over and over again, but I could not understand it.
12. She lives nex't td"m_e, but we have riot spoken to each other.
13. She rang the bell a few times, but no one opened the door.
14. The floor was dirty, but she would not clean it.
15. I ran quickly, but could not catch the bus.

Complete these sentences with the Adverbial Clauses of Condition in the
box on the next page.
e.g. I shall come .................................................. .

I shall come if I have the time.
1. I shall be very happy ......................................................................... .

2. We shan't be able to finish the work ................................................. .
3. You will get wet ................................................................................ ..
4. The baby will wake up ...................................................................... .
170
ADVERBIAL CLAUSEi
s.· It won't break ..................................................................................._.

6. He will be put into jail ......................................•.................................
7. She will hurt herself .......................................................................... .
8. You will not succeed ......................................................................... .
9. I ·will alter the dress ........................................................................... .
10. The teacher will punish them ............................................................ .
11. The vase will break ........................................................................... ..
12. I shall not buy the bag ....................................................................... .
13. The bridge will collapse soon ............................................................. .
14. The bird will fly away ....................................................................... .
15. The flies will settle on the food ......................................................... .

Join each pair of sentences with the word in brackets.
e.g. (a) · (although) The pen was expensive. She bought it.
Although the pen was expensive, she bought it.
(b) (as) She was ill. She did not do her homework.
As she was ill, she did not do her homework.
1. (although) It was hot. He did not switch on the fan.

2. (as) I could not find a screw. I used a nail.
3. (so) The last bus has left. We have to walk home.
171
ADVERBIAL CLAUSES
4. (until) I did not know what was going on. I heard the fire
alarm.
5. (because) She did not see you at the market. She was not wearing
her glasses.
6. (if) He will be very angry. You don't come tomorrow.
7. (so ... that) The shelf was very high. I could not reach it.
8. (if) I have an extra pen. I will lend it to you.
9. (although) He is over eighty. He is fit and strong.
10. (after) Mr Chan sat down again. He had finished his speech.
11. (as) She is quite forgetful. I think you ought to remind her.
12. (so) The tree was partly uprooted by the storm. I had it cut
down.
13. (since) Seng Chye had not played football. He sprained his leg
last Saturday.
14. (until) They did not leave here. It was dark.
15. (because) We didn't like the grapes. They were too sour.
172
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
Do you know the boyjwhoUives there?
The dog!whichlbit the postman belongs to my neighbour.
Here is the letter!which!arrived for Paul yesterday.
The lady!thatl came here yesterday is Kim Seng's aunt.
This is the road lthatUeads to the market.
The words in the boxes are called Relative Pronouns.

How are these words used?
They are used to introduce clauses such as 'who lives there' and 'which bit
the postman'.
These clauses describe the nouns directly in front of them.
So they are called adjective clauses.
Now read the sentences above again.

Can you say whether the Relative Pronouns here are used as subjects or
objects?
They are used as subjects.
Can you construct sentences in which Relative Pronouns are used as
objects?
The man whom I talked to just now is my uncle.
The car which Mr Leong bought is green.
The bird that he caught has flown away.
The Relative Pronouns .here are all used as objects.
173
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
By now you should be familiar with the various Relative Pronouns .

. Do you see any differences in their use?
Relative Pronouns such as 'who' and 'whom' are only used for people.
'Which' is used for animals and things.
What is 'that' used for?
It is used for people, animals as well as things.
One other Relative Pronoun that is only used for people is 'whose'.
However, it is used differently from 'who' and 'whom'.
How is it used?
It is used as a possessive: The girl whose dress was torn has gone home .
.·. . ·_···.· .:w~o\ w om ~n · w ose · or peop er w 1 __ .· ot

N~gs, !rid ~that\for people, animals a~ ~ell as thinp.
EXERCISE 161 - RELATIV E PRONOUNS

Fill in the blanks with 'who', 'which' or 'whose'.
e.g. Do you know the man ......... sells vegetables?
Do you know the m"an who sells vegetables?
1. That is the girl .......... sang here last evening.

2. That is the policeman ......... caught the thief.
3. I do not know the name of the boy .......... took the bag.
4. I got a present from my uncle ......... lives in Hong Kong.
5. The boy ....... ."... book you borrowed is here to see you.
6. The girl ........... brother you know has gone to London.
7. The tiger ..... , .... attacked the village people has not been caught.
8. Is this the road ............ leads to the library?
9. The man ............ shouted at you just now is my neighbour.
10. His brother, .......... went to Australia five years ago, is back.
11. The doctor ........... saw you yesterday lives near my house.
12. The cattle ............ are grazing in that field are reared for their milk.
13. The lorry ........... crashed into the wall was badly damaged.
14. Where is the boy ............ brother is your best friend?
15. The lady ... ;........ daughter is your friend has left.
174
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
EXERCISE 162 - RELATIVE PRONOUNS

Put 'who', 'which' or 'whose' in the blanks.
e.g. (a) The man ........... sold you the watch is here.
The man who sold you the watch is here.
(b) The mango ............ I ate just now was sour.
The mango which I ate just now was sour.
1. The man ........... brought the parcel has left.

2. My cat caught the rat ........... ate the cheese.
3. That is the woman ............ shoes were stolen.
4. That shirt .............. you are wearing is too tight for you.
5. That child ............ parents are not here is crying.
6. That is the car ............ I was telling you about.
7. The house ........... stands on top of the hill is lovely.
8. The oranges ........... I bought yesterday are sour.
9. The flowers ........... you see in that shop are not for sale.
10. Where is the boy ........... spoke to me just now?
11. Where is the girl ........... father is a pilot?
12. Where are the books ............ you brought home yesterday?
13. Is this the shop ........... sells ladies' shoes?
14. Is that the car ........... you saw at the bus-stop?
15. The soup ........... she cooked yesterday tastes even better now.

Fill in the blanks with 'who', 'whom', 'whose' or 'which'.
e.g. James, ........... father is a librarian, is my best friend.

James, whose father is a librarian, is my best friend.
1. Thomas, .......... brother is my neighbour, has gone to England.

2. Mr Wong, ........... is the manager of Bentley Press, is coming to
visit us this evening.
3. Our team, .......... has won the cup, will return tomorrow.
4. Smoking, .......... i~ the cause of lung cancer, is a habit I cannot give
up.
5. Columbus, .......... most people believe discovered America, never did
discover it at all.
6. The lady to ............ you spoke just now is my teacher.
7. Miss Goh, ........... is in charge of the Girls' Brigade, has asked the
girls to come for practice.
175
RELATIVE PRONOUNS
8. The uncle .......... I am living witli has three daughters and five sons.
9. English, ......... is not a difficult language to learn, is spoken all over
the world.
10. My maid, ......... has been with us for five years, has saved enough
money to-return to China.
11. The house ............ is said to be haunted is to be pulled down soon.
12. Mr Jones, ........... had been on a tour round the world, arrived in
Singapore yesterday.
13. The clothes ........... she hung out in the sun this morning are not dry
yet.
14. The man ............ car skidded and overturned at the junction was only
slightly hurt.
15. The pen ............ I bought yesterday has a very fine nib.

Complete these sentences.
e.g. The teacher punished the boy who ............................................ .

The teacher punished the boy who forgot to bring his book.
1. The cat which ................................. has a short tail.

2. I have found a purse which ................................................................. .
3. The lady whose ................................. has just left.
4. The farmer whose ............................... has sold all his land.
5. The room in which .................. , ........... is airy.
6. The bicycle which .............................. does not belong to me.
7. I have phoned the doctor who .................................. ·-························
8. The girl whom ............................. showed us the way there.
9. That is the hawker who ..................................................................... .
10. My brother whose ............................... is not coming home tonight.
11. We haven't eaten the cakes which ..................................................... .
12. Why did you take the book which································"'· .. ·............. ?
13. The pupils who .............................. are taking part in the play.
14. The people with whom ................................... are very kind.
15. The axe with which ................................. has become rusty.
176
..
;,.
.,;.:
-~:
.:.:. :-:
'
JOINING SENTENCES
Do you know that we can join sentences with Relative Pronouns?

Read what Mei Ling is saying.
This is the pen. You lost it yesterday.
Mei Ling
We can join up her two sentences with a Relative Pronoun.
Can you join the sentences?
You can do it in this way:
This is the pen which you lost yesterday.
What does 'which' refer to in the sentence?
It refers to 'pen' which is placed directly before it.
Are there any words left out in this sentence?
'It' is left out.
Can you tell why this word is left out?
Here are a few examples of how sentences are joined by Relative Pronouns.
Pick out the words which have been left out.
1. The boy has hurt his leg. The boy fell down just now.
The boy who fell down just now has hurt his leg.
2. That is the man. His dog barked at us just now.
That is the man whose dog barked at us just now.
3. I have broken the mirror. You lent it to me.
I have broken the mirror which you lent me.
177
JOINING SENTENCES
EXERCISE 165- JOINING SENTENCES

Join each pair of sentences using 'who', 'which' or 'whose'. Leave out the
words in bold.
e.g. (a) I often visit my aunt. She lives in Leech Street.
I often visit my aunt who lives in Leech Street.
(b) That is the girl. Her father is a do~tor.
That is the girl whose father is a doctor.
1. That is the man. He caught the thief.

2. That is the woman. She saw the accident.
3. He has an uncle. His uncle owns a book-shop.
4. Have you read the magazine? It has some beautiful pictures of this
town.
5. Here is the parcel. It arrived yesterday.
6. He brought us to a cave. The cave had steps leading up to it.
7. The driver has been taken to hospital. His car knocked into a lamp-
post.
8. I went to see the lady. Her house was by the sea.
9. Where is the boy? The boy was looking for his pen just now.
10. That is the teacher. The teacher·taught me English.
11. Do you know the boy? His father gave us a lift home last night.
12. Can you see the building? The building has a green roof.
13. They rescued the fishermen. The fishermen's boat had overturned
during the storm.
14. They heard some news. The news surprised them.
15. Please show me the shop. It sells men's shoes.
EXERCISE 166 - JOINING SENTENCES

Join each pair of sentences using 'who', 'which', 'whose' or 'whom'. You
must leave out the words in bold.
e.g. (a) The boy has run away. He broke the window.
The boy who broke the window has run away.
{b) The boat was wrecked. It hit the rocks.
The boat which hit the rocks was wrecked.
1. The man is Chee Fai's father. He drove past just now.

2. The thief was caught by the police. He stole the bag.
3. I know the girl. Her brother is the manager of that company.
4. The boy lives next door. My sister is talking to the boy.
178
JOINING SENTENCES
5. They shot the tiger. The tiger killed the villager.

6. The teacher punished the boys. They had been naughty.
7. The man has come to see you. His son is your best friend.
8. Those are the players. We saw them two days ago.
9. The pupil was late for school. His bicycle had a puncture.
10. The treasure has not been found. It was buried in the sea.
11. The lady is her aunt. She lives with the lady.
12. Show me the sums. You did them just now.
13. I will buy the pen. The pen has a gold cap.
14. The lady has come. You were teliing me about her.
15. The girls cheered loudly. They were watching the game.

Join each pair of sentences using the words.in brackets. Leave out the
words in bold.
e.g. (a) The book is here. You bought it yesterday. (which)

The book which you bought yesterday is here.
(b) The boy was taken to the hospital. The boy was bitten
by a snake. (who)
The boy who was bitten by a snake was taken to the
hospital.
1. The girl fell down the stairs. She has hurt her leg. (who)
2. Have you returned the book? You borrowed the book from the
library last month. (which)
3. Is that the postman? The dog bit him last week. (whom)
4. We met Mr Wong. We had not seen him for three years. (whom)
5. My sister will be coming home next month. She is working in
Singapore. (who)
6. The boy is only fifteen years old. His painting won the first prize.
(whose)
7. The jewels have been stolen. She had locked them in the cupboard.
(which)
8. Where is the girl? She was.waiting here just now. (that)
9. Poh Wah is the tallest boy in the class. He is the class monitor. (who)
10. The sailors have all been rescued. Their ship sprang a leak in the
ocean. (whose)
11. John has gone to England to study medicine. His ambition is to
become a doctor. (whose)
12. The knife was very sharp. I used it to cut the fruit. (which)
179
JOINING SENTENCES
13. The woman is Ah Leng's mother. You bought the vegetables from
her. (whom)
14. Mr Lai owns a few houses. He is one of the richest men in the village.
(who)
15. The driver was fined. He was caught speeding. (that)

Join each pair of sentences with a suitable Relative Pronoun. You must
leave out the words in bold.
e.g. (a) The child has a fever. She is crying.
The child who is crying has a fever.
(b) The fisherman has sold the fish. He caught the fish this
morning.
The fisherman has sold the fish which he caught this
morning.
1. These are the shells. We collected them on the beach last week-end.
2. Ming Tat has sold me a few books of coupons. His school is having
a fun fair next month.
3. Mr Lim went to work by bus this morning. His car had broken down.
4. He told them a story. The story made them laugh.
5. The lady was my former teacher. I spoke to her just now.
6. The food smells delicious. You are cooking the food now.
7. My £ousin has left for India. Her house is just opposite mine.
8. Here is the book.· You have been looking for it.
9. Alan went to see his grandmother. His grandmother was ill in the
hospital.
10. Dr Lian is a very famous surgeon. My uncle went to see him yester-
day.
11. The farmer is trying to chase away the birds. The birds have come to
feed on his rice.
12. Her sister is appearing in that film. Her sister is an actress.
13. She has lost the pen. Her mother gave her the pen on her birthday.
14. The policeman, often helps the school children to cross the road.
He is standing there now.
15. The woman has rushed to the hospital to see her daughter. Her
daughter was hurt in the accident.
180
CONJUNCTIONS
You have learnt that sentences can be joined by using Relative Pronouns.
Can you think of other words which can be used to join sentences?
These are conjunctions such as 'and', 'but', 'or', 'so' and 'because'.
However, besides joining sentences, conjunctions can be used to join
words and phrases too.
Pick out the words and phrases which are joined by conjunctions.
Do you like tea or coffee?
The old lady and her grandson went into the toy-shop.
Now look at these pictures.
Each pair of sentences can be joined with a conjunction.
Can you join them together?
18 1
CONJUNCTIONS
Compare these sentences with those in the pictures on the previous page.
1. I can speak Chinese and English.
2. I ran fast but I missed the bus.
3. He is crying because he has toothache.
4. You must hurry or you will be late.
Are your own answers similar to these?
5:~i -~a'.n·j~in W()F"'$~·· p~ta~ ~nd·~ntenc~s.with ,.nnjunctjon~. ~ome:

--~.::eia1:t1ples ~f cohjt1'ilct~°'ns are 'and'/ but\ 'or\'so' and 'because'.
EXERCISE 169 - CONJUNCTIONS
Join each pair of sentences with 'and', 'or', 'but' or 'because'. You may
leave out the words in bold.
e.g. You must close the door of the cage. The bird will fly away.
You must close the door of the cage or the bird will fly away.
1. He kicked hard. He scored a goal.

2. I hit the coconut with a hammer. I could not break it.
3. You can't drink it now. It is very hot.
4. She worked until very late. She still could not finish the work.
5. He was late for work. His car broke down.
6. They shouted loudly during the match. They cheered loudly during
the match.
7. John can play the piano well. John can play the guitar well.
8. You should not park your car here. You will be fined.
9. He slept early. He was very tired.
10. She folded the clothes. She put them into the suitcase.
11. That old tree must be cut down soon. It will fall on our house.
12. I have a pen. I haven't any paper.
13. We waited for Mei Ling. She didn't turn up.
14. He opened the door. He walked in.
15. She could not carry the bag. It was too heavy.
EXERCISE 170 - CONJUNCTIONS

Fill in the blanks with the conjunctions given in the box. You may use
each conjunction more than once.
e.g. I have read this book ........... not that one.

I have read this book but not that one.
182
CONJUNCTIONS
1. I did not buy the ball ........... I did not have enough money.
2. He wanted to buy some salt .......... the shop was closed.
3. I like chocolates .......... cakes.
4. He walked to the door ........... opened it.
5. They went fishing ........... did not catch anything.
6. You must not go near the fire ........... you will be burnt.
7. My brother is ill ............ he cannot go to school.
8. He scalded his hand badly .......... he went to see the doctor.
9. She opened the cupboard .......... took out a book.
10. We couldn't hear what he was saying .......... he was speaking very softly.
11. Chee Kong did not study for his test ........... he failed it.
12. I searched everywhere for the key ......... could not find it.
13. Do you want the red dress .......... the blue one?
14. You must hurry ........... you will miss the train.
15. You must keep quiet ........... you will have to leave the room.
EXERCISE 171 -CONJUNCTIONS

Join the following sentences with suitable conjunctions.
e.g. She opened the door. She let us in.

She opened the door and let us in.
1. Louis played the piano. His sister sang a song.

2. Kim Fai has a new motor-cycle. He can't ride it.
3. We knocked at the door. The servant opened it.
4. She has a book. She has a pen.
5. She switched on the light. It was very dark inside.
6. We can't play badminton. We have lost the net.
7. She could not get up the bus. It was too crowded.
8. You must work very hard. You won't pass your examination.
9. Yee Wah tried very hard. He didn't win the match.
10. My aunt came to see us. She didn't stay long.
11. We pushed hard against the door. We could not open it.
12. He must start at once. He will be late.
13. Lisa washed her clothes. She hung them out to dry.
14. Hurry up. We will go without you.
15. Kim Seng could not go to school. He had a high fever.
183
39 MORE CONJUNCTIONS
You know that conjunctions are used to join words, phrases and sentences.
Can you pick out the conjunctions in these sentences?
Will you wait till I return?

You have grown thinner since I visited you.
We arrived after they had gone.
I must stay behind for I have work to do.
We eat that we may live.
I shall go if it does not rain.
He finished first although he started late.
You are taller than I.
The conjunctions used are 'till', 'since', 'after', 'for', 'that', 'if, '·although'
and 'than'.
Not only is it old but also dirty.
Jane Joe Tom

Can you pick out the conjunctions in these sentences?
They are 'neither ... nor' and 'not only ... but also'.
What is the difference between these conjunctions and those that you have
already learnt?
These conjunctions are used in pairs.
Can you name some other conjunctions that are used in pairs too?
They are 'either ... or', 'so ... that' and·'whether ... or'.
184
MORE CONJUNCTIONS
Some other examples of cdnJUijctions are 'till\ 'since;' 'after', 'until''

'ir, f~h~Ough\~.! c. ~ome 'COt}junctfons are used-in,_pafrs, e.g. 'tiiher .• ~ ·
. ·. : : •. nor\\fso
of, 'neither; . -} .,.,· . ~- ' ... •. . etc.
-~- ~>,t})at\ . . .
EXERCISE 172 - MORE CONJUNCTIONS

Rewrite these sentences using the correct word in the brackets.
e.g. I shouted at him (so, but) he did not hear me.
I shouted at him but he did not hear me.
1. Work hard (or, because) you will fail in the examination.

2. I shall be surprised (because, if) you fail.
3. Ducks can swim, (and, but) goats cannot.
4. I am sorry (if, though) I have hurt you.
5. Wait here, please, (when, till).I come back.
6. Hit me (for, if) you dare.
7. The boy was punished (else, because) he was naughty.
8. Those boys will make noise (and, when) their teacher is away.
9. Either you ( and, or) I must go.
10. I didn't know (unless, if) they were there.
11. I don't know (when, whether) he is at home or not.
12. Do not put up your hand {if, unless) you know the answer.
13. We waited (for, till) the trainarrived.
14. It is strange (so, yet) true.
15. I shall go alone (since, while) you're busy.
EXERCISE 173- MORE CONJUNCTIONS

Rewrite the following sentences using the right word in the brackets.
e.g. I will help you ........... I have the time.
I will help you if I have the time.
1. (Since, although) we went early to the concert, we could not get a

seat.
2. (When, as) he was afraid of missing the train, he took a taxi to the
station.
3. I will come (until, if) I am free.
4. He went out (while, when) the rain stopped.
5. Seng Lee works harder (as, than) Seng Poh.
6. The child fell down the stairs (so, and) broke his arm.
185
MORE CONJUNCTIONS
7. My father may be either in the office (or, nor) in the club.

8. I love Brownie (when, as) he is a faithful dog.
9. He was sorry (before, after) he had told the lie.
10. Neither my sister (or, nor) my brother was at home.
11. I hear ( when, that) your servant has left.
12. (Until, unless) you tell me the truth, I shall punish you.
13. Our water supply was low (since, if) there had been no rain for weeks.
14. He was sleeping (if, while) we were working.
15. (Since, when) I was ·walking down the street, I heard a scream . .
EXERCISE 174 - MORE CONJUNCTIONS

Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. You may use the words
more than once.
until ·.
e.g. ...... .... he had an extra pen, he would not lend it to her.
Although he had an extra pen, he would not lend it to her.
1. You won't find it ........... you look for it.

2. Don't eat too much ....... ... you go to bed.
3. Wait here, please, .......... I go to buy something.
4. The game stopped .......... the referee blew his whistle.
5. .......... he knew the answer, he would not tell us.
6. They played .......... it was dark.
7. They did riot go home ........... it stopped raining.
8. We hadn't eaten anything ........... our breakfast this morning.
9. ........... he was sleepy, he would not go to bed.
10. You won't win ............. you try your best.
11. ........... she was sewing, she pricked her finger with the needle.
12. He slept ........... it was almost noon.
13. Always wash your hands ........... you eat.
14. The thief ran away .......... he saw the policeman.
15. I haven't seen Mary ........... she left school last year.
EXERCISE 175 - MORE CONJUNCTIO~S

Fill in the blanks with these words: either .......... or, so .......... that,
whether .......... or, not only .......... but also.
e.g. She was .......... worried ......... she could not sleep all night.
She was so worried that she could not sleep all night.
186
MORE CONJUNCTIONS
1. .......... is she lazy, .......... stubborn.

2. Do you know .......... he is in .......... not?
3. .......... James .......... Poh Wah has taken it.
4. He was ........... strong ........... he could lift the big rock with one
hand.
5. Tell me ........... they are leaving today ........... tomorrow.
6. The questions were .......... hard .......... we could not answer them.
7. .......... you ........... your brother will have to do it.
8. He does not care .......... she passes .......... fails.
9. .......... were the boys naughty, .......... rude.
10. You can have .......... the blue bag ........... the green one.
11. The road was .......... slippery .......... the car skidded.
12. She asked me .......... I would like some coffee ........... tea.
13. ........... is she intelligent, ............ hardworking.
14. They may come here ..... ...... tomorrow .......... on Friday.
15. The drink was ......... sweet .......... we had to add some more water
to it.
EXERCISE 176 - MORE CO NJUNCTIONS

Join the following pairs of sentences with suitable conjunctions.
e.g. Robert is hardworking. His brother is lazy.

Robert is hardworking but his brother is lazy.
1. She did not win the prize. She had worked hard for it.
2. He hurried. He was afraid of being late again.
3. I fell down. I was going up the stairs.
4. We can't go now. It is raining.
5. Father is not at home. Mother is not at home.
6. He sold his bicycle. He sold his watch.
7. I like him. He is a kind man.
8. Chee Fai is tall. Kim Seng is taller.
9. I shall go. You will let me.
10. You must do as you are told. You will be punished.
11. We have not seen him. He returned from Jakarta.
12. Did he play well? Did he play badly?
13. He lost the race. He tried his best.
14. The bag was heavy. I could not carry it.
15. Mei Ling has not arrived. Jane has not arrived too.
187
PREPOSITIONS
==-~
c==:::>
c=:::>
c:::=:::::> ~-Ii;;~ ■
I am sitting on a stool. I am walking to her. I do my homework
at night.
Look at the words 'on\ 'to' and 'at'.
What are the wor_ds placed after them?
They are the nouns 'stool' and 'night' and the pronoun 'her'.
What is the function of these words in the sentences?
Each word shows the relationship between the noun or pronoun after it
and some other word in the sentence.
Such words are called prepositions.
What does 'on' show in the first sentence?
It shows position.
What does 'to' show?
It shows direction.
Does 'at' in the last sentence show position or direction?
No, it doesn't. It shows time.
Can you name other prepositions?
They are 'in', 'into', 'of, 'from', 'down', 'under', 'above', 'near', 'by', 'up',
'between', 'through', 'for', 'since', etc.
What does each of these words show?
188
PREPOSITIONS
EXERCISE 177 - PREPOSITIONS

Rewrite the following sentences using the right word in the brackets.
e.g. Have you replied ( from, to) her letter yet?
Have you replied to her letter yet?
1. He has been here (since, when) eight o'clock.

2. Can you show me the way (at, to) the post-office?
3. The concert will begin (to, at) nine o'clock.
4. I met my uncle (in, on) the way here.
5. We don't know anything (about, with) him.
6. The jockey fell ( on, off) his horse.
7. My brother is tall (in, for) his age.
8. Shall we go ( on, for) a walk?
9. I paid a dollar ( at, for) this pen.
10. You were not (in, at) home when I came.
11. They swam (across, to) the river.
· 12. A policeman wears his uniform whenever he is (on, in) duty.
13. The taxi is waiting (with, for) you (at, to) the gate.
14. She has been sleeping (since, for) ten o'clock.
15. Don't sit (on, in) that corner. Come and sit (near, from) me.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words in the boxes. Use each word only
once._.....,""""""""""""'_....,..._'"""!""'____-:--::--...-"':'"""".'---,
1. My brother returned from England ........... a year.

2. He looked ........... the painting on the wall.
3. My house is ......... the school.
4. Have you seen a lizard .......... a tail?
5. The poor beggar is blind .......... one eye.
6. I've just received a letter .......... my friend.

7. The lorry is travelling ........... full speed.
8. Wai Mei jumped ........... joy when she heard the news.
9. She made herself a cup ..'........ tea.
10. Can you translate this letter ........... Chinese?
189
PREPOSITIONS
11. Don't crJwl .......... tl,1t table. It is dirty.

12. I agree .......... him on the subject.
13. What is she talking ........... ?
14. It is three o'clock .......... my watch.
15. It is already half .......... five.
EXERCISE 179- PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words in the boxes. Use each word only
once.
1. They spoke .......... a whisper.

2. He lifted the sack of rice ........... the ground.
3. Your painting is hanging .......... the wall.
4. She climbed ......... the stairs to her room.
5. The boy jumped ... '. ...... the fence.
belµnd
6. I left my suitcase .......... the railway station.

7. She lay .......... for a rest.
8. Don't lean .......... the wall.
9. We marched .......... our school captain.
10. Martin kicked the ball .......... the window.
11. She put the books .......... her bag.

12. They were standing ......... the road.
13. The little girl is learning the poem .........I heart.
14. The little boy asked his father .......... a dollar.
15. "Please listen .......... me," she said.
190
PREPOSITIONS

Write out the sentences using the correct words in the brackets.
e.g. I usually get up .......... seven o'clock ......... the morning.

(at, for, in)
I usually get up at seven o'clock in the morning.
1. The dog is sleeping ......... the kennel. (in, by, on)

2. He returned to Singapore .......... train. (in, by, on)
3. There is a fence .......... my uncle's fann. (round, up, in)
4. They did not return home ......... it was very dark. (during, after,
until)
5. Have you replied ........... her letter yet? (for, to, at)
6. He is waiting .......... you ........... the door. (in, for, at)
7. It may rain later ......... the evening. Don't go .......... your umbrella.
(without, of, in)
8. The boy dived .......... the pond and swam ........... it. (across, into,
over)
9. They took shelter ......... a tree .......... the storm. (from, under,
during)
10. She went .......... the fruit stall and bought some oranges .......... the
man. ( from, by, to)
11. He parked his car ......... the van .......... the cinema. (with, opposite,
beside)
12. Those who are .......... eighteen are not allowed to enter .......... the
competition. (for, in, above)
E. My house is .......... the school. It is .......... half a mile away. (near,
from, about)
14. The reckless driver drove .......... the bend .......... full speed. (at,
round, down)
15. The book which I borrowed .......... her last week was written :........ .
Charles Dickens. (to, from, by)
191
MORE ABOUT
PREPOSITIONS
Sometimes we are confused about the use of certain pairs of prepositions.

Do you know how 'in' and 'at' are used?
Look at these examples~
at Chateau Gardens in Singapore
at Hill Town in Hong Kong
'Chateau Gardens' and 'Hill Town' are small places.
Do we use 'at' or 'in' with these words?
We use 'at'.
What is 'in' used with?
It is used with large towns or countries such as 'Hong Kong' and 'Singapore'.
Can you see the differences between 'to' and 'into' in these sentences?
'To' means 'the direction towards' while 'into' is used to show entrance,
with a verb of motion, i.e. fell.
Sometimes we confuse 'upon' with 'on'.

However, they are used quite differently.
( She sat on a chair. f
192
MORE ABOUT PREPOSITIONS
I The cat sprang upon the rat.)
'On' is used to show position.

How is 'upon' used?
It is used to show motion.
Is 'by' used in the same way as 'with'?

No, it isn't.
The man killed the tiger with a spear.
The tiger was killed by the man.
We use 'with' when we speak of things we use.
When do we use 'by'?
When we speak of people or animals.
till 8 o'clock since 8 o'clock

Study the phrases above.
You can see that both 'till' and 'since' show time.
However; we don't use them in the same way.
'Till' is us~d to show 'up to a certain time'.
What does 'since' mean?
It means 'from a certain time in the past up to the time of speaking'.
. . .
We have to be careful in using pr~positiohs because. SQmetimeti we

ma)' confuse one With another1 e~g. in with at;~to with htto, on with.
Japon? etc. ,_ ,
EXERCISE 181 - MORE ABOUT PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words in the brackets.
e.g. She has been ill .......... last Friday. (for, since)
She has been ill since last Friday.
193
1. Is this the way .......... the market? (to, at)

2. The concert will begin .......... 8 o'clock. (at, in)
3. I met Peter .......... my way home. (in, on)
4. Look! That building is .......... fire. (in, on)
5. We don~t know anything ......... him. (about, with)
6. My brother is tall .......... his age. (in, for)
7. He rushed .......... the room without knocking. ( to, into)
8. There is a bridge .......... that river. (over, under)
9. Who sits .......... you in class? (beside, besides)
10. You were not ......... home when I called. (in, at)
11. I paid a dollar ......... the ticket. (with, for)
12. He worked ......... it was very late. ( till, since)
13. He cut down the tree ......... an axe. (by, wit4)
14. Someone threw a stone ........ mejust now. (at, to)
15. Give that ......... me. It doesn't belong ......... you. (to, at)

Fill in the blanks with the correct words. All the words in the brackets
should be used.
e.g. We left there ......... six .......... the morning. (in, at)
We left there at six in the morning.
1. He walked .......... the room .......... a word. (without, out of)

2. Please send this parcel .......... my house. I live .......... No. 4 Wing
Loong Road, Singapore. (at, to)
3. How far is it .......... here ......... the hospital? (from, to)
4. Please look .......... me and listen ......... what I have to tell you. (to,
at)
5. I usually go .......... school .......... bus. (by, to)
6. I'm quite tired .......... reading. Lef s take a walk ........... the beach.
(along, of)
7. We arrived .......... the airport late .......... the evening. (at, in)
8. Do you know that the bridge .......... the Yellow River is now ......... .
. repair? (under, across)
9. Every morning I pass .......... your house ......... my way .......... school.
(to, on, by)
10. I must be there .......... 7 o'clock .......... Saturday morning. I will go
there ........... train. ( on, by, at)
11. He promised to wait .......... us .......... the bus-stop .......... the market.
(at, near, for)
194
12. She is still sitting .......... the desk p_?inting .......... a brush. She has
been there ......... an hour. (for, with, at)
13. Will you come .......... me .......... the cinema tonight? I'll pay .......... .
your ticket. (to, for, with)
14. He dived .......... the pond and swam .......... the drowning boy. Then
he caught hold .......... the boy's head and dragged him safely ........ .
the edge of the pond. (into, towards, to, oO
15. She filled her pen ........ ink and then put the bottle ........... ink back
.......... her drawer. (with, into, oO

Fill in the blanks with the words in the boxes. Use each word only once.
1. I ran .......... the thief but could not catch him.

2. The headmaster shoute.d angrily .......... the boys.
3. Don't sit .......... the fire.
4. It's raining and she has gone out .......... an umbrella.
S. They will return for their holidays .......... September.
6. The lorry was travelling .......... full speed.

7. She stayed ........... a week.
8. He took the parcel .......... the car.
9. She poured some boiling water ........... the teapot.
10. There is a broad valley .......... those hills.
11. He seems to be .......... a hurry.

12. The old man walked .. :....... the hill to his hut.
13. Your letter reached me ......... the 14th of July.
14. He jumped .......... the train and escaped.
,IS. He dug a hole .......... a spade.
195

Fill in the blanks with the words in the boxes. Use each word only once.
f'. ·I
1. He hid the money .......... the floor boards.
2. We haven't spoken to him ........... Monday.
3. She is washing her face .......... soap and water.
4. I travelled home .......... bus last night.
5. She bought those orchids ........... ten dollars.
I beside behina
6. Don't lean ........... the wall. It's just been painted.

7. Do come out. I know you are hiding .......... the door.
8. Glass is transparent; you can see .......... it.
9. His house stands .......... a river.
10. My bag is ........... the door. Please bring it in.
:I
11. I will search ........... I find it.
12. He hammered the nail ........... the wall.
13. He walked ........... the narrow lane towards the old house.
14. He was standing.·.......... the middle of the road.
15. My sister has been absent from school ........... a week.

Fill in the blanks with the correct words. All the words in the brackets
should used. be
e.g. She hasn't come .......... school .......... last Tuesday. She's been
absent .......... a week. (since, for, to)
She hasn't come to school since last Tuesday. She's been absent
for a week.
1. Many people cross the desert ............ camels. These animals can live .
........... many days ............ water. (on, without, for)
196
2. I must look ........... the postcard I got .......... my brother ........ ..

Australia. (in, from, at)
3. I'm staying .......... the hotel .......... the cinema .......... Rose Road.
(opposite, at, in)
4. Kok Seng has been playing .......... the school team .......... last year.
Recently he has been elected captain .......... the team. (since, for,
of)
5. I sit .......... John and Tom .......... class. John is .......... my left, while
Tom is on my right. (in, between, on)
6. I rang you .......... this morning but you were not .......... I wanted to
see you ............ something. (up, about, in)
7. The players .......... India arrived .......... 3 o'clock .......... the afternoon
.......... Thursday. (at, from, on, in)
8. I'll meet you ........... the Cathay Cinema ........... 5 o'clock .......... the
evening. (at, outside, in)
9. I bought dozens .......... eggs .......... the market, and there was not a
single bad one ........... them. (at, of, among)
10. He rested ........... a while. Then he put ........... his shoes and went
........... again. (on, out, for)
11. If you look .......... the window, you will see a man walking ......... the
street ........... a monkey. (on, with, out.of)
12. It's very cold. I think the temperature is ......... 60°F. I could do
.......... a cup .......... hot coffee. (with, below, of)
13. I stayed .......... my aunt .......... a week ........... the holidays. (for,
during, with)
14. I posted the letter .......... the 29th .......... April, but till now he
hasn't replied .......... it. (to, of, on)
15. I used to swim a lot when I was .......... school. I could swim ......... .
that pond ........... a few minutes. (at, across, in)

Fill in the blanks with the conect words. All the words in the brackets
should be used.
e.g. A bridge has recently been built .......... the river. Now the
villagers need not cross it .......... a ferry. (in, across)
A bridge has recently been built across the river. Now the
villagers need not cross it in a ferry.
1. He spoke .......... me .......... a few minutes. Then he left ..... ,.... a

hurry. {for, in, to)
197
2. Fill this flask .......... water, and put it .......... the shelf .......... the
cupboard. (on, with, in)
3. I was listening ........... the news .......... the radio when the light
went .......... ( on, out, to)
4. This jar was made .......... hand. I bought it .......... a man ......... the
bazaar. (from, at, by)
5. My daughter was born ........... 4 o'clock .......... the morning .......... .
July 9th, 1970. ( on, at, of)
6. Our car broke .......... so we had to continue our journey ........ ..
train. We reached home .......... noon. (by, at, down)
7. His car collided .......... a lorry. It skidded .......... the road and crashed
.......... a hut. ( off, into, with)
8. If you come .......... a difficult word, look it ..................... a dic-
tionary. (up, in, across)
9. The shop closes .......... seven, so I must get there .......... seven. I'll
probably be home .......... half past seven. (at, before, by)
10. Walk ........... the road, turn ........... the left and you will see the
poster .......... the tree. ( down, to, on)
11. We set ......... early .......... the morning and reached there late ......... .
night. (at, off, in)
12. He hurried .......... his car, got .......... it and drove off .......... the
direction of the airport. (into, in, to)
13. He was very sick and could only talk .......... a whisper. She had to
put her ear ....... , .. his mouth to listen .......... him. (near, to, in)
14. "Do you ever wake up ......... the night?" "No, I usually sleep sound-
ly ......... the night. Then I get up ........ seven .......... the morning."
(in, through, at, in)
15. What's happened .......... you? Your face is smeared .......... mud, and
there's a blood stain .......... your shirt. (to, on, with)

Fill in the blanks with the words in the boxes. There are MORE words
than you need, so be very careful.
Write your name .......... full .......... the top .......... the page. Then
put your age .......... your name. Do not turn .......... the page ......... you
are told to do so.
198
Have you ever been .......... a Japanese house? There is a thick

matting .......... the floor, and some small stools hidden ......... the tables.
The people take ......... their wooden clogs ......... they enter the house, and
walk .......... in their socks. They eat rice ......... chopsticks, and drink tea
.......... tiny cups .......... handles.
If you go .......... the river, you will find a narrow path ........... the
other side running close .......... the bank. If you walk ......... the path,
you will reach a small hill. .......... the foot .......... the hill you will see a
house ........ a red roof. Look .......... the house and you will find the un-
usual plant.
199
WORDS FOLLOWED BY
PREPOSITIONS
There are many words which can be used with various types of prepositions
to mean different things.
For example, 'go' can be used with 'to', 'into', 'with', etc.
However, not all words can be used in that way.
There are certain words which are followed by certain prepositions in a
ftxed way.
Can you think of any of these words?
Read this sentence.
He has failed in the examination.
Can you think of other prepositions that can be used after the verb
'failed'?
No, it is always followed by the preposition 'in'.
Certain ,~ords are followed by ce'ham prepositions in afixed way.
Here is a list of such words. Study them and make sentences with them
orally.
afraid of clever at escape from

agree with clever to exchange with
aim at clever with fail in
angry at close to faithful to
angry with compare with famous for
anxious about congratulate on famous as
apply for contented with feed on
arrived at cured of feel for
arrived in deal with fight against
ashamed of delighted with fight for
aware of depend on fit for
bad at died of fitted with
bad for different from fond of
beware of different in free from
blamed for difficulty in full of
bound by disappointed with glance at
busy with dressed in glance over
certain of engaged in good at
cfouged with engaged to good for
200
WORDS FOLLOWED BY PREPOSITIONS
grateful to pay for short of

greedy for pleased at sick of
guilty of pleased with similar to
hide from popular with smell of
hope for prepared for smile at
ill with prevented from sorry for
in need of pride in stare at
interested in profit by suffering from
introduced to proud of suitable for
invited to punished for supply with
jealous of quarrel with sure of
keen on quick at surprised at
known for ready for talk to
known to recover from talk about
laugh at reduced to used to
liking for related to vote against
listen to .,reminded of vote for
look at reply to wait for
look into retire from wish for
lost to revenge on worried about
married to save from worried over
obedient to satisfied with worthy of
parted from shocked at yield to
parted with
EXERCISE 188 -WORDS FOLLOWED BY PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions.
e.g. The prisoner was found guilty .......... murder.

The prisoner was found guilty of murder.
1. She cannot agree .......... me on this subject.

2. My brother is grateful ........... you for your help.
3. He was born .......... India.; ......... poor parents.
4. This picture is quite different .......... that.
5. We prefer fish ......... beef.
6. The dog is very faithful .......... its master.
7. Take good care .......... your books.
8. The little boy died ......... cholera".
9. This book is full .......... beautiful pictures.
10. I am very weak .......... history.
11. I am sick ........... eating bread all the time.
12. That carpenter takes pride ........... his work.
13. That carpenter is .proud .......... his work.
201
14. Don't forget to remind her ............ the game.

15. You should be ashamed .......... yourself.
EXERCISE 189 - WORDS FOLLOWED BY PREPOSITIONS

Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions
e.g. This book is quite similar .......... that one.

This book is quite similar to that one.
1. The girl who is dressed .......... red is my classmate.

2. My mother is fond ......... children.
3. What is the difference .......... these two pictures?
4. My brother is married ......... my best friend.
5. I don't think he has any chance .......... winning.
6. My neighbour has recovered .......... his illness.
7. You shouldn't have laughed .......... him.
8. Don't bathe .......... the river. It is dangerous.
9. The teacher punished the boy .. ; ....... his mistake.
10. Silkworms feed .......... mulberry leaves.
11. Two prisoners have escaped .......... jail.
12. They live close .......... the hotel.
13. The doctor cured him .......... malaria.
14. The hunter was warned .......... the danger.
-15. · The manager is busy ...... :... his work.
EXERCISE 190 - WORDS FOLLOWED BY PREPOSITIONS

Put a suitable preposition in each blank space.
e.g. He has put up a notice which reads "Beware .......... dogs" at

the gate.
He has put up a notice which reads "Beware of dogs" at the
gate.
L .Venice is famous .......... its canals.

2. Have you any difficulty .......... your work?
3. We won't be able to finish the work today because we are short
........... !Jelpers.
4. Mrs Brown is fond .......... her parrot.
5. He seemed very pleased .......... himself.
202
6. She dared not go into the house because she was afraid .......... the
dog.
7. His father has retired .......... the army.
8. He was not satisfied .......... the drawing so he drew another one.
9. We were tired .......... fish so we ate beef instead.
10. Are you related .......... Mr Wong?
11. She is very ashamed .......... what she had done.
12. My little brother is suffering .......... bronchitis.
13. His uncle is quick .......... losing his temper.
14. The hunter aimed carefully .......... the deer before he fired the gun.
15. Why are you staring .......... her so strangely?
203
MISSING WORDS
Read the sentence below.
Can you make out the meaning of this sentence?

Is its sense complete?
No, because one of the words in it is missing.
Can you fill in that word?
It is the preposition 'towards'.
You have already studied the parts of speech such as prepositions, con-
junctions, adjectives, etc.
If one of these words is missing in a sentence, can you fill it in?
EXERCISE 191 - MISSING WORDS

Fill in the blanks with the words in the box. There are more words than
you need.
Once .......... a time, .......... men ........... a strange place landed ......... .
the island ......... Singapore. They searched .......... looking .......... food.
They could not find ................... the island was uninhabited. Angrily
they got ........ their long boats ......... left the island.
204
MISSING WORDS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words in the box.
As Tak Cheong was cycling .......... the corner, he crashed ........ ..

.......... ice-water stall. Tak Cheong was thrown ......... his bicycle. The ice-
water seller was ........ stunned to say ......... He walked .......... Tak Cheong
........ helped him to get ........ .

Choose one of the words in the box to write in each of the blank spaces.
There are more words than you need.
«af'ter many by some thari or ·. of · near

· at · · to bepeath little for ..
Chee Weng: Good afternoon. I want to buy .......... envelopes. Have you
got .......... ?
Shopkeeper: Oh yes, we have. What sort ........ envelopes do you want;
white ones .......... brown ones?
Chee Weng: I prefer the brown ones ......... the white ones. I think they
are a ......... cheaper ........ the white ones.
Shopkeeper: How .......... do you·want? Remember, it is cheaper to buy
......... the dozen.
Chee Weng: I need only three .......... the moment. I shall buy some
more ........ I have used them.

Choose the correct words in the box to write in each of the blank spaces.
If you go ........... this river, you will find ........... narrow path .......... .
the other side running close .......... the bank. If you walk .......... the path,
you will arrive .......... a small hut. .......... old man used to live . . .. ...... I
don't know .......... he is still alive ......... not. Long ........... he was ......... .
headman .......... the village.
205
MISSING WORDS

Fill in the blanks with the correct words in the box.
Swee Lan looked .......... for her slippers and found them .......... the
bed in her room. She put them .......... and walked ......... to the house on
the other side ......... the fence. She called .......... Lily .......... was singing
......... the top of her voice Swee Lan had to call her ......... times ......... .
she heard her. Then Lily came out ........... they both walked side ......... .
side ......... the road .......... the two rows of trees.

Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions, conjunctions, articles or
relative pronouns.
e.g. He jumped up .......... train .......... it started to move away ......... .

the station.
He jumped up the train before it started to move away from the
station.
1. I always have .......... cup of hot tea ........... I go to bed.

2. He leapt .......... to the horse which immediately started to gallop
3. Have you finished reading ........... book ........... I lent you last week?
4. They quarrelled .......... their neighbours two weeks ago ........... then
they have not spoken to them.
S. She bent .......... and picked up the pencil ......... was lying .......... the
floor.
6. The hunter held-~ ....... his gun and aimed ........... the wild boar.
7. The glass fell to .......... floor .......... broke .......... pieces.
8. We waited for him even though he arrived .......... the station half
.......... hour late.
9. Jane, .. :........ is my best friend, gave me ...... :... box of chocolates
.......... my birthday.
10. She went to .......... market and bought .......... vegetables and fruits
but she didn't buy .......... meat.
206
MISSING WORDS
11. I offered her .......... sweets .......... she did not take any .......... she
had toothache.
12. He did not go .......... work yesterday ......... it was ......... holiday.
13. He put his knife .......... his teeth ........... started to climb ......... .
the tree.
14. "I'm very grateful .......... you ........... all ........... you've done for me,"
he said.
15. .. ........ he was very sleepy, he refused to go to bed .......... he
wanted to watch the show .......... television .......... it ended.

Put suitable words in the blanks.
As we were driving .......... the narrow lane .......... a river, a herd of
cattle came .......... us. .. ........ the herd were two boys who rushed .......... .
and led the herd to one side. The boys, .......... were dressed ......... .
khaki shorts, pointed .......... the muddy road .......... of us and told us to
turn ........... We thanked them and gave them sweets which they shared
........... themselves.
EXERCISE 198- MISSING WORDS

Fill in the blanks with prepositions, adverbs or conjunctions.
We walked .......... it was dark. The rippling of the stream could still
be heard .......... us. All of us were tired and weak for we had not eaten
anything that morning. Just then the moon appeared ........... the distant
hills. Suddenly, the ground ........... our feet shook. We were .......... to
run .......... our lives when we saw that it was .......... a herd of water-
buffaloes. We were relieved and laughed .......... our cowardice.
207
AGREEMENT (2)
In chapter 6 you studied the agreement of verbs with their subjects.

We know that singular subjects like 'a girl' always take singular verbs, and
plural subjects like 'the girls' or 'some girls' always take plural verbs.
However, the subjects of sentences are sometimes used with other words or
expressions . .
So it is sometimes quite difficult to decide what form of the verbs to be
used in such cases.
Read the phrases below.
What is the word used to join the subjects?
It is 'and'.
Jane and Swee Lan are

were
The boys and the girls have

do
What form of the verb do we use here?

We use the plural verb.
208
AGREEMENT (2)
Read the words on the charts in the picture on the previous page.
Do they denote the plural or the singular?
They denote the singular.
Therefore what form of the verbs do we use with such words?
We use singular verbs.
We use singublr verbs with wot~ like :every\ ~each',. 'one', 'any', 'any.;
<,one\ 'anybody', 'rio one' and.jriobody'. ·
'Some' or 'all' denotes the plural.

So when we use them with the subjects, we always use plural verbs.
Either of the girls has taken it. Either Tom or Chin Hock has a ball.
Neither of the girls has taken it. ~ Tom nor Chin Hock has a ball.
Name the words used with the subjects in the sentences in these pictures.
They are 'either of, 'neither of, 'either .......... or' and 'neither .......... nor'.
Are the subjects used with 'either .......... or' and 'neither .......... nor'
singular or plural?
They are singular.
What are the verbs used in all the sentences?
They are all singular verbs, namely, 'has t.aken' and 'has'.

Either Poh Wah or his friends have seen it.
Neither the boy nor his parents have seen it.
Either the boys or the girls know it.
Neither the boys nor the girls know it.
'Either ... or' and 'neither ... nor' are also used here.
However, the subjects in these sentences. are of different number.
Are the verbs in the singular form too?
No, they aren't.
209
AGREEMENT (2)
They are in the plural form - 'have seen' and 'know'.

Why are these verbs used in the plural?
Because, in such cases, the verb always agrees with the subject nearest to it
and these subjects are plural.
. , ~~~':Joined b~ >~eit~_~r '°or .·•. '. •· .· .·. _. _· ...pol,

tsmgul~V~r:fi. ·W}iehthe subjects joined oi these :t,xpre
_different number the.ver~.,grees ~jth ~¢~ubject· .•
If there is only a singular subject like 'Kok Ming' in a sentence, we will

know immediately that a singular verb is to be used. But how will you
decide what form of the verb to use with the phrases below?
a his friends,
The girl, her mother,
Poh Wah, I as well as I John,
The expressions used to join singular subjects and other words in these
phrases are 'with', '·like' and 'as well as'.
What is the form of the verb used?
Singular verbs are always used in such cases.
210
AGREEMENT (2)
So far we have only been studying the agreement of verbs with countable
nouns.
Do ·you know what form of the verbs do uncountable nouns take?
Read this chart.
News
Ink
Rice is
was
has
A large amount of chalk does
Some water
Only a little paper
What verbs are used with these nouns?

They are singular verbs.
EXERCISE 199 - AGREEMENT (2)

Rewrite these sentences using the correct word in the brackets.
e.g. Each of the sisters (is, are) clever.

Each of the sisters is clever.
1. Each of the children ( was, were) given a packet of sweets.

2. Tuck Meng (is, are) going to the shop across the street.
3. Kim Seng and Paul (was, were) the last to leave.
4. They (like, likes) to eat apples.
5. One of those boys (has, have) stolen my pen.
6. Neither of the scouts (is, are) coming here.
7. He and I (is, are) good friends.
8. My uncle and I (lives, live) in this house.
9. Neither Kim Seng nor his sister (has, have) seen this.
10. Nobody (was, were) at home.
11. My father and my uncle (works, work) in the same office.
211
AGREEMENT (2)
12. Danny, with all his friends, (is, are) early.

13. Mary, like Jenny, (love, loves) swimming.
14. Mr Lim, as well as his brother, (owns, own) the hotel.
15. Much of the smoke ( comes, come) from thc:tt factory.

Choose the correct word in the brackets.
e.g. Water (change, changes) into ice when it (freeze, freezes).

Water changes into ice when it freezes.
1. Nobody (is, are) allowed to enter the new hall.

2. (Is, are) either of the twins singing?
3. A large amount of money (has, have) been spent.
4. Most of the boys in our class (like, likes) to play football.
5. None of the books (is, are) expensive.
6. Chee Tong, as well as Sin Har, (is, are) tall.
7. Who ( do, does) he think he is?
8. (Do, does) every one of them do that?
9. Either Peter or his friends (has, have) played this trick.
10. The farmer and his wife (seem, seems) unhappy. I think the news
they received ( was, were) bad. .
11. Neither the men nor the women (was, were) working. They (was,
were) resting.
12. Everybody (is, are) happy as everybody {has, have) passed the
examination.
13. My sister and I usually (walk, walks) to school in the morning.
Sometimes we ( catch, catches) a bus.
14. (Do, does) they know that you (is, are) coming?
15. There (is; are) a lot of work to do. So every boy (has, have) to work
hard.

Choose the correct word in the brackets.
e.g. Most of the goods in the shop (has, have) been stolen. None
(has, have) been recovered yet.
Most of the goods in the shop have been stolen. None has
been recovered yet.
212
AGREEMENT :2)
1. John, as welJ as Seng Bee and Peter, (do, does) the work well.
2. One or the other (has, have) to be here.
3. Peng Soon, as well as his father, (wish, wishes) to see you.
4. Neither of the boys (has, have) heard the news as neither of them
( was, were) present at the meeting.
5. Fook Choy and his sister (is, are) liked by all as both of them (is,
are) polite.
6. There (is, are) a lot of food on the table but nobody (want, wants)
to eat it yet.
7. There (is, are) a lot of dirt on the floor. The servant (has, have)
not cleaned it since yesterday.
8. Neither his father nor his mother (is, are) alive. They passed away
when he ( was, were) only six years old ..
9, Each of the brothers (was, were) rewarded. Their parents (was, were)
very proud of them.
10. Not one of them (know, knows) the answer. They (has, have) to
look it up in the library.
11. Every boy and girl (is, are) going for the picnic. Each of them (has,
have) to bring something to eat.
12. The horse, as well as the cow, (eat, eats) grass, but both animals (do,
does) not eat meat.
13. There (is, are)n't any tea left. Please make some when the water
(start, starts) to boil.
14. Kit Sang, like his brother, (is, are) tall, but he (is, are) fatter.
15. Bread (is, are) made from flour. Can you think of other things that
(is, are) made from flour?
213
CONTRACTIONS
Kok F ai and Swee Lan are speaking.

Can you shm1en some of the words in Kok Fai's sentence?
The two words 'have not' in his sentence can be joined up and shortened
to 'haven't'.
Similarly, 'where is' in Swee Lan's sentence can be joined and shortened
to 'where's'.
How do we make these short forms?
We leave out one or more letters from the two words that are joined up.
Then we put an apostrophe in place of the letter or letters left out.
What do we call these short forms?
We call them contractions.
tractions are s () . .·. or111~ 0 V!Or .s. ..• > ey are us~~llyJorinedb
g up two \Y'ords andleavi~g <>qt one qrJnot .
' , s ad9~.d 1ri place'ti~;t ·... ••. · ••. • .
Here is a list of contractions commonly used. Study them and note

where the apostrophes are placed.
NOT
isn' t is not wasn't was not
aren't are not weren't were not 1
214
CONTRACTIONS
hasn't has not wouldn't would not

haven't have no t don't do n o t
hadn't had no t doesn't does no t
shan't shall no t didn't did n o t
shouldn't should not mustn't must no t
can't cannot mightn't might no t
couldn't could not needn't need not
won't will not
WILL
I'll I will we'll we will
you'll you will they'll they will
he'll he will it'll it will
she'll she will there'll there will
WOULD
I'd I would we'd we would
you'd you wo uld they'd they would
he'd he would who'd who would
she'd she would there'd there would
AM
I'm lam
IS
it's it is what's what is
he's he is where's where is
she's she is how's how is
there's there is who's who is
that's that is all's all is
ARE
you're you are they're they are
we're we are
HAS
he's he has what's what has
she's she has where's where has
it's it has how's how has
there's there has who's who has
that's that has
215
CONTRACTIONS
HAVE
I've I have they've they have
you've you have where've where have
we've we have
HAD
I'd I had we'd we had
you'd you had who'd who had
he'd he had they'd they had
she'd she had there'd there had
EXERCISE 202 - CONTRACTIONS

Rewrite these sentences using short forms like 'won't' instead of 'will not'.
e.g. They are going home.
They're going home.
1. I will be going with him.

2. We are sure to win.
3. He has done it again.
4. She does not mind it.
5. They were not at home.
6. I shall not promise you.
7. You have lost it.
8. Who is there?
9. You need not be so angry.
I 0. I knew she would come.
11. · He is here, is he not?
12. I am going to school.
13. They should not go there.
14. She would not agree.
15. They have lost the ball.

Rewrite these sentences using short forms of some of the words.
e.g. Where have you been all this while?

Where've you been all this while?
1. There is a ruler somewhere.
216
CONTRACTIONS
2. You are so kind.

3. All is well.
4. You must not behave like that.
5. She will not be coming.
6. My father is not in.
7. They have not finished yet.
8. They do not know the answer.
9. I did not call you.
10. What has happened?
11. Where is your mother?
12. It will rain soon.
13. He had better do it.
14. That is the way.
15. They might not have known.

Rewrite the following sentences using short forms like 'don't' instead of
'do not'.
e.g. Let us go home now. It is going to rain soon.

Let's go home now. It's going to rain soon.
1. We will try our best.

2. After I had eaten my dinner, I rested.
3. Where has Peter gone to? We have not seen him since this morning.
4. What is the matter with you? You are not sick, are you?
5. You should not wear this dress. It is too tight for you.
6. These are not the books I ordered. They have sent me the wrong
ones.
7. · She was not at the meeting because she was sick.
8. You need not come tomorrow. There will not be any sports
practice.
9. She had lost her ring. She searched everywhere but could not find
it.
10. It is too late to return. We will have to stay here for the night.
11. If you had asked her, she would have helped you.
12. Has not the mail arrived? It is already half past three.
13. Do not touch the wall. The paint is still wet.
14. Where have you been? I have been looking everywhere for you.
15. She cannot swim well. So see that she does not swim too far out.
217
CONTRACTIONS

Rewrite the following sentences using full words like 'cannot' instead of
'can't'.
e.g. We don't like him at all.

We do not like him at all.
1. It isn't raining now.

2. They weren't at the concert.
3. Kok Ming doesn't go out at night.
4. I shan't reply to his letter.
5. She won't do as she's promised.
6. It's dark. I can't see anything.
7. They haven't seen an elephant before.
8. You needn't be afraid.
9. How's that I've never heard about it?
10. Who wouldn't want to travel?
11. They're here at last.
12.- I'm sure of going.
13. He'lf be coming soon.
14. There wasn't any chance at all.
15. We'd better keep this a secret.
218
POSITIVE AND
NEGATIVE SENTENCES
The people in the pictures are giving us some information.

What do we call their sentences?
We call them Positive Sentences.
The same people are giving us some more information.

However, the information they are giving is just the negative of what they
have given above.
We call such sentences Negative Sentences.
What are the words used to give a negative meaning?
The words 'not' and 'no' are used.
th •nof•,o~'no; is cal . . ... . .

· . · . ·. · · · .wtt,bout'not! <>r 'no' is called a Po,itive Sente
219
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SENTENCES
Note how these positive sentences are changed into the negative.
They will wait for you. They will not wait for you.
My sister can swim. My sister cannot swim.
It has been found. It has not been found.
How many words are the verbs made up of in these sentences?
They are made of two or more words.
Where do we put 'not' in the negative sentences?
We put it after the first word of the verb.
So far we have only studied how to form the negative of Special Finites
such as 'is', 'will' and 'has'.
We have not learnt how the negative of ordinary verbs are formed.
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
I know him . I do not know him.
They sleep early. They do not sleep early.
He broke the glass. He did not break the glass.
We saw him yesterday. We did not see him yesterday.
The verb 'know', 'sleep', etc. are ordinary verbs.
How are they changed to the negative?
We add 'do not' to the verb.
In speaking, we use short forms like 'don't'.
Now read the positive and negative sentences in these pictures.
220
POSITIVE AND NEGAT"IVE SENTENCES
Besides the addition of $not' in the negative sentences, what other differ-
ences can you see between the positive arid negative sentences?
In picture 1, 'some' in the positive sentence is changed to 'any' in the
negative sentence.
In picture 2, 'already' is changed to 'yet'.
EXERCISE 206 - POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SENTENCES

Rewrite these sentences in the negative by putting in 'not'.
e.g. I am late.
I am not late.
1. It was cold this morning.

2. These mangoes are sweet.
3. The dog is in the kennel.
4. She has some valuable stamps.
5. He can do this quickly.
6. The dog will bite the postman.
7. We are going home.
8. They have caught the thief.
9. The window was closed by Poh Meng.
10. This garden has been watered.
11. My brother has already returned.
12. The streets are well lighted.
13. We will start our work next Monday.
14. The children have heard the story before.
15. I have some marbles left.

Rewrite these sentences in the negative.
e.g. He works in this office.

He does not work irt this office.
1. His dog bit my brother yesterday.

2. Those men built this house.
3. Some people like cats.
221
4. We left school at one o'clock.

5. Chee Weng came in first in the race.
6. You looked tired last night.
7. We lost the game last evening.
8. He ran down the hill.
9. I forgot to bring my book.
10. We remember her well.
11. Kim Tong bought some sweets.
12. We met Mei Keng last Wednesday.
13. His teacher gave him a prize.
14. My aunt lives in Singapore.
15. Go to bed early.
EXERCISE 208- POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SENTENCES

Rewrite these sentences in the negative.
e.g. The shop will open at eight o'clock.

The shop will not open at eight o'clock.
1. It was hot yesterday.

2. This book is hers.
3. She spoke to the stranger.
4. The boys were playing football.
5. I can finish this in an hour.
6. Put your books away.
7. She can dance gracefully.
8. John ran quickly down the road.
9. Kim Seng said he would be late.
10. Swee Lan has taken the book.
11. You should feel proud of him.
12. I shall think it over.
13. Write down these sentences.
14. She comes here daily.
15. Miss Lee wants to see it.

Rewrite the following sentences in the negative.
e.g. · They have arrived already.

They have not arrived yet.
222
1. She goes to the library once a week.

2. The lady has lost her bag.
3. There is someone knocking at the door.
4. The show has already begun.
5. She will come here tomorrow.
6. They have found the treasure.
7. His sister sings well.
8. Mano studied hard for the examination.
9. He came in a hurry.
10. It is past two o'clock.
11. We shall meet him tomorrow.
12. He could have won the prize.
IS . I have some work to do.
14. I shall leave it here.
15. He has thrown it away already.

Rewrite the following sentences in the negative. Use short forms like
'haven't' for 'have not', 'isn't' for 'is not' and so on.
e.g. The children are playing hide-and-seek.

The children aren't playing hide-and-seek.
1. My uncle saw me at the market.

2. It has stopped drizzling.
3. We went to the museum last week.
4. They have gone to catch fish.
5. He put the money in his pocket
6. The little girl fed the cat.
7. The concert begins at seven o'clock.
8. There is somebody at home.
9. Chee Hong can run faster than I.
10. The boys ate up all the food.
11. The farmer led his cows across the field.
12. I ,bought my brother a watch.
13. He will show you the way.
14. They have already heard the news.
15. She had gone to bed.
223

Make these sentences negative using short forms.
e.g. Can he dance?
Can't he dance?
1. Has he bought the house?

2. Were the books on the table?
3. The tree will fall down.
4. Mei Ling likes to sing.
5. The table is covered with dirt.
6. He has improved in his work.
7. Would he give it to you?
8. It was necessary for him to do that.
9. Will your teacher give you permission?
. 10. There are some more tickets left.
11. Should you pity her?
12. They have already promised to do it.
13. I keep my books in this drawer.
14. The dog was barking the whole night.
15. The grass has already been cut.

Make these sentences negative using short forms.
e.g. Have I made a mistake?
Haven't I made a mistake?
1. Has Alice passed the examination?

2. We shall go by train.
3. Your father knows my uncle.
4. Can she do it alone?
5. The shop has already been closed.
6. Was the cake burnt?
7. Are they sure of going?
8. The boy fell down from the stairs.
9. Will they find out the truth?
I 0. Does she prefer butter to jam?
11. He leaves his house early in the morning.
12. Could they be trusted?
13. You should tell her the news.
224
14. The tree has been pulled down.

15. The farmer rears some ducks.
EXERCISE 213 - POSITIVE AND N-EGATIVE SENTENCES

Rewrite these sentences in the positive.
e.g. Mei Ching hasn't a pen.

Mei Ching has a pen.
1. My friend hasn't any brothers.

2. The teacher wasn't early.
3. They haven't been given the papers yet.
4. They weren't singing a song.
5. He can't do this well.
6. She hasn't a fever.
7. Our dog isn't in the house.
8. We shan't visit our friends today.
9. They won't learn to swim.
10. I haven't seen him before.
11. You aren't a good artist.
12. We shouldn't have gone there.
13. Wah Choy couldn't do the sum.
14. The new pupil mightn't know it.
15. I wouldn't like to visit her.

Rewrite the following sentences in the positive.
e.g. (a) Paul didn't go to school. Paul went to school.

(b) I don't go to school. I go to school.
(c) He doesn't go to school. He goes to school.
1. He didn't bring any money with him.

2. Kong Sun doesn't like papayas.
3. The thief didn't steal our chickens.
4. I don't want to play with Susie.
5. The bus doesn't go that way.
6. She didn't know my uncle.
7. We don't put our money in the bank.
8. He didn't find the book in the cupboard.
225
9. Mary doesn't know how to sew.

10. The policeman didn't carry a gun.
11. The gardener didn't cut the grass.
12. His neighbour doesn't keep his house clean.
13. That boy doesn't wear shoes.
14. Some dogs don't bite.
15. It doesn't matter.

Rewrite these sentences in the positive.
e.g. She won't come tomorrow.

She will come tomorrow.
1. They haven't been to Manila.

2. We haven't been told to do it.
3. Kok Heng didn't break the window.
4. · She wasn't to be blamed for the mistake.
5. Wasn't she helping them?
6. The children couldn't finish the sums.
7. I don't like to play chess.
8. He hasn't been to the seaside.
9. The little boy didn't lose his money.
10. Our hen doesn't lay an egg every day.
11. They shouldn't have hit him.
12. They don't care for their studies.
13. There isn't any food left.
14. . You mustn't work very late.
15. You haven't signed your name yet.
226
QUESTION-TAGS
Read the statement below.

She has a cat.
We can turn this statement into a question by changing the order of the
words like this:
Has she a cat?
Can you think of another way of turning it into a question?
We can do it by adding some'words to it.
The question will be turned into this:
She has a cat, hasn't she?
What are the words added?
They are 'hasn't she?'.
This is a question-tag.
'Hasn't she?' is a negative tag.
As you can see, it is added to a positive statement.
Do we put negative tags to negative statements too?
No, we put in the positive tags.
Study how these negative statements are changed to questions by adding
question-tags.
She hasn't a ball. She hasn't a ball, has she?
He didn't want a drink. He didn't want a drink, did he?
What are the question-tags added to the negative statements?
They are the positive tags 'has she?' and 'did he?'.
POSITIVE STATEMENT I NEGATIVE TAG
This bag is yours, isn't it?

Those books are new, aren',t they?
Mary was absent, wasn't she?
227
QUESTION-TAGS
POSITIVE _STATEMENT r NEGATIVE TAG

The boys were late, weren't they?
John has done it, hasn't he?
They have seen it, haven't they?
She will help us, won't she?
There will be a show, won't there?
You can carry it, can't you?
They could do it, couldn't they?
She must be here, mustn't she?
Children like sweets, don't they?
Kok Fai works hard, doesn't he?
Danny lost the game, didn't he?
NEGATIVE STATEMENT POSITIVE TAG

- .
This bag isn't yours, is it?

Those books aren't new, are they?
Mary wasn't absent, was she?
The boys weren't late, were they?
John hasn't done it, has he?
They haven't seen it, have they?
She won't help us, will she?
There won't be a show, will there?
You can't carry it, can you?
They couldn't do it, could they?
She mustn't be there, must she?
They don't like sweets, do they?
Peng Soon doesn't work hard, does he?
He didn't lose the game, did he?
EXERCISE 216 - QUESTION-TAGS

Put a question-tag at the end of each statement.
e.g. You were absent, ......... .
You were absent, weren't you?
didn't he? hasn't it? couldn't he? .

don't you? wasn't he? can't you?
isn't she? weren't you? · wouldn;t she?
mus,tn't he? ,r'.won't they?
1. Poh Wah has gone home, .................... .

2. The clock has stopped, .................... .
228
QUESTION-TAGS
3. I have made a mistake, .................... .

4. Lucy is quite pretty, .................... .
5. The girls are here, ................... .
6. We shall go ahead, ................... .
7. They will listen to you, ................... .
8. You can dance well, .................. ..
9. There will be a practice, ................... .
10. He could understand it, .................. .
11. Swee Mei would be pleased, ................... .
12. Chee Meng must stay behind, ................... .
13. Yoil go to school by bus, .................. .
14. Your uncle left yesterday, ................... .
15. Paul was sleeping, ................... .

Put a question-tag at the end of each statement.
e.g. There won't be any left, ................... .

There won't be any left, will there?
will she? has she? shall we? are they?

will there? have you? can you? was it?
does he?' must they? do they? were they?
did they? ·could he? is it? would he?
L You can't reach it, .................. .

2. John couldn't help you, .................. ..
3. The glass wasn't broken, ................... .
4. The mangoes weren't sour, ................... .
5. Lily hasn't taken it, .................. .
6. You haven't swallowed it, .................... .
7. She won't come tomorrow, ................... .
8. We shan't be going there, ................... .
9. It isn't my business, .................. .
10. Those aren't your books, .................. .
11. He wouldn't listen, ................. ..
12. Kok Fai doesn't like your brother, ................... .
13. Those girls don't know you, ...................... .
14. They didn't show it to you, ................... .
15. They mustn't take it away, ................... .
229
QUESTION-TAGS

Add two words to each statement to make a question.
e.g. Tak Kong came here this morning, .................... .
Tak Kong came here this morning; didn't he?
1. He has been to Penang, .................. ..

2. You haven't met my uncle, .................. .
3. That is my umbrella, .................. .
4. Those boxes are yours, ................. ..
5. Mun Ling was at home, .................. ..
6. The glasses were stolen, ................... .
7. She wasn't angry with me, .................... .
8. Your sister can cook, .................. ..
9. You wouldn't believe it, ................... .
10. He should work har.der, .................. ..
11. I must be on duty, ................... .
12. You will come tomorrow, ..................... .
13. She met. you yesterday, ................ ..
14. She doesn't want this, .................. .
15. Those girls sing well, ... ;............. ..
EXERCISE 219- QUESTION-TAGS

Add a question-tag to each statement to tum it into a question.
e.g. They couldn't find it, .................. ..
They couldn't find it, could they?
1. There will be a crowd, ................. ..

2. You have met Pik Wah, .................. ..
3. He wouldn't help us, ................... ..
4. The tree was blown down by the wind, ................... ..
5. · The little boy fell down the stairs, ................... ..
. 6. Kok Pai has been chosen to play in the school team, ..............~ ... ..
7. You don't know Mr Jones, ................... .
8. They can't finish the work in a day, ................... .
9. She mustn't be late tomorrow, ................. ..
10. We shan't be home till late, ................... ..
l1. He broke the cup, .................. ..
12. They are your friends, .................. ..
13. She made a mistake, .................... .
14. They could rescue her, .................... .
15. Kim Chye usually comes home late, .................. ..
230
QUESTION-WORDS
We have learnt that statements can be turned into questions ( 1) by

changing the order of the words and (2) by adding question-tags.
Can you think of other ways of asking questions?
We can use question-words.
Read the questions and answers in the pictures.
Who is he?
f ...
·====
-
Can you pick out the question-words in the pictures?
They are 'Who', 'Whom' and 'Whose'.
From the answers given, can you say what these words are used for?
'Who' and 'Whom' are used for persons.
'Whose' is used for possessors.
What question-words do we use for things?

What is this? It is a fruit.
Which dress do you like best? I like that best.
Name the question-words in the questions given above.
They are 'What' and 'Which'.
How do we use these words in the questions?
We use 'What' for things and 'Which' for things of a limited number.
231
QUESTION-WORDS
Are these two question-words used for things alone?

No, they are used for persons too.
The sentences below show how they are used for persons.
What is that man? He is a carpenter.
Which of them was here? Chee Fai was.
Can you name any other question-words?
c!.,\j, J "---,, -
I left at half past six
I went home.
I went by bus.
She cried because she fell.
I want fifty cents.
I bought eight.
On John's chart are questions.

Name the question-words.
They are 'When', 'Where', 'How', 'Why', 'How much' and 'How many'.
The answers to the questions are on Pik Chan's chart.
From these answers, can you tell what the uses of the question-words are?
Which que~tion-word is used to mean 'At what time?'.
It is 'When'.
What does 'Where' ask for?
It asks for place.
Which word asks for reason?
It is 'Why'.
What do questions which begin with 'How' ask for?
'How' in questions asks for manner; 'How much' for amount; 'How many'
for number.
232
QUESTION-WORDS
EXE RCI SE 220 - QU ESTION-WORDS

Fill in the blanks with 'Who', 'Which' or 'What'.
e.g. . ......... have you been doing all day?

What have you been doing all day?
1. of these books belongs to Peter?

2. is in that box?
3. is taking you to the concert?
4. are those boys doing in the field?
5. girl came to see you yesterday?
6. was absent from the meeting?
7. did Kim Seng tell you?
8. of these books do you prefer?
9. of the workers were absent yesterday?
10. is that boy waving to you?
11. is the bus that goes to town?
12. did you give the message to?
13. do you do during week-ends?
14. told you the news of the robbery?
15. dress are you wearing to the party?
EXERCISE 221 - QU ESTION-WORDS

Fill in the blanks with 'When', 'Where', 'Whose' or 'Whom'.
e.g. . ........... is your birthday?
When is your birthday?
1. is your brother leaving for England?

2. did you meet yesterday?
3. bicycle did you borrow?
4. were you talking to just now?
5. will the school holidays begin?
6. did Mei Lan put the book?
233
QUESTION-WORDS
7. pen is that on my table?

8. did you meet at the concert?
9. is the nearest post-office?
10. did you receive this letter?
11. dog is that barking?
12. did Mary introduce you to?
13. will you finish your homework?
14. will you be staying with in Hong Kong?
15. did you know of the accident?
EXERCISE 222 - QUESTI ON-WORDS

Fill in the blanks with 'How' or 'Why'.
e.g. ............ are you in such a hurry?
Why are you in such a hurry?
1. did you lie to me?

2. didn't you follow my instructions?
3. aren't the lights switched on yet?
4. many guests have you invited?
5. is she so quiet today? ,
6. much does this vase cost?
7. are there only two cakes teft on the plate?
8. can I finish this work in an hour?
9. often do they go swimming?
10. are the children not in bed yet?
11. far is it from here to the hospital?
1"2. isn't Susan going to the party?
13. did he know about it?
14. was Kit Mei absent from school?
15. old is your grandmother this year?
EXERCISE 223 - QUESTION-WORDS

Change these statements into questions, using the words in the brackets.
e.g. Mr Lim left Singapore on Monday. (When?)

When did Mr Lim leave Singapore?
1. Mr and Mrs Wong are coming here this evening. (Who?)

2. His uncle has bought a new car. (What?)
234
QUESTION-WORDS
3. That ruler on the table is Henry's. (Whose?)

4. I met your mother in town today. (Whom?)
5. Those boys are going to the cinema. (Where?)
6. We usually go to school by bus. (How?)
7. My sister works as a seuetary. (What?)
8. He was late because he missed the bus. (Why?)
9. My father gave me a watch for my birthday. (What?)
10. There are seven days in a week. (How many?)
11. That boy thiew the stone. (Which?)
12. She has put a lot of salt in the soup. (How much?)
13. It is my sister's birthday today. (Whose?)
14. The red bicycle belongs to Chee Fai. (Which?)
15. The train left the station at 8 o'clock. (When?)
EXERCISE 224 - QUESTION-WORDS

Change these statements into questions, asking about the words in bold.
Use question words such as 'Who', 'Which', 'How', etc.
e.g. The meeting ended at 2 o'clock.

When did the meeting end?
1. The ship sailed for Australia.

2. She paid the man $5.
3. He has done the work badly.
4. Ah Seng gave ~he umbrella to his sister.
5. The teacher punished the boys.
6. He gave theJittle girl five sweets.
7. She didn't eat the cake as she was not hungry.
8. I am using my sister's badminton racket.
9. He told me that he has bought a new car.
10. _I went shopping with Mei Yoke yesterday.
11. That boy lives near Kok Wai
12. He likes the biue shirt better.
13. We will visit our uncle next Saturday.
14. The postman put the letter into the box.
15. Swee Lan went to bed immediately because she was tired.
235
YES AND NO ANSWERS
+ EXPECTED ANSWERS
We know that there are many ways of answering questions.

However, there are certain answers for certain questions.
Read these answers.
Yes, of course I am. No, I don't believe he can.
Yes, I think it is. No, I am sure she isn't.
What do we call this type of answers?
They are called 'Yes' and 'No' answers.
Do you know when such answers are used?
Do we use them for all types of questions?
\
I
There are two types of questions on the board.

The questions on the left begin with question-words.
What words are used to begin the questions on the right? Special Finites
are used.
Can the questions begihning with question-words be answered by 'Yes'
and 'No' answers?
No, they can't.
Only those questions that begin with Special Finites can have such answers.
236
YES AND NO ANSWERS+ EXPECTED ANSWERS
Are 'Yes' and 'No' answers only used for answering questions?
No, they are also used for other purposes.
Read the sentences in the pictures.

Are Mary and Kok Fai asking questions?
No, they are only stating certain things.
What answers are given by Mei Yoke and Paul?
They give 'Yes' and 'No' answers.
Why are these answers give~?
Mei Yoke uses a 'Yes' answer to express agreement.
Paul uses a 'No' answer to express disagreement.
'Yes' and 'No' answers are alse> used to express agreement and
disagre,ement.
Can you remember the use of question-tags?

These questions are formed by using question-tags.
Study the answers to these questions.
QUESTIONS I ANSWERS
The dress is wet, isn't it? Yes, it is.

They have finished it, haven't they? Yes, they have.
You can't do it, can you? No, I can't.
He wasn't afraid, was he? No, he wasn't.
'Yes' and 'No' answers are also given to these questions.

They are called expected answers.
When are the expected 'Yes' answers used?
When a positive statement is changed into a question using a negative tag.
When are the expected 'No' answers used?
When a negative statement is changed into a question using a positive tag.
237
EXERCISE 225 - YES AND NO ANSWERS+ EXPECTED

ANSWERS
Complete the answers to the following questions.
e.g. Can't you give me one? No, I'm afraid .................... .
Can't you give me one? No, I'm afraid I can't.
1. Will she be there? Yes, I think .................... .

2. Did he lose his pen? Yes, I heard .................... .
3. Did they go? No, I don't suppose .................... .
4. Weren't you ill last week? No, of course ..................... .
5. Will they come now? Yes, I am sure .................... ..
6. Hasn't she left Japan yet? No, I don't think .................... ..
7. Did he give you the money? Yes, .................... .
8. Did she tell you about the accident? No. I'm afraid .................... .
9. Your father was out, wasn't he? Yes, I'm sure ~ ........................ .
10. They weren't wrong, were they? No, of course .......................... .
11. I haven't done well, have I? No, I'm afraid ......................... .
12. They could find it. Yes, I believe ........................... .
13. Alice will sing. Yes, I know ......................... .
14. Chee Fai did it. No, I think ......................... .
15. She will clean it. No, I'm sure .......................... ..
EXERCISE 226..;... YES AND NO ANSWERS+ EXPECTED

ANSWERS
Complete the answers to these questions.
e.g. Isn't this a lovely day? Yes, I think ...................... .

Isn't this -a lovely day? Yes, I think it is.
1. Can we leave now? Yes, of course ......................... .

2. Can't you explain how this is done? No, I am sorry ..................... .
3. Have you seen this before? Yes, I am sure ......................... ..
4. Has the tree fallen down? Yes, ....................... ..
5. Didn't she make it? No, I don't suppose ........................ .
238
6. Can't he decide now? No, I don't believe ........................ .

7. They will stay long, won't they? Yes, I think ......................... ,
8. It was your cat, wasn't it? Yes, I am certain ........................... .
9. She couldn't see it, could she? No, I don't suppose ..................... .
10. She might be tired, mightn't she? Yes, ..................... .
11. He's not lying, is he? No, I know ..................... .
12. Neither of them will go. No, ..................... ..
13. That boy won the first prize. Yes, I think ...................... .
14. Your brother works hard. No, I am afraid ...................... .
15. Will they come tomorrow? No, I don't suppose ...................... .

ANSWERS
Complete the answers to the following questions.
e.g. Will they be late? No, I believe .................... .

Will they be late? No, I believe they won't.
I. You all got wet, didn't you? Yes, ............................. .

2. Has she swept the room yet? Yes, I think .................... .
3. The fire has gone out, hasn't it? Yes, ..................... .
4. You have taken it, haven't you? Yes, of course ................. .
5. Can he drive? Yes, I believe .......................... .
6. Has he gone home? No, I don't think ........................... .
7. Isn't the window closed? No, ................... .
8. He went there by train, didn't he? Yes, I suppose ..........•.........
9. Are they waiting for her? No, .......................... .
10. Has she caught a cold? No, ............................. .
11. It was an accident, wasn't it? Yes, ..........................
12. There will be a parking space. Yes, ................. .
13. They have all gone home. Yes, I'm sure ............................ ..
14. Mei Ling couldn't do it. Yes, I'm afraid ............................. .
15. Shall we go for a walk? Yes, ............................. .

ANSWERS
Complete the answers to these questions. Begin your answers with -'Yes'
or 'No'.
e.g. Will you help me? ............................................................... .

Will you help me? Yes, of course I will.
239
YES AND NO ANSWERS EXPECTED ANSWERS
1. Is there a knife somewhere? ............................................................ ..

2. Are those the books he lent you? ..................................................... .
3. Is this the right way to the station? ...... , ........................................... .
4. Aren't there any tickets for sale? .................................................... ..
5. Shan't we pay them a visit? ............................................................. ..
6. My sister was there, wasn't she? ...................................................... ..
7 You found that, didn't you? ........................................................... ..
8. They couldn't sing, could they? ...................................................... ..
9. Did you run all the way? ................................................................. ..
10. Won't you drink anything? ...................... ,....................................... ..
11. Both of them will help ...... _............................................................. ..
12. Do you often go to the library? ........................................................ .
13. They bcught a new car .................................. _.................................. ..
14. Weren't you looking for her? ........................................................... ..
15. He hid it under the bed .................................................................... .

ANSWERS
In each of these conversations, complete the answers by adding two words
in the blanks provided.
e.g. Mei Ling: Can you help me?
Foo Meng: Yes, of course .................. ..
Yes, of c~urse I can.
1. Ahmad: Does your mother know that you are here?

David: Yes, of course ...................... .
2. Alice: Can you post this letter for me now?
Kok Wah: No, I'm afraid ................... .
3. Kim Seng: Is there a way out?
John: Yes, I think ..................... .
4. Pupil: Will there be a practice tomorrow?
Teacher: Yes, .................... .
5. Ah Kim: My sister doesn't like him.
Peter: No, ..................... .
6. Ah Ling: I have made a mistake.
Yin Mei: Yes, .................... .
7. Captain: Shall we postpone the match?
Players: No, .................... .
8. Mother: Did you buy the salt?
Mei Lee: Yes, ................... .
9. Mr Kong: Was there a meeting last evening?
240
YES AND NO ANSWERS + EXPECTED ANSWERS
Mr Wong: Yes, ................... .

10. Father: Were there many people at the fair?
Son: Yes, .................... .
11. Poh Seng: You have done well, haven't you?
Chee Tong: Yes, .................... ..
12. Jane: Is Pik Wan coming with us?
Pak Meng: No, ................... .
13. Mrs Lim: Have you turned off the tap?
Yoke Lin: Yes, ................... .
14. Paul: The clock has stopped.
Lai Chan: No, .................. ..
15. Kim Chye: You came by bus, didn't you?
Peggy:. Yes, ..................... .

ANSWERS
Supply an expected answer to each of these questions. Begin your answer
with 'Yes' or 'No'.
e.g. (a) You haven't seen it, have you? ................... .
You haven't seen it, have you? No, I haven't.
(b) His sister can swim, can't she? ................... .
His sister can swim, can't she? Yes, she can.
1. It was a good concert, wasn't it? .................. ..

2. They were all asleep, weren't they? .................. ..
3. These boxes are heavy, aren't they? ................. ..
4. Pile Wan is always lucky, isn't she? .................. .
5. There is another way out, isn't there? ................... .
6. You are his brother, aren't you? .................. .
7. I am very forgetful, aren't I? .................. ..
8. Those aren't the books you want, are they? ................... .
9. You have finished your work, haven't you? ................. ..
10. She hasn't been here before, has she? .................. ..
11. Your watch has stopped, hasn't it? ................. ..
12. There will be a match tomorrow, won't there? ................. ..
13. Let's take a walk, shall we? .................. ..
14. He couldn't remember you, could he? ................... ..
15. Paul fell down the stairs, didn't he? .................... .
16. He didn't break his leg, did he? ................. ..
17. He works in a factory, doesn't he? .................. ..
18. They don't like each other, do they? ................. ..
241
ABBREVIATIONS
Read the labels in the two pictures.

Do the words 'lb.' and 'pound' mean the same?
Yes, they do, except that 'lb.' is a shortened form and 'pound' is written
in full.
Shortened forms like 'lb.' are called abbreviations.
Now read the words 'lb.' and 'pound' again.
What advantages can you see in using 'lb.' instead of 'pound'?
We can save time and space by using 'lb.', _ -
What other dif_f~rences can you see between the two words?
The abbreviation '!!l.:-ends in a full-stop.
Can you think of any common abbreviations?
Now study this list of abbreviations .
• GENERAL .
Abbreviation Word in Full

a/c account
A.D. In the year of our Lord .(Latin - Anno Domini)
a.m. before noon (Latin - ante meridiem)
anon. anonymous
ans. answer
Ass., Assn. Association
Asst. Assistant
Aug. August
242
ABBREVIATIONS

Ave. Avenue
B.B. Boys Brigade
B.C. Before Christ
bldg. building
Cent. Centigrade
cent. century
c.c. cubic centimetre
cf. compare (Latin - confer)
Co. Company
c/o care of
C.O.D. Cash On Delivery
ct. cent
cwt. hundredweight
Dec. December
deg. degree
dept. department
diam. diameter
do. the same (Latin - ditto)
doz. dozen
e.g. for example (Latin - exempli gratia)
Esq. Esquire
etc. and so forth (Latin - et cetera)
Fahr. Fahrenheit
Feb. February
fig. figure
Fri. Friday
ft. foot
fur. furlong
gal. gallon
G.H .. General Hospital
gm. gramme
G.M.T. Greenwich Mean Time
Govt. Government
H.C.F. Highest Common Factor
h.p. horse power
H.Q. Headquarters
hr. hour
i.e. that is (Latin - id est)
in. inch
1.0.U. I owe you
ital. italic
Jan. January
jun. junior
lab. laboratory
lb. pound
L.C.M. Lowest Common Multiple
11. lines
Ltd. Limited
Mar. March
243
ABBREVIATIONS

Maths. Mathematics
m,g. milligram
mm. millimetre
M.0. Medical Officer/ money order
Mon. Monday
m.p.g. miles per gallon
m.p.h. miles per hour
Mr Mister
Mrs Mistress
Mt. Mount
N.B. note well (Latin - nota bene)
No. number
Nov. November
Oct. October
O.G.S. On Government Service
O.K. all correct; agreed
oz. ounce
p.a. per annum
p.c. postcard/per cent
pd. paid
pl. plural
p.m. after noon (Latin - post meridiem)
P.O. Post Office/postal order
P.O.B. Post Office Box
pop. population
pp. pages
P.S. postscript
P.T.0. please turn over
qr. quarter
qt. quart
rd. road
R.S.V.P. Please reply (French - respondez s'il vous plait)
Sat. Saturday
sch. school
Sec. Secretary
sec. second
sing. singular
sq. square
Sr. Senior
St. Street/Saint
Sun. Sunday
T.B. tuberculosis
Thurs. Thursday
Tues. Tuesday
T.V. television
V. versus or against (Latin - vide)/verse
V.1.P. very important person
viz. namely (Latin - videlicet)
244
ABBREVIATIONS

vol. volume
Wed. Wednesday
w.e.f. with effect from
wt. weight
Xmas Christmas
yd. yard
ORGANIZATIONS
A.A.A. Amateur Athletic Association

A.D.B. Asian Development Bank
ASEAN Association of South-east Asian Nations
A.S.A. Association of South-east Asia
B.B.C. British Broadcasting Corporation
B.C. British Council
B.R.C.S. British Red Cross Society
c.c.c. Chinese Chamber of Commerce
C.I.D. Criminal Investigation Department
C.P.F.B. Central Provident Fund Board
C.Y.M.A. Catholic Young Men's Association
E.T.V. Educational Television
G.H.Q. General Headquarters
G.P.O. General Post Office
H.D.B. Housing and Development Board
I.L.O. International Labour Organization
I.T.C. International Training Centre
L.C.C. London Chamber of Commerce
N.T.U.C. National Trades Union Congress
P.S.C. Public Service Commission
P.U.B. Public Utilities Board
P.W.D. Public Works Department
R.A.F. Royal Air Force
R.A.M. Royal Academy of Music
R.N. Royal Navy
R.S.M. Royal Schools of Music
R.S.P.C.A. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
S.A. Salvation Army
SEATO South,-east Asia Treaty Organization
T.P.B. Tourist Promotion Board
T.T.C. Teachers' Training College
U.N.O. United Nations Organization
U.S.I.S. United States Information Service
U.N.E.S.C.O. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
W.H.O. World Health Organization
Y.M.C.A. Young Men's Christian Association
Y.W.C.A. Young Women's Christian Association
245
ABBREVIATIONS
TITLES AND DEGREES
Abbreviation Woid in Full

A.O. Administrative Officer
A.S.P. Assistant Superintendent of Police
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.Sc. Bachelor of Science
Capt. Captain
c.o. Commanding Officer
CoJ. Colonel
Cpl. Corporal
D.i; Doctor
D.P.P. Deputy Public Prosecutor
H.M. His/Her Majesty
H.R.H. His/Her Royal Highness
J.P. Justice of the Peace
Lieut. Lieutenant
M.A. Master of Arts
M.D. Doctor of Medicine
M.O. .Medical Officer
M.P. Member of Parliament
o.c. Officer-in-Charge/Officer Commanding
Pres. President
P.M. Prime Minister
Rev. Reverend
Sgt. Sergeant
AIRLINES
A.I.I. Air India International

B.E.A. British European Airways
B.O.A.C. British Overseas Airways Corporation
C.P.A. Cathay Pacific Airways
G.I.A. Garuda Indonesian Airways
J.A.L. Japan Air Lines
M.A.S. Malaysian Airlines System
M.S.A. Mercury Singapore Airlines
P.A.A. Pan American Airways
COUNTRIES
N.Z. New Zealand

S.A. Sou th Africa
U.A.R. United Arab Republic
U.K. United Kingdom
U.S.A. United States of America
U.S.S.R. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
246
ABBREVIATIONS
EXERCISE 231 - ABBREVIATIONS

Write these abbreviations in full.
e.g. G.P.O. - General Post Office
1. Ltd. 11. p.a. 21. R.A.F.

2. C.O.D. 12. m.p.g. 22. etc.
3. P.T.O. 13. O.G.S. 23. Dept.
4. Co. 14. qt. 24. pp.
5. J.P. 15. U.N.O. 25. U.S.S.R.
6. Y.M.C.A. 16. L.C.C. 26. H.R.H.
7. i.e. 17. SEATO 27. C.I.D.
8. do. 18. O.K. 28. M.A.S.
9. V. 19. m.p.h. 29. R.S.V.P.
10. N.B. 20. qr. 30. c/o
EXERCISE 232 - ABBREVIATIONS

Rewrite these sentences using the full form of the abbreviations.
e.g. I am writing to my pen-pal in the U.S.A.

I am writing to my pen-pal in the United States of America.
1. This film is presented by the B.B.C.

2. Are you a member of the Y.W.C.A.?
3. His address is No. 12 Evans Rd., Singapore.
4. There are 112 lbs. in 1 cwt.
5. Rev. John led the congregation in singing the hymns.
6. He gave me an 1.O.U. for twenty dollars.
7. The shop sells all sorts of goods, e.g. sugar, tinned food, soap, etc.
8. He has been working in the lab. for almost two hours.
9. My brother works at Hedgewood & Co. Ltd.
10. The diam. of the cylinder is 5 cm.
11. The farmer usually starts work at 6 a.m. and returns home at 5 p.m.
12. Capt. Lian was the O.C. at the parade yesterday.
13. .Can you find the H.C.F. and L.C.M. of these numbers?
14~ This letter which I received on Fri. was posted on Mon.
15. The P.M. was at the airport to welcome the delegates from the
U.S.S.R.
247
ABBREVIATIONS
EXERCISE 233- ABBREVIATIONS

Rewrite these sentences using the full form of the abbreviations.
e.g. Are you a member of the R.S.P.C.A.?

Are you a member of the Royal Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals?
1. My father usually drives at 35 m.p.h.

2. On the parcel was written 'C.O.D.'.
3. The shops in town are decorated for Xmas.
4. Fig. 4 illustrates the method explained in this section.
5. Both my brothers are members of the B.B.
6. The subject I dislike most is Maths.
7. My uncle has been a J.P. for the past eight years.
8. The men from the P.W.D. are repairing the road now.
9. The A.S.P. led a raid on the house.
10. There are 315 pp. in this book and on each page there are 30 11.
11. Today is Tues., 19th Aug. 1972.
12. Mary will be sitting for the examination set by the R.S.M.
13. This exhibition is held by the W.H.O.
14. The T.B. patient was sent to the G.H.
15. The P .M. has just left for the ASEAN talks.
248
.P UNCTUATION
1. He gave me a book.
2. The manager said, "Please come in."
Study the use of capital letters in these sentences.
Where are they placed in each sentence?
They are used at the beginning of each sentence e.g. 'He' and 'The'.
Capital letters are also used just after speech marks e.g. 'Please' in sentence
2.
·raj _Mahal
What are the words in the pictures?
They are all proper nouns.
Are small letters used to begin these words?
No, capital letters are used.
We have just learnt that a sentence begins with a capital letter.

Do you know how we mark the end of a sentence? .
Read these sentences:
John and Peter are brothers.
There is a boy at the door. He wants to seeyou.
What are the marks placed at the end of each sentence?
They are full-stops(.).
249
PUNCTUATION
Full-stops are also used for another purpose.

Can you remember how most abbreviations are marked?
They are also marked by full-stops, e.g. Jan., St., G.P.O., etc.
We.mark the end of a statement with a full-stop.

Do we mark the end of a question with a full-stop too?
No, we use a question mark.
What marks should you put at the end of each statement and question?
Now read this sentence.

One sunny morning in May as I was driving home from work I saw a
troop of monkeys playing along the road.
Do you find it difficult to pause at the right places while reading the
sentence?
There are certain marks used to show pauses in reading.
Can you read the sentence more easily with the marks put in?
One sunny morning in May, as I was driving home from work, I saw a
troop of monkeys playing along the road.
What do we call these marks (,)?

We call them commas.
250
PUNCTUATION
Read what Mrs Lim is saying in this picture.
I have bought some mangoes bananas cakes rice mutton and tomatoes.
Mrs Lim has just come back from the market.

Can you read out all the things that she has bought?
It's quite difficult to do it, isn't it?
What can we do to separate the words in the list?
We can use commas too.
The sentence can then be read more easily:
I have bought some mangoes, bananas, cakes, rice, mutton and
tomatoes.
1
~
Ah Seng said, "I'll do it."
"You must hurry," said Mary,
"or you'll be late."
Now point out all the commas used in the sentences in the pictures
above.
How are they used here?
The commas in the sentences in picture 1 separate the actual words
spoken from the rest of the sentence.
Where is the comma placed in picture 2?
After the name of the person spoken to, 'Chee Meng'.
. . . :. . . te worc:b.
rds spoken from the resfof the
itperson spoken to.
251
PUNCTUATION
Look at this mark(').

It is the apostrophe.
When do we use it?
Study the use of the apostrophe in the words in this chart.
don't hasn't mustn't

shouldn't won't hadn't
What are these words called?

They are short forms or contractions.
Apostrophes are also used in another way.
Kok Fai'
How are they used here?

They are used to show possession.
d iJt C
' .
.
. .
. ' . . ,. < i .. .. .
l
In the pictures both Mrs Yow and Mr Foo are using the same words 'Come
here'.
252
PUNCTUATION
However, are they saying the words with the same kind of feeling?
No, they aren't.
Mr Foo is saying them in a stronger and angrier tone.
How do we know that?
Because his words end in an exclamation mark.
Read what Chee Wah is saying. I've read thi

How do we write out the sentence
to show the actual words spoken by him?
The sentence will be like this: Chee Wah
said, "I've read this book."
What marks do we use to show the actual
words spoken?
We use speech marks (" ").
Now read this sentence:

"Well," said Tom, "I'll be leaving soon."
.How many pairs of speech marks are used.here?
Two pairs of them are used.
Why are there two pairs of them?
Because they are needed to separate the actual words spoken from the
words ·said Tom' which appear in the middle.
w.ant to ymt~
··.•··. en~e
·e;~se two p~ o{.s
Some of th.e .books are thick. Others are thin.
253
PUNCTUATION
As you know, we can join up sentences with conjunctions.

The pair of sentences on the previous page showing a contrast.
What conjunction can be used to join them up?
We can use 'but':
Some of the books are thick but others aren't.
However, there is another way to join them up:
Some of the books are thick; others aren't.
What mark is used here?
The semi-colon (;) is used.
It replaces 'but'.
EXERCISE 234 - PUNCTUATION

In each of these sentences two punctuation marks are missing. Put them
in clearly.
e.g. Don't you feel tired" asked my mother.

"Don't you feel tired?" asked my mother.
1. That farmer has pigs goats, cows ducks and chickens.

2. Mr Lee who is a good artist lives near my house.
3. She asked me, What are you doing?
4. "Some shoes are made ofleather others aren't" said John.
5. "Have you finished your work asked the teacher.
6. My neighbours dog bites strangers
7. "Paul come here at onee" shouted the teacher.
8. "Hasnt he come home yet" asked Swee Lan.
9. "Ah I've done it at last" exclaimed the man.
10. "Kok Fai I've something to ask you" said Alice.
11. As I was walking along Dawn Road last evening I met Michael Chai
Seng and Peggy.
12. John said, "Ill meet you at one o clock."
13. The caretaker found a mans wallet in the ladies toilet.
14. "Im sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, said the boy.
15. "Thats a lie," said Weng Wah, I wasn't there at all."
254
PUNCTUATION
EXERCISE ~35 - PUNCTUATION

Put two punctuation marks in each sentence.
e.g. "Wheres your father? the stranger asked me.
"Where's your father?" the stranger asked me.
1. "How are you feeling Chong Meng? I asked.

2. "I cant understand why hes taking such a long time," said my
mother.
3. "Oh" cried my sister, I've hurt my finger."
4. What a rude man he is! said my aunt angrily.
5. "I cant sing, replied Tom, "but I can dance."
6. "Ive forgotten to bring my book sir," said the boy.
7. Isnt she ready yet?" asked my aunt.
8. "How much is that tin of sardines I asked the shopkeeper.
9. Hes flying to London on Monday," she told me.
10. "Yes mother, she answered, running into the kitchen.
11. "Some of the pictures were new others werent," she told me.
12. My mother shouted, "Hurry up Do you want to miss the train"
13. "He couldnt come because he had to finish his work" said his sister.
14. "I don't know," he said, he didn't tell me anything.
15. "Long ago, began the teacher, there lived an old fisherman and his
daughter."

Put three punctuation marks in each sentence.
e.g. I can't come I've work to do, said Kok Fai.

"I can't come. I've work to do," said Kok Fai.
1. "When did you come here I asked Thomas

2. "He doesnt know you does he" Kim Seng asked.
3. I bought a pen two books and three pencils Paul bought an album
a writing pad and a ruler.
4. When you've finished your work" said the teacher, you may leave
the room."
5. "If it rains" said the captain of the team "the game will be post-
poned.
6. He said with a smile It wasn't difficult after all.
7. "Whos that asked Jack.
8. Yes, replied the boy, my father is at home."
255
PUNCTUATION
9. She washed the dishes switched off the light locked the door and
went to bed
10. I said, "That's my dog. Its big but its tail is short
11. One evening as I was sitting in the hall with Michael we saw a man
leading an elephant down the road
12. That's an excellent idea said my brother.
13. Pauls father interrupted, "I think hes right.
14. The boy said, "I dont quite understand Will you please tell me all
over again"
15. I walked to the station and enquired "When is the next train please"

Put in the necessary punctuation marks as well as capital letters.
e.g. do you think he was right asked my brother
"Do you think he was right?" asked my brother.
1. look out cried the boy here comes the mad dog
2. why are you in such a hurry heng wah asked me
3. we saw a lot of fruits at the market there were apples oranges pine•
apples bananas and mangoes
4. are you sure hes coming asked meiling
5. ps stands for postscript doesnt it she asked .
6. kim seng my dear go and buy a pound of beef said mrs wong
7. his mother asked wheres your sisters bag
8. peggy said where have you been all morning i have been looking
everywhere for you
9. i went to my uncles house replied john do you know what happened
on the way
10. hurrah weve won the match they shouted
11. some of the boxes were square others were oblong there were even
some round ones too
12. sometimes my father reads the "daily times" before he has his
breakfast sometimes he doesnt
13. Mr leong my neighbour had an accident last sunday albert said
14. while he was reading the lights went out so he decided to go to bed
15. weng tak was about to fall asleep when he heard a faint tapping on
his door he jumped out of his bed and said whos that when no one
answered he dashed to the door and opened it but he could not see
anything in the dark
256
.:i1I INDIRECT STATEMENTS
Read what Jim is saying.

If we want to write out the actual words
spoken by Jim, how would it be done?
It would be written like this:
Jim said, "I am hungry."
Jim's statement is placed within speech
marks.
What do we call this type of statement?
We call it a Direct Statement.
Now, suppose you heard what Jim was

saying and you wish to report
his statement to your mother.
How would you say it?
Read the statement in the picture.
What do we call this statement?
We call it a Reported or Indirect Statement.
In a Direct Statement,we wr~te down the actual words spoken by

'the speaker. A Direct Statement is placed within speech marks. In
an Indkect Statement, we report what the speaker has spoken with..
out using the actual words.. ,
Now read the Direct and Indirect Statements above again.

Has the tense changed in the Indirect Statement?
No, it is in the same tense as the Direct Statement, i.e. Present tense.
Why isn't the tense chan~ed?
Because the action is still happening, i.e. Jim was still hungry, when the
statement was reported.
At what other times db we keep to the same tense in Indirect Statements?
When the statement is a general truth, e.g. "The earth is round," she said.
The Indirect Statement would be:
She said that the earth is round.
We do not say: She said that the earth was round.
257
INDIRECT STATEMENTS
Now read the sentences on this chart.
He says, "She is angry."

I shall tell him, "You are very foolish."
Do you think the tenses will be changed in the Indirect Statements?

No, they won't.
Why is this so?
Name the introductory verbs.
They are 'says' and 'shall tell'.
What tense of the verbs are they in?
They are in the Present and Future tenses.
Because of this, the tenses are not changed in the Indirect Statements.
ct Statement~, w
l ke . . · • .•· •· · / .. . . .. <. /
iH 1'ap~l!ing (2)the stat;eiij~~\t~r ~~e., . · · • ~:'•:Ji!~(1fih.~ '.
ro~uctory verb is in the Pre~n~t ' , , , \, '<IJ?t"'' .' ., .
Now you will ask, "When do we change the tenses then?" The tenses in
the Indirect Statements in this chart are changed.
Last Week I . Reported Today
She said, "I found it here." · She said that she had found it there.
"Kim Seng is absent today," he He told her that Kim Seng was absent
told her. that day.
Do you understand when we change the tenses now?

When we refer to the past.
Pick out the words that are changed besides tenses.
The pronouns, time and places are also changed.
258
INDIRECT STATEMENTS
Do you know all the words that have to be changed when we turn Direct
to Indirect Statements?
The lists below show you how the words are chariged. Study them care-
fully.
TENSES
am - was shall- should
is - was will - would
are - were can - could
has - had may - might
have - had must - had to
PRONOUNS
I - he or she us - them
me - him or her you - him or her,
my - his or her - he or she,
we - they - they or them, I or me
our - their your - his, her, their, my
PLACE, TIME, ETC.

this - that today - that day
these - those tomorrow - the next day
here - there yesterday - the day before
thus - so last night - the night before
now - then ago - before
EXERCISE 238 - INDIRECT STATEMENTS

Change the following into Indirect Statements. You need not change the
tenses here.
e.g. They said, "This type of plant cannot be grown here."

They said that that type of plant cannot be grown there.
1. "Lizards are reptiles," the teacher said.

2. She says, "I'm going to make .some tea."
3. · I shall tell him, "You've made a mistake ."
4. "His dog is very fierce," she told us.
5. "We are still living at Adam Road,'' they said.
6. He always says, "I'm a very busy man."
259
INDIRECT STATEMENTS
7. We replied, "We are leaving tomorrow morning."

8. "Roses are very beautiful flowers," she said.
9. "Mother is cooking in the kitchen," the little girl told Mrs Wong.
10. They say, "We have never been to the zoo before."
11. "Moths come out at night," Mr Lim told his son.
12. "We shall be on our way there this time tomorrow," they said.
13. "The guests have arrived, Mrs Winslow," the maid announces.
14. "Peter has hurt his foot," Wai Lan toid them.
15. She will say, "I don't believe you."
EXERCISE 239- INDIRECT STATEMENTS

Complete the following Indirect Statements. You have to make certain
changes in the tenses, pronouns, etc.
e.g. Chee Weng said, "I am twelve years old."

Chee Weng said that ................................................... .
Chee Weng said that he was twelve years old.
1. Mr Chan said, "I'm sorry to hear about the accident."

Mr Chan said that ....... ....................................................................... .
2. He said, "I have come a long way."
He said that ...................................................................................... ..
3. Swee Peng replied, "I will do it if I can."
Swee Peng replied that ...................................................................... .
4. Kok Weng told his mother, "I shall be back by 9 o'clock."
Kok Weng told his mother that ........................................................ ..
5. The little girl said, "My brother is taller than I."
The little girl said that ...................................................................... ..
6. Weng Fatt said, "My uncle has come to see us."
Weng Fatt said that .......................................................................... ..
7. Her husband said, "I may be late for dinner tonight."
Her husband said that ..................................... ;.. ................................. .
8. She told him, "You are very late."
She told him that ............................................................................. ..
9. They told us, "We've already heard the news."
They told us that .... ., ...........................................................................
10. Mrs Woo said, "The children are sleeping."
Mrs Woo said that .............................................................................. .
11 . They said, "We shall wait for you here tomorrow."
They said that ................................................................................... .
260
' INDIRECT STATEMENTS
12. "I have not decided yet," she replied.

She replied that ................................................................................. .
13. "My brother isn't working there now," he said.
He said that ....................................................................................... .
14. Siew Ling said, "You can put your bag here, Heng Wah."
Siew Ling told Heng Wah that ........................................................... .
15. The stranger told us, "I have lost my way."_
The stranger told us that ................................................................... .

Change the following into Indirect Statements. Make all the necessary
changes.
e.g. She said, "I am too busy to come now."

She said that she was too busy to go then.
I. "I think they are leaving tomorrow," he replied.

2. Peter said, "We come here very often."
3. The postmaster said, "The mail will arrive at noon today."
4. The girls said, "We have been busy since yesterday."
5. "This puppy is mine," the little boy said.
6. Joan said, "I'm waiting for Swee Lan."
7. "The train will be leaving soon," he warned us.
8. "We've left our bags at the station," they told me.
9. He said, "I've finished this exercise."
10. "She quarrelled with her neighbour last night," they told me.
11. "We must reach there by 7 o'clock tonight," she told them.
12. "She has a mole on her right cheek," he said.
13. The little girl cried, "He took my doll!"
14. Mr Smith said, "I'm sure you can do it."
15. "It rolled into this hole," she told me.

Turn the following into Indirect Statements. Change the tenses, pronouns,
etc. where necessary.
e.g. (a) He said, "I left it here just now."

He said that he had left it there just then.
(b) "Bees live in hives," she told me.
She told me that bees live in hives.
261
INDIRECT STATEMENTS
I. The man said, "I work in a rubber estate."

2. "My brother is having his bath," she says.
3. I will tell her, "I don't know you."
4. "My neighbour has a new car," Bill said.
5. She said, "Cats like fish."
6. "The fisherman caught a lot of fish this morning," Kok Fai told me.
7. We will tell her, "We won't do it."
8. "I feel giddy now," she whispered.
9. "These apples cost 30 cents each," the man told her.
10. "I don't know how to do it," she declares.
11. "I painted this picture," he told her proudly.
12. "We stayed up late last night," they told him.
13. "I shall be working late tonight," he said.
14. "The jewels haven't been found yet." the inspector said.
I 5. Whenever I ask him, he always says, "I don't know."
262
INDIRECT QUESTIONS
Jim is asking a question.

What do we call this type of question?
We call it a Direct Question.
Where is the verb 'is' placed?
Before the subject 'my book'.
Now read what Kok Weng is saying to Mei Ling.
Kok Weng heard what Jim was saying.

He is repeating Jim's question.
What do we call Kok Weng's kind of question?
We call it an Indirect Question.
The question-word 'where' is repeated in the Indirect Question.
What are the differences between Direct and Indirect Questions?
The word order is changed in an Indirect Question the verb is placed
after the subject as in a statement.
263
INDIRECT QUESTIONS
The expression "Jim wants to know" is used to introduce the Indirect

Question.
Can you think of any other such expressions?
. ... . . . .
i .Tnf wo,ct 'order chan~ when we •use .Ind~! Questions --the 'inter~
to
;:. rogativ~font1Js c~n,ge<.l th~.,tate~~nt fof:91. 'I'h~ ~es!~?n~w«>td$··
>are.repe~ted fu Indirect Questions; . . , , · . . .., . . · -,
Now read Ann's question.

I
I
.-.ll!!!!!Ann
What is the difference between Jim's question (on the previous page) and
Ann's?
Jim's question begins with a question-word and Ann's with a Special
Finite.
Do we change Ann's question into an Indirect Question the same way as
we change Jim's?
No, there is a slight difference here.
We add 'whether' or 'if to questions beginning with Special Finites.
Can you change Ann's question into an Indirect one now?
It will be like this:
Ann asks whether/if it is raining.
J~frect'Questions whicli have no qnes6on..words are changed into

:lrtdirect Questions using 'whether: or ~if;
So far we have only learnt Indirect Questions concerned with incidents of

the present moment.
How do we change Direct Questions into Indirect ones when they refer to
past time?
The changes made here are the same as in the case of Indirect Statements.
The following sentences show how it is done.
264
INDIRECT QUESTIONS
Direct: "What are you doing here?" Paul asked.

Indirect: Paul asked me what I was doing there.
Direct: "Must we leave now?" she asked.
Indirect: She asked whether they had to leave then.
What changes are made in the Indirect Questions?
Besides the changes in the pronouns, the place, time and tenses are changed
too.
~en ~e r~fer to pat

time and tenses.
ti•, we bave io·change the pronoun$, place,
EXERCISE 242 - INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Change these into Indirect Questions using the expressions in the brackets.
Remember to change the word order.
e.g. What are you looking for? (Tell me)
Tell me what you are' looking for.
1. What are the children doing? (He asked)

2. Where is the post-office? (Do you know)
3. What is the time? (Please tell me)
4. When does he leave for work? (I don't know)
5. Why was he absent yesterday? (I wonder)
6. Where was Mei Ling going? (Ask him)
7. Whose book is this? (Please find out)
8. How old is his sister? (He doesn't know)
9. How many chickens have they? (They don't remember)
10. Why has he not come here? (Please tell me)
11. Whom did he meet on the road? (They asked him)
I]
12. What did she say to him? (Do you know)
13. Why must she leave in such a hurry? (I shall ask her)
14. Who are those men in the car? (He didn't tell me)
15. Who is knocking at the door? (Go and find out)
EXERCISE 243 - INDIREcr QUESTIONS

Change the following Direct Question$ into the Indirect form. Use the
expressions in the brackets.
e.g. Is his sister a teacher? (Do you ·know whether)
Do you know whether his sister is a teacher?
265
INDIRECT QUESTIONS
1. Is that your brother? (Tell me if)

2. Are these the pictures he wanted? (Ask him whether)
3. Is she ill? (I wonder whether)
4. Are you coming tonight? (Have you decided whether)
5. Were there many people at the concert? (They asked her whether)
6. Was there a storm last night? (Can you remember if)
7. Is there any sugar in the bowl? (I don't know whether)
8. Will he lend us his car? (Do you know if)
9. Has she finished her work? (He asked her if)
10. Have they heard the story before? (Find out if)
11. Does he work in a factory? (I wonder whether)
12. Do they still live in Singapore? (Does she know whether)
13. Did they win the game last evening? (I wonder if)
14. Can his sister play the piano? (Please ask him if)
15. Must we leave at 1 o'clock? (Please find out if)

Change these into Indirect Questions beginning with expressions such as
'Ask her', 'Do you know', etc.
e.g. (a) When does the shop close?

Do you know when the shop closes?
(b) ls the shop closed now?
I wonder if the shop is closed now.
1. Where is my brother?
2. Are there any tickets for sale now?
3. What are they going to do?
4. Is my brother still at school?
5. Was Ah Ling ill last week?
6. Whose is this umbrella?
7. How many of the books were stolen?
8. Why is there only one sweet left?
9. Did they play the game on Saturday?
10. · When did she arrive?
11. Have you cleaned the table?
12. Must she go to bed early every night?
13. Can you ride a bicycJe?
14. Who left his pen on the table?
15. Whom did you talk to over the phone?
266
INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Change the following into Indirect Questions. Assume that the questions
are reported several days later.
e.g. (a) "What have you brought, Kim Seng?" Yoke Lan asked.
Yoke Lan asked Kim Seng what he had brought.
(b) She asked the men, "Can you carry the cupboard?"
She asked the men whether they could earry the
cupboard.
1. "Did you break that window?" he asked the boy.

2. "How did Mun Li know about it?" she wondered.
3. "Where have you been?" she asked her daughter.
4. "Did you hear any noise last night?" the policeman questioned him.
5. "Must you switch off the fan?" he said to her.
6. "Have you seen that film before?" I asked my friend.
7. "How are you feeling now?" the nurse asked the patient.
8. "Will you hand me the plate, please?" she said to Tom . .
9. "When will you be home tonight?" she asked her husband.
10. "Why are they staring at us?" I wondered.
11. "What are you reading?" Siew Ling asked me.
12. "Is the water boiling now?" she asked her mother.
13. "When did you get up this morning?" the teacher asked him.
14. "Can you hear what she is saying?" I asked them.
15. "Are you joining us for the picnic tomorrow, Mei Fong?" they asked.
267
ANTONYMS
Can you describe the actions of the two boys above?

They are doing opposite things.
One boy is crying and the other is laughing.
The words 'cry' and 'laugh' are therefore opposite in meaning to each
other.
Such words are called Antonyms.
Can you name some other antonyms?
The words on the board are antonyms too.

What is the difference between the "ntonym 'laugh' and those such as
'unlock', 'dislike', etc. here?
The antonyms here are formed by adding prefixes like 'un-', 'dis-', 'in-',
'ir-', etc.
268
ANTONYMS
How is the antonym of 'painful' formed?

Words such as this are formed by changing the suffix '-ful' to '-less'.
Here is a list of antonyms for you to. study.
above below build demolish

abroad home busy idle
absent present buy sell
accept refuse capture release
active passive cautious reckless
add subtract celebrated unknown
admit deny certain doubtful
advance retreat cheap dear/expensive
alive dead clean dirty
all none clever foolish
ally ·enemy cloudy clear
amateur professional coarse fine
ancestor descendant cold hot
appear vanish collect disperse
arrive depart come go
artificial genuine common rare
ascend descend compulsory voluntary
assemble disperse conceal reveal
attack defend conceited modest
attract distract contract expand
back front cool warm
backwards forwards coward hero
bad good create destroy
barren fertile/fruitful cry laugh
beautiful ugly daily nightly
before after danger safety
begin end/cease dark bright
better worse dawn dusk
big small day night
black white debtor creditor
bless curse deep shallow
blunt sharp defeat victory
bold timid depth height
bow stern die live
bravery cowardice difficult easy
bright dull divide multiply
broad narrow drunk sober
269
ANTONYMS
dwarf giant here there

early late hide show
earth sea high low
east west hill valley
ebb flow hit miss
emigrant immigrant hollow solid
empty full hope despair
enemy friend humble proud
enjoy dislike hurry loiter
evening morning in out
ever never increase decrease
everybody nobody inferior superior
everywhere nowhere inhale exhale
exit entrance inside outside
exterior interior interesting dull
external internal joy sorrow
failure success junior senior
fair dark kind cruel
fair play foul play knowledge ignorance
false true lazy industrious
familiar strange lead follow
famine glut least most
far near lend borrow
fat thin/lean level steep
feeble strong life death
few many liquid solid
find lose long short
finish start loss profit/gain
fust last loud soft
folly wisdom majority minority
foolish wise masculine feminine
forbid permit master servant
foreign local maximum minimum
forget remember modern ancient
former latter motorist pedestrian
found lost moving stationary
fresh stale natural artificial
funny staid negative positive
gay grave never always
generous selfish noise silence
give take noisy quiet
guilty innocent north south
happy sad obey command
hard soft often seldom
hatred love old new
healthy sick opaque transparent
heavy light open shut close
height depth optimist pessimist
hell heaven order chaos
help hinder pardon punish
270
ANTONYMS
peace war smile frown

permanent temporary straight crooked
plentiful scarce strong weak
plural singular sweet sour
polite rude talk listen
poor rich tall short
poverty wealth tame wild
powerful weak teach learn
praise blame these those
public private thick thin
punishment reward this that
purchase sell tight loose
question answer tiny huge
quick slow top bottom
raw cooked truth lie
real imaginary ugly beautiful
right wrong/left under over
rise fall up down
rough smooth vacant occupied
rural urban weep laugh
safe dangerous wide narrow
same different win lose
separate join/unite within without
slender stout work rest
smart stupid young old
Using the prefix 'un-'
arm unarm lock unlock

aware unaware necessary unnecessary
certain uncertain popular unpopular
comfortable uncomfortable reasonable unreasonable
common uncommon reliable unreliable
conscious unconscious safe unsafe
dress undress screw unscrew
equal unequal seen unseen
fair unfair selfish unselfish
fasten unfasten skilled unskilled
fold unfold steady unsteady
friendly unfriendly suitable unsuitable
grateful ungrateful tidy untidy
happy unhappy tie untie
healthy unhealthy true untrue
just unjust welcome unwelcome
kind unkind willing unwilling
known unknown wise unwise
like unlike
271
ANTONYMS
Using the prefix '<l1s-·
advantage disadvantage continue discontinue

agree disagree courteous discourteous
allow disallow honest dishonest
appear disappear like dislike
approve disapprove loyal disloyal
arm disarm obey disobey
arrange disarrange order disorder
believe disbelieve pleasure displeasure
comfort discomfort respect disrespect
connect disconnect satisfied dissatisfied
content discontent trust distrust
Using the prefix 'in-
accurate inaccurate equality inequality

attentive inattentive expensive inexpensive
audible inaudible gratitude ingratitude
capable incapable human inhuman
complete incomplete justice injustice
correct incorrect offensive inoffensive
curable incurable sane insane
decent indecent sincere insincere
dependent independent sufficient insufficient
direct indirect transitive intransitive
distinct indistinct visible invisible
efficient inefficient
Using the prefix 'ir-'
regular irregular rational irrational

relevant irrelevant resolute irresolute
religious irreligious respective irrespective
removable irremovable responsible irresponsible
Using the prefix 'ii-'
legal iilegal literate illiterate

legible illegible logical illogical
legitimate illegitimate luminate illuminate
Using the prefix 'im-'
mature immature modest immodest

mobile immobile moral immoral
272
ANTONYMS
mortal immortal personal impersonal

movable immovable polite impolite
passable impassable possible impossible
patient impatient probable improbable
perfect imperfect pure impure
· Using the prefix 'non-'
conductor non-conductor essential no_n-essential

sense nonsense existent non-existent
Changing '-ful' to '-less·
careful careless pitiful pitiless

cheerful cheerless powerful powerless
doubtful doubtless restful restless
harmful harmless shameful shameless
helpful helpless thankful thankless
hopeful hopeless thoughtful thoughtless
painful painless useful useless
EXERCISE 246 - ANTONYMS

Write down the antonyms of these words.
e.g. sweet - sour
1. proud- 11. temporary - 21. ancient -

2. enemy- 12. adult- 22. fair play -
3. success - 13. hero - 23. entrance -
4. broad - . 14. minority - 24. height -
5. dwarf - 15. generous - 25. often -
6. backwards - 16. plural - 26. flow -
7. smooth - 17. defend - 27. wet -
8. pedestrian - 18. worse - 28. victory -
9. spendthrift - 19. foolish - 29. war -
10. hate- 20. deep- 30. empty -

Write down the antonyms of these words.
I e.g. coarse - fine
1. liquid - 4. talk - 7. danger -

2. wealth - 5. tight - 8. sell -
3. purchase - 6. truth- 9. tame -
273
ANTONYMS
10. bottom - 17. modest - 24. help-

11. innocent - 18. straight - 25. give -
12. positive - 19. hurry- 26. masculine -
13. chaos - 20. foreign - 27. dark-
14. fresh - 21. feeble - 28. black-
15. finish - 22. here - 29. conceal -
16. everywhere - 23. alive - 30. . plentiful -

Write down the antonyms of the following words using prefixes or
suffixes.
e.g. able - unable
careful - careless
1. obey - 11. hopeful - 21. visible -

2. like - 12. painful - 22. possible -
3. appear - 13. useful - 23. regular -
4. thoughtful - 14. powerful - 24. known -
5. fold - 15. sense - 25. grateful -
6. fasten - 16. legal - 26. essential -
7. tie - 17. sane - 27. loyal -
8. agree - 18. suitable - 28. mature -
9. kind- 19. necessary - 29. literate -
10. lock- 20. connect - 30. thoughtful -

Write down the antonyms of the following words.
e.g. future - past
responsible - irresponsible
1. build - 11. these - 21. famous -

2. steady - 12. just -- 22. correct -
3. first - 13. welcome - 23. remember-
4. contract - 14. harmful - 24. patient -
5. cautious - 15. equal - 25. private -
6. trust - 16. honest - 26. destroy -
7. famine - 17. young - 27. find -
8. inferior - 18. pure - 28. transparent -
9. far - 19. screw - 29. dress -
10. useful - 20. allow-· 30. shallow -
274
ANTONYMS

Rewrite-the-following sentences using the antonyms of the words in bold . .
e.g. The fat boy eats too much.
The thin boy eats too little.
1. The boy always remembers to do his homework.

2. The teacher answered the honest boy.
3. These clothes are suitable for cold weather.
4. "I agree with you," said the coward.
5. The boy took a short time to solve the easy problem.
6. We were sad to hear of his departure.
7. Some children find it harder to divide than to add.
8. The path to the old house is very rough.
9. The old man is sick and weak.
10. He is very popular in school; many boys like him.
11. He smiled when he saw his friend.
12. They continued the journey when they found that the road was
passable to traffic.
13. He led them to the exit.
14. Nobody knows he has gone abroad.
15. It is necessary for him to decrease the price.
EXE RCI SE 251 - ANTONYMS
Rewrite these sentences using the antonyms of the words in bold.
e.g. Such plants are rare in this country.
Such plants are common in that country.
1. They climbed slowly up the hill.

2. She accepted the man's present politely.
3. I. trust him because he is honest and sincere.
4. The woman bought a sharp knife.
5. The .entrance was dark and narrow.
6. She lost her beautiful necklace early in the evening.
7. This box is huge, solid and heavy.
8. The farmer lived down in the valley where the land was fertile.
9. Only adults are permitted to see the film.
10. The majority of the population here are of the young age group.
11. They lost their way there because the place was strange to them.
12. The pictures in the book were distinct but the writing was illegible.
13. The army retreated two miles after the defeat.
14. The sky is bright and clear. Let's go outside.
275
SYNONYMS
What relationship can you see between each pair of words in the pictures
above?
Each pair of words are similar in meaning to one another.
Thus 'broad' means 'wide' and 'top' means 'summit'.
Such words are called synonyms.
. ... .
/ • .T i. • .•· eris a Syno
Study this list of synonyms. They are arranged in alphabetical order.
abandon leave ample plentiful

abbreviate shorten ancient old
abrupt sudden annually yearly
abundant plentiful anticipate expect
accommodation lodging assembly gathering
accused blamed assistance help
acute sharp astonishment surprise
adhere stick attire dress
adore worship austere severe
aggressive quarrelsome bad evil
aid help beautify decorate
alive lively besieged surrounded
ally friend. beverages drinks
altitude height beg implore
276
SYNONYMS
behaviour conduct disaster calamity

big large disease sickness
blame reprove disorder chaos
blank empty disperse scatter
bottom foot drowsy sleepy
brief short dubious doubtful
bright shining dull gloomy
broad wide eager keen
busy industrious ebb recede
calm quiet edible eatable
catch capture educate teach
cause reason elevate raise
cautious careful elude escape
cease stop embrace hug
celebrated famous eminent famous
centre middle encircle surround
chivalrous gallant endeavour attempt
choose select enemy foe
circular round energetic active
clergyman minister enormous huge
close near enough sufficient
clothes dress entice lure
coarse rough entire whole
colossal huge eternal perpetual
commence begin exaggerate magnify
compel force excess surplus
comprehend understand exhibit show
conceal hide exterior outside
conclusion end face countenance
confess admit fall drop
constable policeman far distant
conversation talk fashion style
courageous brave fasten bind
courteous polite fatal deadly
cross ill-tempered fate destiny
cunning sly fatigue weariness
curb control fault error
dangerous risky fear terror
daring brave fearful cowardly
dear expen,sive feeble weak
deceive cheat ferocious fierce
decrease reduce fertile fruitful
deficiency shortage fight battle
demonstrate show float drift
deride mock fond loving
desert forsake frank outspoken
despise scorn free release
detest hate friend comrade
difficult hard friendly amiable
diminish lessen frigid cold
277
SYNONYMS
gain profit margin edge

gap hole mariner sailor
gather collect maximum most
gay cheerful meagre scanty
gaze stare melancholy sad
general common minimum least
genuine real mistake error
glad happy modern new
glance look moist damp
gleaming shining motionless still
gorgeous splendid mute dumb
gratitude thankfulness myth fable
grave serious narrate tell
greedy avaricious necessity need
grope feel nimble active
gruesome horrible noisy rowdy
habit custom noted well-known
halt stop obey submit
hate detest obscene indecent
hatred animosity odour smell
help assist often frequently
heroic brave old ancient
high tall omen sign
hinder obstruct option choice
home residence oral verbal
imitate copy pathetic pitiful
industrious hardworking peculiar odd
infuriated angry penetrate pierce
inquire ask perceive see
insolent rude persuade coax
intention purpose peruse read
interior inside plume feather
intoxicated drunk poor destitute
invaluable priceless port harbour
invincible unbeatable portion part
join unite powerful strong
jovial jolly praise compliment
just fair predict foretell
king emperor pretty beautiful
lament grieve procure obtain
lazy indolent profit gain
lean thin prohibit forbid
loathe hate prominent outs tan ding
lofty high promised avowed
loving affectionate prompt quick
loyal true protect guard
lubricate oil purchase buy
mad insane quaint odd
malady disease quantity amount
mammoth huge queer peculiar
278
SYNONYMS
quiet peaceful steal purloin

raiment clothes steed horse
ramble roam stern strict
rank position sufficient enough
rapid quick suitable appropriate
rare scarce summit top
reckless rash surrender yield
recollect remember suspended hung
reluctant unwilling tempestuous stormy
remedy cure tested tried
residence dwelling thief burglar
reveal show thrust push
roam wander tranquil calm
robust strong transparent clear
riot revolt trick hoax
rotten putrid trust believe
ruddy red try attempt
rude impolite usually generally
rule govern vacant empty
salute greet valiant brave
scorn despise valour bravery
seldom rarely value worth
sever separate velocity speed
significance importance victory triumph
sin offence weak puny
sleek smooth wealthy rich
slender slim withdraw retire
small little wonder amazement
smell scent wrath anger
souvenir memento wreath ring
spectre ghost wretched miserable
squander waste youthful young
stationary still
EXERCISE 252 - SYNONYMS

Write down the synonyms of these words.
e.g. unite - join
1. thin - 9. gain - 17. smell -

2. margin - 10. guard - 18. fable -
3. most- 11. rapid - 19. famous-
4. wonder - 12. help- 20. made-
5. wealthy- 13. inquire - 21. high-
6. show- 14. weak- 22. top-
7. stationary - 15. choice - 23. fear -
8. surrender - 16. purchase - 24. odd-
279
SYNONYMS
25. minimum - 29. choose - 33. usually -

26. jolly - 30. discover - 34. calm-
27. speed - 31. seldom - 35. middle -
28. far - 32. often - 36. powerful -
EXE RCISE 253 - SYNONYMS

Put a cross (X) against a word in the right-hand column which may be
used in place of the word in bold in the sentence on the left. Then write
out the sentence using that word.
e.g. The wealthy man donates a lot of money to poor ( )
charity every year. rich (X)
The rich man donates a lot of money to charity proud ( )
every year.
1. "What is that bright object?" he asked. shining ( )

smooth ( )
odd ( )
2. Do not be afraid. This fruit is eatable. edible ( )
good ( )
safe ( )
3. The host served them many kinds of drinks. coffee ( )
tea ( )
beverages ( )
4. He remembered his childhood days. recollected ( )
decided ( )
wanted ( )
5. There is a large amount of sugar in the store- numerous ( )
room. quantity ( )
plentiful ( )
6. He was reluctant to do the job. unable ( )
happy ( )
unwilling ( )
7. I usually feel sleepy in the afternoon. tired ( )
drowsy ( )
lonely ( )
8. The man received a small part of his father's portion ( )
property. sum ( )
whole ( )
9. There is no cure for this strange disease. medicine ( )
remedy ( )
hope ( )
280
SYNONYMS
10. The stranger wandered about the town. roamed ( )

walked ( )
searched ( )
11. The stamps in this album are invaluable. expensive ( )
cheap ( )
priceless ( )
12. We have sufficient rice to last a month. suffice ( )
enough ( )
plenty ( )
13. In his anger he knocked the table down. terror ( )
anxiety ( )
wrath ( )
14. The teacher scolded the boys for being rowdy. chaos ( )
active ( )
noisy ( )
15. They stared at him in wonder. triumph ( )
amazement ( )
anger ( )
EXERCISE 254 - SYNONYMS

Write out these sentences using the synonyms of the words in bold.
e.g. The hero struck his enemy down with a single blow.
The hero struck his foe down with a single blow.
1. Mr Chong is a kind and loving father.

2. The brave soldier was praised for his heroic deed.
3. You must oil your bicycle to make it run smoothly.
4. I was deceived by my best friend.
5. The attackers have besieged the city.
6. We hold our sports meetannually.
7. The girl was tall and slim.
8. The manager replied promptly to my letter.
9. The headmaster stopped speaking suddenly and stared at the boys.
10. Enid Blyton is noted for her adventure stories.
11. She dug up some damp earth and put it into the flower pot.
12. "I don't understand what you mean," he said.
13. The crowd dispersed when the police arrived.
14. They thanked him for the assistance he gave them.
15. He felt an acute pain in his chest.
281
WORD SUBSTITUTION
1/
She read the sentence over and over again.
Can you think of a way to shorten this sentence?
We can shorten it by substituting the words 'over and over again' with one
word.
Can you name the word?
It is 'repeatedly'.
Now read the sentences below.
Can you substitute each of these phrases in bold with one word?
If you can't, you can look up the word in the list below.
"When will you come back?" she asked.
The girl gave a loud, sharp cry when she saw the rat.
She spoke softly to him.
to go with accompany
by oneself alone
once a year annually
to come in sight appear
to cheer and to clap applaud
loud enough to be heard audible
people who watch a play or show audience
to keep away from avoid
at the back of behind
a period of 100 years century
very low in price cheap
easy to see through clear
282
WORD SUBSTITUTION
to go up climb
to comfort someone in his sorrow console
without stopping continually
to go on continue
to go on one's hands and knees crawl
a lame person cripple
a period of 10 years decade
to make up one's mind decide
to go out of sight disappear
to find out discover
far away distant
absence of rain for a long time drought
fit to be eaten edible
fit to be chosen or elected eligible
to leave one's country t0 settle in a new country emigrate
to put up with endure
way by which one enters entrance
way by which one goes out exit
to show clearly the meaning of explain
the scarcity of food famine
easily bent without breaking flexible
walk behind follow
easily broken fragile
in need of food hungry
(writing) that is difficult to read illegible
unable to read or write illiterate
without delay immediately
to come to a new country to settle permanently immigrate
living for ever immortal
to get better and better improve
incapable of making errors infallible
not guilty innocent
that which cannot be conquered invincible
that which cannot be seen invisible
that which cannot be repaired or remedied irreparable
a mad person lunatic
a great number of many
a dumb person mute
people who live next door neighbours
to be well-known in a bad way notorious
from time to time occasionally
one who looks on the bright side of things optimist
father and mother parents
one who looks on the dark side of things pessimist
the science or an of government politics
liked by everyone popular
to put off until a later date postpone
on time punctual
a four-legged animal quadruped
not making any noise quiet
283
WORD SUBSTITUTION
over and over again repeatedly

to come back return
to go round and round revolve
to give a loud, sharp cry scream
to call out loudly shout
in a very short time soon
not fresh stale
to look hard (at) stare
to set out start
to keep alive survive
to go from one place to another travel
not occupied uninhabited
of no use useless
once a week weekly
to speak very softly whisper
the day before today yesterday
EXERCISE 255 - WORD SUBSTITUTION

Rewrite these sentences using a word from the box to replace the words
in bold.
· numerous
. . . ., postponed
innocent .. ·contjn,ually:
e.g. The music festival is held once a year.

The music festival is held annually.
1. The football match was put off until a later date because of the rain.
2. The cakes we bought were not fresh.
3. I have told you over and over again not to play with fire.
4. Be sure to bring my bag when you come back.
5. He has made up his mind to work hard next year.
6. Upon receiving the news, he left without delay.
7. Last night he worked without stopping for eight hours.
8. Can anyone tell clearly the meaning of this word?
9. She is standing at the back of the car.
10. It was found that he was not guilty of murder.
11. The ship sailed farther and farther away and then went out of sight.
12. There are a great number of monkeys in this jungle.
13. Please show me the way by which I can go out.
284
WORD SUBSTITUTION
14. You must be very careful when you hold that vase. It is easily
broken.
15. The two old friends were very happy to meet each other again after
a period of 10 years.

Rewrite the following sentences using a word from the box to replace the
words in bold.
e.g. Although it was already very late, he went on working.

Although it was already very late, he continued working.
1. A salesman has to go from one place to another.

2. The artist gazed with pride at his painting.
3. It is of no use trying to talk to him when he is busy.
4. The scout jumped into the river and saved the life of the drowning
child.
5. The children are not making any noise today.
6. The children's fathers and mothers came to see the sports.
7. The people who live next door have a well-kept garden.
8. Yin Leng always tries to be in time for her music lessons.
9. She met her sister's son on the way to the market.
10. My father said that in a very short time we would be able to afford
a car.
11. There is a great deal of rubbish thrown on the roadside.
12. Our class visited the soap factory the day before today.
13. The people who were watching the football game cheered loudly.
14. Why is that man looking hard at us?
15. "Can you name a few four-legged animals?" asked the teacher.

Rewrite the following sentences using one word in place of the words in
bold.
e.g. Did he agree to go with you to the museum?

Did he agree to accompany you to the museum?
285
WORD SUBSTITUTION
1. Sally knocked the bowl over by accident.

2. The lost men managed to keep alive without food for a fortmght .
3. The teacher said that Mary's work was getting better and better.
4. He set out on his journey early in the morning.
5. Chye Seng is liked by everyone because he is very helpful.
6. Our old neighbours dropped in at our home last night.
7. The train drew up at the station for a little while.
8. The water in the spring is easy to see through.
9. They spoke very softly so as not to wake their mother.
10. We looked carefully at how the watch repairer worked.
l l. The audience clapped and cheered after she had finished singing the
song.
J 2. Chee Fa1 called out loudly with joy when he heard the good news.
13. The aeroplane came in sight above the hills.
14. She used to write short stories from time to time.
15. The people who were watching the play were pleased with the
performance.

Rewrite the following sentences using one word in place of the words in
bold.
e.g. The child went on his hands and knees to his mother.
The child crawled to his mother.
I. After a long delay the party of men finally went up the mountain.
2. Although the policeman shouted to her to stop, she went on cycling.
3. The shopkeeper said that he could not bring down the price.
4. The wood-cutter cut down the huge tree in about an hour.
5. He got out of the house late at night.
6. The guests turned up on time for the party.
7. He pushed hard against the door and finally it gave in.
8. I cannot get along with him on that matter.
9. She could not believe that my pen was very low in price.
10. The old beggar was in need of food.
11. The wheels of the lorry went round and round at top speed.
12. They never found out who the man was.
13. The scouts hold.their meeting once a week.
14. There has been a shortage of rain for the past few weeks.
15. This piece of wire looks strong but it is easily bent.
286
HOMONYMS
hair
ring
Look at these pictures.

Does each pair of pictures show the same thing?
No, both pictures are different.
Now read the pairs of words.
From the pictures we have seen that they are not similar in meaning.
However, can you find any similarity between each pair of words?
Yes, they have the same sound.
287
HOMONYMS
Words wllich are pt~~tl!}n~dali~eJmtar;lUff,re;tJ~ meaning .

are,called;Ho~ont~· . . ,
Study this list of homonyms carefully.
air heir flea flee

aisle isle flew flu
allowed aloud flour flower
altar alter fool full
ate eight fore four
bad bade foul fowl
bail bale gait gate
ball bawl gilt guilt
bare bear grate great
beach beech groan grown
bean been hail hale
beat beet hair hare
bell belle hall haul
berth birth heal heel
blew blue hear here
boar bore heard herd
board bored heart hart
bough bow higher hire
boy buoy him hymn
brake break hoard horde
buy by/bye hole whole
ceiling sealing holy wholly
cell sell hour our
cent sent/scent idle idol
cereal serial key quay
cheap cheep knead need
check cheque . knew new
coarse course knight night
core corps knot not
council counsel knows nose
crews cruise lain lane
current currant lead led
dear deer leak leek
desert dessert lessen lesson
die dye loan lone
draft draught loot lute
earn urn made maid
ewe you mail male
faint feint main mane
fair fare mantel mantle
feat feet mare mayor
find fined meat meet
fir fur medal meddle
288
HOMONYMS
missed mist sale sail
muscle mussel scene seen
none nun sea see
oar ore seam seem
one won sew sow
pail pale sight site
pain pane soar sore
pair pear/pare sole soul
pause paws son sun
peace piece soot suit
peal peel stair stare
peer pier stake steak
place plaice stationary stationery
plain plane steal steel
plum plumb stile style
pore pour suite sweet
practice practise tail tale
pray prey tares tears
praise prays tear tier
principal principle their there
profit prophet threw through
rain rein/reign throne thrown
raise rays/raze tide tied
rap wrap to two/too
read reed told tolled
read red vain vane/vein
right write/rite vale veil
ring wring waist waste
road rode wait weight
role roll weak week
root route wood would
rose rows yoke yolk
rye wry
EXERCISE 259 - HOMONYMS

Choose the correct words from the brackets to fill in the blanks.
e.g. No .......... has .......... the prize. (won, one) ·

No one has won the prize.
1. I .......... the ball .......... the window. (through, threw)

2. .. ........ are many marbles in ......... bags. (their, there)
3. We said good-.......... to our friends who were going away ......... .
train. (by, bye)
4. My mother grows .......... plants in .......... (rows, rose)
5. He .......... his bicycle along the .......... (road, rode)
289
HOMONYMS
6. They .......... a .......... of elephants thundering towards them. (heard,

herd)
7. She told them the .......... of a mouse which lost its .......... ( tail, tale)
8. Have you .......... the story of ........... Riding Hood? (Red, read)
9. The girls have to .......... running during the sports .......... (practice,
practise)
10. The little boys ......... the .......... balloons. (blue, blew)
11 . The cashier .......... the .......... carefully before paying the money.
(cheques, checks)
12. We could .......... the .......... from the top of the hill. (sea, see)
13. I haven't .......... the letter yet because I haven't a fifteen- ......... .
stamp. (sent, cent)
14. .. .... .... down the words in the .......... -hand column of the page.
(right, write)
EXERCISE 260 - HOMONYMS

Write out the following sentences, using the correct words in the brackets.
. e.g. We could .......... many people swimming in the .......... (sea, see)
We could see many people swimming in the sea.
1. How much is the .......... to the ...... :.. ? (fare, fair)

2. "I can't .......... you from .......... ," she said. (here, hear)
3. · At the .......... of the watchman, the thief ran away from the building
.. :....... (sight, site)
4. · The .......... has .......... a beautiful cake. (made, maid)
5. My ......... dropped into the sea when I was at the ......... (quay, key)
6. There will be no .......... in the house unless the children are given a
.......... of cake each. (peace, piece)
7. ........... of the girls know the old .......... from the convent. (nun,
none)
8. The ............ flew very low over the ........... (plain, plane)
9. The ............ stayed at the old castle for the .......... (knight, night)
10. I have never ........... such a beautiful .......... in my life. (scene, seen)
· 11. The ........... in the paper spoils the .......... picture. (whole, hole)
12. We were not .......... to talk .......... in the hospital. (allowed, aloud)
· 13. The child will .......... if you take away his ..... ~ .... (ball, bawl)
14. _T hey .......... their hands to cover their eyes from the sun's -.. :...... .
(raise, rays)
15. The fisherman .......... his boat to the shore when the .......... was still
high. ( tied, tide) .
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HOMONYMS
EXERCISE 261.- HOMONYMS

Fill in each blank space with a word which has the same sound as the word
in bold.
e.g. You need to put in a little more water to .......... the flour.
You need to put in a little more water to knead the flour.
1. The carpenter has .......... a hole through the board.

2. The currant fell into the river and was swept away by the ........ ..
3. He decided to rein in his horse at the inn when it started to ...........
4. You look dirty. Your suit is covered with ......... .
5. You would be lost if you go into the ........... alone.
6. "You are ........... young to drive a car," his father said.
7. We'll be reaching our destination in an ......... ..
8. Did his parents find out that he has been .......... for speeding?
9. Have you ever seen an .......... before?
10. She stood on the top stair and started to .......... at us.
11. The draft was blown to the floor by a .......... of wind.
12. There is a stationary van iri front of the .......... shop;
13. The pale girl was carrying a .......... of water.
14. He isn't a new friend. I ........ him when I was a boy.
15. You will have to wait for your turn to have your .......... taken.
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RHYMING WORDS
Read this poem:

THE SWING
How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh! I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!
Robert Louis Stevenson
Now read the words 'swing' and 'thing'; 'blue' and 'do'.
What similarity can you see between each of these pairs of words?
'Swing' and 'thing', and 'blue' and 'do' sound alike at the end.
We call these words rhyming words.
Do you see the differences between homonyms and rhyming wor~s?
Homonyms are pronounced in the same way whereas only the ending
90unds of rhyming words are alike.
W.ords which ~und ~ , at the ~nd are called rhyming word~.
Read these rhyming words aloud. They are specially arranged for you.
fit sit, slit, unit, minute
build tilled, guild, filled, spilled
fix sticks, mix, kicks, chicks
tin begin, chin, akin, win
degrees freeze, breeze, increase, grease
piece police, niece, promise, practise
wheat feet, meat, defeat, complete
seem stream, beam, dream, team
steal feel, squeal, kneel, deal
mean between, seen, clean, lean
key tea, knee, she, agree
thief leaf, brief, sheaf, reef, chief
bread said, head, fed, tread
very berry, merry, cherry, ferry
292
RHYMING WORDS
met bet, debt, get, let

bend friend, attend, descend, lend
tent invent, content, sent, bent
airy carry, hairy, fairy, marry
cat fat, plait, that, pat
sand brand, tanned, stand, grand
horse course, force, gnaws, source
form perform, inform, reform, uniform
fork talk, clock, stork, chalk
saw nor, door, four, explore, gnaw
caught sliort, thought, quart, bought
wave gave, slave, brave, save
weight relate, fate, crate, freight, great
plays rays, phrase, braze, maize
spade laid, delayed, unpaid, raid
sail stale, veil, retail, frail
came tame, aim, blame, same
day delay, clay, weigh, say
take break, drake, ache, cake
try fly, shy, tie, buy, reply, high
sight kite, write, flight, tight
tile style, aisle, while, smile
mine vine, resign, shine, fine
price advise, pies, mice, cries
time lime, rhyme, crime, chime
wrote throat, float, oat, goat
load showed, rode, rowed, mode
few you, stew, queue, knew
hope soap,rope,mope, cope
lone atone, moan, zone, blown
road code, mode, toad, abode
sole toll, bowl, whole, mole
sew so, dough, though, know
post roast, host, boast, ghost
vote dote, boat, note, float
ton sun, won, one, done
sum come, drum, thumb, plumb
young among, rung, sung, swung
front blunt, hunt, punt, grunt
half laugh, calf, staff, giraffe
cart tart, heart, dart, chart
grant can't, aunt, slant, plant
vase jars, bars, pass, class
worse sirs, curse, immerse, reverse
fur refer, blur, purr, myrrh
learn burn, return, stern, fern
bird curd, referred, stirred, third
shirt dirt, hurt, insert, flirt
true flew, through, shoe, blue, coo, who
soup group, coop, troupe, loop
293
RHYMING WORDS
doom loom, tomb, broom, bloom

food brood, crude, should, would
root shoot, chute, fruit, boot
fire drier, shyer, tyre, buyer
stair affair, rare, tear, wear
pound drowned, resound, found, crowned
bough now, brow, plough, cow
out about, doubt, shout, snout
fowl cowl, owl, foul; jowl
dear leer, pier, mere, fear
beard wierd, feared, cheered, cleared
poor tour, doer, sure, boor
Can you think of other words that will rhyme with words on the left?
EXERCISE 262 - RHYMING WORDS

Find a word which rhymes with each of these words.
1. increase 11. bleat
2. nurse 12. blast
3. blame 13. police
4. install 14. tool
5. crook 15. debt
6. blot 16. last
7 . employ 17. rode
8. . course 18. clue
9. guitar 19. puppy
10. . buy 20. · tail
.....

Find two words which rhyme with each of the words below.
e.g. laugh half, enough
1. drive 11. · tow

2. feed 12. palm
3. fun . ........... 13. breeze
4. seed 14. tear -., ....... .
5. broke 15. team
6. storm 16. ki11
7. gold 17. thief
8. bigger 18. gate ..........
9. brother 19. heart
10. cup 20. skip
294
RHYMING WORDS

Fill in each blank space with a word from the box which rhymes with that
in bold.
1. When I stroked the cat's fur, it started to ........ ..

2. She has bought a .......... of milk from the milkman.
3. My friend and 1 are going to .......... her birthday party this week-end.
4. The brave boy ·dived into the river to .......... the child from drowning.
5. He put the load of coal into the sampan and .......... across the river.
6. A bee has stung him on the ........ ..
7. "It's funny," she said, "I put my .......... here but it's gone now."
8. Please bring me a piece of ........ ..
9. Does the ferry .......... us from here to the island?
10. They stood at the door and waved to me when they .......... me. ·
11. Do you knowhow to .......... ?
12. He tore his .......... and hurt his leg when he fell ·down the stairs.
13. Does water freeze at ten .......... Centigrade?
14. The driver lost control of the car and it swerved and fell into the
15. Please come and help me do this ........ ..
295
CHANGING
STATEMENTS INTO
QUESTIONS
/
What type of sentences are those in the chart above?
They are called statements.
What are the verbs in these sentences?
They are all Special Finites, e.g. 'is', 'were', etc.
Now compare these sentences with the statements above.
The words used in these sentences are the same as those used in the
statements.
However, the order of the words are different.
These sentences begin with the Special Finites.
What have the statements been turned into?
They have been turned into questions or interrogative sentences.
Statei.nents with Special Finites 'can be turned into questions by

~hanging the order of thnvord~; ..
296
CHANGING STATEME NTS INTO QUESTIONS
lhii:Hftfttil > l❖itH'iiiii-t&M

They like sweets. Do they like sweets?
He came here yesterday. Did he come h~re yesterday?
Which of the sentences above are statements and which are questions?
Compare the verbs used here and those used in the sentences on the previous
page.
The verbs used here are just ordinary verbs such as 'know' , 'like', etc.
How are these statements turned into questions?
The verb 'to do' is used .
.. . .
Stat~ments with ordµiaey verbs are tur.ned into questions by using

the verb 4to do'.
So far we have only learnt how to turn positive statements into questions.
Do you know how to turn negative statements into questions?
Below are some negative statements.
a .
;:J:\
.
Here are the questions formed from the negative statements.
tier • • .,,. :
Can she not dance?
I
297
CHANGING STATEMENTS INTO QUESTIONS
How are the questions formed?

They are formed by changing the order of the words .
. 'Not' is placed after the subject.
Sometimes we use short forms for negative questions.
Is •not' placed in the same position as in the full form?

Where is it placed?
EXERCISE 265 - CHANGING STATEMENTS INTO

QUESTIONS
Change these statements into questions.
e.g. He was walking to school this morning.

·Was he walking to school this morning?
1. Siew Leng is standing over there.

2. _ Poh Meng was absent yesterday.
3. . He was ill last week.
4. You are very busy.
5. The windows were shut.
6. It is very breezy today.
7. It is time for lunch.
8. There is no sugar in my coffee.
9. The boys are behaving themselves.
10. The farmer has a few buffaloes.
11. The maid has prepared tea for us.
12. You have seen my stamp album. ·
298
13. I have been here before.

l4. We have h.'eard the good news.
15. The rain had stopped before we left the hotel.

QUESTIONS
Change the following statements into questions.
e.g. He will try his best.

Will he try his best?
l. I shall see the headmaster tomorrow.

2. They will run in the race tomorrow.
3. They should be here by now.
4. You may leave now.
5. Th~t will be enough.
6. It can be done.
7. I shall have to catch the·early train . .
K They could hear the noise.
9. He would tell you the story:
10. The little boy can lift that box. ·
11. You must find the answer to this sum.
12. Jane may go swimming tomorrow. ·
13. Kok Fai may use my bicycle.
14. They both must sleep early
15. The school will be closed at the end of this week.
EXERCISE 267 - CHANGING STATEMENTS INTO .

QUESTIONS
Change these statements into questions.
e.g. They have been told what to do. -

Have they been told what to do?
1. . My uncle is reading a novel.

2. They are collecting the money.
3; We shall meet you there.
4. The boys are digging in the garden.
5. We can reach there within two hours.
6. We were picking up the crumbs from the floor.
7. Poh Wah has gone to Ah Seng's house.
8. - You should have cut your-hair shorter.
299
9. Cheng Tim has always played a good game.

10. My shoes were muddy.
11. That piece of work was done by Kim Seng.
12. I shall call on you this afternoon.
13. You may put your things here.
14. They must help us.
15. You have been taught this song.

QUESTIONS
Change the following sentences into questions.
e.g. They usually go to the seaside.
Do they usually go to the seaside?
1. It usually rains in the afternoon.

2. My sister likes to dance.
3. Elephants love sugar-cane .
. 4. I met Swee Lan just now.
5. They went for a show last night.
6. We found a kitten on the roadside.
7. I cycle five miles to school.
8. She always speaks the truth.
9. The prisoner escaped through the window.
10. He hit the snake with a stick.
11. Snails come out looking for food at night.
12. He seemed excited·.
13. We go to bed before ten o'clock.
14. The boy hid behind the bushes.
15. His father worked late last night.

QUESTIONS
Change these statements into questions using (a) full forms and (b) short
forms.
e.g. The boys were not present.
(a) Were the boys not present?
{b) Weren't the boys present?
1. The train is not due yet.

2. Chee Kong does not live near the school.
300
3. They are not feeling well.

4. You did not look for him everywhere.
5. They do not know the way to the station.
6. The mangoes are not sour.
7. My father was not at home.
8. It will not be difficult.
9. He would not believe the story.
10. They could not have done such a wicked deed.
11. She cannot accept the invitation.
12. I shall not stay long.
13. It will not happen again.
14. They have not seen it before.
15. He might not be able to come.
EXERCISE 270- CHANGING STATEMENTS INTO

QUESTIONS
Make the following sentences negative. Then change them into questions
using short forms.
e.g. (a) You are coming with me.
You aren't coming with me.
Aren't you coming with me?
(b) It rained for four hours yesterday.
It didn't rain for four hours yesterday.
Didn't it rain for four hours yesterday?
1. He is leaving tomorrow.
2. You are waiting for him.
3. He thinks it can be done.
4. He has met the salesman before.
5. She has quarrelled with her sister.
6. They have taken good care of him.
7. She saw him off at the station.
8. Siew Mui went to bed early last night.
9. We followed his car all the way.
10. She will go to the party.
11. They will try to go tomorrow.
12. They were going to school when they met him.
13. The man was shouting across the road.
14. Swee Onn had finished at ten o'clock.
15. The lorry had stopped before the car knocked it.
301
ACTIVE AND
PASSIVE VOICE
window.
Can you name the subjects of these sentences?

They are 'somebody' and 'someone'.
They are the 'doers' of the actions. ·
Which are the objects?
They are 'window• and •wood'. .
These are the 'receivers' of the actions.
These sentences are in the Active Voice.
Do we know who the actual ·doers' of the actions are?
No. we don't.
Thus it isn't important at all whether the ·doer' is mentioned or not.
We can write these sentences in another way ·
The window was broken.
The wood is being chopped.
What are the subjects in these sentences''
They are the 'receivers' of the actions 'window' and •wood'.
Are the 'doers' mentioned here?
No, they aren't. _
What other differences can you see between these sentences and the
previous ones?
The verbs are changed to this pattern: 'to be'+ the-past participle.
However. despite these differences, the meaning of the sentences remains
the same.
302
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE
Such sentences are in the Passive Voice.

Is it better to use the Active or the Passive Voice when the 'doer' is not
known?
It is better to use the Passive Voice.

This picture was drawn by my brother.
The fish is being eaten by the cat.
The poem had been written by a famous poet.
The song will be sung by her tonight.
They are in the Passive Voice too.
However, there is a slight difference between these sentences and those
already mentioned.
In these sentences, the 'doers' are mentioned.
'By' is used with the 'doers'
Now read the sentences again and at the same time, omit the 'doers'.
Is the sense of the sentences complete?
No, it isn't.
EXERCISE 271 -ACTIVE AND PASSIV·E'. VOICE

Put the_verbs in brackets into the Passive Voice. -Use 'is' or 'are'-+ the
past participle.
e.g. . Quinine .......... ( obtain) from the cinchona tree.

Quinine is obtained from the cinchona tree.
1. A lot of rice .......... (grow) in Thailand.

2. The knife .......... (make) of steel.
3. Flowers .......... (sell) in that shop.
4. Rice .......... (cook) in water.
5. Biscuits .......... (pack) in tins.
303
6. That gate .......... (lock) every night.

7. Butter .......... (use) in these cakes.
8. Bananas .......... (not grow) from seeds.
9. The silver cups and dishes .......... {polish) every morning.
10. The grass in our school field ........... (cut) every fortnight.
11. Examinations ........... (usually hold) once a year.
12. Flies .......... ( often find) near rubbish dumps.
13. A lot of coal .......... {mine) in this area.
14. Brushes .......... (use) for painting.
15. Brightly-coloured flowers .......... ( usually pollinate) by insects.
EXERCISE 272 - ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

Put the verbs in brackets into the Passive Voice. Use 'was' or 'were' + the
past participle.
e.g. My father's car .......... (steal) a week ago.
1.
2.
3.
My father's car was stolen a week ago.
My watch .......... (repair) yesterday.

That bridge .......... {build) in 1936.
The tin .......... (turn) upside down.
I
4. Your shoes .... ...... {find) under your bed.
5. His father .......... {injure) in the car crash last week.
6. The book .......... (print) in 1969.
7. The tree ........... (cut) down and .......... {chop) up for firewood.
8. The garden .......... (not weed) and the plants .......... (not water).
9. He .......... {knock) down by a lorry. In a short while he ........... {take)
to hospital.
10. I don't know what happened. There's a bump on my head. I think
I .......... {hit) from behind.
11. They took me to the police-station where I ........... (ask) many ques-
tions, but I could not answer any of them. After an hour I ......... .
( tell) I could go home.
12. The third goal .......... (score) just after half-time. A few minutes
later, two of our players .......... {injure) and they .......... {carry) out
of the field.
13. Our team .......... {badly beat) yesterday. I suppose all our players
........... (teach) a good lesson.
14. We .......... (tell) what to do at the meeting. After the meeting we
.......... ( also give) a lot of written instructions.
15. There was nothing else to do there: The plates .......... (wash); the
room ........... (sweep) and even the dustbin .......... (empty).
304

Rewrite these sentences in the Passive Voice. Use 'has been' or 'have been'
+ the past participle. You must leave out the words in bold.
e.g. Somebody has already torn this book.

This book has already been tom.
1. Somebody has just rung the bell.

2. Someone has already wiped off the mud.
3. Someone has already taken those boxes away.
4. Someone has lighted the candles.
5. Somebody has stolen a statue from the museum.
6. The judge has sentenced the thieves to hard labour.
7. No one has ever beaten me at tennis. (Begin with 'I')
8. No one has washed the cups and glasses yet.
9. Nobody has told her the sad news yet. (Begin with 'she')
10. Mr Brown is happy. Someone has found his son.
11. The plants are dying. Nobody has watered them for a very long
time.
12. You can't blame them for these mistakes. No one has taught them
to do these sums.
13. Somebody has already washed the car but no one has polished it yet.
14. Someone has put up the wrong flag but no one has taken it down.
15. People have already repaired the bridge but they have not allowed
any traffic across it.

Put these sentences into the Passive Voice. Use the different forms of 'be'
+ the past participle. Leave out the words in bold.
e.g. (a) People make butter from milk.
Butter is made from milk.
(b) Nobody cleared the room yesterday.
The room was not cleared yesterday.
(c) Someone is taking a book from the library.
A book is being taken from the library.
( d) They cannot lift that rock.
That rock cannot be lifted.
1. We can find ants' nests in the ground.

2. Someone tore the cover of the book.
305
3. They built that house in a month.

4. Somebody is cooking the food now.
5. Nobody threw the rubbish away.
6. Did anyone tell them the news?
7. People can buy eggs from that stall.
8. Someone saw you at the cinema last night.
9. They will send him to prison.
10. Can't you see the sign? People must not park cars along this road.
11. People use rubber for making many things.
12. People can buy the tickets at the Grand Shoe Shop or at the Central
Supermarket.
J3. People painted the hall white and decorated it with fairy lights.
14. They could not catch the robbers although they set up road-blocks
at various roads.
J 5. They will not send the books to you this week. They are still packing
them.

Change these sentences into the Passive Voice. You must leave out the
words in bold.
e.g. (a) Did anyone meet you at the airport?

Were you met at the airport?
(b) Nobody met me at the airport .
r was not met at the airport.
l. People build houses of bricks and cement.

2. People eat rice in Asia.
3. Someone found your key in the field yesterday.
4. That town is now in ruins. Some.one bombed it during the 2nd World
War.
5. Someone has invited me to dinner. (Begin with 'I')
6. They did not repair my watch yesterday.
7. We have nothing to do. Someone has done everything.
8. Someone has asked a lot of questions about you.
9. No wonder it's cold. Nobody has shut the window yet.
I 0. Paul has every reason to be proud. They have made him the school
captain:
I I. They gave me this typewriter for my birthday. People made it in
Italy. (Begin with '1')
12. People could hear the explosion many miles away.
306
13. I still go about on my bicycle. They have not repaired my car yet.
They told me it would be ready soon.
14. Did they ask you many questions at the police-station? (Begin with
'Were you')
15. I don't believe we have met; at least no one has introduced us yet.
(Use 'we' in the passive)

Rewrite these sentences in the Passive Voice. Mention the 'doers' of the
actions.
e.g. (a) The wind blew down the trees.

The tree was blown down by the wind.
(b) An ant has bitten the child.
The child has been bitten by an ant.
( c) She will guide you in your work.
You will be guided in your work by her.
1. The Minister will open our new school extension next week.
2. The P.W.D. workers have just repaired the road.
3. A car has knocked down our dog.
4. The fire was so great that the firemen could not put it out.
5. The crickets make these noises
6. Bookworms often eat up our books in that cupboard.
7. My friend in Hong Kong sent both these postcards to me.
8. The headmaster praised the boy for his diligence and determination.
9. The floods had washed away the wooden bridge.
10. The salesgirl is showing him a green shirt.
11. A panther clawed and wounded him.
12. The servant was washing the cups and dishes this morning.
13. He was playing a piece of music which Bach composed.
14. Thunder always follows a flash of lightning during a thunderstorm.
15. The police recaptured the escaped prisoner after they shot and
wounded him.
307
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
What is the phrase in the picture above?

It is 'a bad egg'.
From the picture, you should know its literal meaning.
However, sometimes we use such phrases figuratively in speech.
When we say 'He is a bad egg', do you know what it means?
'A bad egg' in the sentence means 'a worthless person'.
Phrases such as this are called idiomatic phrases.
Can you think of other idiomatic phrases?
Here are some idiomatic phrases for you to learn.
Idiomatic Phrases I Meaning~
to build castles in the air to day-dream

the apple of one's eye a favoured person
to receive with open arms to welcome cordially
to take up arms to go to war
to keep a person at arm's length to avoid being too familiar with a person
to have an axe to grind to have something to gain by an action
to back out to withdraw from an agreement
to have no backbone to have no will of one's own
a bad egg a worthless person
to keep the ball rolling to keep things going
like a bear with a sore head very bad-tempered
to beat about the bush to talk in a roundabout way
to have a bee in one's bonnet to have a crazy idea
to talk behind one's back to talk without one's knowing
to bell the cat to do something which is very dangerous
308
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
to hit below the belt to act unfairly towards an opponent

to be in black and white to write it down on paper
in cold blood deliberately
blood is thicker than water one usually takes the side of one's relation
in the same boat in the same circumstances
to have a bone to pick to have something to say which may lead to
a quarrel
a book worm a person who always reads
one's bread and butter one's livelihood
to make a clean breast of to confess all
to kick the bucket to die
to nip in the bud to stop something before it can develop
a red rag to a bull something which angers a person (deliberate-
ly)
a bull in a china shop a very clumsy person or a person who is very
angry and destructive
to take the bull by the horns to meet difficulties or dangers boldly
to bury the hatchet to forget the past quarrels and become
friends again
to burn the candle at both ends to use too much energy
to paddle your own canoe to do things by yourself
to carry on to continue
to carry weight to be important
to put the cart before the horse to do things the wrong way round
to let the cat out of the bag to let out the secret
a wild-cat scheme a rash scheme which will probably fail
a cat on hot bricks very nervous
a cat and dog life always quarrelling
to rain cats and dogs to rain heavily
chicken-hearted weak and cowardly
a chip of the old block very like father
to pick and choose to choose very carefully
to cut your coat according to your
cloth to spend only what you can afford
a cock and bull story a silly and incredible story
to be cock-sure to be very certain
to pass with flying colours to do very well in a test
to shed crocodile tears to shed false tears
by hook or by crook by fair means or by foul means
a dare-devil a brave and reckless person
up to date modern
out of date old-fashioned
to make a day of it to spend the whole day
to win the day to be victorious
dead broke without a cent
a die-hard· someone who does not give up his ideas
easily
to be a dog in a manger to prevent others from having what is use-
less to oneself
a dog with two tails a person who is extremely pleased
309
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
donkey work work needing no skill

ups and downs good times and bad times
Dutch courage false courage, perhaps obtained by drinking
alcoholic drinks
a white elephant a useless object which is expensive to
upkeep
at the eleven th hour at the last moment
to make both ends meet to spend within one's income
an eye for an eye to return evil for evil
to keep an eye on to watch carefully
eye-wash deceit
to see eye to eye to agree with
to save face to save oneself from shame
to fall upon to attack
far from it unlikely
to feel run-down to feel unwell
to sit on the fence to take no sides in a debate, quarrel or war
to play second fiddle to be unimportant
to march in I ndiim file to march one behind the other in a single
line
at one's finger tips to know thoroughly
to have a finger in the pie to be concerned with
to fish in troubled waters to try to gain advantage for oneself by
interfering in the troubles of other people
to foot the bill to pay the bill
to put your best foot forward to do your very best
to look a gift-horse in the mouth to ask questions about the source of a gift
a good-for-nothing a useless person
to cook one's goose to spoil one's chances
to have green eyes to be jealous
a greenhorn someone new and inexperienced in a job
not turn a hair to remain calm
happy-go-lucky easy-going, trusting to luck
to live from hand to mouth to live only for today with no thought of
tomorrow
to lend a hand to help
hard and fast rule very strict rule
hard of hearing almost deaf
to pass the hat round to ask for donation
to take to one's heels to run away at great speed
to cool one's heels to wait
to hit upon to discover
hornet's nest a source of great trouble
on thin ice in a dangerous and difficult position
to break the ice to be the first to start
to keep in mind to remember
to keep up appearances to make things appear well when they are
not
to knuckle under to give way
a lady's man a man who is fond of female company
310
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
to turn over a new leaf to change one's conduct or behaviour for

the better
to take French leave to be away without permission
to stand on one's own leg to be independent
to see the light to understand
to draw the line somewhere to have a limit
to read between the lines to find the hidden meaning
the lion's share the largest part
to smack one's lips to show pleasure
in the long run eventually
to look after to care for
up to the mark up to a certain standard
no laughing matter something very serious
to get one's monkey up to get angry
once in a blue moon very seldom or never
to face the music to take scolding or punishment without
complaint
to hit the nail on the head to do just the right thing
to be caught napping to be taken by surprise
a near thing a narrow escape
in the nick of time only just in time
to lead by the nose to lead blindly
to pay through the nose to pay too high a price
in a nutshell to say everything in a few words
to mind one's p's and q's to be careful how one behaves
a square peg in a round hole a person out of his natural surroundings or
doing unsuitable work
child's play very easy to do
to come to the point to speak briefly ·and directly
to pull strings to get the help of high officials to get jobs
out of the question impossil>le ·
to smell a rat to suspect something
caught red-handed caught while committing a crime
to go to the root of the matter to find out the source of the matter
a bed of roses very comfortable
a scapegoat somebody who is blamed for something he
did not do
to see red to be very angry
to sow the seed to give the idea
to set forth to start on a journey
a close shave a narrow escape
to give a person the cold shoulder to make a person feel unwelcome
to save one's skin , to save oneself from harm or injury
to laugh up ygur sleeve to laugh secretly at somebody
a snake in the grass a person who is not to be trusted
to pull up the socks to improve in what one is doing
to call a spade a spade to be very frank and outspoken
to throw in the sponge to admit defeat
to leave no stone unturned to try one's hardest
a man of straw a weak and worthless person
311
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
to turn tail to run away

a tall story a story that is difficult to believe
a thorn in one's flesh a nuisance
to hold one's tongue to keep quiet
to have a sweet tooth to like sweet things
to get to the top of the tree to have the highest position in one's
profession
to blow one's own trumpet to boast about oneself
to turn turtle to overturn
in a twinkling of an eye very quickly
to get into hot water to get into trouble
to put one's shoulder to the wheel to work very hard in order to succeed
to tell a white lie to tell a lie for a good cause
to spin a yarn to tell a story
EXERCISE 277 - IDIOMATIC PHRASES

Match these idioms with their meanings in the box.
e.g. a snake in the grass - a person who is not to be trusted
person who is n .
0 put a stop fo .
· ·~~d-te~per
boastaboiito
1. to have green eyes 9. like a bear with a sore head

2. to keep the ball rolling 10. dead broke
3. to smell a rat 11. to be in black and white
4. a close shave 12. to laugh up one's sleeve
5. child's play 13 . to take up arms
6. to see eye to eye 14. to blow one's own trumpet
7. to put one's foot down 15. not turn a hair
8. to turn tail
EXERCISE 278 - IDIOMATIC PHRASES

Write down the idioms to these meanings.
e.g. good times and bad times - ups and downs
312
IDIOMATIC PHRASES
1. to do things by yourself
2. a useless object which is difficult to upkeep
3. to feel unwell
4. to make a person feel unwelcome
5. to do very well in a test
6. always quarrelling
7. to be victorious
8. at the last moment
9. weak and cowardly
10. to pay too high a price
11. very nervous
12. to day-dream
13. to prevent others from having what is useless to oneself
14. to talk without one's knowing
15. almost deaf.
EXERCISE 279- IDIOMATIC PHRASES

Give the meanings of the idiomatic phrases in the sentences.
e.g. "I can't afford to buy it," he said. "I'm dead broke."
dead broke - without a cent
1. They visit us only once in a blue moon.

2. "Life is not always a bed of roses," she said to her daughter.
3. They decided to fall upon their enemies at midnight.
4. We can't go out now. It's raining cats and dogs.
5. "Please keep an eye on Baby while I'm out," said her mother.
6. I don't trust him to do the work because he always puts the cart
before the horse.
7. Even though he was in such great danger, he did not tum a hair.
8. My brother is a spendthrift. He never seems to make both ends meet.
9. The thief was caught red-handed by the police and was arrested
immediately.
10. "I don't believe you," she said. "You're just telling me a cock and
bull story."
l I. "Don't beat around the bush," he said. ''Just tell me the truth."
12. You are in hot water. The headmaster is very angry and wants to
see you immediately.
13. We marched in Indian file through the jungle.
14. "This is out of the question," John said. "I can't agree to it."
15. "You can't back out now. You've promised to come," she said.
313
NOUN CLAUSES
Marys Can you tell me

where the post-office is?
You have already studied adverbial as well as adjective clauses.

You will learn about noun clauses in this chapter.
Noun clauses do the work of nouns.
Read what the people are saying in the pictures.
Can you pick out the noun clauses in these sentences?
They are 'that she would come' and 'where the post-office is' .
Can you tell how these noun clauses are used?
They are used as the objects of the verbs 'said' and 'tell'.
ln the sentences below are some more noun clauses which are objects of
verbs.
Can you pick them out?
l did not tell him where I've put it.
Did you show her how it should be done?
She asked him why he was late.
I wonder when they'll be back . .
By now you should be able to pick out the noun clauses in sentences.
What are the noun clauses in the sentences on the board?
314
NOUN CLAUSES
As you can see, the clauses here are also used as objects.
However, there is a difference.
Do you know what the difference is?
The clauses here are objects of prepositions and not verbs.
Can you pick out the prepositions?
They are 'in', 'for' and 'about'.
What he told us was quite interesting. How he did it is a mystery.
Read the sentences on the charts.

X
The noun clauses here are underlined.
Are these clauses used as objects too?
No, they are the subjects of the verbs 'was' and 'is'.
The noun clauses here are of a different type from those mentioned.
The truth is that he hasn't done it.

It seems that he didn't know about it.
It appears that they have seen it.
How are these noun clauses used in the sentences?

They are used after the verbs 'is', 'seems' and 'appears' to complete the
sense of the verbs.
These noun clauses are the complements of the verbs.
Now read this sentence.
The news that she is sick is false.
Can you name the noun clause?

It is 'that she is sick'.
This c1ause is added to the noun 'the news' to explain it.
We say this clause is in apposition to the noun.
315
NOUN CLAUSES
If we leave out the noun 'the news'. will the sentence still retain its sense?
Yes, because the noun clause can be used in its place.
That she is sick is false.
Here are other noun clauses in apposition to a noun or pronoun.
The report that they have met with an accident is not true.
It was true that he has left for England.
e is afraid that s
Can you see any differences between the use of the noun clauses in these
pictures and those that you have learnt?
What are the words used before these noun clauses?
They are the predicative adjectives 'sure' and 'afraid'.
Such adjectives are not used with the other noun clauses.
in appo~~tion
l!P or 6 "used Wit tiye adjecti,v
EXERCISE 280 - NOUN CLAUSES

Finish these noun clauses.
e.g. Nobody told him when ................................................... .

Nobody told him when the match will begin.
1. I asked him how old ......................................................................... ..

2. He does not know where ................................................................... .
3. He asked me about when ................................................................... .
4. We must listen to what ...................................................................... .
5. Do you know when ........................................................................... .
316
NOUN CLAUSES
6. She will not agree with ...................................................................... .

7. The doctor said that ............ ...... ... ... ............ .... ... ...... ...... ................... .
8. I do not know whether ................ .. .................. .. ......... ....................... .
9. I have always believed in what ......... .... .......... .. ........ .......................... .
10. The report is based on how ................................... ....................... ... .. .
I 1. You must tell him why .......... ........ .. .......................................... ....... ..
12 . He has forgotten where ...................... ........................... ........... ...... ... .
13 . Please tell me about who .................................................................. ..
14. He wants to know when .................................................................... .
15 . We couldn't understand what ................ ... ... .... ........ :....... ........ .... ...... .

Put in suitable noun clauses, subject of the verbs. Make use of the words
in brackets.
e.g. (That) .................................................... seems certain.
That they are leaving tonight seems certain.
l. (Where) .... ............... ...... .. ....................... ..... has not been decided.
2. (What) ...................................................... is not certain.
3. (How) ....................................................... remained a mystery.
4. (That) ........................................................ is not true.
5. (What) ....................................................... seems unlikely.
6. (When) ........................ .......................... is not definite yet.
7. (Whether) .......................................... has still to be decided.
8. (How) ....................................................... is not cleared yet.
9. (When) ...................................................... will be announced soon.
10. (That) .................................................... is only a rumour.
11. (What) ...... ... ....................................... is true.
12. (Why) ........................................... does not interest me.
13. (When) ........ ................................. isn't certain yet.
14. (Whether) ................................................ does not concern me.
15. (That) .................................................. is most interesting.

Complete these sentences using noun clauses.
e.g. It seems that ....... ............................................................. .

It seems that she has lost her diamond ring.
1. Our belief is that ............................................................................... .

2. The fact is that .................................... ........ . ..................................... .
317
NOUN CLAUSES
3. It appears that ................................................................................... .

4. The report was that .......................................................................... ..
5. The rumour was that ......................................................................... .
6. The news was that ............................................................................. .
7. The truth was that ........................................................................... ..
8. The plan that .................................................. has been revealed.
9. The news that ................................................. was announced.
10. The statement that ................................................. .is not true.
11. The story that ................................................... is most interesting.
12. The rumour that ..................................................... is false.
13. He was doubtful whether .................................................................. .
14. She is happy that .............................................................................. ..
15. It wasn't true that ...................................................... :...................... ..

Complete these sentences with noun clauses.
e.g. (a) ..................................................... is not certain.

When he will leave is not certain.
(b) She said ..................................................... ..
She said that she is Kok Fai's sister.
(c) I am afraid ................................................ .
I am afraid that she may not come tonight.
1. .. ........................................ was not easy.

2. We shall ask her about ...................................................................... ..
3. It wasn't true ..................................................................................... .
4. They were anxious ............................................................................ .
5. It seems ............................................................................................. .
6. It was not certain ............................................................................. ..
7. I am sorry ......................................................................................... .
8. Tell me ............................................................................................. ..
9. .. .............................................................. is not official yet.
10. My belief is ........................................................................................ .
11. He did not tell me .............................................................................. .
12. The report ............................................................... has been denied.
13. ................................................................. seems to be true.
14. They were talking about ................................................................... ..
15. Are you sure ..................................................................................... ?
318
INCHOATIVE VERBS
Read the sentences in the pictures.

Pick out the verbs in the sentences.
They are 'are getting', 'became', 'is growing' and 'has turned' .
What do these verbs express in the sentences?
'Are getting' and 'is growing' express a changing condition.
'Became' and 'has turned' express a final change of state.
What are such verbs called?
They are called inchoative verbs.
What are the other inchoative verbs?
The hook on her dress came undone. I am running short of money.

I know her. She hopes to see them again.
Do you feel hungry? It fell dark after a while.
The milk has gone sour. The mat is wearing thin.
319
INCHOATIVE VERBS
Some of the verbs in the sentences are inchoative and some are not.
Can you pick out the inchoative verbs?
They are 'came', 'has gone', 'am running', 'fell' and 'wear'.
A~ in.cho~tive .verbjs one whiclr,expt~s f ~hm,t~ng .~ndit~on or

a final change~fstate.· 'Gef,}gtow' ~d'oecom~' areverycommon
inchoatiye verbs; less CQ¢un6n ones.are ~turn', 'come', 'go', frun',
; 'fall' and 'weai';- ·. · , '
Now let's find out what words can be used with inchoative verbs.
Read the sentences with the inchoative verbs on the previous page again.
Do you think they can be used with adjectives and their comparatives?
Yes, they can.
In fact, all inchoative verbs can be used with adjectives.
Some of them such as 'get', 'become', 'grow', 'turn' and 'come' can be
used with the comparatives of adjectives.
What other words can be used with these verbs?
come to hear of it
The inchoative verbs on this chart are 'is getting', 'is growing' and 'come'.
What are the words used with these verbs?
They are the to-infinitives 'to know', 'to like' and 'to hear'.
became a ~ turn to ice

turned writer come down
went out
320
INCHOATIVE VERBS
What are the words used with the inchoative verbs 'became' and 'turned'
on the chart?
They are the nouns 'nurse' and 'writer'.
Name the words used with 'turn', 'come' and 'went'.
They are the prepositions 'to', 'down' and 'out'.
They are used with inchoative verbs to form prepositional phrases.
oative verbs
• . , . I
EXERCISE 284 - INCHOATIVE VERBS

Complete the sentences below with the words in the box.
e.g. The oranges turned bad ......................................................... .

The oranges turned bad after being kept in the box for a long
time.
When it freezes. . if you rest ·more ..

so she sewed it back. after she had worked as a waitress
so he has to call a m.echanic. for two years.
after;being kept in the box: you should eatrnore.
for a long time. · . because he was :very tired.
, ;tthe ·general Hospital. · l must, go hom~Y, ·
.:~rt,J:afew practices; , 0
when it c,lid l!Ot ra infor a fortnight, ·

ifyouknow herbetter. < ..; . . he would be shocked. -
afterJie was caught in the fairi.- you must go and see doctor. a
1. You will grow stronger ............. ................. ....... ................................. .
2. He fell asleep immediately ................................................................. .
3. Water turns to ice ................................................... ....... .................... .
4. If he came to hear of the bad news, ........ .......................................... ..
5. It's getting late; ........... ...................................................................... .
6. He fell ill ................................................................. .. ........................ .
7. She turned dancer ................................... .. ......................... ............... .
8. Your cold is getting worse; ................................................................ .
9. Miss Chong became a nurse ............................................................... .
10. The hem of the dress came unstitched, ...................................... ...... ..
11. The well ran dry ............................................... ................................. .
321
INCHOATIVE VERBS
12. You'll get to know the game well ..................................................... .

13. The engine has gone dead, ....................................... ~ ........................ ..
14. If you want to grow fatter, ............................................................... ..
15. You '11 grow to like her ...................................................................... .

Make a sentence with each of these expressions.
e.g. have come true
Our dreams have come true.
l. is growing older 9. turned musician

2. is getting dark 10. has come loose
3. are getting to know 11. have turned bad
4. became jealous 12. has gone blind
5. became a doctor 13. is going bald
6. is growing to be 14. is running short
7. grew pale 15. has fallen ill
8. turn into 16. went to pieces
Complete these sentences, making sure that the words in bold are used as
inchoative verbs.
e.g. The sums are getting ............................................................. .
The sums are getting harder to do.
1. She went .......................................................................................... ..

2. The nights are getting ........................................................................ .
3. They are getting to ...... ;..................................................................... .
4. The story is becoming ....................................................................... .
5. The syrup will become ..................................................................... ..
6. The leaves are turning ....................................................................... ..
7. The sick girl is growing ...................................................................... .
8. Water turns to .................................................................................. ..
9. The boy fell ...................................................................................... ..
10. Her cough is getting .......................................................................... ..
11. Later they came to ........................................................................... ..
12. His face went ................................................................................... ..
1;3. I hope it will come ........................................................................... ..
14. He has come into ............................................................................... .
15. She went to ....................................................................................... .
322
USEFUL LISTS
OF WORDS
PARENTS AND YOUNG

MAMMALS
Father I Mother I Young

bear she-bear cub
billy-goat nanny-goat kid
boar sow piglet, pigling
buck (deer) hind fawn
buck (rabbit) doe rack
bull (cattle) cow calf
bull (elephant) cow calf
bull (seal) cow calf
bull (whale) cow calf
dog bitch puppy
dog (fox) vixen cub
father mother son, daughter
king queen prince, princess
leopard leopardess cub
lion lioness cub
man woman baby, child
negro negress piccaninny
ram (sheep) ewe lamb
stag hind fawn
stallion mare foal
tiger tigress cub
tom-cat tabby-cat kitten
wolf she-wolf cub
BIRDS
Father Mother Young
cob (swan) pen cygnet

cock hen chicken
cock (pigeon) hen squab
drake duck duckling
eagle eagle eaglet
gander goose gosling
hawk bowess bower
owl owl owlet
323
USEFUL LISTS OF WORDS
FISH INSECTS
Adult I Young Adult I · Young

eel elver ant grub
salmon parr bee grub
trout fry butterfly caterpillar
cockroach nymph
housefly maggot
AMPHIBIAN mosquito wriggler
moth caterpillar
Adult I Young wasp grub
frog tadpole
toad tadpole
HOMES
Person Home I Person Home
Arab aowar parson parsonage

Eskimo igloo peasant cottage
gipsy caravan pioneer waggon
lumberjack log cabin priest ( eastern) temple
lunatic asylum prisoner cell
man house Red Indian wigwam, tepee
minister manse soldier barracks, camp
monk monastery Swiss chalet
noble castle Zulu kraal
nun convent
Creature Home I Creature Home
bear den horse stable

beaver lodge lion den, lair
bee hive mole fortress
bird nest mouse hole, nest
cow byre owl barn, tree
dog kennel pig sty
dove/pigeon dovecote rabbit (tame) hutch
eagle eyrie rabbit (wild) burrow, warren
fowl coop sheep fold, pen
fox earth, lair snail shell
hare form spider web
hermit crab shell tiger lair
324
SOUNDS OF OBJECTS
Object Sound Object Sound
aeroplanes zoom hoofs thunder, clatter

anvils clang horns toot, hoot
bagpipes skirl kettles sing
bells ring, peal, toll leaves rustle
bells (large) chime machines scream
bells (small) tinkle metal ring
bows twang paper crinkle, rustle
brakes screech raindrops patter
breeze/brook murmur rifles report
bugles call river gurgle
bullets ping saws buzz
canes swish, whack silk rustle
chains clank, rattle sirens wail
clocks tick, chime skirts swish
coins clink, jingle steam hiss
corks pop streams murmur, babble
corn rustle telephones buzz
dishes clatter, rattle thunder peal, crash, clap,
engines purr, puff, roar, rumble
splutter trains rumble
explosion blast trumpets blare, trump
feet tramp, shuffle, vehicles (heavy) rumble
stamp watch tick
fire crackle water drip, bubble,
glasses tinkle splash, lap
guitars strum whips crack, lash
guns boom wind sigh, howl
guns (distant) throb wings whir
heart throb, beat wood crackle, creak
hinges creak
SOUNDS AND MOTIONS
Animal Sound Motion Common Adjective
ape gibbers swings ungainly

ass brays jogs stupid
bear growls lumbers clumsy
bee hums t1its busy
beetle drones crawls horrid
bird whistles flies swift
bull bellows charges angry
cat purrs, meows steals sleek
325
Motion Common Adjective
cockerel crows struts proud

cow lows wanders stolid
crow caws flaps black
deer bells bounds fallow
dog barks, growls runs faithful
donkey brays trots obstinate
dove/pigeon coos flutters gentle
duck quacks waddles waddling
eagle screams swoops proud
elephant trumpets ambles ponderous
frog croaks leaps clammy
hen cackles struts domestic
horse neighs gallops noble
hound bays bounds gallant
hyena screams prowls cunning
lamb bleats frisks gentle
lark sings soars gentle
lion roars prowls tawny
monkey chatters climbs agile
mouse squeaks scampers timid
owl hoots flits tawny
parrot talks, screeches flits saucy
person talks walks average
pig grunts, squeals trots fat
seagull screams glides tireless
snake hisses glides loathsome
sparrow chirps flits little
swallow twitters dives swift
turkey gobbles struts plump
wolf howls lopes lean
wren warbles hops tiny
PLACES
A place where animals are slaughtered abattoir
A place where bees are kept apiary
A place where fish are kept aquarium
A place where public records and documents are kept for
future reference archives
A place where weapons and ammunition are made or stored arsenal
A place where an audience gathers to listen to lectures, etc. auditorium
A place where birds are kept aviary
A place where bread and cakes are made bakery
A place where strong drinks such as beer and brandy are sold bar
A building where soldiers live barracks, camp
326
A room in a ship for passengers and crew to live in cabin

A hiding place for ammunition, treasures and food cache
A small restaurant where food and drinks are sold cafe
A place where food is canned cannery
A place where the dead are buried cemetery
A place of worship for Christians church
A little church chapel
The church of a bishop cathedral
A place where films are shown cinema
A school for higher learning college
A place where law cases are heard court
A public nursery where children are looked after while their
parents are at work creche
. A place where milk is turned into butter and cheese dairy
A place where trams and buses are kept depot
A place where medicines are given out dispensary
A place where ships are repaired or built dock
The sleeping rooms in a boarding school or hostel dormitory
A place where rubbish is deposited dump
A shopping centre emporium
A place where things are manufactured factory
A place where works of art are shown gallery
A place where motor-cars are kept garage
A place for storing grain granary
A place where athletic exercises are performed gymnasium
A place for housing aeroplanes hangar
A place where dried plants are classified and studied herbarium
A place where sick people are treated hospital
A place where board and lodging are provided for students hostel
A place where travellers may stay for the night hotel
A place where rubbish is burnt incinerator
A place where prisoners are kept locked up jail, gaol
A school for infants and young children kindergarten
A place where scientific experiments are conducted laboratory
A place where clothes are washed and ironed laundry
A place where books are kept library
A place where coins are made mint
A place of worship for Muslims mosque
A place where historical relics are preserved and displayed museum
A place where young plants are grown
nursery
A place for the special use of small children
A place where fruit trees are grown orchard
A home for orphans orphanage
A small enclosed place where horses are grouped together
before a race paddock
A public garden or public recreational ground in a town park
A technical school where various sciences and arts are taught polytechnic
A raised and enclosed platform where a preacher preaches
from pulpit
A square courtyard surrounded by buildings quadrangle
327
A place where stones and slate for buildings, roadmaking, etc.

are got out of the ground quarry
A place where ships are loaded and unloaded quay
A place where water is collected and stored reservoir
A place where people may get food and drinks restaurant
A place where games or sports are staged stadium
A place where a painter, sculptor, photographer, etc. works1
studio
A place where films are acted and photographed j
A place of worship for Hindus and Buddhists temple
A hall where dramas and plays are acted on stage theatre
An institution where the highest form of learning is provided university
A place where grape-vines are grown vineyard
A place where goods are stored warehouse,
godown
A place where wild animals are kept and exhibited zoo
OCCUPATIONS
One who keeps and examines business accom,ts accountant

One who does daring gymnastic stunts acrobat
The commander of a fleet admiral
One who learns a trade while working for someone apprentice
One who studies historical remains archaeologist
One who draws plans for buildings and looks after the work
of building architect
One who foretells things by the stars astrologer
One who studies the stars astronomer
One who writes books author
One who makes and sells bread baker
One who shaves and cuts the hair of customers barber
One who makes things out of iron blacksmith
One who kills animals, cuts them up and sells the meat butcher
One who does woodwork carpenter
One who receives and pays out money in a bank cashier
One who is employed to drive a car chauffeur
A head male cook in a hotel, restaurant, etc. chef
One who prepares and sells medical goods chemist
One who mends shoes cobbler
One who composes music composer
One who makes and sells cakes, pastries and other sweet things confectioner
One who does clever and difficult tricks conjurer
One who regularly reports local news or writes special articles
to a newspaper correspondent
One who takes charge of a museum or an art gallery curator
One who decorates houses decorator
One who attends to people's teeth dentist
One who finds out about criminals and catches them detective
328
One who deals in cloth and cloth goods draper

One who helps a surgeon to dress wounds in a hospital dresser
One who edits or takes charge of a magazine or newspaper editor
One who is expert in setting up, controlling and repairing
electrical apparatus · electrician
One who plans and builds roads, bridges, machines, etc. engineer
One who travels to little-known places in order to learn more
about them explorer
One who sells fish fishmonger
One who sells flowers florist
One who sells fruit fruiterer
One who studies rocks and soils geologist
One who sells fresh vegetables and fruit greengrocer
One who sells household requirements like coffee, sugar, etc. grocer
One who cuts and sets hair of women hairdresser
One who sells goods in the street hawker
One who creates or designs new things inventor
One who deals in jewels jeweller
One who rides a horse in horse races jockey
One who writes for a newspaper journalist
One who hears and decides cases in a law-court judge
One who gives advice in matters of law lawyer
One who is in charge of a library librarian
One who directs and controls a business, a hotel, etc. manager
A woman who manages the household affairs and nursing staff
of a hospital matron
One who repairs machines mechanic
A shopkeeper who sells newspapers newsagent
One who looks after sick or injured people in a hospital nurse
One who attends to the diseases of the eye oculist
One who tests eyesight and sells spectacles optician
One who takes pictures with a camera photographer
One who writes poems poet
One who carries luggage at the railway station, harbour, etc. porter
One who delivers letters postman
One who sells poultry (hens, ducks, etc.) poulterer
One who is a judge in a game referee
One who sells things in a shop or from door to door salesman
One who keeps the street clean by taking away rubbish scavenger
One who knows much about one or more of the natural
sciences scientist
One who carves in stone sculptor
A man who looks after sheep shepherd
One who deals in materials such as paper, ink, etc. stationer
One who records or writes in shorthand stenographer
One who loads and unloads ships stevedore
A doctor who performs operations surgeon
One who cuts and makes clothes tailor
One who guides tourists to various places of interest tourist guide
One who does business trader, merchant
.329
One who takes charge of money, etc., belonging to a club or

society treasurer
One who types on a typewriter typist
One who sees that a game is properly played umpire
One who shows people to their seats in theatres, cinemas, etc. usher
One who treats the diseases of animals veterinarian
One who plays on the violin violinist
One who serves at tables in a restaurant waiter
One who takes charge of a prison warden
One who works as a prison guard warder
One who makes or repairs watches watchmaker
PEOPLE
One who takes refuge in another country refugee
One who catches fish with a fishing-rod angler
One who shoots with bows and arrows archer
One who does not believe in God atheist
A man who is not married bachelor
One who is unable to pay what he owes bankrupt
One who feeds on human flesh cannibal
One who lives in a city or state citizen
One who rides a bicycle cyclist
One who speaks and thinks a lot about oneself egoist
One who leaves one's country emigrant
One who is forced to stay outside one's country exile
One who lives in another country foreigner
One who runs away from the law fugitive
One who eats too much glutton
One who is invited for a meal, party, etc. guest
One who by desire lives alone hermit
One who welcomes guests host, hostess
One who pretends to be what he is not hypocrite
One who comes into a country and stays there immigrant
One who pretends to be somebody else in order to cheat imposter
One who helps people to understand a different language interpreter
One who speaks many languages linguist
One who dies for what he believes martyr
One who imitates the voice of another mimic
One who stores up money because of greed miser
One who uses a motor-car motorist
A wanderer with no fixed home nomad
One who looks on the bright side of things optimist
A child who has lost one or both parents orphan
One who travels in a train, ship, aeroplane, etc. passenger
One who goes on foot along the road pedestrian
One who loves and is ready to defend his country patriot
One who looks on the dark side of things pessimist
One who does good to others by giving money philanthropist
330
One who travels to a holy place pilgrim

One who foretells things to come prophet
One who is newly enlisted as a soldier recruit
One who spends money freely and carelessly spendthrift
A woman who is not married spinster
One who hides on a ship to get a free trip stowaway
One who goes over to the enemy's side traitor
A pupil who stays away from school without permission truant
One who does not eat meat vegetarian
One who does something of his own will volunteer
A woman whose husband is dead widow
SIMILES
Similes showing distinctive qualities of creatures
as agile as a monkey as mad as a March hare
as blind as a bat as meek as a lamb; a dove
as brave as a lion as nervous as a mouse
as bright as a lark as obstinate as a mule
as busy as a bee; an ant as persistent as a mosquito
as calm as a cat as playful as a puppy; a kitten
as crafty as a fox as plump as a partridge
as deaf as a beetle as poor as ·a church mouse
as faithful as a dog as proud as a peacock
as fast as a deer; a hare as quiet as a mouse
as fat as a pig as red as a turkey-cock
as fierce as a lion as sick as a dog
as frisky as a lamb as slippery as an eel
as gaudy as a butterfly as slow as a snail; a tortoise
as gentle as a dove; a lamb as spineless as a jelly-fish
as graceful as a swan as strong as a horse; an ox
as hairy as a gorilla; a spider as supple as a snake
as happy as a lark as sure-footed as a goat
as harmless as a dove as suspicious as a cat
as heavy as an elephant as timid as a mouse; rabbit
as hungry as a wolf as tricky as an ape
as lazy as a toad as useful as a cow
as like as two herring as wet as a fish
as lively as a cricket as wasteful as a hen
as wise as an owl
Similes showing distinctive qualities of people

as bashful as a schoolgirl as loyal as an apostle
as devoted as a mother as mad as a hatter
as feeble as a child as mean as a miser
as happy as a king as old as Methuselah ·
as harmless/helpless as a babe as patient as Job
as hungry as a hunter as rich as Croesus
331
as rosy as a bride as tall as a giant

as sober as ajudge as tender as a shepherd
as stately as a queen as thick as thieves
as strong as Hercules; Samson as wise as Solomon
Similes showing distinctive qualities of things

as bald as an egg as old as the hills
as beautiful as the rainbow as pale as death
as bitter as gall as plain as a pikestaff
as black as coal; soot; pitch as pure as a lily
as blunt as a hammer as quick as lightning
as bold as brass as red as a cherry; blood
as bright as a button as regular as the clock
as brilliant as the stars as right as rain
as brittle as glass as round as an orange; a barrel
as brown as a berry as rough as a storm
as clean as a new pin as sacred as a shrine
as clear as a bell; crystal as safe as the bank
as cold as ice as sharp as a needle; a razor
as cool as a cucumber as silent as the grave
as dead as a doornail as smooth as glass; velvet
as deaf as a doorpost as soft as butter
as dry as a bone as sound as a bell
as dull as ditchwater, as sour as vinegar
as easy as ABC as steady as a rock
as fat as butter as stiff as a poker
as fit as a fiddle, as still as a statue
as flat as a pancake as straight as an arrow; a ramrod
as fresh as a daisy; paint as sturdy as an oak
as gloomy as night as sweet as honey
as good as gold as swift as an arrow
as green as grass as thin as a rake
as hard as horn; iron; nails as tough as leather
as heavy as lead as transparent as glass
as hot as a furnace; fire as true as gospel
as light as a feather as warm as wool
as like as two peas as weak as water
as loud as thunder as white as a sheet; snow
as new as day
COUNTRY, PEOPLE AND LANGUAGE

Country People I Language
Arabia Arabs Arabic

Australia Australians English
Belgium Belgians Flemish, French
Bulgaria Bulgarians Bulgarian
332
Country I People J Language
Burma Burmese Burmese

Canada Canadians English, French
China Chinese Chinese
Czechoslovakia Czechs, Slovaks Czech
Denmark Danes Danish
Egypt Egyptians Arabic
England English English
Finland Finns Finnish
France French French
Germany Germans German
Greece Greeks Greek
Greenland Eskimos Eskimo
Holland Dutch Dutch
Hungary Hungarians Magyar
India Indians Hindi
Indonesia Indonesians Indonesian
Ireland Irish English, Gaelic
Italy Italians Italian
Japan Japanese Japanese
Malaysia Malaysians Malay
Mexico Mexicans Spanish
New Zealand New Zealanders, English
Maoris Maori
Norway Norwegians Norse
Israel Jews, Arabs Hebrew, Arabic
Persia Persians Persian
Philippines Filipinos Tagalog
Poland Poles Polish
Portugal Portuguese Portuguese
Scotland Scottish English, Gaelic
South Africa South Africans English, Afrikaans
Spain Spanish Spanish
Switzerland Swiss French, German
Thailand Thais Thai
Turkey Turks Turkish
United States Americans English
U.S.S.R. Russians Russian
RECEPTACLES
Receptacles I Things/Foodstuffs
ash-tray ash (of tobacco)

bag cocoa, coffee, rice, sago, sugar
basin liquids
333 .
Receptacles f Things/Foodstuffs ·
bottle ink, milk, wine, medicine

bowl soup, food
caddy tea
carton cigarettes
casket jewels, letters, cremated ashes
chest tea, cloves, clothes, tools, medicine
cigarette-case cigarettes
compact face-powder
cupboard clothes, books, dishes, provisions
decanter wine
drum oil
dustbin rubbish
envelope letter
flagon wine
file papers
flask wine, oil
hamper food
handbag money, keys
haversack rations
holster revolver, pistol
jar jam, water
jug milk, beer and other liquids
kettle water
locker clothes, stores, books
mug milk, beer
pail water, milk
pillar box letters
pitcher liquids
purse money
sack flour, potatoes, coal
safe money
sheath dagger, sword, knife
tank liquids, gases
teapot tea
test-tube chemicals
thermos flask water
tin food, cigarettes
trunk clothes
tub water
334
PART2
1 A SURPRISE FOR JANET
Many people like to keep rabbits because they are gentle animals
and make good pets. Do you like them?
Last year Janet's uncle gave her a pair of white rabbits for her birth-
day. She named them Bunny and Betty and kept them in a large cage in
the garden. She fed the rabbits thrice a day - once every morning, after-
noon and evening. She also changed their water daily. The rabbits ate
green leaflets and vegetables like cabbages and carrots.
Every evening Janet let the rabbits out of their cage. They hopped
about happily in the garden. Then she brushed their long white hair with
a comb before putting them back in the cage again. Soipetimes she cut the
nails on their paws too. "In this way they can't scratch me when I play
with them," she said .
One morning when Janet went to feed her rabbits, she had a lovely
surprise. In the cage with Bunny and Betty were five baby rabbits! Their
eyes were still closed. "Betty has babies!" she exclaimed. That day she
proudly showed them off to her friends.
For the first two months the baby rabbits fed only on their mother's
milk. Later they began eating vegetables and leaflets too. H0wever, -when
they were quite big, Janet had to give three of them away.
"There isn't enough space in the garden for so many rabbits," said
her mother. Janet now has four rabbits. Her father has built another cage
for the two young rabbits.
1. Why do many people like to keep rabbits?

2. What did Janet get for her birthday last year? Who gave them to
her?
3. What did she feed the rabbits with?
4. What did Janet do every evening?
5. What surprise did Janet have one morning?
6. Why did Janet have to give three of the rabbits away?
7. Why did Janet cut the nails on the rabbits' paws sometimes1
(A) So that they would not look untidy.
(B) So that their paws would not get dirty easily.
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(C) So that they could not scratch themselves.

(D) So that they could not scratch her when she played with them.
(E) So that they would not scratch each other with their long
nails.
8. For the first two months the baby rabbits fed only on
(A) green leaflets. (D) cabbages.
(B) their mother's milk. (E) water.
(C) carrots.
2 S IL L Y KAI FOO
Kai Foo was a farmer. One day he bought a calf. Thinking that it
was a cow, he harnessed it to his plough. However, the plough was too
heavy for the calf. So no matter how hard Kai Foo tried, he could not
make the animal pull it. Finally in a fit of temper, he killed the calf. Then
he skinned it and hung the meat on a mango tree.
Presently a flock of crows flew to the tree and began pecking on the
meat.
"Get away from my meat!" shouted Kai Foo. "Or do you have the
money to pay for it?"
"Caw! Caw!" cried the crows.
"So you don't have the money." said the silly man. "Then maybe
the mango tree will pay for you."
Just then the wind blew and the mango tree swayed, as though it was
nodding in approval.
"Very well." said Kai Foo. "Since the tree has agreed to pay, you
can eat as much as you like."
When Kai Foo told his wife what had happened, she was very angry.
"You fool!" she snapped. "How will the mango tree pay you?"
"Well, that's its business," replied silly Kai Foo.
The next morning Kai Foo went to the mango tree. The crows had
eaten all the meat and flown away.
"Come now, mango tree," said Kai Foo. "Where's the money?"
But though he asked several times, the tree, of course, did not reply.
Angrily Kai Foo seized an axe an chopped it down. To his surprise, he
found a pot of gold inside! Happily he took it home to his wife. He was
not so silly after all!
1. Why did Kai Foo harness the calf to his plough?

2. What did he finally do to the calf?
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3. What came to peck on the meat?

4. Why did Kai Foo let the crows eat the meat?
5. What did he do to the mango tree?
6. What did he find inside?
7. The calf could not pull the plough because
(A) it was too fat to move.
(B) it was tired.
(C) it was too hungry.
(D) the plough was too heavy for it.
(E) 'the plough was stuck in the mud.
8. The mango tree swayed because
(A) it agreed to pay for the crows.
(B) it was blown by the wind.
(C) it was angry with Kai Foo.
(D) it wanted to eat the meat.
(E) the crows pecked it.
3 WHEN THE PEN WAS INVENTED
For centuries man has been able to record his thoughts and deeds by
writing them down. The pen is an important instrument for writing.
However, long before a real pen was made, many simple tools were
used. Early man used pointed stones to scratch records or pictures on
walls of caves. Sometimes he wrote with his finger after dipping it in plant
juices or the blood of animals.
Many years later the Egyptians fixed a piece of copper to the end of
a hollow stem and used it as a pen. The Greeks, on the other hand, used
a pen made of metal, bone or ivory to write on wax-coated tablets.
In the fifteenth century when paper was invented, man learnt to
write with the tail or wing feathers of geese, crows or swans. The tip of
each feather was split. In this way ink could flow down the hollow in the
feather to the paper. Do you know the the word 'pen' comes from a Latin
word 'penna' meaning 'feather'?
The first fountain pen was made in the United States in the nineteenth
century. The nib of the pen was made of gold, tipped with osmiridium or
iridium. These are smooth hard metals which enable the pen to write
without scratching.
The ball-point pen was invented in the twentieth century. The
writing point of this pen is a tiny metal ball. The ball sits in a socket and
moves round and round and picks up the ink inside the pen-as you write.
337
1. What did early man use to write?
2. What did the Egyptians use?
3. When did man learn to write with the tail or wing feathers of geese,
crows or swans?
4. Why was the tip of each feather split?
5. Where and when was the first fountain pen made?
6. What is a ball-point pen?
7. The Greeks wrote on wax-coated tablets with
(A) their fingers
(B) the end of a hollow stem.
(C) a pen made of metal, bone or ivory
(D) the tip of a feather.
(E) pointed stones.
8. Osrpiridium and iridium are
(A) other names for nibs of pens.
(B) two types of writing instruments.
(C) two types of smooth hard rocks.
(D) smooth hard metals which enable the pen to write without
scratching.
(E) names for tiny metal balls at the tips of pens.
4 SAVED BY A SE WIN G - MACHINE
Mr Lo and his family lived in a house by the side of a road. One

night while they were sleeping an accident occurred. A car skidded on the
road in front of their house. It hit the front wall and crashed right into
the house. Mr Lo, his wife and their two children were. sleeping on the
floor near the wall. The loud crashing sound woke them all up.
"I was shocked when I woke up and saw what had happened," said
Mr Lo. "The car was only a few feet away and its engine was still running.
When I looked up, I saw the wall leaning over above our heads. Fortunate-
ly it did not fall on us."
"You must be wondering why the wall had not fallen. This was
because it was supported by a sewing-machine. All the other things in the
room were thrown about, except the sewing-machine. It had not moved
at all!"
"I could see that the sewing-machine would not be able to support
the wall for long," said Mr Lo. "So I quickly ran out of the house with my
wife and children. A few minutes later the wall collapsed!"
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COMPREHENSION ·
What had happened to the driver of the car? Well, he was not hurt
at all except for a few scratches on his legs but the car was badly damaged.
Mr Lo felt that they were all very lucky to be alive. "The sewing-
machine saved our lives," he said. "If it had not supported the wall, we
would have been killed!"
1. Where did Mr Lo and his family live?

2. What happened when the car skidded on the road in front of the
house?
3. Why was Mr Lo shocked when he woke up?
4. Why had the wall not fallen in?
5. What did Mr Lo and his family do before the wall collapsed?
6. Was the driver of the car hurt?
7. When the accident occurred,
(A) Mr Lo and his family were sitting in front of the house.
(B) Mr Lo was sleeping on the floor near the kichen.
(C) Mr Lo and his family were sleeping on the floor near the front
wall.
(D) Mr Lo's children were sleeping on the floor.
(E) Mr Lo was working in his garden.
8. Why did Mr Lo quickly run out of the house with his family? Because
(A) he was afraid the roof would fall on them.
(B) he knew that the sewing-machine would fall on them soon.
(C) he knew that the sewing-machine could not support the wall
for long.
(D) he was afraid that the car would run over them.
(E) he thought that the driver of the car needed help.
5 THE MISSING BOY
Mrs Liu sold newspapers at a news-stand in a busy street. She used

to bring her two-year-old son, Ah Tak, to the news-stand with her. Some-
times when she was busy, Ah Tak would walk down the street alone to
look at ~he shops. "Don't go too far," his mother always reminded him.
Usually he returned after about fifteen minutes.
However, one morning Mrs Liu became worried when Ah Tak did
not return after an hour. She searched everywhere for the little boy but
without success. In the end she made a report to the police. At once the
police searched the street and the surrounding areas for the boy. But still
there was no trace of him. The next day the story of the missing boy and
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COMPREHENSION
a picture of him were printed in the newspapers.

Three days passed. The police still could not trace Ah Tak. How-
ever, that evening Mr and Mrs Liu had a surprise. A stranger came to their
house and Ah Tak was with him.
"I found this little boy wandering about alone in the street," said the
stranger. "Thinking that he was an orphan I took him home with me. I
hoped to adopt him. But this afternoon I read in the newspaper that he
was your son. So I decided to bring him back to you."
Mrs Liu and her husband were overjoyed to have their son back
again. From then on Mrs Liu never took Ah Tak to the news-stand again.
"I don't want to risk losing him again," she said. ·
1. What did Mrs Liu do every day?

2. Whom did she bring with her to the news-stand?
3. Why did Mrs Liu become worried when Ah Tak did not return after
an hour?
4. What did she do when she could not find him?
5. Waht surprise did Mr and Mrs Liu have one evening?
6. Why had the stranger taken Ah Tak home with him?
7. What would Ah Tak do when his mother was busy? He would
(A) go home.
(B) play with other children by the roadside.
(C) walk down the street alone to look at the shops.
(D) stand beside the news-stand.
(E) help his mother.
8. Pick out the statement which is NOT true.
(A) The stranger read about Ah Tak in the newspaper.
(B) Ah Tak was missing for two days.
(C) Mrs Liu never took Ah Tak to the news-stand again.
(D) The police searched the street and the surrounding areas for
Ah Tak.
(E) Mr and Mrs Liu were very happy to have their son back again.
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COMPREHENSION
6 SHOPPING FOR CLOTH
Swee Leng and her mother are out shopping. They are looking at
some cloth in a textile shop. There are rows of beautiful cloth in the shop.
Swee Leng: Mother, come and look at this piece of red flowered
cloth. Isn't it pretty?
Mother: Yes, it's very nice. You can make a dress with it for the
coming New Year.
A shop assistant walks up to them.
Shop assistant: Can I help you, madam?
Mother: Yes. What's the price of this piece of cloth?
Shop assistant: It's $6.00 a yard, madam.
Mother: $6.00! That's too expensive! I'll pay you $4.50 a yard
for it.
Shop assistant: But that's less than its cost price. Madam, this piece of
cloth is of good quality. Just look at its texture. See
this chop? It's imported from Europe. But all right. I'll
reduce the price to $5.80 a yard. Is that fair?
Mother: Hm.m.m ... All right. I'll take it. I'm going to make a
dress for my daughter with it. So cut two yards of it for
me please.
The shop assistant measures two yards of the cloth and cuts it. Then he
folds it and puts it into a paper bag. Swee Leng's mother pays him $11.60.
Shop assistant: Thank you. Do you need anything else?
Mother: Yes. Have you any lace table-cloth?
Shop assistant: I'm afraid they are out of stock at the moment. I have
some plastic ones, though. Would you like to have a
look at them?
Mother: No, thank you. I don't want those. Well, I don't think
there's anything else that I need to buy at the moment.
Let's go, Swee Leng.
1. What does Swee Leng see in the textile shop?

2. How much does the piece of cloth cost?
3. How much does Swee Leng's mother offer to pay for the cloth?
4. Why can't the shop assistant sell the cloth to her at that price?
5. What does Swee Leng's mother want to do with the cloth?
6. How much does she pay the shop assistant?
7. The shop assistant sells the cloth to Swee Leng's mother at
(A) $6.00 a yard.
(B) $5.80 a yard.
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COMPREHENSION
(C) $4.50 a yard. (E) $11.60 a yard.

(D) $4.80 a yard.
8. Swee Leng's mother also wants to buy
(A) a piece of red flowered cloth.
(B) a piece of plastic cloth.
(C) a lace table-cloth.
(D) a piece of lace.
(E) a plastic table-cloth.
7 THE H I PPOPOTAMUS
The hippopotamus is an animal found in Africa. The natives there

call it 'river horse'.
This animal lives in the river and feeds only on plants found along
the riverside. It swims about with its whole body under water. But it
keeps its eyes and nostrils, which are on the upper part of its head, above
the water at all times. It does this so that it can breathe and look around
while it is swimming.
Do you know that the hippopotamus has the biggest mouth among
all land animals? When the mouth is open, it is quite frightening to look at.
You see, it has very huge teeth; its molars are as big as a man's fist!
The skin or hide of a hippopotamus is very thick. As a result, no
animal can ever bite through it. That is why the hippopotamus is not afraid
of other animals. Yet primitive people were able to kill the animal by
using spears. How did they do it? Well, they struck the animal at the
points where the skin was thinnest. Sometimes they speared it through
its wide open jaws.
Today natives and European hunters hunt the hippopotamus with
guns. There are many reasons why they hunt this beast. Firstly its flesh
is delicious. Secondly its thick hide can be made into valuable belts and
whips and, lastly, its teeth make good ivory. Just how big is a hippopotamus?
It can weigh from three to four tons! The animal has a long life too.
Usually it lives from thirty to forty years.
I. What do the natives of Africa call the hippopotamus?

2. Why does it keep its eyes and nostrils above water at all times?
3. Why is the hippopotamus not afraid of other animals?
4. How did primitive people kill the animal?
S. What can the thick hide and teeth of the hippopotamus be made into?
6. How heavy is the animal and how long can it live?
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COMPREHENSION
7. The hippopotamus has the ........ .. .. ...... .. among all land animals.
(A) longest tail (D) biggest ears
(B) longest jaws (E) biggest eyes
(C) biggest mouth
8. Natives and European hunters hunt the hippopotamus for
(A) its skin. (D) its flesh, hide and teeth.
(B) its teeth and eyes. (E) its nostrils.
( C) its jaws.
8 MR LIM'S SHOP
Mr Lim sells cakes and biscuits. He has been in this business for
twenty-five years. Most of his cakes and biscuits are imported from other
countries . However, some of them are made by his wife and daughter.
Besides making ordinary cakes, Mrs Lim and her daughter also make
Chinese New Year cakes and biscuits. If you visit Mr Lim's shop during
the Chinese New Year season, you will find lots of these cakes and biscuits
for sale.
Mrs Lim and her daughter work in the kitchen at the back of the
shop. They are especially busy during the Chinese New Year season. They
usually have to start making the cakes and biscuits two months before the
big occasion. Last year Mr Lim employed ten girls to help them. "When
my wife was younger, she was able to do most of the work herself," said
Mr Lim. "However, she is old now and the orders are increasing. So she
needs helpers."
The Chinese New Year cakes made by Mrs Lim include layered cakes,
sponge cakes and green pea cakes. She is an expert at making the layered
cakes. "Few people know the correct way to make them nowadays,' '. said
Mr Lim.
Orders for the New Year cakes and biscuits come in weeks before
Chinese New Year. "Most of my customers are housewives," said Mr Lim.
"However, recently I have been supplying supermarkets and food stores
with the cakes too."
As Mr Lim gets so many orders during the New Year season, he is
most busy then. However, he does not mind the hard work at all. After
all, he does not get such good business the whole year round.
1. What does Mr Lim sell in his shop?

2. When do Mrs _Lim and her daughter start.making the Chinese New
Year cakes?
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COMPREHENSION
3. Why did Mr Lim employ ten girls to help them last year?
4. What types of cakes does Mrs Lim make?
5. Whom does Mr Lim receive orders for his cakes from?
6. Why doesn't Mr Lim mind the hard work during the New Year season?
7. How long has Mr Lim been selling cakes and biscuits?
(A) Five years (D) Twenty years
(B) Ten years (E) Twenty-five years
(C) Fiftee,n years
8. Mrs Lim is an expert at making
(A) sponge cakes. (D) layered cakes.
(B) biscuits. (E) green pea cakes.
(C) plain cakes.
9 THE CLEVER DONKEY
Once there was a donkey which had a cruel master. One day it ran
away into a forest and decided to stay there. But soon a tiger saw it and
immediately sprang on it. At once the donkey started to bray as loudly as
it could, twitching its ears at the same time. The tiger was so taken by
surprise by the donkey's actions that it ran away with fright.
Not long afterwards the tiger met a fox. Panting, he told the fox
what had happened.
"There's a terrible beast in the forest," it said. "It makes the most
horrible sound I've ever heard and it's got flapping wings on its head!"
"Is that so?" asked the fox. "Take me to see this beast."
The tiger led the fox to the place where he had met the donkey.
When the fox saw the donkey it laughed and said, "That's only a harmless
donkey and it only eats grass. Come, let's kill it for supper."
Only half convinced, the tiger followed the fox as it walked towards
the donkey. When the donkey saw them, it quickly thought of a plan.
"Hello, old friend! How nice to see you," it said loudly to the fox. "And
how nice of you to bring me supper; my favourite food too - tiger meat!"
When the tiger heard that, he was very frightened as well as angry.
"I'll teach you to trick me," it growled at the fox, and with one leap, it
killed it. Then it ran away as fast as it could.
1. Why did the donkey run away from its master?

2. What did the do_nkey do when the tiger sprang on it?
3. Why did the tiger run away?
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COMPREHENSION
4. Whom did the tiger meet?

5. What did the fox want to do to the donkey?
6. What did the clever donkey say to the fox?
7. The tiger was at first
(A) afraid of the donkey.
(B) angry with the donkey.
(C) friendly with the donkey.
(D) kind to the donkey.
(E) cruel to the donkey.
8. Why did the tiger kill the fox? Because
(A) the fox laughed at it.
(B) it thought that the fox had tricked it.
(C) the fox wanted to kill the donkey.
(D) the fox wanted to kill it.
(E) the fox wanted to trick the donkey.
10 FROGS FOR DINNER
Do you know that there is a type of frog that can be eaten? It is

known as 'chooi kay' in Chinese. Fried frogs or frog soup are sold at most
Chinese restaurants. "They are very popular with our customers," said
one restaurant-owner. "However, we don't serve them every day." Do you
know why? It is because the frogs are hard to catch.
Edible frogs are mostly found in rice-fields and muddy banks of
rivers. But you cannot find any of them at all during a wet or dry spell.
Besides that, they do not come out during the day. So frog-catchers have
to look for them at night. They are also very slippery and it needs some
skill to catch them.
How do the frog-catchers tell between edible and inedible frogs?
"That's easy," said Mr Lau, a frog-catcher. "Edible frogs stay only in
certain places. They look different from other frogs too and can easily be
recognized."
Most of the edible frogs that are caught are bought up by restaurants.
The cooks skin the frogs while they are still alive. This requires some skill.
Then they cut them up and cook them.
Frog meat is believed to have medicinal value too. "It cures skin
diseases, purifies the blood and gives you a smoother and clearer comple-
xion," said Mr Lau. "Therefore, it is good, especially for young children."
Have you eaten frog meat before? Many people who have tried it
say that it is more tender than chicken meat!
345
COMPR EHENSION
I. Why don't the Chinese restaurants serve frogs every day?

2. Where are edible frogs found?
3. Why does it need skill to catch the frogs?
4. What are the differences between edible and inedible frogs?
5. What do the cooks do with the frogs?
6. What is frog meat believed to be good fo r?
7. You cannot find frogs
(A) during the night.
(B) during a wet or dry spell and during the day.
(C) during a hot season . .
(D) during a cold season.
(E) when it is windy.
8. Pick out the statement that is NOT true.
(A) Edible frogs are known as 'chooi kay' in Chinese.
(B) Frogs are very slippery creatures.
(C) Frog meat is believed to have medicinal value.
(D) Chicken meat is more tender than frog meat.
(E) Fried frogs or frog soup are sold in Chinese restaurants.
11 THE TALLEST MAN

IN THE WORLD
Henry Hite lives in the United States of America. He is very much
taller than other Americans; he is eight feet two inches tall! In fact every-
. one thinks he is the tallest man in the world!
When Henry was only eleven years old, he was already seven feet
taJl! In school a special desk had to be built for him. By the time he was
fifteen years old, he had reached his present height.
Is life difficult for such a tall person as Henry? "Well, my main
problem is that I have to wear and use things that are very much bigger
than other people's!" he said. Take, for example, his clothes and shoes.
He requires eight yards of material to make himself a suit, and his shoes,
which are size twenty-two, cost about $270 per pair!
Recently Henry started to work as an advertising man for an Ameri-
can meat company. He has to travel a lot in his job. He goes everywhere
in a car, which unlike others, -does not have front seats. You see, Henry
is so big that he can only drive from the rear seats. So he had to have the
front seats removed! However, these are not all of Henry's problems.
Sometimes he has to spend a night in a hotel when -he is travelling. And
during his stay there, he has to ask for an extra bed to put his legs!
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COMPREHENSION
Thus Henry may be the tallest man in the world but because of his
height, he is faced with many problems.
1. How tall is Henry Hite?

2. Why was a special desk built for him in school?
3. When did he reach his present height?
4. Why is life difficult for such a tall person as Henry?
5. What is special about Henry's car?
6. What does he have to do when he spends a night at a hotel?
7. When Henry was eleven years old, he was already
(A) six feet tall.
(B) eight feet two inches tall.
(C) eight feet tall.
(D) seven feet tall.
(E) seven feet two inches tall.
8. Henry is an advertising man for
(A) an American wheat company.
(B) an American wool company.
(C) an American meat company.
(D) a British steel company.
(E) a British beer company.
12 A LETTER FROM MOTHER

Bali Hotel,
Djalan Veteran,
Denpasar, Bali
29th February 1972
My dearest Siew Moi,

How are you and Hock Seng getting on? I hope you are not giving
too much trouble to Aunt Lilian.
Your father and I are having a lovely holiday on Pulau Dewata. This
is an Indonesian name for Bali. It means 'Island of Light'. Most of the
people here are Malays and they are very friendly.
Yesterday we watched a Balinese dance called the Ketjak or Monkey
Dance. The guide told us that there are about 200 different Balinese
dances! Each dance tells a story.
The Ketjak is one of the most well-known dances. It is a story of
two Hindu kings, King Rama and King Rhawana. King Rhawana had
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taken King Rama's wife, Sita, away. So King Rama fought a battle with
him. In the end he slew King Rhawana and won his Queen back. He did
this with the help of Hanuman, the monkey king, and his hundreds of
monkey soldiers.
There were 150 dancers performing the Ketjak. The costumes they
wore were very beautiful. The female dancers wore lovely 'gold' dresses
and beautiful headdresses. We took a photograph with them.
Since we came here we have spent most of our afternoons at the
beaches. There are lovely long white beaches along the coast. We have
visited several temples too. The island is full of them!
Have you received the postcards I sent you? Do you like them?
Next week we shall be flying home. Meanwhile, take care of yourself and
do look after Hock Seng.
Love,
Mother
1. Where are Siew Moi's parents?

2. What is the Ketjak?
3. What story does the Ketjak tell?
4. How did King Rama win his queen back?
5. What have Siew Moi's parents been doing most of the afternoons?
6. When will they be flying home?
7. Pulau Dewata means
(A) 'Island of Happiness'. (D) 'Island of Dances'.
(B) 'Island'. (E) 'Island of Light'.
(C) 'Light'.
8. The island of Bali is full of
(A) beaches. · (D) dancers.
(B) temples. (E) soldiers.
(C) postcards.
13 THE DOG THAT WORE THE

VICTOR IA CROSS
The Victoria Cross is a medal awarded to British soldiers who have
shown great courage in battle or done some heroic deed. This passage tells
you how Pat, an Alsatian dog, came to wear this medal.
Pat belonged to the colour-sergeant in the 72nd Highlander Regiment
in the British army. The colour-sergeant carries the flag of his regiment and
always stays close to the colonel. In a battle it is important that the enemy
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never captures the flag. You see, all the soldiers in the regiment will be
discouraged from carrying on fighting if they see their flag captured.
Once the 72nd Highlanders went to war with the Afghans. Pat
followed his master into battle. Suddenly a bullet hit the sergeant in the
right arm. Quickly he changed his sword to his left hand and held the
flag with the wounded one.
Just then an Afghan soldier rushed upon him to capture the flag. The
sergeant was weak. Soon he was overpowered. Fortunately Pat came to
his rescue and bit the Afghan's leg. The Afghan soldier turned round and
shot him. However, the brave dog held on until another British soldier
shot the Afghan and killed him. The colour-sergeant struggled to the
colonel's side with the flag. Then he fainted.
Both the sergeant and Pat were taken to hospital. Many days later
they recovered. For his bravery in saving the flag, the colour-sergeant was
awarded the Victoria Cross. "But Pat helped too," he said. "I want him
to share the honour." And he gave Pat the medal to wear for a day!
1. Whom did Pat belong to?

2. What is the duty of a colour-sergeant?
3. Why is it important that the enemy never captures the flag?
4. What happened to the sergeant during the war with the Afghans?
5. How did Pat come to the sergeant's rescue?
6. Why did the colour-sergeant let Pat wear the Victoria Cross?
7. The Victoria Cross is
(A) a cross given by Queen Victoria.
(B) a medal awarded to a soldier for bravery during Queen Victoria's
reign.
(C) a medal awarded to British soldiers for bravery or heroism.
(D) a medal awarded to British people for bravery or heroism.
(E) a cross awarded to brave people.
8. An Afghan soldier rushed upon the sergeant
(A) to kill him. (D) to help him up.
(B) to overpower him. (E) to capture the flag.
(C) to shoot at the flag.
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COMPREHENSION
14 THE CITY OF MUD
Kano is a city in Nigeria in West Africa. But this city is unlike other
cities in the world for all the buildings and houses here are made of mud!
A great mud wall, twelve miles round, surrounds the city. The
people here live like their ancestors five hundred years ago. Their mud
houses are small and are square or round. Do you know how these people
build a mud house? First they dig up some dry clay soil and add water to
it till it becomes a thick paste. Then they use this mixture to build the
roof and walls of the house. After that they leave the house to dry in the
sun. Once the house is dried. it is ready to be lived in.
Will the houses crumble when it rains? No, because there are pipes
on all the houses to lead the rain-water away to the ground. However, it
seldom rains in Kano. There are only occasional thunderstorms in May
and June.
The streets in Kano are narrow, and there are no lorries or motor-
cars. Instead you will find thousands of cyclists and some donkeys and
camels. Most of the people living in this city own a bicycle each.
The busiest place in the city is the market square. Here you will
find hawkers selling cloth, carpets, spices, cakes and many other things.
On the whole Kano is a busy place and the people here lead a happy
life. Would you like to visit this 'Mud City' one day?
1. How is Kano unlike other cities in the world?

2. What surrounds the city?
3. When is a mud house ready to be lived in?
4. How often does it rain in Kano?
5. What will you find instead of lorries or cars in the streets of Kano?
6. What will you see in the market square?
7. A mixture of .................... is used to build the roof and walls of a
mud house.
(A) sand and dry clay soil
(B) sand and water
(C) dry clay soil and water
(D) sand and mud
(E) soil and water
8. Most of the people living in Kano own
(A) a camel each. (D) a lorry each.
(B) a car each. (E) a bicycle each.
(C) a donkey each.
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COMPREHENSION
15 RULES FOR THE CYCLI ST

Do you cycle to school? Many school-children do but unfortunately
not all of them are aware of the rules every cyclist must follow. To be
safe on the road, you should observe these rules.
1. Before you start to ride your bicycle on the road, be sure that you
can control it properly first. You should be able to ride straight,
and know how to mount and dismount correctly. You should also
know all the traffic rules.
2. Always ride in a single file. Stay close to the left-hand edge of the
road. In this way other vehicles can overtake you safely.
3. When you are cycling behind a moving car, do not go too close to it.
Keep a safe distance between you and the car. Thus if the car stops
suddenly, you will still have time to stop.
4. Always keep both hands on the handle-bar of your bicycle. Many
children like to ride with their hands in their pockets. Others carry
parcels with one hand. These are dangerous things to do for then
you will not be able to control the bicycle, use the brakes or sound
the bell.
5. Another important rule is not to carry passengers on the handle-bar
or the pillion. A passenger on the handle-bar blocks your front view.
And a pillion passenger might move suddenly and make you lose
your balance.
6. Lastly check to see that your bicycle is always in good condition.
It must have a bell, a front lamp and a red tail-light at the back. It
must also have good brakes.
1. What must you be sure of before you start to ride your bicycle on
the road?
2. What should you also know?
3. Why must you stay close to the left-hand edge of the road?
4. How should you cycle behind a moving car?
5. Why must you keep both hands on the handle-bar of the bicycle?
6. What must a bicycle in good condition have?
7. You must always ride
(A) in groups.
(B) in rows.
(C) in a single file.
(D) two abreast.
(E) three abreast.
8. A passenger on the handle-bar
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COMPREHENSION
(A) may lose his balance.

{B) may move suddenly and make you lose your balance.
(C) blocks your front view.
{D) draws your attention to the traffic.
(E) helps you to look out for cars.
16 THE TURTLE CEREMONY

A turtle looks like a tortoise and has a very long life too. However,
unlike the tortoise, it lives in the sea and not on land.
Turtles are sacred to the Chinese. They believe that turtles can give
them long life and prosperity. They also believe that they have some
power over 'sea devils'. So they often set captured turtles free on im-
portant occasions.
Recently a ferry sank near Hong Kong harbour and a big ocean liner,
the Queen Elizabeth, caught fire and sank too. What caused these
disasters? The Chinese believed that it was the work of angry sea devils.
To prevent further disasters a rich man, Mr l'!_g, bought three turtles
and later released them during a ceremony. "This will make the sea devils
happy," said Mr Ng. "Then they won't cause any more disasters for the
rest of the year."
The three turtles were very old; each of them was about three
hundred years of age. They had been caught by some fishermen in the
South China Sea. The fishermen had sold them to Mr Ng for $53,000!
More than two hundred people attended the ceremony. Most of
them were fisher-folks. Buddhist monks chanted prayers and wrote some
Chinese words on the turtles' shells. Then the turtles were put into three
separate sampans. The people prayed and stuck their joss-sticks into jars
in the sampan. Then the boatmen rowed the sampans slowly out to sea.
And when they were some distance away from the coast, they set the
turtles free.
1. How is a turtle different from a tortoise?

2. Why are turtles sacred to the Chinese?
3. What happened near Hong Kong harbour recently?
4. Why did Mr Ng buy three turtles?
5. What did the Buddhist monks do during the ceremony?
6. What did the people do before the sampans were rowed away?
7. The Chinese believed that the disasters near Hong Kong harbour
were caused by
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COMPREHENSION
(A) turtles. (D) the fisher-folks.

(B) angry sea devils. (E) the boatmen.
(C) whales.
8. The turtles set free in the ceremony were
(A) a thousand years old.
(B) about fifty-three years old.
(C) about three hundred years old.
(D) two hundred years old.
(E) about fifty years old.
17 THE GREAT BEAR
If you look at the sky on a clear night, you will see a group of seven
stars. We call it 'The Great Bear'. There is a Red Indian legend about these
stars.
A long time ago six Red Indian brothers went out hunting, carrying
a big cooking-pot with them. They crossed mountains, valleys and forests
and sailed down great rivers.
But they could not find any bird or beast. Soon they grew hungry
and thirsty. Several more days passed but still they met with no luck.
Then the eldest brother fainted in weariness. Quickly his brothers made a
rough stretcher for him to lie on. Four of his brothers carried the stretcher
while the sixth or youngest one carried the cooking-pot.
At last to their joy, they found the footprints of a big bear. They
tracked the animal for days before they found it. Then the eldest brother,
who was lying on the stretcher, jumped up, ran forward and killed the
bear. After that the brothers decided to go home. But where was home?
In their frantic search, the brothers had climbed up to the sky. They
could not return to the earth now. Later the six brothers and the bear
were changed to stars. This group of stars is 'The Great Bear.' Four of
the stars, one of which is believed to be the bear, stand in a rectangle.
The other three stars stand in a straight line, joining the rectangle. The
middle star in the line is said to be the youngest brother. Near it is a
smaller star which is believed to be the cooking-pot.
1. What is the group of seven stars called?

2. Where did the six brothers go?
3. What happened to the eldest brother?
4. What did the other brothers do?
5. Could the brothers return to earth? Where were they?
353
COMPREHENSION
6. What happened to the six brothers and the bear later?

7. Who killed the bear?
(A) The youngest brother
(B) Four of the brothers
(C) All the brothers
(D) The eldest brother
(E) The second brother
8. One of the stars in the rectangle is believed to be
(A) the youngest brother.
(B) the bear.
(C) the eldest brother.
(D) the earth.
(E) the cooking-pot.
18 NOT GUILTY!
A few years ago Charles Clark received ten thousand dollars from
the Michigan Government. Michigan is a state in the United States of
America. Do you know why Clark was given that sum of money? It was
to make up to him for the thirty years he had stayed in prison for a crime
he had never committed. This was how it happened.
More than thirty years ago three men held up a store in Michigan.
They robbed the store-owner and then shot him dead. The store-owner's
daughter saw the robbers. Later at the trial she said that Clark was one of
them. "But I'm not guilty," he protested. However, no one believed him
and he was sent to prison.
Thirty years later, Clark was given a retrial. He was already seventy-
two years old then. At the retrial, it was proved that Clark was really
innocent.
"I know that nothing can make up for the wrong done to you," said
William Milliken, the governor of Michigan. "But we hope that the money
will help you lead a better life in the future.''
Clark felt very happy that he was at last a free man again. "I'll buy
a small cottage with a garden with the money," he said. He had to pay
some debts too. You see, all the time he was in prison, he had sent all the
money he had earned to his mother. But the money had not been enough
for her, so she had to borrow from her friends. However, despite that,
there was still enough money left for Clark to live comfortably for the
rest of his life.
354
. COMPREHENSION
1. Why did the Michigan Government give Clark ten thousand dollars?
2. What happened to a store in Michigan thirty years ago?
3. Why was Clark sent to prison?
4. When was he given a retrial?
5. Why did Clark feel happy?
6. What would he do with the money?
7. At the retrial, it was proved that
(A) Clark was really guilty.
(B) Clark helped the three men to rob the store.
(C) the store-owner's daughter helped the robbers.
(D) Clark was really innocent. ~ iA'
(E) Clark shot the store-owner.
8. The money was given to Clark to help him
(A) buy a store.
(B) lead a better life in the future.
(C) pay off his mother's debts.
(D) pay off his own debts.
(E) repay the store-owner's daughter.
19 uu·s LUCKY ESCAPE
What would happen if you fell down from a high building? Well, you
would probably get broken bones or be killed. Recently Liu fell down
from the fourteenth floor of a building. But he was unhurt. This was
how it happened.
Liu was a carpenter. One day he was standing at the edge of the
fourteenth floor of a twenty-five-storied building, working on some
window frames. He was wearing a safety-helmet. A safety-belt was tied
to his waist from a wooden pole to prevent him from falling down. At
lunch-time Liu released the safety belt to go down and have his lunch.
Suddenly he slipped and before he knew what had happened, he was
falling straight down to the ground below!
"I thought I was going to die," said Liu. "When I was halfway down,
I fainted."
When the other workers saw what had happened, they sent for an
ambulance. Liu was rushed to hospital. All his friends were worried about
him and waited anxiously for news of him. To their surprise, the doctors
declared him fit and he was discharged from hospital three days later. How
did Liu escape the fall unhurt? "I was lucky," said Liu. "Maybe my safety•
helmet helped."
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COMPREHENSION
But Liu's manager was still worried about him. He gave Liu $400
and a week's leave.
When Liu returned, he started work immediately. This time he
worked on the eighteenth floor of the building! "I'm glad that the fall has
not made me afraid of heights," he said.
1. What was Liu doing on the fourteenth floor of the building?

2. What was the safety belt for?
3. Why did Liu release the safety belt?
4. What did the other workers do?
5. Why were Liu's friends surprised?
6. What did Liu's manager give him?
7. Who was Liu?
(A) He was a construction worker.
(B) He was a window-cleaner.
(C) He was the owner of the building.
(D) He was a carpenter.
(E) He was a manager.
8. When Liu returned,
(A) he completed the work on the fourteenth floor of the building.
(B) he worked on the ground floor of the building.
(C) he started work immediately on the eighteenth floor of the
building.
(D) he started work immediately on the topmost floor of the
building.
(E) he worked on the fifteenth floor of the building.
20 LOUIS PASTEUR
Do you know that there are living things called bacteria in the air?
Louis Pasteur was the man who discovered this. He found that some
bacteria are disease germs while others cause things like milk to go bad.
He also discovered how to prevent these things from going bad by heating
them. This method is called pasteurization and is still being used today.
Pasteur was born in Dole, France. His parents were poor but they
worked hard to give him a good education. He grew up to become France's
greatest scientist!
Pasteur became famous as a result of his discovery in fighting two
diseases. One of these diseases was anthrax which spread among the farm
356
COMPREHENSION
animals in France, killing them by the dozens. Pasteur carried out an

experiment to protect these animals from the disease. He bought fifty
sheep and then injected twenty-five of them with weak anthrax germs.
Two weeks later he injected strong germs into all the fifty sheep. "Those
sheep which have been given the anthrax germs earlier won't die," said
Pasteur. "The others will." And he was right!
Not long after that a boy was bitten by a mad dog and had rabies.
At th'a t time nobody knew of a cure for that disease. Pasteur discovered
a way to cure the boy. He injected the boy with rabies germs. Each day
he increased the dosage. By the twelfth day the boy was cured.
After that Pasteur received many more honours for his work. Seven
years before he died, a great building called the Pasteur Institute was built
in honour of him. There scientists carried on with the work he had begun.
1. What did Louis Pasteur find out about bacteria?

2. What did he also discover?
3. How did Pasteur become famous?
4. What experiment did he carry out to protect farm animals from
anthrax?
5. How did Pasteur cure the boy who had rabies?
6. What great honour did Pasteur receive seven years before he died?
7. Pasteur was born in
(A) Great Britain. (D) Paris.
(B) the Pasteur Institute. (E) the United States of America.
(C) Dole, France.
8. Rabies is caused by -- ~
(A) bee stings. ---
(B) a bite from a mad dog.
(C) a bite from a rat.
(D) a bite from a mad person.
(E) a scratch from a cat. i .,~
.. j-~ - ·
. ·~ ~l
' ~
357
PRACTICAL ENGLISH USAGE BOOK 3
ANSWERS
EXE RCISE 1 (p. 2)
1. boy; pen 2. market; mother 3. girl; stairs 4. water; vase 5. house; river
6. grandfather; car 7. Cats; fish 8. noise; middle; night 9. dictionary; pages 1O. typist;
words; minute 11. fishermen; nets; sun 12. scout; pond; child 13. Cakes; flour; eggs;
butter; sugar 14. present; birthday; aunt 15. robbers; shop; money
EXERCISE 3 (p. 2)
night; villagers; huts; space; village; wood; tree; smoke; faces; circle; dance; spears; poison
EXE~CI SE 5 (p. 5) _/
1.y 2.X 3.X 4.y 5.X 6.X 7.y 8.X 9.y , 10.X 11.X 12. X
13. y 14. y 15. y 16. y 17. X 18. X 19. V 20. V 21. X 22. y 23. X
24. X 25. X 26. y 27. X 28. X 29. X 30. X
EXE RCISE 6 (p. 5)
1. A; - 2. a; a 3. an ; a 4 . A; a; - 5. -, - 6. -; a; a 7. A;-; - 8. -; a
9. -;- 10. a;-;an;- 11. a;a;- 12. -;a 13. a;-;- 14. a;- 15. -·-
EXE RCISE 7 {p. 6)
1. much; a little 2. many; a few 3. much; a few 4. many; many 5. much; a few
6. a few; much 7. much; a few 8. a little; a few 9. A little; a little 10. many; a few
11. afew;much 12. many ; afew 13. afew;many 14. many;afew 15. alittle;much;
a few
EXE RCI SE 8 (p. 7)
1. much; a few 2. much; a lot of 3. a few; a lot of 4. a few; a lot of 5. much; a lot of
6. a few; much 7. much; a few; a few 8. a little; a few 9. much; a little 10. much;
a little; a little 11. a few; a few 12. much; a lot of 13. a few; A lot of 14. much;
a lot of 15. a little; much
EXERCISE 9 (p. 7)
1. He ate a lot of durians. 2. She visited a lot of places. 3. I spent a great deal of money.
4. They drank a great deal of wine. 5. There were a lot of people at the concert. 6. There
was a great deal of rain in October. 7. I shall leave a lot of things behind. 8 . He will have a
great deal of time to finish the job. 9. Your father has been reading a lot of books. 10. You
have been doing a great deal of work. 11. There is a great deal of space left in the room.
12. There are a lot of crocodiles in the river. 13. They caught a lot of fish yesterday.
14. Mrs Lee has stored up a great deal of sugar. 15. We have picked a lot of flowers from the
garden .
EX ERCISE 10 (p. 8)
1. She did not spill any ink on the floor. 2. He did not buy any oranges for us. 3. I did
not eat any cakes before I went to bed. 4. He did not drink any coffee before he went out.
5. There aren't any eggs in that nest. 6. There isn't any paper in the drawer. 7. There
weren't any boxes in the room. 8. There weren't any girls at the football match. 9. We
shall not buy any bread for tomorrow. 10. She will not bring us any books tomorrow.
11 . We shall not see you anytime this evening. 12. He will not have anything to do
tomorrow. 13. I have not poured any oil into the frying-pan . 14. He did not put any
paper in the drawer. 15. We did not meet anyone on the way home.
EXERCISE 12 (p. 9)
Mr Lim; Mei Fong; Marymount Convent School; Cambridge School Certificate Examination;
England; Mei Ying; Primary School Leaving Examination; Mr Lim
EXERCISE 13 (p. 10)
1. Mr Murray is the headmaster of Driveway Secondary School. 2. They are showing 'The
Night of Terror' at the Odeon Cinema tonight. 3. Chee Seng and his friends went to Katong
Park last evening. 4. He was born in Bulim Village on 8th April, 1955. 5. St. Helena is an
island in the Atlantic Ocean. 6. We stayed at the Hilton Hotel when we visited Hong Kong
last month. 7. Poh Weng and Poh Hong are Mr Lim's sons. 8. My brother, John, is studying
in the University of Singapore. 9. Daisy and Maisie are Ah Chong's cows. 10. They often
go for a swim at the River Valley Swimming Pool on Sunday. 11. Is the 'Haw Par Villa'
359
ANSWERS
anywhere near the National Museum? 12. The 'Seabird', which is sailing to Sydney today, is
under the command of Captain Leong. 13. He flew off from the Kai Tak Airport to Australia
in a Qantas aircraft. 14. The Empire State Building in New•York is the highest building in
the world. 15. Mt. Everest is a mountain in the Himalayas which are situated to the north of
India.
EXERCISE 14 (p. 12)
1. class 2. stack 3. team 4. cluster 5. company 6. bunch 7. chest 8. brood
9. staff 10. bench 11. flock 12. pile 13. collection 14. shoal 15. bevy
EXERCISE 15 (p. 13)
1. pack 2. swarm 3. gang 4. bundle 5. group 6. choir 7. band 8. litter
9. staff 10. suite 11. flight 12. bale 13. set/kit 14. horde 15. army 16. flock
EXERCISE 16 (p. 13)
1. library 2. packet 3. bouquet 4. fleet 5. suit 6. plague 7. gang 8. crowd
9. herd 10. party 11. hedge 12. collection 13. string 14. crew 15. troop
EXERCISE 17 (p. 17)
1. city 2. match 3. mouse-trap 4. child 5. mosquito 6. sheep 7. army
8. goose 9. box 10. woman 11. piano 12. loaf 13. knife 14. glass 15. day
EXERCISE 18 (p. 17)
1. wives 2. faces 3. bushes 4. babies 5. radios 6. valleys 7. monkeys
8. tomatoes 9. mice 10. oxen 11. watches 12. thieves 13. roofs 14. teeth
15. sons-in-law 16. deer 17. shelves 18. passers-by
EXERCISE 19 (p, 17)
1. These are potatoes. 2. Those are umbrellas. 3. Crocodiles a re reptiles. 4. FI ies are
insects. 5. Boxes have lids. 6. All birds have beaks. 7. Axes are made of steel. 8. Those
are men's shoes. 9. Policemen wear uniforms. 10. Good knives do not rust easily. 11. Are
these capital letters? 12. Those are not our handkerchiefs. 13. These boxes are heavy.
14. We have finished our work. 15. Elephants are big animals.
EXERCISE 20 (p. 18)
1. There are some pictures on the wall. 2. Are there any pictures on the wall? 3. There
are some matches in the box. 4. Are there any matches in the box? 5. There are some
elephants in the jungle. 6. Are there any elephants in the jungle? 7. There are some bottles
of ink on the desk. 8. Are there any boxes of chalk on the table? 9. There were some
women at the gate. 10. Were there any women at the gate? 11. They drank a few cups of
tea just now. 12. Did they drink any cups of tea just now? 13. Are your friends postmen?
14. Those ~ren't worms; they're snakes. 15. These are babies' cots.
EXERCISE 21 (p. 19)
1. Those policemen are standing in front of them. 2. Their dogs are walking beside them.
3. Are those rulers ours or theirs? 4. We are washing our hands with soap and water.
5, These bags belong to them. 6. Those dresses belong to them. 7. Do those knives belong
to us? 8. These aren't our rulers; they're theirs. 9. Those aren't their bicycles; they're
ours. 10. We hurt ourselves while playing football. 11. They baked these cakes themselves.
12. Do they always look at themselves in the mirror? 13. They led their armies towards the
cities. 14. The boys did not know the answers. 15. The farmers used buffaloes to plough
their fields.
EXERCISE 22 (p. 19)
1. Those are squirrels, aren't they? 2. These are ink-bottles, aren't they? 3. Please put
them on our table. 4. Those workers have wives and children. 5. They were wearing
flowers in their hair. 6. They have read the book, haven't they? 7. We have painted them
red, haven't we? 8. Pens are more expensive than pencils. 9. I saw them riding away on
horses. 10. Whose oranges are these, yours or ours? 11. Are these boys' or girls' shoes?
12. Those are not men's gloves; they're women's. 13. They failed to find the atlases in the
library. 14. We have lost the keys to those rooms. 15. The thieves have stolen the children's
bicycles. ·
EXERCISE 23 (p. 20)
1. There are some sheep in the valley. 2. There are some huts at the foot of the hill.
3. Those are the girls who come by bus. 4. Are they policemen or postmen? 5. Those
children have some apples in their hands. 6. Are there any empty tins in the garage?
360
ANSWERS
7. Fishermen are men who catch fish. 8. Flies are insects; but spiders are not. 9. Potatoes
are vegetables; but roses are not. 10. Those lorries aren't ours, are they? 11. These aren't
their glasses, are they? 12. Your brothers are fairly tall, aren't they? 13. Their sisters are
nurses, aren't they? 14. We cannot send any letters without stamps on them. 15. Hawkers
are persons who sell things on the road.
EXERCISE 24 (p. 21)
1. is 2. is 3. are 4. are 5. is 6. are 7. is 8. Is 9. are 10. are 11. are
12. are 13. are 14. is 15. is
EXERCISE 25 (p. 22)
1. were 2. were 3. was 4. were 5. was 6. was 7. was 8. were 9. was
10. were 11. was 12. was 13. was 14. was 15. was
EXERCISE 26 (p. 22)
1. have 2. has 3. has 4. have 5. have 6. has 7. have 8. has 9. have 10. have
11 . has 1 2. have 13. has 14. has 15. Has
EXERCISE 27 (p. 23)
1. do 2. does 3. do 4. does 5. do 6. do 7. does 8. do 9. does 10. Do
11. do 12. Do 13. does 14. do 1 5. does
EXERCISE 28 (p. 23)
1. is 2. have 3. has 4. is 5. has 6. are 7. has 8. has 9. is 10. is 11. is;
have 12. has; have 13. are; have 14. is; has 15. has; has
EXERCISE 29 (p. 24)
1. barks 2. sings 3. visit 4. speak 5. like 6. walks 7. does 8. wishes 9. live
10. wants 11. do 12. love 13. buys 14. bake 15. sleep; get
EXERCISE 30 (p. 24)
1. Their hobby is playing badminton. 2. These dogs have long tails. 3. Those farmers are
working in the field. 4. The Chinese boys speak English well. 5. The shops were closed on
Sunday. 6. Oxen are strong animals. 7. They have ordered new suites of furniture.
8. The news-boys go round on their bicycles. 9. These baskets contain mangoes while those
contain oranges. 10. Their servants have gone to sleep. 11. Where are our books?
12. Giraffes are tall animals. 13. Are they coming here? 14. Do they come by bus?
15. The teachers put their boo ks on the table.
EXERCISE 31 (p. 25)
1. There is a pencil in the box. 2. The elephant in the zoo is very tame. 3. He was
punished by his teacher./She was punished by her teacher. 4. The thief was caught last
evening. 5. My brother collects stamps. 6. A girl is singing in the hall. 7. That boy does
not know the way there. 8. That child was playing in the rain. 9. There is a special key for
that door. 10. There is an interesting story in this book. 11. Does he drink coffee?/Does
she drink coffee? 12. Have I seen this before? 13. The woman is talking in the hall.
14. The man wants to see Mr Lim. 15. The workman has left his tool here.
EXERCISE 32 (p. 26)
1. They are planting the flowers in the pots. 2. Birds love to sing. 3. The children look
after the geese. 4. These girls are calling for their mothers. 5. The thieves have stolen our
watches. 6. The ships always stop here for refuelling. 7. Our friends have promised to come
to visit us next week. 8. Those girls are our friends' daughters. 9. They like to play the
piano. 10. We are very happy to see them. 11. The men's children were hurt. 12. They
have seen the ladies before. 13. They smile whenever they see us. 14. The women clean
the houses once a week. 15. Their sisters do not know what is in the boxes.
EXERCISE 33 (p. 26)
1. We are going to school with our brothers. 2. These books belong to Siew Ming. 3. The
little girls are playing with their dolls. 4. They have kicked the balls into the drain. 5. The
servants go to the market every morning. 6. Our feet are badly hurt. 7. The postmen are
cycling to work now. 8. Our uncles gave us some story books for our birthdays. 9. The
roofs of those houses are new. 10. We are sure that you are not as old as we. 11. The birds
have long beaks but short tails. 12. Those rooms are rented to the salesmen. 13. We keep
our bags in these cupboards. 14. Do they know why the boys were late? 15. Our sisters
don't understand what they are talking about.
361
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 34 (p. 29)

1. masculine 2. feminine 3. neuter 4. common 5. feminine 6. masculine
7. feminine 8. neuter 9. masculine 10. common 11. feminine 12. neuter
13. common 14. common 15. masculine 16. common 17. neuter 18. common
19. neuter 20. feminine
EXERCISE 35 (p. 29)
1. spinster 2. cock 3. drake 4. madam 5. niece 6. goddess 7. Boy Scout
8. milkmaid 9. vixen 10. waiter 11. empress 12. Sultana 13. brave 14. sow
15. tabby-cat 16. mistress 17. pea-hen 18. gander 19. heiress 20. heroine
21. lady 22. widower 23. aunt 24. lad 25. shei)oat 26. bridegroom
27. manageress 28. duke 29. conductor· 30. actress
EXERCISE 36 (p. 30)
1. The bitch bit my sister. 2. This woman knows your wife. 3. Mrs Tan is our headmistress.
4. The huntress shot the tigress. 5. The actress played the part of the heroine. 6. The
lady was introduced to the Sultana. 7. The Girl Guide saved my niece from drowning.
8. Our landlady is a widow. 9. The manageress has dismissed the stewardess. 10. Our
landlady's mother-in-law is very old. 11. The filly was stung by a bee. 12. The shepherdess
prayed to the goddess. 13. The daughter of a queen is cal led a princess. 14. My mother's
sister is my aunt. 15. The bride is the postmistress' step-daughter.
EXERCISE 37 (p. 30)
1. The boy looks very much like his father. 2. The duke spoke to the washerman kindly.
3. The master gave his manservant a present. 4. "Hasn't the priest corne yet?" he asked the
emperor. 5. The monk heard the drake quacking. 6. The stallion is running around with
the colt. 7. The hero is the heir to the throne. 8. His grandfather is talking to the Negro.
9. The conductor collected the f.ares from the men. 10. The author is a widower. 11. The
farmer has a gander and a he-goat. 12. The postmaster was the murderer. 13. The poet is a
bachelor. 14. The instructor is the duke's son-in-law. 15. The wizard changed the gentle-
man into a tom-cat.
EXERCISE 38 (p. 34)
1. The man's shirt 2. The player's boots 3. The cover of the book 4. The farmer's sheep
5. The postman's uniform 6. The girl's mother 7. The hawkers' stalls 8. The ladies' gloves
9. The babies' cries 10. The doctors' patients 11. The policemen's work 12. The children's
playground 13. The women's baskets 14. The hands of the clock 15. The handle of the
pail
EXERCISE 39 (p. 34)
1. That captain's ship. 2. A nurse's uniform 3. Mr Smith's children 4. The headmistress'
voice. 5. The sailors' laughter 6. Those artists' works 7. The children's room 8. Those
ladies' bags 9. The sun's rays 10. The parents' association. 11. Kim Seng's shirt.
12. A duck's feet 13. That man's house 14. The workmen's tools 15. The teachers' cars
EXERCISE 40 (p. 35)
1. teachers' 2. pupils' 3. Bill's 4. policeman's 5. players' 6. brother's 7. elephants'
8. women's 9. grocer's 10. singers' 11. minutes' 12. day's 13. month's 14. weeks'
15. mouse's
EXERCISE 41 (p. 36)
1. This is not Alice's umbrella; it is Swee Lan's. 2. Those are not boys' shoes; they are girls'.
3. I saw your friend's daughter in the children's park. 4. An owl's eyes are large and round.
5. He promised to write to me in a week's time. 6. I am going to the butcher's stall to get
some bones for my dogs. 7. Look! That tree in front of Eng Hock's house has shed nearly
all its leaves. 8. I think Chong Meng's bicycle is among those bicycles - I mean those girls'
bicycles. 9. Some of my friends say that goats' milk is more nutritious than cows' milk.
10. What do people mean when they say 'right from the horse's mouth'? 11. That book isn't
mine. It's someone else's book. 12. Our neighbour's garden is separated from ours by a fence.
13. Mei Ling's bag is green but her friend's is blue. 14. It is about ten minutes' walk from
here to my uncle's shop. 15. The doctor wrote down the patient's temperature on the card.
EXERCISE 42 (p. 36)
1. her 2. his 3. their 4. ours 5. your 6. my 7. his 8. ours 9. their 10. her
11. his 12. its 13. ours 14. his 15. your
362
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 43 (p. 37)

1. its 2. their 3. your 4. Its 5. his 6. Our 7. her 8. my 9. his 10. its
11. his 12. their 13. their 14. his 15. our
EXERCISE 44 (p. 40)
1. brightness 2. laziness 3. slowness 4. badness 5. gentleness 6. sickness
7. thickness 8. sadness 9. weakness 10. business 11 . foolishness 12. cleanliness
13. darkness 14. goodness 15. readiness
EXERCISE 45 (p. 41)
1. attention 2. decision 3. invitation 4. occupation 5. civilization 6. action
7. addition 8. information 9. perm1ss1on 10. selection 11. repetition 12. invention
13. collection 14. imagination 15. introduction
EXERCISE 46 (p. 4 1)
1. length 2. truth 3. warmth 4. width 5 . depth 6. growth 7. strength
8. breadth 9. youth
EX ERCISE 47 (p. 41)
1. absence 2. imagination 3. height 4. anger 5. invention 6. judgment 7. sight
8. speech 9. thought 10. wisdom 11 . hatred 12. fame 13. movement 14. cruelty
15. decision 16. flight 17. attraction 18. attention/attendance 19. subtraction
20. depth 21. belief 22. beauty 23. description 24. cleanliness
EXE RCI SE 4 8 (p. 4 1)
1. weight 2. explanation 3. darkness 4 . curiosity 5. bravery 6. arrival 7. warmth
8. success 9. youth 10. anxiety 11. seat 12. speech 13. perm ission 14. gift
15. injuries
EXERC ISE 49 (p. 42 )
1. laughter 2. entrance 3. behaviour 4 . argument 5. life 6. flight 7. disturbance
8. departure 9. collection 10. wedding 11. drawing 12. health 13. grandeur
14. absence 15. competition
EXE RCI SE 50 (p. 4 5)
1. deepen 2. shorten 3. lighten 4 . enrich 5. entitle 6. frighten 7. enable
8. sweeten 9. heighten 10. encircle 11. enrage 12. sharpen 13. lengthen
14. ensure 15. enthrone 16. entrust 17. encourage 18. strengthen 19. enslave
20. harden 21 . blacken 22. broaden 23. enlarge 24 . gladden 25. loosen
26. soften 27. cheapen 28. enjoy 29. smoothen 30. lessen 31 . enforce
32. sadden
EX ERCISE 51 (p. 45)
1. see 2. bleed 3. fill 4. produce 5 . calm 6. think 7. bathe 8. know 9. divide
10. describe 11. lower 12. refine 13. soften 14. compose 15. imitate 16. succeed
17. cleanse 18. lose 19. equalize 20. accustom 21. purify 22. endanger 23. sing
24. do 25. obey 26. fasten 27 . simplify 28. sell 29. fertilize 30. save
EXERCISE 52 (p. 46)
1. endanger 2. tightened/tightens 3. befriend 4. saved/saves 5 . enjoy 6. pleases
7. Sharpen 8. dictates 9. succeed 10. accustomed 11. breathe 12. try 13. tells
14. believe 15. solve
EXERCISE 53 (p. 51)
1. He is running, He ran: He will run; He has run 2. I am sitting; I sat; I shall sit; I have sat
3. She is standing; She stood; She will stand; She has stood 4. You are catching; You caught;
You will catch; You have caught 5. They are beating; They beat; They will beat; They have
beaten 6. We are tearing; We tore; We shall tear; We have torn 7. He is finding; He found;
He will find; He has found 8. She is seeing/She sees; She saw; She will see; She has seen
9 . I am coming; I came; I shall come; I have come 10. She is washing; She washed; She will
wash; She has washed 11. They are bringing; They brought; They will bring; They have
brought 12. I am doing; I did; I shall do; I have done 13. You are shooting; You shot;
You will shoot; You have shot 14. He is arriving; He arrived; He will arrive; He has arrived
15. We are cutting; We cut; We shall cut; We have cut
363
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 54 (p. 52)

1. (al My neighbour mowed the grass last week. (bl My neighbour has already mown the
grass. (cl My neighbour will mow the grass soon. 2. (al His mother baked cakes last week.
(b) His mother has already baked cakes. (c) His mother will bake cakes soon. 3. (al She
thought up some good ideas. (b) She has thought up some good ideas. (cl She will think
up some good ideas soon. 4. (a) The farmer ploughed the field last week. (bl The farmer
has already ploughed the field. (cl The farmer will plough the field soon. 5. (al Our dog
ran after the chickens last week. (bl Our dog has already run after the chickens. (cl Our
dog will run after the chickens soon. 6. (al We woke up at seven in the morning last week.
(bl We have already woken up at seven in the morning. (c) We shall wake up at seven in the
morning soon. 7. (a) Sally came to our house last week. (bl Sally has already come to our
house. (cl Sally will come to our house soon. 8. (a) Chee Seng took that bag to school
last week. (bl Chee Seng has already taken that bag to school. (cl Chee Seng wili take that
bag to school soon. 9. (al The farmer's children fed the chickens last week. (bl The
farmer's children have already fed the chickens. (cl The farmer's children will feed the
chickens soon. 10. (al Stephen showed his friends his collection of stamps last week.
(b) Stephen has already shown his friends his collection of stamps. (cl Stephen will show his
friends his collection of stamps soon. 11. (a) Kar Ling wrote to her last week. (bl Kar Ling
has already written to her. (c) Kar Ling will write to her soon. 12. (a) They sent me a
card for my birthday last week. (b) They have already sent me a card for my birthday .
(c) They will send me a card for my birthday soon. 13. (a) She talked to them last week.
(b) She has already talked to them. (c) She will talk to them soon. 14. (a) They won the
game last week. (b) They have already won the game. (c) They will win the game soon.
15. (a) These trees shed their leaves last week. (b) These trees have already shed their leaves.
(c) These trees will shed their leaves soon.
EXERCISE 55 (p. 52)
1. swimming 2. waiting 3. puts 4. putting 5. meet 6. mows 7. studying
8. selling 9. come 10. carries 11. wearing 12. cries 13. talking 14. know
15. hiding
EXERCISE 56 (p. 53)
1. gone 2. went 3. began 4. begun 5. rung 6. rang 7. stolen 8. stole
9. shook 10. shaken 11. ate 12. eaten 13. struck 14. struck 15. done
16. sprang
EXERCISE 57 (p. 53)
1. forgotten 2. come 3. saw; seen 4. dropped 5. spoke 6. wore 7. tore
8. stung 9. run 10. chosen 11. swam 12. written 13. laid 14. waited
15. spread
EXERCISE 58 (p. 54)
1. risen 2. beat 3. blew 4. added 5. awakened 6. stood 7. knew 8. read
9. wept 10. drew 11. drawn 12. shot 13. shrunk 14. sunk 15. split
EXERCISE 59 (p. 55)
1. costs/cost 2. bought 3. punished 4. meet 5. cutting 6. left 7. grown
8. behaves 9. heard 10. fought 11. taught 12. wound; stopped 13. flew; saw
14. beginning; rains 15. reads
EXERCISE 60 (p. 57)
1. is beating 2. am trying 3. is boiling 4. are sleeping 5. are singing 6. is ... running
7. are hurrying 8. are shouting 9. is rising 10. is knocking 11. is reading; is not
cooking 12. are resting; are not working 13. are packing 14. are not hiding 15. are
not running
EXERCISE 61 (p. 57)
1. are fishing 2. is cleaning 3. is leaving 4. am expecting 5. is flying 6. is painting
7. are hitch-hiking 8. are building 9. are coming 10. is driving 11. is meeting
12. am buying 13. is climbing 14. am giving 15. is not cooking; are eating
EXERCISE 62 (p. 58)
1. is calling 2. am not going 3. are playing 4. is ringing 5. is mending 6. is taking
7. is ... moving 8. is saying 9. are buying 10. is doing 11. is shining 12. is calling
13. is bringing 14. is barking 15. are waiting
364
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 63 11>. 59)

are coming; is going; are hurrying; are running; are standing; are holdi 11g; is coming; are rushing;
is trying; is t:,ein9 pushed; is ... doing; is calling; are stopping/is stopping; is beginning; is walking;
is waiting
EXERCISE 64 lp. 61)
1. write 2. moves 3. drinks 4. is; practises 5. have; swim 6. read; am 7. talk; do
notlike 8. crovv;cackles 9. cycle;walk 10. watch;listen 11. is;teaches 12. speaks;
does not know 13. go; camp 14. fly; do not 15. are; suck; spre ad
EXERCISE 65 Ip. 61)
1. swims 2. washes 3. collect 4. use 5. smokes; smokes 6. go; am 7. has; grows
8. know;sells 9. cries;is 10. rises;sets 11. visit;live 12. doesnotsing;tries
13. is;go 14. Do ... like;do not 15. fly; help
EXERCISE 66 Ip. 62)
1. gets; is getting 2. meet; go 3. is having; has 4. are ... using 5. stay; are ... going
6. is coming; goes 7. is; comes; is knocking 8. do not understan d ; is saying/says 9. cut;
chop 1 0. speak; have; am saying 11. is eating; has 12. is striking; is not 13. plays; is
not playing; is 1 4. Ii ke; throws; give 15. spends; lives; is not going
EXERCISE 67 (p. 65)
1. have passed 2. has bought 3. have already cooked 4. have not finished 5. has just
rung 6. has not filled 7. has spent 8. have left 9. has not arrived 10. has flown
11. have already read 12. has burst 13. has just walked 14. has already closed
15. Have ... told
EXERCISE 68 Ip. 66)
1. have not seen 2. has cooled 3. have visited 4. has not said 5. have never eaten
6. has not gone 7. have not wound 8. have known 9. Have ... ever seen 10. have lived
11. Has ... written 12. has locked 13. have never met; have heard 14. have sat; has not
started 15. have waited; has not turned
EXERCISE 69 (p. 66)
1. have just washed 2. has just eaten 3. has not come 4. have never seen 5. has just
started 6. has just painted 7. have lived 8. has taken 9. have not played 10. has not
seen 11. have already cut; have pulled 12. have already borrowed; have not paid
13. have lost; has stolen 14. have already seen; has not seen; has bought
EXERCISE 70 (p. 68)
1. received 2. replied 3, posted 4. did not play 5. caught; did not eat 6. went; lit
7. visited; was not 8. planted; died 9. hurt; fell 10. was; did not go 11. broke;
dropped 12. met; spoke; drove 13. came; went; did not wake; was 14. visited; enjoyed;
took; forgot; left 15. took; started; became; skidded; crashed; was
EXERCISE 71 (p. 69)
1. I dusted the shelves just now. 2. She typed all the letters this morning. 3. They put out
the fire an hour ago. 4. The doctor gave him an injection yesterday. 5. He won a prize
last week. 6. The thieves stole her jewellery two nights ago. 7. Some rats ate up the bread
last night. 8. He showed us the photographs last Sunday. 9. We repainted the door last
month. 10. A snake bit him on the leg just now. 11. The cobbler mended your shoes
yesterday. 12. Weraisedtheflagashorttimeago. 13. Theylefttenminutesago. 14. He
shot it down this afternoon. 15. I turned off the tap half an hour ago.
EXERCISE 72 (p. 70)
1. bought; have not cooked 2. has already set; has just come 3. was; has gone
4. met; have not seen; has gone 5. posted; have not received 6. left; has not returned
7. bought; have already driven; saw; liked; said; was 8. cost; bought; has gone 9. have not
found; have looked; left 10. did not come; has been; has fallen 11. broke; has healed; has
given 12. wanted; did not have; went; returned; were
EXERCISE 73 (p. 72)
1. were ... discussing 2. was digging 3. were singing 4. was sewing 5. were having
6. were practising 7. was fishing 8. was reading 9. was ploughing 10. were standing
11. were quarrelling 12. was walking 13. was shopping 14. was blowing 15. were
cycling
365
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 74 (p. 73)

1. was sleeping 2. was standing 3. were listening; was speaking 4. was watering
5. was dusting; was sweeping 6. was writing 7. were walking 8. was running 9. were
driving 10. was drawing; were listenirtg 11. were repairing 12. was reading; was preparing
13. was blowing 14. was making; was cutting 15. were waving; was leaving
EXERCISE 75 (p. 74)
1. was writing 2. was going 3. was having 4. was walking 5. were waiting 6. were
shouting; playing 7. was raining 8. were playing; was studying 9. was baking 10. were
not looking 11. were painting 12. was enjoying 13. was working; was playing; dancing
14. was still moving 15. were ... doing; was reading
EXERCISE 76 (p. 74)
1. was going; saw 2. hurt; was playing 3. was washing; rang 4. reached; were laughing
5. was coming; met 6. was running; tripped; fell 7. was waiting; waited; went 8. reached;
was ringing; vvere walking 9. was getting; started; fell 10. were watching; broke 11. was
sitting; screamed; jumped 12. was lying; reading; was doing 13. was reading; went; came;
continued 14. walked; were having; took; went 15. was looking; had
EXERCISE 77 (p. 77)
1. had put 2. had stopped 3. had got 4. had had 5. had set 6. had finished
7. had swept 8. had started 9. had cooked 10. had arrived 11. had said 12. had
tried 13. had shown 14. had disappeared 15. had sent
EXERCISE 78 (p. 77)
1. He said that he had seen the film. 2. She said that she had passed the examination.
3. Kim Seng said that he had been to her house several times. 4. He told me that he had
seen an eagle. 5. They told her that they had cleaned the room. 6. He told me that his
sister had gone away. 7. She told me that she had had a bad headache. 8. Mr Lim told me
that someone had broken into his house. 9. He asked me what had happened to his bag.
10. She asked me what had happened to my face. 11. They said that they had not seen it
yet. 12. He said that he had had his bath. 13. She asked us who had taken her pen.
14. My brother'told me that John had sent that book for him. 15. She said that the boys
had gone out.
EXERCISE 79 (p. 78)
1. had heard; began 2. had written; went 3. started; had reached 4. had already rung;
arrived 5. had finished; came 6. got; had already begun 7. said; had just received
8. had just gone; called 9. had destroyed; arrived 10. had died; arrived 11. told; had
lost 12. remembered; had forgotten 13. got; discovered; had eaten 14. met; realized;
had not seen 15. wanted; had broken
EXERCISE 80 (p. 80)
1. shall be 2. will not start 3. Will ... get 4. will fall 5. will come 6. shall not forget
7. will be; will be closed 8. will pass 9. will miss 10. will tell 11. Will ... meet
12. shall ... see 13. Shall ... go 14. Will ... post 15. will ring
EXERCISE 81 (p. 81)
1. He is going to buy some oranges tomorrow. 2. He is going to finish the work next week.
3. They are going to bring some boxes tomorrow. 4. She is going to write him a letter
tonight. 5. My uncle is going to leave here tomorrow. 6. I am going to see the headmaster
tomorrow. 7. We are going to play golf tomorrow afternoon. 8. She is going to dance again
this evening. 9. My father is going to take me to the circus tomorrow. 10. He is not going to
show me the book. 11. I am not going to tell you the answer. 12. They are not going to
work on Saturday. 13. Are you going to attend the meeting this Monday? 14. We are
going to paint the house this week end. 15. The plane is going to leave in an hour.
EXERCISE 82 (p. 81)
1. am going to plant 2. will help 3. will send/shall send 4. am going to get; will hold
5. will bum 6. will open 7. am going to spend 8. are going to have 9. are going to
play 10. willbegin;aregoingtostay 11. willtell;willnottell 12. amgoingtogive
13. am going to buy 14. is going to be; are going to spend 15. will not be; will be closed
EXERCISE 83 (p. 84)
1. shall be doing 2. will be swimming 3. will be going 4. Will ... be cooking 5. will be
shouting 6. will be practising 7. shall be working 8. will be returning 9. will be resting
10. willbedoing 11. willberepairing 12. shallbeflying 13. willbeworking
14. will be shivering 15. shall be having
366
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 63 (p. 59)

are coming; is going; are hurrying; are running; are standing; are holdi 11g; is coming; are rushing;
is trying; is being pushed; is ... doing; is calling; are stopping/is stopping; is beginning; is walking;
is waiting
EXERCISE 64 (p. 61)
1. write 2. moves 3. drinks 4. is; practises 5. have; swim 6. read; am 7. talk; do
not like 8. crow; cackles 9. cycle; walk 10. watch; listen 11. is; teaches 12. speaks;
does not know 13. go;camp 14. fly;donot 15. are;suck;spread
EXERCISE 65 (p. 61)
1. swims 2. washes 3, collect 4. use 5. smokes; smokes 6. go; am 7. has; grows
8. know; sells 9. cries; is 10. rises; sets 11. visit; live 12. does not sing; tries
13. is; go 14. Do ... Ii ke; do not 15. fly; help
EXERCISE 66 (p. 62)
1. gets; is getting 2. meet; go 3. is having; has 4. are ... using 5. stay; are ... going
6. is coming; goes 7. is; comes; is knocking 8. do not understand; is saying/says 9. cut;
chop 10. speak;have;amsaying 11. iseating;has 12. isstriking;isnot 13. plays;is
not playing; is 14. like;throws; give 15. spends; lives; is not going
EXERCISE 67 (p. 65)
1. have passed 2. has bought 3. have already cooked 4. have not finished 5. has just
rung 6. hasnotfilled 7. hasspent 8. have left 9. hasnotarrived 10. hasflown
11. have already read 12. has burst 13. has just walked 14. has already closed
15. Have ... told
EXERCISE 68 (p. 66)
1. have not seen 2. has cooled 3. have visited 4. has not said 5. have never eaten
6. has not gone 7. have not wound 8. have known 9. Have ... ever seen 10. have lived
11. Has ... written 12. has locked 13. have never met; have heard 14. have sat; has not
started 15. have waited; has not turned
EXERCISE 69 (p. 66)
1. have just washed 2. has just eaten 3. has not come 4. have never seen 5. has just
started 6. has just painted 7. have lived 8. has taken 9. have not played 10. has not
seen 11. have already cut; have pulled 12. have already borrowed; have not paid
13. have lost; has stolen 14. have already seen; has not seen; has bought
EXERCISE 70 (p. 68)
1. received 2. replied 3. posted 4. did not play 5. caught; did not eat 6. went; lit
7. visited; was not 8. planted; died 9. hurt; fel I 10. was; did not go 11. broke;
dropped 12. met; spoke; drove 13. came; went; did not wake; was 14. visited; enjoyed;
took; forgot; left 15. took; started; became; skidded; crashed; was
EXERCISE 71 (p. 69)
1. I dusted the shelves just now. 2. She typed all the letters this morning. 3. They put out
the fire an hour ago. 4. The doctor gave him an injection yesterday. 5. He won a prize
last week. 6. The thieves stole her jewellery two nights ago. 7. Some rats ate up the bread
last night. 8. He showed us the photographs last Sunday. 9. We repainted the door last
month. 10. A snake bit him on the leg just now. 11. The cobbler mended your shoes
yesterday. 12. Weraisedtheflagashorttimeago. 13. They lefttenminutesago. 14. He
shot it down this afternoon. 15. I turned off the tap half an hour ago.
EXERCISE 72 (p. 70)
1. bought; have not cooked 2. has already set; has just come 3. was; has gone
4. met; have not seen; has gone 5. posted; have not received 6. left; has not returned
7. bought; have already driven; saw; liked; said; was 8. cost; bought; has gone 9. have not
found; have looked; left 10. did not come; has been; has fallen 11. broke; has healed; has
given 12. wanted; did not have; went; returned; were
EXERCISE 73 (p. 72)
1. were ... discussing 2. was digging 3. were singing 4. was sewing 5. were having
6. were practising 7. was fishing 8. was reading 9. was ploughing 10. were standing
11. were quarrelling 12. was walking 13. was shopping 14. was blowing 15. were
cycling
365
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 74 (p. 73)

1. was sleeping 2. was standing 3. were listening; was speaking 4. was watering
5. was dusting; was sweeping 6. was writing 7. were walking 8. was running 9. were
driving 10. was drawing; were listening 11. were repairing 12. was reading; was preparing
13. was blowing 14. was making; was cutting 15. were waving; was leaving
EXERCISE 75 (p. 74)
1. was writing 2. was going 3. was having 4. was walking 5. were waiting 6. were
shouting; playing 7. was raining 8. were playing; was studying 9. was baking 10. were
not looking 11. were painting 12. was enjoying 13. was working; was playing; dancing
14. was still moving 15. were ... doing; was reading
EXERCISE 76 (p. 74)
1. was going; saw 2. hurt; was playing 3. was washing; rang 4. reached; were laughing
5. was coming; met 6. was running; tripped; fell 7. was waiting; waited; went 8. reached;
was ringing; were walking 9. was getting; started; fell 10. were watching; broke 11. was
sitting; screamed; jumped 12. was lying; reading; was doing 13. was reading; went; came;
continued 14. walked; were having; took; went 15. was looking; had
EXERCISE 77 (p. 77)
1. had put 2. had stopped 3. had got 4. had had 5. had set 6. had finished
7. had swept 8. had started 9. had cooked 10. had arrived 11. had said 12. had
tried 13. had shown 14. had disappeared 15. had sent
EXERCISE 78 (p. 77)
1. He said that he had seen the film. 2. She said that she had passed the examination.
3. Kim Seng said that he had been to her house several times. 4. He told me that he had
seen an eagle. 5. They told her that they had cleaned the room. 6. He told me that his
sister had gone away. 7. She told me that she had had a bad headache. 8. Mr Lim told me
that someone had broken into his house. 9. He asked me what had happened to his bag.
10. She asked me what had happened to my face. 11. They said that they had not seen it
yet. 12. He said that he had had his bath. 13. She asked us who had taken her pen.
14. My brothe r'told me that John had sent that book for him. 15. She said that the boys
had gone out.
EXERCISE 79 (p. 78)
1. had heard; began 2. had written; went 3. started; had reached 4. had already rung;
arrived 5. had finished; came 6. got; had already begun 7. said; had just received
8. had just gone; called 9. had destroyed; arrived 10. had died; arrived 11. told; had
lost 12. remembered; had forgotten 13. got; discovered; had eaten 14. met; realized;
had not seen 15. wanted; had broken
EXERCISE 80 (p. 80)
1. shall be 2. will not start 3. Will ... get 4. will fall 5. will come 6. shall not forget
7. willbe;willbeclosed 8. will pass 9. will miss 10. will tell 11. Will ... meet
12. shall ... see 13. Shall ... go 14. Will ... post 15. will ring
EXERCISE 81 (p. 81)
1. He is going to buy some oranges tomorrow. 2. He is going to finish the work next week.
3. They are going to bring some boxes tomorrow. 4. She is going to write him a letter
tonight. 5. My uncle is going to leave here tomorrow. 6. I am going to see the headmaster
tomorrow. 7. We are going to play golf tomorrow afternoon. 8. She is going to dance again
this evening. 9. My father is going to take me to the circus tomorrow. 10. He is not going to
show me the book. 11. I am not going to tell you the answer. 12. They are not going to
work on Saturday. 13. Are you going to attend the meeting this Monday? 14. We are
going to paint the house this week end. 15. The plane is going to leave in an hour.
EXERCISE 82 (p. 81)
1. am going to plant 2. will help 3. will send/shall send 4. am going to get; will hold
5. will bum 6. will open 7. am going to spend 8. are going to have 9. are going to
play 10. will begin; are going to stay 11. will tell; will not tell 12. am going to give
13. am going to buy 14. is going to be; are going to spend 15. will not be; will be closed
EXERCISE 83 (p. 84) 1
1. shall be doing 2. will be swimming 3. will be going 4. Will ... be cooking 5. will be
shouting 6. will be practising 7. shall be working 8. will be returning 9. will be resting
10. will be doing 11. will be repairing 12. shall be flying 13. will be working
14. wi II be shivering 15. shall be having
366
ANSWERS
EXERCISE 84 (p. 84)

1. will have arrived 2. shall have finished 3. shall have painted 4. will have grown
5. will have shifted 6. will have set 7. will have left 8. will have reached 9. shall have
sat 1 O. wi II have gone 11. wi II have slept 12. wi II have woken 13. wi II have been
married 14. will have stopped 15. will have harvested
EXERCISE 85 (p. 85)
1. shall have got/will have got 2. shall be waiting 3. will have started 4. will be drivi'ng
5. will be playing 6. shall have eaten 7. shall be visiting 8. shall be meeting 9. will
have sold 10. wi II be helping 11. will be phoning 12. shall be studying 13. Will have
completed 14. will be talking 15. shall have walked
EXERCISE 86 (p. 87)
1. had gone 2. had seen 3. had learnt 4. had not eaten 5. had brought 6. had
studied 7. had known 8. had met 9. had not brought 10. had not lost 11. had not
made 12. had helped 13. had brought 14. had bought 15. had watered
EXERCISE 87 (p. 88)
1. could help 2. had helped 3. could cook 4. had cooked 5, would come 6. had
come 7. would hurry 8. had hurried 9. could play 10. had played 11. had finished
12. had 13. had cut 14. had eaten 15. could 1,mderstand
EXERCISE 88 (p. 89)
1. were 2. had 3. could go 4. knew 5. were 6. could buy 7. would not rain
8. had 9. could do 10. could see 11. owned 12. could speak 13. lived 14. could
come 15. had
EXERCISE 89 (p. 91)
1. Kim Seng and Chee Tong used to go to school together when they were in the same class.
2. We used to swim in that pool at one time. 3. Our mother used to tell us fairy-tales when
vve vvere very young. 4. They used to tease her when she was a small girl. 5. He used to
sleep very early when he was in the primary school. 6. I used to visit him before he shifted
to Bulim Village. 7. Mr Lim used to smoke a lot but he no longer smokes now. 8. She used
to quarrel with him when they were neighbours. 9. He used to drive us to school before he
sold his car. 10. I used to write to John but I don't now. 11. The villagers used to cross the
river in a boat before the bridge was bui It. 12. We used to come to school by bus before our
father bought a car. 13. Their mother used to clean the house and cook the food herself
before they employed a servant. 14. We used to play hide-and-seek in the garden when we
vvere children. 15. They used to write to each other before the war started.
EXERCISE 90 (p. 91)
1. Did you use to have bread and butter for breakfast? 2. Did they use to go to the cinema
every Saturday? 3. Did you use to go for picnics by the seaside? 4. Did she use to sew her
own clothes? 5. Did you use to go for a walk in the evening? 6. Did he use to listen to the
news every morning. 7. Did you use to help your mother in the kitchen? 8. Did your little
brother use to cry at night? 9. Did Mary use to wait for you here every morning? 10. Did
you use to read a book before you go to bed? 11. Did your sister use to help you with your
homework? 12. Did she use to meet Mr Lim on her way home every evening? 13. Did
Miss Wong use to teach us geography? 14. Did they use to visit you regularly? 15. Did he
use to polish his car every week?
EXERCISE 93 (p. 95)
1. returned 2. talked 3. did 4. did not know 5. did not lock 6. did not leave
7. went 8. did not mind 9. finished 10. told 11. did not marry 12. showed
13. did not stay 14. came 15. told
EXERCISE 94 (p. 96)
1. went 2. carry 3. read 4. met 5. did not waste 6. buy 7. did not see 8. did
9. wait 10. watch 11. phoned 12. take 13. planted 14. helped 15. bought
EXERCISE 95 (p. 100)
1. (a) You must come with us. (b) You have to come with us. 2. (a) He must go to bed
early. (b) He has to go to bed early. 3. (a) They must wait for her. (b) They have to
wait for her. 4. (a) Jane must drink the medicine. (b) Jane has to drink the medicine.
5. (a) I must post the letter. (b) I have to post the letter. 6. (a) We must stay behind.
(b) We have to stay behind. 7. (a) You must work hard. (b) You have to work hard.
367
ANSWERS
8. (a) The children must stop making noise. (b) The children have to stop making noise.
9. (a) He must answer all the questions. (b) He has to answer all the questions.
10. (a) They must help him. (b) They have to help him. 11. (a) You must listen to us.
(b} You have to listen to us. 12. (a) She must throw the rubbish away. (b) She has to
throw the rubbish away. 13. (a) The gardener must cut the grass now. (b) The gardener
has to cut the grass now. 14. (a) We must tell him the news. (b) We have to tell him the
news.
1. has to 2. has to 3. have to 4. have to 5. have to 6. have to 7. have to
8. have to 9. has to 10. has to 11. have to 12. have to 13. has to 14. have to
15. have to
1. I had to see him then. 2. She had to be there last night. 3. We had to get it repaired last
vveek. 4. They had to practise hard last year. 5. The referee had to stop the game just now.
6. I had to send her the flowers last Friday. 7. We had to leave yesterday morning. 8. We
had to change our plans then. 9. They had to sit for the examination last year. 10. They
had to finish the work yesterday atfernoon. 11. He had to stay at home last night. 12. We
had to attend the meeting last evening. 13. I had to write her a letter yesterday. 14. She
had to hang up the notice this morning. 15. The boys had to postpone the match last week.
1. I shall have to see him tomorrow evening. 2. We shall have to be there early tomorrow
night. 3. She will have to study hard next year. 4. He will have to weed the garden
tomorrow evening. 5. They will have to inspect the stalls next Saturday. 6. She will have
to sit for the examination next year. 7. I shall have to conduct a survey before the next
meeting. 8. She will have to watch her weight from now on. 9. We shall have to reach a
decision before they arrive. 10. I shall have to go to London in December. 11. You will
have to return the books by next week. 12. She will have to go to the dentist this week end.
13. They will have to meet them there at 9 a.m. tomorrow. 14. He will have to take a bus
home this evening. 15. We shall have to send for a mechanic tomorrow.
1. They should follow his instructions. 2. You shouldn't get up. 3. We shouldn't walk in
the rain. 4. He should be here by now. 5. She should carry an umbrella with her. 6. We
shouldn't be late tomorrow. 7. They should boil the water before drinking it. 8. He should
switch off the fan. 9. She shouldn't cut it shorter. 10. You shouldn't sleep so late.
11. We should help them to carry it. 12. They shouldn't loiter in town. 13. He should
tell her the truth. 14. The children shouldn't run about in the room. 15. We shouldn't put
our things here.
1. (a) She ought not to put it in the refrigerator. (b) Ought she to put it in the refrigerator?
2. (a) We ought not to borrow it from him. (b) Ought we to borrow it from him?
3. (a) They ought not to do it. (b) Ought they to do it? 4. (a) He ought not to throw it
away. (b) Ought he to throw it away? 5. (a) You ought not to write to his parents.
(b) Ought you to write to his parents? 6. (a) They ought not to announce it. (b) Ought
they to announce it? 7. (a) Wendy ought not to talk to him. (b) Ought Wendy to talk to him?
8. (a) We ought not to carry it home. (b) Ought we to carry it home? 9. (a) She ought
not to ask him for a lift home. (b) Ought she to ask him for a lift home? 10. (a) You
ought not to open it. (b) Ought you to open it? 11. (a) We ought not to warn him.
(b) Ought we to warn him? 12. (a) The girls ought not to show them the way. (b) Ought
the girls to show them the way? 13. (a) She ought not to lock the door. (b) Ought she to
lock the door? 14. (a) He ought not to hang them up. (b) Ought he to hang them up?
15. (a) Your brother ought not to unscrew the nuts. (b) Ought your brother to unscrew the
nuts?
1. will come 2. will tell 3. shall give 4. will miss 5. will hear 6. shall buy
7. will die 8. will get 9. Will reach 10. will be 11. Will lend 12. will do 13. will be
14. wi II remember 15. will catch
1. hits 2. plays 3. Will be 4. will cry 5. is 6. lose 7. will burn 8. shall not wait
9. steps 10. tries 11. will go 12. will not eat 13. hear 14. ask 15. shall phone
368
ANSWERS

1. would paint 2. would marry 3. knew 4. were 5. broke 6. tried 7. spoke
8. lived 9. broke 10. were 11. were 12. could 13. would scold 14. went
15. would lend
1. I should have known about it. 2. We should have stayed behind. 3. He would have
given it to me. 4. She would have gone by train. 5. They would have won the game.
6. You could have finished the work. 7. She could have told you the news. 8. He might
have read that book. 9. I would not have walked home. 10. We would not have drowned
in the pond. 11. Jane would have told us the news. 12. The men should have repaired
the bridge. 13. It would not have gone bad. 14. She should not have shouted at him.
15. We would not have thrown it away.
1. would have met 2. would have won 3. would have cried. 4. would have thanked
5. would have gone 6. would not have finished 7. would have missed 8. would have
punished 9. would not have come 10. would not have made 11. would have passed
12. would have found 13. would have received 14. would not have got 15. would not
have felt
1. had gone 2. had broken 3. would have walked 4. had shouted 5. would have been
caught 6. had not written 7. had not driven 8. had not shown 9. had asked 10. had
lent 11. had behaved 12. would have broken 13. had looked 14. would have hung
15. would have finished
1. will win 2. had come 3. would f1nd 4. would swim/would have swum 5. will see
6. would have been 7. disturbs 8. had 9. would not have spilt 10. were 11. will
me lt 12. would have stopped 13. shall not take 14. happens/will happen 15. will
he lp; can/would help; could
1. left; had written 2. met; was cycling; whistling 3. Do ••. want; have just had 4. wrote;
have not heard 5. have not dressed; will have left 6. had; would be 7. will not have; will
be working 8. is; gets; begins 9. got; found; had already arrived 10. w111 be; are going/
sha ll go 11. is; wi II have started 12. had examined; handed 13. have just sent; will be
14. Have ... seen; are going; have already bought 15. walk; sit; watch
1. was hanging; started 2. will open; will close 3. sowed; had ploughed 4. Will have
f inished 5. Are ... coming; won't be; will/shall be visiting; has fallen 6. am wearing; have
7. is ... barking; was sitting; came 8. sha ll be cycling/are going to cycle; will still be raining
9. is; is talking 10. reached; found; had broken 11. likes; is; has 12. buys; has not won;
be lieves; will win 13. have not forgotten; lives; is 14. do not know; knew; would write
15. Are ... looking; is not; has gone; goes; will be
1. shall tell; told/have told 2. will ... help 3. does not practise 4. would .•. do
5. will ... pass; do not study 6. would happen 7. would have enjoyed 8. would not have
seen 9. would not have made 10. will lead 11. saw 12. had hidden 13. will ... take
14. would run 15. would not have known
1. sha ll see; will be playing 2. do not do; will not be 3. has already gone; will be coming
4. am flying; have already bought; will leave/leaves 5. eat; drink; sleep 6. would bring;
would play 7. am; had not helped; would not have finished 8. have not talked/have not
been talking; tried; have not been 9. did not come; had known 10. has just rung; are
leaving; will ring 11. was watering; saw; took; hit; died 12. missed; was; had seen; would
have enjoyed 13. smoke ; had; told 14. is raining; have not brought/did not bring; wanted;
forgot; left
went; were playing; laughing; heard; was struggling; cried; am drowning; was walking; had heard;
dived; swam; caught; dragged; were; had shaken; run; walked; asked; Do ..• know; is; stared;
sa id; came/have come; is; have drowned; had not been; would have drowned
369
ANSWERS

1. large 2. just 3. heavy 4. useful 5. comfortable 6. faded 7. expensive
8. fresh 9. empty 10. generous 11. right 12. late 13. tal I 14. long
15. damaged
1. I enjoyed the film. It was exciting. 2. I can't afford to buy it. It is too expensive. 3. It is
dangerous to play with matches. 4. It is easy to ride a bicycle. 5. You were stupid to make
such a mistake. 6. He was brave enough to tell the truth. 7. I am delighted to hear of your
success. 8. He's only fifteen. He is too young to drive a car. 9. It was careless of you to
leave the door open. 10. It was thoughtful of you to bring me a gift. 11. It was naughty of
her to tease her sister. 12. We were pleased to see our old neighbour after such a long time.
13. We shall be disappointed if we do not win the match. 14. I like Mrs Jones. It is pleasant
to talk to her. 15. Your question is silly. It is impossible to answer it.
1. that 2. Whose 3. Each 4. those 5. All 6. Which 7. these 8. Every 9. This
10. What 11. Both 12. such 13. Which;that 14. all;These 15. All; Every
EXERCISE 117 (p. 121 )
1. some 2. enough 3. ma ny 4. five 5. a little 6. much 7. several 8. a little
9. seventy 10. many 11 . a few 12. a 13. four 14. much 15. few; many
1. (a) as narrow as (bl narrower than (c) the narrowest of 2. (al as dark as (b) darker
than (c) the darkest of 3. (a) as sharp as (b) sharper than (cl the sharpest of
4. (a) as hot as (bl hotter than (c) the hottest of 5. (a) as shallow as (bl shallower
than (c) the shallowest of 6. (a) as smooth as (b) smoother than (c) the smoothest of
7. (a) as thin as (b) thinner than (c) the thinnest of 8. (a) as heavy .as (b) heavier
than (c) the heaviest of 9. (a) as pretty as (b) prettier than (c) the prettiest of
10. (a) as ugly as (b) uglier than (c) the ugliest of 11. (a) as lazy as (b) lazier than
(c) the laziest of 12. (a) as happy as (b) happier than ' (c) the happiest of
13. (a) as dirty as (b) dirtier than (c) the dirtiest of 14. (a) as naughty as
(b) naughtier than (c) the naughtiest of 15. (a) as safe as (b) safer than (c) the
safest of 16. (a) as wide as (b) wider than (c) the widest of 17. (a) as foolish as
(b) more foolish than (c) the most foolish of 18. (a) as handsome as (b) handsomer
than (c) the handsomest of 19. (a) as honest as (b) more honest than (c) the most
honest of 20. (a) as useful as (b) more useful than (c) the most useful of 21. (a) as
careful as (b) more careful than (c) the most careful of 22. (a) as wonderful as
(b) more wonderful than (c) the most wonderful of 23. (a) as beautiful as (b) more
beautiful than (c) the most beautiful of 24. (a) as difficult as (b) more difficult than
(c) the most difficult of 25. (a) as important as (b) more important than (c) the most
important of 26. (a) as valuable as (b) more valuable than (c) the most valuable of
27. (a) as exciting as (b) more exciting than (c) the most exciting of 28. (a) as
interesting as (b) more interesting tha.n (c) the most interesting of 29. (a) as good as
(b) better than (c) the best of 30. (a) as little as (b) less than (c) the least of
1. older 2. big 3. heavier 4. narrowest 5. most interesting 6. naughty 7. longer
8. much 9. quiet 10. most enjoyable 11. the most difficult 12. most powerful
13. busiest; noisiest 14. warmest; warm 15. smaller; cheaper
1. big 2. smaller 3. hotter 4. hot 5. lazier 6. better 7. youngest; oldest
8. richer; happy 9. worst; better 10. shortest; shorter 11. shortest; fastest; easiest
12. most; least 13. more difficult; most difficult 14. elder; older 15. happiest; happier
1. She is the cleverer of the two girls. 2. Which of the two photographs is clearer? 3. He is
busier this year than he was last year. 4. His brother is older than he is. 5. I am three
years older than you. 6. We prefer this room to that one. It is cleaner. 7. His cough is
worse today than it was yesterday. 8. Yau Fook is taller than all the other boys.
9. Bangkok is larger than Chiengmai; in fact it is the largest city in Thailand. 10. The bus
stopped at a place farther away from this house. 11. My pen is better than yours. The nib
is finer. 12. She is the tallest in the class. 13. This is the better of the two boo ks.
14. Who is younger, Don or Kim Seng? 15. I saw the boxing match last night. I should say
the more skilful boxer won the fight. ·
370
ANSWERS

Forming adjectives by adding '-less'
1. careless 2. friendless 3. fearless 4. merciless 5. nameless 6. homeless 7. airless
8. toothless 9. waterless 10. lifeless 11. lawless 12. hopeless 13. fatherless
14. faultless 15. useless 16. painless 17. harmless 18. endless 19. shameless
20. powerless
Forming adjectives by adding '-fut'
1. hopeful 2. merciful 3. truthful 4. harmful 5. joyful 6. careful 7. doubtful
8. powerful 9. useful 10. fearful 11. shameful 12. hateful 13. wonderful
14. plentiful 15. painful 16. peaceful 17. sorrowful 18. beautiful 19. forceful
20. helpful
Forming adjectives by adding '-ous'
1. marvellous 2. mischievous 3. famous 4. mysterious 5. glorious 6. vigorous
7. courageous 8. victorious 9. grievous 10. adventurous 11. prosperous 12. studious
13. continuous 14. mountainous 15. dangerous 16. furious
Forming adjectives by adding '-ish'
1. foolish 2. babyish 3. reddish 4. stylish 5. slavish 6. boyish 7. selfish
8. girlish 9. yellowish 10. Turkish 11. greenish 12. sheepish
1. angry 2. obedient 3. prosperous 4. thirsty 5. talkative 6. western 7. my
8. anxious 9. pleasant 10. circular 11. young 12. foolish 13. cautious 14. musical
15. studious 16. eastern 17. poisonous 18. peaceful 19. long 20. choral
21. forgetful 22. acceptable 23. quarrelsome 24. wavy 25. yearly 26. attentive
27. picturesque 28. national 29. cruel 30. criminal
1. successful 2. faithful 3. volcanic 4. spiritual 5. gigantic 6. manly 7. poetic
8. collective 9. noisy 10. enjoyable 11. high 12. watery 13. distant
14. courageous 1 5. lovely 16. scientific 17. destructive 18. terrible 19. disastrous
20. customary 21. fiery 22. troublesome 23. sisterly 24. affectionate 25. cowardly
26. merciful 27. hot 28. energetic 29. skilful 30. favourite
1. stormy 2. friendly 3. hilly 4. fortunate 5. proud 6. poisonous 7. graceful
8. sunny 9. noisy 10. attractive 11. wide 12. adventurous 13. energetic
14. national 15. brave
1.a 2.an 3.an 4.a 5.a 6.an 7.an 8.an 9.an 10.an 11.a 12.an
13. a 14. a 15. an 16. a 17. an 18. a 19. an 20. an 21. a 22. an 23. an
24. an 25. a 26. a 27. an 28. an 29, an 30. a
1. an 2. a· 3. a 4. an 5. an 6. an 7. an 8. a 9. a 10. an 11. an 12. a
13. an 14. an 15. an 16. a 17. an 18. an 19. an 20. an 21. an 22. a
23. an 24. an 25. an 26. an 27. an 28. an 29. an 30. a
EXERCISE 129 (p: 135)
1. a; a 2. a; a; the 3. a;-; a 4. the; the;-; the 5. -; a; the 6. An; the 7. a; the; -
8. the;the;the;- 9. the;an;- 10. A;a;the;an;the;a 11. An;a;-;-;- 12. -;The;
the 13. a;-; an 14. -; the; -; -; the 15. a; an; a; -; a;-:
1. the; a 2. The; the; the 3. an; an 4. -; -; - 5. The; a; a; a 6. the; the; a;-; the; a
7. The;a;the 8. an;the;a;the 9. the;an;a 10. the;-;a;the;The;a 11. the;an;a;
The;-; - 12. the; the; an; the; a; a 13. An; an; an;-; the; an 14. -; the; the;-; the;-; a
15. -; an;-; a; a
1. an; a; the; -; the 2. an; the; the;-; a 3. the; the; a; the; the 4. the; the; A; a; -; a; a
5. the; the; the;_a; -; the; the 6. The; the; The; the; the; the;-;-; - 7. A;-; the; the;
the; a; the; the 8. The;-; the; an; a 9. the;-; an; an;-; a; the; the; the; a 10. the;
the;-;-; a;-; a;-; the
371
ANSWERS

First passage: an; a; the;-; a: the; the; the; the; a; an; The; a; a; a; the; -
Second passage: a; the; the; the; the;-; the; the; an; the; the; a; a; The; the; the; the; a; the; the
1. (a) Are there any boxes here? (b) There aren't any boxes here. 2. (a) Is there any
coffee left? (b) There isn't any coffee left. 3. (a) Has he any money?/Does he have any
money? (b) He hasn't any money ./He does not have any money. 4. (a) Do they have any
books? (b) They do not have any books. 5. (a) Did he eat any pears? (b) He did not
eat any pears. 6. (a) Do they want any of the tins? (b) They do not want any of the tins.
7. (a) Did Vicky give you any nails? (b) Vicky did not give me any nails. 8. (a) Does he
know any of my friends? (b) He does not know any of your friends. 9. (a) Did they see
any drops of blood on the floor? (b) They did not see any drops of blood on the floor.
10. (a) Did she buy any nuts from the hawker? (b) She did not buy any nuts from the hawker
11. (a) Does he want to do anything? (b) He does not want to do anything. 12. (al Can
I get anyone to help me? (b) You cannot get anyone to help you. 13. (a) Is that man
looking for anybody? (b) That man is not looking for anybody. 14. (a) Must you do
anyth ing about this? (b) We must not do anything about this. 15. (a) Wil I she find anyone
to go with her? (b) She will not find anyone to go with her.
1. some; any 2. any; some 3. some; some; any 4. some; some; any 5. some; any; some
6. any; some 7. any; some 8. some: some 9. some; any; some 10. some; any
11. any;any 12. some;some 13. some;any 14. Some;some;any 15. some;some;any
1. some; some 2. some; any 3. any; any 4. any; some; some 5. any; some; any; some
6. some; some; some 7. some; Any 8, any; any 9. any; some; some; any 10. any; some
11. any;some;any 12. any ;any 13. any;some 14. some;some 15. some;any;some;
some
1. the; the; the; the 2. some; a; a; the; the 3. a; some; The ; the; some 4. an; the; an;-;
a; any 5. a,.-; a; some;-; an 6. an; some; A; any 7. any; the;-; a; some 8. some; the;
the; any; an; - 9. some; a; the; the; a; any; a; an 10. Some; some; The; the; any; the; the;
a;-;-; the; the
a; a; the;-; The; a; a;-; a; an; the; the; an; a; a; a; the; any
The adverbs are: 1. late 2. yesterday 3, often 4 . badly 5. very 6. hard 7. here
8. down;here 9. Why 10. soon 11. enough 12. ever 13. idly 14. behind
15. quite
1. He tore up the letter angrily. 2. She spoke angrily for a few minutes. 3. She arranged
the flowers carefully in the vase. 4. He sent a cable to his father immediately. 5. I saw him
eating slowly in that shop. 6 . He looked at me closely, and then let me go. 7. He tied the
rope tightly round the post and lowered himself into the hole. 8. She washed her blouse
quickly with soap to remove the ink-sta in. 9. He got up abruptly and left the room without
a word. 10. He was cold and hungry, but he waited patiently for his little brother. 11. He
tripped accidentally over a wire and fell flat on his face. 12. He raised his hand suddenly and
put on the brakes. 13. He pulled out the pin cautiously, and then threw the hand grenade.
14. They dared not swim in the river as it was flowing swiftly. 15. He tiptoed quietly into
the room and went to bed.
EXERCISE 142 (p, 150)
1. It never snows in that country. 2. I have never been to Japan. 3. He oftan comes to my
house. 4. He is often busy in the office. 5. He always washes his hand before he eats.
6. There is always a watchman at the gate. 7. This mineral is rarely found here. 8. He
rarely writes to me these days, 9. I frequently meet him in the morning. 10. He is
frequently absent from school. 11. We generally go to the seaside on Sundays, 12. Those
women are generally hard to please. 13. I seldom listen to the radio at night. 14. She is
seldom around when you need her. 15. I usually read the newspaper before breakfast.
16. You can usually find him at the club.
372
ANSWERS

1. You cannot always be right. 2. I do not often wear a tie to school. 3. He was not often
punished by his parents. 4. My little brother sometimes cries in the night. 5. These flowers
are sometimes hard to find. 6. He does not usually go out at night. 7. Flies are usually
found in dirty places. 8. I seldom sleep in the afternoon. 9. They have never been up in an
aeroplane. 1O. Apples are never grown in equatorial countries. 11. The rainbow is
frequently seen after heavy rain. 12. I rarely eat before l have my bath. 13. We rarely meet
them these days. 14. Have you ever spoken to the new headmaster? 15. Will he ever forget
what you have done?
1. I have al,eady finished all my work. 2. I already know what you have to tell me. 3. My
uncle still lives in Penang. 4. My sister is still in bed. 5. Have you heard from him yet?
6. The girls are not here yet. 7. They are just leaving the house. 8. There's plenty of time.
It's just half past six. 9. He didn't run fast enough, so he lost the race. 10. I can't lift the
box. It is rather heavy. 11. This is a fairly good book. I think you'll like it. 12. Please wait
a while. The work is almost finished. 13. He was lucky. He nearly missed the train.
14. I am quite sure she is coming this evening. 15. My neighbours have also seen the film.
16. I'm quite excited. It will be Christmas soon.
1. We reached Tokyo at 3 o'clock yesterday. 2. Please be here at 9 o'clock on Tuesday
morning. 3. Mr Jones spoke very well at the meeting yesterday. 4. She sang sweetly at the
concert a week ago. 5. I woke up at 6 o'clock yesterday morning. 6. I have been to the
beach several times this year. 7. The dog was barking loudly at the gate the whole of last
night. 8. We were playing happily in the garden when it started to rain. 9. She wrote her
name neatly at the bottom of the page a moment ago. 10. I'm going to meet her outside the
Royal Cinema at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on Monday. 11. He missed his parents badly
while he was in Japan last year. 12. I have been thinking it over carefully in my office for a
long time. 13. He was talking quietly to himself in his room when I saw him. 14. Our
schoo l team played badly in the semi-finals yesterday evening. 15. The boy slept soundly in
the chair near the window for an hour.
1. more quietly; most quietly 2. more rudely; most rudely 3. more swiftly; most swiftly
4. worse; worst 5. harder; hardest 6. more slowly; most slowly 7. earlier; earliest
8. more smoothly; most smoothly 9. more seriously; most seriously 10. more lazily; most
lazily 11. more; most 12. more tightly; most tightly 13. sooner; soonest 14. nearer;
nearest 15. more wisely; most wisely 16. more skilfully; most skilfully 17. more loudly;
most loudly 18. more dearly; most dearly 19. more bravely; most bravely 20. more
clearly, most clearly 21. more politely; most politely 22. more pleasantly; most pleasantly
23. more patiently; most patiently 24. more happily; most happily 25. longer; longest
26. more bitterly; most bitterly 27. better; best 28. more clumsily; most clumsily
29. more silently; most silently 30. more often; most often
1. earlier 2. more carefully 3. most neatly 4. later 5. farther; more tired 6. hardest
7. farther;better 8. fast;faster 9. more;moreoften 10. worse;worse 11, worse;
worst 12. much; harder 13. more; less 14. more heavily; more soundly 15. more
gracefully; most gracefully
1. more often 2. soon 3. fastest 4. more easily 5. most beautifully 6. softly
7. more strongly 8. most sweetly 9. better; harder 10. more dimly 11. earliest; latest
12. more slowly; longer 13. farther; farther 14. longer; later 15. better; best
1. carefully 2. happily 3. willingly 4. sorrowfully 5. naturally 6. accidentally
7. angrily 8. awfully 9, faithfully 10. fatally 11. slowly 12. wearily 13. cleanly
14. childishly 15. once 16. specially 17. sleepily 18. roughly 19. nicely
20 noisily 21. easily 22. heavily 23. gradually 24. luckily 25. horribly
26. smoothly 27. comparably 28. lately 29. shakily 30. boastfully
373
ANSWERS

1. knowingly 2. cruelly 3. beautifully 4. freely 5. satisfactorily 6. faithfully
7. safely 8. hurriedly 9. regularly 10. partly 11. loudly 12. joyfully
13. desperately 14. mysteriously 15. busily
1. They have completed their mission successfully. 2. The two enemies faced each other
angrily before the duel. 3. Please tie the rope securely round the box. 4. He settled
comfortably in the chair and took up the newspaper to read. 5. Her brother skilfully
hammered the plank into place. 6. My sister, who works in another town, comes home
occasionally. 7. "I sincerely hope that you will succeed in this project," he said. 8. He
climbed noisily up the stairs despite the fact that everyone was asleep. 9. The crane lowered
the boxes gradually on to the lorry. 10. The new building was not officially opened yet.
11. They don't actually own the house; they only rented it. 12. The sick man painfully
reached for the glass of water. 13. He was madly in love with her. 14. It's considerably
hotter today than it was yesterday. 15. They looked fearfully at the giant as he walked
towards them.
1. you 2. She 3. him 4. They 5. He; it 6. They; it 7. him; he 8. tt)em; we
9. we;it;us;we 10. We;her;she 11. She;her 12. They;him;him 13. it;it 14. us;
him 15. she; They; her; she
1, himself 2. yourself 3. myself 4. themselves 5. herself 6. himself 7. herself
8. himself 9. themselves 10. yourself 11. itself 12. himself 13. ourselves
14. myself 15. herself
1. he 2. we 3. yourself 4. yourselves 5. them 6. they; themselves 7. himself
8. himself; he 9. I; her; me 10. v,ourself; he 11. She; herself; she 12. she; herself
13. me; she 14. He; himself; he 15. it; itself
1. As it was dark, I could not see him. 2. As he is poor, he has to work hard. 3. As it was
raining; we did not go out. 4. As I was late, I took a taxi. 5. As she had no money, she
couldn't buy the hat. 6. As he was ill, he did not go to school. 7. As it was cold, we built
afire. 8. As it was broken, I threw it away. 9. As he had toothache, he went to see a
dentist. 10. As the road was flooded, they could not get home. 11. As ttiey were drunk,
they behaved badly. 12. As her mother was away, she had to look after the baby. 13. As
he was tired, he could not walk any farther. 14. As it was very dark, we couldn't see anything.
15. As it was old and torn, I threw it away.
1. He was very hungry, so he ate the whole chicken. 2. The road was slippery, so Mr Tong
had to drive carefully. 3. He is out of a job, so he has no money to pay the rent. 4. We
knew it was going to rain, so we postponed the match. 5. I wanted to buy some eggs, so I
went to the market. 6. The hotel was not far away, so we decided to walk there. 7. There
was no answer, so I pushed the door open. 8. It is a holiday, so all the shops are closed.
9. The entrance was crowded, so we went in by the back door. 10. It was very cold, so we
did not go for a swim. 11. I did not know who he was, so I did not let him come in.
12. The light was shining in my eyes, so I could not see him. 13. She was thirsty, so she
decided to buy herself a drink. 14. He had lost his pen, so he bought a new one. 15. He
hadn't enough money, so he did not buy the book.
EXERCISE 158 (p. 170) .
1. Although she was not hungry, she ate all the food. 2. Although he shouted for help,
nobody heard him. 3. Although my car is old, it still runs well. 4. Although Alice fell from
the stairs, she did not hurt herself. 5. Although he knew he would die, he was not afraid.
6. Although he met with an accident, he was not injured. 7. Although we were there early,
there vveren't any tickets left. 8. Although he was not a rich man, he gave all his money
away. 9. Although they searched everywhere, they did not find anything. 10. Although
the cupboard was heavy, Larry could lift it. 11. Although I read it over and over again, I
could not understand it. 12. Although she lives next to me, we have not spoken to each
other. 13. Although she rang the bell a few times, no one opened the door. 14. Although
the floor was dirty, she would not clean it. 15. Although I ran quickly, I could not catch the
bus.
374
ANSWERS

1. if I pass the examination. 2. unless you help us. 3. if it rains. 4. if you make a noise.
5. unless you hit it hard. 6. unless he proves his innocence. 7. if she is not careful.
8. unless you try hard. 9. if it is too long for you. 10. if they don't do their homework.
11. if you drop it. 12. if it is too expensive. 13. unless they repair it. 14. if you open
the door of the cage. 15. if you don't cover it.
1. Although it was hot, he did not switch on the fan. 2. As I could not find a screw, I used
a nail. 3. The last bus has left, so we have to walk home. 4. I did not know what was
going on until I heard the fire alarm. 5. She did not see you at the market because she was
not wearing her glasses. 6. He will be very angry if you don't come tomorrow. 7. The shelf
was so high that I could not reach it. 8. If I have an extra pen, I will lend it to you.
9. Although he is over eighty, he is fit and strong. 10. Mr Chan sat down again after he had
finished his speech. 11. As she is quite forgetful, I think you ought to remind her. 12. The
tree was partly uprooted by the storm, so I had it cut down. 13. Seng Chye had not played
football since he sprained his leg last Saturday. 14. They did not leave here until it was dark.
15. We didn't like the grapes because they were too sour.
1. who 2. who 3. who 4. who 5. whose 6. whose 7. which 8. which 9. who
1 0. who 11. who 12. which 13. which 14. whose 15. whose
1. who 2. which 3. whose 4 . which 5. whose 6. which 7. which 8. which
9. which 10. who 11. whose 12. which 13. which 14. which 15. which
1. whose 2. who 3. which 4. which 5. whom 6. whom 7. who 8. whom
9. which 10. who 11. which 12. who 13. which 14. whose 15. which
1. That is the man who caught the thief. 2. That is the woman who saw the accident.
3. He has an uncle who owns a book-shop. 4. Have you read the magazine which has some
beautiful pictures of this town? 5. Here is the parcel which arrived yesterday. 6. He brought
us to a cave which had steps leading up to it. 7. The driver whose car knocked into a lamp-post
has been taken to hospital. 8. I went to see the lady whose house was by the sea. 9. Where
is the boy who was looking for his pen just now? 10. That is the teacher who taught me
English. 11. Do you know the boy whose father gave us a lift home last night? 12. Can you
see the building which has a green roof? 13. They rescued the fishermen whose boat had
overturned during the storm. 14. They heard some news which surprised them. 15. Please
show me the shop which sells men's shoes.
1. The man who drove past just now is Chee Fai's father. 2. The thief who stole the bag was
caught by the police. 3. I know the girl whose brother is the manager of that company.
4. The boy whom my sister is talking to lives next door. 5. They shot the tiger which killed
the villager. 6. The teacher punished the boys who had been naughty. 7. The man whose
son is your best friend has come to see you. 8. Those are the players whom we saw two days
ago. 9. The pupil whose bicycle had a puncture was late for school. 10. The treasure which
was buried in the sea has not been found. 11. The lady whom she lives with is her aunt.
12. Show me the sums which you did just now. 13. I wi II buy the pen which has a gold cap.
14. The lady whom you were telling me about has come. 15. The girls who were watching
the game cheered loudly.
1. The girl who has hurt her leg fell down the stairs. 2. Have you returned the boo~ which
you borrowed from the library last month? 3. Is that the postman whom the dog bit last
week? 4. We met Mr Wong whom we had not seen for three years. 5. My sister who is
working in Singapore will be co-ming home next month. 6. The boy whose painting won the
first prize is only fifteen years old. 7. The jewels which she had locked in the cupboard have
been stolen. 8. Where is the girl that was waiting here just now? 9. Poh Wah who is the
class monitor is the tallest boy in the class. 10. The sailorswhose ship sprang a leak in the
ocean have all been rescued. 11. John whose ambition is to become a doctor has gone to
England to study medicine. 12. The knife which I used to cut the fruit was very sharp.
375
ANSWERS
13. The woman whom you bought the vegetables from is-Ah Leng's mother. 14. Mr Lai
who is one of the richest men in the village owns a few houses. 15. The driver that was
caught speeding was fined.
1. These are the shells which we collected on the beach last week-end. 2. Ming Tat whose
school is having a fun fair next month has sold me a few books of coupons. 3. Mr Lim whose
car had broken down went to work by bus this morning. 4. He told them a story which made
them laugh. 5. The lady whom I spoke to just now was my former teacher. 6. The food
which you are cooking now smells delicious. 7. My cousin whose house is just opposite mine
has left for India. 8. Here is the book which you have been looking for. 9. Alan went to
see his grandmother who was ill in the hospital. 10. Dr Lian whom my uncle went to see
yesterday is a very famous surgeon. 11. The farmer is trying to chase away the birds which
· have come to feed on his rice. 12. Her sister who is an actress is appearing in that film.
13. She has lost the pen which her mother gave her on her birthday. 14. The policeman who
is standing there now often helps the school children to cross the road. 15. The woman
has rushed to the hospital to see her daughter who was hurt in the accident.
1. He kicked hard and scored a goal. 2. I hit the coconut with a hammer but could not
break it. 3. You can't drink it now because it is very hot. 4. She worked until very late but
she still could not finish the work. 5. He was late for work because his car broke down.
6. They shouted and cheered loudly during the match. 7. John can play the piano and the
guitar well. 8. You should not park your car here or you will be fined. 9. He slept early
because he was very tired. 10. She folded the clothes and put them into the suitcase.
11. That old tree must be cut down soon or it will fall on our house. 12. I have a pen but I
haven't any paper. 13. We waited for Mei Ling but she didn't turn up. 14. He opened the
door and walked in. 16. She could not carry the bag because it was too heavy.
1. because 2. but 3. and 4. and 5. but 6. or 7. so 8. so 9. and 10. because
11. so 12. but 13. or 14. or 15. or
1. Louis played the piano and his sister sang a song. 2. Kim Fai has a new motor-cycle but he
can't ride it. 3. We knocked at the door and the servant opened it. 4. She has a book and
a pen. 5. She switched on the light because it was very dark inside. 6. We can't play
badminton because we have lost the net. 7. She could not get up the bus because it was too
crowded. 8. You must work very hard or you won't pass your examination. 9. Yee Wah
tried very hard but he didn't win the match. 10. My aunt came to see us but she didn't stay
long. 11. We pushed hard against the door but we could not open it. 12. He must start at
once or he will~ late. 13. Lisa washed her clothes and hung them out to dry. 14. Hurry
up or we will go without you. 15. Kim Seng could not go to school because he had a high
fever.
1. or 2. if 3. but 4. if 5. till 6. if 7. because 8. when 9. or 10. if
11. whether 12. unless 13. till 14. yet 15. since
1. Although 2. As 3. if 4. when 5. than 6. and 7. or 8. as 9. after 10. nor
11. that 12. Unless 13. since 14. While 15. When
1. unless 2. before 3. while 4. when 5. Although 6. until 7. until 8. before
9. Although 10. unless 11. While 12. until 13. before 14. when · 15. since
1. Not only ...... but also 2. whether ..... or 3. Either ..... or 4. so ..... that
5. whether ..... or 6. so ..... that 7. Either ..... or 8. whether ..... or 9. Not only .....
but also 10. either ..... or 11. so ..... that 12. Whether ..... or 13. Not only ..... but
also 14. either ..... or 15. so ..... that
376
ANSWERS

1. She did not win the prize although she had worked hard for it. 2. He hurried because he
was afraid of being late again. 3. I fell down while I was going up the stairs. 4. We can't go
now because it is raining. 5. Neither Father nor Mother is at home. 6. He sold his bicycle
and his watch. 7. I like him because he is a kind man. 8. Chee Fai is tall but Kim Seng is
taller. 9. I shall go if you will let me. 10. You must do as you are told or you will be
punished. 11. We have not seen him since he returned from Jakarta. 12. Did he play well
or badly? 13. He lost the race although he tried his best. 14. The bag was so heavy that I
could not carry it. 15. Neither Mei Ling nor Jane has arrived.
1. since 2. to 3. at 4. on 5. about 6. off 7. for 8. for 9. for 10. at
·i 11. across 12. on 13. for;at 14. since 15. in;near
1. after 2. at 3. near 4. without 5. in 6. from 7. at 8. for 9. of 10. into
11. under 12. with 13. about 14. by 15. past
1. in 2. off 3. on 4. up 5. over 6. at 7. down 8. against· 9. behind
10. through 11. into 12. beside 13, by 14. for 15. to
1. in 2 by 3. round 4. until 5. to 6. for; at 7. in; without 8. into; across
9, under;during 10. to;from 11. beside;opposite 12. above;for 13. near;about
14. round; at 15. from; by
1. to 2. at 3. on 4. on 5. about 6 . for 7. into 8. over 9. beside 10. at
11. for 12. till 13. with 14. at 15. to; to
1. out of; without 2. to; at 3. from; to 4. at; to 5. to; by 6. of; along 7. at; in
8. across;under 9. by;on;to 10. at;on;by 11. for;at;near 12. at;with;for
13 . . with;to;for 14. into;towards;of;to 15. with;of;into
1. after 2. at 3. near 4 . without 5. in 6. at 7. for 8. from 9. into
10. beyond 11. in 12. up 13. on 14. off 15. with
1. under 2. since 3. with 4 . by 5. for 6. against 7. behind 8. through
9, beside 10. at 11. until 12. into 13. down 14. in 15, for
1. on; for; without 2. at; from; in 3. at; opposite; in 4. for; since; of 5. between; in;
on 6. up; in; about 7. from; at; in; on 8. outside; at; in 9. of; at; among 10. for; on;
out 11. out of; on; with 12. below; with; of 13. with; for; during 14. on; of; to
15. at; across; in
1. to; for; in 2. with; on; in 3. to; on; out 4. by; from; at 5. at; on; of 6. down; by;
at 7. with; off; into 8. across; up; in 9. at; before; by 10. down; to; on 11. off; in;
at 12. to; into; in 13. in; near; to 14. in; through; at; in 15. to; with; on
in; at; of; below; over; until; inside; on; under; off; before; about; with; from; without; across;
on; to; along; At; of; with; around
1. with 2. to 3. in; to 4 . from 5. to 6. to 7. of 8. of 9. of 10. in
11. of 12. in 13. of 14. of 15. of
1. in 2. of 3. between 4. to 5. of 6. from 7. at 8 . in 9. for 10. on
11. from 12. to 13. of 14. of 15. with
377
ANSWERS

1. for 2. with 3. of 4. of 5. with 6. of 7. from 8. with 9. of 10. to
11. of 12. from 13. at 14. at 15. at
upon; some; from; on; of; everywhere; for; any; because; into; and
round; into; an; off; too; anything; towards; and; up
some; any; of; or; to; little; than; many; by; at; after
across; a; on; to; along; at; An; there; whether; or; ago; the; of
everywhere; under; on; over; of; to; who; at; a few; before; and; by; across; between
1. a; before 2. on; off 3. the; which 4. with; Since 5. down; which; on 6. up; at
7. the;and;into 8. at;an 9. who;a;on 10. the;some;any 11. some;but;because
12. to;because;a 13. between;and;up 14. to;for;that 15. Although;because;on;
until
along; beside; towards; With; forward; who; in; at; ahead; back; between
until; by; over/above; under; about; for; only; at
1. was 2. is 3. were 4. like 5. has 6. is 7. are 8. live 9. has 10. was
11. work 12. is 13. loves 14. owns 15. comes
1. is 2. Is 3. has 4. like 5. is 6. is 7. does 8. Does 9. have 10. seem; was
11. were;were 12. is;has 13. walk;catch 14. Do;are 15. is;has
1. does 2. has 3. wishes 4. has; was 5. are; are 6. is; wants 7. is; has 8. is; was
9. was; were 10. knows; have 11. is; has 12. eats; do 13. is; starts 14. is; is
15. is; are
EXERCISE 202 (p; 216)
1. I'll be going with him. 2. We're sure to win. 3. He's done it again. 4. She doesn't
mind it. 5. They weren't at home. 6. I shan't promise you. 7. You've lost it.
8. Who's there? 9. You needn't be so angry. 10. I knew she'd come. 11. He's here, isn't
he? 12. I'm going to school. 13. They shouldn't go there. 14. She wouldn't agree.
15. They've lost the ball.
1. There's a ruler somewhere. 2. You're so kind. 3. All's well. 4. You mustn't behave
like that. 5. She won't be coming. 6. My father isn't in. 7. They haven't finished yet.
8. The.y don't know the answer. 9. I didn't call you. 10. What's happened? 11. Where's
.yourmother? 12. lt'llrainsoon. 13. He'dbetterdoit. 14. That'stheway. 15. They
mightn't have known.
1. We'll try out best. 2. After I'd eaten my dinner, I rested. 3. Where's Peter gone to?
We haven't seen him since this morning. 4. What's the matter with you? You aren't sick,
are you? 5. You shouldn't wear this dr-ess. It's too tight for you. 6. These aren't the books
I ordered. They've sent me the wrong ones. 7. She wasn't at the meeting because she was
sick. 8. You needn't come tomorrow. There won't be any sports practice. 9. She'd lost
her ring. She searched everywhere but couldn't find it. 10. It's too late to return. We'll have
to stay here for the night. 11. If you'd asked her, she'd have helped you. 12. Hasn't the
mail arrived? It's already half past three. 13. Don't touch the wall. The paint's still wet.
14. Where've you been? I've been looking everywhere for you. 15. She can't swim well.
So see that she doesn't swim too far out.
378
ANSWERS

1. It is not raining now. 2. They were not at the concert. 3. Kok Ming does not go out at
night. 4. I shall not reply to his letter. 5. She will not do as she has promised. 6. It is
dark. I cannot see anything. 7. They have not seen an elephant before. 8. You need not
be afraid. 9. How is that I have never heard about it? 10. Who would not want to travel?
11. They are here at last. 12. I am sure of going. 13. He wi II be coming soon. 14. There
was not any chance at all. 15. We had better keep this a secret.
1. It was not cold this morning. 2. These mangoes are not sweet. 3. The dog is not in the
kennel. 4. She hasn't any valuable stamps. 5. He cannot do this quickly. 6. The dog will
not bite the postman. 7. We are not going home. 8. They have not caught the thief.
9. The window was not closed by Poh Meng. 10. This garden has not been watered.
11. My brother has not returned yet. 12. The streets are not well lighted. 13. We will not
start our work next Monday. 14. The children have not heard the story before. 15. I
haven't any marbles left.
1. His dog did not bite my brother yesterday. 2 . .Those men did not build this house.
3. Some people do not like cats. 4. We did not leave school at one o'clock. 5. Chee Weng
did not come in first in the race. 6. You did not look tired last night. 7. We did not lose
the game last evening. 8. He did not run down the hill. 9. I did not forget to bring my
book. 10. We do not remember her well. 11. Kim Tong did not buy any sweets.
12. We did not meet Mai Keng last Wednesday. 13. His teacher did not give him a prize.
14. My aunt does not live in Singapore. 15. Do not go to bed early.
1. It was not hot yesterday. 2. This book is not hers. 3. She did not speak to the stranger.
4. The boys were not playing football. 5. I cannot finish this in an hour. 6. Do not put
your books away. 7. She cannot dance gracefully. 8. John did not run quickly down the
road. 9. Kim Seng did not say he would be late. 10. Swee Lan has not taken the book.
11. You should not feel proud of him. 12. I shall not think it over. 13. Do not write
down these sentences. 14. She does not come here daily. 15. Miss Lee does not want to
see it.
1. She does not go to the library oncP. a week. 2. The lady has not lost her bag.
3. There isn't anyone knocking at the door. 4. The show has not begun yet. 5. She will
not come here tomorrow. 6. They have not found the treasure. 7. His sister does not sing
well. 8. Mano did not study hard for the examination. 9. He did not come in a hurry.
10. It is not past two o'clock. 11. We shall not meet him tomorrow. 12. He could not
have won the prize. 13. I haven't any work to do. 14. I shall not leave it here. 15. He
has not thrown it away yet. ·
1. My uncle didn't see me at the market. 2. It hasn't stopped drizzling. 3. We didn't go to
the museum last week. 4. They haven't gone to catch .fish. 5. He didn't put the money
in his pocket. 6. The little girl didn't feed the cat. 7. The concert doesn't begin at seven
o'clock. 8. There isn't anybody at home. 9. Chee Hong can't run faster than I. 10. The
boys didn't eat up all the food. 11. The farmer didn't lead his cows across the field. 12. I
didn't buy my brother a watch. 13. He won't show you the way. 14. They haven't heard
the news yet. 15. She hadn't gone to bed.
1. Hasn't he bought the house? 2. Weren't the books on the table? 3. The tree won't fall
down. 4. Mei Ling doesn't like to sing. 5. The table isn't covered with dirt. 6. He hasn't
improved in his work. 7. Wouldn't he give it to you? 8. It wasn't necessary for him to do
that. 9. Won't your teacher give you permission? 10. There aren't any more tickets left.
11. Shouldn't you pity her? 12. They haven't promised to do it yet. 13. I don't keep my
books in this drawer. 14. The dog wasn't barking the whole night. 15. The grass hasn't
been cut yet.
379
ANSWERS

1. Hasn't Alice passed the examination? 2. We shan't go by train. 3. Your father doesn't
know my uncle. 4. Can't she do it alone? 5. The shop hasn't been closed yet. 6. Wasn't
the cake burnt? 7. Aren't they sure of going? 8. The boy didn't fall down from the stairs.
9. Won't they find out the truth? 10. Doesn't she prefer butter to jam? 11. He doesn't
leave his house early in the morning. 12. Couldn't they be trusted? 13. You shouldn't tell
her the news. 14. The tree hasn't been pulled down. 15. The farmer doesn't rear any
ducks.
1. My friend has some brothers. 2. The teacher was early. 3. They have been given the
papers already . 4. They were singing a song. 5. He can do this well. 6. She has a fever.
7. Our dog is in the house. 8. We shall visit our friends today. 9. They will learn to swim.
10. I have seen him before. 11. You are a good artist. 12. We should have gone there.
13. Wah Choy could do the sum. 14. The new pupi I might know it. 15. I would Ii ke to
visit her.
1. He brought some money with him. 2. Kong Sun likes papayas. 3. The thief stole our
chickens. 4. I want to play with Susie. 5. The bus goes that way. 6. She knew my uncle.
7. We put our money in the bank. 8. He found the book in the cupboard. 9. Mary knows
how to sew. 10. The policeman carried a gun. 11. The gardener cut the grass. 12. His
neighbour keeps his house clean. 13. That boy wears shoes. 14. Som.e dogs bite. 15. It
matters.
1. They have been to Manila. 2. We have been told to do it. 3. Kok Heng broke the
window. 4. She was to be blamed for the mistake. 5. Was she helping them? 6 . The
children could finish the sums. 7. I like to play chess. 8. He has been to the seaside.
9. The li tt le boy lost his money. 10. Our hen lays an egg every day. 11. They shou ld
have hit him. 12. They care for their studies. 13. There is some food left. 14. You must
work very late. 15. You have signed your name already.
1. hasn't he? 2. hasn't it? 3. haven't I? 4. isn't she? 5 . aren't they? 6. shan't we?
7. won't they? 8. can't you? 9. won't there? 10. couldn't he? 11. wouldn't she?
12. mustn't he? 13. don't you? 14. didn't he? 15. wasn't he?
1. can you? 2. could he? 3. was it? 4. were they? 5. has she? 6. have you?
7. will she? 8. shall we? 9. is it? 10. are they? 11. would he? 12. does he?
13. do they? 14. did they? 15. must they?
1. hasn't he? 2. have you? 3. isn't it? 4. aren't they? 5. wasn't she? 6. weren't
they? 7. was she? 8. can't she? 9. would you? 10. shouldn't he? 11. mustn't I?
12. won'tyou? 13. didn'tshe? 14. doesshe? 15. don'tthey?
1. won't there? 2. haven't you? 3. would he? 4 . wasn't it? 5. didn't he? 6. hasn't
he? 7. doyou? 8 . can they? 9. mustshe? 10, shallwe? 11. didn'the? 12. aren't
they? 13. didn't she? 14. couldn't they? 15. doesn't he?
1. Which 2. What 3. Who 4. What 5. Which 6. Who 7. What 8. Which
9. Which 10. Who 11. Which 12. Who 13. What 14. Who 15. Which
1. When 2. Whom 3. Whose 4. Whom 5. When 6. Where 7. Whose 8. Whom
9. Where 10. When 11. Whose 12. Whom 13. When 14. Whom 15. When
1. Why 2. Why 3. Why 4. How 5. Why 6. How 7. Why 8. How 9. How
10. Why 11. How 12. Why 13. How 14. Why 15. How
380
ANSWERS

1. Who are coming here this evening? 2. What has his uncle bought? 3. Whose ruler is that
on the table? 4. Whom did you meet in town today? 5. Where are those boys going?
6. How do you usually go to school? 7. What does your sister work as? 8. Why was he
late? 9. What did your father give you for your birthday? 10. How many days are there in
a week? 11. Which boy threw the stone? 12. How much salt has she put in the soup?
13. Whose birthday is it today? 14. Which bicycle belongs to Chee Fai? 15. When did the
train leave the station? ·
1. Where did the ship sai I for? 2. How much did she pay the man 7 3. How has he done
the work? 4. What did Ah Seng give to his sister? 5. Who punished the boys? 6. How
many sweets did he give the little girl? 7. Why didn't she eat the cake? 8. Whose badminton
racket are you using? 9. What did he tell you? 10. Whom did you go shopping with
yesterday? 11. Which boy lives near Kok Wai? 12. Which shirt does he like better?
13. When will you visit your uncle? 14. Where did the postman put the letter? 15. Why
did Swee Lan go to bed immediately?
1. she will. 2. he did. 3. they did. 4. I wasn't. 5. they will. 6 . she has. 7. he did.
8. she didn't. 9. he was. 10. they weren't. 11. you haven't. 12. they could. 13. she
will. 14. he didn't. 15. she won't.
1. you can. 2. I can't. 3. I have. 4 . it has. 5. she did. 6. he can. 7. they will.
8. it was. 9. she could. 10. she might. 11. he isn't. 12. they won't. 13. he did.
14. he doesn't. 15. they will.
1. we did. 2. she has. 3. it has. 4. I have. 5. he can. 6. he has. 7. it isn't. 8. he
did. 9. they aren't. 10. she hasn't. 11. it was. 12. there will. 13. they have.
14. she couldn't. 15. we shall.
1. she does. 2. I can't. 3. there is. 4. there will. 5. she doesn't. 6. you have.
7. we shan't. 8 . I did. 9. therewas. 10. there were. 11. I have. 12. she isn't.
13. I have. 14. it hasn't. 15. I did.
1. Yes, it was. 2. Yes, they were. 3. Yes, they are. 4. Yes, she is. 5. Yes, there is.
6. Yes, I am. 7. Yes, you are. 8. No, they aren't. 9 . Yes, I have. 10. No, she hasn't.
11. Yes,ithas. 12. Yes,therewill. 13. Yes,weshall 14. No,hecouldn't. 15. Yes,he
did. 16. No, he didn't. 17. Yes, he does. 18. No, they don't.
1. Limited 2. Cash On Delivery 3. please turn over 4. Company 5. Justice of the
Peace 6. Young Men's Christian Association 7. id est (that is) 8. ditto (the same )
9. versus 10. nota bene (note well) 11. per annum 12. miles per gallon. 13. On
Government Service 14. quart 15. United Nations Organization 16. London Chamber
of Commerce 17. Southeast Asia Treaty Organization 18. all correct/agreed
19. miles per hour 20. quarter 21. Royal Air Force 22. et cetera (and so forth)
23. Department 24. pages 25. Union of Soviet Socia list Repub lics 26. His/Her Royal
Highness 27. Criminal Investigation Department 28. Malaysian Air lines System
29. respondez s'il vous plait (Please reply) 30. care of
1. This fi Im is presented by the British Broadcasting Corporation. 2. Are you a member of
the Young Women's Christian Association? 3. His address is number 12 Evans Road,
Singapore. 4. There are 112 pounds in 1 hundredweight. 5. Reverend John led the
congregation in singing the hymns. 6. He gave me an I owe you for twenty dollars. 7. The
shop se lls all sorts of goods, for example sugar, tinned food, soap, et cetera. 8. He has been
working in the laboratory for almost two hours. 9. My brother works at Hedgewood &
Company Limited. 10. The diameter of the cylinder is 5 centimetre. 11. The farmer
usually starts work at 6 before noon/ante meridiem and returns home at 5 after noon/post
meridiem. 12. Captain Lian was the Officer-in-Charge at the parade yesterday. 13. Can
381
ANSWERS
you find the Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple of these numbers?
14. This letter which I received on Friday was posted on Monday. 15. The Prime Minister
was at the airport to welcome the delegates from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
1. My father usually drives at 35 miles per hour. 2. On the parcel was written 'Cash On
Delivery'. 3. The shops in town are decorated for Christmas. 4. Figure 4 illustrates the
method explained in this section. 5. Both my brothers are members of the Boys Brigade.
6. The subject I dislike most is Mathematics. 7. My uncle has been a Justice of the Peace
for the past eight years. 8. The men from the Public Works Department are repairing the
road now. 9. The Assistant Superintendent of Police led a raid on the house. 10. There are
315 pages in this book and on each page there are 30 lines. ' 11. Today is Tuesd·a y, 19th
August 1972. 12. Mary will be sitting for the examination set by the Royal Schools of
Music. 13. This exhibition is held by the World Health Organization. 14. The tuberculosis
patient was sent to the General Hospital. 15. The Prime Minister has just left for the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations talks.
1. That farmer has pigs, goats, cows, ducks and chickens. 2. Mr Lee, who is a good artist,
lives near my house. 3. She asked me, "What are you doing?" 4. "Some shoes are made of
leather; others aren't," said John. 5. "Have you finished your work?" asked the teacher.
6. My neighbour's dog bites strangers. 7. "Paul, come here at once!" shouted the teacher.
8. "Hasn't he come home yet?" asked Swee Lan. 9. "Ah, I've done it at last!" said Alice .
10. "Kok Fai, I've something to ask you," said Alice. 11. As I was walking along Dawn Road
last evening, I met Michael, Chai Seng and Peggy. 12. John said, "I'll meet you at one
o'clock." 13. The caretaker found a man's wallet in the ladies' toilet. 14. "I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to hurt you," said the boy. 15. "That's a lie," said Weng Wah, "I wasn't there
at all."
1. "How are you feeling, Chong Meng?" I asked. 2. "I can't understand why he's taking such
a long time," said my mother. 3. "Ohl" cried my sister, "I've hurt my finger ." 4. "What a
rude man he isl"said my aunt angri ly. 5. "I can't sing," replied Tom, "but I can dance."
6. "I've forgotten to bring my book, sir," said the boy. 7. "Isn't she ready yet?" asked my
aunt. 8. "How much is that tin of sardines?" I asked the shopkeeper. 9. "He's flying to
London on Monday," she told me. 10. "Yes, mother," she answered, running into the
kitchen. 11. "Some of the pictures were new; others weren't," she told me . . 12. My mother
shouted, "Hurry up! Do you want to miss the train?" 13. "He couldn't come because he had
to finish his work," said his sister. 14. "I don't know," he said, "he didn't tell me anything."
15. "Long ago,'' began the teacher, "there lived an old fisherman and.his daughter."
1. "When did you come here?" I asked Thomas. 2. "He doesn't know you, does he?"
Kim Seng asked. 3. I bought a pen, two books and three pencils. Paul bought an album, a
writing pad and a ruler. 4. "When you've finished your work," said the teacher, "you may leave
the room." 5. "If it rains," said the captain of the team, "the game will be postponed."
6. He said with a smile, "It wasn't difficult after all." .7. "Who's that?" asked Jack.
8. "Yes," replied the boy, "my father is at home." 9. She washed the dishes, switched off
the light, locked the door and went to bed. 10. I said, "That's my dog. It's big but its tail
is short." 11. One evening, as I was sitting in .the hall with Micheal, we saw a man leading an
elephant down the road. 12. "That's an excellent idea," said my brother. 13. Paul's father
interrupted, "I think he's right." 14. The boy said, "I don't quite understand. Will you
please tell me all over again?" 15. I walked to the station and enquired, "When is the next
train, please?"
1. "Lookout!" cried the boy. "Here comes the mad dog." 2. "Why are you in such a
hurry?'' Heng Wah asked me. 3. We saw a lot of fruits at the market. There were apples,
oranges, pineapples, bananas and mangoes. 4. "Are you sure he's coming?" asked Mei Ling.
5. "P.S. stands for postcript, doesn't it?" she asked. 6. "Kim Seng, my dear, go and buy a
pound of beef," said Mrs Wong. 7. His mother asked, "Where's your sister's bag?"
8. Peggy said, "Where have you been all morning? I have been looking everywhere for you."
9. "I went to my uncle's house," replied John. "Do you know what happened on the way?"
10. "Hurrah! We've won the match," they shouted. 11. Some of the boxes were square;
382
ANSWERS

1. Who are coming here this evening? 2. What has his uncle bought? 3. Whose ruler is that
on the table? 4. Whom did you meet in town today? 5. Where are those boys going?
6. How do you usually go to school? 7. What does your sister work as? 8. Why was he
late? 9. What did your father give you for your birthday? 10. How many days are there in
a week? 11. Which boy threw the stone? 12. How much salt has she put in the soup?
13. Whose birthday is it today? 14. Which bicycle belongs to Chee Fai? 15. When did the
train leave the station? ·
1. Where did the ship sail for? 2. How much did she pay the man? 3. How has he done
the work? 4. What did Ah Seng give to his sister? 5. Who punished the boys? 6. How
many sweets did he give the little girl? 7. Why didn't she eat the cake? 8. Whose badminton
racket are you using? 9. What did he tell you? 10. Whom did you go shopping with
yesterday? 11. Which boy lives near Kok Wai? 12. Which shirt does he like better?
13. When will you visit your uncle? 14. Where did the postman put the letter? 15. Why
did Swee Lan go to bed immediately?
1. she wi II. 2. he did. 3. they did. 4. I wasn't. 5. they will. 6. she has. 7. he did.
8. she didn't. 9. he was. 10. they weren't. 11. you haven't. 12. they could. 13. she
will. 14. he didn't. 15. she won't.
1. you can. 2. I can't. 3. I have. 4. it has. 5. she did. 6. he can. 7. they will.
8. it was. 9 . she could. 10. she might. 11. he isn't. 12. they won't. 13. he did.
14. he doesn't. 15. they will.
1. we did. 2 . she has. 3. it has. 4. I have. 5. he can. 6. he has. 7. it isn't. 8. he
did. 9. they aren't. 10. she hasn't. 11. it was. 12. there will. 13. they have.
14. she couldn't. 15. we shal l.
1. she does. 2. I can't. 3. there is. 4. there will. 5. she doesn't. 6. you have.
7. we shan't. 8. I did. 9. there was. 10. there were. 11. I have. 12. she isn't,
13. I have. 14. it hasn't. 15. I did.
1. Yes, it was. 2. Yes, they were. 3. Yes, they are. 4. Yes, she is. 5. Yes, there is.
6. Yes, I am. 7. Yes, you are. 8. No, they aren't. 9. Yes, I have. 10. No, she hasn't.
11. Yes,ithas. 12. Yes,therewill. 13. Yes,weshall 14. No,hecouldn't. 15. Yes,he
did. 16. No, he didn't. 17. Yes, he does. 18. No, they don't.
1. Limited 2. Cash On Delivery 3. please turn over 4. Company 5. Justice of the
Peace 6. Young Men's Christian Association 7. id est (that is) 8. ditto (the same)
9. versus 10. nota bene (note well) 11. per annum 12. miles per gallon. 13. On
Government Service 14. quart 15. United Nations Organization 16. London Chamber
of Commerce 17. Southeast Asia Treaty Organization 18. all correct/agreed
19. miles per hour 20. quarter 21. Royal Air Force 22. et cetera (and so forth)
23. Department 24. pages 25. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 26. His/Her Royal
Highness 27. Criminal Investigation Department 28 . Malaysian Airlines System
29. respondez s'il vous plait (Please reply) 30. care of
1. This fi Im is presented by the British Broadcasting Corporation. 2. Are you a member of
the Y~ung Women's Christian Association? 3. His address is number 12 Evans Road,
Singapore. 4. There are 112 pounds in 1 hundredweight. 5. Reverend John led the
congregation in singing the hymns. 6. He gave me an I owe you for twenty dollars. 7. The
shop sells all sorts of goods, for example sugar, tinned food, soap, et cetera. 8. He has been
working in the laboratory for almost two hours. 9. My brother works at Hedgewood &
Company Limited. 10. The diameter of the cylinder is 5 centimetre. 11. The farmer
usually starts work at 6 before noon/ante meridiem and returns home at 5 after noon/post
meridiem. 12. Captain Lian was the Officer-in-Charge at the parade yesterday. 13. Can
381
ANSWERS
you find the Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple of these numbers?
14. This letter which I received on Friday was posted on Monday. 15. The Prime Minister
was at the airport to welcome the delegates from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
1. My father usually drives at 35 miles per hour. 2. On the parcel was written 'Cash On
Delivery'. 3. The shops in town are decorated for Christmas. 4. Figure 4 illustrates the
method explained in this section. 5. Both my brothers are members of the Boys Brigade.
6. The subject I dislike most is Mathematics. 7. My uncle has been a Justice of the Peace
for the past eight years. 8. The men from the Public Works Department are repairing the
road now. 9. The Assistant Superintendent of Police led a raid on the house. 10. There are
315 pages in this book and on each page there are 30 lines. · 11. Today is Tuesd·a y, 19th
August 1972. 12. Mary will be sitting for the examination set by the Royal Schools of
Music. 13. This exhibition is held by the World Health Organization. 14. The tuberculosis
patient was sent to the General Hospital. 15. The Prime Minister has just left for the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations talks.
1. That farmer has pigs, goats, cows, ducks and chickens. 2. Mr Lee, who is a good artist,
lives near my house. 3. She asked me, "What are you doing?" 4. "Some shoes are made of
leather; others aren't," said John. 5. "Have you finished your work?" asked the teacher.
6. My neighbour's dog bites strangers. 7. "Paul, come here at once!" shouted the teacher.
8. "Hasn't he come home yet?" asked Swee Lan. 9. "Ah, I've done it at last!" said Alice.
10. "Kok Fai, I've something to ask you," said Alice. 11. As I was walking along Dawn Road
last evening, I met Michael, Chai Seng and Peggy. 12. John said, "I'll meet you at one
o'clock." 13. The caretaker found a man's wallet in the ladies' toilet. 14. "I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to hurt you," said the boy. 15. "That's a lie," said Weng Wah, "I wasn't there
at all."
1. "How are you feeling, Chong Meng?" I asked. 2. "I can't understand why he's taking such
a long time," said my mother. 3. "Ohl" cried my sister, "I've hurt my finger." 4. "What a
rude man he isl"said my aunt angrily. 5. "I can't sing," replied Tom, "but I can dance."
6. "I've forgotten to bring my book, sir," said the boy. 7. "Isn't she ready yet?" asked my
aunt. 8. "How much is that tin of sardines?" I asked the shopkeeper. 9. "He's flying to
London on Monday," she told me. 10. "Yes, mother," she answered, running into the
kitchen. 11. "Some of the pictures were new; others weren't," she told me. 12. My mother
shouted, "Hurry up! Do you want to miss the train?" 13. "He couldn't come because he had
to finish his work," said his sister. 14. "I don't know," he said, "he didn't tell me anything."
15. "Long ago,'' began the teacher, "there lived an old fisherman and.his daughter."
1. "When did you come here?" I asked Thomas. 2. "He doesn't know you, does he?"
Kim Seng asked. 3. I bought a pen, two books and three pencils. Paul bought an album, a
writing pad and a ruler. 4. "When you've finished your work," said the teacher, "you may leave
the room." 5. "If it rains," said the captain of the team, "the game will be postponed."
6. He said with a smile, "It wasn't difficult after all," .7. ''Who's that?" asked Jack.
8. "Yes," replied the boy, "my father is at home." 9. She washed the dishes, switched off
the light, locked the door and went to bed. 10. I said, "That's my dog. It's big but its tail
is short." 11. One evening, as I was sitting in .the hall with Micheal, we saw a man leading an
elephant down the road. 12. "That's an excellent idea," said my brother. 13. Paul's father
interrupted, "I think he's right." 14. The boy said, "I don't quite understand. Will you
please tell me all over again?" 15. I walked to the station and enquired, "When is the next
train, please?"
1. "Look out!" cried the boy. "Here comes the mad dog." 2. "Why are you in such a
hurry?" Heng Wah asked me. 3. We saw a lot of fruits at the market. There were apples,
oranges, pineapples, bananas and mangoes. 4. "Are you sure he's coming?" asked Mei Ling.
5. "P.S. stands for postcript, doesn't it?" she asked. 6. "Kim Seng, my dear, go and buy a
pound of beef," said Mrs Wong. 7. His mother asked, "Where's your sister's bag?"
8. Peggy said, "Where have you been all morning? I have been looking everywhere for you."
9. "I went to my uncle's house," replied John. "Do you know what happened on the way?"
10. "Hurrah! We've won the match," they shouted. 11. Some of the boxes were square;
382
ANSWERS
others were oblong. There were even some round ones, too. 12. Sometimes my father
reads the "Daily Times" before he has his breakfast; sometimes he doesn't. 13. "Mr Leong,
my neighbour, had an accident last Sunday," Albert said. 14. While he was reading, the
lights went out; so he decided to go to bed. 15. Weng Tak was about to fall asleep when he
heard a faint tapping on his door. He jumped out of his bed and said, "Who's that?" When no
one answered, he dashed to the door and opened it, but he could not see anything in the dark.
1. The teacher said that lizards are reptiles. 2. She says that she is going to make some tea.
3. I shall tell him that he has made a mistake. 4. She told us that his dog is very fierce.
5. They said that they are still living at Adam Road. 6. He always says that he is a very busy
man. 7. We replied that we are leaving tomorrow morning. 8. She said that roses are very
beautiful flowers. 9. The little girl told Mrs Wong that her mother is cooking in the kitchen.
10. They say that they have never been to the zoo before. 11. Mr Lim told his son that
moths come out at night. 12. They said that they will be on their way there this time
tomorrow. 13. The maid announces to Mrs Winslow that the guests have arrived.
14. Wai Lan told them that Peter has hurt his foot. 15. She will say that she does not believe
me.
EXERCISE 239 (p . 260)
1. he was sorry to hear about the accident. 2. he had come a long way. 3. she would do it
if she could. 4. he should be back by 9 o'clock. 5. her brother was t~ller than she.
6. his uncle had gone to see them. 7. he might be late for dinner that night. 8. he was
very late. 9. they had already heard the news. 10. the children were sleeping. 11. they
would wait for me there the next day. 12. she had not decided yet. 13. his brother was
not working there then. 14. he could put his bag there. 15. he had lost his way.
1. He replied that he thought they were leaving the next day. 2. Peter said that they went
there very often. 3. The postmaster said that the mail would arrive at noon that day.
4. The girls said that they had been busy since the day before. 5. The little boy said that
that puppy was his. 6. Joan said that she was waiting for Swee Lan. 7. He warned us that
the train would be leaving soon . 8. They told me that they had left their bags at the station.
9. He said that he had finished that exercise. 10. They told me that she had quarrelled with
her neighbour the night before. 11. She told them that they had to reach there by 7 o'clock
that night. 12. He said that she had a mole on her right cheek. 13. The little girl cried that
he had taken her doll. 14. Mr Smith said that he was sure I could do it. 15. She told me
that it had rolled into that hole.
1. The man said that he worked in a rubber estate. 2. She says that her brother is having his
bath. 3. I will tell her that I do not know her. 4. Bill sai•d that his neighbour had a new car.
5. She said that cats like fish . 6. Kok Fai told me that the fisherman had caught a lot of fish
that morning. 7. We will tell her that we will not do it. 8. She whispered that she felt
giddy then . 9. The man told her that those apples cost 30 cents each. 10. She declares that
she does not know how to do it. 11. He told her proudly that he had painted that picture.
12. They told him that they had stayed up late the night before. 13. He said that he would
be working late that night. 14. The inspector said that the jewels had not been found yet.
15. Whenever I ask him, he always says he does not know.
1. He asked what the children were doing. 2. Do you know where the post-office is?
3. Please tell me what the time is. 4. I don't know when he leaves for work. 5. I wonder
why he was absent yesterday. 6. Ask him where Mei ling was going. 7. Please find out
whose book this is. 8 . He doesn't know how old his sister is. 9. They don't remember how
many chickens they have. 10. Please tell me why he has not come here. 11. They asked
him whom he met on the road. 12. Do you know what she said to him? 13. I shall ask her
why she must leave in such a hurry. 14. He didn't tell me who those men in the car were.
15. Go and find out who is knocking at the door.
,1. Tell me if that is your brother. 2. Ask him whether these are the pictures he wanted.
3. I wonder whether she is ill. 4. Have you decided whether you are coming tonight?
5. They asked her whether there had been many people at the concert. 6. Can you remember
383
ANSWERS
if there was a storm last night? 7. I don't know whether there is any sugar in the bowl.
8. Do you know if he will lend us his car? 9. He asked her if she had finished her work.
10. Find out if they have heard the story before. 11. I wonder whether he works in a facto
12. Does she know whether they still live in Singapore? 13. I wonder if they won the game
last evening. 14. Please ask him if his sister can play the piano. 15. Please find out if we
must leave at 1 o'clock.
1. He asked the boy whether he had broken that window. 2. She wondered how Mun Li ha
known about it. 3. She asked her daughter where she had been. 4. The policeman
questioned him whether he had heard any noise the night before. 5. He asked her whether
she had to switch off the fan. 6. I asked my friend whether he had seen that film before.
7. The nurse asked the patient how he was feeling then. 8. She asked Tom whether he woul
hand her the plate. 9. She asked her husband when he would be home that night. 10. I
wondered why they were staring at us. 11. Siew Ling asked me what I was reading. 12. St
asked her mother whether the water was boiling then. 13. The teacher asked him when he
had got up that morning. 14. I asked them whether they could hear what she was saying.
15. They asked Mei Fong whether she was joining them for the picnic the next day.
1. humble 2. friend 3. failure 4. narrow 5. giant 6. forwards 7. rough
8. motorist 9. miser 10. love 11. permanent 12. child 13. coward 14. majority
15. selfish 16. singular 17. attack 18. better 19. wise 20. shallow 21. modern
22. foul play 23. exit 24. depth 25. seldom 26. ebb 27. dry 28. defeat
29. peace 30. full
1. solid 2. poverty 3. sell 4. listen 5. loose 6. lie 7. safety 8. buy 9. wild
10. top 11. guilty 12. negative 13. order 14. stale 15. start 16. nowhere
17. immodest 18. crooked 19. loiter 20. local 21. strong 22. there 23. dead
24. hinder 25. take 26. feminine 27. bright 28. white 29. reveal 30. scarce
1. disobey 2. unlike 3. disappear 4. thoughtless 5. unfold 6. unfasten 7. untie
8. disagree 9. unkind 10. unlock 11. hopeless 12. painless 13. useless
14. powerless 15. nonsense 16. illegal 17. insane 18. unsuitable 19. unnecessary
20. disconnect 21. invisible 22. impossible 23. irregular 24. unknown
25. ungrateful 26. non-essential 27. disloyal 28. immature 29. illiterate
30. thoughtless
1. demolish 2. unsteady 3. last 4. expand 5. reckless 6. distrust 7. glut
8. superior 9. near 10. useless 11. those 12. unjust 13. unwelcome 14. harmless
15. unequal 16. dishonest 17. old 18. impure 19. unscrew 20. disallow
21. unknown 22. incorrect 23. forget 24. impatient 25. public 26. build
27. lose 28. opaque 29. undress 30. deep
1. The boy never forgets to do his homework. 2. The teacher questioned the dishonest boy.
3. These clothes are unsuitable for hot weather. 4. "I disagree with you," said the hero.
5. The boy took a long time to solve the difficult problem. 6. We were happy to hear of his
arrival. 7. Some children find it easier to multiply than to subtract. 8. The path.to the new
house is very smooth. 9. The old man is healthy and strong. 10. He is very unpopular in
school; many boys dislike him . 11. He frowned when he saw his enemy. 12. They
discontinued the journey when they found that the road was impassable to traffic. 13. He
followed them to the entrance. 14. Everybody knows he has gone home. 15. It is
unnecessary for him to increase the price.
1. They climbed quickly down the hill. 2. She refused the man's present rudely. 3. I
distrust him because he is dishonest and insincere. 4. The woman sold a blunt knife. 5. The
exit was bright and wide. 6. She found her ugly necklace late in the evening. 7. This box is
tiny, hollow and light. 8. The farmer lived up in the hill where the land was infertile.
384
ANSWERS
9. Only children are forbidden to see the film. 10. The minority of the population here are
of the old age group. 11. They found their way there because the place was familiar to them.
12. The pictures in the book were indistinct but the writing was legible. 13. The army
advanced two miles after the victory. 14. The sky is dark and cloudy. Let's go inside.
1. lean 2. edge 3. maximum 4. amazement 5. rich 6. reveal 7. still 8. yield
9. profit 10. protect 11. quick 12. assist/aid 13. ask 14. puny 15. option
16. buy 17. scent 18. myth 19. celebrated 20. produced/forced 21. tall
22. summit 23. terror 24. quaint 25. least 26. jovial 27. velocity 28. distant
29. select 30. find 31. rarely 32. frequently 33. generally 34. quiet 35. centre
36. strong
1. shining 2. edible 3. beverages 4. recollected 5. quantity 6. unwilling 7, drowsy
8. portion 9. remedy 10. roamed 11. priceless 12. enough 13. wrath 14. noisy
15. amazement
1. Mr Chong is a kind and affectionate father. 2. The heroic/fearless soldier was praised for
his heroic deed. 3. You must lubricate your bicycle to make it run smoothly. 4. I was
cheated by my best friend. 5. The attackers have surrounded the city. 6. We hold our
sports meet yearly. 7. The girl was tall and slender. 8. The manager replied quickly to my
letter. 9. The headmaster stopped speaking abruptly and stared at the boys. 10. Enid
Blyton is well-known/famous for her adventure stories. 11. She dug up some moist earth and
put it into the flower pot. 12. "I don't comprehend what you mean," he said. 13. The
crowd scattered when the police arrived. 14. They thanked him for the help he gave them.
15. He felt a sharp pain in his chest.
1. postponed 2. stale 3. repeatedly 4. return 5. decided 6. immediately
7. continually 8. explain 9. behind 10. innocent 11. disappeared 12. numerous
13. exit 14. fragile 15. decade
1. travel 2. proudly 3. useless 4. rescued 5. quiet 6. parents 7. neighbours
8. punctual 9. nephew 10. soon 11. lot 12. yesterday 13. spectators 14. staring
15. quadrupeds
1. accidentally 2. survive 3. improving 4. started 5. popular 6. visited 7. stopped
8. clear 9. whispered 10. observed 11. applauded 12. shouted 13. appeared
14. occasionally 15. audience
1. climbed 2. continued 3. reduce 4. felled 5. left 6. arrived 7. yielded
8. agree 9. cheap 10. hu.ngry 11. revolved 12. discovered 13. weekly 14. drought
15. flexible
1. threw; through 2. There; their 3. bye; by 4. rose; rows 5. rode; road 6. heard;
herd 7. tale; tail 8. read; Red 9. practise; practice 10. blew; blue 11. checks; cheques
12. see; sea 13. sent; cent 14. Write; right
1. fare; fair 2. hear; here 3. sight; site 4. maid; made 5. key; quay 6. peace; piece
7. None; nun 8. plane; plain 9. knight; night 10. seen; scene 11. hole; whole
12. allowed; aloud 13. bawl; ball 14. raise; rays 15. tied; tide
1. bored 2. current 3. rain 4. soot 5. wood 6. too 7. hour 8. fined 9. ewe
10. stare 11. draught 12. stationery 13. pail 14. knew 15. weight
1. purr 2. quart 3. attend 4. save 5. rowed 6. knee 7. money 8. string
9. carry 10. saw 11. sew 12. shirt 13. degrees 14. river 15. sum
385
ANSWERS

1. Is Siew Leng standing over there? 2. Was Poh Meng absent yesterday? 3. Was he i II last
week? 4. Am I very busy? 5. Were the windows shut? 6. Is it very breezy today? 7. Is
it time for lunch? 8. Is there any sugar in your coffee? 9. Are the boys behaving
themselves? 10. Does the farmer have a few buffaloes? 11. Has the maid prepared tea for
us? 12. Have I seen your stamp album? 13. Have you been there before? 14 Have you
heard the good news? 15. Had the rain stopped before you left the hotel?
EXERCISE 266 (p. 2991
1. Will you see the headmaster tomorrow? 2. Wi II they run in the race tomorrow?
3. Should they be here by now? 4. May I leave now? 5. Will that be enough? 6. Can it
be done? 7. Will you have to catch the early train? 8. Could they hear the noise?
9. Would he tell me the story? 10. Can the little boy lift that box? 11. Must I find the
answer to this sum? 12. May Jane go swimming tomorrow? 13. May Kok Fai use your
bicycle? 14. Must they both sleep early? 15. Will the school be closed at the end of this
week?
EXERCISE 267 (p. 2991
1. Is your uncle reading a novel? 2. Are they collecting the money? 3. Will you meet me
there? 4. Are the boys digging in the garden? 5. Can you reach there within two hours?
6. Were you picking up the crumbs from the floor? 7. Has Poh Wah gone to Ah Seng'.s house?
8. Should I have cut my hair shorter? 9. Has Cheng Tim always played a good game?
10. Were your shoes muddy? 11. Was that piece of work done by Kim Seng? 12. Will you
call on me this afternoon? 13. May I put my things there? 14. Must they help you?
15. Have I been taught this song?
1. Does it usually rain in the afternoon? 2. Does your sister like to dance? 3. Do elephants
love sugar-cane? 4. Did you meet Swee Lan just now? 5. Did they go for a show last night?
6. Did you find a kitten on the roadside? 7. Do you cycle five miles to school? 8. Does she
always speak the truth? 9. Did the prisoner escape through the window? 19. Did he hit
the snake with a stick? 11. Do snails come out looking for food at night? 12. Did he seem
excited? 13. Do you go to bed before ten o'clock? 14. Did the boy hide behind the
bushes? 15. Did his father work late last night?
1. (a) Is the train not due yet? (bl Isn't the train due yet? 2. (a) Does Chee Kong not
live near the school? (bl Doesn't Chee Kong live near the school? 3. (a) Are they not
feeling well? (b) Aren't they feeling well? 4. Did I not look for him everywhere?
(b) Didn't I look for him everywhere? 5. (a) Do they not know the way to the station?
(bl Don't they know the way to the station? 6. (a) Are the mangoes not sour? (b) _Aren't
the mangoes sour? 7. (al Was your father not at home? (b) Wasn't your father at home? .
8. (a) Will it not be difficult? (b) Won't it be difficult? 9. (a) Would he not believe the
story? (b) Wouldn't he believe the story? 10. (al Could they not have done such a wicked
deed? (b) Couldn't they have done such a wicked deed? 11. (a) Can she not accept the
invitation? (b) Can't she accept the invitation? 12. (a) Will you not stay long? (b) Won't
you stay long? 13. (a) Will it not happen again? (b) Won't it happen again?
14. (a) Have they not seen it before? (b) Haven't they seen it before? 15. (al Might he
not be able to come? (b) Mightn't he be able to come?
1. (a) He isn't leaving tomorrow. (bl Isn't he leaving tomorrow? 2. (a) You aren't waiting
for him. (b) Aren't you waiting for him? 3. (a) He doesn't think it can be done.
(b) Doesn't he think it can be done? 4. (a) He hasn't met the salesman before. (b) Hasn't
he met the salesman before? 5. (a) She hasn't quarrelled with her sister. (b) Hasn't she
quarrelled with her sister? 6. (a) They haven't taken good care of him. (b) Haven't they
taken good care of him? 7. (a) She didn't see him off at the station. (b) Didn't she see
him off at the station? 8. (a) Siew Mui didn't go to bed early last night. (b) Didn't
Siew Mui go to bed early last night? 9. (a) We didn't follow his car all the way. (b) Didn't
you follow his car all the way? 10. (a) She won't go to the party. (b) Won't she go to the
party? 11. (a) They won't try to go tomorrow. (b) Won't they try to go tomorrow?
12. (a) They weren't going to school when they met him. (b) Weren't they going-to school
386
ANSWERS

1. to be jealous 2. to keep things going 3. to suspect something 4. a narrow escape
5. very easy to do 6. to agree with 7. to put a stop to 8. to run away 9. very bad-
tempered 10. without a cent 11. to write down on paper 12. to laugh secretly at
somebody 13. to go to war 14. to boast about oneself 15. to remain calm
1. to paddle your own canoe 2. a white elephant 3. to feel run-down 4. to give a person
the cold shoulder 5. to pass with flying colours 6. a cat and dog life 7. to win the day
8. at the eleventh hour 9. chicken-hearted 10. to pay through the nose 11. a cat on hot
bricks 12. to build castles in the air 13. to be a dog in a manger 14. to talk behind
one's back 15. hard of hearing
1. very seldom 2. very comfortabie 3. to attack 4. raining heavily 5. watch carefully
6. does things the wrong way round 7. remained calm 8. to spend within his income
9. caught while committing a crime 10. a silly and incredible story 11. talk in a round-
about way 12. are in trouble 13. marched one behind the other in a single line
14. impossible 15. withdraw from an agreement
1. if you rest more. 2. because he was very tired. 3. when it freezes. 4. he would be
shocked. 5. I must go home. 6. after he was caught in the rain. 7. after she had worked
as a waitress for two years. 8. you must go and see a doctor. 9. at the General Hospital.
10. so she sewed it back. 11. when it did not rain for a fortnight. 12. after a few
practices. 13. so he has to call a mechanic. 14. you should eat more. 15. if you know her
better.
PART 2 : COMPREHENSION
Passage 1 (p. 335)

1. Rabbits are gentle animals and make good pets. 2. She received a pair of white rabbits
from her uncle. 3. She fed them green leaflets and vegetables such as cabbages and carrots.
4. She let the rabbits out of their cage to play in the garden. 5. One of her rabbits had given
birth to five baby rabbits. 6. There wasn't enough space in the garden for all the rabbits.
7. D 8. B
Passage 2 (p. 336)
1. He thought that the calf was a cow. 2. He killed and skinned it and hung the meat on
a mango tree. 3. A tlock of crows did. 4. He thought that the mango tree had agreed to
pay for the crows. 5. He chopped it down. 6. He found a pot of gold. 7. D 8. B
Passage 3 (p. 338)
1. He used pointed stones or his finger after dipping it in plant juices or the blood of animals.
2. They used a hollow stem which had a piece of copper fixed to its end. 3. He learnt to do
so in the fifteenth century. 4. This was to enable ink to flow down the hollow in the feather
to the paper. 5. It was made in the United States in the nineteenth century. 6. It is a pen
invented in the twentieth century. Its writing point is a tiny metal ball which sits in a socket
and moves round and round and picks up the ink inside the pen as you write. 7. C 8. D
Passage 4 (p. 339)
1. They lived in a house by the side of a road. 2. It hit the front wall of the house and
crashed into it. 3. The car was only a few feet away from him and his family and its engine
was still running. 4. It was supported by a sewing machine. 5. They ran out of the
house. 6. He had a few scratches on his legs; otherwise he was unhurt. 7. C 8. C
Passage 5 (p. 340)
1. She sold newspapers at a news-stand in a busy street. 2. She brought her two-year-old
son, Ah Tak, with her. 3. She was worried because Ah Tak usually returned after about
fifteen minutes. 4. She made a report to the pol ice. 5. A stranger brought their son home
to them. 6. He had thought that Ah Tak was an orphan and had hoped to adopt him.
7. C 8. B
388
ANSWERS
when they met him? 13. (a) The man wasn't shouting across the road. (b) Wasn't the man
shouting across the road? 14. (a) Swee Onn hadn't finished at ten o'clock. (b) Hadn't
Swee Onn finished at ten o'clock? 15. (a) The lorry hadn't stopped before the car knocked
it. (bl Hadn't the lorry stopped before the car knocked it?
1. is grown 2. is made 3. are sold 4. is cooked 5. are packed 6. is locked
7. is used 8. are not grown 9. are polished 10. is cut 11. are usually held 12. are
often found 13. is mined 14. are used 15. are usually pollinated
1. was repaired 2. was built 3. was turned 4. were found 5. was injured 6. was
printed 7. was cut; chopped 8. was not weeded; (were) not watered 9. was knocked; was
taken 10. was hit 11. was asked; was told 12. was scored; were injured; were carried
13. was badly beaten; were taught 14. were told; were also given. 15. were washed; was
swept; was emptied
1. The bell has just been rung. 2. The mud has already been wiped off. 3. Those boxes
have already been taken away. 4. The candles have been lighted. 5. A statue has been
stolen from the museum. 6. The thieves have been sentenced to hard labour. 7. I have
never been beaten at tennis. 8. The cups and glasses have not been washed yet. 9. She has
not been told the sad news yet. 10. Mr Brown is happy. His son has been found. 11. The
plants are dying. They have not been watered for a very long time. 12. You can't blame
them for these mistakes. They have not been taught to do these sums. 13. The car has
already been washed but it has not been po Ii shed yet. 14. The wrong flag has been put up
but it has not been taken down. 15. The bridge has already been repaired but no traffic has
been allowed across it.
1. Ants' nests can be found in the ground. 2. The cover of the book was torn. 3. That
house was built in a month. 4. The food is being cooked now. 5. The rubbish was not
thrown away. 6. Were they to Id the news? 7. Eggs can be bought from that stall. 8. You
vvere seen at the cinema last night. 9. He will be sent to prison. 10. Can't you see the sign?
Cars must not be parked along this road. 11. Rubber is used for making many things.
12. Tickets can be bought at the Grand Shoe Shop or at the Central Supermarket. 13. The
hall was painted white and decorated with fairy lights. 14. The robbers could not be caught
although road-blocks were set up at various roads. 15. The books will not be sent to you this
vveek. They are still being packed.
1. Houses are built of bricks and cement. 2. Rice is eaten in Asia. 3. Your key was
found in the field yesterday. 4. That town is now in ruins. Jt was bombed during the 2nd
World War. 5. I have been invited to dinner. 6. My watch was not repaired yesterday.
7. We have nothing to do. Everything has been done. 8. A lot of questions have been asked
about you. 9. No wonder it's cold. The window has not been shut yet. 10. Paul has every
reason to be proud. He has been made the school captain. 11. I was given this typewriter for
my birthday. It was made in Italy. 12. The explosion could be heard many miles away.
13. I still go about on my bicycle. My car has not been repaired yet. I was told it would be
ready soon. 14. Were you asked many questions at the police-station? 15. I don't believe
we have met; at least vve have not been introduced yet.
1. Our new school extension will be opened by the Minister next week. 2. The road has just
been repaired by the P.W.D workers. 3. Our dog has been knocked down by a car. 4. The
fire was so great that it could not be put out by the firemen. 5. These noises are made by the
crickets. 6. Our books in that cupboard are often eaten up by bookworms. 7. Both these
postcards were sent to me by my friend in Hong Kong. 8 . The boy was praised for his
diligence and determination by the headmaster. 9. The wooden bridge had been washed away
by the floods. 10. He is being shown a green shirt by the salesgirl. 11. He was clawed and
wounded by a panther. 12. The cups and dishes were being washed by the servant this
morning. 13. A piece of music which was composed by Bach was being played by him.
14. A flash of lightning is always followed by thunder during a thunderstorm. 15. The
escaped prisoner was recaptured by the police after he was shot and wounded by them.
387
ANSWERS

1. to be jealous 2 . to keep things going 3. to suspect something 4. a narrow escape
5. very easy to do 6. to agree .with 7. to put a stop to 8. to run away 9. very bad•
tempered 10. without a cent 11. to write down on paper 12. to laugh secretly at
somebody 13. to go to war 14. to boast about oneself 15. to remain calm
1. to paddle your own canoe 2. a white elephant 3. to feel run-down 4. to give a person
the cold shoulder 5. to pass with flying colours 6. a cat and dog life 7. to win the day
8. at the eleventh hour 9. chicken-hearted 10. to pay through the nose 11. a cat on hot
bricks 12. to bui Id castles in the air 13. to be a dog in a manger 14. to talk behind
one's back 15. hard of hearing
1. very seldom 2. very comfortabie 3. to attack 4. raining heavily 5. watch carefully
6. does things the wrong way round 7. remained calm 8. to spend within his income
9. caught while committing a crime 10. a silly and incredible story 11. talk in a round-
about way 12. are in trouble 13. marched one behind the other in a single line
14. impossible 15. withdraw from an agreement
1. if you rest more. 2. because he was very tired. 3. when it freezes. 4. he would be
shocked. 5. I must go home. 6. after he was caught in the rain. 7. after she had worked
as a waitress for two years. 8. you must go and see a doctor·. 9. at the General HoSPital.
10. so she sewed it back. 11. when it did not rain for a fortnight. 12. after a few
practices. 13. so he has to call a mechanic. 14. you should eat more. 15. if you know her
better.
PART2 COMPREHENSION
Passage 1 (p. 335)

1. Rabbits are gentle animals and make good pets. 2. She received a pair of white rabbits
from her uncle. 3. She fed them green leaflets and vegetables such as cabbages and carrots.
4. She let the rabbits out of their cage to play in the garden. 5. One of her rabbits had given
birth to five baby rabbits. 6. There wasn't enough space in the garden for all the rabbits.
7. D 8. B
Passage 2 (p. 336)
1. He thought that the calf was a cow. 2. He killed and skinned it and hung the meat on
a mango tree. 3. A tlock of crows did. 4. He thought that the mango tree had agreed to
pay for the crows. 5. He chopped it down. 6. He found a pot of gold. 7. D 8. B
Passage 3 (p. 338)
1. He used pointed stones or his finger after dipping it in plant juices or the blood of animals.
2. They used a hollow stem which had a piece of copper fixed to its end. 3. He learnt to do
so in the fifteenth century. 4. This was to enable ink to flow down the hollow in the feather
to the paper. 5. It was made in the United States in the nineteenth century. 6. It is a pen
invented in the twentieth century. Its writing point is a tiny metal ball which sits in a socket
and moves round and round and picks up the ink inside the pen as you write. 7. C 8. D
Passage 4 (p. 339)
1. They lived in a house by the side of a road. 2. It hit the front wall of the house and
crashed into it. 3. The car was only a few feet away from him and his family and its engine
was still running. 4. It was supported by a sewing machine. 5. They ran out of the
house. 6. He had a few scratches on his legs; otherwise he was unhurt. 7. C 8. C
Passage 5 (p. 340)
1. She sold newspapers at a news-stand in a busy street. 2. She brought her two-year-old
son, Ah Tak, with her. 3. She was worried because Ah Tak usually returned after about
fifteen minutes. 4. She made a report to the pol ice. 5. A stranger brought their son home
to them. 6 . He had thought that Ah Tak was an orphan and had hoped to adopt him.
7. C 8. B
388
ANSWERS
Passage 6 (p. 341)

1. She sees a piece of red flowered cloth. 2. It costs $6.00 per yard. 3. She offers to pay
$4.50 a yard for it. 4. It is less than its cost price. 5. She wants to make a dress for
Swee Leng. 6. She pays her $11.60. 7. B 8. C
Passage 7 (p. 342)
1. They call it 'river horse'. 2. It does so in order that it can breathe and look around
while it is swimming. 3. It is because none of them can bite through its skin. 4. They
speared it. 5. Its thick hide can be made into belts and whips, and its teeth into ivory.
6. It weighs from three to four tons, and it can live from thirty to forty years. 7. C 8. D
Passage 8 (p. 343)
1. He sells cakes and biscuits. 2. They start making them two months before the Chinese
New Year. 3. They received a lot of orders for the cakes and Mrs Lim, being old, could not
do all the work herself. 4. She makes layered cakes, sponge cakes and green pea cakes,
among others. 5. He receives orders from housewives, supermarkets and food stores.
6. It is because he does not get such good business the whole year round. 7. E 8. D
Passage 9 (p. 344)
1. Its master was cruel. 2. It started to bray loudly, twitching its ears all the time. 3. It
was greatly surprised and frightened by the donkey's actions. 4. It met a fox. 5. It
wanted to kill the donkey for supper. 6. The donkey said it was nice of the fox to bring
it supper of tiger meat, its favourite food. 7. A 8. B
Passage 10 (p. 346)
1. It is because the frogs are hard to catch. 2. They are found in rice-fields and muddy banks
of rivers. 3. It is because the frogs are very slippery. 4. Edible frogs stay only in certain
places and they look different from other frogs. 5. They skin them while they are still alive,
then cut them up and cook them. 6. Frog meat is believed to be able to cure skin diseases,
purify the blood and give a smoother and clearer complexion to the person who eats it.
7. B 8. D
Passage 11 (p. 347)
1. He is eight feet two inces tall. 2. He was too tall for any of the desks in the school.
3. He reached his present height when he was fifteen years old. 4. He faces many
problems, the main one of which is that he has to wear and use things that are very much
bigger than other people's. 5. It has no front seats. 6. He has to ask for an extra bed to
put his legs. 7. D 8. C
Passage 12 (p. 348)
1. They are in Denpasar in Bali. 2. It is a Balinese dance. 3. It tel Is the story of how a
Hindu king, King Rama, fought another Hindu king, King Rhawana, to win back his Queen.
4. He did so with the help of the monkey king, Hanuman, and _his monkey soldiers.
5. They have been spending them at the beaches. 6. They will be doing so next week.
7. E 8. B
Passage 13 (p. 349)
1. Pat belonged to the colour-sergent in the 72nd Highlander Regiment in the British
army. 2. He carries the flag of his regiment and always stays close to the colonel. 3. It
is important as the soldiers in the regiment will be discouraged from carrying on fighting if
they see their flag captured. 4. He was shot in the right arm. 5. Pat bit the Afghan's leg
when he tried to capture the flag from the sergeant. 6. He wanted to share the honour
with Pat, who had helped to save the flag. 7. C 8. E
Passage 14 (p. 350)
1. All the buildings and houses in Kano are made of mud. 2. A great mud wall surrounds
it. 3. A mud house is ready to be lived in when it is dried. 4. It seldom rains there.
5. You will find thousands of cyclists and some donkeys and camels. 6. You will see
hawkers selling cloth, carpets, spices, cakes and other things. 7. C 8. E
Passage 15 (p. 351 )
1. You must be sure that you can control the bicycle properly, ride straight and know how
to mount and dismount correctly. 2. You should also know all the traffic rules. 3.This
is to enable vehicles to overtake you safely. 4. You should keep a safe distance between
you and the car. 5. You must keep them there so that you will be able to control the
bicycle, use the brakes or sound the bell. 6. It must have a bell, a front lamp, a red tail-
light and good brakes. 7. C 8. C
389
ANSWERS
Passage 16 (p. 352)

1. A turtle lives in the sea and not on land like a tortoise. 2. The Chinese believe that
turtles can give them long life and prosperity, and that they have some power over 'sea devils'.
3. A ferry sank there and a big ocean liner caught fire and sank there too. 4. He bought
them in order to release them during a ceremony. 5. They chanted prayers and wrote
Chinese words on the three turtles' shells. 6. They prayed and stuck joss-sticks into jars in
the sampans. 7. B 8. C
Passage 17 (p. 353)
1. It is called The Great Bear'. 2. They went hunting. 3. He fainted in weariness.
4. They made a stretcher for the eldest brother to lie on. Then four of them carried the
stretcher while the youngest one carried the cooking-pot. 5. No, they could not return to
earth. They were in th~ sky. 6. They were changed to stars. 7. D 8. B
Passage 18 (p. · 355)
1. It was to make up to him for the thirty years he had spent in prison for a crime he had
not committed. 2. It was held up by three men, and its owner robbed and shot dead.
3. He was found guilty at a trial when the store-owner's daughter said he was one of the
robbers. 4. He was given a retrial thirty years later. 5. He felt so because he was a
free man again. 6. He would buy a small cottage with a garden and pay some debts
with it. 7. D 8. B
Passage 19 (p. 356)
1. He was working on some window frames. 2. It was to prevent him from falling down.
3. He wanted to go down and have lunch. 4. They sent for an ambulance to take him to
the hospital. 5. They were surprised because the doctors declared him fit although he had
fallen from a high building. 6. He gave him $400 and a week's leave. 7. D 8. C
Passage 20 (p. 357)
1. He found out that some bacteria are disease germs while others cause things to go bad.
2. He also discovered that heating prevents these things from going bad. 3. He became
famous as a result of his discovery in fighting two diseases, anthrax and rabies. 4. He injected
weak anthrax germs into twenty-five of the fifty sheep he had bought. Two weeks later, he
injected strong germs into all the fifty sheep. He discovered that the sheep which had been
given the anthrax germs earlier did not die while the others did.
390

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PART1

2 Countable and Uncountable Nouns 4

5 Singular and Plural Nouns 14

8 Possession - Nouns, Adjectives and

11 Forms of the Verb 47

12 Present Continuous Tense

13 Simple Present Tense 60

14 Present Perfect Tense 64

15 Simple Past Tense 68

16 Past Continuous Tense 71

17 Past Perfect Tense 76

18 Simple Future Tense & 'Going to' Form 79

19 Future Continuous & Future Perfect Tenses 83

20 'Wish' followed by the Subjunctive 86

23 'Have to', 'Must', 'Ought to', 'Should', etc. 97

24 Conditional Tenses (Present, Past and Past

25 Tense Sequence 111

27 Comparison of Adjectives 123

28 Forming Adjectives 127

29 Definite and Indefinite Articles 132

30 A, An, The, Some and Any 139

32 Comparison of Adverbs 153

33 Forming Adverbs 158

35 Adverbial Clauses 166

36 Relative Pronouns 173

37 Joining Sentences 177

43 Missing Words 204

44 Agreement (2) 208

46 Positive and Negative Sentences 219

49 Yes and No Answers + Expected Answers 236

52 Indirect Statements 257

53 Indirect Questions 263

56 Word Substitution 282

62 Noun Clauses 314

63 Inchoative Verbs 319

64 Useful Lists of Words 323

2 Silly Kai Foo 336

3 When the Pen Was Invented 337

4 Saved by a Sewing-machine 338

5 The Missing Boy 339

6 Shopping for Cloth 341

7 The Hippopotamus 342

8 Mr Lim's Shop 343

9 The Clever Donkey 344

10 .. Frogs for Dinner 345

11 The Tallest Man in the World 346

12 A Letter from Mother 347

13 The Dog That Wore the Victoria Cross 348

14 The City of Mud 350

17 The Great Bear 353

18 Not Guilty! 354

19 Liu 's Lucky Escape 355

20 Louis Pasteur 356

Can you name all that you see in the pictures?

Nouns are called naming.words. They are the names of people, .

e.g. Most birds build their nests in trees.

1. The careless boy lost his pen.

e.g. She hung up the .......... on the ......... .

1. Mice are afraid of·······~···

a little a great deal of

Look at the nouns in A and then in B.

C«>untable nouns are nouns which can be counted.

EXERCISE 5 - COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS

EXERCISE 6 - COUNTABLE AND UNCOUNTABLE NOUNS