Teaching Language through Literature in a More Interactive Way

 This blog post has some tests which evaluate English language skill in depth. These tests can be used and modified to be used in classrooms. Moreover, these tests given idea how more student participation can be ensured when teaching English through literature.

First Year English

Lesson # 1

Q # 1. Follow the given instruction to answer the questions.
1	A glass dome covered the button. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
2	She didn’t like his attitude. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
3	Norma frowned. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
4	All we guarantee is that you don’t know them. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
5	She whirled with a gasp as the telephone rang. How many nouns are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
6	Something cold pressed at her skull as she removed the button unit from the wastebasket. How many nouns are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
7	She had just turned over the supper steaks when the telephone rang. How many verbs are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
8	We reached the limbless trunks of these tall straight pines whose branches reached towards the blue depth of the sky, or the white clouds was now gone. How many verbs are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
9	I saw a clearing, a small clearing of not more than three-fourth of an acre in the heart of this wilderness right on the mountain top. Pick out all the nouns from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
10	It was already here as God had made it and we had to do was to clear the tree and burn the bush. Pick out all the verbs from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
Instructor’s Remarks:

 

Lesson # 2

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	Abruptly, she began to smash it on the sink edge, pounding it harder and harder, until the wood split. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
2	There were no nails or screws visible.  Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
3	Forty years ago a doctor told him the same thing. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
4	He got up from the stump and wiped the raindrops of sweat from his red-wrinkled face his big blue bandanna. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. noun		b. verb	c. adjective	d. adverb
5	For many of the trees were sixty feet tall and the wild vines had matted their tops. How many adjectives are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
6	It was on this steep slope that my father once made me a little wooden plough. How many adjectives are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. five	d. four
7	I will never forget these days now. How many adverbs are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
8	I thought he had found a new kind of wild grass, or an unfamiliar herb, or a new kind of tree. How many adjectives are there in the given sentence?
a. three		b. five	c. seven	d. eight
9	That was when I was six years old and they had brought me to the field to thin corn. Pick out all the adjectives from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
10	Generally, he went there with his mother and consequently he never missed the location of the place and his eyes were always were on the details. Pick out all the adverbs from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 3

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	Norma put the button unit beside her on the couch. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
2	In the morning, as she left the apartment, Norma saw the card halves on the table.  Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
3	Impulsively, she dropped them into her purse. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
4	Opening it, she put the button unit on the table. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
5	Only twice did my father stop to wipe the sweat from his eyes as he climbed the second steep bluff toward the fingers of the pines. How many pronouns are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
6	I followed him from his clearing in the sky, down a new path, towards the deep valley below. How many prepositions are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. five	d. four
7	Then my father started to move slowly up the path again, supporting himself with his cane. How many prepositions are there in the given sentence?
a. one		b. two	c. three	d. four
8	I thought he had found a new kind of wild grass, or an unfamiliar herb, or a new kind of tree. How many pronouns are there in the given sentence?
a. two		b. three	c. five	d. six
9	Something cold pressed at her skull when she removed the button unit from the wastebasket. Pick out all the pronouns from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
10	She stared at it for a long time before taking the key from its envelope and removing the glass dome.. Pick out all the prepositions from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
Instructor’s Remarks:

 

Lesson # 4

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	She felt unreal as the voice informed her of the subway accident. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
2	While she was stacking dishes, she turned abruptly, dried her hands and took the package from the bottom cabinet.  Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
3	When he made up his mind to do a thing, he would do it if he had to crawl. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
4	This was the only place on the mountain where the sun could shine to the ground. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
5	She wonders why I ever climbed this mountain top to raise my potatoes, yams, and tomatoes. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
6	It’s the land that God left. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. adverb	d. preposition
7	“Oh, yes.” Norma smiled. Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. interjection	d. preposition
8	“Aha! All my dear ones are here!” Underlined word in the given sentence is:
a. pronoun		b. conjunction	c. interjection	d. preposition
9	The old farmer was ill, but he had strong will power, and he worked hard for his children because he knew how hard life will become for them if he did not work. Pick out all the conjunctions from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
10	After his parents left him with his aunt and uncle, and went to perform pilgrimage, he had no one to give him genuine company though his aunt and uncle were very kind and they took very good care of him. Pick out all the conjunctions from the given sentence and write them below in the space provided for.
Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 5

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	It is intriguing. The given sentence is an example of a---------------------------------------------------.
a. declarative sentence		b. interrogative sentence		c. imperative sentence	d. exclamatory sentence
2	Who do you represent? The given sentence is an example of a---------------------------------------------------.
a. declarative sentence		b. interrogative sentence		c. imperative sentence	d. exclamatory sentence
3	Will you kill some innocent person? The given sentence is an example of a-----------------------------------.
a. declarative sentence			b. interrogative sentence	c. imperative sentence	d. exclamatory sentence
4	Push the button and get the money. The given sentence is an example of a----------------------------------.
a. declarative sentence			b. interrogative sentence	c. imperative sentence	d. exclamatory sentence
5	Alas! I killed my own husband because of my greed. The given sentence is an example of a---------------.
a. declarative sentence			b. interrogative sentence	c. imperative sentence	d. exclamatory sentence
6	One of the followings is not a declarative sentence. Choose the right option.
a. She stared at the button unit.				b. I ploughed this land with a mule.
c. Doctors advised me to take life easy.				d. How could I sit idle and take life easy?
7	Point out interrogative sentence/s from the given ones.
a. Why did you climb this mountain?				b. Arthur trembled.
c. Are you crazy?				d. both a & c
8	One of the followings is not an imperative sentence. Choose the right option.
a. Stray cattle destroy crops.				b. Work hard lest you should fail your exams.
c. Respect your parents.				d. Be kind to your poor.
9	Pick out all the declarative sentences from the given ones and write them down. (1) He had grown his garden at the top of the mountain. (2) Did the old farmer work for his family. (3) Norma wanted to get money. (4) American dream is a dream of success as America is a land of opportunity. (5) Who was paying people to kill the innocent people? (6) All paths lead to the same place. (7) Tell me the whole truth.
Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 6

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	Infinitives are non-finite verbs. It means they are not governed by any subject. Infinitives act like nouns, adjectives and adverbs. Generally, infinitives are made by adding to before the first form of verb. However, sometimes infinitives come with to before them. Given below are four sentences. Three of them have infinitives. Tick the one without infinitive.
a. Norma tried to lift it off, but it was locked in place.			b. I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to tell you that.
c. I’ll not take long to explain.			d. Arthur turned to his book.
2	Which of the following sentence has an infinitive?
a. I knew that my father had gone to eight doctors.			b. Leaves feel like rain drops to the ground.
c. She struggled to her feet and walked into the kitchen.			d. Would you like me to return the button unit?
3	Which one of the following sentences have infinitives? Tick them.
a. How our hounds, Rags and Scout would make the rabbits circle!			b. He told my father to get a taxi to take him home.
c. A chill of horror swept across her.			d. The large woman dragged the boy to her room.
4	Participles are words made from verbs and they function as adjectives. Participles are formed by add ing, ed, or en to the base form of verb. Given below are four sentences. Three of them have participles. Tick the one without a participle.
a. She saw his hands trembling.			b. She reread the typed note, smiling.
c. Norma held the torn edges of the card together.			d. She made a scoffing sound.
5	Which of the following sentence has a participle?
a. Opening it, she set the button unit on the table.			b. She stared at it for a long time before taking the key from its envelope.
c. She drew in a shaking breathe.			d. She was conscious of shaking her head.
6	Which one of the following sentences have participles? Tick them.
a. They looked at the Martian hills that time had worn with the crushing pressure of years.			b. The other passengers whirled away across the Martian meadow, leaving the man alone.
c. Its lid gave a bulging pop.			d. The painted houses peeled and flaked.
7	Gerunds are words formed from verbs. In construction they look like present participle i. e. they end in ing but they function as nouns. Given below are four sentences. Three of them have gerunds. Tick the one without a gerund.
a. He looked at her, lying out the blueprints.			b. It lay streaming in the valley.
c. Shouting is harmful.			d. The weeping child was given something to eat.
8	Which of the following sentence has a gerund? Choose the right option.
a. The boy could hear the other roomers laughing and talking in the large house.			b. There were chickens, pigeons and legs of mutton and an appetizing odour of roast, beef.
c. He drew a little piece of string from his pocket.
d. Some people dream with waking eyes.
Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 7

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	A sentence consisting of just one subject and one predicate is called a simple sentence. It makes a complete sense. Given below are four sentences. One of them is not a simple sentence. Tick that sentence.
a. Nobody believed his story of the string.		b. For an hour both men abused each other.
c. The news spread like fire in the neighbourhood.		d. It is said that a great flood in its great wrath carried away the people and all their belongings.
2	Which one of the followings is a simple sentence?
a. She locked the front door and joined Arthur in the elevator.		b. Only Mr. Steward’s name and telephone number were printed on the card.
c. After Arthur had returned to his book, Norma went back to the kitchen and finished washing dishes.		d. She couldn’t see how it was put together.
3	Which one of the followings is not a sentence?
a. Norma ate in silence.		b. Suddenly, she put her fork down.
c. Before he left the table,		d. After dinner, Arthur went into the living room.
4	Sentences having more than one subject and more than one predicate are called either compound sentences or complex sentences. Which one of the following sentences has more than one subjects and more than one predicates?
a. And with the exception of the last few years, I had been over this point many times.		b. He came to the hurdles that he remembered, over which once he won so easy a victory.
c. My wife has given her, you know, like people do, but it didn’t do any good.		d. As doctors often do, I took a trial shot at it as a point of departure.
5	A group of subject and a predicate in a compound or complex sentence is called a clause. Basically, there are two types of clauses: independent clauses and dependent clauses. Independent clause can be written as sentences. Under line all independent clauses used in the following sentences?
a. She had been on the defensive before but now she attacked.		b. A man does not realize the worth of safety from the misfortune until he has tasted it.
c. A king fell seriously ill and all hopes of his recovery vanished.		d. The others tried to pacify him by kindness and affectation, but he didn’t hear anybody.
6	Underline all dependent clauses used in the give bellow sentences.
a. When he had overtaken them, he cried.		b. She couldn’t see how it was put together.
c. Margaret was wondering what she could do to help.		d. While she was on coffee break, she took out the card halves from her purse.
7	Given below are some sentences. Underline independent clause and encircle dependent clause used in them.
a. I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations.		b. This is the faith with which I return to the South.
c. Though the watch was so fine, it never had a fine chain.		d. There was no other like it in any of the shops, and she had looked in every shop in the city.
Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 8

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	His wife, before him, seemed to almost whirl away in smoke. What is subject in the given sentence?
a. his wife		b. before him
c. whirl away in the smoke		d. seemed to almost whirl away in smoke.
2	At any moment the Martian air might draw his soul form. What is subject in the given sentence?
a. at any moment		b. the Martian
c. the Martian air		d. might draw his soul from him
3	All dead cities have some kind of ghost in them. What is subject in the given sentence?
a. all		b. all dead
c. all dead cities		d. some kind of ghosts
4	In the town on the shadowy steps of the grocery store, the men sat with their hands on their knees, conversing with great leisure and ease. What is subject in the give sentence?
a. in the town		b. on the shadowy steps
c. the men		d. in the town on the shadowy steps of the grocery store
5	Once in a while they gave him a hand in lifting something. What is predicate in the given sentence?
a. once in a while		b. they gave
c. gave him a hand in lifting something		d. lifting something
6	At the metal shop, the metal frame began to rust. What is predicate in the given sentence?
a. at the metal shop		b. the rocket frame
c. began to rust		d. the rocket frame began to rust
7	Arm in arm they walked silently down a path of clear-running spring water. What is predicate in the given sentence?
a. arm in arm		b. they walked
c. walked silently down a path of clear-running spring water		d. silently down a path of clear-running spring water
8	In another corner of the room behind a gas screen was a gas plate and an icebox. What is predicate in the given sentence?
a. in another corner of the room		b. behind the screen
c. was a gas plate and an icebox		d. was
9	Then she shut the door. What is subject in the given sentence?
a. then		b. then she
c. she		d. shut

 

Instructor’s Remarks:

 

Lesson # 9

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	Which one of the following is not a compound sentence?
a. The child was fully dressed and sitting on her father’s lap.		b. He tried to get up, but I motioned for him not to bother.
c. But her face was flushed, she was breathing rapidly and I realized that she had high fever.		d. Then I grasped the child’s head with my left hand and tried to get the wooded tongue depressor between her teeth.
2	Which one of the followings in not a compound sentence?
a. Then he sat down and remained quiet.		b. This appeared strange who could not comprehend the wisdom in the action taken by the sergeant, he asked for it.
c. The boy was brought to the altar and the executioner was directed to slaughter the boy.		d. The king felt disturbed and on hearing these words he could not control his tears.
3	Which one of the following is a compound sentence?
a. Orders were issued to find an individual of this kind.		b. A son of a farmer was discovered to possess the qualities mentioned by the doctors.
c. The king summoned the father and the mother of the boy, whose consent he got by giving them a huge amount of wealth.		d. He kissed the head and eyes of the boy and presented him with a lot of wealth.
4	Which one of the followings is a compound sentence?
a. The Qazi has issued a decree to kill me.		b. But in the present case, parents have agreed to get my blood shed for the trash of this world.
c. At once Richard shouted at the cook-boy.		d. A tree over the slope leaned over and settled heavily on the ground.
5	Which one of the followings is not a complex sentence?
a. He then struck the man himself a similar below, which felled him on the earth like a log.		b. I can set it all right for you in a minute.
c. When he had overtaken them, he cried.		d. This time it was an old man who offered himself for treatment.
6	Which one of the followings is not a complex sentence?
a. He removed the hat as Norma opened the door.		b. Norma tried to lift it off, but it was locked in place.
c. In the morning, as she left the apartment, she saw the card halves on the table.		d. Her husband, who was reading a book, paid no attention to her.
7	Which one of the following is a complex sentence?
a. She glared at the carton as she left the elevator.		b. She put the put the package in the bottom cabinet.
c. For us, she thought angrily.		d. Stumbling into the leaving room, she picked up the receiver.

Instructor’s Remarks:

Lesson # 10

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	Which one of the following sentences is an example of a complex compound sentence?
a. While she was stacking dishes, she turned abruptly, dried her hands, and took the package from the bottom cabinet.		b. She stared at it for a long time before taking the key from its envelope and removing the glass dome.
c. There were two slips in the road and I could not drive my car.		d. Forty years ago a doctor had told him the same thing.
2	Which one of the following sentences is a complex compound sentence?
a. The large woman simply turned and kicked him right square in his blue jeaned sitter.		b. Then she reached down, picked the boy from his shirt front, and shook until his teeth rattled.
c. When they had finished eating, she got up and said.		d. The woman did not ask the boy anything about where he lived.
3	Which one of the following sentences is a compound complex sentence?
a. Sweat popped out on boy’s face and he began to struggle.		b. The woman still held him by the neck in the middle of the room.
c. People started to tell the story of the string to amuse themselves and told in a manner of soldier who had been on a campaign and told about his battles.		d. Next day in the afternoon a man George returned the pocketbook and its contents to Mr. James, the owner of the pocket book.
4	Which one of the following sentence is compound complex sentence?
a. I smiled in my best professional manner and asking for the child’s first name I advanced ahead.		b. But I did not allow myself to be hurried or disturbed but speaking quietly and slowly I approached the child again.
c. I’m here to look at her throat on the chance that she might have diphtheria and possibly die of it.		d. The boy brought it and presented it to the king who asked whether he had paid for it.
5	Which one of the following sentences is a complex compound sentence?
a. After some time the boat was hit by a storm and started tossing.		b. All remained quiet except the slave who in the fear of being drowned began to cry and tremble, and created inconvenience for others.
c. When the uneasiness lasted longer, the king also became displeased.		d. This time it was an old man who offered himself for treatment.
6	Which one of the following sentences is a compound complex sentence?
a. The James Dillingham Youngs were very proud of two things which they owned		b. If a king had lived in the same house, with all his riches, Jim would have looked at his watch every time they met.
c. Della held the watch chain in her hand and sat near the door where he always entered.		d. Her husband, who was reading a book, paid no attention to her.

Instructor’s Remarks:

 

Lesson # 11

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	While she was stacking dishes, she turned abruptly, dried her hands, and took the package from the bottom cabinet. While she was stacking dishes is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
2	When they had finished eating, she got up and said. When they had finished eating is:
a. noun clauses		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
3	People started to tell the story of the string to amuse themselves and told in a manner of soldier who had been on a campaign and told about his battles. Who had been on a campaign is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
4	The boy brought it and presented it to the king who asked whether he had paid for it. Who asked is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
5	The boy brought it and presented it to the king who asked whether he had paid for it. Whether her had paid for it is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
6	Della held the watch chain in her hand and sat near the door where he always entered. Where he always entered is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
7	He then struck the man himself a similar below, which felled him on the earth like a log. Which felled him on the earth like a log is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
8	In the morning, as she left the apartment, she saw the card halves on the table. As she left the apartment is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
9	Whatever Norma said was not acceptable to her husband. Whatever Norma said is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones
10	No one can trust that he was a cheater. That he was a cheater is:
a. noun clause		b. adjective clause
c. adverb clause		d. none of the given ones

Lesson # 12

Q # 1. Follow the given instructions to answer the questions.
1	He reached into an inside coat pocket and withdrew a small sealed envelope. A small sealed envelope is:
a. noun phrase		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase
2	Norma stared at the small man. Stared at the small man is:
a. noun phrase		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. verb phrase
3	He looked at her in the bathroom mirror. In the bathroom mirror is:
a. noun phrase		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase
4	Opening the door, she picked up the package and carried it into the kitchen, leaving it on the table. Leaving it on the table is:
a. participle phrase		b. gerund phrase
c. infinitive phrase		d. noun phrase
5	Stumbling into the living room, she picked up the receiver. Stumbling into the living room is:
a. participle phrase		b. gerund phrase
c. infinitive phrase		d. noun phrase
6	I didn’t want to go with him. To go with him is:
a. participle phrase		b. gerund phrase
c. infinitive phrase		d. noun phrase
7	When he made up his mind to do a thing, he would do it if he had to crawl. To do a thing is:
a. participle phrase		b. gerund phrase
c. infinitive phrase		d. noun phrase
8	The children, small seeds, might at any moment be sown to all the Martian climes. Small seed is:
a. noun phrase		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase
9	We are stranded on Mars, forever and ever. Forever and ever is:
a. adverb phrases		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase
10	A phrase having a subject but no finite verb and modifying the full sentence is referred to as an Absolute phrase. My cousin finally returning to the homeland, we will be able to have fun in the family gatherings like before. My cousin finally returning to the homeland is:
a. adverb phrases		b. propositional phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase
11	Peering over the top of his glasses, her tutor shook his head.
a. adverb phrases		b. participle phrase
c. absolute phrase		d. appositive phrase