UNIVERSITY

OF
CALDAS
FOREIGN LANGUAGES

MECHATRONICS
ENGINEERING
BY: DIEGO JARAMILLO PALACIO
 NOUNS

SPELLING RULES FOR REGULAR NOUNS

1. If a noun ends in sh, ch, s, x, add es. Example:

crash – crashes, watch – watches, bus – buses, mix – mixes

2. If a noun ends in a consonant and y, change y to i and add es. Example:

fly – flies, reply – replies

3. If a noun ends in 0, add es. Example:

tomato – tomatoes, potato-potatoes, domino-dominoes

4. All other regular nouns, add s. Example:

table – tables, pencil – pencils, play – plays

IRREGULAR NOUNS

There are a number of irregular nouns in English. Example:

man – men, woman – women

Activity: Find the plural form of the following irregular nouns:

1. half ________________________ 2. knife ________________________

3. leaf ________________________ 4. loaf _________________________

5. shelf _______________________ 6. wife _________________________

7. child _______________________ 8. person _______________________

9. foot ________________________ 10. goose _______________________

11. tooth _______________________ 12. mouse _______________________

13. thief _______________________ 14. deer _________________________

15. fish ________________________ 16. sheep ________________________

17. moose ______________________ 18. ox ___________________________

19. scarf _______________________ 20. life ___________________________

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SUBJECT PRONOUNS, OBJECT PRONOUNS, POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES, POSSESSIVE PRONUNS, REFLEXIVE

PRONOUNS

SUBJ. PRON OBJ. PRON POSS. ADJ POSS. PRON REFLEX. PRON

I ME MY MINE MYSELF

YOU YOU YOUR YOURS YOURSELF

HE HIM HIS HIS HIMSELF

SHE HER HER HERS HERSELF

IT IT ITS ITS ITSELF

WE US OUR OURS OURSELVES

YOU YOU YOUR YOURS YOURSELVES

THEY THEM THEIR THEIRS THEMSELVES

Subject pronouns are used before the verb, and object pronouns are used after the verb (to replace nouns). Examples:

Charles reads the newspaper every day. He reads it every day

S.P O.P S O

Rewrite the sentences using the subject and object pronouns:

1. The children play with the toys in the park.

______________________________________________________________________.

2. Alice loves the new house.

______________________________________________________________________.

3. Peter sends e-mails every day.

______________________________________________________________________.

4. John and I are going out with some friends.

______________________________________________________________________.

5. The President passed a new law.

______________________________________________________________________.
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6. Jack invited Paul and me to his party.

______________________________________________________________________.

7. Mice run around the house.

______________________________________________________________________.

POSSESIVE ‘S or S’

This type of possessive is used with proper nouns. Examples:

John’s office is on the third floor.

Mary’s husband is a doctor.

The boss’ house is downtown.

The students’ books are on the table.

The student’s books are on the table.

James’ wife is a nurse.

Mary’s father’s car is new.

Peter’s wife’s mother visits them very often.

Note: do not confuse the S possessive with the S contraction. Example:

John’s in his office now.

John’s office is neat and tidy.

Jack’s coming over for dinner tonight.

Mary’s doing her homework now.

Paul’s not here now. He’ll be back later.

Rachel’s children live in Iowa.

THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE (CONTINUOUS) TENSE

EXERCISE 1: Complete the sentences using one of the verbs from the box in the correct form.

come write read look make start stay work

1. ―You ____________________ hard today.‖ ―Yes, I have many things to do.‖

2. I _____________________ for Chris. Do you know where she is?

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3. They don’t have anywhere to live at the moment. They ____________________ with friends until they find a place.

4. Jim ___________________________ a letter to his friends.

5. Some of my friends ____________________________ over for dinner tonight.

6. Do you have an umbrella? It __________________________ to rain.

7. You ________________________ a lot of noise. Could you please be quiet?

8. I __________________________ a new book by J.K. Rowling. It’s great.

EXERCISE 2: Use the words in parentheses to complete the questions.

1. (Brad / work) ―_____________________________ this week?‖ ―No, he’s on vacation.‖

2. (you / look) Why ___________________________ at me? What’s the matter?

3. (she / study) ―Jenny is a student at the university.‖ ―Is she?. What _________________________?‖

4. (anybody / listen) _____________________________ to the radio, or can I turn it off?

5. (it / get) How’s your English? ____________________________ better?

EXERCISE 3: Put the verb into the correct form. Sometimes you need the negative.

1. I’m tired. I (go) _______________________ to bed now. Good night!

2. We can go out now. It (rain) ________________________ anymore.

3. Laura phoned me last night. She’s on vacation in France. She (have) ______________________ a great time and
doesn’t want to come back.

4. I want to lose weight, so this week I (eat) _______________________ lunch.

5. Angela has just started evening classes. She (study) _______________________ German.

6. I think Dave and Amy had an argument. They (speak) _______________________ to each other.

EXERCISE 4: Read this conversation between Brian and Sarah. Put the verbs into the correct form.

Sarah: Brian! I haven’t seen you in ages. What (you / do) ________________________ these days?

Brian: I (train) ________________________ to be a police officer.

Sarah: Really? What’s it like? (you / enjoy) _________________________ it?

Brian: It’s all right. How about you?

Sarah: Well, actually, I (not / work) ________________________ right now. I (try) ____________________ to
find a job, but it’s not easy. But I’m pretty busy. I (paint) ______________________ my apartment.

Brian: (you / do) _______________________ it alone?

Sarah: No, some friends of mine (help) _______________________ me.

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THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

EXERCISE 1: Complete the sentences using one of the verbs in the box in the right form.

cause close connect drink live open speak take

1. Ann _____________________ French very well.

2. I never _____________________ coffee.

3. The swimming pool _____________________ at 9:00 and ____________________ at 6:30 every day.

4. My parents _____________________ in a very small apartment.

5. Bad driving _____________________ many accidents.

6. The Olympic Games _____________________ place every four years.

7. The Panama Canal _____________________ the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

EXERCISE 2: Put the verb into the correct form.

1. Jason (not / drink) ________________________ coffee very often

2. What time (the banks / close) _____________________________?

3. I have a car, but I (not / use) ___________________________ it very often.

4. ―What (you / do) ________________________?‖ ―I’m a Veterinarian.‖

5. It (take) _______________ me an hour to get to work. How long (it / take) _____________________ you?

6. John (play) _____________________ the piano, but he (not / play) ______________________ very well.

7. I don’t understand this sentence. What (this word / mean) ____________________________?

EXERCISE 3: Use the verbs in the box to complete these sentences. Sometimes you need the negative.

believe eat flow go grow make rise tell translate

1. The earth _____________________ around the sun.

2. Rice _______________________ in Canada

3. The sun ______________________ in the east.

4. Bees ________________________ honey.

5. Vegetarians _______________________ meat.

6. An atheist ________________________ in God.

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7. An interpreter _______________________ from one language to another.

8. A liar is someone who ______________________ the truth.

9. The Amazon River ______________________ into the Atlantic Ocean.

THE SIMPLE PAST TENSE

EXERCISE 1: Read what Debbie says about a typical working day.

I usually get up at 7:00, take a shower and then have a big breakfast. I walk to work, which takes me about half an hour.
I start work at 8:45. I never have lunch. I finish work at 5:00. I’m always tired when I get home. I usually make dinner at
night. I don’t usually go out. I go to bed at about 11:00. I always sleep well.

Yesterday was a typical working day for Debbie. Write what she did or didn’t do yesterday.

________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________.

EXERCISE 2: Complete the sentences using the verbs in the box in the correct form.

buy catch cost drink fall hurt sell spend teach throw win write

1. Mozart ____________________ more than 600 pieces of music.

2. ―How did you learn to drive?‖ ―My father ____________________ me.‖

3. We couldn’t afford to keep our car, so we ____________________ it.

4. I was very thirsty. I ___________________ the coke very quickly.

5. Sam and I played tennis yesterday. He’s much better than I am, so he __________________ easily.

6. Dave ___________________ down the stairs this morning and ___________________ his leg.

7. Jim ____________________ the ball and Sue ____________________ it.

8. Jessica ____________________ a lot of money yesterday. She ____________________ a dress that

____________________ $200.
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EXERCISE 3: Complete the sentences. Put the verb into the correct form, positive or negative.

1. It was warm, so I (take) ____________________ off my coat.

2. The movie wasn’t very good. I (enjoy) _____________________ it very much.

3. I knew Sarah was very busy, so I (bother) _____________________ her.

4. I was very tired, so I (go) ____________________ to bed early.

5. The bed was very uncomfortable. I (sleep) ______________________ very well.

6. We went to Kate’s house, but she (be) _____________________ at home.

7. It was a funny situation, but nobody (laugh) _____________________.

8. The window was open, and a bird (fly) ____________________ into the room.

9. The hotel wasn’t very expensive. It (cost) _____________________ very much.

10. I was in a hurry, so I (have) ______________________ time to call you.

11. It was hard work carrying the bags. They (be) _____________________ very heavy.

12. It was very hot in the room, so I (open) _____________________ the windows.

13. I called my parents yesterday, but they (be) ____________________ at home.

14. I was late for work this morning, so I (take) ____________________ a taxi.

15. The game was very exciting. I (enjoy) _____________________ it very much.

EXERCISE 4: Find the simple past tense of the verbs listed below. Look carefully. Some letters appear in
two or three words.

1. are 9. draw 17. hit 25. open 33. sit

2. ask 10. eat 18. hold 26. pay 34. spend

3. begin 11. find 19. is 27. put 35. stand

4. bring 12. get 20. keep 28. run 36. teach

5. build 13. give 21. know 29. say 37. think

6. buy 14. go 22. lie 30. see 38. win

7. cost 15. have 23. meet 31. sell 39. write

8. do 16. hear 24. note 32. sing 40. bet

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A S A N G O P E N E D E R

L P R O O N B U I L T K A

K E P T E O R O T V A N N

Q N W A S T O S U F U E I

M T J O I E U A Z G G W G

M E L F N D G I J Y H U A

E D C O A E H D S A T T V

T H O U G H T I T A X A E

E C S N E E Y D O T W S R

H I T D B L A Y O E E K E

A H E A R D O G D E N E W

D R E W R O T E F X T D L

TASK 1: Complete the sentences by using the simple past of the given verbs. Use each verb only once. All of the verbs
have irregular past tense forms. Use the verbs only once.

A: begin go read cut hold shake drink keep shut

eat lose speak find meet spend

1. Mary ___________________ a cup of coffee before class this morning.

2. We __________________ dinner at a Mexican restaurant last night.

3. When it __________________ to rain yesterday afternoon, I _________________ all of the windows in my

apartment.

4. Bob hurt his finger when he was fixing his dinner last night. He accidentally _______________ it with a sharp
knife.
5. I don’t have any money in my pocket at all. I _________________ my last dime yesterday. I’m flat broke.

6. Mary didn’t throw her old shoes away. She _________________ them.

7. I ________________ an interesting article in the newspaper yesterday.

8. Jack _________________ his pocket knife at the park yesterday. This morning he ________________ back to
the park to look for it. Finally he _________________ it in the grass. He was glad to have it back again.
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9. Peter was nervous when he __________________ his baby in his arms for the first time.

10. I _________________ Sue’s parents when they visited her. She introduced me to them.

11. Yesterday I called Marvin on the phone. He wasn’t home, so I ________________ to his sister.

12. When I introduced Tom to Bob, they ___________________ hands.

B: bite feel leave draw forget lend drive

get ride fall hear steal
feed hurt take

1. Mary walked to school today. Sue _________________ her car. Alice _________________ her bicycle. Sandy
_________________ the bus.

2. When Alan slipped on the icy sidewalk yesterday, he _________________ down and _________________ his
back. His back is very painful today.

3. I didn’t have any money yesterday, so my roommate __________________ me five bucks.

4. The children had a good time at the park yesterday. They _________________ the ducks small pieces of bread.

5. Alice called the police yesterday because someone __________________ her bicycle while she was in the library
studying. She’s very angry.

6. Dick _________________ his apartment in a hurry this morning because he was late for school. That’s why he
__________________ to bring his books to class.

7. The children ________________ pictures in art class yesterday.

8. I have a cold. Yesterday I _________________ terrible, but I’m feeling better today.

9. Last night I _________________ a strange noise in the house around 2:00 a.m., so I ________________ up to
investigate.

10. My dog isn’t very friendly. Yesterday she _________________ my neighbor’s leg. Luckily, however, my dog is
very old and doesn’t have sharp teeth.

C: break dig teach bring freeze think

buy ring wake catch rise wear
come sleep write

1. I dropped my favorite vase. It fell to the floor and ________________ into a hundred pieces.

2. When I went shopping yesterday, I ________________ some light bulbs and a cooking pot.

3. Alex ________________ his books to class this morning. He didn’t forget them.

4. My brother and his wife _________________ to our apartment for dinner last night.

5. Last night around midnight, when I was sound asleep, the telephone ________________. It ________________
me up.

6. The sun ________________ at 6:05 this morning.

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7. I ________________ a letter to my folks after I finished studying yesterday evening.

8. Ms. Manning _________________ chemistry at the local high school last year.

9. The police _________________ the bank robbers. The robbers are in jail now.

10. Today Paul is wearing jeans and a sports jacket, but yesterday he _________________ pants and a shirt to
class.

11. Last night I had a good night’s sleep. I _________________ for nine hours.

12. I was really cold yesterday. The temperature was around –3°F./-20°C. I nearly ________________ to death when
I walked home!

13. I ________________ about going to Florida for my vacation, but I finally decided to go to Puerto Rico.

14. My dog _________________ a hole in the yard and buried his bone.

THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

EXERCISE 1: Read the situations and write the sentences with the present perfect. Choose one of the verbs in the
box.

break drop go up grow improve lose turn on

1. Mike is looking for his key. He can’t find it. He has lost his key.

2. Jennifer can’t walk and her leg is in a cast. She ____________________________________________.

3. Maria’s English wasn’t very good. Now it’s much better. Her English ___________________________.

4. Jason didn’t have a beard last month. Now he has a beard. He _______________________________.

5. Last month the bus fare was 80 cents. Now it’s 90. The bus fare ______________________________.

6. The temperature was 55ºF. Now it’s only 36ºF. The temperature ______________________________.

7. The light was off. Now it’s on. Somebody ________________________________________________.

EXERCISE 2: Tom and Sue are decorating their house. Put in the verbs. Use the Present Perfect.

Sue: How’s the painting going? (you / finish) ______________________________?

Tom: No, I haven’t. Painting the ceiling is really difficult, you know. I (not / do) _______________________ very
much. And it looks just the same as before. This new paint (not / make) ____________________ any difference.

Sue: You (not / put) _______________________ enough on.

Tom: I (hurt) _______________________ my back. It feels bad.

Sue: Oh, you and your back. You mean you (have) ______________________ enough of decorating.
Well, I’ll do it. Where (you / put) ______________________ the brush?

Tom: I don’t know. It (disappear) ________________________. I (look) ______________________ for it, but I
can’t find it.
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Sue: You’re hopeless, aren’t you? How much (you / do) _________________________ in here? Nothing! I
(paint) _______________________ two doors.

Tom: I (clean) _______________________ all this old paint around the window. It looks much better now,
doesn’t it?

Sue. We (make) _______________________ some progress, I suppose. Now, where (that brush / go)
______________________________? Oh, you (leave) __________________________ it on the
ladder, look.

THE FUTURE WITH “BE + GOING TO + VERB”

EXERCISE 1: Read the situations and complete the dialogs. Use ―be + going to + verb‖

You have decided to write some letters this evening.

Friend: Are you going out this evening?

You: No, I’m going to write some letters.

 You’re taking piano lessons, but you have decided to quit soon.

Friend: You don’t seem to enjoy your piano lessons.

You: I don’t. I _________________________________________________________________________.

 You have been offered a job, but you have decided not to take it.

Friend: I hear you’ve been offered a job.

You: That’s right, but I __________________________________________________________________.

 You are in a restaurant. The food is awful, and you’ve decided to complain.

Friend: This food is awful, isn’t it?

You: Yes, it’s disgusting. I _______________________________________________________________.

 You have to call Sarah. It’s morning now, and you intend to call her tonight.

Friend: Have you called Sarah yet?

You: No, I ___________________________________________________________________________.

EXERCISE 2: Write sentences with ―be + going to + verb‖ according to the situations given.

 You are hungry.

You are going to get something to eat.

 Your apartment is a mess.

You ______________________________________________________________________________.
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 You have a toothache

You ______________________________________________________________________________.

 John has an important exam tomorrow.

He _______________________________________________________________________________.

 There are a lot of black clouds in the sky.

It ________________________________________________________________________________.

 I saw a burglar breaking into my neighbor’s apartment.

I ________________________________________________________________________________.

 Helen is exhausted.

She ______________________________________________________________________________.

 Your neighbors are withdrawing a lot of money from the ATM.

They _____________________________________________________________________________.

 You have a splitting headache.

You ______________________________________________________________________________.
th
 My parents’ 25 wedding anniversary is next week.

I ________________________________________________________________________________.

THE FUTURE WITH “WILL”

EXERCISE 1: Complete the sentences with I’ll and an appropriate verb.

1. I’m too tired to walk home. I think I’ll take a taxi.

2. ―It’s a little cold in this room.‖ ―You’re right. __________________________ on the heat.‖

3. ―We don’t have any milk.‖ ―We don’t? ___________________________ and get some.‖

4. ―I don’t know how to use this computer.‖ ―OK, _________________________ you.‖

5. ―Would you like tea or coffee?‖ ―__________________________ coffee, please.‖

6. ―Good-bye! Have a nice trip.‖ ―Thanks. __________________________ you a postcard.‖

7. Thanks for lending me your camera. ___________________________ it back to you tomorrow, OK?

8. ―Are you coming with us?‖ ―No, I think ___________________________ here.‖

9. ―Oh, I left the door open.‖ ―Don’t worry, __________________________ it.‖

10. ―Did you call Julie?‖ ―Oh, no, I forgot. ___________________________ her tonight.‖
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COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES

EXERCISE 1: Complete the sentences using a comparative form (older, more important, nicer, etc.).

1. It’s too noisy here. Can we go somewhere quieter?

2. This coffee is very weak. I like it a bit _____________________.
3. The hotel was surprisingly big. I expected it to be ______________________.
4. The hotel was surprisingly cheap. I expected it to be _____________________.
5. My job is kind of boring sometimes. I’d like to do something _____________________.
6. I was surprised how easy it was to use the computer. I thought it would be _____________________.
7. Your work isn’t very good. I’m sure you can do _____________________.
8. Don’t worry. The situation isn’t so bad. It could be _____________________.
9. The music is too loud. Could it be ______________________?
10. You were very depressed yesterday, but you look ______________________ today.
11. You look _______________________. Have you lost weight?
12. Health and happiness are ______________________ than money.
13. In some parts of the country prices are ______________________ than in others.
14. There were a lot of people on the bus. It was ______________________ than ever.
15. I’d like to have a ______________________ car. Mine keeps breaking down.

EXERCISE 2: Complete the sentences. Use COMPARATIVES or SUPERLATIVES.

1. The United States is very large, but Canada is (large) _____________________.

2. What’s (long) ______________________ river in the world?
3. He was a little depressed yesterday, but he looks (happy) _____________________ today.
4. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three daughters. (old) ______________________ is 14 years old.
5. What’s (quick) ______________________ way of getting from here to the bus station?
6. I prefer this chair to the other one. It’s (comfortable) _______________________.
7. It was an awful day. In fact, it was (bad) ________________________ day of my life.
8. Mars is (far) ______________________ from the sun than the earth.
9. I had a great vacation. It was one of (enjoyable) ________________________ vacations I’ve ever had.
10. Her illness was far (serious) ______________________ than we thought at first.

EXERCISE 3: Make comparisons with the information given.

1. Lemons / oranges / sweet
Oranges are sweeter than lemons
2. Planes / trains / fast
_________________________________________________________________________________.
3. A chair / A sofa / comfortable
_________________________________________________________________________________.
4. An elephant / A whale / big
_________________________________________________________________________________.
5. English / Japanese / difficult
_________________________________________________________________________________.
6. Football / chess / exciting
_________________________________________________________________________________.
7. Milk / coffee / good
_________________________________________________________________________________.
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EXERCISE 4: Complete the sentences with an opposite adjective in its comparative or superlative form. Example:

Robert is the oldest in the family. No he isn’t. He’s the youngest.

Bob is more polite than his brother. No, he isn’t. He’s ruder.

1. I’m the tallest in this class.

No, you aren’t. You’re _______________________.

2. My homework was worse than yours.

No, it wasn’t. It was _______________________.

3. The weather today is colder than yesterday.

No, it isn’t. It’s _____________________.

4. She bought the cheapest watch in the store.

Bo, she didn’t. She bought _______________________.

5. Jack’s meaner than Alan.

No, he isn’t. He’s ______________________.

6. This is the easiest exercise in this book.

No, it isn’t. It’s ______________________.

EXERCISE 5: Rewrite the sentences with as … as or not as … as.

Example:
Bob’s taller than Jack Jack’s not as tall as Bob

1. Jill’s more intelligent than Bill.

Bill isn’t ___________________________________________________________________________.

2. The sun’s hotter than the moon.

The moon isn’t _____________________________________________________________________.

3. Are you and your husband the same age?

Are you _______________________________________________________________ your husband?

4. ―Is Brazil bigger than Colombia?‖ ―Yes, it is.‖

―Is Colombia ___________________________________________________________?‖ ―No, it isn’t.‖

5. Eva’s work is better than mine.

My work isn’t ______________________________________________________________________.

6. Dogs are friendlier than cats.

Cats aren’t _________________________________________________________________________.
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VOCABULARY EXERCISES

Sentence Completion 1

Directions: Choose the best word(s) to complete each sentence.

1) The ______ man paid for my ticket.

A) wild B) funny C) angry D) kind E) simple

2) After he washed and waxed his car, it looked very ______.

A) rusty B) dirty C) shiny D) old E) sweet

3) I was ______ because I made an ―A‖ in my math class.

A) tired B) upset C) rough D) sad E) glad

4) The extra ______ shirt was too ______ for me.

A) big…crazy B) large…big C) heavy…small D) wet…rainy E) realistic…funny

5) The race cars were not quiet at all. In fact, they were really ______!

A) loud B) small C) fast D) wet E) strong

6) I could not sleep because my neighbors were so ______.

A) happy B) average C) pretty D) fun E) noisy

7) ______ is the darkest color there is. Some people don’t even think it is a color!

A) Blue B) Yellow C) White D) Black E) Orange

8) Even though I arrived five minutes ______, the class had not started yet.

A) tardy B) early C) young D) old E) late

9) The air is very ______, and there is ______ ice on the road.

A) warm…lots of B) humid…huge C) cold…a lot of D) cool…many E) hot…much

10) Turtles and worms are both ______ animals.

A) slow B) quick C) hard D) dangerous E) strange

11) The race was a tie; both runners finished at ______ time.

A) a different B) a fast C) a good D) the right E) the same

12) Playing in a busy street is not very ______.

A) careful B) boring C) safe D) fun E) easy

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Sentence Completion 2

1) She felt ______ after walking many miles.

A) strange. B) foolish C) angry D) tired E) old

2) The newborn baby had ______ toes.

A) large B) fast C) tiny D) green E) funny

3) The rope was hard to cut because it was so ______.

A) hungry B) new C) weak D) sad E) thick

4) This food tastes ______. It was prepared by a(n) ______ chef.

A) great…excellent B) good…angry C) terrible…professional D) far…local E) bitter…interesting

5) When the kids lined up, no one wanted to be last. Everyone wanted to be ______ in line.

A) happy B) first C) fun D) second E) third

6) The girl tried to be on time for her class, but she was a little ______.

A) late B) great C) silly D) poor E) noisy

7) When his sister took the toy away, John was very ______.

A) thankful B) hungry C) unhappy D) slow E) sleepy

8) When I said the correct answer, the teacher told me that I was ______ .

A) right B) wrong C) thin D) near E) close

9) When I came to the ______ question, I was glad the test was almost ______.

A) best…mine B) third…easy C) first… finished D) final…over E) second…graded

10) He finally finished the ______ puzzle. It was quite a challenge.

A) true B) easy C) difficult D) dangerous E) wise

11) The ______ recipe had very few ingredients.

A) simple B) friendly C) complicated D) low E) complex

12) I love to play with my ______ friend.

A) boring B) mean C) bad D) best E) easy

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Sentence Completion 3

1) The kids were ______ by the haunted house. They wanted to run away and hide!

A) hurt B) lost C) scared D) first E) fooled

2) My face and my twin brother’s face are ______. Everyone says we look ______.

A) similar…alike B) special…plain C) identical …different D) itchy…calm E) scary…normal

3) The ______ woman had many wrinkles and grey hair. She was born in 1926.

A) agile B) strong C) young D) old E) kind

4) To ride the roller coaster, you must be at ______ four feet tall.

A) most B) least C) more D) rest E) greatest

5) If you do well on tests, people might say you are ______.

A) loud B) slow C) foolish D) fun E) smart

6) With mud on his face, the boy looked ______.

A) happy B) fast C) ugly D) mild E) loud

7) My friend always eats cereal for breakfast. I am ______ he will eat some today.

A) doubtful B) sure C) sad D) hungry E) hurt

8) The ______ man was the only one who could lift the heavy load.

A) friendly B) mad C) strong D) silly E) ugly

9) Rubiela felt ______ , as though she had seen a ghost.

A) weird B) clear C) fancy D) serious E) calm

10) When the sun set, the field quickly became ______.

A) dusty B) warm C) dark D) bright E) wet

11) We were driving east, but we needed to go the opposite way. So, we turned around and headed ______.

A) north B) south C) east D) west E) north-east

12) My mother says I am too ______, and that I need to eat ______.

A) young…better B) healthy…more often C) thin…less D) old…faster E) skinny…more

 18

Sentence Completion 4

1) I read some ______ news this morning – there was an earthquake in China yesterday.

A) welcome B) good C) funny D) bad E) old

2) After waking up with a fever and a headache, I knew I must be ______.

A) healthy B) sick C) elderly D) happy E) angry

3) The circus clowns made Rafael laugh very hard. They were ______.

A) hilarious B) sad C) bored D) playful E) mean

4) The extra ______ pants were very ______ on my skinny legs.

A) thin…weird B) tight…baggy C) large…loose D) big…sore E) warm…cold

5) The waves at the beach were not small at all. In fact, they were ______!

A) huge B) tiny C) white D) wet E) fast

6) Mom wanted to be ______, so she gave us each the same amount of candy.

A) cruel B) fair C) pretty D) nice E) heard

7) Because I am faster than anyone else, winning the race was ______.

A) sad B) complicated C) difficult D) slow E) easy

8) When Sue doesn’t get what she wants, she sometimes becomes ______.

A) happy B) satisfied C) bored D) angry E) tasty

9) The beautiful garden was filled with ______ flowers.

A) lovely B) wilted C) blackened D) dull E) old

10) The bridge had been built too ______; the construction crew had to ______ it so that trucks

could pass underneath.

A) high…lower B) strong…weaken C) empty…fill D) low…raise E) fast…destroy

11) The view from the mountain peak was ______, and the hikers enjoyed the ______ scenery.

A) puny…average B) remarkable…amazing C) clear…foggy D) simple…poor E) ugly…great

12) Although ants are tiny, they can lift very ______ objects.

A) small B) fragile C) soft D) big E) round

 19

Sentence Completion 5

1) All of the children were ______ because they were going to eat ice cream after dinner.

A) careful B) sad C) scared D) happy E) bored

2) The pigs on our farm eat table scraps mixed with corn and milk. Pigs love it, but to me it seems ______.

A) disgusting B) delicious C) worthy D) unnecessary E) tasty

3) Many dinosaurs were quite ______. In fact, the word dinosaur means ―______ lizard.‖

A) aggressive…friendly B) small…large C) ugly…lovely D) tame…angry E) scary…terrible

4) The red wolf is a ______ animal, so you will probably never see one.

A) rare B) social C) common D) hostile E) furry

5) Ben’s new watch was ______. It did not cost much, and after two days it was ______.

A) huge…smaller B) cheap…broken C) expensive…gone D) costly…working E) fast…old

6) Our suitcases were ______. We were ready for a long trip.

A) ragged B) empty C) packed D) in storage E) missing

7) The ______ flowers made us smile. The garden was ______.

A) rotten…smelly B) beautiful…lovely C) bright…ugly D) blooming…old E) colorful…boring

8) When people are ______, I sometimes get upset.

A) nice B) mean C) silly D) relaxed E) honest

9) After Ramon drained all of the water out, the pool was ______.

A) dusty B) empty C) full D) new E) thirsty

10) Sarah is ______. She does not like to speak in public, and it takes her awhile to make new friends.

A) bored B) well C) outgoing D) friendly E) shy

11) My birthday party was ______. I got everything I wanted and had a great time. It was a ______ party.

A) strange…lively B) fun…boring C) terrible…bad D) perfect…super E) okay…good

12) A gentle tap was all it took to break the ______ glass.

A) clear B) fragile C) tough D) thick E) bulletproof

 20

Contributing to the Main Idea

Every sentence in a paragraph must contribute to the main idea. Most of the sentences in a
paragraph simply support the main idea. Some may state or summarize that idea.

There is one sentence in each of the following paragraphs that does not contribute to
the main idea. It does not belong in the paragraph. Underline the sentence that should
be removed from each paragraph.

1. I am looking forward to election day. It’s fun to vote and exciting to watch the election
results. I’ll be rooting for my candidate to win and enjoying the suspense if the vote is close.
The following day will be a good time to play video games. No matter who wins, an election is
a special occasion.

2. April is beginning the lengthy process of choosing a college to attend. She is buying and
reading guides to the best schools. She hasn’t completely ruled out working for a year before
attending college. She’s checking out the many Websites that provide information for picking
the right college or university. She’s even researching the climate of the area of every school
she considers.

3. Bill is one of those people who just doesn’t have to worry about gaining too much weight.
He is the best tennis player I’ve ever met. Bill can eat any amount of any food he likes without
putting on an ounce. He can go for weeks without exercising with no apparent effect. It just
doesn’t seem fair!

4. Scientists are learning a great deal about the aging process. This knowledge will allow
doctors to help their patients live longer and better lives. They will be able to defeat diseases
associated with aging and perhaps even delay the onset of old age. Many doctors would
agree that some medicines are much too expensive.
 21

Paragraphs

Paragraphs are groups of sentences having a common topic or main idea. Every sentence in
a paragraph should support the theme of that paragraph. When a writer wants to use a
sentence that doesn’t meet that requirement, it’s time to start another paragraph.

Which one of the two sentences that follow each paragraph belongs in that paragraph?

1. Ryan is very athletic for a three year old. He can run faster than most kids twice his
age. He throws and catches a basketball with ease. He is an accomplished tennis
player and golfer. _______________________________

a. Ryan can even roller skate backwards on one foot.

b. Ryan can even read second grade level books.

2. Don‟t be so quick to buy an SUV. They are more expensive than many equally
comfortable automobiles. ___________ ____________________ They consume fuel
faster than you can say, “Fill „er up!” These trucks are clearly not for everyone.

a. They tend to be much safer in collisions than other vehicles.

b. They are less stable and harder to control in emergency situations.

3. Yes, I confess, I‟m a beef addict! I can‟t drive past a Burger King without stopping in
for a Whopper. I have filled my freezer with steaks and roasts and mountains of ground
beef. No steer is safe if I‟m in his neighborhood. ______________ _________________

a. I am very unhappy if I can’t eat mushrooms with my beef!

b. The Cattleman’s Beef Association should make me its poster boy!

4. The penguin is another bird that cannot fly. Its “wings” are flippers that carry it
through the water instead of the air. _______________________________

a. Swimming is the penguin’s version of flight.

b. An ostrich is no better at flying than a penguin.
 22

How Television Has Changed

You really have to get very old before you realize you’re old. I’m in my middle fifties and
I don’t feel old yet. However, sometimes I look back at my childhood and __1__ things to the
way life is for __2__ kids. Some things have certainly changed.
One area of change is television. Some changes have been improvements. Some
changes, on the other hand, have been __3__.
When I started school, most people didn’t have a television; TV was just beginning to
get __4__. My father decided to go all out and buy a 16 inch black and white Motorola set. I
still remember watching the Lone Ranger save people from the __5__ guys on that awesome
electronic machine. That was exciting!
Now, __6__ have larger pictures in full color. The pictures are clearer and the sound is
much more realistic. The new high definition sets are made to rival __7__ screens.
The variety and quantity of programming has __8__ greatly. There are hundreds of
channels and more shows than one person could ever watch. There are many fine
entertainment and educational __9__. There’s also a lot of garbage, stuff that most parents
don’t want their kids exposed to. Overall, we have more choices, and that is good.
I wonder what __10__ will be like when today’s kids are my age.

How Television Has Changed

1. forget remember compare miss

2. today's yesterday's tomorrow's poor

3. great huge setbacks remarkable

4. gone replaced expensive popular

5. old good bad best

6. films movies billboards televisions

7. movie video watch telephone

8. loss increased decreased played

9. books shows authors awards

10. movies food cars television

 23

Word Meanings From Context - Synonyms

There is a word printed in italics before each selection. Use the context of each
selection to identify and underline the synonym of that word.

1. strange I was really appalled at how Don decorated his new apartment. Almost
everything is solid black. When anyone sits on a chair or couch, a scream comes out of a
concealed loudspeaker. Don thinks it’s hilarious. I think he has a bizarre sense of humor!

2. religions You’ll almost never win an argument about religion. There are some points
where most individuals will agree and many points of disagreement. Of course you can’t
agree with every faith, but you can respect people of all creeds.

3. stick This tape you gave me doesn’t work at all! I can’t get a single poster to adhere to
the wall. I’m going to have to use my staple gun.

4. smell Patty loves to use an abundant amount of garlic in her cooking. Almost any time
you approach her kitchen, the aroma of that famous plant is unmistakable.

5. write Ronald wanted to establish an advantage over the other boys who were all trying
to win Mary’s heart. Deciding to inscribe his and Mary’s names on the tree in her front yard
turned out to be a blunder. He certainly did not win the affection of her parents.
 24

Word Meanings From Context

1. It was a sad and haunting strain that met our ears as we entered the old theater. There
was a beauty in the voice that we’d never forget. This would be a special concert.

What does ―strain‖ mean in the context of the selection?

a. effort
b. injury
c. melody
d. filter

2. I want you to weigh his words carefully. He seems sincere and presents his arguments
well. There is, however, something that doesn’t quite ring true about the candidate.

What does ―weigh‖ mean in the context of the selection?

a. to measure the mass

b. to put pressure on a scale
c. to think about
d. to be important

3. Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate. That became obvious to me

when I found out how much time he’s donated to the campaign. Perhaps Michael knows what
he’s doing.

What does ―ardent‖ mean in the context of the selection?

a. old
b. intelligent
c. foolish
d. very strong

4. Mary, of course you’re overweight. You eat too much junk food. Even worse, you exercise
infrequently.

What does ―infrequently‖ mean?

a. with a frown on one’s face

b. at a gym
c. while wearing heavy clothes
d. not often
 25

Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted
word.

1. Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It’s time to implement it and see if it’s as
brilliant as you claim.

a. instrument
b. take apart
c. change
d. carry out

2. If your plan fails, we’ll have to find someone who can devise a better one.

a. design
b. dislike
c. appliance
d. to use peanut butter as toothpaste

3. Of course, I’m not saying that your plan is no good. I tend to be optimistic, so I won’t be
surprised when you succeed.

a. expecting the best to happen

b. needing glasses to see
c. full of gas
d. unselfish

4. When your plan brings us great wealth, you will be rewarded for your sagacity.

a. good looks
b. mistakes
c. intelligence
d. huge appetite for herbs

5. No matter what happens, I assure you that I will not forget how hard you have worked on
this project.

a. dare
b. promise
c. act like a donkey
d. forget
 26

Word Meanings From Context

Use the context to help you choose the best meaning or synonym for each highlighted
word.

1. Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. ―We have such an extensive selection of
cars,‖ he said, ―so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!‖

The word ―extensive‖ means __________.

a. costing a lot of money

b. large amount
c. having no color
d. not enough

2. Friendship is a priceless thing. If Chris put a price, or conditions, on her friendship, it’s no
longer priceless. In fact, it’s not real friendship at all!

If something is priceless, __________.

a. it has a missing tag

b. it has no value
c. it has great value
d. it is made out of rice

3. The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote
the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again?

A fabrication is __________.

a. made of cloth
b. full of long words
c. funny
d. fake

4. The reporter insisted that the letter he used was authentic. He said that he had shown it to
many experts before he used it in his story.

When something is authentic, it’s __________.

a. genuine, or real
b. carefully written
c. full of tasty worms
d. very old
 27

WHAT IS THE INTERNET?

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite, a set of
communications protocols, to serve billions of users worldwide. The internet has reshaped and redefined most traditional
communications media including telephone, music, film, and television. This has given birth to new services. Newspaper,
book and other print publishing are adapting to Web site technology, or are reshaped into blogging and web feeds.

The Internet has enabled or accelerated new forms of human interactions through instant messaging, Internet forums, and
social networking. Online shopping has boomed both for major retail outlets and small artisans and traders. Business-to-
business and financial services on the Internet affect supply chains across entire industries.

The origins of the Internet reach back to research of the 1960s, commissioned by the United States government in
collaboration with private commercial interests to build robust, fault-tolerant, and distributed computer networks. The
commercialization of what was by the 1990s an international network resulted in its popularization and incorporation into
virtually every aspect of modern human life. As of 2011, more than 2.1 billion people — nearly a third of Earth's population
— use the services of the Internet

Comprehension:

1. The internet has completely dethroned traditional media.

a. True

b. False

2. The internet has had an impact on commerce.

a. True

b. False

3. The internet was first introduced in the 1990s.

a. True

b. False

4. More than a quarter of the Earth’s population are internet users

a. True

b. False
 28

WHAT IS A VIRUS MADE OF

All viruses are made up of two kinds of substance. First, all viruses contain proteins. Proteins are chemical substances
that occur in all living creatures. A particle, or molecule, of a protein consists of a long chain of substances called amino
acids. There are about 20 different kinds of amino acid in proteins. These can be arranged in any order on the protein
chain. Different kinds of plant or animal contain proteins with different arrangements of amino acids. The protein generally
forms the outer coat of a virus. This outer layer of protein encloses the second kind of substance found in all viruses -
nucleic acid.

1. It is clear from the passage that ----.

A) proteins are greatly damaged by viruses

B) the amount of proteins differs in each animal or plant

C) few proteins are without amino acids

D) it is impossible to find a living thing with no proteins

E) a virus's resistance depends on the amount of proteins it contains

2. The arrangement of amino acids ----.

A) is very simple in the proteins of the viruses

B) is determined by the kinds of proteins

C) can be harmed if too many viruses confront the proteins

D) has nothing to do with proteins

E) varies among each living thing

3. The second substance of the viruses ----.

A) consists of only amino acids

B) is usually the part covered by proteins

C) protects it from outer effects

D) must contain at least 20 amino acids

E) is not as essential as the first one

 29

WORDS WITH MULTIPLE MEANINGS

Read the sentence. Pick the choice that uses the underlined word in the same way as in the original sentence.

1. Lack of money drove Joyce to sell the farm.

The blizzard drove Marlene to decide to stay home and be alone on Christmas.

Dad drove us to the mall but Mom said she would take us home.

The family drove three hours to see the ocean.

2. The employee put a caution sign up so no one would slip on the wet floor.

The man will slip on the icy sidewalk if he's not careful.

We need a permission slip in order to go on the trip.

The messenger handed the slip of paper to the teacher.

3. Matt stroked his dog's back to calm him down.

The stroke left her paralyzed on the right side of her body.

The man had a stroke and was incapable of walking.

The little girl stroked her doll's hair.

4. We could not listen to Daniel anymore because his ideas were bunk.

The executive wanted to hear substantial ideas, not bunk.

Can I sleep on the bottom bunk?

Do you want to sleep in the top bunk?

5. One pant leg was longer than the others.

The family became concerned when Dorothy started to pant at the store.

I usually pant after running up six flights of stairs to reach my apartment.

The bottom of the pant leg had paint on it.

6. He mowed the yard on Sunday afternoon.

My stride is about one yard in length.

A football field is 100 yards long.

My dog loves to run in the yard.

 30

PICK THE SENTENCE THAT USES THE MEANING OF THE WORD THAT IS GIVEN.

1. definition for live: burning or containing energy

The live bomb could explode at any time.

The television show was live tonight, not prerecorded as usual.

2. definition for scour: to clean thoroughly

The bride-to-be plans to scour the bridal shops to find her dream wedding gown.

Jack promised to scour the grease from the pan.

3. definition for bunk: nonsense

Do you want to sleep in the top bunk?

The interviewer wanted to hear important ideas, not bunk.

4. definition for slot: a position in an organization

Who in the department is qualified to fill the administrative assistant slot?

Put the quarter in the slot of the vending machine.

5. definition for cuff: a fold at the bottom of a sleeve

The blood pressure cuff was tight around my arm.

James rolled up the cuff on the sleeve.

6. definition for pitch: to throw or toss

Dad made us pitch our own tent when we went camping.

Kelsey was told to pitch the trash to the curb.

7. definition for ground: to stop an airplane from flying

When we heard gunfire, everyone hit the ground.

The Federal Aviation Administration had to ground several flights because of weather.
 31

GETTING THE MAIN IDEA

Read the stories and then circle the letter choice for the sentence that tells the main idea of the story.

1. Many ancient coins are not as valuable as people tend to think they are. In the early days the threat of a foreign
invasion was common. People buried the family wealth, hoping to uncover it later when the threat was past. In many
cases these people were killed or taken away as prisoners. Their coins are continually being uncovered by chance today
and can be purchased for a modest price.

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. what happened during invasions

b. why there are so few ancient coins today

c. why many ancient coins are inexpensive

d. why people were taken prisoners

2. The Johnstown flood was the worst in Unites States history. On the afternoon of May 31, 1889, heavy rains
caused a dam to break fifteen miles above Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A wall of water about thirty feet high and weighing
millions of tons raced down the valley, sweeping everything with it – houses, trees, locomotives, animals, telegraph poles,
and over two thousand people!

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. what the cause of the Johnstown flood was

b. how fast the Johnstown flood destroyed the city

c. how destructive the Johnstown flood was

d. what people thought about the flood

3. Art in its many forms has built a bridge between our civilization and the cultures that preceded it. Pictures on
pottery have revealed many aspects of the life and times of people of particular areas. The painter has pictured
civilizations that once flourished and died. Music and dancing also reflect the characters and emotions of our ancestors.

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. why artists like history

b. how music and dancing reveal the past

c. how people learn about themselves

d. how various art forms help people learn history

 32

4. What do you think is the most popular soda flavor in the United States? If you thought of cola, you are right.
Almost two out of every three cans or bottles of soda that are sold are cola. The second most popular flavor is lemon-lime,
but that is far behind cola. Orange, ginger ale, grape, and root beer are next down the list

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. how far behind cola lemon-lime is

b. why Americans prefer cola

c. what soda flavors Americans prefer

d. which nation drinks the most soda

5. The human body can adapt itself remarkably to difficult conditions of living. For example, people who live high in
the Andes Mountains, where the air is very thin, have an extra quart of blood in their bodies to help them get enough
oxygen. Also, from years of walking barefoot in the cold, these people have grown extra blood vessels in their feet. They
can walk barefoot even in snow without discomfort.

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. how Andean people get cold from walking barefoot

b. what the air is like in the Andes

c. how people’s bodies can adjust to a climate

d. how much oxygen everyone’s blood needs

6. We think of the collie, German shepherd, Great Dane, Newfoundland, and Saint Bernard as fun-loving pets. Once
these famous breeds were just work dogs with special duties to perform. The collie and German shepherd were flock
tenders. The Great Dane was a property guard. The Newfoundland was the world’s champion lifesaver. The Saint
Bernard broke trails for people over deep snowfalls in the Alps Mountains.

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. which dogs are fun-loving pets

b. where some dogs were used to guard property

c. why some dogs were used to do work

d. how certain pet dogs were once work animals

7. The North Pole is not the World’s coldest region. Northeastern Siberia, over one thousand miles south of the
North Pole, is the coldest place on earth. Temperatures as low as eighty degrees below zero Fahrenheit (-62.2 Celsius)
have often been recorded. Oddly enough, you would seldom catch a cold in the world’s coldest region. Most germs
cannot live in such extreme cold!

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. how cold it gets

b. why people don’t catch a cold

 33

c. what the coldest region is like

d. what the North Pole is like

8. The practice of wearing rings is a very ancient one. Over time, people in many lands have decorated their bodies
by wearing rings on their fingers, ears, lips, necks, noses, ankles, and wrists. Some even wore rings on their toes. In
some cultures, a married woman wore a ring on the big toe of her left foot; a man might put rings on his second and third
toes as well.

The paragraph tells mainly …

a. why some people wore rings on their toes

b. what kinds of rings were the most popular

c. when the practice of wearing rings first began

d. how people in many lands have worn rings

DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

Read the short stories, then, circle the letter choice that describes something you can tell from the information in the story.
Use clues in each to draw a conclusion to find the correct answer.

1. English women once thought they looked best with wigs that rose two or even three feet above their heads. They
certainly looked taller. Wool, cotton, and goats’ hair were used to give the hairpieces the desired height. The finest high-
piled wigs were often decorated with imitation fruit, model ships, horses, and figurines.

From the story, you cannot tell …

a. how wigs were decorated

b. how high the wigs were

c. what the wigs were made of

d. the color of the wigs

2. The liver is the largest of the body’s glands. It helps the body absorb food by producing a fluid that breaks down
the food taken into the body. The liver keeps a close watch on the bloodstream, clearing the blood of many harmful
products it can absorb. The liver also stores sugar for future use and makes sure that the heart does not become
overloaded with blood.

The liver performs …

a. one function

b. two functions

c. four functions

d. three functions
 34

3. Almost no plants can survive in the bone-dry soil of Africa’s Sahara desert. Yet, cave paintings created six
thousand years ago in southern Algeria show farmers grazing cattle on rich grasslands. Changes in climate and the failure
of people to be careful of soil and water supplies turned the pastureland to desert. The Sahara continues to spread
southward each year.

The writer does not suggest that …

a. cave paintings give information about the past

b. more rain used to fall in the region of the Sahara

c. southern Algeria is in the Sahara desert

d. people can change the Sahara back to farmland

4. The English language did not originate in England. The language that became known as English was apparently
first spoken by people living in what is now Germany. Tribes from this area brought their language with them when they
invaded England. When we hear this early English, known as Anglo-Saxon or Old English, we find it hard to believe that it
was the ancestor of Modern English. It sounds more like German.

The writer suggests that without Germany …

a. there would be no written language

b. the English language would be different today

c. there would be no English people

d. England would have no language

5. The flu, or influenza, has been around for centuries. Its name reminds us that people once looked to the sky for its
cause. The word influenza comes from the Italian word influence, because people blamed their aches and fevers on the
influence of the stars. In modern times, scientists have found a better explanation by looking through a microscope. The
flu is caused by a tiny form of matter called a virus.

From the story you can tell that …

a. a virus can be seen with the naked eye

b. the stars once caused sickness

c. the author believes in scientific explanations

d. a cure for the flu has been discovered

 35

USING THE CONTEXT

Read each set of sentences. In each set of sentences, there are two blanks. Circle the letter choice of the correct word
that goes in each blank.

I. Jules Verne, one of the first writers of science fiction, foresaw television many years ago. He called it
―phonotelephoto.‖ He also foresaw the skyscrapers of today. Most remarkably, he (1) ______ the first trip to
the (2) ______ from a launching spot near the one actually used!!

1. (a) made (b) predicted (c) arranged (d) recorded

2. (a) moon (b) sun (c) universe (d) crater

II. When the telephone first came into use, people considered it impolite to phone someone at home without
being (1) ______ to do so. The first phone book was printed in 1870. It contained only 271 (2) ______, none
of which were personal. Only companies were listed.

1. (a) petitioned (b) licensed (c) qualified (d) invited

2. (a) subjects (b) listings (c) categories (d) classifications

III. In early history only the wealthy could afford handkerchiefs. They were made of an expensive material. When
not in use they were placed where no one today would (1) ______ of (2) ______ them. They were hung from
the belt!!

1. (a) try (b) fear (c) count (d) think

2. (a) using (b) keeping (c) making (d) saving

IV. Hurricanes create floods. When these storms move in toward shore, they whip up huge waves. These waves
can be highly dangerous. More (1) ______ are caused by (2) ______ than by wind.

1. (a) deaths (b) accidents (c) rescues (d) bruises

2. (a) confusion (b) lifesaving (c) drowning (d) fear

V. Gray or white hair is not caused by worrying or even by aging. People (1) ______ certain genes that
determine when and how much gray heir they will get. It can start as early as the teens or whenever the hair
glands decrease their (2) ______ of coloring matter.

1. (a) annex (b) inherit (c) revise (d) vote

2. (a) devotion (b) campaign (c) production (d) appointment
 36

MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING

What skills are required for Mechatronics Engineers?

- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the
most appropriate one.

- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being
made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and
evaluate options and implement solutions.

- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems.

- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

- Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to
improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving
and decision-making.

- Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make

improvements or take corrective action.

- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

- Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the
environment will affect outcomes.

- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality
or performance.

- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

- Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

- Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

- Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

- Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

 37

- Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the
situation when learning or teaching new things.

- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

- Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the
best people for the job.

- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

WHAT KNOWLEDGE IS NEEDED TO BE A MECHATRONICS ENGINEER?

- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This
includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various
goods and services.

- Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans,
blueprints, drawings, and models.

- Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer
hardware and software, including applications and programming.

- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

- Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other
techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

- Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to
understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic
structures and processes.

- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and
spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

- Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic
planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and
coordination of people and resources.

- Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal
services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.
 38

- Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical
processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger
signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

- Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or
services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control
systems.

WHAT MECHATRONICS ENGINEERS DO:

- Maintain technical project files.

- Analyze existing development or manufacturing procedures and suggest improvements.

- Implement or test design solutions.

- Identify and select materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.

- Upgrade the design of existing devices by adding mechatronic elements.

- Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.

- Research, select, or apply sensors, communication technologies, or control devices for motion control, position
sensing, pressure sensing, or electronic communication.

- Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.

- Conduct studies to determine the feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.

- Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.

- Create mechanical models and tolerance analyses to simulate mechatronic design concepts.

- Apply mechatronic or automated solutions to the transfer of materials, components, or finished goods.

- Publish engineering reports documenting design details or qualification test results.

- Oversee the work of contractors in accordance with project requirements.

- Provide consultation or training on topics such as mechatronics or automated control.

- Design, develop, or implement control circuits or algorithms for electromechanical or pneumatic devices or
systems.

- Design advanced electronic control systems for mechanical systems.

- Design mechatronics components for computer-controlled products, such as cameras, video recorders,
automobiles, or airplanes.

- Create embedded software design programs.

 39

- Develop electronic, mechanical, or computerized processes to perform tasks in dangerous situations, such as
underwater exploration or extraterrestrial mining.

CURIOUS ABOUT CAREERS:

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Do you like to build with blocks? Are you curious about how solar panels turn sun rays into electricity? Have you
wondered how planes stay in the air? Do you wonder why putting gas into cars causes the wheels to turn? Do you like to
design and create new things? If you do, a career in mechanical engineering might be right for you!

A mechanical engineer is responsible for coming up with and designing mechanical systems. Mechanical systems can
include machine design, heating and cooling equipment, power generation, and product design. Products like the latest
cellphone begin with an engineer coming up with the idea.

Mechanical engineers are in high demand right now. That means that there are a lot of job openings for mechanical
engineers, but there aren’t enough people to fill those jobs. Because there is a high need for engineers, and the work
requires specialized knowledge, engineers get paid more than some other careers.

To be a mechanical engineer, you need to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree. During your years in college,
you will learn problem solving and critical thinking skills that will help you to succeed as an engineer.

Problem solving is very important in the field of mechanical engineering. People in this career need to be able to think
about problems in different ways to figure out the best solution. You also need to be creative, because you may need to
make something that’s never been made before. Attention to detail is important, as well. Many designs rely on a lot of little
details that need to work together.

Mechanical engineers should also be very comfortable using a variety of tools, such as calculators, high-speed cameras,
measurement tools, and computers to assist them in completing their job. There are many computer programs
mechanical engineers use to create designs in 3D, run scenarios, and analyze calculations. Engineers also use
computers for research.

As with many other jobs, mechanical engineers need to be able to meet deadlines and work well with other people. Some
jobs can be done with just one person, but more often mechanical engineers are working on a team to complete a
project. If an engineer cannot manage his or her time well and misses a deadline, the entire team gets delayed, which is
not good for the company.

Some engineers work in an office, and some travel to different worksites while a machine or product is being built, so they
can help solve any problems.

Mechanical engineering takes a lot of thought. It is a great career for people who like to make objects and machines work,
solve problems, and be creative!
 40

Answer each question:

1. What are two skills engineers should have to be successful?

2. Why is it important for engineers to be creative?

3. What does ―high demand‖ mean in the 3rd paragraph? How do you know?

4. A printing company may need engineers to design a machine to make magazines. What other type of company
might need mechanical engineers?

CLOZE PASSAGES

I. Facebook is the largest social network on the web in terms of traffic. Primarily (1) ---- on students, Facebook has
been gaining market share (2) ---- and more significantly a supportive user base nowadays. Since their launch in 2004,
they have been able to obtain over 20 million users in the U.S. alone and (3) ---- worldwide to other English-speaking
countries, with more to follow in the future.

1. A) reinforced B) focused C) emerged

2. A) constantly B) deliberately C) reluctantly

3. A) immigrate B) decline C) expand

II. Although the population of England in the nineteenth century was rising at a(n) (1) ---- rate, that of the cities was
increasing by leaps. This was due to the effects of the industrial revolution; people were (2) ---- into the towns and cities
in search of employment; for some, it was also the call of the unknown, (3) ---- and a better way of life. This period is
known to be the beginning of many new things.

1. A) crepuscular B) unprecedented C) reprehensible

2. A) flocking B) abrogating C) ensconcing

3. A) escapade B) pliable C) abstruse

III. Fossils are the preserved (1) ---- or traces of animals, plants and other organisms. They vary in size from
microscopic, such as single cells, to gigantic, such as dinosaurs. A fossil normally preserves only portion of the (2) ----
organism, usually that portion was partially mineralized during life. Fossils may also (3) ---- of the marks left behind by the
organism while it was alive.
 41

1. A) remnants B) maledictions C) escorts

2. A) incongruous B) deceased C) pretentious

3. A) consist B) procrastinate C) insist

IV. Salmon live in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, (1) ---- great lakes and rivers. Typically, they live in the sea
mostly but (2) ---- in fresh water. They are born in fresh water; migrate to the ocean, then return to fresh water to
reproduce. This means the fish return to the exact spot where they were born to (3) ---- .

1. A) as well as B) in addition C) just as

2. A) devour B) segregate C) breed

3. A) spawn B) modify C) reconcile

V. Miguel de Cervantes was a Spanish novelist and playwright. He wrote pastoral and adventure novels. His(1) ----,
Don Quixote, is considered a founding classic of Western literature. The novel also works as a(n) (2) ---- of the romances
of Spanish(3) ----.

1. A) genre B) edifice C) masterpiece

2. A) satire B) recant C) itinerant

3. A) consensus B) negligence C) royalty

VI. For much of history and in many cultures, (1) ---- professional teachers was an option available only to a small
elite. Thus, until (2) ---- recently, the vast majority of people were educated by parents, especially during early childhood.
The earliest (3) ---- education in the West began in the late 17th century and early 18th century in some German States.

4. A) excruciating B) invigilating C) enlisting

5. A) infinitesimally B) relatively C) inextricably

6. A) compulsory B) intimate C) ridiculous

VII. Giant pandas are black-and-white Chinese bears that are on the verge of (1) ---- . These large, cuddly-looking
mammals have a big head, a heavy body, rounded ears, and a short tail. Most bears' eyes have round pupils. The (2) ----
is the giant panda, whose pupils are vertical slits, like cats' eyes, these unusual eyes (3) ---- the Chinese to call the panda
the "giant cat bear."
 42

1. A) indication B) accommodation C) extinction

2. A) dimension B) exception C) speculation

3. A) inspired B) predicted C) reversed

VIII. Before outsiders first visited their land they knew nothing about the (1) ---- of others or the government or the
modern life. However in the 1980s miners found gold in the region and soon thousands of miners rushed into the area
which resulted in the (2) ---- of the Yanomamis' homeland. During that time 20 % of them died due to many reasons.
Today they try hard to (3) ---- their land and traditions, which doesn't seem so easy to do.

1. A) existence B) effrontery C) submissiveness

2. A) extolment B) palatability C) exploitation

3. A) maintain B) sequester C) ensue

ULTRALIGHT AIRPLANES

An ultralight airplane is very different from a conventional airplane. It looks like a lawn chair with wings, weighs no more
than 254 pounds, flies up to 60 miles an hour, and carries about 5 gallons of fuel. Most ultralights are sold as kits and take
about 40 hours to assemble. Flying an ultralight airplane is so easy that a pilot with no experience can fly one. Accidents
are rarely fatal or even serious because the ultralight lands so slowly and gently and carries very little fuel. Some models
now have parachutes attached, while others have parachute packs which pilots can wear.

1. According to the passage, pilots ----.

A) prefer to fly with ultralights rather than with regular aircraft

B) can weigh up to 250 pounds, depending on the model of the ultralight airplane

C) don't think that their ultralight airplanes are simple to use

D) are reluctant to put their ultralights together

E) don't need a special training to fly an ultralight airplane

2. We learn from the passage that an ultralight airplane ----.

A) provides the only opportunity to fly affordably

B) doesn't fly very well if it weighs less than 254 pounds

C) is inexpensive but difficult to fly

D) can be put together in a short time

E) is only permitted to be used for private recreational flying

 43

3. It is pointed out in the reading that ----.

A) there is more risk involved in flying ultralight aeroplanes than in flying general aviation aircraft

B) ultralight airplanes can remain airborne for more than an hour

C) the risk of injury to a passenger in an ultralight airplane is very low

D) the gear an ultralight airplane carries can be more fragile than traditional equipment

E) people who fly 'ultralights don't need a license

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Much of the blood on the street flows essentially from uncivil behavior of drivers who refuse to respect the legal and moral
rights of others. So the massacre on the road may be regarded as a social problem. Safety standards for vehicle have
been raised both at the point of manufacture and through periodic road-worthiness inspections. In addition, speed limits
have been lowered. Due to these measures, the accident rate has decreased. But the accident experts still worry because
there has been little or no improvement in the way drivers behave.

1. According to the passage, traffic accidents may be regarded as a social problem since ----.

A) the motor vehicle is a very dangerous invention

B) the accidents have more to do with hazardous conditions than hazardous drivers

C) most of the accidents are caused by drivers who don't pay attention to the traffic rules

D) the irresponsibility that accounts for much of the problem is not confined to drivers

E) traffic accidents can cause serious economic damage

2. According to the passage, the number of accidents has fallen because ----.

A) significant advances have been made towards safer driving

B) many people now know that driving is a skilled task requiring constant care and concentration

C) drivers are warned to take extra care on the roads

D) drivers have finally learned how to behave

E) there has been improvement in the way drivers behave

3. It is pointed out in the passage that those who violate traffic regulations ----.

A) are the most inexperienced drivers that we have on the roads

B) always blame the road conditions

 44

C) don't have prior traffic violations or crashes on their records

D) are the biggest threat to those with whom they share the road

E) don't know most of the traffic rules and regulations

TV EFFECTS ON CHILDREN

A recent opinion poll discovered that many people were very concerned about the amount of sex and violence depicted in
movies, television shows, and popular music. This poll also discovered, however, that most people thought that
individuals should take responsibility to correct the problems. The vast majority favored such solutions as tighter parental
supervision, warning labels on records, and voluntary self-restraints by entertainment companies. Only 27 per cent
favored government censorship. At the same time, there was growing concern about the impact of television on children.
Research has shown that by the time our children reach age 18, they have spent more time watching television than in
school. The problem was that our television system was attuned to the marketplace. Children are treated as a market to
be sold to advertisers at so much money per thousand eyeballs.

1. According to the reading, to prevent the bad effects of television, only a minority ----.

A) support individual action

B) say parents should supervise their children

C) believe in the necessity of censorship applied by governments

D) think television companies have to control their own broadcasting

E) require the records be put labels

2. It is stated in the passage that ----.

A) many people think pop music videos are not so violent as movies

B) movies today are a good means to show the young the possible dangers awaiting for them in the real world

C) parents believe there should be more TV shows on television suitable for the young's sexual education

D) television has covered more place in an eighteen-year-old teenager's life than school

E) parents believe schools are the places where our children first learn what violence is
 45

3. It is emphasized in the reading that ----.

A) many children have eyesight problems due to watching television excessively

B) children are a main focus of the advertisers

C) there are not enough advertisements on television

D) our television shows should be designed according to our children's preferences

E) children should learn what to watch on television at school

TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS

Over the past thirty years or so the quality of many people's lives has deteriorated in some respects because of
technological progress. Those people living near airports are constantly assailed by the noise of increasingly larger and
more powerful jet aircraft taking off and landing. We have ugly buildings which have sprung up in towns and cities. Some
of these are blocks of flats-high-rise buildings built because of the high price of land, which seem more like breeding
boxes than houses where people have space to live. Worse still, much of our building effort has been channeled into the
construction of more and more large office blocks at the expense of much needed housing for the growing urban
population.

1. It's obvious in the passage that ----.

A) the quality of people's lives has declined by technology

B) those people living around airports are happy with their condition

C) technology progressed the life standards

D) airports are usually constructed in urban areas

E) people want to live near airports

2. We have ugly buildings ----.

A) so we need to improve technology

B) because the land is expensive

C) but we don't have much complaint about it

D) where people find enough space to live

E) which have appeared only in rural areas

 46

3. Technological progress ----.

A) has negative effects on people's lives

B) requires more large office blocks

C) became much faster than expected

D) enabled people to live in large blocks

E) force us to find ways to own land

NUCLEAR DANGER

Our demand for electricity is climbing so fast that over the next decade our generating capacity must increase by a third.
Fossil fuels supply nearly three-quarters of this energy. But the smoke expelling coal, gas, and oil-fired plants are also
responsible for half of our air pollution. That might be considered as a small price to pay for progress. But there's an
alternative, one that produces no smoke and can actually create more fuel than it consumes. In many regions it's even
cheaper than coal-fired electricity, nuclear power. It may directly bring danger of radioactivity to the mind, but if other types
of power didn't present equal and even worse problems, it would make no sense to consider nuclear power at all. But they
do.

1. Although 3/4 of the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, ----.

A) we should consider the potential dangers of nuclear power

B) everything has got an expense; and nuclear power's is its radioactivity

C) it may contribute to global warming, the greenhouse effect

D) half of the air pollution is caused by the plants using them

E) coal also contains a surprising amount of radioactive material

2. It's claimed in the passage that nuclear power ----.

A) supplies three-quarters of the country's energy demand

B) is less dangerous and cheaper than other types of power

C) is a potential danger because it's radioactive

 47

D) will present us a more polluted environment

E) is more expensive to generate, but not a pollutant

3. In the passage, the writer is worried that in the future ----.

A) fossil based plants might bring bigger problems than nuclear energy

B) there's not a better alternative than fossil fuels

C) nuclear waste might be more dangerous than air pollution

D) they will have to build nuclear power stations one day

E) there will always be possible dangers of nuclear power

MODERN AIRCRAFT NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Modern aircraft use many additional methods of navigation. The pilot plots his course on a flight plan before he takes off.
After the take-off, an altimeter tells his height or 'altitude' above the ground or water. Instruments controlled by gyroscopes
show whether he is climbing or turning. Another instrument informs him of 'drift' from his chosen course. An automatic
pilot can navigate the plane while he rests. Satellites in orbit around the Earth give him information about the weather and
his position. When he lands, radio beacons guide him down to the runway.

1. According to the passage, ----.

A) satellites can guide a pilot whether he is ascending or descending

B) gyroscopes are the devices which inform the pilot about weather conditions

C) the direction in which the pilot keeps going is determined before the flight

D) the position of the pilot is spotted long before take-off

E) pilot should also take the Earth in orbit into consideration

 48

2. A pilot ----.

A) uses many extra devices or gadgets to navigate the plane properly

B) is an automatic pilot who conducts the aircraft with the help of some devices

C) has nothing to do with the altitude since he can locate his position with help of longitudes

D) chooses his direction with the help of longitudes and latitudes

E) may not know how to use the radio signals

3. It can be concluded from the passage that ----.

A) an automatic pilot can direct the plane according to the radio signals

B) when the pilot lands, he has to know the altitude

C) an altimeter tells the pilot whether he is on the right direction or not

D) one instrument tells the pilot the deviation from the direction

E) a pilot can navigate the aircraft without any instruments

FUSION VS FISSION NUCLEAR ENERGY

There are two ways of getting energy from nuclei. Some nuclei can break apart to release energy. This is called fission.
Other nuclei can be put together to make a new nucleus, while giving out energy. We call this process fusion. Fission and
fusion are different processes, but both produce enormous amounts of energy due to reaction. Fission is a simpler
process than fusion, and was discovered earlier. The difficulties of controlling fusion to generate usable power have not
yet been overcome. Today fission is still the main method of producing nuclear energy.

1. According to the passage, ----.

A) fusion is the most reliable way of obtaining nuclear energy

B) today fission is more useful than fusion

C) overcoming the energy crises is generating nuclear energy

D) to break a nucleus apart, we need nuclear energy

E) nuclear energy is produced only with the help of fission

 49

2. Fission and fusion ----.

A) are different processes, but they emit profound amounts of energy

B) can break the nucleus of an atom apart

C) are based upon the energy emitted by nuclear reaction

D) are nuclear reactions which can be converted into each other

E) are the process es of different kinds of energy

3. It could be concluded that ----.

A) fusion may one day also be used as much as fission

B) fusion was discovered earlier, but it's used less

C) fusion is not as much difficult as fission

D) breaking the nuclei apart requires more energy than uniting the nuclei

E) fusion and fission are not different than the energy they emit

BLUE JEANS

Blue jeans are casual pants noted far their strength and comfort. Blue jeans in the form we know them today didn't come
about until the middle of the nineteenth century. Levi Strauss, an enterprising immigrant who happened to have a few
bolts of blue denim cloth on hand, recognized a need for strong work pants in the mining communities of California. He
first designed and marketed "Levi's" in 1850 and there have been only minor alterations to the original design since then.
Blue jeans started becoming popular among young people in the 1950s. In the year 1957, 150 million pairs were sold
worldwide. This growing trend continued until 1981. Although blue jeans have remained basically the same since they
were first designed, they have always been versatile enough to meet market demands.

1. It is clear from the passage that the first blue jeans were ----.

A) worn mainly because of their durability

B) not as strong as those of today

C) different in color from modern ones

 50

D) designed in the 1950s

E) far from being useful for the miners

2. We can understand from the passage that the first jeans designed by Levi Strauss ----.

A) were mostly preferred by the young

B) were not completely different from the Levi's jeans worn today

C) sol d 150 million pairs throughout the world

D) sol d a lot though they were not cheap

E) lost their popularity in a few years

3. We can infer from the passage that no matter how little the jeans have changed since they were first produced, they ----
.A) have always been in demand

B) are still used in most of the mines in America

C) have always been more popular than other kinds of trousers

D) will undergo many alterations to the original design in the future

E) are still popular with the miners in California

IRREGULAR VERBS

BASE PAST PAST BASE PAST PAST

FORM FORM PARTICIPLE FORM FORM PARTICIPLE

arise arose arisen awake awoke awaken

be was/were been beat beat beaten

become became become begin began begun

bend bent bent bet bet bet

bite bit bitten bleed bled bled

blow blew blown break broke broken

 51

bring brought brought build built built

burn burnt burnt burst burst burst

buy bought bought catch caught caught

choose chose chosen cling clung clung

come came come cost cost cost

creep crept crept cut cut cut

deal dealt dealt dig dug dug

dive dove dived do did done

draw drew drawn dream dreamt dreamt

drink drank drunk drive drove driven

eat ate eaten fall fell fallen

feed fed fed feel felt felt

fight fought fought find found found

fit fit fit flee fled fled

fly flew flown forbid forbade forbidden

forget forgot forgotten forgive forgave forgiven

freeze froze frozen get got gotten

give gave given go went gone

grind ground ground grow grew grown

hang hung hung have had had

hear heard heard hide hid hidden

hit hit hit hold held held

hurt hurt hurt keep kept kept

kneel knelt knelt knit knit knit

know knew known lay laid laid

lead led led leap leapt leapt

leave left left lend lent lent

let let let lie lay lain

light lit lit lose lost lost

 52

make made made mean meant meant

meet met met pay paid paid

put put put quit quit quit

read read read ride rode ridden

ring rang rung rise rose risen

run ran run say said said

see saw seen seek sought sought

sell sold sold send sent sent

set set set sew sewed sewn

shake shook shaken shine shone shone

shoot shot shot show showed shown

shrink shrank shrunk shut shut shut

sing sang sung sink sank sunk

sit sat sat sleep slept slept

slide slid slid speak spoke spoken

speed sped sped spend spent spent

spill spilt spilt spin spun spun

spit spat spat split split split

spread spread spread stand stood stood

steal stole stolen stick stuck stuck

sting stung stung stink stank stunk

strike struck struck swear swore sworn

sweep swept swept swim swam swum

swing swung swung take took taken

teach taught taught tear tore torn

tell told told think thought thought

throw threw thrown understand understood understood

upset upset upset wake woke woken

wear wore worn weave wove woven

 53

weep wept wept win won won

wind wound wound withdraw withdrew withdrawn

wring wrung wrung write wrote written

JUST FOR FUN

EXERCISE 1: Can you find the numbers hidden in the sentences below?

Example: When the plane took off,I very much wanted to cry. FIVE

1. Listen carefully to the dialog on the tape recording. ____________.

2. It would be better to learn the language thoroughly. ____________.

3. If I’ve said something to offend you, I’m sorry. ____________.

4. Now their team is even with ours. ____________.

5. ―Honesty is the best policy‖ is a well-known maxim. ____________.

6. The papers I xeroed didn’t turn out very well. ____________.

7. Paul is going to leave today; Robert went yesterday. ____________.

8. You replaced the thous and thees of English several centuries ago. ____________.

9. I hope that our efforts to rectify the error will comfort you a little. ____________.

10. I wish I could have been present at this event you are telling us about. ____________.

EXERCISE 2: Change a letter to form a new word. (One word is enough).

Example: pick: pink, sick, pack, dick, peck, etc.

1. duck: ______________________. 2. whose: _____________________.

3. peel: ______________________. 4. fell: ________________________.

5. bill: _______________________. 6. leak: _______________________.

7. dove: ______________________. 8. life: ________________________.

9. go: ________________________. 10. reach: ______________________.

11. hare: ______________________. 12. foe: ________________________.

 54

EXERCISE 3: Add a letter to form a new word.

Example: at : eat, cat, ate, bat, hat, pat, rat, fat, sat, etc.

1. eat 8. are

2. hose 9. is

3. to 10. or

4. do 11. on

5. go 12. air

6. ear 13. ate

7. here 14. ash

EXERCISE 4: Build the pyramids using the clues given below.

With ―S‖

__ __ __

__ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

CLUES:

1. A male child

2. What is found at the beach

3. Opposite of sit

4. Yell, cry
 55

5. Greedy

6. Opposite of crooked

7. Content, happy

8. Small, sweet, red fruit which grows on a vine

With ―D‖

__ __ __

__ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

1. Father

2. Sunrise

3. The ending of life

4. Choose to do after thinking for a while

5. Carry and give to someone

6. Make less; become smaller in size or importance

7. Very pleasing to the taste

8. A reference book which gives meanings of words

EXERCISE 5: Can you find the animals hiding in the following sentences?

1. That will be a real help. 11. She clothes naked babies.

2. She came late every day. 12. At last, I, Gerald, had won.

3. Eric owes me ten bucks. 13. We’re sending only one book.
 56

4. We made errors in each one. 14. Was Pilar mad, ill, or glad?

5. If I shout, he’ll hear me. 15. If Al concentrates, he’ll win.

6. If Roger comes, we’ll begin. 16. When I withdrew, Al rushed in.

7. We will go at two o’clock. 17. He called Mikko a lazy boy.

8. Is it the sixth or seventh? 18. It’s only a kilometer away.

9. In April I only came once. 19. He came to America today.

10. I’ll sing; you hum on key. 20. That man ate eleven cookies.

EXERCISE 6: Complete the following analogies:

1. arm : hand – leg : _______________ 11. hat : head – coat : _________________

2. beautiful : beauty – young : _______________ 12. pencil : paper – chalk : ________________

3. pencil : write – gun : _______________ 13. bow : arrow – gun : _________________

4. tooth : dentist – hair : _______________ 14. pen : ink – brush : _________________

5. soccer : field – basketball : ________________ 15. sailboat : sail – canoe : ________________

6. cat : kitten – pig : ________________ 16. dog : bite – bee : _________________

7. dime : ten cents – nickel : _________________ 17. loose : tight – deep : ________________

8. foot : shoe – hand : _______________ 18. daughter : aunt – son : _________________

9. dog : pup – bear : ________________ 19. one : first – two : _________________

10. sheep : lamb – frog : ________________ 20. coat : vest – shoe : ________________

EXERCISE 7: All the answers to these clues begin with ―S‖ and end with ―E‖ and all of them have five letters.

1. Taste, smell, sight, or touch, for example. S E N S E

2. Give a part to someone else. __ __ __ __ __

3. Frighten. __ __ __ __ __

4. Make a loud sound while sleeping. __ __ __ __ __

5. Take off hair with a razor. __ __ __ __ __

6. A piece of cut bread. __ __ __ __ __

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7. Give off a bright light. __ __ __ __ __

8. To tremble, to move something quickly. __ __ __ __ __

9. Where rockets travel. __ __ __ __ __

10. To move on wheeled shoes. __ __ __ __ __

11. Animal that slithers. __ __ __ __ __

12. A place to buy in. __ __ __ __ __

EXERCISE 8: Can you build up this building? All the words begin with ―P‖ and end in ―S‖. None is plural.

1. Something written at the end of a letter. __ __

2. Opposite of ―fail.‖ __ __ __ __

3. Push, squeeze. __ __ __ __ __

4. Trousers. __ __ __ __ __

5. Sign of the zodiac. __ __ __ __ __ __

6. Operation leading to a result. __ __ __ __ __ __ __

7. Have as property. __ __ __ __ __ __ __

8. Maybe. __ __ __ __ __ __ __

9. Science of the matter and motion. __ __ __ __ __ __ __

10. Of great value or high price (e.g. diamond) __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

11. Daughter of a queen. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

12. Having poison. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

13. Dangerous. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

14. Pair of curved lines __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

BY DIEGO JARAMILLO PALACIO

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

UNIVERSITY OF CALDAS