BRUSH UP YOUR STANDARD ENGLISH

I. (Degree of difficulty: low to average)

Complete the following sentences using one of the words indicated below and auxiliary verbs
(where needed):
AS or LIKE:
1. He gave up his job . a journalist and started writing novels.
2. He is over forty years old but he runs about . a boy of fifteen.
3. . you can see, there are not many young people in the audience.

REMEMBER or REMIND (in the correct tense; add an auxiliary where necessary):
4. . you . having tea at the Ship Caf?
5. I neednt you of Mrs. Lakes garden.
6. You . me of someone I knew when I was young.
7. . me to Harry.

RAISE and RISE (in the correct tense):

8. The cars . clouds of dust as they went by.
9. By the time the drivers reached Bordeaux the number of accidents . . .
10. We are selling flags to . money for the blind.
11. The cost of living . . by 40 per cent since last year.
12. . your hand if you want to ask a question.

LIE and LAY

13. The hen has . an egg.
14. These paintings . . untouched in the warehouse for years.
15. He could not decide how the castle should be . out.
16. The book is . on the table.
17. The town where I live . at the foot of the mountains.

BRING, TAKE, FETCH

18. Mother probably . your slippers upstairs, Dad.
19. Ive left my papers in the office. Wait here for me while I . them.
20.21. Waiter, this soup is cold. . it away and . me some fruit juice instead.

BORROW and LEND

22-24. Hello, Tom. Is your father going to . us the car tomorrow? Yes, he says he
can . it. Of course, Ive often . it from him before.

SAY and TELL

25. That Wakefield is very cunning, they .
26. You were .. me about that new machine of yours.
27. The little boy doesnt know how to .. the time yet.
28-29. She . that she can . the difference between butter and margarine.
30. He should have found out who Towsend was before speaking to him. That goes
without . .

DO and MAKE
31. Sutter went to America to . his fortune.
32-34. . your homework and . sure that you dont . a lot of mistakes.
35-36. He . good business at first and . a lot of money.

-SELF and EACH OTHER

37. Dont wait to be invited. Help . to a drink.
38. Stop fighting, you two! Youve hurt .. .
39. We mustnt put Dick near Alex at the dinner. They cant bear . .

II. Put the following sentences into the passive, using an infinitive construction where possible:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.

Someone seems to have made a terrible mistake.

Someone saw him pick up the gun.
It is your duty to make tea at eleven o'clock. (Use suppose.)
You needn't have done this.
We don't allow smoking.
We know that the expedition reached the South Pole in May.
We believe that he has special knowledge which may be useful to the police. (Use one
passive only.)
Someone is washing the laundry in the bathroom.
It's a little too loose; you had better ask your tailor to take it in. (One passive.)
They shouldn't have told him.
You have to see it to believe it. (Two passives.)
It is impossible to do this. (Use can't.)
He doesn't like people laughing at him.
They are to send letters to the leaders of charitable organizations.
Don't touch this switch.
People have often taken him for his brother.
After the government had spent a million pounds on the scheme they decided that it was
impracticable and gave it up. (Make only the first and the last verbs passive.)
They took down the notice.
The manufacturers are giving away small plastic toys with each packet of cereal.
Who wrote it?
They say the rocket travelled six thousand miles and landed in the target area.

III. Fill each of the blanks in the following sentences with a suitable word / with suitable words:
1. Nowadays smoking is.... in many public places for safety reasons.
2. Had I...., I would have arranged to take you out for dinner.
3. Life in the wild is a constant ..... survival.
4. She was .... as being one of the most promising newcomers on the stage for years.
5. I was nervous about renting out my house, but it turned .... a good decision.
6. My sister prefers to cut her hair herself .... it cut at the hairdresser's.
7. Be careful what you say - she isn't used .... criticized.
8. I wish .... to live in this noisy street!
9. If you ...., what would you have done?
10. We made the uniforms ourselves as we couldn't ... made.
11. In terms of hardship we have to learn to do .... some basic necessities.
12. You're terribly late - you were ... to be here over an hour ago.
13. If only I .... spent so much money yesterday!
14. In addition ... luggage, we had to carry the old lady's as well!
15. He's very homesick because it's the first time he .... away from home.
16. The population of Romania ..... not expanded appreciably in the last decade.
17. The little girl promised that she .... a lie again.
18. My parents have been living in their house since before I was born. In fact, next week
they ... there for exactly thirty years.
19. Suppose someone had seen us. We .... big trouble.
20. Although he was exhausted, he insisted .... the car himself.
21. By the year 2000 the population of the earth .... enormously.
22. By the time we got to the cinema, the film ...
23. Only when I saw him .... the extent of his illness.
24. Mrs Brown can't stand cats, and .... her husband.
25. I'd be grateful if you .... down. It's terribly loud.
26. I wish you .... noise. I've got a terrible headache.
27. By the time the police .... the bank, the robbers had made their escape.
28. I'm sorry we are so late; you must .... for ages!

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.

If we had arrived at the railway station a little earlier, we .... our train.
No sooner .... sleep than the doorbell rang.
The quicker you finish your homework, .... out.
It's very hot in here. Would you mind .... the window?
The police ... looking for two big black cars.
Tom said he had just finished ... his car.
Mrs. Walker made Ann ...
Ann was made ...
Not only ... very difficult but it was also unfair.
I'd rather Henry .....
Only then .....

IV. (Use of English)

Each of these sentences can be rewritten much more briefly without really changing the
meaning. Read them carefully, and then rewrite them in as few words as possible(between two
and ten).
1. If I were asked to give an accurate description of my physical condition at the present moment,
the only possible honest reply would be that I am greatly in need of liquid refreshment.
2. People whose professional activity lies in the field of politics are not, on the whole,
conspicuous for their respect for factual accuracy.
3. I must confess to a feeling of very considerable affection for the young female person with
whom I spend the greater part of my spare time.
4. Failure to assimilate an adequate quantity of solid food over an extended period of time is
absolutely certain to lead, in due course, to a fatal conclusion.
5. It is by no means easy to achieve an accurate understanding of that subject of study which is
concerned with the relationship between numbers.
6. It is my fervent wish that the creator of the universe will do his utmost to preserve and protect
the royal lady who graciously occupies the position of head of state.
7. I should be greatly obliged if you would have the kindness to bring me, at your convenience, a
written statement of the indebtedness I have incurred in connection with the meal which you
have just finished serving to me.
8. I should be grateful if you would be so good as to stop the uninterrupted flow of endless
remarks with which you are currently straining my patience to breaking point.
V. Cloze tests:
Fill in each space with the appropriate word:
1. Some of (1) best things are still free. Take laughter. There is nothing (2) a good laugh
to take care away. You neednt even have to (3) the effort to listen (4) a joke, for laughter
is the (5) infectious thing going. (6) people can hide a smile when they hear gales of it.
Otherwise American television shows ... (7)nt bother to insert the canned variety into their
far-from-live comedy, would (8)? For me, once packaged laughter comes over the airwaves, the infectious (9) of laughter flies (10) of the window. (10 blanks)
2. Mr. Machin felt (1) tired. He had (2) driving all day, and now, the evening drawing on,
he could have done (3) a little nap. However, he was only a hundred miles (4) from his
destination. The food-canning firm had a rule prohibiting salesmen from picking up hitchhikers, but he often ignored (5): therefore (6) seeing the two young men thumbing a lIft,
he immediately pulled up.
They seemed decent (7) . The lanky one had an engaging smile and a polite
manner, while his pal looked shy but amiable. In any case, Mr. Machin, totally ignorant (8)
their intentions, was happy to have someone to chat (9) and keep him awake until ...(10)
arrived home. (10 blanks)
3. While the eyes of the world are now focused (1) outer space, more down-to-earth
scientists keep telling us that the future, economically (2), is under the sea. The ocean floor

is one of the (3) remaining areas of exploration. Yet for only a few pounds and now and
(4) the cost of an annual holiday, anybody can become a Scuba diver. Sometimes quite close
(5) the shoreline lies a whole world of flora and (6), coral and wrecks, a silent paradise
available (7) the explorer, the specialist, the photographer or just the enterprising holidaymaker. Indeed, you may merely wish to dive for your own salad lobster.
Exciting yet safe for all but the daredevil, Scuba(Self-Contained Underwater
Breathing Apparatus) diving is one of the most satisfying pursuits. It can be learned, initially
anyway, free of (8), at many local baths, and afterwards the heaviest expense is (9) to be
that of travelling to the sea. (9 blanks)
4. Fill in each blank with the appropriate word and choose the correct word of each two
words mentioned in parantheses:
It is an interesting fact of modern life that perhaps for the (1: first, last) time in history
governments are (2: tackling, taking) the problems of the environment seriously. (3) is also
interesting that science is usually capable (4) (5: finding, creating) an answer to a problem,
once the pressure on scientists to do so is strong (6). A good example of this is provided by
the case of the sperm whale and jojoba oil. When the United States government banned the
sperm oil and related whale products in 1971 in (7) to save the species from extinction,
there was a tremendous outcry from the automobile industry since it was (8: believed, spread)
that no equivalent product could be developed to lubricate automatic transmissions. Four
years later, (9: however, although), the news (10: is, are) that the jojoba shrub, (11: which,
that) grows wild in Mexico and parts of the USA, could not only prove to be the ideal
substitute (12) sperm oil but could also be a means of (13: raising, rising) the living
standards of the Indians (14: which, who) live in abject poverty on reservations. (5 blanks and
9 choices)
VI. For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to
the original sentence, but using the words given in bold letters. The words must not be altered
in any ways.
E.g.
John inflated the tyres of his bicycle. blew
John blew up the tyres of his bicycle.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

While Michael was away, burglars broke into the flat.

during
The accident was not your fault.
blame
You must not go there for any reason.
account
The normal loan period for books is two weeks.
borrow
The price of a suit varies according to the quality of the material. depends
Our supplies of petrol are completely exhausted.
run out
It was impossible to go out because of the torrential rain.
prevented
I refuse to tolerate that sort of behaviour.
put
You really must try not to make so many mistakes.
avoid
I shall try to remember what you said.
bear
The legal system in France differs from that in Britain.
same
He said that I could use his Land-Rover at any time.
disposal
Arthur promised that he would come.
told
We have nothing against the appointment of that candidate.
objection
Mr. Brown said that he was sorry he had been so rude.
apologized
From the moment of our arrival, I knew that I would like the place. soon
I wish I had been able to see him
regret
Which book would you advise me to buy?
suggest
$500 is too much to pay for that painting.
worth
All the other students got their exam results before Maria did.
last
What would happen if we refused to pay?
supposing
His whole life was one of deceit and treachery.
throughout
Which would you prefer the steak or the fish?
rather
Mike was so very tired that he failed to notice his mistake.
too
Joan bears a close resemblance to her mother.
alike

26. The scheme will have to go ahead, even if they dont like it.

whether

A. Choose the word or phrase (A, B, C or D) that best completes each sentence.(Try to
justify your choice.)
1. .. comes a time when you have to make a decision and stick to it.
A. It B. Therefore C. There D. That
2. James had, , saved the manuscript of his first novel from the burning house.
A. lastly B. at last C. lately D. at least
3. Mr. Nixon refused to answer the questions on the that the matter was confidential.
A. reasons B. excuses C. grounds D. foundations
4. I wish the neighbours making so much noise.
A. would stop B. will stop C. stoppimg D. stoped
5. Youd rather speak to him yourself, ..?
A. hadnt you B. didnt you C. wouldnt you D. wont you
6. Douglas took of his meeting with the Prime Minister to argue his case.
A. opportunity B. advantage C. chance D. effect
7. The paintings stands a good of winning the prize.
A. possibility B. chance C. opportunity D. certainty
8. After months of getting , the detectives began to feel that they were onto something.
A. somewhere B. nowhere C. everywhere D. anywhere
9. It is very appropriate that the prize go to such a young writer.
A. should B. could C. might D. need
10. Dont tell anyone about this, ?
A. do you B. wont you C. will you D. should you
11. Twenty people were arrested during the demonstration, of four were charged with
obstruction.
A. who B. whom C. which D. them
12. Anyone ticket has been stolen should contact the airline immediately.
A. his B. their C. which D. whose
13. Sally regretted the journalist so much.
A. telling B. to tell C. tell D. told
14. Adam is thought at sea.
A. to have been killed B. having been killed C. to be killed D. be killed
15. what he says, observe what he does.
A. Although B. In contrast C. Contrary D. Never mind
16. had I left the hotel when I was surrounded by photographers.
A. No sooner B. Immediately
C. Just
D. Hardly
17. The company is suspected .. the trade embargo
A. having broken
B. of breaking
C. to break D. breaking
18. You must refrain tea or coffee while taking this medicine.
A. from drinking
B. drinking
C. to drink
D. drink
19. The machine should have switched itself off but it failed to do
A. it B. that C. this D. so
20. we need to complete the repairs is $2000.
A. Everything
B. Only
C.Just
D. All
21. You might not get better but this medicine will do you no
A. worse
B. danger
C. harm
D. illness
22. There is nothng we can do than wait.
A. except
B. other
C. rather
D.moreover
23. Tom trains hard, is talented and eager to win he is, in , the perfect competitor.
A. total B. whole
C. short
D. part
24. If only he .. help us by talking directly to the boss.
A. would
B. could C. will D. should
25. Harold would rather we .. hold the meeting on Friday
A. didnt
B. shouldnt
C. werent to D. wouldnt
26. You may not have liked her, but .. be quite so rude?

A. should you B. did you dare to C. did you need to D. would you have to
27. She has not yet got her recent illness.
A. by B. through C. over D. out of
28. In the .. climate, it is difficult to anticipate what the political reaction will be.
A. current
B. typical
C. contemporary
D. actual
29. The teacher is only too .. with the difficulties caused by disruptive students.
A. used B. aware
C. familiar
D. accustomed
30. The minister received .. a show of support that it was impossible to think he would
resign
A. such B. so C.as D. like
31. He always wants to have things his own ..
A. way B. road C. path D. direction
32. .. from collected shells, he also enjoys looking for fossils.
A. Except
B. Besides
C. Apart
D. Excluded
33. Mark had to .. his pocket money by doing jobs around the house.
A. gain
B. work
C. earn
D.take
34. Youll be willing to help, .. you?
A.wouldnt
B. wont
C. shant
D. arent
35. Lets do our best to help, ..we?
A. will B. ought
C. should D. shall
36. it not for your help, I would never be able to manage.
A. Were
B. Would
C. Had
D. Should
37. for Toms opposition, we would have agreed to the contract.
A. Be it not B. Would it not have been C. Should it not have been D. Had it not been
38. Doctors are often to accidents in rural areas.
A. called up
B. driven up
C.called out
D. rung up
39. We intend to .. wih the old system as soon as we have developed a better one.
A. do up
B. do away
C. do down
D. do in
40. Would you mind keeping a(n) .. on our house for us while we are away?
A. hand
B. look
C.eye D. view
KEY
1. C
2. D
3. C
4. A
5. C

6. B
7. B
8. B
9. A
10. C

11. B
12. D
13. A
14. A
15. D

16. D
17. B
18. A
19. D
20. D

21. C
22. B
23. C
24. B
25. A

26. C
27. C
28. A.
29. C
30. A

31. A
32. C
33. C
34. B
35. D

36. A.
37. D
38. C
39. B
40. C

B. Each sentence contains a mistake. Identify the error and rewrite the sentence in the
correct way.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

The Dambovita River, a tributary to the Danube, it runs through Bucharest.

Nowadays is very difficult to find a job.
A good sentence in English is one that is brief, short, and easy to understand.
His chief and principal reason for working was money.
The first things an international student must do include renting an apartment, registering
for classes, and to get to know the city.
Beside two houses in the city, he owns a house in the country.
He is earning fewer money than he was ten years ago.
The discover of gold brought many new settlers to California.
The teacher arrived latter than the students.

10. Although Jack was the youngest of the two boys, he was clearly more mature than his
elder brother.
11. Neither of the angles of an equilateral triangle ever has more or less than sixty degrees.
12. While watching television, the telephone rang.
13. At the age of six, my father taught me how to ride a horse.
14. Her test score is superior than his.
15. He is interested by whatever you do because he loves you.
16. Would you like to participate at the meeting?
17. They have renounced at the use of force to settle their disputes.
18. If you succeed to pass this exam you may relax for two or three weeks.
19. Why dont you think at a better solution?
20. Bangkok, Thailand, who is nicknamed the Venice of Asia, has many canals.
21. Everyone except he will go to the party.
22. No one likes children which are rude and boisterous.
23. Up until now no cure for cancer is found.
24. At the time of his death, John Kennedy has still been in his forties.
25. None of the dead womans family knew what had became of her will.
26. Unlike adult dogs, puppies are feed twice a day.
27. Over the past few years medical researchers have searching for a means to control the
herpes virus.
28. Although the students are disliking the material they are studying right now, their
instructor has no authority to change the syllabus.
29. Presuming the price of silver would soon raise, investors bought large quantities of the
metal.
30. The hen lay an egg every morning.
31. Unless a patient takes the medicine regularly, he is unlikely to do fast progress.
32. Sleep scientists are still making research on various types of sleep disorders.
33. Candidates for high-level political office are likely to do promises which they cannot
keep.
34. Fortunately, the child was not enough tall to reach the medicine cabinet.
35. The teachers wanted to know when would they get a pay rise.
36. Never she had seen so much rain in such a short time.
37. You must have told me you didnt want to come. I could have invited someone else.
38. I wish she is here!
39. I think Paul had better stayed in bed today.
Teachers note: No key this time Sorry! If in doubt, review your grammar.
C. Fill each of the blanks with a suitable word or phrase:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

The judge refused to do what the gangsters asked, .. much money they offered him.
Look at these footprints. He .. come this way!
. I had known that five years ago!
Would you like some toast? No, thank you. Ive .. already.
When he regained consciousness, he .. himself in hospital
If you hadnt seen a policeman, what .. done?
George thretened his neighbour with an axe, .. he received a six-month prison sentence.
We .. Tom since eight oclock and he still hasnt arrived.
You look upset. What on earth ..?
It .. Sally that you saw; shes in London.
I cant offer you any coffee; we seem not to ..
He was wearing dark glasses to .. recognised.
Why did you get a taxi? I .. a lift.
His piano playing has improved since he .. two hours a day.
The plane .. to arrive at 12.45, so its already two hours late.
This is the first time .. champagne.
Its a great party; Mike in particular appears .. himself.

18. If .. unwell, Id have enjoyed our holiday far more.

19. This portrait is said .. by Rembrandt.
20. Thank you. Its extremely generous of you, but you really expensive present.
21. The bank manager agreed to lend me $5,000 on condition .. within a year.