Answer Explanations

Question 1 Explanation

The correct answer is has worked. We use the present perfect with “since” to show that an action started in the past and continues up to now. In this sentence, she started working in the company in 2021, and she still works there now.

Question 2 Explanation

The correct answer is rang. We use the past simple for a completed action that interrupted another action in progress. “Was watching” shows the longer background action, and “rang” shows the shorter action that happened suddenly.

Question 3 Explanation

The correct answer is will stay. This is a first conditional sentence, which is used for a real possible future situation. The “if” clause uses the present simple, and the main clause uses “will” plus the base verb.

Question 4 Explanation

The correct answer is mustn’t. We use “mustn’t” when something is prohibited or not allowed. The sentence says smoking is not allowed in the building, so the meaning is strong prohibition.

Question 5 Explanation

The correct answer is much. We use “much” with uncountable nouns, especially in negative sentences and questions. “Sugar” is uncountable when we talk about it as a general amount, so this quantifier is correct.

Question 6 Explanation

The correct answer is an. We use “an” before a singular countable noun when the following word begins with a vowel sound. “Honest” begins with a silent “h,” so the first sound is a vowel sound.

Question 7 Explanation

The correct answer is where. We use “where” in relative clauses when we refer to a place. In this sentence, the hotel is the place in which the speakers stayed last summer.

Question 8 Explanation

The correct answer is at. The adjective “good” and comparative expression “better” are commonly followed by “at” when we talk about skills or activities. Since playing tennis is an ability, “at” is the correct preposition.

Question 9 Explanation

The correct answer is reading. After the verb “enjoy,” we usually use a gerund form. A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used like a noun, so “reading” fits correctly here.

Question 10 Explanation

The correct answer is to buy. After the verb “decide,” we usually use an infinitive with “to.” The sentence means that they made a decision about a future action.

Question 11 Explanation

The correct answer is more difficult. We use comparative forms to compare two things. Because “difficult” is a longer adjective, we form the comparative with “more.”

Question 12 Explanation

The correct answer is was sent. This sentence uses the passive voice because the focus is on the letter, not on the person who sent it. For a past passive sentence, we use “was” or “were” plus the past participle.

Question 13 Explanation

The correct answer is eaten. In the present perfect, we use “have” or “has” plus the past participle form of the verb. The past participle of “eat” is “eaten,” so it is needed after “have never.”

Question 14 Explanation

The correct answer is well. We use an adverb to describe how someone does an action. Since “speaks” is a verb, the adverb “well” is correct instead of the adjective “good.”

Question 15 Explanation

The correct answer is to. We use “to” plus the base verb to show purpose. In this sentence, leaving early has a purpose, and that purpose is catching the train.

Question 16 Explanation

The correct answer is a lot of. We can use “a lot of” with plural countable nouns and uncountable nouns. “People” is plural in meaning, and the sentence describes a large number of people.

Question 17 Explanation

The correct answer is was. The sentence refers to a completed past situation because it explains why he did not go to school. “Ill” describes his state at that past time, so the past form of “be” is needed.

Question 18 Explanation

The correct answer is in. The adjective “interested” is usually followed by the preposition “in.” The sentence means that photography is a subject or activity that attracts his attention.

Question 19 Explanation

The correct answer is yet. We commonly use “yet” in negative present perfect sentences to mean that something has not happened up to now. It usually comes at the end of the sentence.

Question 20 Explanation

The correct answer is has. We use the present simple for routines and habits. The word “usually” shows that this is a regular action, so the third-person singular form “has” is correct.

Question 21 Explanation

The correct answer is went. We use the past simple for completed actions at a specific past time. “Last night” clearly shows a finished time in the past, so the past simple form is needed.

Question 22 Explanation

The correct answer is should. We use “should” to give advice or make a recommendation. The sentence says the person looks tired, so taking a break is a sensible suggestion.

Question 23 Explanation

The correct answer is who. We use “who” in relative clauses when we refer to people. In this sentence, “the man” is the person who helped the speaker yesterday.

Question 24 Explanation

The correct answer is waking up. After “be used to,” we use a noun or gerund form, not the base verb. The sentence means that getting up early on Sundays is not a normal or familiar habit for the speaker.

Question 25 Explanation

The correct answer is for. We use “for” with a period of time, such as ten years, two months, or three days. The sentence describes how long the speakers have lived in that place.

Question 26 Explanation

The correct answer is the best. We use the superlative form when we compare one person or thing with all others in a group. Since the sentence compares her with all students in the class, the superlative form is required.

Question 27 Explanation

The correct answer is why. We use “why” when we talk about a reason. In this sentence, the speaker does not know the reason for his lateness.

Question 28 Explanation

The correct answer is while. We use “while” to show that two actions were happening at the same time. In this sentence, the children were playing and their mother was cooking during the same period.

Question 29 Explanation

The correct answer is few. We use “few” with plural countable nouns to mean not many. “Friends” is a plural countable noun, and the sentence has a negative meaning because he feels lonely.

Question 30 Explanation

The correct answer is had. This is a second conditional sentence, which is used for unreal or unlikely situations in the present or future. In the “if” clause of the second conditional, we use the past simple form.