COMPASS English as a Second Language (ESL) 2

Question 1

Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect tense?

Accepted Answer

I have visited Paris.

Answer

Present perfect (have + past participle) describes an experience without specifying when; specific time words like 'last year' require simple past.

Question 2

Identify the indirect object in: 'Maria gave her friend a gift.'

Accepted Answer

her friend

Answer

The indirect object is the recipient of the action; 'her friend' receives the gift.

Question 3

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'He is _____ than his brother.'

Accepted Answer

taller

Answer

For one-syllable adjectives, form the comparative by adding '-er', not 'more'.

Question 4

Select the passive voice sentence:

Accepted Answer

The meal was cooked by the chef.

Answer

Passive voice puts the object first and uses 'to be + past participle'; the agent follows 'by'.

Question 5

Which sentence contains a gerund?

Accepted Answer

Swimming is great exercise.

Answer

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing used as a noun; 'Swimming' is the subject of the sentence.

COMPASS Practice Test