Pre Interview English Language Skills Flashcards

I haven't got ……

Answer: Any brothers or sisters

In negative sentences, 'any' is used with plural countable nouns (like 'brothers or sisters') to indicate an unspecified quantity. 'No' would create a double negative with 'haven't got,' and 'some' is typically used in affirmative sentences or questions where a positive answer is expected.

We haven't got ..... Champagne

Answer: Much

'Much' is used with uncountable nouns, and 'Champagne' is treated as an uncountable noun in this context (referring to the liquid itself). 'A lot' is generally used in affirmative sentences, and 'little' implies a small quantity, while 'too' needs a qualifier (e.g., 'too much').

Please choose correct answer:

Answer: Where is Real Madrid playing?

This is the correct interrogative sentence structure in English for asking about an ongoing action. It follows the pattern: Question Word + Auxiliary Verb (is) + Subject (Real Madrid) + Main Verb (-ing form), making it grammatically sound and natural.

I have Flamenco classes ……

Answer: On Saturday afternoons

The preposition 'on' is used for specific days of the week (e.g., 'on Saturday') and parts of the day when combined with a specific day (e.g., 'on Saturday afternoons'). 'In' is used for general parts of the day, and 'at' for specific times or holidays.

We have to go to the supermarket ..... some bread and milk.

Answer: To get

The infinitive 'to get' is used here to express purpose, answering the question 'Why do we have to go to the supermarket?' We go *in order to get* some bread and milk, making it the grammatically correct way to state the reason for the action.

The party was a disaster. There ..... there!

Answer: Was nobody

'Was nobody' correctly conveys that no person was present at the party, aligning with the idea that the party was a 'disaster.' Option A ('wasn't nobody') creates a grammatically incorrect double negative, while options B and D imply someone *was* there, contradicting the intended meaning.

I've lost my passport. I can't find it .....

Answer: Anywhere

'Anywhere' is used in negative sentences or questions to refer to an unspecified place. Since the sentence 'I can't find it...' is negative, 'anywhere' is the appropriate choice to indicate that the passport cannot be found in any location. 'Nowhere' would create a double negative.

Please choose correct answer:

Answer: What's his brother like?

This is the standard English idiom used to ask about someone's personality or characteristics. 'What...like?' is used to inquire about qualities, while 'How is...?' typically asks about health or well-being, making 'What's his brother like?' the correct phrasing for this question.

Michael.........Paris in the morning

Answer: Is leaving for

The present continuous tense ('is leaving') is often used to talk about future arrangements or plans, especially when they are fixed or certain. 'Leaves for' (present simple) can also be used for scheduled events, but 'is leaving for' emphasizes the immediate future arrangement, making it a common and correct usage.

She has her German classes ……

Answer: On Tuesday mornings

Similar to Q16, the preposition 'on' is used for specific days of the week (e.g., 'on Tuesday') and parts of the day when combined with a specific day (e.g., 'on Tuesday mornings'). This is the standard grammatical convention for expressing time in English.

Please choose correct answer:

Answer: Pass the salt to Tom

When a verb takes both a direct object (the salt) and an indirect object (Tom), and the indirect object is a proper noun, it often follows the direct object with the preposition 'to.' 'Pass the salt to Tom' is the grammatically correct and most natural phrasing in English.

Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, but outside, there ........there!

Answer: Was nobody

'Was nobody' correctly conveys that no person was present outside. Options B ('is anybody') and D ('was somebody') imply someone *was* there. Option C ('wasn't nobody') creates a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect and means someone *was* there, contradicting the context.

He says he's been robbed. He can't find his wallet............

Answer: Anywhere

Similar to Q19, 'anywhere' is used in negative sentences to refer to an unspecified place. Since the sentence 'He can't find his wallet...' is negative, 'anywhere' is the appropriate choice to indicate that the wallet cannot be found in any location. 'Nowhere' would create a double negative with 'can't.'

He …….. breakfast yesterday

Answer: Didn’t have

The sentence describes a past action that did not happen, indicated by 'yesterday'. For negative statements in the simple past tense, we use the auxiliary verb 'didn't' (did not) followed by the base form of the main verb. Therefore, 'didn't have' is the correct grammatical construction.

I have to go to the bank ..... some money.

Answer: To get

The infinitive form 'to + base verb' is used to express purpose or reason for an action. In this sentence, 'to get some money' clearly states the reason for going to the bank. Options like 'for getting' or 'to getting' are grammatically incorrect for expressing purpose.

The door can't be broken! he .....

Answer: Has just fixed it

The phrase 'The door can't be broken!' indicates a present result of a recent action. The present perfect tense ('has fixed') is used to describe actions completed in the recent past that have a direct connection or consequence in the present. The adverb 'just' further emphasizes the recency of the action.

He works for the Bank, .....?

Answer: Doesn’t he?

This is a tag question. The main clause 'He works for the Bank' is positive and in the present simple tense. To form the tag question, we use the auxiliary verb 'does' (for present simple, third person singular) in its negative form ('doesn't') followed by the subject pronoun 'he'.

Have you sent that e-mail to Mr. O'Neill? Yes, I've …..done that.

Answer: Already

'Already' is used with the present perfect tense to indicate that an action has happened before now or sooner than expected. In this context, it confirms that the email sending is completed. 'Yet' is typically used in questions or negative statements, and 'still' implies an ongoing action or state.

"..... have you been going out with him?" "Only a few months"

Answer: How long

'How long' is the standard and most common phrase used to ask about the duration of an action or state. The answer 'Only a few months' directly provides a duration, making 'How long' the appropriate interrogative phrase. 'How long time' is grammatically incorrect.

They weren't happy about the new cat, and frankly, nor .... I.

Answer: Was

This sentence uses inversion with 'nor' to express agreement with a preceding negative statement. The structure is 'nor + auxiliary verb + subject'. Since the first clause uses 'weren't' (past tense of 'be') and the subject is 'I', the correct auxiliary verb for 'I' in the past tense is 'was'.