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Indirect Questions – Quiz 1
Indirect Questions Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to form and recognize indirect questions in English, including their use with "if" or "whether", reported speech, and future continuous tense. It also tests understanding of subject-verb agreement and proper interrogative pronouns.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
What is she doing at the moment? Have you got any idea .....
A) What is she doing at the moment.
B) What she is doing at the moment.
C) What she doing at the moment.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it properly forms an indirect question using the subject "she" and the present continuous tense "is doing." In English, when forming indirect questions with subjects like "he," "she," or "it," we use a form of "be + subject + verb + ing."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it starts with "What is" which makes the question direct rather than indirect.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Incorrect due to missing verb conjugation ("is doing").
Option D:
Not applicable since Option B is correct.
2.
Who gave you information about this job?
A) I'd like to know who gave you information about this job.
B) I'd like to know who did give you information about this job.
C) I'd like to know who does give you information about this job.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the simple past tense "gave," which is appropriate for a one-time action in the past as implied by the question. The other options use present tenses ("does give" or "did give"), which would be more suitable if the information was given repeatedly or at an unspecified time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Uses simple past tense, appropriate for a one-time action in the past.
Option B:
Uses "did give," which is redundant and less natural-sounding than simply using "gave."
Option C:
Uses present tense, inappropriate for describing a past event.
Option D:
Indicates none of the options are correct, but Option A clearly fits the context.
3.
Where does Pedro live?
A) Can you remember where lives Pedro?.
B) Can you remember where Pedro live?.
C) Can you remember where Pedro lives?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the present tense "lives" with the third-person singular subject "Pedro," which is appropriate for indirect questions asking about a current state or habit.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option repeats the question, making it redundant and not providing an answer.
Option B:
This option incorrectly uses "live" in the plural form, which is incorrect for a singular subject like "Pedro."
Option C:
This option correctly uses "lives," maintaining proper grammar for the third-person singular subject.
Option D:
This option indicates none of the above are correct, but Option C is indeed correct.
4.
MY BIG CONCERN IS WHETHER I'LL BE ..... TO GET INTO THE CLASS.
A) ABLE.
B) INTO.
C) AFFORD.
D) RUSH.
E) BUSES.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "whether I'll be able to get into the class" is an indirect question, where "able" functions as a modal verb indicating capability. The correct answer is A) ABLE because it fits grammatically and semantically within the context of expressing doubt or uncertainty about one's ability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates capability.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Into" does not fit grammatically here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Afford" implies financial ability, which is irrelevant to the context of getting into a class.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Rush" means to hurry or move quickly, unrelated to capability.
Option E:
Incorrect. "Buses" are transportation and not relevant to the ability to get into a class.
5.
Change the next direc questions into indirectWhere do you live?
A) I wonder where I live.
B) Coul you tell me where you live?.
C) Do you know where do you live?.
D) Pardon me, I wonder if you live here.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it transforms the direct question "Where do you live?" into an indirect question by using the polite form "Could you tell me" and restructuring the sentence to fit grammatical rules of indirect questions in English. This maintains the original meaning while adhering to proper indirect questioning format.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses a first-person wonder, not an indirect question.
Option B:
Correct for its proper transformation into an indirect question.
Option C:
Incorrect due to the misuse of "do you" twice in the same sentence and the direct structure.
Option D:
While starting with a polite phrase, it is not structured as an indirect question and uses "pardon me" which is unnecessary here.
6.
What time does the show start? Do you have any idea?
A) Do you have any idea of what time does the show start?.
B) Do you have any idea of what does time the show starts?.
C) Do you have any idea of what time do the show starts?.
D) Do you have any idea of what time the show starts?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it properly forms an indirect question using the appropriate verb tense and structure. In English, when forming a question within another sentence (indirect question), the main clause uses "do you have any idea" while the subordinate clause maintains the base form of the verb ("starts").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "does the show start" should be in its base form.
Option B:
Incorrect; "what does time the show starts" is grammatically incorrect and worded oddly.
Option C:
Incorrect; "do the show starts" incorrectly uses plural subject with singular verb.
Option D:
Correct; proper indirect question formation.
7.
Which sentence is an indirect question?
A) Where are you from?.
B) Do you know where you are from?.
C) You are from where?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are introduced by a question word (who, what, where, when, why, how) followed by a verb phrase in the base form and end with a question mark. Option B "Do you know where you are from?" is an indirect question because it starts with "do" and uses "where," but it is phrased as a request for information rather than a direct inquiry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Direct question, not indirect.
Option B:
Indirect question, correct answer.
Option C:
Reversed word order, not an indirect question.
Option D:
Not needed as Option B is the correct choice.
8.
Does she speak English?
A) Do you know if she speak English?.
B) Do you know if she speaks English?.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the present tense "speaks" in the indirect question, which is appropriate for habitual actions or general truths. Option A incorrectly uses "speak," which should be singular to match the subject "she." Option C includes both A and B, making it incorrect as only one option can be correct. Option D is incorrect because there is a valid correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to verb agreement error.
Option B:
Correct for proper tense and subject-verb agreement.
Option C:
Incorrect as it includes an incorrect option.
Option D:
Incorrect because there is a valid correct answer.
9.
"When did the pain start?" "Do you remember ..... ?"
A) When the pain started.
B) When did start the pain.
C) When did the pain start.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly forms an indirect question using the reported speech structure, where "when" remains unchanged and no auxiliary verb is needed before "started." The phrase "When did start the pain" (Option B) incorrectly uses an auxiliary verb "did," which is not necessary in this context. Option C correctly uses "did" but places it awkwardly, making the sentence less natural. Option D suggests none of the options are correct, which is incorrect since A is valid.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct indirect question formation: "When the pain started."
Option B:
Incorrect placement of auxiliary verb: "When did start the pain."
Option C:
Improper word order with auxiliary verb: "When did the pain start."
Option D:
Indicates all options are incorrect, which is false.
10.
Do you ever buy clothes from factory outlets?
A) I wonder whether do you ever buy clothes from factory outlets.
B) I wonder if have you ever buy clothes from factory outlets.
C) I wonder if you ever buy clothes from factory outlets.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it properly forms an indirect question using "if" and the present tense "buy." The subject "you" is correctly placed, and the sentence structure follows standard English grammar rules for indirect questions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Begins with a statement rather than forming a question.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses an unnecessary auxiliary verb "have" which is not required in this context.
Option C:
Correct. Properly forms the indirect question using "if" and present tense "buy."
Option D:
Incorrect. Option C is correct, so there's no need for "None of the above."
11.
I don't know the answer. How many times ..... I have
A) Do I have.
B) Any.
C) I do have.
D) To tell you?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are used to ask about information that is not directly stated, often phrased as a statement followed by "I wonder" or "Do you know." In the given sentence, "How many times..... I have," it's an indirect question asking about frequency. The correct form should start with "Do I have" to maintain grammatical correctness and proper questioning structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It starts with "Do I have," making it a properly structured indirect question.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Any" is not appropriate here as it doesn't fit the context of asking about frequency.
Option C:
Incorrect. "I do have" is a statement, not an indirect question.
Option D:
Incorrect. "To tell you?." does not start with "Do," making it incomplete and incorrect for this context.
12.
Do you know ..... book she borrowed yesterday?
A) Whose.
B) How.
C) When.
D) What.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The question "Do you know ... book she borrowed yesterday?" is an indirect question seeking information about the ownership of a book. The correct answer, "Whose," fits because it introduces the interrogative phrase that asks for the owner of the book.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Whose - Correct. Asks for the owner.
Option B:
How - Incorrect. Does not fit grammatically or contextually.
Option C:
When - Incorrect. Refers to time, not ownership.
Option D:
What - Incorrect. Refers to the object itself, not its owner.
13.
Direct:Did you finish the report?Indirect:I was wondering ..... the report.
A) If you finished.
B) Have you finished.
C) Did you finish.
D) You finish.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are used to ask about information in a more polite and formal way, often starting with "if" or "whether". In the given context, "I was wondering if you finished the report." is an indirect question. This matches Option A: If you finished.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "if" to form a polite indirect question.
Option B:
Incorrect. Directly asks with "have you".
Option C:
Incorrect. Directly asks with "did you".
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses "you finish" which is not a question.
14.
When does the movie start?
A) I wonder when does the movie start.
B) I wonder when the movie starts.
C) I wonder when the movie start.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper form of an indirect question with a third-person singular subject ("the movie") and the appropriate verb conjugation ("starts"). In English, when forming indirect questions in this context, we use the base form of the verb after "when" without any auxiliary verbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses a question format within the sentence which is not appropriate for an indirect question.
Option B:
Correct; it properly forms the indirect question with "starts" as the base form of the verb.
Option C:
Incorrect; it incorrectly uses "start" instead of "starts," which changes the subject-verb agreement and the sentence structure.
Option D:
Not applicable since option B is correct.
15.
I wonder why reality shows are popular.
A) I didn't see it.
B) No, they aren't real.
C) Yes, they are very popular.
D) Because they show real people.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are used to ask about information that is not directly stated but inferred from a situation or context. The correct answer, "D) Because they show real people," explains why reality shows are popular by inferring the reason for their popularity rather than stating it directly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant as it does not explain the popularity of reality shows.
Option B:
Incorrect because reality shows are indeed real, but this option does not address why they are popular.
Option C:
While true, it is a direct statement and does not use indirect questioning to explain the popularity.
Option D:
Correct as it infers that reality shows are popular because they feature real people, which indirectly explains their appeal.
16.
Are they interested? I wonder .....
A) If they are interested.
B) If are they interested.
C) Are they interested.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are used to ask about information in a more polite and formal way, often introduced by words like "wonder," "ask," or "inquire." The correct form of an indirect question starts with the auxiliary verb (often "if" or "whether") followed directly by the subject. In this case, "If they are interested" is correctly structured as a subordinate clause starting with "if."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. It uses "if" to introduce an indirect question.
Option B:
Incorrect. The structure should not include "are they."
Option C:
Incorrect. It directly asks the question without using "if."
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option is correct.
17.
Choose the correct option to complete the indirect question.Do you know ..... ?
A) What kind of clothes Keira likes wearing.
B) What kind of clothes does Keira like wearing?.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions in English are typically introduced by a phrase such as "do you know," followed by a clause that begins with "what kind of." Option A correctly uses this structure: "What kind of clothes Keira likes wearing?" This is the proper way to form an indirect question asking about preferences.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses appropriate indirect question structure.
Option B:
Incorrect. Direct question format used instead of indirect.
Option C:
Incorrect. Option A is correct, not both options.
Option D:
Incorrect. Options provided are valid choices.
18.
Do you know, when she is coming?
A) I want to play.
B) Let's eat chancho con yuca!.
C) I would like some chicken.
D) She is coming tomorrow.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it properly forms an indirect question by using the structure "Do you know + wh-questions". The sentence "Do you know, when she is coming?" can be rephrased as "She is coming tomorrow", which directly answers the implied question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Irrelevant to the indirect question structure.
Option B:
Irrelevant to the indirect question structure.
Option C:
Irrelevant to the indirect question structure.
Option D:
Correctly answers the implied indirect question.
19.
Complete this question.Do you know how tall ..... ?
A) They are?.
B) Is it?.
C) He's?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is Option A: "They are?." This is an example of an indirect question, where the word order changes from a direct question to an indirect one by using "do you know" at the beginning. In this case, "how tall they are?" becomes "Do you know how tall they are?". The other options do not follow the correct structure for forming indirect questions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Forms an indirect question starting with "do you know" and maintaining the subject-verb-object order.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not maintain proper word order or structure for forming an indirect question.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses a contraction ("He's") which is not appropriate in this context of forming an indirect question.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid, so "none of the above" is not correct.
20.
A:Can you ..... ? B:Yes. They serve Italian food.
A) Tell me what type of food they serve.
B) Tell me what type of food they serves.
C) Tell me what type does of food they serve.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly forms an indirect question, which is a request for information phrased in the form of a statement. The sentence "Can you tell me what type of food they serve?" is grammatically correct and appropriate as a response to B's affirmative answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly forms an indirect question.
Option B:
Incorrect; "serves" should be singular to match the subject "they."
Option C:
Incorrect; word order is wrong and "does of" is redundant.
Option D:
Incorrect; Option A is valid.
21.
What did he want? Would you mind telling me?
A) Would you mind telling me what he want?.
B) Would you mind telling me what did he wanted?.
C) Would you mind telling me what did he want?.
D) Would you mind telling me what he wanted?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Would you mind telling me what he wanted?
. In indirect questions, the verb tense should match that of the main clause. Here, "Would" is used in the main clause, so "wanted" (past tense) is appropriate for the subordinate clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it repeats the question structure without fixing the verb tense issue.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses past perfect instead of simple past, which doesn't match the main clause's tense.
Option C:
Incorrect; uses past perfect instead of simple past, which doesn't match the main clause's tense.
Option D:
Correct; matches the main clause's "would" with a simple past "wanted".
22.
Direct Question:Were we late for the meeting?Indirect Question:
A) I wonder if we were late for the meeting.
B) I wonder if were we late for the meeting.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly forms an indirect question using the structure "I wonder if + subject + past tense verb." In this case, "we were" follows correctly after "if."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses proper indirect question formation.
Option B:
Incorrect. The structure is flawed; it should be "I wonder if we were late for the meeting." The placement of "were" before "we" is incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are valid, but only A is correct based on the given options.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option (A) is correct.
23.
How far is it from here to the library? (Could you tell me)
A) Could you tell me how far is from here to the library?.
B) Could you tell me how far it is from here to the library?.
C) Could you tell me how far was it from here to the library?.
D) Could you tell me how far is it from here to the library?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the proper form of an indirect question, where "it" is used as the subject to maintain the natural flow and clarity in asking for information about distance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence structure is awkward and unclear.
Option B:
Correct. Uses proper indirect question form with "it" as subject.
Option C:
Incorrect. Past tense ("was") does not fit the context of asking for current distance.
Option D:
Incorrect. Direct repetition of the question without using "it" makes it sound like a direct rather than indirect question.
24.
Why do you like travelling so much? Can you tell me?
A) Can you tell me why do you like travelling so much?.
B) Can you tell me why does you like travelling so much?.
C) Can you tell me why you like travelling so much?.
D) Can you tell me why you likes travelling so much?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the proper subject-verb agreement in an indirect question. In English, when forming a question using "why" and "you," the verb should agree with the singular "you." Therefore, "like" is used instead of "likes."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; repeats the error by asking why do you like.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses "does" incorrectly with "you," leading to improper agreement.
Option C:
Correct; proper subject-verb agreement in indirect questions.
Option D:
Incorrect; adds an extra 's' to the verb, disrupting the correct form.
25.
Did she go out last night?Could you tell me .....
A) If she goes out last night?.
B) If she go out last night?.
C) If she went out last night?.
D) She went out last night?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the past tense "went" to form an indirect question, which matches the reported past event in the original sentence ("Did she go out last night?"). Indirect questions often use a tag question with "if" and require the appropriate verb tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses present tense "goes," which does not match the reported past event.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses present tense "go," which does not match the reported past event.
Option C:
Correct. Uses past tense "went" to form an indirect question about a past event.
Option D:
Incorrect. Directly asks if she went out, rather than forming an indirect question with "if."
26.
By the time I'm forty, I ..... of retirement.
A) Will.
B) Will have think.
C) Will be thinking.
D) Will been thinking.
Show Answer
Explanations:
By the time I'm forty, I
will be thinking
of retirement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Will" is a simple future tense and does not fit the context of an ongoing action by the time you are forty.
Option B:
"Will have think" is grammatically incorrect in English.
Option C:
"Will be thinking" correctly conveys that the thought process will be ongoing at that future point, making it the right choice.
Option D:
"Will been thinking" includes an extra 'been', which is not correct in this context.
27.
Choose the best indirect question.
A) Could you tell me who is your wife?.
B) Could you tell me what is your wife?.
C) Do you have any idea who is your wife?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the proper structure for an indirect question. In English, when asking indirectly about a person (who), we use "who" and not "what." The phrase "Could you tell me who is your wife?" is grammatically correct and follows the rules of forming indirect questions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses proper "who" for asking about a person.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses "what," which is wrong for asking about a person.
Option C:
Incorrect. Adds unnecessary "Do you have any idea," making it less formal and not strictly an indirect question.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
28.
She wondered why ..... to sign the papers.
A) Did I refuse.
B) You mean.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Indirect questions are used to ask about something without directly asking it, often by using a form of "wonder" or "ask." In the given sentence, "She wondered why," indicates that an indirect question is being formed. The correct answer should be a phrase that indirectly asks for the reason to sign the papers.
Option B) You mean: This option does not fit because it directly states what was meant rather than forming an indirect question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it implies refusal, which is not related to signing papers.
Option B:
Incorrect; it directly asks the meaning without using "why."
Option C:
Incorrect; this option includes both incorrect options.
Option D:
Correct; it implies that she is wondering about the reason to sign the papers, which fits the structure of an indirect question.
29.
Where is the class?Could you tell me ..... ?
A) Where does the class?.
B) Where the class is?.
C) Where the class?.
D) Where is the class?.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B) "Where the class is?." is correct because it properly forms an indirect question, which requires a subject and verb inversion when asking for information about location. The original sentence starts with "Could you tell me," indicating that this is part of a larger question or statement where the subject (you) and verb (is) are inverted to form the indirect question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it does not include the necessary subject-verb inversion.
Option B:
Correct for proper formation of an indirect question with location.
Option C:
Incorrect as it lacks a verb and subject, making it incomplete.
Option D:
Correct but less precise than Option B; "Where is the class?" directly asks the question without the context of being told by someone else.
30.
Why did she cry?
A) Do you know why she cries?.
B) Do you know why she cry?.
C) Do you know why she cried?.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the past tense "cried" which indicates a completed action in the past, making it suitable for an indirect question about a past event. The other options use present tenses ("cry" or "cries"), which would be more appropriate for asking about current or habitual actions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Repetitive and not a standalone answer.
Option B:
Uses incorrect tense, present instead of past.
Option C:
Correct use of past tense "cried" for a past event.
Option D:
Not applicable as option C is correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are indirect questions?
Indirect questions are a way of asking for information without using the direct question form. They often involve using tags or phrases like 'could you tell me,' 'I wonder if,' or 'do you know' to make the request more polite and less abrupt.
Can indirect questions be used in reported speech?
Yes, indirect questions are commonly used in reported speech. They allow for a smoother transition when reporting what someone has said or asked, often by using verbs like 'asked' followed by the indirect question structure.
How do indirect questions differ from direct questions?
Direct questions typically begin with an interrogative word such as 'what,' 'where,' or 'how' and end with a question mark. Indirect questions, on the other hand, are introduced by a tag or phrase and often do not use a question mark.
Are indirect questions used in future continuous tense?
Indirect questions can be formed using the future continuous tense, but it is less common. For example, 'I wonder if you will be coming to the meeting tomorrow.' This structure combines the indirect question format with a future continuous verb form.
What are some benefits of using indirect questions?
Using indirect questions can make communication more polite and less direct, which is useful in formal situations or when you want to avoid confrontation. They also provide a natural way to incorporate reported speech into your conversation.