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Passive Reporting Verbs – Quiz 1
Passive Reporting Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and correct passive voice errors, understand preposition usage in sentence structure, and use reporting verbs accurately in various contexts such as historical, legal, and journalistic settings. It also tests skills in constructing reported speech and using appropriate tenses.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Which of these is a reporting verb?
A) Carry.
B) Claim.
C) Wait.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Claim is a reporting verb used to express that someone has stated something as true, often in a formal or official context. It fits the definition of passive reporting verbs which are used to report information without specifying who performs the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Carry does not describe reporting and is an active verb indicating movement.
Option B:
Claim correctly identifies a reporting verb as explained above.
Option C:
Wait indicates a state of being and does not report information.
Option D:
Not applicable since claim is the correct answer.
2.
The company is said that ..... more than 100 million dollars only last month.
A) To be losing.
B) To have lost.
C) To lose.
D) To have been losing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a passive voice construction to report the company's financial loss in a formal manner. "To have lost" (Option B) correctly uses the present perfect tense with 'have' and the past participle 'lost', indicating an action that has relevance up to now.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To be losing" is in continuous form, which does not fit the context of reporting a completed event.
Option B:
"To have lost" uses present perfect tense correctly for passive reporting.
Option C:
"To lose" is simple present and does not indicate that the loss has already occurred.
Option D:
"To have been losing" implies an ongoing action in the past, which is not suitable here as it suggests a continuous state rather than a completed event.
3.
A:I need ..... knife, can you give me one? B:You can use ..... knife on the kitchen top.
A) -/ the.
B) The /-.
C) A / the.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because "a" knife is used to indicate a general, unspecified knife in the first sentence, while "the" knife is used to refer to a specific knife mentioned in the second sentence. This demonstrates the proper use of indefinite and definite articles.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses no article in both sentences.
Option B:
Incorrect as it incorrectly uses "the" in the first sentence, which should be an indefinite article.
Option C:
Correct as it properly uses "a" and "the" to distinguish between a general and specific knife.
Option D:
Incorrect as option C is valid.
4.
We hope that the government has prepared a plan. $\rightarrow$ The government .....
A) Was hoped to prepare a plan.
B) Is hoped to has prepared a plan.
C) Is hoped to have prepared a plan.
D) Was hoped to have prepared a plan.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Is hoped to have prepared a plan. This sentence uses the passive voice with the reporting verb "is hoped." The phrase "to have prepared" indicates a completed action, making "have prepared" appropriate in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses the past tense "was hoped," which does not match the present tense of the main clause.
Option B:
Incorrect due to the improper use of "has prepared" in the passive voice, and the placement of "to has" is awkward.
Option C:
Correct as it uses the proper passive construction with "is hoped" and "have prepared."
Option D:
Incorrect for similar reasons as Option A; it uses the past tense "was hoped," which does not fit the present context.
5.
Everyone knows that the governor is going to leave at 2p.
A) It is known that the governor is going to leave at 2p.
B) It is known that the governor to leave at 2p.
C) It is known that the governor will to leave at 2p.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the passive voice construction "is going to leave" which accurately reflects the sentence's meaning in a passive reporting verb context. The phrase "It is known that" introduces the reported information, and the rest of the sentence correctly conveys the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses passive voice with "is going to leave."
Option B:
Incorrect; lacks proper verb tense agreement.
Option C:
Incorrect; includes unnecessary and incorrect "will to."
Option D:
Not needed as A is correct.
6.
People say that the train leaves at 12 am.
A) The train is said to leave at 12 am.
B) The train is said to have leave at 12 am.
C) The train is said to will leave at 12 am.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the passive voice form "is said to leave," which accurately reflects that the train's departure time is reported by others, not actively stated by the train itself. The sentence structure correctly conveys the intended meaning without adding unnecessary tense or verb forms.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses passive voice "is said to leave" for reporting verbs.
Option B:
Incorrect use of "have left," which implies a completed action, not an ongoing report.
Option C:
Incorrect addition of "will," which changes the tense and is unnecessary in passive reporting.
Option D:
Not needed as Option A is correct.
7.
It is considered ..... he is a good president. Everybody likes him.
A) That.
B) To.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Passive reporting verbs are used to express that the subject is performing an action, often without specifying who performs it. In this sentence, "It is considered" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject (he) is being evaluated for his role as president.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "That" can be used to introduce a clause in such constructions.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To" introduces infinitives, not clauses here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Not all options are correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct option is identified.
8.
Everyone thinks that Adam was repairing his car when the accident happened. Adam .....
A) Was thought to be repairing his car when the accident happened.
B) Was thought to have been repairing his car when the accident happened.
C) Is thought to be repairing his car when the accident happened.
D) Is thought to have been repairing his car when the accident happened.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is D) Is thought to have been repairing his car when the accident happened.
In passive reporting verbs, we use "to be" + past participle form of the verb. Option D uses "is thought to have been," which correctly conveys a completed action in the past that has relevance to the present situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses "was," which is not appropriate for reporting verbs indicating a completed action.
Option B:
Incorrect as it uses "had been," which implies an ongoing state that has ended, whereas the accident happened after Adam started repairing his car.
Option C:
Incorrect as it uses "is being," which is not appropriate for reporting verbs indicating a completed action in the past.
Option D:
Correct as it uses "is thought to have been," properly conveying that Adam was in the process of repairing his car when the accident occurred, and this state has relevance now.
9.
Choose the correct reporting verbs.It is ..... that man first landed on the moon in 1969.
A) Expected.
B) Known.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Known" is the correct reporting verb in this context because it accurately reflects a widely accepted and established fact that has been reported by multiple sources over time. The statement "It is known that man first landed on the moon in 1969" conveys certainty about the event.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Expected - This implies a prediction or anticipation, not an established fact.
Option B:
Known - Correct. It indicates a well-established and reported fact.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as "Expected" does not fit the context of reporting a known historical event.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "Known" is the appropriate verb here.
10.
Choose the correct reporting verbs.The world population is ..... to be around seven billion
A) Estimated.
B) Decided.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The verb "estimated" is the correct choice for reporting the world population as it being around seven billion because it indicates that this figure has been calculated or judged to be approximately accurate, which aligns with how demographic data is often reported. This usage reflects passive reporting verbs used in formal contexts.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Estimated" accurately conveys the approximate nature of the population figure.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Decided" implies a choice or determination, which is not appropriate for reporting statistical data.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect as Option A is correct.
11.
Choose the correct option. "People say that the minister is likely to resign"
A) It is said that the minister is likely to resign.
B) It are said that the minister was likely to resign.
C) It is said to is minister likely to resign.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the passive reporting verb "is said" correctly, maintaining the passive voice and proper grammar. The sentence structure is accurate: "It is said that [subject] [verb]."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive reporting verb "is said" properly.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses plural "are," which doesn't match the singular subject "It." Also, changes tense to past with "was."
Option C:
Incorrect. Misplaces "to is" and incorrectly uses "is said to be" instead of "is said that."
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the above implies no correct option, but there is a correct option (A).
12.
An old coin is ..... to be worth millions.
A) THINKS.
B) TOUGHT.
C) THOUGHT.
D) THINK.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) THOUGHT.
The phrase "An old coin is thought to be worth millions" uses a passive reporting verb, where the focus is on what others believe about the coin rather than who believes it. In this structure, the subject (the old coin) is passively receiving the action of being considered valuable.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"THINKS" is active voice and does not fit the passive reporting context.
Option B:
"TOUGHT" is a misspelling, making it incorrect.
Option C:
"THOUGHT" correctly uses passive voice to indicate what others believe about the coin's value.
Option D:
"THINK" is active voice and does not fit the passive reporting context.
13.
They think that the atmosphere will be bad soon.
A) It is thought that the atmosphere will be bad soon.
B) It is thought that the atmosphere was bad soon.
C) It is thought to have been bad soon.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A correctly uses the passive voice with "It is thought" to report that someone believes the atmosphere will be bad soon, which aligns with the original statement's meaning and tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive reporting verb "is thought" for indirect reporting of a belief or prediction.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses past tense "was bad," which doesn't match the future tense in the original statement.
Option C:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect and does not properly use passive voice for indirect reporting.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists (A).
14.
Someone announced that Dannie went to Korea last month.
A) Dannie was announced to have gone to Korea last month.
B) Dannie is announced to have gone to Korea last month.
C) Dannie was announced to go to Korea last month.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the passive voice construction "was announced to have gone," which accurately reflects that Dannie's travel was reported by someone else, and the use of "have gone" indicates a completed action in the past with present relevance.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Passive reporting verb correctly used; accurate tense.
Option B:
Incorrect tense; should be "has gone" for present perfect, not "went."
Option C:
Incorrect tense and timing; should use "went" without future implications.
Option D:
Not applicable since Option A is correct.
15.
They are thought ..... under strict protection right now.
A) To have lived.
B) To live.
C) To have been living.
D) To be living.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They are thought to be living under strict protection right now" uses a reporting verb in the passive voice. The phrase "are thought" is a reporting verb that indicates what others believe about the subject, and it requires the infinitive form "to be living" as its complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because "to have lived" implies an action in the past, which does not fit with the present continuous tense indicated by "are thought."
Option B:
Incorrect because "to live" is active voice and does not match the passive reporting structure.
Option C:
Incorrect because "to have been living" suggests a past action that continues, which contradicts the present continuous tense of the sentence.
Option D:
Correct as it uses the infinitive form "to be living," fitting with the passive reporting structure and present continuous meaning.
16.
After ..... work Ann usually goes home.
A) .
B) An.
C) A.
D) The.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "After ..... work Ann usually goes home." requires a preposition to connect the clause properly. The correct preposition in this context is "after," which is implied by the dot (.) in Option A, making it the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Implies "After work" without using a word.
Option B:
Incorrect. "An" is an article and does not fit grammatically here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "A" is also an article and does not fit the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "The" is a definite article and does not fit the context.
17.
Everyone thought the painting had been destroyed in the fire. $\rightarrow$ The painting .....
A) Is thought to have been destroyed in the fire.
B) Was thought to have been destroyed in the fire.
C) Is thought to be destroyed in the fire.
D) Was thought to be destroyed in the fire.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Everyone thought the painting had been destroyed in the fire" uses a passive reporting verb structure, where the subject (everyone) is thinking about an action that has already occurred. The correct answer should reflect this past event and use the passive voice correctly.
Option B, "Was thought to have been destroyed in the fire," accurately conveys that it was previously believed the painting had been destroyed, maintaining both the passive reporting verb structure and the past perfect tense ("had been").
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses present tense which doesn't match the past context of the sentence.
Option B:
Correct. Uses passive voice and past perfect to accurately reflect the belief about a past event.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses active voice, changing the meaning from passive reporting.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses simple past tense which doesn't match the past perfect context of "had been."
18.
$^{Choose the correct reporting verb.}$The man awaiting trial is ..... to have stolen a car.
A) Known.
B) Alleged.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct reporting verb in this context is "alleged." When referring to someone accused of a crime, it is appropriate to use the term "alleged" because it indicates that there are accusations but no confirmed evidence. This maintains an impartial tone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Known - This implies certainty and factual confirmation which is not the case in legal accusations.
Option B:
Alleged - Correct, as it indicates a claim without confirmed evidence.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "known" cannot be used for unproven claims.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect since "alleged" is the correct choice.
19.
The paintings are reported ..... destroyed in the fire yesterday.
A) That they were.
B) To be.
C) To have been.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The passive reporting verb "to have been" is correct because the sentence uses a past perfect tense to indicate that the destruction of the paintings happened before another past event (the fire). This construction emphasizes the completed action and its result, fitting well with the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"That they were" is incorrect as it uses a simple passive voice without indicating the completion of the action.
Option B:
"To be" is in present tense and does not indicate the past perfect, making it unsuitable for this context.
Option C:
"To have been" correctly uses the past perfect passive voice to report that the paintings were destroyed before another event (the fire).
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as Option C is correct.
20.
We hope that the government has prepared a plan.
A) Is hoped that the government has prepared a plan.
B) It is hope that the government has prepared a plan.
C) The government is hoped to have prepared a plan.
D) We are hoped that the government has prepared a plan.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) The government is hoped to have prepared a plan. This sentence uses the passive voice with "is hoped" as the reporting verb, which accurately conveys that it is hoped for an action (preparing a plan) by someone or some entity (implied by "we"). In this structure, the subject ("the government") is passively receiving the hope.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It uses active voice and does not properly convey that it is hoped for an action.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Is hope" is grammatically incorrect; it should be "is hoped."
Option C:
Correct. Uses passive voice with the reporting verb "is hoped," accurately conveying the intended meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. It uses active voice and does not properly convey that it is hoped for an action.
21.
People say that Lisa sings well. =>
A) Lisa is said to sing well.
B) It was said that Lisa was sung well.
C) Lisa is said to have sung well.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A correctly uses the passive voice construction "is said to" which accurately reflects the original statement's meaning that Lisa is reported as singing well by others.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive reporting verb "is said to" maintaining the original meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. Changes active voice to passive but incorrectly uses past participle "was sung" instead of infinitive "to sing".
Option C:
Incorrect. Adds unnecessary past tense "sung", changing the present reporting to a past event.
Option D:
Incorrect. None are correct, so this is not applicable.
22.
People say that Mr Bond was having business difficulties when he was charged with fraud.
A) Mr Bond is said to have been having business difficulties when he was charged with fraud.
B) People are said that Mr Bond was having business difficulties when he was charged with fraud.
C) Mr Bond says was having business difficulties when he was charged with fraud.
D) It's say that Mr Bond was having business difficulties when he was charged with fraud.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A correctly uses the passive voice with "is said to have been" which accurately reflects that Mr Bond was reported as having business difficulties at the time of his fraud charge, aligning with the original statement's passive reporting structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive voice with "is said to have been," maintaining the passive reporting structure.
Option B:
Incorrect. Changes active voice to passive but incorrectly uses "are said that" which is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the passive reporting structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses first-person perspective with "says," changing the passive reporting to an active one, making it incorrect for this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Starts with "It's say" which is grammatically wrong and does not maintain the passive reporting structure required by the original statement.
23.
It ..... that the treasure was buried over 100 years ago.
A) Was thought.
B) Thinks.
C) Is thought.
D) Is think.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a passive voice construction, where the subject "It" is followed by a verb in the passive form. The correct answer is
C) Is thought.
This option correctly uses the present tense passive voice to report that it is believed or considered true that the treasure was buried over 100 years ago.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Was thought" is in active voice and does not fit the passive construction required by the sentence.
Option B:
"Thinks" is in active voice and does not match the passive reporting needed.
Option C:
"Is thought" correctly uses present tense passive voice, making it the right choice for this context.
Option D:
"Is think" is grammatically incorrect as "think" cannot be used in the passive form without an auxiliary verb like "is".
24.
Cars ..... there.
A) Will be made.
B) Will made.
C) Make.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Cars ..... there." is in passive voice, indicating that the subject (cars) is receiving the action of being made. The correct form to express this idea passively is "will be made," which matches Option A.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive reporting verbs with future tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing auxiliary verb and passive structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Active voice instead of passive.
Option D:
Incorrect. No valid option here.
25.
It is known that the medication has ..... effective in reducing symptoms for many patients.
A) TO BE.
B) BEEN.
C) BEING.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a passive voice construction to fit the context of reporting that the medication has an effect on patients. "Being effective" correctly conveys this passive meaning, indicating that the effectiveness is attributed to the medication rather than the patients performing the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To be" does not form a complete verb phrase in this context and cannot stand alone.
Option B:
"Been" alone is incomplete as it requires a participle to form a passive construction.
Option C:
"Being" correctly forms the passive voice with "effective," making it the right choice for this sentence structure.
Option D:
Not all options are correct, so this is not applicable here.
26.
..... we shouldn't use any form of technology for at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
A) There's said.
B) It said that.
C) It is said that.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Option C) It is said that." is correct because it uses the passive reporting verb "is said," which indicates a commonly reported fact without specifying who says it. This fits well with the context of stating a general recommendation or advice, such as the one given in the question.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "There's said" is not grammatically correct.
Option B:
Incorrect; "It said that" implies a specific source or person saying it, which doesn't fit the general nature of the statement.
Option C:
Correct; "It is said that" uses passive reporting and fits the context well.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct option among A, B, and C.
27.
It is say that she is best doctor in the hospital.
A) True.
B) False.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It is say that she is best doctor in the hospital" contains a grammatical error, specifically with the verb phrase "is say." The correct form should be "is said," making the statement passive. Since no specific context or criteria for being the best doctor are provided, we cannot verify if the claim is true or false based on the given information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as the sentence structure is flawed.
Option B:
Correct because the statement's accuracy cannot be determined without additional context, making it neither true nor false in a strict sense.
Option C:
Incorrect as there is no absolute truth based on given information.
Option D:
Incorrect as one of the options (B) is correct.
28.
Choose the correct reporting verbs.Earth was ..... to be flat over a thousand years ago.
A) Expected.
B) Assumed.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Assumed" is the correct reporting verb in this context because it accurately reflects that people believed Earth was flat without any evidence, which aligns with how knowledge and beliefs were passed down over a thousand years ago. "Expected" implies a more formal or anticipated action, which does not fit the historical understanding of such a belief.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Expected - Incorrect; it suggests an anticipation rather than a widely held belief.
Option B:
Assumed - Correct; it accurately describes the general belief without evidence.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect; "Expected" does not fit the context of historical beliefs.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect; "Assumed" is the correct choice.
29.
The U.S. president is expected to make an important announcement soon.
A) THE SENTENCE IS CORRECT.
B) THE SENTENCE IS INCORRECT.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The U.S. president is expected to make an important announcement soon" uses the active voice, which is appropriate for this context. There are no passive reporting verbs involved in the sentence structure, making option A correct as there are no errors related to passive voice usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct because the sentence is grammatically sound and uses active voice appropriately.
Option B:
Incorrect since the sentence does not contain any grammatical or structural issues related to passive reporting verbs.
Option C:
Incorrect as it suggests all options are correct, which is false in this case.
Option D:
Incorrect because there are valid reasons for option A being the correct answer.
30.
It ..... that women take more selfies than men.
A) Reporting.
B) Is reported.
C) Reported.
D) Reports.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Is reported" correctly uses the passive voice to convey that the action of women taking more selfies than men is stated or announced by a source, typically a news report or survey result. This fits well with the context of the sentence and maintains proper grammatical structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Reporting" is active voice and does not fit the passive reporting context required.
Option B:
"Is reported" correctly uses passive voice to indicate that this fact is stated by a source, making it the correct choice.
Option C:
"Reported" lacks the auxiliary verb and does not form a complete sentence in passive voice.
Option D:
"Reports" is active voice and does not fit the context of passive reporting required by the sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are passive reporting verbs?
Passive reporting verbs are used to describe actions where the focus is on the action itself rather than the doer of the action. They often involve a form of "to be" plus a past participle.
How do passive reporting verbs differ from active voice?
In contrast to active voice, where the subject performs the action (e.g., "The teacher graded the papers"), passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action (e.g., "The papers were graded by the teacher").
Where are passive reporting verbs commonly used?
Passive reporting verbs are frequently found in legal documents, news reports, and academic writing where objectivity is valued over direct attribution.
How can I identify past perfect passive reporting verbs?
Past perfect passive reporting verbs use "had been" plus a past participle, indicating an action that was completed before another in the past (e.g., "The document had been reviewed").
Why might someone choose to use passive voice over active voice?
Passive voice can be used to emphasize the action or object, avoid specifying who performed an action (especially when unknown), or maintain a formal tone in writing.