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Upper Intermediate Vocabulary Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)

This multiple-choice question set evaluates Upper Intermediate Vocabulary skills, including the use of future time expressions with certainty and conditional probability. It also covers historical context in sports development, such as the 19th-century origins of baseball, and tests comprehension and application of various tenses and idiomatic expressions.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. A girl ..... sister is in my brother's class was sitting there.

Explanations: The sentence requires a relative pronoun to introduce the clause that provides additional information about "sister." The correct choice is whose , as it introduces a possessive clause indicating ownership ("A girl whose sister..."). This makes option A) Whose, the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Introduces a possessive clause.
Option B: Incorrect. "Which" is used for things, not people in this context.
Option C: Incorrect. "Who" would be used if the sister were the subject of the clause.
Option D: Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.

2. I've known Emma for 6 months.

Explanations: The sentence "I've known Emma for 6 months." uses the present perfect tense, which is formed with "have/has" + past participle. This tense is used to talk about an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Present perfect is used here as it indicates a past action (knowing Emma) with a present result or consequence (the duration of 6 months).
Option B: Incorrect. The present simple tense would be "I know Emma," which does not indicate the duration up to now.
Option C: Incorrect. The past simple tense would be "I knew Emma for 6 months," which implies a completed action in the past without any connection to the present.
Option D: Incorrect. The past perfect tense would be "I had known Emma for 6 months," which is used to indicate an action that was completed before another past action.

3. Diverse means in English:

Explanations: The word "diverse" means containing a variety of different types or kinds; varied. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Diverse. This matches the definition directly without any need for interpretation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vibrant - refers to lively and energetic, not necessarily varied in type.
Option B: Diverse - means containing a variety of different types or kinds; varied. This is the correct answer as it matches the definition directly.
Option C: Stifling - refers to oppressive and uncomfortable, not related to variety.
Option D: Fairly - an adverb meaning to a fair extent or degree, not related to variety.

4. MEANING OF VANISHING

Explanations: The word "vanishing" means to disappear, which aligns with Option D. It describes the act of something ceasing to be visible or existing, often suddenly or completely.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Barrier refers to a physical or metaphorical obstruction, not related to disappearing.
Option B: Pass away is more commonly used for death or the end of life, not typically for objects or phenomena vanishing.
Option C: Faint means to lose consciousness or become weak, which does not match the meaning of vanishing.
Option D: Disappear is correct as it accurately describes the act of something ceasing to exist or be seen.

5. She's exhausted because she ..... all day!

Explanations: The sentence "She's exhausted because she ... all day!" requires a verb in the present perfect continuous tense to indicate an action that started in the past and continued up to the present moment, which is why Option C) Has been cleaning is correct. This form (has/have been + verb-ing) is used for actions that have not finished yet.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Has been cleaned" uses the passive voice, which does not fit the active context of the sentence.
Option B: "Have been cleaning" is grammatically incorrect in this context as it should be singular "has been cleaning" for a single subject ("she").
Option C: "Has been cleaning" correctly uses the present perfect continuous tense to describe an ongoing action that has led to her exhaustion.
Option D: "None of above" is incorrect since Option C is valid.

6. I can't stand him, but my wife thinks he's .....

Explanations: The correct answer is B) Marvellous because the sentence structure suggests a contrast between your feelings and your wife's opinion. "I can't stand him" implies a negative view, while "but my wife thinks he's..." requires an opposite or contrasting positive sentiment. "Marvellous" fits this context as it expresses a highly positive opinion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Enormous - This word means very large in size or amount, which does not fit the context of describing someone's character.
Option B: Marvellous - This word means wonderful or excellent, fitting as a contrasting positive opinion to "can't stand him."
Option C: Dreadful - This word means very bad or unpleasant, which contradicts the need for a positive contrast.
Option D: Soaking - This word means completely wet or drenched, unrelated to describing someone's character.

7. Attractive and impressive, deserving praise

Explanations: Option D) Magnificent is the correct answer because "magnificent" means grand, impressive, and highly attractive, which aligns perfectly with the description provided in the question: "Attractive and impressive, deserving praise."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Crumbling refers to something that is breaking down or deteriorating. This does not match the positive connotations of attractiveness and impressiveness.
Option B: Spellbinding means captivating in a way that holds one's attention, but it doesn't necessarily convey the same level of grandeur as "magnificent." It might be used for something that is very engaging or interesting, but not always impressive in an outward sense.
Option C: Prosperous refers to being successful and wealthy. While this can be associated with attractiveness in a certain context (e.g., financial success), it does not capture the visual or aesthetic appeal implied by "attractive" and "impressive."
Option D: Magnificent is exactly what the question describes: grand, impressive, and highly attractive, making it the most fitting choice.

8. A:I passed my exams!B:Great! ..... !

Explanations: Option A is correct because it uses the appropriate phrase "I'm very happy for you!" which is a common and polite way to express happiness on someone's achievement in English. This response maintains formality while conveying genuine enthusiasm.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Uses "I'm very happy for you!", an appropriate and formal expression of congratulations.
Option B: Incorrect. The phrase "I'm happy to you!" is awkward and not a standard way to express happiness in English.
Option C: Incorrect. While "Congrats!" is correct, the addition of "I'm happy with you!" makes it less appropriate for this context.
Option D: Incorrect. There is a valid option among A, B, and C.

9. If somebody is being childish, you can tell them:

Explanations: Option D, "Act your age!", is the correct answer because it directly addresses the behavior of someone acting in a childish manner by suggesting they should behave more maturely according to their actual age. This phrase is commonly used as a gentle reminder or reprimand for adults who exhibit immature behaviors.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Grow old!" - This option is not appropriate because it suggests the person should become older, which does not address their behavior.
Option B: "Come of age!" - This phrase typically refers to reaching adulthood and does not directly advise on behavior.
Option C: "You look young for your age!" - While this might be a compliment, it does not address the issue of acting immaturely.
Option D: "Act your age!" - This is the correct choice as it directly advises the person to behave more maturely according to their age.

10. He decided to ..... his job as the CEO of a big database company

Explanations: The correct answer is D) Give up. This phrase indicates that the person decided to stop being the CEO, which implies a negative decision related to his position.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Following - This doesn't make sense in context as it means to continue or follow something, not to quit.
Option B: Find - This verb is about discovering or locating and does not fit the context of quitting a job.
Option C: Achieve - This implies reaching a goal, which contradicts the idea of leaving a position.
Option D: Give up - This means to stop trying or to abandon something, fitting perfectly with the scenario of leaving a high-profile job like being CEO.

11. A copy of a file that can be used if the original is lost or damaged

Explanations: A backup is a copy of data that can be used to restore the original if it gets lost, damaged, or corrupted. This aligns perfectly with the description in the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cookie - A small file stored on a user's computer by websites for tracking purposes.
Option B: Data - The raw information that can be processed and analyzed, but not specifically a copy used in case of loss or damage.
Option C: Bug - An error or flaw in software or hardware; unrelated to data backup.
Option D: Backup - A correct term for a copy of a file that can be used if the original is lost or damaged, as described in the question.

12. They had ..... and were absolutely refusing to go any further.

Explanations: The phrase "draw the line" is a common idiom that means to firmly refuse to do something, especially when it goes beyond what one considers acceptable. In this context, they have clearly refused to proceed further, indicating a firm stance on an issue.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Draw the line" fits perfectly as it conveys a clear refusal to continue.
Option B: Incorrect. "Missed the point" means not understanding or ignoring the main issue, which does not fit the context of refusing to proceed further.
Option C: Incorrect. "Face" is a noun and does not make sense in this sentence structure.
Option D: Incorrect. "Add up" means to calculate or total something, which is unrelated to the context of refusal.

13. A team leader works closely with the facilitator in planning the agenda of a meeting, setting ..... and ensuring next steps are assigned.

Explanations: The team leader works closely with the facilitator to ensure that outcomes are set for the meeting. Outcomes refer to the results or goals expected from the meeting, which is a crucial aspect of effective planning and follow-up.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A table - Irrelevant to setting goals or expectations for a meeting.
Option B: Final - Not specific enough; it does not indicate the purpose of what is being set.
Option C: A stage - Refers to a physical location, not the objectives or results of a meeting.
Option D: Outcomes - Correct. Outcomes are the specific goals or results expected from the meeting, which aligns with the description provided in the question.

14. Match the statement to the responses:You were always playing chess with your dad when you were a kid.

Explanations: "Was I?" is the correct answer because it matches the first-person singular past tense form of the statement "You were always playing chess with your dad when you were a kid." The subject "you" in the original sentence corresponds to "I" in the question, and the past continuous tense aligns with the past simple used in the response.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Does he? - Incorrect. This is a present tense form and does not match the past tense of the original statement.
Option B: Has she? - Incorrect. This is also in the present perfect tense, which does not fit the context.
Option C: Was I? - Correct. Matches the first-person singular past simple form.
Option D: Have you? - Incorrect. This is a present perfect form and does not match the past continuous of the original statement.

15. A small, round piece of metal, usually silver or copper coloured, that is used as money

Explanations: C) Coin is the correct answer because a coin is defined as a small, round piece of metal typically used as money in various economic systems around the world. It meets all the criteria described in the question: it is small, round, made of metal (often silver or copper), and serves as currency.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jewel refers to a precious stone used for adornment, not money.
Option B: Tablet can refer to various objects like a digital device or a flat piece of material but is not typically associated with currency in the described context.
Option C: Coin matches the description perfectly as it is a small, round metal object used for monetary exchange.
Option D: Pottery refers to objects made from clay and fired in a kiln, not related to currency or money.

16. Choose the correct word to the definition:a noun for creature that people feel pity for because it is so miserable

Explanations: The term "wretch" accurately describes a creature that people feel pity for because it is so miserable. A wretch implies someone who is unfortunate, miserable, and deserving of sympathy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Monster - Typically refers to something frightening or evil, not necessarily pitiable.
Option B: Wretch - Correct term indicating a creature that evokes pity due to its miserable state.
Option C: Thing - Too vague and does not convey the emotional connotation of pity or misery.
Option D: None of above - Incorrect as "wretch" is the appropriate term.

17. It is ..... scientists will find a cure for cancer one day.

Explanations: Option D) Possible that is correct because it accurately conveys the uncertainty and likelihood of an event occurring in the future, which is appropriate for discussing a potential scientific discovery like finding a cure for cancer. The phrase "possible" indicates that while a cure may be found, there is no guarantee or certainty.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Safe to suggests an absolute assurance, which does not fit the context of future uncertainty.
Option B: Is bound implies inevitability, which is too certain for a scientific discovery that has yet to be achieved.
Option C: Most probably indicates high likelihood but lacks the nuance needed for expressing potential outcomes in scientific research.
Option D: Possible that correctly conveys the uncertainty and likelihood of future events, making it suitable for this context.

18. Susan ..... (be) 35 next month.

Explanations: The sentence "Susan will be 35 next month" is a future simple tense statement, indicating an event that will happen at a specific point in the future (next month). This makes option C) Will be correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Will have been" implies a past action with a present result, which is not applicable here.
Option B: "Is" refers to the present tense and does not indicate future time.
Option C: "Will be" correctly indicates a future state or event.
Option D: "Is going to be" is also correct for indicating future events, but "will be" is more commonly used in this context and is simpler.

19. I thought you ..... from home this week because of the lockdown.

Explanations: The sentence "I thought you ... from home this week because of the lockdown" is in the past tense, indicating that the speaker's expectation was based on a situation that had already been ongoing up to the point of speaking. The correct form for an action that was happening at some time before now and continued into the past is the past continuous ("were working"). Therefore, "Were working" (Option B) is the appropriate choice.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Worked - Simple past tense, does not indicate an ongoing action.
Option B: Were working - Past continuous tense, correctly indicates an ongoing action at a specific time in the past.
Option C: Had worked - Past perfect tense, used for actions completed before another past event.
Option D: None of above - Incorrect as "were working" is correct.

20. A person who is in charge of and determines the final content of a newspaper, magazine, or multi-author book.

Explanations: An editor is responsible for determining the final content of a newspaper, magazine, or multi-author book. This role involves overseeing the selection and arrangement of articles, ensuring consistency in style and quality, and making decisions on what should be included or excluded from the publication.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Editors have the authority to decide the final content.
Option B: Commentators provide opinions but do not determine the content.
Option C: Newsreaders present news but do not make editorial decisions.
Option D: Freelance journalists contribute articles but do not have final say on content.

21. A painful swelling on the skin

Explanations: A painful swelling on the skin is correctly identified as a blister . A blister is a small pocket of fluid, usually blood or serum, enclosed within the upper layers of the skin. It forms due to friction, burns, or other injuries and can be quite painful.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Blisters are common and easily identifiable as painful swellings on the skin.
Option B: Incorrect. A limb is a body part, not a type of swelling or injury.
Option C: Incorrect. Strain refers to muscle or ligament injuries, not skin swellings.
Option D: Incorrect. Devastation implies widespread destruction and does not describe a localized painful swelling on the skin.

22. I didn't ..... like mangoe.

Explanations: The correct answer is A) Use to. This construction, "used to," indicates a past habit that no longer exists. In the sentence "I didn't use to like mangoes," it conveys that the speaker did not have a habit of liking mangoes in the past but may now.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Indicates a past habitual action that ceased.
Option B: Incorrect. "Used" alone does not fit grammatically here.
Option C: Incorrect. "Used to" is the correct form, not just "used."
Option D: Incorrect. There is a valid answer among the options provided.

23. Mary seems .....

Explanations: Option C) Scared is the correct answer because it directly states Mary's emotional state, making the sentence clear and straightforward. "Mary seems scared" implies that based on observed actions or expressions, one can deduce that Mary feels fear.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Like scared uses a preposition which is not necessary in this context as "seems" already indicates the comparison.
Option B: As if scared adds an unnecessary phrase, making the sentence more complex than needed. "As if" suggests a hypothetical or uncertain situation, whereas the original sentence implies certainty about Mary's emotional state.
Option C: Scared is correct as it directly states Mary’s emotion without additional words.
Option D: None of above is incorrect since option C is valid.

24. The story contains few facts and .....

Explanations: The story contains few facts and lacks credibility, meaning the information provided is unreliable or unverified. This indicates that the narrative may be based on assumptions or misinformation rather than factual evidence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Fell for a scam - Not necessarily implied by lack of facts.
Option B: Trace the source - Not directly related to the credibility issue mentioned.
Option C: Lacked credibility - Correct, as few facts suggest unreliable information.
Option D: Went viral - Not relevant to the given context of few facts and lack of credibility.

25. Developing rapidly and successfully

Explanations: Flourishing means growing or developing successfully and rapidly, making it the most appropriate choice for "Developing rapidly and successfully."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vibrant - describes lively or energetic but not necessarily rapid development.
Option B: Flourishing - correctly matches the meaning of developing rapidly and successfully.
Option C: Stifling - means causing a lack of freedom, movement, or life; opposite to what is required.
Option D: Sensible - means reasonable or practical but does not convey development or success.

26. Paul was out ..... in the interview and couldn't answer most of the questions.

Explanations: The phrase "of his depth" is used to describe a situation where someone is asked questions that are beyond their knowledge, experience, or ability to answer. In the context of Paul's interview, it accurately conveys that he was unable to answer most of the questions because they were too advanced for him.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "A of character" is not a correct phrase and does not fit the context.
Option B: "B of his depth" correctly describes Paul's situation in the interview, making it the right choice.
Option C: "C on a limb" means to take a risk or do something that is difficult and potentially dangerous. It does not fit the context of an interview where questions are beyond one’s knowledge.
Option D: "None of above" is incorrect since option B fits the context perfectly.

27. Your cat ..... to come home soon. It always does when it's hungry.

Explanations: The sentence "Your cat is bound to come home soon. It always does when it's hungry." uses the phrase "is bound," which means that something is certain or almost certain to happen. This fits well with the context of the sentence, as the speaker is expressing a high level of certainty about the cat returning.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Most probably - This implies a strong likelihood but not absolute certainty.
Option B: Is bound - This means certain or almost certain to happen, fitting the context well.
Option C: Safe to - This phrase does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option D: Possible that - This implies a low likelihood and is too uncertain for the given context.

28. Slow down! We .....

Explanations: "Are going to crash" is the correct answer because it indicates a future event that is certain to happen, which fits well with the context of "Slow down!" suggesting an imminent action.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. "Will have been crashing" implies a past continuous action that has finished by now, which does not fit the context of an upcoming event.
Option B: Incorrect. "Are crashing" suggests an ongoing or current action, but it doesn't convey the certainty of a future event as well as "are going to crash."
Option C: Correct. "Are going to crash" indicates a future event that is certain to happen, fitting the context.
Option D: Incorrect. "Will be crashing" suggests an action in the near future but doesn't convey as much certainty as "are going to crash."

29. Baseball originated in the U.S.A. in which century?

Explanations: Baseball is widely believed to have originated in the United States during the 19th century, specifically around the mid-1800s. This period saw the development of organized baseball rules and the establishment of professional teams.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Baseball's origins align with the 19th century.
Option B: Incorrect. The 18th century predates significant developments in baseball.
Option C: Incorrect. While professional baseball emerged more prominently in the early 20th century, its roots are firmly planted in the 19th century.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is known and does not fall under this category.

30. Have you ever not taken ..... a good opportunity and regretted it?

Explanations: The correct answer is B) Advantage of. The phrase "not taken advantage of" means missing out on something beneficial, which aligns with the context of regretting not seizing an opportunity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Part in" does not fit grammatically or semantically in this context. It would mean participating in something, not taking advantage.
Option B: "Advantage of" is correct as it means benefiting from a situation or opportunity.
Option C: "After" does not make sense here; it refers to time sequence, not seizing an opportunity.
Option D: "None of above" is incorrect since option B fits the context perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the future simple tense used for in English?

The future simple tense is used to talk about actions that will happen at a specific time in the future or habitual actions that are planned. It often includes the auxiliary verb 'will' or 'shall' followed by the base form of the main verb.

How can I use relative pronouns effectively in my writing?

Relative pronouns like who, which, and that are used to connect clauses and provide more information about people or things. They help make sentences clearer by showing relationships between different parts of the sentence.

What is the difference between the present perfect tense and the past simple tense?

The present perfect tense is used to talk about actions that started in the past but have a connection to the present, while the past simple tense refers to completed actions in the past without any ongoing relevance.

How does the past continuous tense differ from the past habitual action?

The past continuous tense is used for actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past, while the past habitual action describes repeated or regular actions in the past without specifying when they occurred.

What does 'meeting outcomes' mean in an educational context?

In an educational context, meeting outcomes refer to the expected results or goals that are intended to be achieved through a particular lesson, unit, or course. These outcomes help guide teaching and learning activities.

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