ENGLISH MCQS AND QUESTION

MCQs on Spelling (Exercise i)

Which is an alternative spelling for "theatre"?
a) Theatere
b) Theater
c) Theatr
d) Theatron
Answer: b) Theater
What is the American spelling of "catalogue"?
a) Catalouge
b) Catalog
c) Catalogg
d) Catalogy
Answer: b) Catalog
What does the dictionary note about "theatre" vs. "theater"?
a) Both are incorrect
b) "Theatre" is British, "theater" is American
c) "Theater" is the older form
d) Only scientists use "theater"
Answer: b) "Theatre" is British, "theater" is American

MCQs on Word Meanings (Exercise iv-a & iv-b)

How many primary meanings does the word "fast" have?
a) 5
b) 10
c) 15+
d) Only 1
Answer: c) 15+
In the sentence "Amna will play the sitar," what does "play" mean?
a) Perform music
b) Engage in a game
c) Pretend
d) Move quickly
Answer: a) Perform music
What does "play" mean in "a clever play that won the football game"?
a) A dramatic performance
b) A strategic move
c) A musical act
d) A joke
Answer: b) A strategic move

MCQs on Usage Labels & Idioms (Exercise vi-a & vi-b)

What does "held forth" mean in the sentence about Prof. Widdowson?
a) Gave a long speech
b) Held an object tightly
c) Stopped talking
d) Left the room
Answer: a) Gave a long speech
The phrase "hard up" means:
a) Physically strong
b) Lacking money
c) Difficult to understand
d) Very happy
Answer: b) Lacking money
The word "guys" is considered:
a) Formal
b) Informal
c) Slang
d) Offensive
Answer: b) Informal

MCQs on Foreign Words (Exercise viii)

What does "e.g." stand for?
a) Example given
b) For example
c) End of discussion
d) Equal to
Answer: b) For example
"Coup d’état" refers to:
a) A sudden government overthrow
b) A military parade
c) A legal trial
d) A peace treaty
Answer: a) A sudden government overthrow
"Per se" means:
a) For everyone
b) By itself
c) Through hard work
d) In summary
Answer: b) By itself

Questions

Pronunciation

This lesson is about using a dictionary to learn how to pronounce English words correctly.

Many English learners find pronunciation difficult because English spellings can be confusing. Often, it’s hard to know how to say a word just by looking at its spelling.

This lesson has two parts:

First, you will learn special symbols (called phonemic symbols) that represent each sound in English.
Second, you will practice with exercises to improve your pronunciation.

This will help you say words correctly when you read them.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) Based on the Passage

Main Idea Question:

Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the passage?
a) Computers have changed the way many jobs are done.
b) Instructions and data must be given to the computer to act on.
c) Computers are machines capable of processing and outputting information.
d) Without computers, many tasks would take much longer to do.
Answer: c) Computers are machines capable of processing and outputting information.

Understanding the Passage (True/False → Converted to MCQs)

A computer can store or handle data without receiving any instructions.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b) False (Computers need instructions to process data.)
All computers process information in the form of instructions and characters.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a) True (They accept programs [instructions] and data [characters].)
The information needed to solve problems is stored in the computer’s ______.
a) Processor
b) Memory
c) Input device
d) Printer
Answer: b) Memory
Which of the following is NOT a basic capability of most computers?
a) Performing arithmetic operations
b) Making complex moral judgments
c) Communicating with the user
d) Making simple comparisons (e.g., greater than/less than)
Answer: b) Making complex moral judgments (Computers can only compare numbers.)
Computers would still be useful even if they couldn’t communicate with users.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b) False (Communication is essential for input/output.)
Which of these is NOT an input device for computers?
a) Punched cards
b) Magnetic tape
c) Printer
d) Keyboard
Answer: c) Printer (Printers are output devices.)
Computers can make decisions like "Who is the richest person in the world?"
a) True
b) False
Answer: b) False (They can only compare numbers.)
Computers can work endlessly without fatigue because:
a) They have mechanical brains.
b) They follow human instructions at lightning speed.
c) They don’t need electricity.
d) They have creativity.
Answer: b) They follow human instructions at lightning speed.

Additional MCQs on Key Concepts

What are the two possible states of a computer’s switches/cores?
a) Open/Closed
b) On/Off or Magnetized/Demagnetized
c) Hot/Cold
d) Fast/Slow
Answer: b) On/Off or Magnetized/Demagnetized
What is the function of a computer’s memory?
a) To perform arithmetic operations
b) To store programs and data
c) To print documents
d) To cool down the system
Answer: b) To store programs and data
Why can computers solve problems faster than humans?
a) They have emotions.
b) They operate at the speed of light.
c) They don’t need instructions.
d) They can guess answers.
Answer: b) They operate at the speed of light.

True/False Answers

The abacus and the fingers are two calculating devices still in use today.
- Answer: True
- Explanation: Both the abacus (an ancient counting tool) and finger-counting are still used today, especially in education and basic arithmetic.
The slide rule was invented hundreds of years ago.
- Answer: False
- Correction: The slide rule was invented in the early 17th century (around 1620), which is about 400 years ago, not "hundreds" (which implies 200+).
- Revised Statement: "The slide rule was invented over 400 years ago."
During the early 1880s, many people worked on inventing a mechanical calculating machine.
- Answer: False
- Correction: Mechanical calculating machines were developed earlier (e.g., Pascal’s calculator in 1642, Babbage’s Difference Engine in the 1820s). The 1880s saw electromechanical advancements.
- Revised Statement: "During the 19th century, many people worked on inventing mechanical calculating machines."
Charles Babbage, an Englishman, could well be called the father of computers.
- Answer: True
- Explanation: Babbage designed the Difference Engine and Analytical Engine (the first general-purpose computer concept), earning him this title.
The first computer was invented and built in the USA.
- Answer: False
- Correction: The first programmable electronic computer (Colossus) was built in the UK (1943). The ENIAC (1945) was American but not the first.
- Revised Statement: "The first electronic programmable computer was built in the UK."
Instructions used by computers have always been kept inside the computer’s memory.
- Answer: False
- Correction: Early computers (e.g., ENIAC) used external plugboards or punched cards for instructions. Stored-program memory came later.
- Revised Statement: "Modern computers store instructions in memory, but early ones used external methods like punched cards."
Using transistors instead of vacuum tubes did nothing to increase the speed at which calculations were done.
- Answer: False
- Correction: Transistors dramatically increased speed, reduced size, and improved reliability compared to vacuum tubes.
- Revised Statement: "Using transistors significantly increased calculation speed and reliability."
As computers evolved, their size decreased and their dependability increased.
- Answer: True
- Explanation: From room-sized machines to microchips, computers became smaller and more reliable over time.
Today’s computers have more circuits than previous computers.
- Answer: True
- Explanation: Modern microprocessors contain billions of transistors (circuits), far more than early computers.
Computer technology has developed to a point from which new developments in the field will take a long time to come.
- Answer: False
- Correction: Computer technology advances rapidly (e.g., AI, quantum computing). Breakthroughs happen frequently.
- Revised Statement: "Computer technology continues to evolve quickly, with new developments emerging regularly."

Summary Table

Statement	T/F	Correction (if False)
1	T	—
2	F	"The slide rule was invented over 400 years ago."
3	F	"During the 19th century, many worked on mechanical calculators."
4	T	—
5	F	"The first programmable computer was built in the UK."
6	F	"Early computers used external methods for instructions."
7	F	"Transistors significantly increased speed."
8	T	—
9	T	—
10	F	"Computer technology advances rapidly."

The abacus and the fingers are two calculating devices still in use today.
- True (Both are still used for basic calculations)
The slide rule was invented hundreds of years ago.
- False
- Correction: The slide rule was invented about 400 years ago (early 17th century).
During the early 1880s, many people worked on inventing a mechanical calculating machine.
- False
- Correction: Mechanical calculating machines were primarily developed earlier (1600s-1800s). The 1880s saw improvements to existing designs.
Charles Babbage, an Englishman, could well be called the father of computers.
- True (He designed the first general-purpose mechanical computers)
The first computer was invented and built in the USA.
- False
- Correction: The first programmable computer (Colossus) was built in the UK during WWII.
Instructions used by computers have always been kept inside the computer's memory.
- False
- Correction: Early computers used external methods like punched cards for instructions; internal memory came later.
Using transistors instead of vacuum tubes did nothing to increase the speed at which calculations were done.
- False
- Correction: Transistors significantly increased calculation speed and reliability compared to vacuum tubes.
As computers evolved, their size decreased and their dependability increased.
- True (From room-sized to pocket-sized devices with better reliability)
Today's computers have more circuits than previous computers.
- True (Modern chips contain billions of transistors vs. thousands in early computers)
Computer technology has developed to a point from which new developments in the field will take a long time to come.

False
Correction: Computer technology continues to advance rapidly with frequent new developments.

Exercise 1.

Locate the base words in the boldface words and write them on the given lines. 1.We established the authenticity of our antique chair. We have an ------------ antique chair. 2. We enjoy the collegiate athletic games. We enjoy the athletic games at --------------. 3. The automobile left her comatose. The accident left her in a --------------. 4. We had comparative good luck.. If you ----------- our luck with that of others, our luck was good. •5. Can you differentiate between them? • Can you see how they -------------? 6. His knowledge of China is not experiential. • His knowledge of China is not based on actual ------------------------? 7. She has expertise in mathematics . • She is an --------- in mathematics. 8. She gave her answer with finality. • We knew her answer was ----------. 9. They have servile attitudes. • They have attitudes of those who -------. 10. The numbers are in tabular form. The numbers are in a ---------------. 11. We enjoyed her commentary on the news. We enjoyed her ----------s about the news. 12. Who were the disputants? Who engaged in the -----------? 13. This machine has a multiplicity of parts. It has ------- parts.

We have an authentic antique chair.
We enjoy the athletic games at college.
The accident left her in a coma.
If you compare our luck with that of others, our luck was good.
Can you see how they differ?
His knowledge of China is not based on actual experience.
She is an expert in mathematics.
We knew her answer was final.
They have attitudes of those who serve.
The numbers are in a table.
We enjoyed her comments about the news.
Who engaged in the dispute?
It has multiple parts.

Key:
Each blank is filled with the base form of the original bolded word (removing prefixes/suffixes to find the root word). For example:

"authenticity" → "authentic"
"collegiate" → "college"
"commentary" → "comment"

Section 1: Prefix Identification

Choose the correct meaning of the prefix in the bold word.

"The document was illegible due to poor handwriting."
a) Not (*il-*)
b) Again (*re-*)
c) Between (inter-)
d) Before (pre-)
Answer: a) Not
"The software allows multitasking."
a) One (mono-)
b) Many (multi-)
c) Half (semi-)
d) Under (sub-)
Answer: b) Many
"She misinterpreted the instructions."
a) Bad/wrong (mis-)
b) Not (non-)
c) Over (over-)
d) Out (*ex-*)
Answer: a) Bad/wrong

Section 2: Stem Words & Meanings

Identify the stem word and its meaning in the bold word.

"The irreversible decision shocked everyone."
a) Verse (to turn) → "Cannot be turned back"
b) Reverse (to undo) → "Cannot be undone"
c) Irs (not) → "Not reversible"
d) Visible (seen) → "Not visible"
Answer: b) Reverse (to undo) → "Cannot be undone"
"The substandard materials failed the test."
a) Standard (quality) → "Below quality"
b) Sub (under) → "Underwater"
c) Stand (to rise) → "Cannot rise"
d) Art (skill) → "Lacking skill"
Answer: a) Standard (quality) → "Below quality"

Section 3: Synonyms & Antonyms

Choose the best synonym or antonym for the bold word.

Synonym for colossal:
a) Tiny (antonym)
b) Enormous (synonym)
c) Average
d) Fragile
Answer: b) Enormous
Antonym for denounce:
a) Blame (synonym)
b) Praise (antonym)
c) Ignore
d) Accept
Answer: b) Praise
Synonym for apt (in "an apt remark"):
a) Appropriate (synonym)
b) Unlikely (antonym)
c) Slow
d) Confused
Answer: a) Appropriate

Section 4: Prefix Application

Select the correct prefix to complete the sentence.

"The _____ terrestrial rocks were studied by geologists."
a) Extra- (beyond) → Extraterrestrial
b) Pre- (before) → Preterrestrial
c) Non- (not) → Nonterrestrial
d) Anti- (against) → Antiterrestrial
Answer: a) Extra- → Extraterrestrial
"The _____ conductor reduced energy loss."
a) Semi- (half) → Semiconductor
b) Micro- (small) → Microconductor
c) *Un-* (not) → Unconductor
d) Post- (after) → Postconductor
Answer: a) Semi- → Semiconductor

Answer Key

Q	Answer	Explanation
1	a) Not	Il- negates "legible" (readable).
2	b) Many	Multi- means "many tasks."
3	a) Bad/wrong	Mis- indicates error.
4	b) Reverse	"Irreversible" = cannot be undone.
5	a) Standard	"Substandard" = below quality.
6	b) Enormous	Synonym for "colossal."
7	b) Praise	Antonym of "denounce."
8	a) Appropriate	Synonym in this context.
9	a) Extra-	"Extraterrestrial" = beyond Earth.
10	a) Semi-	"Semiconductor" = partial conductor.

Tips for Use:

Prefixes: Focus on how they modify stem words (e.g., *un-* = not, *re-* = again).
Synonyms: Note context (e.g., "apt" vs. "appropriate").
Antonyms: Identify opposites (e.g., "denounce" vs. "praise").

Exercise 1: Main Idea

Best Statement(s):

2. All computers have an input, a processor, an output, and a storage device.
(This captures the core functionality described in paragraphs [2] and [3].)
4. All computers have the same basic hardware components.
*(Supported by paragraph [3], which details CPU, input/output devices, and storage.)*

Eliminated Choices:

1. Computers have changed the way we live. (Too broad; the text focuses on processing and hardware, not societal impact.)
3. Computers have decreased man’s workload. (A secondary point in paragraph [6], not the main idea.)

Exercise 2: True/False

T/F	Statement	Correction (if False)
T	1. All information must be prepared for the computer to understand it.	—
T	2. Data can be stored/moved at high speeds due to complex circuitry.	—
F	3. Not all computers can process data and produce results.	All computers can process data and produce results.
F	4. Data processing concepts are restricted to computers.	Data processing concepts apply to human activities too (e.g., sewing clothes).
T	5. The processor is the central component.	—
T	6. All devices are attached to the CPU.	—
T	7. Memory devices store information.	—
F	8. Computers are very restricted in what they can do.	Computers are versatile, limited only by human imagination.
T	9. Modern computers are cheaper, smaller, and need fewer operators.	—
F	10. Computers haven’t changed working conditions much.	Computers have greatly changed work (paragraph [6]).

Exercise 3: Locating Information

[1]Computers are machines designed to process, electronically, specially prepared pieces of information which are termed data. Handling or manipulating the information that has been given to the computer, in such ways as doing calculations, adding information or making comparisons is called processing. Computers are made up of millions of electronic devices capable of sorting data or moving them, at enormous speeds, through complex circuits with different functions.

[2]

All computers have several characteristics in common, regardless of make or design. Information, in the form of instructions and data, is given to the machine, after which the machine acts on it. And a result is then returned. The information presented to the machine is the input; the internal manipulative operations, the processing; and the result, the output. These three basic concepts of input, processing, and output occur in almost every aspect of human life whether at work or at play. For example, in clothing manufacturing, the input is the pieces of cut cloth, the processing is the sewing together of these pieces, and the output is the finished garment. INPUT COMPUTER OUTPUT SEC. STORAGE

[3]

Figure 3.1 shows schematically the fundamental hardware components in a computer system. The centerpiece is called either the computer, the processor, or, usually, the central processing unit (CPU). The term ‘computer’ includes those parts of hardware in which calculations and other data manipulations are performed, and the high-speed internal memory in which data and calculations are stored during actual execution of programs. Attached to the CPU are the various peripheral devices such as card readers and keyboards (two common examples of input devices). When data or programs need to be saved for long periods of time, they are stored on various secondary memory devices or storage devices such as magnetic tapes or magnetic disks.

[4]

Computers have often been thought of as extremely large adding machines, but this is a very narrow view of their function. Although a computer can only respond to a certain number of instructions, it is not a single-purpose machines since these instructions can be combined in an infinite number of sequences. Therefore, a computer has no known limit on the kinds of things it can do; its versatility is limited only to the imagination of those using it.

[5]In the late 1950s and early 1960s when electronic computers of the kind in use today were

being developed, they were very expensive to own and run. Moreover, their size and reliability were such that a large number of support personnel were needed to keep the equipment operating. This has all changed now that computing power has become portable, more compact, and cheaper.

[6]In only a very short period of time, computers have greatly changed the way in which many

kinds of work are performed. Computer can remove many of the routine and boring tasks from our lives, thereby leaving us with more time for interesting, creative work. It goes without saying that computers have created whole new areas of work that did not exist before their development.

All computers are basically the same. → Paragraph [2]
Arithmetic/decision-making operations occur. → Paragraph [1] ("doing calculations... making comparisons")
Limited by man’s imagination. → Paragraph [4] ("versatility is limited only to the imagination")
Equipment = hardware. → Paragraph [3] ("fundamental hardware components")
Computers process data electronically. → Paragraph [1]
Long-term storage on tapes/disks. → Paragraph [3] ("stored on... magnetic tapes or disks")
Computer accepts data. → Paragraph [2] ("information... given to the machine")
New information presented to user. → Paragraph [2] ("the result, the output")

Exercise 4: Contextual Reference

Which are termed data → "pieces of information" ([1])
Or moving them → "data" ([1])
The machine acts on it → "information" ([2])
They are stored on → "data or programs" ([3])
It is not a single-purpose machine → "computer" ([4])
The kinds of things it can do → "computer" ([4])
Of those using it → "people" ([4])
They were very expensive to own → "electronic computers" ([5])
Moreover, their size and reliability → "computers in the 1950s/60s" ([5])
That did not exist → "whole new areas of work" ([6])

Exercise 5: Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms:

called → "termed" ([1])
tremendous → "enormous" ([1])
ideas → "concepts" ([2])
react → "respond" ([4])
take away → "remove" ([6])

Antonyms:
6. taken away → "given" ([2]) (Input is given, not taken.)
7. wide → "narrow" ([4]) (Opposite of "narrow view.")
8. limited → "infinite" ([4]) (Sequences are "infinite.")
9. immovable → "portable" ([5])
10. after → "before" ([6]) (Implied by "before their development.")

Exercise 6: Word Forms

Imagination, imagine, imaginable, imaginative, imaginary
a. imagination (human creativity limits computers)
b. imaginary (fictional stories)
c. imagine (verb: to conceive the speed)
Addition, add, added, additional, additive
a. added (verb: terminals can be included)
b. Addition (noun: math operation)
c. additional (adjective: no extra charge)
Complication, complicate, complicated, complicating, complicatedly
a. complications (noun: problems)
b. complicated (adjective: complex process)
c. complicated (adjective: hard to explain)
Difference, differ, different, differently, differential, differentiate
a. difference (noun: contrast in flowcharting)
b. different, differentiate (adjective + verb: compare manufacturers)
c. differ (verb: opinions vary)
Reliably, rely on, reliable, reliability
a. reliable (adjective: trustworthy machines)
b. rely on (verb: depend on a dictionary)
c. reliably (adverb: perform accurately)

All information to be processed must be prepared in such a way that the computer will understand it.
- True (No change needed)
Because of the complex electronic circuitry of a computer, data can be either stored or moved about at high speeds.
- True (No change needed)
~~Not all~~ All computers can process data given to them and produce results.
- Correction: Remove "Not"
The basic concepts of data processing are ~~restricted to computers alone~~ applicable to many aspects of human life.
- Correction: Changed to show data processing occurs in human activities too (as in the clothing example)
The processor is the central component of a computer system.
- True (No change needed)
All other devices used in a computer system are attached to the CPU.
- True (No change needed)
Memory devices are used for storing information.
- True (No change needed)
Computers are ~~very much restricted~~ versatile in what they can do, limited only by human imagination.
- Correction: Changed to reflect computers' flexibility (paragraph 4)
Computers today cost less, are smaller, and need fewer people to operate them than in the past.
- True (No change needed)
Computers haven't changed our working conditions very much. → Computers have significantly changed our working conditions.

Correction: Changed to reflect computers' impact (paragraph 6)