2023 P5 Paper 2 Grammar MCQ

__________ wearing a thick coat, Gerald shivered in the cold.

• Despite

• Owing to

• As a result of

• However

Answer explanation

We use the contrasting connector 'Despite' here to show that Gerald still shivered in the cold even while wearing the warm, thick coat.

Neither Joelle nor her friends __________ able to attend the concert next month.

• is

• are

• was

• were

Answer explanation

Use present tense for upcoming events that have been planned (e.g., is, are). As 'friends' is plural, use the plural verb 'are'.

"The price of cars usually __________ at the end of the year," lamented Ms Qua to her husband.

• increases

• has increased

• had increased

• increased

Answer explanation

The keyword 'usually' indicates a habitual cycle that happens again and again. As such, 'increases', which is in simple present tense, is the answer.

__________ to her relief, Mei Wah arrived at the meeting in the nick of time.

• Most

• Much

• Little

• Less

Answer explanation

Relief is uncountable. As Mei Wah was on time for the meeting, she was relieved to a large degree. Therefore, the quantifier 'Much' is the answer.

"Melsa returned the money, __________?" asked Rachel.

• didn't she

• hasn't she

• has she

• did she

Answer explanation

Re-read the question as "Melsa did return the money, didn't she?"

Samuel helped the elderly man __________ the big box from the top shelf.

• removing

• remove

• removes

• removed

Answer explanation

Referring to the noun-verb-noun-verb pattern, the second verb is usually in base form.

So, in this sentence, the pattern is: Samuel-helped-man-remove

Many journalists put their lives __________ risk in order to provide timely updates about natural disasters.

• on

• at

• under

• in

Answer explanation

Generally, the collocation used is 'at risk'.

Bhavini, like her sisters, __________ reading books written by Roald Dahl.

• enjoys

• enjoyed

• enjoy

• enjoying

Answer explanation

As the subject 'Bhavini' is singular, the answer should be a singular verb (verb that has an -s added).

In the past, Muhammad used to go to the beach and __________ have picnics there with his family.

• could

• can

• would

• will

Answer explanation

The modal 'would' is used to describe an event that used to happen or was planned to occur.

"I hope you will do me __________ honour of accepting this invitation to grace our ceremony," Mr Krishna requested of the mayor.

• little

• an

• some

• the

Answer explanation

The determiner 'the' is used when both parties know what is being referred to, and adds extra emphasis.