A Focus on Grammar and Vocabulary MCQs

Paper 2 Skills: Scoring in Short-Answer Questions

 

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the Primary English Examination Paper 2 are often underestimated and brushed off as something to be answered in lightning speed. This is especially so for Grammar and Vocabulary Questions where the answers are already in the choices given – students merely have to pick out the best option.

MCQs can boost a student’s overall score, buffering any concerns about Comprehension. Although students are expected to complete these questions quickly, they should not compromise in applying linguistic rules in the English Language.

Errors in MCQs can accumulate to affect a student’s grade. To ensure accuracy in the use of the English Language, here are some examination tips we impart to our students for the Grammar and Vocabulary sections:

 

(A) Grammar MCQs

 

• Grammar MCQs test students’ ability to recall and apply grammatical rules taught in class.

• Questions often have clues that help students identify the answer.

• Students can also eliminate unsuitable options to narrow down to the best answer possible.

• To avoid careless mistakes, read the question again with the chosen option and listen for any incorrect usage of the English Language.

 

Sample Question:

1	As there were too ___________ people in the queue, Daphne decided not to buy the drink.
	(1) few	(2) many
	(3) little	(4) much

Clues:

• “people” is a countable noun so Options 3 and 4 are incorrect.

• “too” indicates that there is an excessive amount. As a result, Daphne “decided not to buy the drink”.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

As there were too many people in the queue, Daphne decided not to buy the drink.

 

(B) Vocabulary MCQs

• Vocabulary MCQs demand students to be aware of the context in which a word is used.

• Context refers to the given situation in the question.

• Students often bemoan that they do not know the definitions of some options. Do not fret! Eliminate unsuitable options that should not be used in the context provided.

• To avoid careless mistakes, read the question again with the chosen option and listen for any incorrect usage of the English Language.

Sample Question:

1	The pitiful cat was _____________ by its owner at the void deck of the housing estate.
	(1) disposed	(2) discarded
	(3) banished	(4) abandoned

Context:

• The former owner of this “pitiful cat” had left it at the void deck. He did not want the cat anymore.

Examine the Options:

1. Disposed: the term “trash disposal” is used to mean throwing waste. The cat is a living creature that should not be referred to as rubbish.

2. Discarded: while the owner did not desire to own a pet anymore, a cat is not a tool that is thrown away after it has exhausted its function.

3. Banished: the word refers to getting rid of something by driving it away. The owner did not chase the cat away.

4. Abandoned: the word refers to leaving something behind when one was previously responsible for it

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

The pitiful cat was abandoned by its owner at the void deck of the housing estate.

At Cognitus Academy, we believe it is important for students to understand the rationale behind linguistic rules in the English Language. Our students enjoy mastering the language while gaining a deeper appreciation for it.