CBSE Class 7 English Infinitive Worksheet

Infinitive vs Gerund Class 7 English Worksheet

Question. I kept quiet because I did not want .......................... her.
(a) to offend
(b) offending

Answer : A

Question. She exercises regularly ............................ fit.
(a) to stay
(b) staying

Answer : A

Question. I want ........................ my grammar.
(a) to improve
(b) improving

Answer : A

Question. My stylist suggested ......................... my hair style.
(a) to change
(b) changing

Answer : B

Question. She takes a shower after work ............................
(a) to relax
(b) relaxing

Answer : A

Question. The physician recommended .......................... a specialist.
(a) to consult
(b) consulting

Answer : B

Question. I went to the beach ...........................
(a) swimming
(b) to swim

Answer : B

Question. I enjoy .......................... a lot.
(a) to garden
(b) gardening

Answer : B

Question. I regret ........................... married at a young age.
(a) to get
(b) getting

Answer : B

Question. What am I supposed ........................... now?
(a) to do
(b) doing

Answer : A

Question. ...................... a shower after work helps her relax.
(a) To take
(b) Taking

Answer : B

Question. It takes a lot of time .......................... a second language.
(a) to learn
(b) learning

Answer : A
 

Infinitive With Or Without To

Question. She took a lot of time ............................ the job.
(a) finish
(b) to finish

Answer : B

Question. My mother doesn't allow me .......................... short skirts.
(a) to wear
(b) wear

Answer : A

Question. I heard them ............................... in the other room.
(a) talk
(b) to talk

Answer : A

Question. You ought ............................. to your attorney.
(a) talk
(b) to talk

Answer : B

Question. I was horrified .............................. the news.
(a) hear
(b) to hear

Answer : B

Question. I couldn't ............................ laughing.
(a) help
(b) to help

Answer : A

Question. Please let him ........................... it.
(a) to do
(b) do

Answer : B

Question. You needn't ............................... for me.
(a) wait
(b) to wait

Answer : A

Question. I forgot ............................ the door.
(a) lock
(b) to lock

Answer : B

Question. You don't need ................................ it.
(a) do
(b) to do

Answer : B

Question. I was unable .............................. the door.
(a) to open
(b) open

Answer : A

Question. They made me ............................. it.
(a) do
(b) to do

Answer : A

Join each pair of sentences using a present or past participle.

The travelers were tired and hungry. They sat down for a rest.
Tired and hungry, the travelers sat down for a rest.

1. We stood on the balcony. We could see the whole park.
Answer: Standing on the balcony, we could see the whole park.

2. The old man was limping across the road. He was knocked down by a taxi.
Answer: Limping across the road, the old man was knocked down by a taxi.

3. She says that she can smell the rice. The rice is burning.
Answer: She says that she can smell the rice burning.

4. We were walking through the park. We saw a bed of lovely dahlias.
Answer: Walking through the park, we saw a bed of lovely dahlias.

5. My father was stunned by the news. He could find no words to say.
Answer: Stunned by the news, my father could find no words to say.

6. Consider the position as a whole. Don't you think that the is much better off than before ?
Answer: Considering the position as a whole, don't you think that he is much better off than before ?

7. He tripped over the bucket. The bucket contained water.
Answer: He tripped over the bucket containing water.

8. He was disgusted by what he saw. He averted his face.
Answer: Disgusted by what he saw, he averted his face.

9. He saw the farm-hand. He was setting fire to the barn.
Answer: He saw the farm-hand setting fire to the barn.

10. The scuba dives found the wrecked launch. It was covered with weeds.
Answer: The scuba divers found the wrecked launch covered with weeds.

11. Alan saw that it was raining. He hunted around for his raincoat.
Answer:Seeing that it was raining, Alan hunted around for his raincoat.

12. The dog was securely tied to the tree. It could only bark at the stranger.
Answer: Securely tied to the tree, the dog could only bark at the stranger.

13. She was born and bred in the country. She was bewildered by the sights in the city.
Answer: Born and bred in the country, she was bewildered by the sights of the city.

14. The woman looked about her perplexedly. She wondered where the children had disappeared to.
Answer: Looking about her perplexedly, the woman wondered where the children had disappeared to./ The woman looked about her perplexedly, wondering where the cildren had disappeared to.

15. She hid her face in her hands. She was terrified by what she had seen
Answer: She hid her face in her hands, terrified by what she had seen.

16. My work was all completed. I got ready to o home.
Answer: my work all completed, I got ready to go home.

17. The concert was a great success. It was staged by the kindergarten children.
Answer: The concert staged by the kindergarten children was a great success

18. She tossed and turned in bed. She was thinking of the bleak future ahead.
Answer: She tossed and turned in bed, thinking of the bleak future ahead.

19. Christmas Day is a holiday. We needn't go to the office.
Answer: Christmas Day being a holiday, we needn't go to the office.

20. We crossed the mountainous border. Malcolm acted as guide.
Answer: We crossed the mountainous border, Malcolm acting as guide.

Replace the clauses with correct participial phrases.

I was very hungry as I had not eaten for almost two days.
I was very hungry, not having eaten for almost two days.

1. As he was feeling sleepy, he went to bed early.
Answer: Feeling sleepy, he went to bed.

2. As he was stunned by their words, he did not say a thing.
Answer: Stunned by their words, he did not say a thing.

3. Since we had finished our work, we were allowed to have a short break.
Answer: Having finished our work, we were allowed to have a short break.

4. I saw the actors and actresses who were preparing themselves for the final scene.
Answer: I saw the actors and actresses preparing themselves for the final scene.

5. As we were cycling along the track, we saw a woodcutter.
Answer: Cycling along the track, we saw a woodcutter.

6. The soldiers who were trained by this captain were very good fighters.
Answer: The soldiers trained by this captain, were very good fighters.

7. After he had washed the car, the boy wiped the windscreen.
Answer: Having washed the car, the boy wiped the windscreen.

8. I saw the lifeguard who was rescuing the swimmer.
Answer: I saw the lifeguard rescuing the swimmer.

9. We did not leave the house as we had been told not to do so.
Answer: We did not leave the house, having been told not to do so.

10. As they had heard the story before they did not pay any attention.
Answer: Having heard the story before, they did not pay any attention

11. The villagers, who had been warned of the enemy's approach, set up barricades outside the village.
Answer: The villagers, having been warned of the enemy's approach, set up barricades outside the village.

12. As he saw that the weather was fine, he went out for a walk.
Answer: Seeing that the weather was fine, he went out for a walk.

13. The construction workers, who had worked at tall buildings before, did not feel dizzy at all.
Answer: Having worked at tall buildings before, the construction workers did not feel dizzy at all.

14. The man who was wanted by the police escaped to another country.
Answer: The man, wanted by the police, escaped to another country.

15. As he was determined to pass his examination, he studied very hard.
Answer: Determined to pass his examination, he studied very hard.

16. The children do not like fish that is cooked that way.
Answer: The children do not like fish cooked that way.

17. As he drove through the countryside, he saw fields and fields of corn.
Answer: Driving through the countryside, he saw fields and fields of corn.

18. As she is a sensitive person, she is easily hurt.
Answer: Being a sensitive person, she is easily hurt.

19. The woman who is giving away the prizes is the wife of the mayor.
Answer: The woman giving away the prizes, is the wife of the mayor.

20. The boys who were teasing the newcomer were told off roundly by the prefect.
Answer: The boys teasing the newcomer, were told off roundly by the prefect.

Rewrite the following sentences using gerunds.

Do you mind ( I, watch ) you while you paint ?
Do you mind my watching you while you paint ?

1. I can't understand ( he, trick ) by a child.
Answer: I can't understand his being tricked by a child.

2. They objected to ( we, talk ) about the incident.
Answer: They objected to our/us talking about the incident.

3. She is anxious about ( her brother, come ) late for the appointment.
Answer: She is anxious about her brother's coming late for the appointment.

4. We didn't mind ( they, look ) through our work.
Answer: We didn't mind their/them looking through our work.

5. It really wasn't worth ( we, stay ) up so late to finish the work.
Answer: It really wasn't worth our staying up so late to finish the work.

6. His recovery is past ( pray ) for.
Answer: His recovery is past praying for.

7. You can't insist on ( he, let ) you off early when there's so much work to be done.
Answer: You can't insist on his/him letting you off early when there's so much work to be done.

8. I know that your shirt needs ( alter ), but you can't keep ( pester ) me to do it now when I'm so busy.
Answer: I know that your shirt needs altering, but you can't keep pestering me to do it now when I'm so busy.

9. ( You, be ) right this time doesn't mean you are right all the time.
Answer: Your being right this time doesn't mean you are right all the time.

10. Can't you recall ( he, come ) here the last time ?
Answer: Can't you recall his coming here the last time ?

11. I was afraid of ( they, leave ) on the tour without me.
Answer: I was afraid of their leaving on the tour without me.

12. That blind man is skilled at ( weave ) baskets. I really admire ( he, work ) at such a fast rate.
Answer: That blind man is skilled at weaving baskets. I really admire his working at such a fast rate.

13. She resents ( I, criticize ) her work so often. She says I always provoke her into ( lose ) her temper.
Answer: She resents my criticizing her work so often. She says I always provoke her into losing her temper.

14. He detested ( the boys, push ) him around but he didn't say anything for fear of ( make ) them angry.
Answer: He detested the boys pushing him around but he didn't say anything for fear of making them angry.

15. I remember ( I, give ) you explicit instructions but I don't remember ( you, carry ) out all those instructions.
Answer: I remember my giving you explicit instructions but I don't remember your carrying out all those instructions.

16. "Excuse ( I, interrupt ) you girls. Would you please stop ( write ) for a moment ?" the teacher asked.
Answer: "Excuse my interrupting you girls. Would you please stop writing for a moment ?" the teacher asked.

17. Our parents have agreed to ( we, camp ) out in the open but they are still worried about ( we, get ) proper food.
Answer: Our parents have greed to our camping out in the open but they are still worried about our/us getting proper food.

18. I'm afraid of ( the man, ask ) me questions that I cannot answer. Would you mind ( explain ) everything to me ?
Answer: I'm afraid of the man asking me questions that I cannot answer. Would you mind explaining everything to me ?

19. The waiter insisted on ( we, pay ) the bill there and then. He complained about ( some customers, go ) off without settling their bills.
Answer: The waiter insisted on our paying the bill there and then. He complained about some customers going off without settling their bills.

20. "Would you mind ( I, change ) my seat in the class ?" I asked the monitor. "I'm tired of ( sit )in the same place all the time."
Answer: "Would you mind my changing my seat in the class ?" I asked the monitor. "I'm tired of sitting in the same place all the time."

Reword each of the following sentences using a 'to'-infinitive.

He worked hard so that he might save enough money to tour the world.
He worked hard to save enough money to tour the world.

1. That story sounds as though it were true.
Answer: That story sounds to be true.

2. I was told that I must not leave the room.
Answer: I was told not to leave the room.

3. Have you got anything for us that we can eat ?
Answer: Have you got anything for us to eat ?

4. She hopes that she will be chosen to represent her school.
Answer: She hopes to be chosen to represent her school.

5. We must wait till we hear the results of the contest.
Answer:We must wait to hear the results of the contest.

6. You will have to study had so that you will pass the examination.
Answer: You will have to study hard to pass the examination.

7. The first person who reaches the finish line will be declared the winner.
Answer: The first person to reach the finish line will be declared the winner.

8. Is there anything else that we should discuss ?
Answer: Is there anything else to discuss ?

9. The girl did not expect that she would get the job
Answer: The girl did not expect to get the job.

10. The poacher was warned that he should not trespass on the state again.
Answer: The poacher was warned not to trespass on the estate again.

11. The doctor advised Mr Biggs that he should not smoke.
Answer: The doctor advised Mr Biggs not to smoke.

12. Will you promise that you will not lose this magazine ?
Answer: Will you promise not to lose this magazine ?

13. I hope that I'll receive the letter by tomorrow.
Answer: I hope to receive the letter by tomorrow.

14. We understood what needed doing when the time came.
Answer: We understood what needed to be done when the time came.

15. I expect that I shall complete writing the book by next Christmas.
Answer: I expect to complete writing the book by next Christmas.

16. The last person who finished had to stay behind to clean up the mess.
Answer: The last person to finish had to stay behind to clean up the mess.

17. Amy was told that she should not go out alone in the dark.
Answer: Amy was told not to go out alone in the dark.

18. She had to wait a long time before buying the tickets.
Answer: She had to wait a long time to buy the tickets.

19. The boy scouts hope that they will reach the summit by nightfall.
Answer: The boy scouts hope to reach the summit by nightfall.

20. It appears that it is an impossible task
Answer: It appears to be an impossible task.

Give the infinitive or the gerund form of the words in the brackets.

( Gamble ) will only lead you into debt. It would be better for you ( give ) it up.
Gambling will only lead you into debt. It would be better for you to giveit up.

1. She paid the man some money for ( translate ) the letter.
Answer: She paid the man some money for translating the letter.

2. The teacher made Robert stay behind ( finish ) his work.
Answer: The teacher made Robert stay behind to finish his work.

3. I told them to start (read) and they began ( read ) aloud.
Answer: I told them to start reading and they began to read aloud.

4. I would prefer ( live ) in the country at this time of the year.
Answer: I would prefer living in the country at this time of the year.

5. If you can't get the lid off, try ( heat ) it.
Answer: If you can't get the lid off, try heating it.

6. I don't know how she managed ( finish ) making all these sandwiches in time.
Answer: I don't know how she managed to finish making all these sandwiches in time.

7. She hates ( drink ) cold milk.
Answer: She hates drinking cold milk.

8. ( Go ) to sleep early enables me ( get ) up early too.
Answer: Going to sleep early enables me to get up early too.

9. I don't remember ( hear ) you say that you had ( go ) too.
Answer: I don't remember hearing you say that you had to go too.

10. Did the manager remember ( sign ) the letters before ( send ) them off ?
Answer: Did the manager remember to sign the letters before sending them off ?

11. ( Read ) a textbook is one thing; ( remember ) what you have read is another.
Answer: Reading a textbook is one thing; remembering what you have read is another.

12. The doctor advised her ( stop ) ( smoke ), but she didn't bother ( take ) his advice.
Answer: The doctor advised her to stop smoking, but she didn't bother to take his advice.

13. I enjoy ( rest ) in the afternoon, but these days I don't seem ( have ) the time ( rest ).
Answer: I enjoy resting in the afternoon, but these days I don't seem to have the time to rest.

14. The children love ( play ) in the rain but their mothers usually won't allow them ( do ) so.
Answer: The children love playing in the rain but their mothers usually won't allow them to do so.

15. We went backstage ( watch ) the actors. ( Watch ) them from behind the scenes is more interesting than( watch ) from the hall.
Answer: We went backstage to watch the actors. Watching them from behind the scenes is more interesting than watching from the hall.

16. There's no ( tell ) what would happen if we were ( mix ) this chemical with that one.
Answer: There's no telling what would happen if we were to mix this chemical with that one.

17. I tried ( grow ) tomatoes in my garden once, but I wasn't very successful. ( Grow ) them was more difficult than I had thought.
Answer: I tried growing tomatoes in my garden once, but I wasn't very successful. Growing them was more difficult than I had thought.

18. If you want ( learn ) ( parachute ), you must be brave enough ( take ) the risks.
Answer: If you want to learn to parachute, you must be brave enough to take the risks.

19. "I want you ( rehearse ) the play now," she said. "I won't mind ( stay ) behind ( direct ) you."
Answer: "I want you to rehearse the play now," she said. "I won't mind stayingbehind to direct you."

20. I dislike ( peel ) onions because they cause my eyes ( water ). I wish I didn't have ( peel ) them before ( cook ) them.
Answer: I dislike peeling onions because they cause my eyes to water. I wish I didn't have to peel them before cooking them.

Rewrite the following sentences using the Perfect Infinitive.

He is to go there too.
He was to have gone there too.

1. You ought to do better.
Answer: You ought to have done better.

2. I am to see him as soon as possible.
Answer: I have to see him as soon as possible.

3. Your friend ought to warn you.
Answer: Your friend ought to have warned you.

4. I suppose that I ought to obey orders.
Answer: I suppose that I ought to have obeyed orders.

5. The football match is to start at four o'clock.
Answer: The football match is to have started at four o'clock.

6. They ought to come much earlier.
Answer: They ought to have come much earlier

7. She is supposed to do this another way.
Answer: She is supposed to have done this another way.

8. You are to report this matter to the police.
Answer: You are to have reported this matter to the police.

9. She ought to know better than that !
Answer: She ought to have known better than that !

10. Your work ought to be completed by now.
Answer: Your work ought to have been completed by now.

11. The rooms are to be tidied regularly.
Answer: The rooms are to have been tidied regularly.

12. We ought to be more careful.
Answer: We ought to have been more careful.

13. The meeting is to be held in this hall.
Answer: The meeting is to have been held in this hall.

14. I ought to receive the letter by Wednesday.
Answer: I ought to have received the letter by Wednesday

15. She ought to make that sign bigger.
Answer: She ought to have made that sign bigger.

16. She will love to hear that joke.
Answer: She will love to have heard that joke.

17. I suppose I ought to be more tactful.
Answer: I suppose I ought to have been more tactful.

18. They ought not to do that.
Answer: They ought not to have done that.

19. He is to leave on the midnight express.
Answer: He is to have left on the midnight express.

20. The new clerk is to file all letters.
Answer: The new clerk is to have filed all letters. 

Fill in each of the blanks with the correct gerund, present or past participle, or infinitive of the words in brackets.

1. ______ essays is a good way to improve one's English. ( write )
Answer:  Writing essays is a good way to improve one's English

2. Despite his age, the old man enjoys ______ daily. ( jog )
Answer: Despite his age, the old man enjoys jogging daily.

3. ______ by the scream, I went out to investigate. ( disturb )
Answer: Disturbed by the scream, I went out to investigate.

4. I am trying to recover my ______ coins in the drain. ( lose )
Answer: I am trying to recover my lost coins in the drain.

5. It si difficult to take photographs on a ______ bus. ( move )
Answer: It si difficult to take photographs on a moving bus.

6. You need ______ the damaged parts of your car. ( replace )
Answer: You need toreplace the damaged parts of your car.

7. It is too late for us ______ the heart patient. ( help )
Answer: It is too late for us to help the heart patient.

8. We noticed a stranger ______ out of the bungalow. ( run )
Answer: We noticed a stranger running out of the bungalow.

9. After retirement, my pastime is ______ after my grandchildren. ( look )
Answer: After retirement, my pastime is looking after my grandchildren.

10. The ______ glasses are swept into the drain. ( break )
Answer: The broken glasses are swept into the drain.

11. ______ by the explosion, the crowd ran helter-skelter. ( Terrify )
Answer: Terrified by the explosion, the crowd ran helter-skelter.

12. The visitors watched the monkeys ______ from tree to tree. ( swing )
Answer: The visitors watched the monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

13. We were all speechless, ______ what the magician will do next. ( wonder )
Answer: We were all speechless, wondering what the magician will do next.

14. The lady ______ a red T-shirt is the badminton champion. ( wear )
Answer: The lady wearing a red T-shirt is the badminton champion.

15. ______ by the feat, the spectators gave a round of applause. ( Thrill )
Answer: Thrilled by the feat, the spectators gave a round of applause.

Fill in the blanks with the bare infinitive.

The librarian made me ______ the books the next day.
The librarian made me return the books the next day.

1. The policeman would not let us ______ more than two abreast.
Answer: The policeman would not let us cycle more than two abreast.

2. Did you watch him ______ up that tall tree ?
Answer: Did you watch him climb up that tall tree ?

3. The class monitor will ______ the books tomorrow.
Answer: The class monitor will collect the books tomorrow.

4. She felt her heart ______ faster when she heard strange noises outside.
Answer: She felt her heart beat faster when she heard strange noises outside.

5. Everyone must ______ the exercise in an hour's time.
Answer: Everyone must finish the exercise in an hour's time.

6. The clerk made them ______ while she contacted the manager in the office.
Answer: The clerk made them wait while she contacted the manager in the office.

7. May I ______ my lunch with you ?
Answer: May I have my lunch with you ?

8. Those poor farmers cannot ______ to buy expensive machines for their farms.
Answer: Those poor farmers cannot afford to buy expensive machines for their farms.

9. You should ______ at the map more carefully so that you can ______ it to scale.
Answer: You should look at the map more carefully so that you can draw it to scale.

10. The door would not ______ no matter how he tried to open it.
Answer: The door would not open no matter how he tried to open it.

11. Nobody heard me ______ for help. I shan't ______ into that building again.
Answer: Nobody heard me call for help. I shan't go into that building again.

12. She let us ______ all the pears in the basket.
Answer: She let us have all the pears in the basket

13. They will ______ if you explain the whole situation to them.
Answer: They will understand if you explain the whole situation to them.

14. Do you ______ a pair of binoculars to lend me ?
Answer: Do you have a pair of binoculars to lend me ?

15. You needn't ______ worried. Hagel won't ______ you of your money.
Answer: You needn't have worried. Hagel won't cheat/rob you of your money.

16. We might ______ in time for the show if we hurried.
Answer: We might be in time for the show if we hurried.

I. Complete the following sentences with a suitable to- infinitive.

Question 1. She wanted me
Answer: She wanted me to help her.
In simple words: An infinitive uses "to" before a verb to complete the meaning of the sentence.

Exam Tip: Verbs like want, tell, ask, and permit are often followed by an object plus a to-infinitive.

Question 2. Please help me
Answer: Please help me to carry this bag (or carry this bag).
In simple words: The verb help can take a to-infinitive or a bare infinitive directly.

Exam Tip: Remember that "help" is flexible and accepts both forms.

Question 3. He allowed the children
Answer: He allowed the children to play in the park.
In simple words: "Allowed" takes an object followed by a to-infinitive phrase.

Exam Tip: Always look for the object (the children) before inserting the to-infinitive.

Question 4. We can't allow them
Answer: We can't allow them to enter the room.
In simple words: Negative structures follow the exact same rule as positive ones for infinitives.

Exam Tip: Keep the modal verb construction intact while attaching the infinitive at the end.

Question 5. Your country expects you
Answer: Your country expects you to serve with dedication.
In simple words: Expect requires a to-infinitive when directed at a specific person or pronoun.

Exam Tip: Match the context of the sentence (civic duty) when supplying completions.

Question 6. She is learning
Answer: She is learning to play the piano.
In simple words: Verbs of acquiring skill like "learn" are followed by a to-infinitive.

Exam Tip: "Learn" is always followed directly by "to" + verb.

Question 7. He has nothing
Answer: He has nothing to do today.
In simple words: Infinitives can act as adjectives modifying indefinite pronouns like nothing.

Exam Tip: Notice how the infinitive describes what "nothing" refers to.

Question 8. This is an interesting book
Answer: This is an interesting book to read.
In simple words: The infinitive modifies the noun phrase to show its purpose or quality.

Exam Tip: Adjectives and nouns can be modified by a trailing to-infinitive.

Question 9. She has many servants
Answer: She has many servants to look after her.
In simple words: The infinitive explains the function or duty of the servants.

Question 10. This coffee is too hot
Answer: This coffee is too hot to drink.
In simple words: "Too... to" is a standard structure showing excessive degree leading to a negative result.

Exam Tip: The "too + adjective + to-infinitive" pattern is a high-frequency grammar test item.

II. Fill in the blanks with the meanings of the idioms

Question 1. To turn over a leaf means
Answer: To turn over a leaf means to start behaving in a better or more responsible way.
In simple words: Making a fresh, positive start in life or conduct.

Exam Tip: Memorize standard idioms as they appear directly in exam vocab sections.

Question 2. Forbidden fruit means
Answer: Forbidden fruit means something that is attractive or desirable precisely because it is prohibited or illegal.
In simple words: Things we want more just because we are told we cannot have them.

Exam Tip: Keep definitions concise and accurate.

Question 3. Sour grapes means
Answer: Sour grapes means pretending to dislike something simply because you cannot have it or achieve it.
In simple words: Jealousy disguised as contempt.

Exam Tip: Originates from Aesop's fable of the fox and the grapes.

Question 4. Rooted to the ground means
Answer: Rooted to the ground means unable to move due to surprise, fear, or shock.
In simple words: Standing completely still because of an intense emotion.

Exam Tip: Relate the literal image of roots in soil to human immobility.

Question 5. To kill two birds with one stone means
Answer: To kill two birds with one stone means to achieve two different aims with a single action or effort.
In simple words: Solving two problems at the same time efficiently.

Exam Tip: Emphasize efficiency and dual accomplishment in your definition.

Question 6. To blow your own trumpet means
Answer: To blow your own trumpet means to boast or brag about your own successes and achievements.
In simple words: Praising oneself loudly.

Exam Tip: Synonymous with self-praise.

Question 7. To let the cat out of the bag means
Answer: To let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
In simple words: Accidentally giving away confidential information.

Exam Tip: Commonly used in mystery and narrative contexts.

Question 8. To hit the nail on the head means
Answer: To hit the nail on the head means to describe or find the exact cause of a problem or to be completely right.
In simple words: Making a totally accurate remark.

Exam Tip: Focus on precision and correctness of thought.

Question 9. To show the white flag means
Answer: To show the white flag means to surrender, yield, or admit defeat.
In simple words: Giving up in a contest or battle.

Exam Tip: White flags are universally recognized symbols of truce and surrender.

Question 10. To smell a rat means
Answer: To smell a rat means to suspect that something is dishonest, illegal, or wrong.
In simple words: Feeling suspicious about a situation.

Exam Tip: Look for keywords like "suspicion" and "trickery".

III. Fill in the blanks by choosing the correct phrasal verb.

Question 1. The strike was __________ (Call off, Call on,)
Answer: (Call off) The strike was called off.
In simple words: "Call off" means to cancel an event or strike.

Exam Tip: "Call off" means cancellation; "call on" means to visit or request.

Question 2. The thieves __________ and stole the jewels ( break out, break in)
Answer: (break in) The thieves broke in and stole the jewels.
In simple words: "Break in" means to enter a building illegally by force.

Exam Tip: Use past tense "broke in" to match the second verb "stole".

Question 3. We need further facts to __________ our statements. (back up, back out)
Answer: (back up) We need further facts to back up our statements.
In simple words: "Back up" means to support or provide evidence for something.

Exam Tip: "Back out" means to withdraw from a commitment, which is the opposite of supporting a statement.

Question 4. The cat was __________ by a car. (run over, run away)
Answer: (run over) The cat was run over by a car.
In simple words: "Run over" means to hit someone or something with a vehicle.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the passive voice construction ("was run over").

Question 5. The car __________ petrol. (run after, run out of)
Answer: (run out of) The car ran out of petrol.
In simple words: "Run out of" means to exhaust a supply of something.

Exam Tip: Ensure the verb tense matches past events ("ran out of").

Question 6. Winter __________ early in the north. (set in, set up)
Answer: (set in) Winter sets in early in the north.
In simple words: "Set in" means to begin and establish itself (used for weather or seasons).

Exam Tip: Seasons and bad weather usually "set in".

Question 7. The Police __________ barricades to control the traffic. (set in, set up)
Answer: (set up) The Police set up barricades to control the traffic.
In simple words: "Set up" means to erect or establish a structure.

Exam Tip: Physical barriers are always "set up", not "set in".

Question 8. We have to __________ the picnic till next week. (put off, pull off)
Answer: (put off) We have to put off the picnic till next week.
In simple words: "Put off" means to postpone or delay.

Exam Tip: "Pull off" means to successfully achieve a difficult task.

Question 9. The plan to build a chemical factory __________ (fall back, fall through)
Answer: (fall through) The plan to build a chemical factory fell through.
In simple words: "Fall through" means to fail or be cancelled.

Exam Tip: Plans, deals, and arrangements "fall through" when they do not happen.

Question 10. The old buildings are to be __________ (pull off, pull down)
Answer: (pull down) The old buildings are to be pulled down.
In simple words: "Pull down" means to demolish a building or structure.

Exam Tip: Demolishing structures requires "pull down" or "knock down".

IV. Fill in the blanks with compound words. (cutbacks, crackdown, breakthrough, walkout, break up)

Question 1. The staff decided to __________ during the meeting.
Answer: The staff decided to walkout during the meeting.
In simple words: A walkout is a sudden protest where people leave their workplace.

Exam Tip: Notice the verb "decided to" requires the base noun/verb form.

Question 2. Their relationship __________ unexpectedly.
Answer: Their relationship broke up unexpectedly.
In simple words: "Break up" means to end a relationship.

Exam Tip: Use past tense "broke up" to match the context.

Question 3. The loss of the company may require staff __________.
Answer: The loss of the company may require staff cutbacks.
In simple words: Cutbacks refer to reductions in staff or expenses.

Exam Tip: Financial losses naturally lead to budget or staff cutbacks.

Question 4. Scientists claim to have made a __________ in cancer research.
Answer: Scientists claim to have made a breakthrough in cancer research.
In simple words: A breakthrough is a major discovery or advance.

Exam Tip: Scientific research achievements are almost always called "breakthroughs".

V. Insert hyphens in the right places in the following words.

Question 1. Nonsmoker, expresident, selfsatisfied, mothertobe, subzero, Outofdate, sixyearold, motherinlaw, twentyseven, onefourth
Answer:
1. Non-smoker
2. ex-president
3. self-satisfied
4. mother-to-be
5. sub-zero (or subzero)
6. out-of-date
7. six-year-old
8. mother-in-law
9. twenty-seven
10. one-fourth
In simple words: Hyphens join compound adjectives, fractions, family relations, and prefixed nouns.

Exam Tip: Compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine always take a hyphen.

VI. Complete the sentence using who or which

Question 1. This is the man __________ saved the kid.
Answer: This is the man who saved the kid.
In simple words: Use "who" for people and "which" for things.

Exam Tip: "Man" is a person, so "who" is required.

Question 2. This is the man __________ built our house.
Answer: This is the man who built our house.
In simple words: "Who" refers back to the man.

Exam Tip: Always check if the antecedent is human or non-human.

Question 3. The woman __________ is sitting at the desk is chairman's secretary.
Answer: The woman who is sitting at the desk is chairman's secretary.
In simple words: A woman is a person, hence "who".

Exam Tip: Relative pronouns introduce defining clauses about the subject.

Question 4. She didn't see the snake __________ was lying on the ground.
Answer: She didn't see the snake which (or that) was lying on the ground.
In simple words: Use "which" for animals and inanimate objects.

Exam Tip: Snakes are animals, so "which" is correct.

Question 5. The woman __________ lives next door is a teacher.
Answer: The woman who lives next door is a teacher.
In simple words: "Who" connects the woman to her action of living next door.

Exam Tip: Human subjects take "who".

VII. Complete the sentence with relative clauses.

Question 1. A waiter is a man (serves food and drinks in a restaurant)
Answer: A waiter is a man who serves food and drinks in a restaurant.
In simple words: Combine the sentence by adding a relative pronoun like "who".

Exam Tip: Replace the subject pronoun implied in brackets with "who".

Question 2. She worked for a man (the man used to be an athlete.)
Answer: She worked for a man who used to be an athlete.
In simple words: Connect the clauses using "who" instead of repeating "the man".

Exam Tip: Avoid redundant nouns in relative clauses.

Question 3. The customer liked the waiter (the waiter was very friendly)
Answer: The customer liked the waiter who was very friendly.
In simple words: "Who" replaces "the waiter" in the second clause.

Exam Tip: Ensure smooth flow without punctuation breaks inside defining relative clauses.

Question 4. I broke the computer (the computer belonged to my father)
Answer: I broke the computer which belonged to my father.
In simple words: Use "which" because a computer is an object.

Exam Tip: Non-living things take "which" or "that".

Question 5. A giant is someone (be very tall)
Answer: A giant is someone who is very tall.
In simple words: Adjust the verb form "be" to "is" and add "who".

Question 6. An airport is a place (planes land)
Answer: An airport is a place where planes land (or which planes land in).
In simple words: Use "where" for places.

Exam Tip: "Where" functions as a relative adverb for locations.

Question 7. My mobile phone is something (be very important to me)
Answer: My mobile phone is something that is very important to me.
In simple words: Use "that" after indefinite pronouns like "something".

Exam Tip: "That" is preferred after words ending in -thing.

Question 8. She loves books (the books have happy endings)
Answer: She loves books which have happy endings.
In simple words: Replace "the books" with "which".

Exam Tip: Plural nouns take plural verbs in the relative clause.

Question 9. The girl works in a bank (she is from India)
Answer: The girl who works in a bank is from India (or The girl who is from India works in a bank).
In simple words: Embed one clause inside the other using "who".

Exam Tip: Identify the main subject and attach the relative clause directly to it.

Question 10. They live in a city (the city is in the north of England)
Answer: They live in a city which is in the north of England.
In simple words: Connect the place using "which" or "that".

VIII. Fill in the blanks with right .....cut..... phrasal verbs. (up/off/back)

Question 1. My phone was cut __________ last week because I forget to pay the bill. (up/off/back)
Answer: My phone was cut off last week because I forgot to pay the bill.
In simple words: "Cut off" means disconnected.

Exam Tip: Utility services and phone lines are "cut off" for non-payment.

Question 2. Shalini cut __________ her shopping expenses. (down/up/out)
Answer: Shalini cut down her shopping expenses.
In simple words: "Cut down" means to reduce the amount of something.

Exam Tip: Expenses and consumption are reduced by cutting "down".

Question 3. The firm cut __________ production because sales were sluggish. (up/back/off)
Answer: The firm cut back production because sales were sluggish.
In simple words: "Cut back" means to decrease output or spending.

Exam Tip: Business production and manufacturing are usually cut "back".

Question 4. I am trying to cut __________ the amount of coffee I drink. (down/off/in)
Answer: I am trying to cut down the amount of coffee I drink.
In simple words: Decreasing daily intake uses "cut down".

Exam Tip: "Cut down on" is standard for food and drink reduction.

Question 5. I am cutting __________ salt from the diet. (up/off/out)
Answer: I am cutting out salt from the diet.
In simple words: "Cut out" means to completely eliminate something.

Exam Tip: Total elimination uses "cut out"; partial reduction uses "cut down".

IX. Convert the following sentences from active to passive voice.

Question 1. Anil likes oanges. (Note: corrected spelling from oanges to oranges)
Answer: Oranges are liked by Anil.
In simple words: Simple present tense active changes to is/am/are + past participle in passive.

Exam Tip: Object becomes subject, verb agrees in number and tense.

Question 2. He does not like sweets.
Answer: Sweets are not liked by him.
In simple words: Negative simple present takes "are not" + past participle.

Question 3. The servant is sweeping the room.
Answer: The room is being swept by the servant.
In simple words: Present continuous active changes to is/are + being + past participle.

Exam Tip: Do not omit the word "being" in continuous tenses.

Question 4. He is not returning the books.
Answer: The books are not being returned by him.
In simple words: Plural object "books" takes "are not being returned".

Exam Tip: Match plural subject with plural verb "are".

Question 5. Mr Joshi has built the house.
Answer: The house has been built by Mr Joshi.
In simple words: Present perfect active changes to has/have + been + past participle.

Exam Tip: Perfect tenses retain "been" in the passive structure.

Question 6. She has not washed the plates.
Answer: The plates have not been washed by her.
In simple words: Plural object takes "have not been washed".

Exam Tip: "She" changes to "her".

Question 7. The mad dog bit the beggar.
Answer: The beggar was bitten by the mad dog.
In simple words: Simple past active changes to was/were + past participle.

Exam Tip: Past tense of bite is bitten.

Question 8. They were not completing the work.
Answer: The work was not being completed by them.
In simple words: Past continuous takes was/were + being + past participle.

Exam Tip: "They" changes to "them".

Question 9. The postman was delivering the letters.
Answer: The letters were being delivered by the postman.
In simple words: Plural object "letters" takes "were being delivered".

Exam Tip: Ensure correct number agreement.

Question 10. The farmers had reaped the crops before rain.
Answer: The crops had been reaped by the farmers before rain.
In simple words: Past perfect uses "had been" + past participle.

Exam Tip: Keep time phrases at the end of the sentence.

Question 11. We will finish the whole work by 5 O' clock.
Answer: The whole work will be finished by us by 5 O' clock.
In simple words: Simple future uses will/shall + be + past participle.

Exam Tip: "We" changes to "us".

Question 12. The chemist will have closed the shop by 10 O'clock.
Answer: The shop will have been closed by the chemist by 10 O'clock.
In simple words: Future perfect uses will have + been + past participle.

Exam Tip: Retain the future perfect time clause intact.

Question 13. We prohibit smoking.
Answer: Smoking is prohibited.
In simple words: General statements can drop the agent "by us".

Exam Tip: Agent is omitted when it is general or understood.

Question 14. We expect the prices will go up further.
Answer: It is expected that the prices will go up further.
In simple words: Sentences with clause objects use impersonal passive "It is expected that...".

Question 15. People say that the company is in difficulties.
Answer: It is said that the company is in difficulties.
In simple words: Fact-reporting sentences convert using introductory "It is said...".

Exam Tip: Standard conversion for reporting verbs (say, believe, think).

Question 16. The police arrested him for the charge of theft.
Answer: He was arrested for the charge of theft (by the police).
In simple words: Police as an agent is often understood and can be omitted.

Exam Tip: "Him" becomes subject pronoun "He".

Question 17. I have not kept the money in the locker.
Answer: The money has not been kept in the locker by me.
In simple words: "I" changes to "me" in the prepositional agent phrase.

Exam Tip: Keep prepositional place phrases ("in the locker") before the agent.

Question 18. We should respect teachers.
Answer: Teachers should be respected.
In simple words: Modal verbs use modal + be + past participle.

Exam Tip: Modal passive does not change with the subject pronoun person.

Question 19. I hate people staring at me.
Answer: I hate being stared at by people.
In simple words: Gerund active "staring" becomes "being stared" in passive.

Exam Tip: Gerund passives use "being + past participle".

Question 20. They sell cakes here.
Answer: Cakes are sold here.
In simple words: General commercial statements drop the indefinite agent "they".

Exam Tip: Notice active voice with generic "they" drops the agent entirely in passive.

X. Combine the sentences using so......that.

Question 1. The box is very heavy. I cannot lift it.
Answer: The box is so heavy that I cannot lift it.
In simple words: Replace "very" with "so" and join the clauses with "that".

Exam Tip: "So... that" expresses cause and effect.

Question 2. My brother worked hard. He passed the test.
Answer: My brother worked so hard that he passed the test.
In simple words: Insert "so" before the adverb and connect with "that".

Exam Tip: Combine the action and result seamlessly.

Question 3. He is very ill. The doctors don't expect him to survive.
Answer: He is so ill that the doctors don't expect him to survive.
In simple words: Link the degree of illness to its consequence using "so... that".

Exam Tip: Keep the exact wording of the second clause intact.

Question 4. My grandfather is very weak .He cannot walk.
Answer: My grandfather is so weak that he cannot walk.
In simple words: Connect the condition of weakness with the inability to walk.

Exam Tip: Fix spacing issues around punctuation during transcription.

Question 5. The biriyani was very delicious. We had only that in the party.
Answer: The biriyani was so delicious that we had only that in the party.
In simple words: Show the extent of deliciousness using the "so... that" structure.

Exam Tip: Adjectives taking "very" convert directly to "so".

Question 6. The bag is very heavy for me to lift. My brother helped me.
Answer: The bag is so heavy for me to lift that my brother helped me.
In simple words: Combine the excessive weight with the resulting assistance.

Exam Tip: Maintain logical coherence across both combined sentences.

Question 7. Gold was very expensive yesterday. I could not buy anything.
Answer: Gold was so expensive yesterday that I could not buy anything.
In simple words: Link high price to the inability to purchase.

Exam Tip: "So... that" is frequently tested for transforming degree sentences.

XI. Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow:

THE SCHOOLBOY

I love to rise in a summer morn
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me.
O! what sweet company.

But to go to school in a summer morn,
O! it drives all joy away;
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day
In sighing and dismay.

Ah ! then at times I drooping sit,
And spend many an anxious hour,
Nor in my book can I take delight,
Nor sit in learning’s bower,
Worn thro’ with the dreary shower.

How can the bird that is born for joy
Sit in a cage and sing ?
How can a child, when fears annoy,
But droop his tender wing,
And forget his youthful spring?

Question 1. How does the schoolboy feel going to school in a summer morning?
Answer: Going to school on a summer morning drives all joy away from the schoolboy, making him spend the day in sighing, dismay, and drooping sadness.
In simple words: He hates going to school and feels miserable there instead of enjoying nature.

Exam Tip: Quote or paraphrase specific lines from stanza two for support.

Question 2. What is the anxiety of the schoolboy mentioned?
Answer: The schoolboy's anxiety stems from being trapped in a dull classroom under a cruel, strict teacher, where he cannot find any delight in his books or learning.
In simple words: He worries and feels anxious because schooling suppresses his freedom and happiness.

Exam Tip: Reference stanzas two and three to answer accurately.

Question 3. Write two things that the schoolboy loves and hates.
Answer: The schoolboy loves rising early on a summer morning, listening to birds singing, hearing the huntsman's horn, and singing alongside the skylark. He hates going to school on summer mornings and sitting gloomily under a harsh teacher's supervision.
In simple words: He loves free nature and birds, but hates school and strict classrooms.

Exam Tip: Contrast the imagery of stanza one (freedom) with stanza two (confinement).

Question 4. Finds synonyms for the following words.
a. far off
b. inclining downward
Answer:
a. far off - distant
b. inclining downward - drooping
In simple words: Matching vocabulary words directly from the poem text.

Exam Tip: Scan the poem for exact lexical equivalents when asked for synonyms from the text.

XII. You are Dinesh Bhatia living in D-33, West End Colony, New Delhi. The house you are living in needs some major repairs. Write a letter to your house owner, Mr. K.L Khanna who lives in 44 Juhu apartments, Mumbai, requesting him to have repairs carried out.

Question 1. Write the formal letter requesting house repairs.
Answer:
D-33, West End Colony
New Delhi

10th October 2024

Mr. K.L Khanna
44 Juhu Apartments
Mumbai

Subject: Request for urgent major repairs of the rented house

Dear Sir,

I am writing to bring to your urgent notice the deteriorating condition of the house (D-33, West End Colony) that I have been renting from you. Due to recent weather conditions, major cracks have developed in the living room ceiling, and there is severe water seepage during rains. Furthermore, some plumbing fixtures require immediate replacement.

These issues are posing safety concerns and making it difficult to reside comfortably. I request you to kindly send a mason and a plumber at your earliest convenience to inspect the property and carry out the necessary repairs.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely,
Dinesh Bhatia
In simple words: A formal letter to a landlord explaining property damage and requesting repairs.

Exam Tip: Follow proper formal letter layout including sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, and polite closing.

XIII. Write to the postmaster of your town, complaining that the registered parcel sent by you has not reached the addressee.

Question 1. Write a formal complaint letter to the postmaster.
Answer:
12, Civil Lines
New Delhi

15th October 2024

The Postmaster
Main Post Office
New Delhi

Subject: Complaint regarding non-delivery of a registered parcel

Sir,

I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding a registered parcel (Receipt No: RP-987654IN) that I sent from your branch on 1st October 2024 addressed to Mr. Ramesh Kumar in Kolkata. It has been two weeks, and the addressee has confirmed that the parcel has not yet reached him.

I have checked the online tracking status, but it shows no recent updates. This parcel contains important documents, and the delay is causing severe inconvenience.

I request you to kindly investigate the matter urgently and ensure the prompt delivery of the parcel. I have attached the original postal receipt for your reference.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,
Aakash Sharma
In simple words: A formal complaint letter about a lost or delayed postal item.

Exam Tip: Always include reference numbers, receipt details, and contact info in postal complaints.

XIV. Write a letter to your section head requesting him to bring changes in the present library.

Question 1. Write a formal letter to the section head for library improvements.
Answer:
Class VII-A
St. Mary's School
New Delhi

20th October 2024

The Section Head
Middle School Section
St. Mary's School, New Delhi

Subject: Request for upgrading and introducing changes in the school library

Respected Sir,

On behalf of the students of Class VII, I am writing to suggest some much-needed improvements to our school library. While we appreciate the existing collection, the library lacks updated science encyclopedias, interactive fiction, and adequate study seating during recess hours.

We kindly request you to introduce new arrivals in children's literature, subscribe to educational magazines, and extend library browsing hours for middle school students.

These changes will greatly encourage reading habits among students.

Thanking you.

Yours obediently,
Aarav Mehta
(Class Monitor, VII-A)
In simple words: A formal request letter to a school authority suggesting library upgrades.

XV. You are Nigam Patel. You had ordered some books from Messrs Sita Prakashan. On receipt of the package you find that books are not the same as ordered by you. Write a letter of complaint asking them to replace the books.

Question 1. Write a letter of complaint regarding incorrect book delivery.
Answer:
B-42, Shanti Park
Ahmedabad

12th October 2024

Messrs Sita Prakashan
Educational Publishers
Daryaganj, New Delhi

Subject: Complaint regarding receipt of incorrect books against Order No. SP-450

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the delivery of books received today against my Order No. SP-450 dated 5th October 2024. Instead of the Class VII Mathematics and Science textbooks I ordered, your dispatch department has sent Class VI English and History books.

As my academic term has already begun, I urgently require the correct books. I request you to arrange for the incorrect books to be picked up and replaced with the correct ones at the earliest.

I have attached copies of the invoice and order confirmation for your reference.

Thanking you.

Yours faithfully,
Nigam Patel
In simple words: A complaint letter to a publisher for sending wrong book titles.

Exam Tip: Clearly state order numbers, invoice details, and the exact error made.

XVI. You saw a very amusing play today. Write a diary entry about what you enjoyed.

Question 1. Write a diary entry describing an amusing play.
Answer:
Monday, 14th October 2024
8:30 PM

Dear Diary,

What an absolute laughter riot today! I went to the town auditorium with my family to watch a comedy play titled "The Mischievous Uncle." I haven't laughed this hard in months. The comic timing of the lead actors was flawless, and the hilarious plot twists kept the entire audience in splits from start to finish. My favorite character was the clumsy butler whose antics on stage caused immediate chaos. Theater outings like this truly refresh the mind and spirit. Looking forward to more such wonderful plays!

Nigam
In simple words: A personal diary entry recording a fun experience at a comedy play.

Exam Tip: Diary entries must include day, date, time, and informal conversational tone.

XVII. You found that Arun, who you considered as a good friend, has been back biting you. Record your feelings in your diary.

Question 1. Write a diary entry expressing betrayal by a friend.
Answer:
Tuesday, 15th October 2024
9:00 PM

Dear Diary,

I am writing this with a very heavy and hurt heart today. I discovered that Arun, someone whom I trusted blindly and considered my best friend, has been spreading malicious gossip and backbiting about me behind my back. Hearing this from a reliable mutual friend felt like a direct betrayal. All this time I stood up for him, and in return, he broke my trust. It teaches me a bitter lesson about who to trust. I feel deeply disappointed and sad, but I know I must distance myself from toxic people.

Dinesh
In simple words: A heartfelt diary entry sharing feelings of sadness and betrayal by a close friend.

Question 1. Write a diary entry about winning a debate competition.
Answer:
Wednesday, 16th October 2024
7:45 PM

Dear Diary,

Today is undoubtedly one of the proudest moments of my life! I won the First Prize in the Inter-School Debate Competition speaking on the topic 'Environmental Pollution.' When my name was announced as the winner, my heart leapt with joy. All those sleepless nights of preparation, researching statistics, and practicing speech modulation paid off wonderfully. My parents and teachers were beaming with pride. This victory has boosted my self-confidence immensely and inspired me to speak up even more passionately for our planet.

Aarav
In simple words: An enthusiastic diary entry celebrating the joy of winning a debate competition.

Exam Tip: Use expressive adjectives and celebratory language for achievement entries.

XIX. You are Arif/Arifa , Captain of School Sports Club. Your school is St.Paul’s School, Agra. Write a notice of note more than 50words about the School Annual Sports Meet to be held in the first week of November,2014.

Question 1. Draft a notice for the Annual Sports Meet.
Answer:

In simple words: A short formal notice inside a box informing students about upcoming sports events.

Exam Tip: Notices must always be enclosed in a box, state the issuing organization, title, date, body, and signature with designation.

XX. Divine Child School, Ahmedabad is organizing a Blood Donation Camp on Sunday 8th June 2014. As the School Head Boy put up a notice announcing the programme.

Question 1. Draft a notice for a Blood Donation Camp.
Answer:

In simple words: A formal notice in a box announcing a charity blood donation camp.

Exam Tip: Always include essential details like date, time, venue, and purpose in event notices.