Converting Sentences to Questions: Explanation and practice

 MCQ Test on Converting Sentences to Questions (Telugu-English) Introduction (పరిచయం):     Sentences ను questions గా convert చేయడం అనేది English grammar లో important skill. Questions అడగడం communication ను improve చేస్తుంది, and it helps in understanding information clearly. ఈ article లో, we’ll learn how...

 

MCQ Test on Converting Sentences to Questions (Telugu-English)

Introduction (పరిచయం):

    Sentences ను questions గా convert చేయడం అనేది English grammar లో important skill. Questions అడగడం communication ను improve చేస్తుంది, and it helps in understanding information clearly. ఈ article లో, we’ll learn how to convert declarative sentences into questions (yes/no, wh-questions, tag questions) and test your skills with a 15-question MCQ test. We’ll use a substitution table to practice forming questions. Let’s make learning fun and effective! ప్రశ్నలు రూపొందించడం practice చేసి, మీ English skills ను enhance చేయండి.

Key Rules for Converting Sentences to Questions (ప్రశ్నలు రూపొందించే నియమాలు):

1. Yes/No Questions: Invert the subject and auxiliary verb (e.g., is, are, do, does). Ex: “She is reading.” → “Is she reading?”
2. Wh-Questions: Use question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) and invert the subject and auxiliary verb. Ex: “They play football.” → “What do they play?”
3. Tag Questions: Add a tag (auxiliary + pronoun) with opposite polarity. Ex: “He runs fast.” → “He runs fast, doesn’t he?”
4. Verb Agreement: Use “do/does” for present simple, “did” for past simple if no auxiliary is present. Ex: “She writes a letter.” → “Does she write a letter?”
5. Correct Word Order: Ensure proper question structure (auxiliary + subject + base verb). Incorrect: “She is reading what?” Correct: “What is she reading?”

Grammar rules ను follow చేస్తే, sentences ను easily questions గా convert చేయవచ్చు. Practice makes perfect!

Substitution Table for Practicing Question Formation

Subject	Auxiliary Verb	Main Verb	Object/Complement	Preposition	Place/Time
I	am	reading	a book	in	the library
She	is	writing	a letter	at	home
They	are	playing	football	on	the field
He	does	like	music	during	evenings
We	did	visit	the zoo	with	friends

How to Use the Table (Table ను ఎలా ఉపయోగించాలి):

1. Form a declarative sentence using one word from each column. Ex: She is writing a letter at home.
2. Convert the sentence into a question (yes/no, wh-question, or tag question). Ex: Is she writing a letter at home? / What is she writing at home? / She is writing a letter at home, isn’t she?
3. Write as many questions as possible in your notebook. వీలైనన్ని questions రాయండి.
4. Ensure questions are grammatically correct, start with a capital letter, and end with a question mark. ప్రతి question capital letter తో మొదలై question mark తో ముగియాలి.
5. Practice speaking your questions aloud to improve fluency. Questions ను బిగ్గరగా చెప్పి fluency improve చేయండి.

Example Questions Using the Table:

1. Declarative: They are playing football on the field.
   • Yes/No: Are they playing football on the field?
   • Wh-Question: What are they playing on the field?
   • Tag Question: They are playing football on the field, aren’t they?
2. Declarative: He does like music during evenings.
   • Yes/No: Does he like music during evenings?
   • Wh-Question: When does he like music?
   • Tag Question: He does like music during evenings, doesn’t he?

MCQ Test: Converting Sentences to Questions (15 Questions)

Test your skills in converting sentences to questions! Each question provides a declarative sentence followed by four options. Choose the correct question form. Answers are provided at the end.

1. Sentence: She is studying English.

   • A) Is she study English?
   • B) Is she studying English?
   • C) Does she studying English?
   • D) What she is studying?

2. Sentence: They play cricket every Sunday.

   • A) Do they play cricket every Sunday?
   • B) Are they play cricket every Sunday?
   • C) What they play every Sunday?
   • D) Does they play cricket every Sunday?

3. Sentence: He visited the museum yesterday.

   • A) Did he visit the museum yesterday?
   • B) Does he visit the museum yesterday?
   • C) Is he visited the museum yesterday?
   • D) When he visited the museum?

4. Sentence: We are going to the park.

   • A) Are we go to the park?
   • B) Are we going to the park?
   • C) Do we going to the park?
   • D) Where we are going?

5. Sentence: Rama likes ice cream.

   • A) Does Rama likes ice cream?
   • B) Does Rama like ice cream?
   • C) Is Rama like ice cream?
   • D) What does Rama likes?

6. Sentence: She has finished her homework.

   • A) Has she finished her homework?
   • B) Does she finished her homework?
   • C) Is she finished her homework?
   • D) When she has finished her homework?

7. Sentence: They were watching a movie last night.

   • A) Were they watch a movie last night?
   • B) Were they watching a movie last night?
   • C) Did they watching a movie last night?
   • D) What were they watching last night?

8. Sentence: He can swim very well.

   • A) Can he swim very well?
   • B) Does he swim very well?
   • C) Is he swim very well?
   • D) How he can swim?

9. Sentence: You will attend the meeting tomorrow.

   • A) Will you attend the meeting tomorrow?
   • B) Do you attend the meeting tomorrow?
   • C) Are you attend the meeting tomorrow?
   • D) When you will attend the meeting?

10. Sentence: She is happy today.

    • A) Is she happy today?
    • B) Does she happy today?
    • C) Is she happy today, isn’t she?
    • D) Why she is happy today?

11. Sentence: They have two cats.

    • A) Have they two cats?
    • B) Do they have two cats?
    • C) Are they have two cats?
    • D) How many cats they have?

12. Sentence: He runs fast.

    • A) Does he runs fast?
    • B) Does he run fast?
    • C) Is he run fast?
    • D) He runs fast, doesn’t he?

13. Sentence: We enjoyed the party.

    • A) Did we enjoy the party?
    • B) Do we enjoy the party?
    • C) Were we enjoy the party?
    • D) What did we enjoy?

14. Sentence: She will sing a song.

    • A) Will she sing a song?
    • B) Does she sing a song?
    • C) Is she sing a song?
    • D) What she will sing?

15. Sentence: They are friends.

    • A) Are they friends?
    • B) Do they friends?
    • C) Are they friends, aren’t they?
    • D) Who they are?

Answers to MCQ Test:

1. B) Is she studying English?
2. A) Do they play cricket every Sunday?
3. A) Did he visit the museum yesterday?
4. B) Are we going to the park?
5. B) Does Rama like ice cream?
6. A) Has she finished her homework?
7. B) Were they watching a movie last night?
8. A) Can he swim very well?
9. A) Will you attend the meeting tomorrow?
10. A) Is she happy today? (Note: C is a correct tag question, but the question asks for a direct conversion.)
11. A) Have they two cats?
12. B) Does he run fast? (Note: D is a correct tag question, but the question asks for a direct conversion.)
13. A) Did we enjoy the party?
14. A) Will she sing a song?
15. A) Are they friends? (Note: C is a correct tag question, but the question asks for a direct conversion.)

Practice Instructions (సూచనలు):

1. Use the substitution table to create declarative sentences and convert them into yes/no, wh-questions, and tag questions. Table ను ఉపయోగించి sentences మరియు questions రాయండి.
2. Take the MCQ test and check your answers. MCQ test తీసుకొని answers verify చేయండి.
3. Practice speaking the questions aloud to improve pronunciation. Questions ను బిగ్గరగా చెప్పి pronunciation practice చేయండి.
4. Write additional sentences and questions in your notebook for extra practice. Extra practice కోసం notebook లో sentences మరియు questions రాయండి.
5. Share your questions with teachers or friends for feedback. Questions ను teachers లేదా friends తో share చేసి feedback తీసుకోండి.
6. Review incorrect MCQ answers to understand mistakes. Incorrect answers ను review చేసి mistakes అర్థం చేసుకోండి.

Comments (Sample Questions for Comment Section):

• Is she writing a letter?
• What are they playing on the field?
• He does like music, doesn’t he?
• Did we visit the zoo?
• Are they friends, aren’t they?

Key Points to Remember (గుర్తుంచుకోండి):

• Yes/No questions auxiliary verb తో start అవుతాయి (is, do, does). Ex: Is she reading?
• Wh-questions question word తో మొదలవుతాయి (what, where). Ex: Where are they going?
• Tag questions opposite polarity ఉపయోగిస్తాయి. Ex: He runs fast, doesn’t he?
• Correct word order is crucial for proper questions. Correct word order questions కు crucial.
• Practice regularly to master question formation. Regular practice question formation ను master చేస్తుంది.

Contractions : A complete guide with a Quiz to test the knowledge

Complete Guide to English Contractions  Contractions are shortened forms of words or phrases created by combining two words and replacing omitted letters with an apostrophe. They are a fundamental aspect of English, particularly in informal speech and writing, as they make communication more concise and conversational....

Complete Guide to English Contractions

  Contractions are shortened forms of words or phrases created by combining two words and replacing omitted letters with an apostrophe. They are a fundamental aspect of English, particularly in informal speech and writing, as they make communication more concise and conversational. This comprehensive guide covers the definition, types, rules, usage, common mistakes, and strategies for mastering contractions, suitable for learners, educators, and language enthusiasts.

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1. What Are Contractions?

A contraction is a word formed by merging two words, with an apostrophe replacing the omitted letters. For example:

• "I am" becomes "I’m" (omitting "a").

• "Do not" becomes "don’t" (omitting "o").

Purpose of Contractions:

• Enhance fluency and brevity in spoken and written English.

• Reflect natural, conversational language.

• Convey a casual or friendly tone.

Key Characteristics:

• Always involve an apostrophe to mark omitted letters.

• Typically combine a pronoun/verb or verb/negation.

• Common in informal contexts but may be avoided in formal writing.

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2. Types of Contractions

Contractions can be categorized based on the words they combine. The main types are:

A. Pronoun + Verb Contractions

These combine a pronoun (e.g., I, you, he) with a verb (e.g., am, is, have). Examples include:

• With "to be":

  • I am → I’m

  • You are → You’re

  • He is → He’s

  • She is → She’s

  • It is → It’s

  • We are → We’re

  • They are → They’re

• With "to have":

  • I have → I’ve

  • You have → You’ve

  • He has → He’s

  • She has → She’s

  • We have → We’ve

  • They have → They’ve

• With "will":

  • I will → I’ll

  • You will → You’ll

  • He will → He’ll

  • She will → She’ll

  • It will → It’ll

  • We will → We’ll

  • They will → They’ll

• With "would" or "had":

  • I would/had → I’d

  • You would/had → You’d

  • He would/had → He’d

  • She would/had → She’d

  • We would/had → We’d

  • They would/had → They’d

B. Verb + Negation Contractions

These combine a verb with "not" to form a negative. Examples include:

• With "to be":

  • Is not → Isn’t

  • Are not → Aren’t

  • Was not → Wasn’t

  • Were not → Weren’t

• With auxiliary verbs:

  • Do not → Don’t

  • Does not → Doesn’t

  • Did not → Didn’t

  • Have not → Haven’t

  • Has not → Hasn’t

  • Had not → Hadn’t

• With modals:

  • Can not → Can’t

  • Could not → Couldn’t

  • Shall not → Shan’t (rare)

  • Should not → Shouldn’t

  • Will not → Won’t

  • Would not → Wouldn’t

  • Must not → Mustn’t

C. Miscellaneous Contractions

These are less common and often informal or dialect-specific:

• Let us → Let’s

• There is → There’s

• That is → That’s

• Who is → Who’s

• What is → What’s

• Where is → Where’s

• Here is → Here’s

D. Informal or Non-Standard Contractions

These are used in casual speech or specific dialects but are generally avoided in writing:

• Going to → Gonna

• Want to → Wanna

• Have to → Hafta

• Ain’t (for am not, is not, are not, has not, have not)

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3. Rules for Forming Contractions

To use contractions correctly, follow these rules:

1. Use an Apostrophe: The apostrophe replaces the omitted letters (e.g., "do not" → "don’t," apostrophe replaces "o").

2. Combine Compatible Words: Contractions typically involve pronouns, verbs, or negations (e.g., "I am," "will not"). Nouns rarely form contractions except in specific cases (e.g., "ma’am" for "madam").

3. Maintain Meaning: Ensure the contraction preserves the original meaning (e.g., "he’s" can mean "he is" or "he has," depending on context).

4. Context Matters: Use contractions in informal settings (e.g., conversations, emails to friends) but avoid them in formal writing (e.g., academic essays, legal documents) unless quoting dialogue.

5. Pronunciation: Contractions reflect spoken English, so practice their pronunciation (e.g., "I’m" sounds like /aɪm/, not /ai am/).

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4. Usage of Contractions

Contractions are versatile but context-dependent. Below are guidelines for their use:

A. When to Use Contractions

• Informal Speech: Contractions are standard in everyday conversations (e.g., “I’m going to the store”).

• Casual Writing: Use in personal emails, text messages, or blog posts (e.g., “You’ll love this book!”).

• Creative Writing: Contractions in dialogue make characters sound natural (e.g., “I can’t believe it,” she said).

• Teaching/Learning English: Contractions help learners sound fluent and understand native speakers.

B. When to Avoid Contractions

• Formal Writing: Avoid in academic papers, business reports, or official documents (e.g., write “do not” instead of “don’t”).

• Emphasis: Use full forms to stress a point (e.g., “I am not joking” vs. “I’m not joking”).

• Clarity: In technical writing, full forms prevent ambiguity (e.g., “it is” instead of “it’s”).

• Historical or Legal Contexts: Contractions may seem out of place in formal or archaic language.

C. Cultural and Dialectal Variations

• In American English, contractions are widely used in both speech and informal writing.

• In British English, contractions are common but may be less frequent in formal contexts.

• Non-standard contractions like “gonna” or “ain’t” are more prevalent in certain dialects (e.g., African American Vernacular English) but should be used cautiously in standard English.

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5. Common Contractions and Their Meanings

Below is a table of frequently used contractions, their full forms, and examples:

Contraction	Full Form	Example Sentence
I’m	I am	I’m excited for the party!
You’re	You are	You’re my best friend.
He’s	He is / He has	He’s tired / He’s finished.
It’s	It is / It has	It’s raining / It’s been fun.
We’re	We are	We’re going on vacation.
They’ve	They have	They’ve already left.
I’ll	I will	I’ll call you later.
Don’t	Do not	Don’t forget your homework.
Can’t	Can not	I can’t swim.
Won’t	Will not	She won’t agree to that.
Let’s	Let us	Let’s watch a movie tonight.

Note: Some contractions (e.g., “he’s,” “it’s”) have multiple meanings based on context. For example:

• “It’s a dog” (It is).

• “It’s been a long day” (It has).

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6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning contractions can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers. Below are common errors and solutions:

1. Confusing Homophones:

   • Error: Mixing “you’re” (you are) with “your” (possessive).

     • Example: “Your late” (incorrect) vs. “You’re late” (correct).

   • Solution: Check if the word can be expanded to “you are.” Practice with exercises on homophones.

2. Misusing “It’s” vs. “Its”:

   • Error: “The dog wagged it’s tail” (incorrect) vs. “The dog wagged its tail” (correct).

   • Solution: Remember “it’s” is always “it is” or “it has”; “its” is possessive.

3. Overusing Contractions in Formal Writing:

   • Error: “I can’t submit the report” in a formal email.

   • Solution: Use full forms like “cannot” in formal contexts. Review the context before writing.

4. Ambiguous Contractions:

   • Error: “She’d go” (could mean “she would” or “she had”).

   • Solution: Ensure context clarifies the meaning (e.g., “She’d go if invited” = would).

5. Incorrect Apostrophe Placement:

   • Error: “Dont” instead of “don’t.”

   • Solution: Place the apostrophe where letters are omitted. Practice writing contractions correctly.

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7. Strategies for Learning and Mastering Contractions

To become proficient with contractions, follow these strategies:

A. Study and Memorize Common Contractions

• Create a flashcard deck with contractions on one side and full forms on the other (e.g., “I’m” → “I am”).

• Group contractions by type (e.g., pronoun + verb, verb + not) for easier recall.

• Use mnemonic devices, such as songs or rhymes, to remember pairs (e.g., “I’m, you’re, we’re, they’re”).

B. Practice with Exercises

• Fill-in-the-Blank: Complete sentences with the correct contraction (e.g., “I ___ going” → “I’m going”).

• Expansion: Rewrite contractions as full forms (e.g., “She’s tired” → “She is tired”).

• Conversion: Transform full forms into contractions (e.g., “We are not” → “We aren’t”).

• Proofreading: Identify and correct misused contractions in sample texts.

C. Listen and Imitate Native Speakers

• Watch English movies, TV shows, or podcasts to hear contractions in context (e.g., “I’ll be back” in action films).

• Use apps like ELSA Speak or Speechling to practice pronouncing contractions naturally.

• Mimic native speakers’ intonation and rhythm when using contractions.

D. Write and Speak Regularly

• Write informal emails, journal entries, or social media posts using contractions.

• Practice speaking sentences with contractions (e.g., “I can’t wait to see you!”) to build fluency.

• Record yourself reading texts with contractions and compare with native speaker audio.

E. Use Educational Resources

• Books: English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy includes sections on contractions.

• Websites: Grammarly, Purdue OWL, or BBC Learning English offer contraction lessons.

• Apps: Duolingo, Grammarly, or Quizlet provide interactive contraction exercises.

• Songs and Rhymes: Create or find songs (like the one provided earlier) to make learning fun.

F. Seek Feedback

• Share written or spoken work with teachers, peers, or language exchange partners.

• Join online forums (e.g., Reddit’s r/EnglishLearning) to ask questions about contractions.

• Use language tutoring platforms like iTalki or Preply for personalized guidance.

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8. Teaching Contractions

For educators or parents teaching contractions, consider these tips:

• Start Simple: Introduce common contractions (e.g., “I’m,” “don’t”) before complex ones (e.g., “should’ve”).

• Use Visuals: Show how words combine (e.g., “I + am = I’m”) with diagrams or flashcards.

• Incorporate Games: Play matching games (pair contractions with full forms) or bingo with contractions.

• Contextual Learning: Use stories or dialogues where characters use contractions naturally.

• Practice in Context: Have students write short stories or role-play conversations using contractions.

• Correct Gently: When students misuse contractions, explain the rule and provide examples.

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9. Contractions in Different Contexts

• American vs. British English:

  • Both use contractions similarly, but British English may favor full forms in slightly more formal contexts.

  • Non-standard contractions (e.g., “gonna”) are more common in American English.

• Non-Native Learners:

  • Learners may struggle with contractions due to their absence in some languages (e.g., Telugu, where contractions are rare).

  • Focus on listening practice to recognize contractions in fast speech.

• Children:

  • Teach contractions through songs, stories, and interactive activities to make learning engaging.

  • Emphasize the apostrophe’s role to build early grammar awareness.

• Advanced Learners:

  • Explore nuances, such as when to avoid contractions for emphasis or formality.

  • Practice contractions in idiomatic expressions (e.g., “It’s about time!”).

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10. Common Questions About Contractions

• Can contractions be used in questions?
  Yes, e.g., “Aren’t you coming?” or “What’s your name?”

• Are contractions grammatically correct?
  Yes, in informal contexts. They are standard in spoken English and informal writing.

• Why does “won’t” look different from “will not”?
  “Won’t” derives from an older form, “woll not,” and evolved irregularly.

• Can contractions be overused?
  Yes, in formal writing, excessive contractions can seem unprofessional. Balance is key.

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11. Practice Schedule for Mastery

Week 1: Learn pronoun + verb contractions (e.g., I’m, you’re, he’s). Practice writing and speaking simple sentences.
Week 2: Study verb + negation contractions (e.g., don’t, can’t). Do fill-in-the-blank exercises.
Week 3: Explore miscellaneous contractions (e.g., let’s, there’s). Write a short story using contractions.
Week 4: Review all types, focus on pronunciation, and correct mistakes in sample texts.
Ongoing: Use contractions in daily conversations, emails, or journals. Listen to native speakers to reinforce natural usage.

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12. Conclusion

Contractions are a vital part of English, making language more efficient and conversational. By understanding their types, rules, and contexts, learners can use contractions confidently in speech and writing. Through regular practice, listening to native speakers, and leveraging educational resources, anyone can master contractions. Whether you’re a beginner aiming for fluency or an educator teaching grammar, this guide provides a clear roadmap to success. Embrace contractions to sound natural and make your English “snappy and happy”!

TAKE THE TEST HERE👇👇👇👇

English Contractions Knowledge Quiz: 20 Multiple Choice Questions

Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each question. The questions test your understanding of English contractions, including their formation, usage, and identification in sentences. Each question has four options: A, B, C, or D. (FIRST WRITE YOUR ANSWERS ON A PAPER AND CHECK AT THE END WITH THE KEY)

1. What is the contraction for "I am"?
   A) I’m
   B) Im
   C) I’ve
   D) I’d

2. Which contraction correctly completes the sentence: "You ___ late for class again!"
   A) aren’t
   B) isnt
   C) don’t
   D) won’t

3. What is the full form of the contraction "she’s"?
   A) She was
   B) She is / She has
   C) She will
   D) She does

4. Which sentence uses the contraction correctly?
   A) Its a beautiful day outside.
   B) They’re going to the park later.
   C) I dont want to leave yet.
   D) He’d better not be late again.

5. What type of contraction is "don’t"?
   A) Pronoun + Verb
   B) Verb + Negation
   C) Pronoun + Negation
   D) Modal + Verb

6. Choose the correct contraction for "we have":
   A) We’re
   B) We’ve
   C) We’d
   D) We’ll

7. Identify the error in the sentence: "Your going to miss the bus."
   A) "Your" should be "You’re".
   B) "Going" should be "goin’".
   C) No error; the sentence is correct.
   D) "Miss" should be "missed".

8. Which contraction fits best: "___ call you tomorrow."
   A) I’ve
   B) I’ll
   C) I’d
   D) I’m

9. What is the contraction for "will not"?
   A) Won’t
   B) Wont
   C) Willn’t
   D) Wouldn’t

10. Which sentence correctly uses a contraction?
    A) It’s been a long day, hasn’t it?
    B) She dont know the answer.
    C) Theyre books are on the table.
    D) I cant find my keys anywhere.

11. What is the full form of "let’s"?
    A) Let is
    B) Let us
    C) Let has
    D) Let will

12. Choose the correct contraction: "He ___ finished his homework yet."
    A) hasn’t
    B) isn’t
    C) don’t
    D) won’t

13. Which contraction is incorrectly used: "I’m tired, but I can’t sleep, so I’ll read."
    A) I’m
    B) can’t
    C) I’ll
    D) No error

14. What is the contraction for "they are"?
    A) They’ve
    B) They’re
    C) They’d
    D) They’ll

15. Which option correctly completes: "___ going to the party tonight?"
    A) Who’s
    B) Whats
    C) Wheres
    D) Heres

16. Identify the contraction type in: "We’d better hurry!"
    A) Pronoun + Verb
    B) Verb + Negation
    C) Pronoun + Modal
    D) Modal + Negation

17. Which sentence is grammatically incorrect?
    A) You’re my best friend.
    B) It’s raining outside.
    C) They dont like to dance.
    D) She’ll be here soon.

18. Choose the correct contraction for "is not":
    A) Isnt
    B) Isn’t
    C) Don’t
    D) Ain’t

19. Which sentence shows incorrect apostrophe placement?
    A) I’m happy to see you.
    B) He’s got a new car.
    C) They’r coming over later.
    D) We’ve finished the project.

20. What is the full form of "there’s"?
    A) There is / There has
    B) There will
    C) There are
    D) There does

Answer Key:

1. A) I’m

2. A) aren’t

3. B) She is / She has

4. B) They’re going to the park later.

5. B) Verb + Negation

6. B) We’ve

7. A) "Your" should be "You’re".

8. B) I’ll

9. A) Won’t

10. A) It’s been a long day, hasn’t it?

11. B) Let us

12. A) hasn’t

13. D) No error

14. B) They’re

15. A) Who’s

16. C) Pronoun + Modal

17. C) They dont like to dance.

18. B) Isn’t

19. C) They’r coming over later.

20. A) There is / There has

Check Yourself Quiz - 7: Active Voice to Passive Voice

Check Yourself Quiz - 7 : Active Voice to Passive Voice    Dive into the exciting world of grammar with our Active to Passive Voice Conversion Quiz! This 15-question challenge is your chance to sharpen your skills, master the art of transforming sentences, and deepen your understanding of voice in various tenses. Whether you're a student, teacher, or language enthusiast, this quiz...

Check Yourself Quiz - 7 : Active Voice to Passive Voice

    Dive into the exciting world of grammar with our Active to Passive Voice Conversion Quiz! This 15-question challenge is your chance to sharpen your skills, master the art of transforming sentences, and deepen your understanding of voice in various tenses. Whether you're a student, teacher, or language enthusiast, this quiz offers a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge and boost your confidence. Don't miss out—take the quiz today and see how well you can switch between active and passive voice!

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THE SNAKE AND THE MIRROR పాము మరియు అద్దం (ENGLISH & తెలుగులో)

THE SNAKE AND THE MIRROR (in Telugu)పాము మరియు అద్దంListen by clicking over me: నాపై నొక్కి (Telugu) వినండి Your browser does not support the audio element. “పూర్తిగా విషమున్న నాగుపాము మీ శరీరంపై ఎప్పుడైనా చుట్టుకున్నదా?” మేమంతా నిశ్శబ్దంగా ఉన్నాం. ఈ ప్రశ్న హోమియోపతి డాక్టర్ నుండి వచ్చింది. మేము పాముల గురించి చర్చిస్తున్నప్పుడు ఈ విషయం వచ్చింది. డాక్టర్ కథను కొనసాగించడంతో మేము శ్రద్ధగా...

 

The Snake and the Mirror (in English)

“Has a snake ever coiled itself round any part of your body? A full-blooded cobra?” All of us fell silent. The question came from the homeopath. The topic came up when we were discussing snakes. We listened attentively as the doctor continued with the tale.

“It was a hot summer night about ten o’ clock. I had my meal at the restaurant and returned to my room. I heard a noise from above as I opened the door. The sound was a familiar one. One could say that rats and I shared the room. I took out my box of matches and lighted the kerosene lamp on the table.

The house was not electrified; it was a small rented room. I had just set up medical practice and my earnings were meagre. I had about sixty rupees in my suitcase. Along with some shirts and dhotis, I also possessed one solitary black coat which I was then wearing.

I took off my black coat, white shirt and not-so-white vest and hung them up. I opened the two windows in the room. It was an outer room with one wall facing the open yard. It had a tiled roof with long supporting gables that rested on the beam over the wall. There was no ceiling. There was a regular traffic of rats to and from the beam. I made my bed and pulled it close to the wall. I lay down but I could not sleep. I got up and went out to the veranda for a little air, but the wind god seemed to have taken time off.

I went back into the room and sat down on the chair. I opened the box beneath the table and took out a book, The Materia Medica. I opened it at the table on which stood the lamp and a large mirror; a small comb lay beside the mirror.

One feels tempted to look into a mirror when it is near. I took a look. In those days I was a great admirer of beauty and I believed in making myself look handsome. I was unmarried and was a doctor. I felt I had to make my presence felt. I picked up the comb and ran it through my hair and adjusted the parting so that it looked straight and neat. Again I heard that sound from above.

I took a close look at my face in the mirror. I made an important decision – I would shave daily and grow a thin moustache to look more handsome. I was, after all, a bachelor, and doctor!

I looked into the mirror and smiled. It was an attractive smile. I made another earth-shaking decision. I would always keep that attractive smile on my face . . . to look more handsome. I was after all a bachelor, and doctor too on top of it!

Again came that noise from above.

I got up, lit a beedi and paced up and down the room. Then another lovely thought struck me. I would marry. I would get married to a woman doctor who had plenty of money and a good medical practice. She had to be fat; for a valid reason. If I made some silly mistake and needed to run away, she should not be able to run after me and catch me!

With such thoughts in my mind I resumed my seat in the chair in front of the table. There were no more sounds from above. Suddenly there came a dull thud as if a rubber tube had fallen to the ground. . . surely nothing to worry about. Even so I thought I would turn around and take a look. No sooner had I turned than a fat snake wriggled over the back of the chair and landed on my shoulder.The snake’s landing on me and my turning were simultaneous.

I didn’t jump. I didn’t tremble. I didn’t cry out. There was no time to do any such thing. The snake slithered along my shoulder and coiled around my left arm above the elbow. The hood was spread out and its head was hardly three or four inches from my face!

It would not be correct to say merely that I sat there holding my breath. I was turned to stone. But my mind was very active. The door opened into darkness. The room was surrounded by darkness. In the light of the lamp, I sat there like a stone image in the flesh.

I felt then the great presence of the Creator of this world and this universe. God was there. Suppose I said something and he did not like it. I tried in my imagination to write in bright letters outside my little heart the words ‘O God!’.

There was some pain in my left arm. It was as if a thick leaden rod – no, a rod made of molten fire – was slowly but powerfully crushing my arm. The arm was beginning to be drained of all strength. What could I do?

At my slightest movement the snake would strike me! Death lurked four inches away. Suppose it struck, what was the medicine I had to take? There were no medicines in the room. I was but a poor, foolish and stupid doctor. I forgot my danger and smiled feebly at myself.

It seemed as if God appreciated that. The snake turned its head. It looked into the mirror and saw its reflection. I do not claim that it was the first snake that had ever looked into a mirror. But it was certain that the snake was looking into the mirror. Was it admiring its own beauty? Was it trying to make an important decision about growing a moustache or using eye shadow and mascara or wearing a vermilion spot on its forehead?

I did not know anything for certain. What sex was the snake, was it male or female? I will never know; for the snake unwound itself from my arm and slowly slithered into my lap. From there it crept onto the table and moved towards the mirror. Perhaps it wanted to enjoy its reflection at closer quarters.

I was no mere image cut in granite. I was suddenly a man of flesh and blood. Still holding my breath I got up from the chair. I quietly went out through the door into the veranda. From there I leapt into the yard and ran for all I was worth.”

“Phew!” Each of us heaved a sigh of relief. All of us lit beedis. Somebody asked, “Doctor, is your wife very fat?”

“No,” the doctor said. “God willed otherwise. My life companion is a thin reedy person with the gift of a sprinter.”

Someone else asked, “Doctor, when you ran, did the snake follow you?”

The doctor replied, “I ran and ran till I reached a friend’s house. Immediately I smeared oil all over myself and took a bath. I changed into fresh clothes. The next morning at about eight-thirty I took my friend and one or two others to my room to move my things from there. But we found we had little to carry. Some thief had removed most of my things. The room had been cleaned out! But not really, the thief had left behind one thing as a final insult!”

“What was that?” I asked.

The doctor said, “My vest, the dirty one. The fellow had such a sense of cleanliness ! The rascal could have taken it and used it after washing it with soap and water.”

“Did you see the snake the next day, doctor?”

The doctor laughed, “I’ve never seen it since. It was a snake which was taken with its own beauty!”