2) Hackers TEPS Grammar
Part I Choose the best answer for the blank.
1.
A: You haven’t mentioned my new haircut.
B: Oh my gosh, how ______ I didn’t notice?
(a) is that
(b) it is that
(c) was that
(d) was it that
Explanation
A: You haven’t said anything about my new ‘do.
B: Wow, how did I miss that?
The Lowdown
This question revolves entirely around the ‘it-that’ emphasis structure. We are seeking a construction that conveys, “How did I not notice this?” The ‘it-that’ structure is ideal for emphasizing the fact stated in the clause. Options (b) and (d) are our contenders. Since the question uses the form “how was it that I didn’t notice?”, the correct order is ‘question word + verb + subject.’ Hence, (d) was it that is the correct choice.
Word Watch
haircut new ‘do, hairstyle notice spot, catch
2.
A: Wouldn’t you miss Sam if he jetted off to work overseas?
B: Not really. I __________________ him for months at a time.
(a) used to not see
(b) used not to see
(c) am used to not seeing
(d) am used not to seeing
Translation
A: Wouldn’t you long for Sam if he took up a job abroad?
B: Not really. I’m accustomed to not seeing him for months on end.
The Scoop
Here, we need to select the appropriate gerund form. ‘Be used to –ing’ means ‘to be accustomed to,’ so our options are (c) and (d). To properly negate the gerund (seeing), ‘not’ should come before it. Therefore, (c) am used to not seeing is the correct choice.
Vocab Corner
overseas abroad, international at a time at once, in one go
Part II Choose the best answer for the blank.
3.
Mel watched her younger brothers __________ in the pool.
(a) swim
(b) swims
(c) swam
(d) swimming
Translation
Mel observed her little brothers splashing around in the pool.
The Breakdown
This is a participle fill-in-the-blank situation. We have a complete sentence with Mel (subject), watched (verb), and her younger brothers (object). The blank requires a participial modifier. While both (c) and (d) could function as modifiers, to indicate “brothers who are swimming,” the present participle is required. Hence, (d) swimming is the best choice. Remember to use the present participle for active relationships and the past participle for passive ones.
Word Bank
observe watch, keep an eye on pool swimming pool
4.
Hiking is a challenging yet fun activity _____ people can participate in together for recreation and social interaction.
(a) that
(b) when
(c) what
(d) where
Translation
Hiking is a tough yet enjoyable activity that people can engage in together for both relaxation and social interaction.
The Breakdown
Here, we are dealing with a relative pronoun fill-in-the-blank. The sentence has Hiking (subject), is (verb), and a challenging activity as its complement. We need a modifier for “fun activity” following the blank. Options (a), (b), and (d) could work; however, since there is no additional object after “participate in,” an objective relative pronoun is needed. Thus, (a) that is the correct answer. Option (c) is unsuitable for introducing a modifying clause.
Vocab Spotlight
challenging tough, demanding participate join in, take part recreation relaxation, fun interaction mingling, socializing
Part III Spot the awkward expression or grammatical error.
5.
(a) A: Is that my math homework on the kitchen table?
(b) B: No. It’s just a blank paper piece.
(c) A: This is bad. I can’t remember where I put my homework.
(d) B: Don’t worry. I’ll help you look for it.
Translation
(a) A: Is that my math assignment on the kitchen table?
(b) B: No. It’s just a blank sheet of paper.
(c) A: Oh no. I can’t recall where I left my homework.
(d) B: Don’t worry. I’ll help you search for it.
The Lowdown
We are identifying a countable/uncountable noun error here. In (b), “blank paper” is an uncountable noun, so a quantifier is required. It should be “a piece of blank paper.” Therefore, (b) B: No. It’s just a blank paper piece is the problematic expression.
Word Watch
homework assignment blank paper clean sheet remember recall look for search for
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Answers
(d) / (c) / (d) / (a) / (b)
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