Advanced English Grammar Test - 1

Section A: Reading Skills

Q1. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The rapid expansion of digital payments in India has transformed the way people transact daily. With UPI becoming widely accessible, even small vendors and street sellers now accept cashless payments. This shift has increased transparency, reduced dependency on cash, and improved the speed of transactions. However, concerns related to cyber security, data privacy and digital literacy still remain major challenges. Continuous efforts are needed to ensure that all users-especially those in rural areas-can use digital payment systems safely and confidently.

(a) What major change has occurred in India's payment system?
(b) State one advantage and one challenge mentioned in the passage.
(c) Why is digital literacy important in the context of the passage?
(d) Find a word from the passage that means: "growth or spread."

Q2. Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:
The value of failure is often underestimated in modern education systems. Many students are taught to fear making mistakes, resulting in hesitation and lack of creative risk-taking. Failure, however, is a powerful teacher. It helps individuals understand their weaknesses, develop resilience, and refine their approach. Schools that treat mistakes as learning opportunities encourage problem-solving, innovation, and deeper understanding. When failure is not seen as the end but a step forward, students engage more confidently with challenges and become lifelong learners.
(a) What is the main idea of the passage?
(b) How does failure contribute to learning?
(c) Why do some students fear making mistakes?
(d) Give a suitable title for the passage.

Section B: Grammar - Core Concepts

Q3. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs in brackets:
(a) She ______ (train) for the marathon since June.
(b) By this time tomorrow, they ______ (complete) the presentation.

Q4. Insert suitable modals:
(a) You ______ follow the safety instructions at all times.
(b) He ______ possibly be at home; his car is not in the driveway.

Q5. Supply appropriate determiners:
(a) There are ______ students interested in joining the photography club.
(b) She gave me ______ advice that changed my perspective.

Q6. Correct the errors in each sentence:
(a) The list of award winners were announced yesterday.
(b) Neither of the answers seem correct.

Q7. Fill in the blanks with suitable prepositions:
(a) The teacher congratulated him ______ his achievement.
(b) The museum will open ______ 10 a.m.

Q8. Combine the sentences using appropriate conjunctions:
(a) She was unwell. She attended the meeting.
(b) We can start the programme. Everyone arrives.

Q9. Identify the type of clause in the underlined portion:
(a) I waited until the rain stopped.
(b) She promised that she would visit soon.

Q10. Rewrite as directed:
(a) "I will help you tomorrow," he said. (Convert to indirect speech)
(b) Someone has stolen my wallet. (Rewrite in the passive voice)

Q11. Reorder to form meaningful sentences:
(a) important / communication / skill / an / is
(b) holiday / a / planning / they / are

Q12. Complete the passage with one word in each blank:
Pollution has become one of the biggest challenges of modern cities. People are exposed to harmful gases every day, and many are not even aware of the damage it ______ (1) do to their health. Authorities are trying to promote cleaner transportation, ______ (2) as cycling and public transit, but public participation is essential. Unless citizens take responsibility, the situation will ______ (3) continue to worsen.

Q13. The following passage has an error in each line. Identify the error and write the correction:
1. The school is planning trip for students.
2. They is expected to report at 6 a.m.
3. Breakfast are arranged by the organisers.
4. There are no space for extra luggage.

Q14. Rewrite as a question: She finished the assignment.

Q15. Rewrite the following as a polite request: "Give me your notebook."

Section C: Writing Skills

Q16. You are the Cultural Secretary of your school. Draft a notice announcing auditions for the Inter-School Theatre Competition. Include date, time, venue and eligibility.

Q17. You received a call for your sister, Naina, while she was away. Write a message informing her about the call and the details.

Q18. Write a diary entry describing your feelings on completing an important personal goal after weeks of effort.

Q19. Write a letter to the Editor of a national daily highlighting the increasing cases of cyberbullying among teenagers and suggesting preventive measures.

Q20. Write an article on the topic: "Balancing Academic Pressure and Mental Well-being" (150-200 words).

Q21. Write a paragraph on: "A Person Who Inspired Me".

Q22. Write a story beginning with the following line:
"The moment I stepped out of the train, I knew something was not right..."