Subject knowledge test: English
     

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The nature and role of standard English

Q1 Standard English is the form of English most commonly used in formal situations.
True
False
Q2 Answer 'dialect' or 'accent'.
offers clues about the speaker's origins through its choice of words and particular grammatical conventions.
refers to the way in which spoken language is pronounced, suggesting the speaker's geographical and/or social background.
Q3 Oi 'aven't seen 'im today.
Is the above sentence an attempt to represent (through spelling):
dialect?
accent?

The spoken and written language systems of English

Q4 Writing mirrors the structures of spoken language precisely.
True
False
Q5 Cohesion is a feature of spoken, rather than written, English.
True
False
Q6 Choose the correct word to complete the following sentence.
Discrete sentences are found more commonly in _____ English.
spoken
written

Phonics and how the writing system represents the sound system

Q7 Each letter in English corresponds to a single speech sound.
True
False
Q8 Distinguish the onset and rime in the following words. If the answer is none, put none in the box.
Seal - Onset Rime
Duck - Onset Rime
Owl - Onset Rime
Q9

From the wordbank below, find a word that includes the vowel phoneme found in 'crow' but spells it differently.
caught
grown
grey
kit
howl
frown
toe
Q10

Which words contain a consonant digraph? List your answers in the order in which they appear in the wordbank.
camel, elephant, owl, gorilla, frog.
Example 1 -
Example 2 -

Morphology - word structure and derivations

Q11 Prefixes and suffixes can be added to the end of a word.
True
False
Q12 Morphemes are larger units than phonemes and graphemes.
True
False
Q13

Separate the word 'subtraction' into its prefix, root (or base form) and suffix.
Prefix
Root
Suffix
Q14

Make an adjective from the word 'energy' by adding a derivational suffix (you may need to change the spelling).

Word meanings and how words relate to each other

Q15 Colloquial language means the same as slang.
True
False
Q16 From the following sentences, identify two words that are homophones.

I need new brake blocks for my bike.
We had a furious row.
What a tiny puppy!
Don't break the seal.
Let's sit in the front row.
Word 1
Word 2
Q17

Match each term to the letter of its best description. (put a, b, c, d or e by each)
i) synonym
ii) acronym
iii) homograph
iv) antonym
v) homophone
a) word with same spelling as another but different meaning
b) word with opposite meaning to another
c) word formed from initial letters or syllables of other words
d) word with similar meaning to another
e) word with the same sound as another but different meaning or spelling

Sentence level knowledge: word classes and cohesion within a sentence

Q18 Every word belongs to one particular class (part of speech).
True
False
Q19 In which person is the following extract written?
Following the play, which was extremely enjoyable, Charles and Jo went for a meal to a well-known local restaurant, where, to their surprise, they found other diners included members of the cast.

First
Second
Third
Q20

In what tense is the following extract written?
Following the play, which was extremely enjoyable, Charles and Jo went for a meal to a well-known local restaurant, where, to their surprise, they found other diners included members of the cast.

Past
Present
Future
Q21 Identify the main and auxiliary verbs in the following:
May I go home?
Main Verb
Auxiliary Verb
Q22

Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentence.
_________ can be written in the present or past tense.

Verbs
Adverbs
Determiners

Sentence level knowledge: sentence types and structure

Q23 Sentences need to stand alone and make sense.
True
False
Q24 Local dialects never include non-standard grammatical structures.
True
False
Q25

Plan your lessons carefully.
Look at the sentence above and decide if it is a:

question
exclamation
command
statement.
Q26 Label the subject and predicate in the following sentence.
The older children were studying algebra.
Subject
Predicate
Q27

For each of the following, decide if it is a phrase or a clause.
 
Phrase
Clause
  
A: after the test
 
B: a long, complicated test
 
C: when I have finished the test
 
D: with an enormous yawn
 
Q28

Joe, when he had finished his essay, volunteered to wash up.
Is the above sentence:

simple
compound
complex

Sentence level knowledge: punctuation

Q29 Punctuation mainly indicates where to take a breath when speaking.
True
False
Q30

Which of the three alternatives is correct?

a) 'Tonight,' suggested George, 'Let's go to the theatre.'
b) 'Tonight, suggested George, let's go to the theatre.'
c) 'Tonight,' suggested George, 'let's go to the theatre.'

Answer (a,b or c)

Q31

Which punctuation mark indicates possession or omission of letters? (please enter the name)

Textual knowledge: cohesion, layout and organisation

Q32 Without cohesion, a text is likely to be less coherent.
True
False
Q33 Certain textual conventions and structures are mainly found in written English.
True
False
Q34

Why is textual layout important in relation to meaning? Choose one sentence that is not correct.

a) It can chop a text into coherent chunks that are easier to read.
b) It can indicate the theme of a story.
c) It can help you locate information easily.
d) It can draw your attention rapidly to the main idea of the text.
e) It can often give you an instant idea of the kind of text you are dealing with.

Answer (a,b,c,d or e)


Textual knowledge: fiction, non-fiction and poetry

Q35 Most people, in daily life, read more fiction than non-fiction.
True
False
Q36 Reference books, like fiction, have to be read from beginning to end.
True
False
Q37

Which fictional genres best match the descriptions below? Select from the following:
fable, legend, fairy tale, adventure story, myth.
A: Usually includes animal characters who talk and act like humans; short, intended to teach a moral lesson.
B: Plot involves realistic characters engaging in and overcoming a series of exciting, often hazardous events.
C: Traditional tale, often rooted in historical fact, which describes the actions of a hero figure.
Q38

The Primary National Strategy Framework for Literacy defines six basic non-fiction text types:

recount
explanation
persuasive text
discussion
instructions
non-chronological report

Which of these is characterised by an opening statement of issue, a series of ordered arguments for and against the issue, and a conclusion?
Q39

Which text type best fits the following extract?
Later, went with Hayes to the Gaiety to see Macbeth - in my view, the most powerful play ever written. Afterwards enjoyed a quick tipple in the Five Jackdaws.

recount
explanation
persuasive text
discussion
instructions
non-chronological report
Q40

Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentence.
_______ refers to the effect created by words whose sound echoes their meaning.

a) onomatopoeia
b) metaphor
c) personification

Answer (a,b or c)


Critical evaluation of texts

Q41

Are the following statements presented as fact or opinion?

 
Fact
Opinion
i) The first National Curriculum was introduced in 1989.
ii) Schools have a legal responsibility to teach the National Curriculum.
iii) It is vital that children learn to punctuate accurately.
iv) Literacy has improved, but at the expense of creativity.