Vocabulary MCQ Part 1

In English, we learn synthesis & transformation, conjunctions, tenses and much more using grammar rules. On the other hand, when learning vocabulary, there are no such rules. In this article, we will learn and understand how we can ace vocabulary. 

Let's first look into what phrasal verbs are and learn more about them using a few examples.

What is a Phrasal Verb?

A phrasal verb is when you have a verb combined with a preposition. Each of them carries its own meaning. However, when you put the verb and preposition together, the meaning becomes entirely different.

Examples of Phrasal Verbs

Question 1:

Which of the following is an example of a phrasal verb?

1. spin together
2. hop away
3. close in
4. related to

Answer:

3. close in

Explanation:

The correct answer is option (3) - close in. To “close in” means to get closer to solving something. The other options are not considered phrasal verbs.

Question 2:

The bodyguard __________ the prince to make sure that he was safe.

1. watched on
2. watched over
3. watched off
4. watched around

Answer:

2. watched over

Explanation:

The correct answer is option (2) - watched over. The meaning of “watch over” is to guard or to protect. So, the prince was watched over or protected by the bodyguard to ensure that he was safe.

What is an Idiom?

An idiom is an expression which presents a non-literal but figurative meaning. At the same time, some phrases become figurative idioms even though they retain the literal meaning of the phrase. The key difference between the phrasal verb and idiom is that phrasal verbs are made with a combination of a verb + preposition & denote actions. 

On the other hand, an idiom is a saying made up of a combination of words while presenting a figurative meaning.

Click here to read our article on 100 Idioms your child can use for composition writing.

Examples of Idioms

Question 3:

Guess the idiom! Which of the following is an actual saying?

1. thorn in my flesh
2. A chip off the old flesh

Answer:

1. thorn in my flesh

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - thorn in my flesh. “Thorn in one’s flesh” is used to refer to something or someone that is an annoyance/disturbance; a pest.

Question 4:

The boy, whose father has been caught for theft, has now been expelled from school for cheating.

Select the idiom that best suits the above scenario.

1. the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
2. a daredevil
3. in black and white

Answer:

1. the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The saying "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" is usually in reference to a child's resemblance to their parents. It can either be a positive thing or a negative thing.

Question 5:

Guess! Which of the following is an actual idiom?

1. a wild goose chase
2. as proud as a peacock

Answer:

1. a wild goose chase

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (1) - a wild goose chase. A “wild goose chase” refers to endeavours that usually result in something worthless or useless.

What is a Collective Noun?

A collective noun is a word used to refer to a collection of things or a group of people taken as a whole.

Examples of Collective Noun

Question 6:

These ______________ of oranges are very cheap. I shall buy plenty.

1. bunches
2. crates
3. piles

Answer:

2. crates

Explanation:

The correct answer to this question is option (2) - crates. Bunches are used for fruits like grapes and bananas.

Test Your Concepts

Answer the following questions based on the concepts we’ve covered in this article. If you get stuck, revisit the relevant section to revise the concepts, and attempt the questions again

Question 1:

“Hey! __________ !” yelled Matilda.

1. Wait on
2. Wait up
3. Wait around
4. Wait by

Question 2:

The public __________ while the drunk man yelled at his wife. No one stepped in to help.

1. watched on
2. watched over
3. watched off
4. watched around

Question 3:

A few campers were killed by a __________ of wolves last night.

1. pack
2. tribe
3. herd