Under the official IELTS grading rubric, “Grammatical Range and Accuracy” constitutes 25% of your score for both the Writing and Speaking modules. Candidates often struggle not only with basic tense control but also with complex sentence structures, article usage, preposition collocations, and subject-verb agreement. Achieving a Band 7.0 or higher requires minimizing systemic errors while demonstrating a diverse mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. The following multiple-choice questions target the most frequent grammatical pitfalls encountered by test-takers to help refine your syntax and boost your exam performance.
1. Which sentence uses articles correctly when discussing a general concept?
Correct Answer: b) Society is becoming more dependent on technology.
Explanation:
Abstract nouns and uncountable nouns used in a general, universal sense (like 'society' and 'technology') do not take the definite article 'the'.
2. Choose the correct article for the blank: She has been accepted into ___ university in London.
Correct Answer: a) a
Explanation:
Although 'university' starts with a vowel letter, it begins with a consonant sound (a 'y' sound: /ju:/). Therefore, it takes the article 'a'.
3. Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: a) The environment needs to be protected.
Explanation:
We use 'the' with unique nouns. Because there is only one global environment we share, 'the environment' is the correct form.
4. Choose the correct phrase:
Correct Answer: c) Research shows that...
Explanation:
The word 'research' is an uncountable noun in English. It does not take 'a' or an 's', and it takes a singular verb.
5. Select the correct option: ___ United Kingdom consists of four countries.
Correct Answer: c) The
Explanation:
Countries whose names include words like 'Kingdom', 'States', or 'Republic' always take the definite article 'the'.
6. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Correct Answer: c) People are generally opposed to the new law.
Explanation:
'People' is a plural noun and takes a plural verb ('are'). When speaking generally, no article is needed.
7. Fill in the blanks: I waited for ___ hour and ___ half.
Correct Answer: b) an / a
Explanation:
'Hour' begins with a silent 'h', so it takes 'an' (vowel sound). 'Half' begins with a consonant sound, so it takes 'a'.
8. Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: c) Pollution is a major problem in modern cities.
Explanation:
'Pollution' is uncountable and general, so no article is used. 'Modern cities' is general and plural, so no article is used.
9. Identify the correct sentence:
Correct Answer: b) He is doing a master's degree at Oxford University.
Explanation:
Proper nouns for universities starting with the name of a place or person (like Oxford University) do not take 'the'. (Note: 'The University of Oxford' does take 'the').
10. Fill in the blank: The internet has had a profound impact on ___ way we communicate.
Correct Answer: c) the
Explanation:
We use 'the' because it refers to a specific way—the specific way that we communicate.
11. Choose the correct verb: The number of international students ___ increasing every year.
Correct Answer: a) is
Explanation:
The phrase 'The number of' acts as a singular subject (referring to the single figure/statistic), so it takes a singular verb.
12. Choose the correct verb: A number of students ___ failing the exam.
Correct Answer: b) are
Explanation:
The phrase 'A number of' means 'several' or 'many', and it always takes a plural verb.
13. Fill in the blank: Neither the manager nor the employees ___ aware of the new policy.
Correct Answer: b) are
Explanation:
With 'Neither... nor...', the verb agrees with the noun closest to it. Because 'employees' is plural, the verb is plural ('are').
14. Fill in the blank: Everyone in the class ___ required to submit an essay.
Correct Answer: b) is
Explanation:
Indefinite pronouns such as everyone, everybody, someone, and anybody always take a singular verb.
15. Which of the following is grammatically correct?
Correct Answer: b) Mathematics is my favorite subject.
Explanation:
Nouns ending in '-ics' (like Mathematics, Physics, Economics) are singular when referring to a subject of study.
16. Select the correct form: One of the main reasons for this trend ___ the rise in technology.
Correct Answer: a) is
Explanation:
The actual subject is 'One', which is singular. The phrase 'of the main reasons' is a prepositional phrase. Therefore, the verb is 'is'.
17. Choose the correct sentence:
Correct Answer: a) There is a significant increase and a slight decrease in the data.
Explanation:
When a compound subject follows 'there is/are', the verb typically agrees with the first noun in the list. 'A significant increase' is singular.
18. Which is correct? Each of the participants ___ given a questionnaire.
Correct Answer: b) was
Explanation:
'Each of' is followed by a plural noun but takes a singular verb because 'Each' is the subject.
19. Fill in the blank: The majority of students ___ living off-campus.
Correct Answer: b) are
Explanation:
When 'The majority of' is followed by a plural countable noun (students), it takes a plural verb.
20. Fill in the blank: The committee ___ reached a decision after hours of debate.
Correct Answer: b) has
Explanation:
Collective nouns (committee, government, team) can be singular or plural, but when acting as a single unit making a joint decision, the singular 'has' is preferred in academic writing.
21. Which sentence uses the word 'advice' correctly?
Correct Answer: d) He gave me some good advice.
Explanation:
'Advice' is an uncountable noun. It cannot be pluralized with an 's' and cannot be preceded by 'a' or 'an'.
22. Identify the correct usage of 'information':
Correct Answer: c) The internet provides a lot of information.
Explanation:
'Information' is an uncountable noun. It does not take an 's' and requires quantifiers like 'a lot of' or 'some'.
23. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Correct Answer: c) They bought some new equipment for the lab.
Explanation:
'Equipment' is uncountable. It cannot be pluralized. To express quantity, use 'some', 'a piece of', or 'a lot of'.
24. Select the correct option:
Correct Answer: c) The researchers found new evidence.
Explanation:
'Evidence' is an uncountable noun in academic English and cannot take an 's'.
25. Which of the following sentences is correct?
Correct Answer: a) He has a great deal of knowledge on the subject.
Explanation:
'Knowledge' is uncountable. It takes quantifiers like 'a great deal of', not 'many' or a plural 's'.
26. Choose the correct phrase regarding environmental harm:
Correct Answer: b) Pollution causes a lot of damage to the environment.
Explanation:
'Damage' (meaning harm) is uncountable. 'Damages' refers to financial compensation awarded by a court.
27. Which sentence correctly describes traffic?
Correct Answer: b) There is too much traffic in the city.
Explanation:
'Traffic' is an uncountable noun. It takes singular verbs ('is') and uncountable quantifiers ('too much', not 'too many').
28. Identify the correct use of 'furniture':
Correct Answer: b) The room has a lot of furniture.
Explanation:
'Furniture' is strictly uncountable. You can say 'a lot of furniture' or 'pieces of furniture', but never 'furnitures'.
29. Which option is correct for booking a place to stay?
Correct Answer: c) We need to find some accommodation.
Explanation:
In British and standard IELTS English, 'accommodation' is uncountable. (Note: US English sometimes uses the plural, but uncountable is universally safe and preferred in IELTS).
30. Which sentence is correct?
Correct Answer: c) They gave me some useful feedback.
Explanation:
'Feedback' is uncountable. It cannot take an 's' or the indefinite article 'a'.
31. Fill in the blank: Since 2010, the government ___ millions into renewable energy.
Correct Answer: c) has invested
Explanation:
The word 'Since' followed by a past date indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present, requiring the Present Perfect tense.
32. Fill in the blank: By the year 2050, the global population ___ 9 billion.
Correct Answer: b) will have reached
Explanation:
The phrase 'By' + a future time marker requires the Future Perfect tense, denoting an action that will be completed before that time.
33. Choose the correct verb form: Over the last decade, there ___ a significant increase in online learning.
Correct Answer: c) has been
Explanation:
Phrases like 'Over the last decade' or 'In recent years' describe a period continuing up to the present, requiring the Present Perfect tense.
34. Fill in the blank: Between 1990 and 2000, the sales of mobile phones ___ dramatically.
Correct Answer: d) increased
Explanation:
The time frame (1990 to 2000) is completely finished. Completed actions in a specific past time require the Past Simple tense.
35. Identify the correct tense: Currently, the local economy ___ a severe downturn.
Correct Answer: c) is experiencing
Explanation:
The word 'Currently' indicates a temporary, ongoing situation happening right now, which requires the Present Continuous tense.
36. Fill in the blank: Before the new manager arrived, the company ___ money for three years.
Correct Answer: c) had been losing
Explanation:
To show an ongoing action in the past that happened *before* another past action (arrived), we use the Past Perfect Continuous.
37. Choose the correct phrase: I ___ to living in a cold climate now.
Correct Answer: a) am used
Explanation:
The phrase 'be used to' + noun/gerund means 'accustomed to'. 'I am used to living' means it is normal for me now.
38. Choose the correct phrase: When I was a child, I ___ walk to school every day.
Correct Answer: b) used to
Explanation:
'Used to' + infinitive is used to describe a past habit that is no longer true.
39. Fill in the blank: It is predicted that the number of electric cars ___ rapidly in the next five years.
Correct Answer: b) will grow
Explanation:
For future predictions ('is predicted that... in the next five years'), the Future Simple ('will' + base verb) is appropriate.
40. Choose the correct form: While the teacher was speaking, a student ___ a question.
Correct Answer: c) asked
Explanation:
A short completed action ('asked') that interrupts an ongoing past action ('was speaking') requires the Past Simple.
41. Fill in the correct preposition: Many young adults are highly dependent ___ their parents for financial support.
Correct Answer: c) on
Explanation:
The adjective 'dependent' is always followed by the preposition 'on'.
42. Fill in the correct preposition: The government is responsible ___ maintaining public infrastructure.
Correct Answer: a) for
Explanation:
The adjective 'responsible' is followed by the preposition 'for' when indicating duty or obligation.
43. Fill in the blank: Despite the crisis, there has been a steady rise ___ the cost of living.
Correct Answer: b) in
Explanation:
Nouns denoting change, such as 'rise', 'increase', 'decrease', and 'fall', are followed by the preposition 'in' (e.g., 'a rise in prices').
44. Choose the correct preposition: The internet has had a profound impact ___ modern society.
Correct Answer: c) on
Explanation:
The nouns 'impact', 'effect', and 'influence' take the preposition 'on'.
45. Fill in the blank: Many citizens are concerned ___ the rising level of air pollution.
Correct Answer: b) about
Explanation:
When expressing worry regarding a situation, 'concerned' is followed by 'about'.
46. Choose the correct preposition: Finding a permanent solution ___ this issue is essential.
Correct Answer: c) to
Explanation:
The noun 'solution' typically takes the preposition 'to' (e.g., 'a solution to the problem').
47. Fill in the blank: The organization is dedicated ___ protecting endangered species.
Correct Answer: c) to
Explanation:
The adjective 'dedicated' is followed by the preposition 'to', which acts as a preposition here and requires a gerund ('protecting').
48. Choose the correct preposition: What is the main reason ___ the decline in reading?
Correct Answer: b) for
Explanation:
The noun 'reason' is followed by 'for' (e.g., 'the reason for the delay').
49. Fill in the blank: Only a few students are capable ___ passing the exam without studying.
Correct Answer: d) of
Explanation:
The adjective 'capable' is always followed by 'of'.
50. Fill in the blank: The success of the project depends largely ___ funding.
Correct Answer: c) on
Explanation:
The verb 'depend' is always followed by the preposition 'on' (or 'upon').
51. Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer: b) Despite the rain, we went out.
Explanation:
'Despite' is a preposition and is followed directly by a noun. It never takes 'of' ('In spite of' is correct, but 'Despite of' is a common error). 'Although' must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
52. Choose the correct linking word: The job offers a high salary. ___, the hours are very long.
Correct Answer: b) However
Explanation:
The second sentence introduces a contrast or negative point compared to the first positive point. 'However' effectively introduces this contrast.
53. Fill in the blank: Flights were delayed ___ the heavy fog.
Correct Answer: c) due to
Explanation:
'Due to' is a prepositional phrase followed by a noun ('the heavy fog'). 'Because', 'since', and 'as' are conjunctions that must be followed by a full subject and verb.
54. Choose the best option to add a point: Reading improves vocabulary. ___, it enhances critical thinking.
Correct Answer: c) Furthermore
Explanation:
'Furthermore' is used to add another supporting point or argument to the one already stated.
55. Identify the correct usage of 'Not only... but also':
Correct Answer: b) Not only is the product cheap, but it is also of high quality.
Explanation:
When 'Not only' is placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, the subject and verb must be inverted (is the product).
56. Fill in the blank: The company cut costs. ___, profits increased by 20%.
Correct Answer: a) As a result
Explanation:
'As a result' introduces the logical consequence or effect of the previous statement.
57. Which of these words implies a contrast between two simultaneous actions or facts?
Correct Answer: b) Whereas
Explanation:
'Whereas' is used to highlight a contrast or comparison between two facts (e.g., 'He loves sports, whereas his brother prefers reading').
58. Fill in the blank: He studied hard ___ pass the exam.
Correct Answer: c) in order to
Explanation:
'In order to' is followed by a base verb to express purpose. ('So that' requires a subject and modal verb, e.g., 'so that he could pass').
59. Choose the correct phrase: ___ the fact that he was tired, he finished the report.
Correct Answer: c) In spite of
Explanation:
'In spite of' (or 'Despite') is followed by a noun phrase, such as 'the fact that'. 'Although' is followed directly by a subject and verb, not 'the fact that'.
60. Fill in the blank: Urban areas offer better job opportunities; ___, they suffer from higher pollution levels.
Correct Answer: c) on the other hand
Explanation:
'On the other hand' introduces a contrasting viewpoint or negative aspect of the previously mentioned topic.
61. Choose the correct form for the First Conditional: If it ___, we will cancel the picnic.
Correct Answer: b) rains
Explanation:
The First Conditional describes a real future possibility. The 'if' clause uses the Present Simple ('rains'), and the main clause uses 'will' + base verb.
62. Choose the correct form for the Second Conditional: If I ___ the mayor, I would ban cars in the city center.
Correct Answer: c) were
Explanation:
In formal English and IELTS writing, 'were' is used for all subjects in the 'if' clause of a Second Conditional (hypothetical) sentence.
63. Choose the correct form for the Third Conditional: If the government ___ action earlier, the crisis would have been avoided.
Correct Answer: b) had taken
Explanation:
The Third Conditional describes an unreal past situation. It requires the Past Perfect ('had taken') in the 'if' clause, and 'would have' + past participle in the main clause.
64. Fill in the blank for a Mixed Conditional: If he had caught the train, he ___ here now.
Correct Answer: c) would be
Explanation:
This mixed conditional connects an unreal past event ('had caught') to a present result ('now'). The main clause uses 'would' + base verb.
65. Which sentence means the same as: 'If you do not study, you will fail'?
Correct Answer: a) Unless you study, you will fail.
Explanation:
'Unless' means 'if not'. Therefore, 'Unless you study' translates to 'If you do not study'.
66. Fill in the blank: People will use public transport ___ it is reliable and cheap.
Correct Answer: b) provided that
Explanation:
'Provided that' means 'on the condition that' or 'only if', which perfectly links the two ideas logically.
67. Identify the inverted conditional: ___ known about the delay, I would have stayed home.
Correct Answer: b) Had I
Explanation:
In formal English, the 'if' can be dropped from a third conditional by inverting the auxiliary verb and subject: 'Had I known' = 'If I had known'.
68. Fill in the blank: I will take an umbrella ___ it rains later.
Correct Answer: c) in case
Explanation:
'In case' is used to describe doing something as a precaution for a future possibility.
69. What is the correct phrasing? ___ your help, I would have failed the exam.
Correct Answer: c) But for
Explanation:
'But for' is a formal phrase meaning 'if it had not been for'. It is commonly used in hypothetical situations.
70. Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Correct Answer: b) If the price of oil rises, the economy will suffer.
Explanation:
In the First Conditional, we never use 'will' in the 'if' clause. The present simple 'rises' is correct.
71. Which of the following uses the Passive Voice correctly?
Correct Answer: b) A new law was passed by the government.
Explanation:
The object ('A new law') becomes the subject, followed by the 'be' verb ('was') and the past participle ('passed').
72. Complete the sentence using the present continuous passive: The new road ___ at the moment.
Correct Answer: b) is being built
Explanation:
'At the moment' requires continuous tense. The passive form is 'is/are being' + past participle.
73. Identify the correct passive sentence for a process in Task 1: First, the tea leaves ___ by hand.
Correct Answer: c) are picked
Explanation:
When describing a manufacturing or natural process, the Present Simple Passive ('are picked') is used because the person doing the action is unknown or unimportant.
74. Rewrite passively: 'People believe that the earth is getting warmer.'
Correct Answer: b) It is believed that the earth is getting warmer.
Explanation:
'It is believed that...' is a formal impersonal passive structure frequently used in IELTS Writing to introduce general opinions.
75. Choose the correct modal passive: The assignment ___ by Friday.
Correct Answer: b) must be submitted
Explanation:
The passive structure for modal verbs is: modal ('must') + 'be' + past participle ('submitted').
76. Complete the sentence in the present perfect passive: The problem ___ by the technicians.
Correct Answer: c) has been solved
Explanation:
Present perfect passive is formed with 'has/have been' + past participle.
77. Which phrase is correct? The man is said ___ a millionaire.
Correct Answer: a) to be
Explanation:
The passive reporting structure uses 'Subject + is said + to infinitive'.
78. Choose the correct phrase: My car needs ___.
Correct Answer: c) washing
Explanation:
After the verb 'need', we can use the gerund ('washing') or the passive infinitive ('to be washed') to express a passive meaning.
79. Identify the correct participle clause: ___ the news, she started to cry.
Correct Answer: b) Having been told
Explanation:
The perfect passive participle 'Having been told' means 'Because she had been told'.
80. Which of these sentences is NOT grammatically correct?
Correct Answer: c) The accident was happened yesterday.
Explanation:
The verb 'happen' is intransitive; it does not take an object, and therefore cannot be used in the passive voice.
81. Choose the correct relative pronoun: The scientist ___ research won a Nobel Prize is speaking today.
Correct Answer: d) whose
Explanation:
'Whose' is a possessive relative pronoun indicating that the research belongs to the scientist.
82. Identify the correct sentence:
Correct Answer: b) The book, which I read yesterday, was excellent.
Explanation:
In a non-defining relative clause (set off by commas), 'which' must be used for things. 'That' cannot be used after a comma.
83. Fill in the blank: The city ___ I grew up has changed dramatically.
Correct Answer: c) where
Explanation:
'Where' is used as a relative pronoun for places. It means 'in which'.
84. Fill in the blank: The person with ___ I was speaking is the manager.
Correct Answer: b) whom
Explanation:
'Whom' is the object form of 'who' and must be used directly after a preposition like 'with', 'for', or 'to'.
85. Which sentence contains a fatal grammar error?
Correct Answer: c) The company where I work for is going bankrupt.
Explanation:
You cannot use 'where' and the preposition 'for/in' together. It should be either 'The company where I work' or 'The company which I work for'.
86. Choose the correct relative pronoun: There are several reasons ___ this is happening.
Correct Answer: c) why
Explanation:
'Why' is the correct relative pronoun to follow the noun 'reason'.
87. Identify the grammatically correct reduced relative clause:
Correct Answer: b) The man standing in the corner is my brother.
Explanation:
An active relative clause ('who is standing') can be reduced to a present participle ('standing').
88. Identify the grammatically correct reduced relative clause for a passive meaning:
Correct Answer: b) The goods made in China are cheap.
Explanation:
A passive relative clause ('which are made') reduces to a past participle ('made').
89. Which of these is correct?
Correct Answer: b) My father, who is 65, retired last year.
Explanation:
Because a person only has one father, the clause 'who is 65' is extra information (non-defining) and must be enclosed in commas. 'That' cannot be used.
90. Fill in the blank: Everything ___ he said was a lie.
Correct Answer: c) that
Explanation:
After indefinite pronouns like 'everything', 'something', 'nothing', or 'all', the relative pronoun 'that' is used, never 'what' or 'which'.
91. Fill in the blank: The company needs to increase ___ profits.
Correct Answer: b) its
Explanation:
'Its' is the possessive pronoun. 'It's' is a contraction for 'it is' or 'it has', which is incorrect here.
92. Choose the correct word: The new policy will deeply ___ the economy.
Correct Answer: b) affect
Explanation:
'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence. 'Effect' is a noun meaning the result.
93. Choose the correct word: The medicine had an immediate ___ on the patient.
Correct Answer: b) effect
Explanation:
Here, a noun is required after the article 'an'. 'Effect' is the noun form.
94. Fill in the blank: A large ___ of water is wasted every day.
Correct Answer: d) a or c
Explanation:
'Amount' and 'quantity' are used with uncountable nouns (like water). 'Number' is strictly used with plural countable nouns.
95. Fill in the blank: There are ___ cars on the road today than ten years ago.
Correct Answer: b) fewer
Explanation:
'Fewer' is used with countable plural nouns (cars). 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns.
96. Choose the correct word: Be careful not to ___ your passport.
Correct Answer: b) lose
Explanation:
'Lose' is a verb meaning to misplace something. 'Loose' is an adjective meaning not tight.
97. Fill in the blank: Solar energy is cleaner ___ fossil fuels.
Correct Answer: b) than
Explanation:
'Than' is a conjunction used for making comparisons. 'Then' is an adverb relating to time.
98. Choose the correct spelling/grammar: I don't know ___ he will arrive on time.
Correct Answer: b) whether
Explanation:
'Whether' is a conjunction expressing a doubt or choice between alternatives. 'Weather' refers to the climate.
99. Fill in the blank: All the students passed the exam ___ John.
Correct Answer: b) except
Explanation:
'Except' means 'excluding'. 'Accept' is a verb meaning to receive or agree.
100. Choose the correct word: The school's ___ gave a speech to the parents.
Correct Answer: a) principal
Explanation:
A 'principal' is the head of a school or a primary person/thing. A 'principle' is a fundamental truth or rule of conduct.
