LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

(Parts of Speech/General Grammar Rules)

I. Error Identification:
Following are statements that may or may not contain an error. Choose the letter corresponding
to the word or group of words that makes the sentence incorrect. Choose letter E if there’s no
error.

1. The new government was drafting a constitution, electing a legislative body and
A B
established diplomatic relations. No error
C D
2. No one was lovelier or more strikingly intelligent than her at the beauty contest
A B C
yesterday. No error.
D E
3. Neither Senate or Congress wants to pass the bill suggested by the President. No error
A B C D
4. The financial expert which flew in to advice the president, came from London. No error
A B C D
5. Right now I am very angry at you, so please don’t come near me for I might hit you.
A B C D
No error.
E
6. I believe that I am as good a singer as him. No error.
A B C D E
7. May Day, or International Workers’ Day is celebrated annually. No error
A B C D
8. Rowena announced that the bonus will arrive during the meeting yesterday.
A B C D
No error.
E
9. Latin is practically a dead language, spoken only by students, academics, and the catholic clergy.
A B C
No error.
E
10. The doctor as well as some of the best doctors in the Philippines is giving a free
A B C
medical checkup tomorrow. No error.
D E
11. While Anna was baking cookies, Arthur marked some refreshments. No error
A B C D
12. As passionate musicians, Joe and Ernesto plan to become a member of the manila Philharmonic.
A B C
No error.
D
13. These days, Kids under 12 years of age prefer cellular phones more than toys. No error.
A B C D
14. The proposal made by the British Labour Party was in opposition of privatization of state holdings.
A B C
No error
D
15. The students protested on the new tuition fee hike in the university quadrangle yesterday. No error
A B C D

II. English Vocabulary Questions:

Instruction: Choose the word that is most similar in meaning to the underlined word or phrase.
1. Harry placed his hand gingerly on the fragile sphere.

A. carefully B. firmly C. nervously D. arduously

2. Cassy has a strong penchant in collecting cars.

A. belief B. fondness C. hobby D. route

3. I bought this book because when I read the blurb at the back, I fell in love with it.

A. summary B. teaser C. blog D. plot

4. They say love is like a firework, a fleeting moment.

A. brief B. unforgettable C. Shinny D. remarkable

5. The book Crime and Punishment is considered by many to be Dostoevsky’s magnum opus.

A. Greatest work B. Favorite C. Longest work D. Achievement

6. This generation is prone to plethoric use of mobile gadgets.

A. essential B. crucial C. important D. excessive

7. The Queen of the Night dances vivaciously.

A. Lively B. awkward C. Kindly D. sweetly

8. Cara is repulsive and rebellious. She always speaks sordid words.

A. dirty B. vulgar C. weird D. bizarne

9. Their clandestine affair remained unknown for three years.

A. forbidden B. surprise C. secret D. unacceptable

10. He submitted a grotesque artwork that nobody in the class could relate to.

A. different B. weird C. beautiful D. colorful

III. Vocabulary
A. Synonyms: Select the word/s that best capture the meaning of the italicized word.

1. The Pope appointed a new apostolic nuncio to France.

A. Bishop B. Cardinal C. Envoy D. Prelate

2. The Apotheosis of Washington is a unique work of art that can be found in the U.S. Capitol.

A. Glorification B. Deification C. Inauguration D. Archetype

3. Fabio made a facetious comment in the national assembly yesterday.

A. Inappropriate B. Humorous C. Strongly worded D. Contentious

4. The candidate committed a serious faux pas when he described the laborers as “ignorant.”

A. Sin B. Misstep C. Offense D. Insult

5. As a result of inbreeding, some members of the Russian Imperial household suffered from hemophilia.

A. Bloodthirstiness B. Infertility C. Uncontrollable Bleeding D. Mental Disorders

B. Antonyms: Select the word that is opposite of the meaning of the underlined word. Choose the best
answer.

1. The shaft that kept the roof up stayed rigid, even as the wind and rain gained strength.

A. Flaccid B. Pliable C. Broken D. Munificent

2. Back in her time, Margaret Thatcher was an eminent world leader, although she was very unpopular
with the U.K’s leftist north.

A. infamous B. Obscure C. Unimportant D. Articulate

3. Van Gosh certainly wasn’t a proponent of achromatic painting.

A. Colorful B. Abstract C. Matte D. Multifaceted

4. The new student appeared rather phlegmatic at first, but proved otherwise when the going got tough.

A. Brilliant B. Emotional C. Clean D. Munificent

5. It was though as late as the 1960’s that a proletarian takeover was inevitable.

A. Bourgeoisie B. Anarchist C. Elitist D. Government

IV. Verbal Analogy

A. Single Word Analogy

1. Life: Death; Coagulate: _________

A. Celebrate B. Dissolve C. Destroy D. oppose

2. Human: Food; Turbine: _________

A. Water B. Spin C. Engineer D. Rotate

3. Thin: Portly; Irate: _______

A. Furious B. Calm C. Confused D. Organized

4. Oppression: Revolution; Eradication: ________

A. Extinction B. Dissipation C. Emancipation D. Infection

5. Eyes: Ophthalmologist; Feet: _______

A. Paleopathologist B. Podiatrist C. Orthopedist D. Gerontologist

V. Sentence Completion
Following are sentences that lack a word, a group of words, or punctuation. In accordance with
the rules of syntax and mechanics, choose the letter of the answer which best completes the idea
of the sentence.

1. Johnny_______ ate the cookies by the time we got home.

A. All ready B. Al ready C. Already D. Reality

2. Cory is always looking forward to her ____________ and her ______________ visits.

a. sister’s / mother-in-law’s c. Sisters / mother-in-laws

b. Sister’s / Mother-in-laws’ d. Sister’s / mother-in-law’s

3. Aristotle is a great philosopher____________ Plato is, in my opinion, a better one.

a. however c. , however,

b. , however d. ; however,

4. The amalgamation of the various unions across the country______ given workers more leverage.

a. Has c. Had

b. Have d. will have

5. Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael ___________ Donatello are the four members of the Teen-age
Mutant Ninja Turtles.

a. or c. and

b. , or d. , and

6. Alexis had _____ over the vast Siberian expanse more than once.

a. Drove c. Driven

b. Drived d. Been Driving

7. _____________ he has been fond of playing tennis.

a. Ever since, c. Ever since

b. ever since, d. Ever since—

8. As one continuous to play basket, ___ will realize that handling the ball becomes second nature.

a. He c. I

b. They d. One

9. My mother___________ believes that getting into ZCSPC is the best thing that can
happen to me right now.

a. as well as my father c. , as well as my father,

b. as well as my father, d. –as well as my father,

10. Bryce is longing to visit European cities ___________Paris, London, Vienna, and
Frankfurt.

a. namely c. , namely,

b. namely, d. ; namely,

11. The jury was able to see through the ___________ argument of the defense lawyers.

a. onerous c. specious

b. palpable d. stoic

12. Shakespeare’s work is considered by a many to be more influential than____

a. Mark Twain c. Mark Twain’s work

b. The writer Mark Twain d. ones of Mark Twain’s

13. The professor got in trouble for making __________ remarks about the Dean of Faculty.

a. benign c. pejorative

b. blithe d. pensive

14. George had the ___________ to suggest that we hire a new coach.

a. discretion c. surfeit

b. disdain d. temerity

15. Despite his flu, Leo is feeling_______ today.

a. good c. ok

b. best d. arched

VI. Critical Reading

Each passage in this subtest is followed by questions or incomplete statements. Each

statement or question is followed by lettered words or expressions. Select the word or
expression that most satisfactorily completes each statement or answers each question in
accordance with what is stated or implied in that passage. Blacken the corresponding circle
after the appropriate item number on your answer sheet.

Passage 1: From Wolfgang Langewiesche’s A Flier’s World.

A puff of wind comes down on the street. An old newspaper stirs in the gutter, jumps
up on the sidewalk, spirals up to second-story height and flaps about there for a moment;
then with a new burst of energy, it sweeps upward again, and when you last see it, it is
soaring high above the rooftops, turning over and over, blinking in the sunlight.
The wind has picked up a piece of paper and blown it away. A generation ago, in a
philosophical discourse, one might have chosen this as an example of an event completely
devoid of any significance, completely chance. But not in the air age. The tiny occurrence
demonstrates an important fact concerning the air ocean – one that is only now becoming the
practical knowledge of practical airfaring men: there are winds which blow neither east nor
west, neither north nor south, but in the third dimension: straight up.

1. The scene in the first paragraph could be best described as ______________.

a. frantic
b. idyllic
c. indifferent
d. philosophic

2. The newspaper was lifted by a particularly _____________ wind.

a. gale c. puff
b. mild d. strong

3. The author’s main point was that ______________.

a. a piece of paper is buffeted by the wind

b. there’s a third dimension to wind movement
c. about how a philosopher’s discourse is done
d. it is easy to fly airplanes.

4. Which of the following statements describes the organization of the passage?

a. A generalization is made and examples are given

b. Something specific is discussed to exemplify a generalization
c. The passage moves from the least to the most recent event.
d. Something specific is discussed, its components are given.

Passage 2: by Kahlil Gibran

Love and Lovelife

“When love beckons you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep
And when his wings enfold you yield to him
Though the sword be hidden among his opinions may wound you.”

5. Whose ways are hard and steep?

a. life c. your beloved
b. love d. none of the above

6. The author is convinced that in the face of love _______________.

a. one is helpless c. one must fight

b. one must concede d. one will suffer

Passage 3 by Fehl Dungo- “Higher than the Rooftop”

“It’s twenty-five after six and the sky still has some shades of purple and
orange. . . oh well just like me, I am standing here, in this secretive rooftop,
overjoyed. . .yet there are still some fragments of fear and haze. . .I wonder if the
sky is glad and excited about the night or if it is crying over the bright day that
passed.”

7. What is the mood of the story?

a. Hapiness c. Confusion
b. Sorrow d. Grief

Passage 4: From Florian A. Alburo and Danilo A. Abella’s Skilled Labour Migration from
Developing Countries: Study on the Philippines

International migration of skilled persons has assumed increased importance in recent

years reflecting the impact of globalization, revival of growth in the world economy and the
explosive growth in the information and communications technology (ICT). A number of
developed countries have liberalized their policies for the admission of highly skilled
professionals.
The problem lies in that this demand is largely met by developing countries, triggering
an exodus of their skilled personnel. While some amount of mobility is obviously necessary if
developing countries are to integrate into the global economy, a large outflow of skilled
persons poses the threat of a ‘brain drain’, which can adversely impact growth and
development. The recent UK government (DFID) White Paper on International Development,
“Eliminating World Poverty: Making Globalization Work for the Poor” has rightly pointed out
the need on the part of developed countries to be more sensitive to the impact on developing
countries of the brain drain. It was in this context that the Department for International
development, United Kingdom, approached the ILO for carrying out research relevant to the
above issues.

8. From the passage, what may be meant by “brain drain”?

a. globalization

b. a fatal accident resulting to head injury

c. inflow of skilled labor to developing countries

d. outflow of skilled labor from developing countries

9. From the passage, it can be inferred that ________________.

a. globalization is a regrettable phenomenon

b. out-migration or emigration must be stopped

c. skilled people tend to move where they are paid more for their expertise

d. the developing countries’ liberal policy to migrants is the main reason for the brain
drain.

Passage 5: Valentine-by Carol Ann Duffy.

1. Not a red rose or a satin heart.

2. I give you an onion.
It I a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light
Like the careful undressing of love.

6. Here.
It will blind you with tears
Like a lover
It will make your reflection
a wobbling photo of grief.

11. I am trying to be truthful.

12. Not a cute card or a kissogram

13. I give you an onion.

It’s fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
possessive and faithful
as we are,
for as long as we are.

18. Take it.

Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring
if you like.

21. Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
cling to your knife

** A person sent to kiss another person on behalf of a lover on special occasions like Valentine’s.

10. Why did the author place the line “Not a read rose or a satin heart,” before line 1?

a. To show her dislike for all forms of love

b. To contrast with the unusual symbol of love that is the onion

c. To convey her preference for a less romantic sort of love

d. To preclude the references to it in the lines 21-23

11. Lines 13-15 and line 22 show that one reason the author used the onion for her metaphor is ___

a. Because it turns foul quickly, as love eventually does.

b. Because it induces tears, like a quarrel between lovers.

c. Because the onion provides shock value.

d. Because the smell of an onion clings, just as lovers cling to each other and their memories.

12. What do lines 4-5 shown below, symbolize?

“It promises light, like the careful undressing of love.”

a. It symbolizes the pleasant first adventures and experiences of love.

b. It is meant to be a literal representation of an onion

c. It is meant to be literal representation of an onion

d. It symbolizes the naïve lovers.

13. What do lines 7-8 refer to?

a. The tears that their relationship will cause.

b. The tears that onions induce in people

c. Tears caused by infidelity

d. Jealousy and fighting between the in-laws

14. How does the poem flow from beginning to end?

a. It starts with a broken relationship that eventually descends into murder.

b. It starts with an insulting symbol and ends with a threatening symbol.

c. It begins with the enchanting first encounter with love and descends into possessiveness, and
finally, conflict.

d. It starts and ends with condescending references to naïve love.

15. Why does the author mention the word knife in line 23?

a. To show the relationship between the knife and the onion

b. To end on a grim tone

c. To represent the escalating of conflict between lovers

d. To hint that the lovers killed each other and their children

Boracay, the most famous beach in the Philippines, is also known as a blessed island. I
have never met anyone who has not been enthralled and fascinated when they visited Boracay.
This first time you set foot on its powder-like sand, you’ll surely feel lucky to be in a paradise
island. The moment you see it’s crystal pristine water, you’ll be so thankful you’re alive. Many
locals and foreigners go there again and again not only because of the breathtaking view but
also because to celebrate life and it’s blessings.

16. The best title for the above article is:

a. Famous Beach in the Philippines

b. The Beach of Boracay

c. Boracay, a Blessed Island

d. Why People Go to Boracay

Search Engine Optimization a.k.a SEO is vital for website to stay successful for a
long time. The world of internet continues to evolve so website owners must stay in the game by
making updates while practicing effective SEO. Great content and correct SEO are the blood of a
Website because without them, a site could die.

17. The paragraph is mainly about what?

a. The importance of search Engine Optimization

b. The life of a successful website

c. The secrets of making a website successful

d. How to apply Search Engine Optimization

There are around 2 million Filipinos without jobs today. That includes graduates and
undergraduates. According to survey, there will be another half-million to graduate this year
without possible job placements. Unemployed people complain about job shortage. Many go
to the cities to apply to some companies but end up going home with nothing. Unemployment
rate increases each year even though there are many job fairs.

18. The paragraph states that...

a. Unemployment in the Philippines is common

b. Unemployment rate in the Philippines is seriously increasing

c. Unemployment in the Philippines must be solved

D. Unemployment solutions for Filipinos

Investing has been a hot topic for quite a while. Many people especially employees and
Entrepreneurs don’t rely on time deposits and regular savings account to save and earn interests.
The most common investments in the Philippines are though real estates, mutual funds. Although
Few people also join trading in the stock market, more and more Filipinos are not reluctant to
invest their money and diversity them to a different money making wheels.

19. What does the article try convey?

a. Filipinos are now willing to open different investments

b. Filipinos are wise in saving their money.

c. Filipinos rely mainly on savings and deposit accounts.

d. Filipinos invest in real estates, mutual funds and trust funds.

Malaysia Airline Flight MH370’s disappearance is still under investigation. Many countries
joined in the search for what really happened and where the aircraft is now. The flight lost contact
with air traffic controllers about an hour after its take off. The weather was fine when the aircraft
was flying so it adds more theories about other possible reasons of the aircraft’s fate. The oil slick
spotted off Vietnam’s coast turned out to be fuel oil used in cargo ships so it has nothing to do
with terrorist attack. More questions are adding to this quest and no specific answer is given and
proven yet.

20. The above selection supports the idea:

a. The flight MH370 is somewhere under the sea

b. The flight MH370’s disappearance is still a mystery

c. The flight MH370 must have crashed after loss contact

d. The flight MH370 is in Bermuda Triangle

You will be given sets of items

VII. Organization of Ideas
The following subsection consists of paragraphs, the parts of which are presented in scrambled
order. Read each group of sentences and decide what should be the best order in which to
arrange them so that they form a well-organized paragraph. After you have decided the best
order, answer the questions that follow. Blacken the circle that corresponds to your answer.

For numbers 1 to 2:

A. Aside from which, I miss my idealism, my zest for life, and my vitality.

B. I have a confession to make.

C. In fact, I have lost so many things it would take one whole shelf of books to
recount all of them.

D. I am bereft of my innocence, am devoid of optimism, and am dispossessed of any

sliver of hope.

1. Which of the above sentences should be first?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)

2. Which of the following sentences should be third?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)
For number 3 to 4:

A. Nobody can doubt the advantage of a good education.

B. It is definitely something that will make difference in your life.

C. It gives you valuable knowledge and skills that you can apply in life.

D. Education also provides a medium for you to make friends and connections.

3. Which of the above sentences should be first?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)

4. Which sentence should go last?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)

For number 5 to 6:

A. Repeat the procedure as many times as you like for the desired thickness and
number of coating.

B. Apply the first coating evenly on the surface.

C. Scrape the area to be painted clean of all traces of its old paint.

D. Prime the brush and dip it into pre-treated paint.

5. Which should be the second sentence?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)

6. Which should be last?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)
For number 7:

A. I let my eyes roam inside the room where I was in.

B. I took the mirror, and screamed.

C. As I opened my eyes, I saw my sister gawking at me.

D. They collided with those of a nurse holding a mirror and wearing a grave
expression on her face.

7. Which of the following is the proper order of the above sentences?

a. A, B, C, D
b. A, D, B, C
c. C, A, D, B
d. D, C, B, A

For number 8 to 10:

A. for sure, a better future lies ahead.

B. The economy has been growing fast, and jobs are widely available.

C. People here and abroad are upbeat about the Philippines.

D. Additionally, the government is building a lot of new and useful infrastructure.

8. Which sentence should be first?

a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)
9. Which sentence should be last?
a. (A) c. (C)

b. (B) d. (D)

10. What is the correct order of the sentences?

a. (B, D, C, A) c. (C, B, D, A)

b. (B, C, A, D) d. (C, D, B, A)