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SOF IEO practice questions

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Question 1English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the sentence with the correct word order for the adverb of frequency.

  1. She goes often to the library after class.
  2. She often goes to the library after class. Correct answer.
  3. She goes to the library often after class.
  4. Often she goes to the library after class quickly.

Explanation

Adverbs of frequency such as 'often' normally sit before the main verb but after the verb 'be'. In a sentence with a simple present verb like 'goes', the adverb goes directly before it.

Question 2English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence places the adjective in the correct position?

  1. The old table wooden was sold.
  2. The wooden old table was sold.
  3. The table wooden old was sold.
  4. The old wooden table was sold. Correct answer.

Explanation

When several adjectives modify a noun, opinion and age usually come before material. 'Old' (age) therefore precedes 'wooden' (material), giving 'the old wooden table'.

Question 3English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Complete the first conditional: 'If the team ______ harder, they will win the regional final.'

  1. practised
  2. would practise
  3. will practise
  4. practises Correct answer.

Explanation

The first conditional uses the present simple in the if-clause and 'will' in the main clause. Since the main clause already has 'will win', the if-clause needs the present simple 'practises'.

Question 4English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Identify the correct collocation: 'The scientist decided to ______ a conclusion after reviewing the data.'

  1. do
  2. take
  3. draw Correct answer.
  4. make up

Explanation

The standard collocation is 'draw a conclusion', meaning to reach a judgement after considering evidence. Other verbs do not combine with 'conclusion' in this sense.

Question 5English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct phrasal verb: 'The meeting was ______ because the chairperson was ill.'

  1. called off Correct answer.
  2. called on
  3. called up
  4. called for

Explanation

'Call off' means to cancel an event or arrangement. A meeting cancelled due to illness is therefore 'called off'.

Question 6English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses 'make' and 'do' correctly?

  1. She did a decision to resign.
  2. She made a mistake in the report. Correct answer.
  3. She did a mistake in the report.
  4. She made her homework before dinner.

Explanation

English pairs 'make' with 'a mistake' and 'do' with tasks such as homework. 'Make a mistake' is the fixed collocation, so only the second sentence is correct.

Question 7English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

What does the idiom 'to break the ice' mean in a social setting?

  1. To start a conversation in an awkward situation Correct answer.
  2. To end a friendship suddenly
  3. To reveal a secret by accident
  4. To cancel a planned event

Explanation

'Break the ice' means to ease initial awkwardness, usually by starting conversation. It refers to making people feel more relaxed when they first meet.

Question 8English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence is a correct second conditional?

  1. If I were taller, I would join the basketball team. Correct answer.
  2. If I was taller, I will join the basketball team.
  3. If I would be taller, I joined the basketball team.
  4. If I am taller, I would join the basketball team.

Explanation

The second conditional describes an unreal present situation using past simple in the if-clause and 'would' plus base verb in the main clause. 'Were' is the standard form with 'I' in this structure.

Question 9English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the modal that expresses strong obligation in: 'Passengers ______ wear seat belts at all times.'

  1. may
  2. must Correct answer.
  3. could
  4. might

Explanation

'Must' expresses strong obligation or a firm rule, which suits a safety regulation. The other modals express possibility or permission rather than obligation.

Question 10English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses a modal of deduction correctly for a present situation?

  1. She must to be at home; her car is in the driveway.
  2. She must being at home; her car is in the driveway.
  3. She must been at home; her car is in the driveway.
  4. She must be at home; her car is in the driveway. Correct answer.

Explanation

Modal verbs are followed by the bare infinitive, so 'must be' is correct. Here 'must' expresses a strong logical deduction based on evidence.

Question 11English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct phrasal verb: 'The company had to ______ the launch because of technical problems.'

  1. put through
  2. put out
  3. put up
  4. put off Correct answer.

Explanation

'Put off' means to postpone something to a later time. A launch delayed by technical problems is therefore 'put off'.

Question 12English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence has the correct order of indirect and direct objects?

  1. The teacher gave the students the books. Correct answer.
  2. The teacher gave the books the students.
  3. The teacher gave to the students the books.
  4. The teacher gave the students to the books.

Explanation

With verbs like 'give', the indirect object (the students) can come before the direct object (the books) without a preposition. The alternative pattern is 'gave the books to the students'.

Question 13English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Select the correct collocation: 'The new policy will ______ a significant impact on small businesses.'

  1. take
  2. have Correct answer.
  3. do
  4. make

Explanation

The standard collocation is 'have an impact on' something. 'Impact' combines with 'have' rather than with 'do', 'make' or 'take' in this structure.

Question 14English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to sit on the fence'?

  1. To build a strong argument
  2. To finish a task quickly
  3. To avoid taking sides in a dispute Correct answer.
  4. To protect one's property

Explanation

'Sit on the fence' describes someone who refuses to commit to either side of an argument or decision. The image is of staying balanced between two options.

Question 15English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct third conditional: 'If they ______ earlier, they would have caught the train.'

  1. left
  2. would leave
  3. have left
  4. had left Correct answer.

Explanation

The third conditional describes an unreal past situation using 'had' plus past participle in the if-clause and 'would have' plus past participle in the main clause. 'Had left' fits this pattern.

Question 16English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses 'used to' correctly to describe a past habit?

  1. I used to walking to school every day.
  2. I am used to walk to school every day.
  3. I use to walked to school every day.
  4. I used to walk to school every day. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Used to' plus the base verb describes a habit or state in the past that no longer exists. 'I used to walk' is the correct form.

Question 17English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Identify the sentence where the modal 'should' expresses advice.

  1. Should you need help, call the office.
  2. You should have seen the doctor yesterday.
  3. You should see a doctor if the pain continues. Correct answer.
  4. The train should arrive at six.

Explanation

'Should' followed by a base verb gives advice or a recommendation about the present or future. The sentence about seeing a doctor is a clear piece of advice.

Question 18English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct order for a sentence with a time expression: '______ when the phone rang.'

  1. She was cooking dinner in the kitchen Correct answer.
  2. She in the kitchen was cooking dinner
  3. In the kitchen she was dinner cooking
  4. She was in the kitchen cooking dinner

Explanation

The neutral order places the subject first, then the auxiliary and verb, with place and object following. 'She was cooking dinner in the kitchen' follows this standard sequence.

Question 19English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence correctly uses a mixed conditional (past cause, present result)?

  1. If she had studied medicine, she would be a doctor now. Correct answer.
  2. If she studies medicine, she would be a doctor now.
  3. If she had studied medicine, she will be a doctor now.
  4. If she studied medicine, she would have been a doctor now.

Explanation

A mixed conditional can combine a past unreal condition ('had studied') with a present unreal result ('would be'). This shows how an earlier action affects the present situation.

Question 20English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct collocation: 'The committee ______ a decision to postpone the tournament.'

  1. performed
  2. did
  3. reached Correct answer.
  4. took up

Explanation

'Reach a decision' is a standard collocation meaning to arrive at a decision after discussion. 'Make a decision' also exists, but 'reached' is the only correct option offered here.

Question 21English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses 'need' correctly as a modal verb?

  1. You need not worrying about the deadline.
  2. You need not to worry about the deadline.
  3. You need not worry about the deadline. Correct answer.
  4. You do need not worry about the deadline.

Explanation

'Need' can act as a modal in negative sentences, taking the bare infinitive without 'to' or 'do'. 'You need not worry' follows this pattern.

Question 22English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence contains a correctly formed inversion for emphasis?

  1. Never I saw such a performance.
  2. Never I have seen such a performance.
  3. Never have I seen such a performance. Correct answer.
  4. Never seen I have such a performance.

Explanation

When a negative adverb such as 'never' begins a sentence, the subject and auxiliary invert. 'Never have I seen' follows this rule.

Question 23English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the correct order of adjectives: 'They bought ______.'

  1. a small beautiful wooden round table
  2. a wooden round small beautiful table
  3. a round beautiful small wooden table
  4. a beautiful small round wooden table Correct answer.

Explanation

English adjective order generally follows opinion, size, shape, age and material before the noun. 'Beautiful' (opinion), 'small' (size), 'round' (shape) and 'wooden' (material) follow this sequence.

Question 24English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses the idiom 'to turn a blind eye' correctly?

  1. The manager turned a blind eye and resigned immediately.
  2. The manager turned a blind eye to the safety violations. Correct answer.
  3. The manager turned a blind eye to be promoted.
  4. The manager turned a blind eye on the new employee.

Explanation

'Turn a blind eye to something' means to deliberately ignore a problem or wrongdoing. The sentence about ignoring safety violations matches this meaning and structure.

Question 25English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'would rather' with a past preference.

  1. I would rather you had told me the truth. Correct answer.
  2. I would rather you tell me the truth yesterday.
  3. I would rather you would tell me the truth.
  4. I would rather you telling me the truth.

Explanation

'Would rather' followed by a subject uses the past perfect to express a preference about the past. 'I would rather you had told me' fits this pattern.

Question 26English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

In the sentence 'The IEO organiser handed the winning team their certificates', which element follows the verb directly?

  1. the IEO organiser
  2. handed
  3. the winning team Correct answer.
  4. their certificates

Explanation

With verbs such as give, hand, send and offer, the usual order is verb + indirect object (the person) + direct object (the thing). Here 'the winning team' is the recipient and therefore comes immediately after the verb, while 'their certificates' is the thing transferred.

Question 27English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Complete the collocation: 'The judges ______ high praise on the young debater's closing speech.'

  1. deposited
  2. bestowed
  3. heaped Correct answer.
  4. installed

Explanation

English pairs 'praise' with the verb 'heap' in the fixed expression 'heap praise on someone', meaning to praise generously. The other verbs describe physical actions and do not collocate with 'praise' in this figurative sense.

Question 28English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

What does the idiom 'to get cold feet' mean in the context of a competition?

  1. To become nervous and hesitate before performing Correct answer.
  2. To celebrate too early
  3. To suffer an actual injury to the feet
  4. To lose interest in the prize completely

Explanation

'To get cold feet' means to lose courage or become nervous just before an important event, such as a final round. It describes sudden hesitation, not a change of interest or a physical problem.

Question 29English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the sentence that correctly uses a modal to express a past ability that no longer exists.

  1. She should recite the whole speech when she was ten.
  2. She can recite the whole speech when she was ten.
  3. She could recite the whole speech when she was ten. Correct answer.
  4. She must recite the whole speech when she was ten.

Explanation

'Could' is the past form of 'can' and expresses general ability in the past. Because the time reference 'when she was ten' is past, only 'could' fits; 'can' refers to present ability and the other modals express obligation or advice.

Question 30English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence places the adverb of frequency correctly?

  1. The team arrives always early for the quiz.
  2. Always the team arrives early for the quiz.
  3. The team always arrives early for the quiz. Correct answer.
  4. The team arrives early always for the quiz.

Explanation

Adverbs of frequency such as 'always', 'often' and 'never' normally go before the main verb but after the verb 'be'. In 'The team always arrives early', the adverb correctly precedes the lexical verb 'arrives'.

Question 31English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Complete the first conditional: 'If the debate team ______ harder, they will reach the final.'

  1. will practise
  2. practises Correct answer.
  3. practised
  4. would practise

Explanation

The first conditional uses the present simple in the 'if' clause and 'will' plus base verb in the main clause. Since the result clause already contains 'will reach', the 'if' clause needs the present simple 'practises'.

Question 32English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which phrasal verb completes the sentence: 'The quizmaster asked us to ______ our answers before handing in the sheet.'

  1. go over Correct answer.
  2. go off
  3. go in for
  4. go through with

Explanation

'Go over' means to review or check something carefully, which fits checking answers before submission. The other phrasal verbs mean to explode or spoil, to complete something difficult, and to enjoy or choose something respectively.

Question 33English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

What does the idiom 'to be on the same page' mean when a team is preparing for a competition?

  1. To compete for the same prize
  2. To sit next to each other
  3. To share the same understanding of a plan Correct answer.
  4. To read from an identical printed sheet

Explanation

'To be on the same page' means that people share the same understanding or agreement about something. The expression is figurative and refers to mental agreement, not to literal reading or physical position.

Question 34English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the sentence in which the modal 'must' expresses a logical deduction rather than an obligation.

  1. The lights are on, so someone must be in the office. Correct answer.
  2. Candidates must not use dictionaries during the test.
  3. I must remember to thank the coach.
  4. You must submit your entry by Friday.

Explanation

When 'must' is followed by evidence in the situation, it expresses a confident deduction about the present, as in 'someone must be in the office'. The other sentences use 'must' for obligation or personal necessity.

Question 35English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses the correct order for a phrasal verb with a pronoun object?

  1. The coach told us to put it off until Monday. Correct answer.
  2. The coach told us to put off it until Monday.
  3. The coach told us to off put it until Monday.
  4. The coach told us to put until Monday it off.

Explanation

With separable phrasal verbs such as 'put off', a pronoun object must go between the verb and the particle: 'put it off'. Full noun objects may go either side, but pronouns cannot follow the particle.

Question 36English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Complete the second conditional: 'If I ______ the team captain, I would reorganise the practice schedule.'

  1. were Correct answer.
  2. am
  3. will be
  4. would be

Explanation

The second conditional describes an unreal present situation and uses the past simple in the 'if' clause with 'would' plus base verb in the main clause. 'Were' is the standard form with 'I', especially in formal writing.

Question 37English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Select the correct collocation: 'The panel ______ serious doubts about the accuracy of the statistics.'

  1. did
  2. made
  3. cast Correct answer.
  4. put

Explanation

English speakers 'cast doubt on' something, meaning to make people question it. The noun 'doubts' in this critical sense collocates with 'cast', not with the general verbs 'make', 'do' or 'put'.

Question 38English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses the modal 'may' to ask for permission in a formal register?

  1. May I open the envelope containing the results? Correct answer.
  2. You may find the second question easier.
  3. She may have forgotten her notes.
  4. It may rain during the outdoor round.

Explanation

In a question with 'I' or 'we', 'may' asks for permission politely and formally. The other sentences use 'may' for possibility, past speculation, and a general possibility respectively.

Question 39English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Choose the sentence with the most natural order of adjectives before the noun 'trophy'.

  1. a silver small antique trophy
  2. a small antique silver trophy Correct answer.
  3. an antique small silver trophy
  4. a silver antique small trophy

Explanation

English adjective order generally follows size, then age, then colour or material before the noun. 'Small antique silver trophy' respects that sequence, while the other options scramble the categories.

Question 40English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence correctly uses the mixed conditional to show a past cause with a present result?

  1. If she had trained regularly, she would be the champion now. Correct answer.
  2. If she trained regularly, she would be the champion now.
  3. If she had trained regularly, she would have been the champion now.
  4. If she trains regularly, she will be the champion now.

Explanation

A mixed conditional can combine a past action in the 'if' clause (third conditional form) with a present result in the main clause ('would be'). This shows that an earlier failure to train explains a present situation.

Question 41English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

What does the idiom 'to pull one's weight' mean in a group project?

  1. To do one's fair share of the work Correct answer.
  2. To avoid responsibility quietly
  3. To take charge of the whole group
  4. To make the task harder for others

Explanation

'To pull one's weight' means to contribute your fair share of effort to a joint task. It does not mean leading the group, avoiding work, or hindering others.

Question 42English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses a phrasal verb that means 'to postpone'?

  1. The organisers put off the regional round until April. Correct answer.
  2. The organisers put up the regional round until April.
  3. The organisers put down the regional round until April.
  4. The organisers put out the regional round until April.

Explanation

'Put off' means to postpone or delay an event. The other phrasal verbs mean to accommodate someone, to extinguish or publish, and to write down or suppress, so none of them fits the meaning required.

Question 43English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence correctly reports a question with the appropriate word order?

  1. The judge asked where the contestants had found their sources. Correct answer.
  2. The judge asked where did the contestants find their sources.
  3. The judge asked where had the contestants found their sources.
  4. The judge asked where the contestants did find their sources?

Explanation

In reported questions, the word order becomes statement order and no auxiliary inversion or question mark is used. The past perfect 'had found' correctly backshifts the original direct question.

Question 44English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Complete the third conditional: 'If the team ______ the earlier round, they would have met the defending champions.'

  1. won
  2. had won Correct answer.
  3. would win
  4. have won

Explanation

The third conditional describes an unreal past situation and requires the past perfect in the 'if' clause with 'would have' plus past participle in the main clause. Only 'had won' supplies the necessary past perfect form.

Question 45English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Select the correct collocation: 'The final decision ______ on the jury's assessment of the candidates.'

  1. lies down
  2. stands
  3. rests Correct answer.
  4. sits

Explanation

The phrase 'rest on' or 'rests on' means to depend on something, and it is the standard collocation with 'decision' in this context. 'Sits', 'stands' and 'lies down' do not express dependence in this way.

Question 46English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Identify the sentence in which 'need' behaves as a modal auxiliary.

  1. We needed extra time to finish the task.
  2. You needn't bring your own dictionary to the test. Correct answer.
  3. The team needs more practice before the final.
  4. You need a dictionary for the written round.

Explanation

As a modal auxiliary, 'need' takes no third-person -s, is followed by a bare infinitive, and forms the negative with 'needn't'. The other sentences use 'need' as an ordinary lexical verb taking an object or a 'to' infinitive.

Question 47English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses correct inversion after a negative adverbial?

  1. Rarely have the judges seen such a confident performance. Correct answer.
  2. Rarely the judges saw such a confident performance.
  3. Rarely have seen the judges such a confident performance.
  4. Rarely the judges have seen such a confident performance.

Explanation

When a negative or restrictive adverbial such as 'rarely', 'seldom' or 'never' begins a clause, the subject and auxiliary invert, giving 'Rarely have the judges seen'. The auxiliary must precede the subject for emphasis.

Question 48English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence correctly uses 'would rather' with a past preference about someone else's action?

  1. I would rather you tell me about the change earlier.
  2. I would rather you had told me about the change earlier. Correct answer.
  3. I would rather you told me about the change earlier yesterday.
  4. I would rather you would tell me about the change earlier.

Explanation

When 'would rather' is followed by a clause about another person's past action, the past perfect is used: 'I would rather you had told me'. This expresses regret or preference about something that already happened.

Question 49English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses the idiom 'to call the shots' correctly?

  1. As head judge, she calls the shots on how each round is timed. Correct answer.
  2. As head judge, she calls the shots to the audience after the final.
  3. As head judge, she calls the shots for the photographers.
  4. As head judge, she calls the shots at the targets during practice.

Explanation

'To call the shots' means to be in charge and make the important decisions, so it fits a head judge deciding how rounds are timed. The other sentences use the phrase as if it meant shouting at targets, addressing an audience, or summoning photographers.

Question 50English language and comprehension (word order, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, language and people)

Which sentence uses the modal perfect 'should have' to criticise an unwise past action?

  1. The team should have checked the equipment before the round began. Correct answer.
  2. The team should be checking the equipment now.
  3. The team should check the equipment before the round begins.
  4. The team should have the equipment checked tomorrow.

Explanation

'Should have' plus a past participle expresses criticism or regret about something that was not done in the past. Only the first sentence refers to a past failure to check equipment, which the speaker is now judging as unwise.