Question 1

When my mother was cooking, a gust of wind ____ the window shut.

Accepted Answer

(1) blew. The action of the wind shutting the window happened in the past, likely as a sudden, completed action. The verb 'blew' (past simple of blow) is appropriate for this context, especially when another past continuous action ('was cooking') is happening. Option (1) 'blew' is the correct past simple tense.

Question 2

Janie is joining us for recess, ____

Accepted Answer

(2) isn't she?. This is a tag question. The main clause "Janie is joining us for recess" is positive and in the present continuous tense. Therefore, the tag question should be negative and use the auxiliary verb 'is' in the same tense: 'isn't she?'.

Question 3

Mr Tang has two children and ____ of them likes dogs.

Accepted Answer

(4) neither. The sentence states Mr Tang has two children. The verb 'likes' is singular, indicating that the subject of the second part of the sentence must be singular. 'Neither' is used to refer to two people or things when you are saying that neither one of them does something, and it takes a singular verb. 'Neither of them likes dogs' means not one of the two children likes dogs.

Question 4

____ Lisa recovers from her cold, she cannot take part in the camp.

Accepted Answer

(3) Unless. The conjunction 'unless' means 'if not'. The sentence implies that if Lisa does not recover from her cold, she will not be able to participate. 'Unless Lisa recovers from her cold' logically connects the recovery condition to her participation, meaning 'If Lisa does not recover...'.

Question 5

"Great! Fish and chips ____ my favourite dish," exclaimed Jimmy with delight, upon seeing what Father had cooked.

Accepted Answer

(1) is. When 'fish and chips' refers to a single, combined dish, it is treated as a singular noun. Therefore, the singular present tense verb 'is' should be used. The exclamation is in the present moment of seeing the food.

Question 6

He forgot his lines during his speech and felt very ____.

Accepted Answer

(4) embarrassed. Forgetting one's lines during a public speech typically causes a feeling of self-consciousness, awkwardness, or shame in front of others. 'Embarrassed' perfectly describes this feeling. 'Humiliated' implies a more severe public shaming, and 'disgraced' suggests a loss of honor or respect, which are usually too strong for this context.

Question 7

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, grateful for the ____ of the garden, after escaping the noisy streets.

Accepted Answer

(3) tranquility. Escaping 'noisy streets' to a 'garden' implies a desire for peace and quiet. 'Tranquility' means a state of being calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance, which perfectly fits the context of being grateful for a peaceful environment after noise.

Question 8

Beneath the ____ expression, he actually has a great sense of humour.

Accepted Answer

(4) solemn. The sentence indicates a contrast between an outward expression and an inner characteristic (a great sense of humour). 'Solemn' means serious, grave, or lacking humor, which provides a strong contrast to having a 'great sense of humour'.

Question 9

The concert came to an ____ end when the microphones suddenly stopped working.

Accepted Answer

(1) abrupt. The phrase 'suddenly stopped working' indicates that the end of the concert was unexpected and quick. 'Abrupt' means sudden and unexpected, which accurately describes the manner in which the concert ended.

Question 10

Jenny's face lit up with a ____ smile when she read her sister's letter to her.

Accepted Answer

(4) genuine. When someone's face 'lit up' with a smile after reading a letter from a loved one, it suggests a very real, heartfelt, and unfeigned expression of happiness. 'Genuine' means truly what it is said to be; authentic or sincere, making it the best fit to describe such a natural and deeply felt smile.

Question 11

Online threats and mean or aggressive texts, tweets, posts, or messages are all (11) examples of cyberbullying.

Accepted Answer

(4) forceful. In the context of 'aggressive texts, tweets, posts, or messages', 'aggressive' implies being strong, assertive, and potentially hostile in communication. 'Forceful' means powerful, strong, or insistent, which accurately reflects the nature of aggressive communication intended to harm or intimidate. While 'hurtful' is a possible outcome, 'forceful' describes the characteristic of the message itself.

Question 12

Online bullying can be particularly damaging because (12) it is usually anonymous or difficult to trace.

Accepted Answer

(4) especially. 'Particularly' means to a high degree; specifically or especially. 'Especially' is a direct synonym that fits perfectly in this context, emphasizing the reason why online bullying is more damaging.

Question 13

It can also be easier to commit than other acts of bullying because the bully does not have to confront their target in person. (13)

Accepted Answer

(1) face. To 'confront' someone in person means to meet them face-to-face, often to challenge or deal with them directly. 'Face' is the most accurate synonym for this meaning in the given context.

Question 14

Once you have posted a photo or message, it can be virtually impossible to delete. Therefore, remind yourself to be cautious when (14).

Accepted Answer

(2) nearly. 'Virtually impossible' means almost or nearly impossible, but not absolutely impossible. 'Nearly' (2) is the closest in meaning to 'virtually' in this context.

Question 15

responding to someone's provocative message. You may want to hit back, but (15) ignoring cyberbullies is the best way to take away their power.

Accepted Answer

(2) upsetting. A 'provocative message' is one intended to annoy, anger, or excite a strong reaction, often emotional. 'Upsetting' means causing unhappiness, sadness, or anxiety, which accurately reflects the intended impact of a provocative message aimed at cyberbullying.

P5 English CA1 2025 — Methodist Girls

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