Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

(1) blew. The first part of the sentence, 'When my mother was cooking,' uses the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action in the past. The second part describes a sudden, completed action that occurred during that ongoing period. The simple past tense 'blew' is appropriate for this sudden, completed action.

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' is positive and uses the auxiliary verb 'is'. Therefore, the tag question must be negative and use the same auxiliary verb, making 'isn't she?' the correct option.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

(4) neither. The subject of the verb 'likes' is singular, which suggests that zero out of the two children like dogs. 'Neither' is used to refer to two people or things when neither of them is true. It is also followed by a singular verb, fitting the context perfectly.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

(3) Unless. 'Unless' means 'if not'. So, the sentence translates to 'If Lisa does not recover from her cold, she cannot take part in the camp,' which logically connects the two clauses. The other options do not convey this conditional meaning correctly.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

(2) are. 'Fish and chips' can be considered a compound noun referring to two distinct items served together, thus taking a plural verb 'are'. While sometimes treated as a single dish, in this context, the plural 'are' is indicated as the correct usage.

Question 6

He forgot his lines during his speech and felt very ____

Accepted Answer

(4) embarrassed. Forgetting lines during a public speech is a common situation that typically leads to a feeling of 'embarrassment'. 'Humiliated' implies a deeper sense of shame or public degradation, and 'disgraced' implies a loss of respect, which are usually stronger reactions than what's implied for simply forgetting lines. 'Shy' is a personality trait, not a reaction to an event.

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' suggests a desire for peace and quiet. 'Tranquility' means a state of being calm and peaceful, which perfectly contrasts with noise and fits the feeling of relief and gratitude in a garden. 'Comfort' is too general, and 'secrecy' or 'loneliness' do not align with the context of finding solace from noise.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

(4) solemn. The sentence indicates a contrast between his outward expression and his inner sense of humour. 'Solemn' means serious and dignified, often suggesting a lack of lightness. This provides a good contrast with 'a great sense of humour', implying that despite his serious appearance, he is actually witty.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

(1) abrupt. The phrase 'suddenly stopped working' implies an unexpected and quick termination. 'Abrupt' means sudden and unexpected, which accurately describes the end of the concert due to a technical malfunction.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

(4) genuine. A 'genuine' smile is one that is authentic, real, and comes from true feelings. Reading a letter from a sister would likely evoke such a heartfelt reaction. 'Sincere' is very close, but 'genuine' often emphasizes the natural and unforced quality of the expression.

Question 11

Online threats and mean or **aggressive** texts, tweets, posts, or messages are all ____ examples of cyberbullying.

Accepted Answer

(4) forceful. 'Aggressive' means ready or likely to attack or confront; characterized by forceful or violent behaviour. 'Forceful' is the closest synonym that captures the intensity and intent of the actions in cyberbullying, where messages are sent with power and intention to cause harm.

Question 12

Online bullying can be **particularly** damaging because ____ it is usually anonymous or difficult to trace.

Accepted Answer

(4) especially. 'Particularly' means to a higher degree than is usual or average; especially. 'Especially' is a direct synonym and fits the context of emphasizing why cyberbullying 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.

Accepted Answer

(1) face. 'Confront' in this context means to meet someone face to face, often with hostile or challenging intent. 'Face' directly conveys this meaning of meeting someone in person.

Question 14

Once you have posted a photo or message, it can be **virtually** impossible to delete.

Accepted Answer

(2) nearly. 'Virtually' means 'nearly' or 'almost entirely'. Therefore, 'nearly' is the closest synonym among the given options to describe something that is almost impossible.

Question 15

Therefore, remind yourself to be cautious when responding to someone's **provocative** message.

Accepted Answer

(2) upsetting. A 'provocative' message is one that is intended to cause a strong reaction, often anger, annoyance, or to stir up emotions. 'Upsetting' accurately describes the effect such a message can have, causing emotional distress or disquiet.

P5 English SA1 2025 — Methodist Girls

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