2024 National English Exam Compilation Practice: Verbs
1. (• Heilongjiang) Though she often makes her little brother ______, she was made ______ by him this morning. ( )
A. cry; to cry B. to cry; cry
C. cry; cry
【Key Point】 Main verbs.
【Analysis】 Although she often makes her little brother cry, this morning she was made to cry by him.
【Answer】 Answer: A.
Based on the sentence “Though she often makes her little brother ______, she was made ______ by him this morning,” it can be inferred that this question tests the usage of “make,” which is usually used in the structure “make sb do sth” (to make someone do something) followed by an infinitive without “to.” However, in the passive voice, the omitted infinitive marker “to” must be restored, so the correct choice is A.
2. (• Guangdong) Unless the weather ______, we’ll have to cancel the picnic. ( )
A. improve B. improves
C. improved D. will improve
【Key Point】 The third person singular form of main verbs.
【Analysis】 Unless the weather improves, we will have to cancel the picnic.
【Answer】 Answer: B
“Unless” introduces a conditional clause. In a complex sentence with a conditional clause, if the main clause is in the simple future tense, the clause uses the simple present tense to indicate the future. The subject of the clause, “the weather,” is third person singular, so the verb must be in the third person singular form, hence the choice is B.
3. (• Binzhou) – I’m sorry I ________ my exercise book at home this morning. – It doesn’t matter. Don’t forget ________ it here this afternoon. ( )
A. left; to take B. forgot; bringing
C. left; to bring D. forgot; to bring
【Key Point】 The past tense of main verbs; fixed verb combinations.
【Analysis】 – I’m sorry, I left my exercise book at home this morning. – It doesn’t matter, just don’t forget to bring it this afternoon.
【Answer】 Answer: C. This question tests the distinction of verb meanings. Based on the keyword “I’m sorry,” it can be inferred that the exercise book was left at home, which corresponds to “leave” (to leave something behind); “forget to do sth” (to forget to do something); “bring” (to bring); and “take” (to take away). Therefore, the correct choice is C.
4. (• Baotou) This beautiful poem by Li Bai is still popular today. It has ______ the test of time. ( )
A. failed B. stood C. taken D. made
【Key Point】 The past participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 This beautiful poem by Li Bai is still popular today; it has stood the test of time.
【Answer】 Answer: B. The meanings of the options are as follows: A. failed; B. stood; C. taken; D. made. Based on the phrase “It has ______ the test of time,” the meaning should be that it has stood the test of time. Since “has” is present, the verb should be in the past participle form, so the answer is B.
5. (• Xiamen) – Tom, let’s hang out after school. – Sorry. I have _____ Frank to work on the biology report with him. ( )
A. advised B. expected C. promised
【Key Point】 The past participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 – Tom, let’s hang out after school. – Sorry, I have promised Frank to work on the biology report with him.
【Answer】 Answer: C. The meanings of the options are: A. advised; B. expected; C. promised. Based on the context of “sorry” and “work on the biology report with him,” it can be inferred that the blank should be filled with “promised,” which indicates a completed action. Combined with “have,” the sentence should be in the present perfect tense, so the past participle “promised” is used, hence the answer is C.
6. (• Weihai) Their football team was ____ in that important game. ( )
A. won B. beaten C. failed
【Key Point】 The past participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 Their football team was beaten in that important game.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, since the subject “Their football team” is the receiver of the action, combined with “was,” this sentence is in the simple past passive voice (was + past participle). First, analyze A: “won” is the past participle of “win,” meaning to win a game, and its object should be a game. B: “beaten” is the past participle of “beat,” meaning to defeat someone or a group. C: “failed” is the past participle of “fail,” meaning to fail at something, which is intransitive. Since “their football team” is a collective of people, only “beat” can serve as the agent of the subject “their football team,” so the answer is B.
7. (• Nanjing) – Have you read the book Jane Eyre? – Yes. It’s a famous book and really worth _______. ( )
A. to read B. reading C. to be read D. read
【Key Point】 The present participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 – Have you read the book Jane Eyre? – Yes, it’s a famous book and really worth reading.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the keyword “worth,” it can be inferred that this uses the fixed expression “be worth doing sth” (to be worth doing something), so the gerund form “reading” is used, meaning “worth reading,” hence the answer is B.
8. (• Heilongjiang) A Christmas Carol is a famous short novel ______ by Charles Dickens. ( )
A. written B. was written
C. wrote
【Key Point】 The present participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 A Christmas Carol is a famous short novel written by Charles Dickens.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the meaning of the sentence is “A Christmas Carol is a famous short novel written by Charles Dickens.” The blank word serves as a post-modifier for the noun “novel,” and since “novel” and “write” are in a passive relationship logically, the past participle is used as an attribute, so the answer is A.
9. (• Shanghai) After she finished the story, Alice wrote a review for her school newspaper. ( )
A. read B. reads C. to read D. reading
【Key Point】 The present participle of main verbs.
【Analysis】 After she finished the story, Alice wrote a review for her school newspaper.
【Answer】 Answer: D. This question tests the fixed phrase “finish doing sth,” which means to finish doing something.
10. (• Fuzhou) – Mum, what are you cooking in the kitchen? It _____ so good!
– Fried noodles. ( )
A. smells B. tastes C. sounds
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 – Mum, what are you cooking in the kitchen? It smells so good!
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, it can be inferred that since the mother is still cooking, it should smell good rather than taste good. “Smell” means to smell, “taste” means to taste, and “sound” means to sound, so the correct choice is A.
11. (• Jinan) – Do you like the songs by Taylor? – Yes. Country music ______ nice and full of feelings. ( )
A. sounds B. listens C. hears D. looks
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 – Do you like Taylor’s songs? – Yes, country music sounds beautiful and full of feelings.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the options, this question tests sensory verbs. First, clarify the meanings of each option: A: sounds; B: listens (emphasizing action); C: hears (emphasizing result); D: looks. Based on the context, the answer should be A.
12. (• Dongying) – Good morning. I’d like a birthday gift for my mother. – What about this scarf? It is beautiful and it ______ soft and smooth. ( )
A. feels B. looks C. seems D. becomes
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 – Good morning, I want to buy a birthday gift for my mother. – What about this scarf? It is beautiful and feels soft and smooth.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the options, this question tests linking verbs. The meanings of the options are: A: feels; B: looks; C: seems; D: becomes. Based on the context, the answer is A.
13. (• Dandong) – Why do you ______ so upset? – Because I didn’t get the first place in the English competition. ( )
A. look B. sound C. smell D. feel
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 – Why do you look so upset? – Because I didn’t get the first place in the English competition.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer should be A.
14. (• Nanning) This bed ______ soft and comfortable. ( )
A. sounds B. tastes C. feels D. smells
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 This bed feels soft and comfortable.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer should be C.
15. (• Shanghai) The twins ______ fond of the new idea in the magazine article. ( )
A. be B. am C. is D. are
【Key Point】 Linking verbs; predicates.
【Analysis】 The twins are fond of the new idea in the magazine article.
【Answer】 Answer: D. The subject “the twins” indicates two people, so the predicate linking verb is “are.”
16. (• Daqing) The cake tastes ______ and it is really delicious. ( )
A. well B. badly C. good D. bad
【Key Point】 Linking verbs.
【Analysis】 The cake tastes good, and it is really delicious.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer should be C.
17. (• Binzhou) – Must I go to law school and be a lawyer like you, Dad? – No, you _____, son. You’re free to make your own decision. ( )
A. can’t B. mustn’t C. shouldn’t D. needn’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Must I go to law school and be a lawyer like you, Dad? – No, you needn’t, son. You’re free to make your own decision.
【Answer】 Answer: D. Based on “No” and “You’re free to make your own decision,” the answer is D.
18. (• Qiannan) – How is your grandma? – She’s fine. She used to ____ TV at home after supper. But now she is used to ___ out for a walk. ( )
A. watch; go B. watching; go
C. watching; going D. watch; going
【Key Point】 Modal verbs; gerunds.
【Analysis】 – How is your grandma? – She’s fine. She used to watch TV at home after supper, but now she is used to going out for a walk.
【Answer】 Answer: D. “Used to do sth” indicates a past habit, while “be used to doing sth” indicates being accustomed to something. Therefore, the answer is D.
19. (• Mianyang) – Is Mr. Brown driving here? – I’m not sure. He ______ come by train. ( )
A. may B. shall C. need D. must
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Is Mr. Brown driving here? – I’m not sure. He may come by train.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer is A.
20. (• Mianyang) How kind you are! You always do what you can ______ others. ( )
A. help B. helping C. helps D. to help
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 You are so kind! You always do what you can to help others.
【Answer】 Answer: D. Based on the context, the answer is D.
21. (• Qiannan) All passengers _____ go through safety checks before they take a plane. ( )
A. can B. may C. must D. ought
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 All passengers must go through safety checks before boarding a plane.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.
22. (• Fuzhou) – Look at the young lady in red. Is it Mrs. King? – No, it ________ be her. She is wearing a white dress today. ( )
A. can B. may C. must D. can’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Look at the young lady in red. Is it Mrs. King? – No, it can’t be her. She is wearing a white dress today.
【Answer】 Answer: D. Based on the context, the answer is D.
23. (• Zhuzhou) The passengers _______ show their ID cards before getting on the plane. ( )
A. might B. must C. could
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 Passengers must show their ID cards before boarding the plane.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
24. (• Shiyan) All the students _____ know cheating in the exam is not allowed. ( )
A. need B. may C. must D. can
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 All students must know that cheating in the exam is not allowed.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.
25. (• Shaoyang) – Must I clean the room now, Mom? – No, _________. ( )
A. you mustn’t B. you needn’t
C. you can’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Mom, must I clean the room now? – No, you needn’t.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on “No,” the answer is B.
26. (• Chenzhou) – Mum, I’m going climbing. Must I clean the room now? – No, you_____________. You can do it this evening. ( )
A. can’t B. mustn’t C. needn’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Mom, I’m going climbing. Must I clean the room now? – No, you needn’t. You can do it this evening.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.
27. (• Changsha) – Finally, they came back. – They ______be hungry after such a long walk. ( )
A. can’t B. must C. needn’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – They finally came back. After such a long walk, they must be hungry.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
28. (• Anhui) Please don’t make so much noise. I_____hear the speaker very well. ( )
A. needn’t B. mustn’t C. can’t D. shouldn’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 Please don’t make so much noise. I can’t hear the speaker very well.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.
29. (• Baotou) Ladies and gentlemen, let me, if I ______, introduce you to my manager, Bill Wealth. ( )
A. will B. should C. must D. may
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 Ladies and gentlemen, let me, if I may, introduce you to my manager, Bill Wealth.
【Answer】 Answer: D. Based on the context, the answer is D.
30. (• Suizhou) – Let’s go climbing, shall we? – You______be joking! Don’t you know I’m afraid of high places? ( )
A. must B. can C. may D. should
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Let’s go climbing, shall we? – You must be joking! Don’t you know I’m afraid of high places?
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer is A.
31. (• Ningxia) – Can I go swimming, Mom? – Certainly. But you ____ be back by four. ( )
A. can B. may C. might D. must
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Can I go swimming, Mom? – Certainly. But you must be back by four.
【Answer】 Answer: D. Based on the context, the answer is D.
32. (• Suihua) – Mum, must I clean my room? – No, you ________. ( )
A. mustn’t B. needn’t C. can’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Mum, must I clean my room? – No, you needn’t.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
33. (• Henan) – You look very pretty, if I ______ say so. – Thanks a lot for saying that. ( )
A. must B. may C. will D. have to
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – You look very pretty, if I may say so. – Thanks a lot for saying that.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
34. (• Shanxi) – Many people play with mobile phones all day instead of reading books. – That’s too bad. Everyone _______ be a book lover. Reading is more enjoyable. ( )
A. may B. should C. would
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Many people play with mobile phones all day instead of reading books. – That’s too bad. Everyone should be a book lover. Reading is more enjoyable.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
35. (• Tianjin) – Mum, may I play football this afternoon? – Sure, but you must finish your homework first. ( )
A. may; could B. can; must
C. can; mustn’t D. may; can’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Mum, may I play football this afternoon? – Sure, but you must finish your homework first.
【Answer】 Answer: B. Based on the context, the answer is B.
36. (• Hainan) – Must I clean the room now? – No, you ________. You can do it later. ( )
A. needn’t B. can’t C. may not
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Must I clean the room now? – No, you needn’t. You can do it later.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer is A.
37. (• Heilongjiang) My grandfather _____ live in the countryside, but now he ______ living in the city. ( )
A. used to; used to
B. got used to; gets used to
C. used to; gets used to
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 My grandfather used to live in the countryside, but now he is used to living in the city.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.
38. (• Quanzhou) – What’s wrong with Judy? She has been absent for two days. – Oh, she ______ be ill. Let’s go to ask Mr. Green. ( )
A. may B. need C. would
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – What’s wrong with Judy? She has been absent for two days. – Oh, she may be ill. Let’s go to ask Mr. Green.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer is A.
39. (• Xianning) – Do you think that Kobe will be elected as the MVP this year? – It _______ be him. He has retired since April 13. ( )
A. can’t be B. mustn’t be C. must be D. can be
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Do you think Kobe will be elected as the MVP this year? – It can’t be him. He has retired since April 13.
【Answer】 Answer: A. Based on the context, the answer is A.
40. (• Yancheng) – Is that man Mr. Green? – It ______ be him. He has gone to Paris on business. ( )
A. may B. must C. can’t D. shouldn’t
【Key Point】 Modal verbs.
【Analysis】 – Is that man Mr. Green? – It can’t be him. He has gone to Paris on business.
【Answer】 Answer: C. Based on the context, the answer is C.