Modals: diagnostic quiz

On this page:
Quiz 1 – beginning
Quiz 2 – intermediate

Present Tense

Diagnostic Quiz

Identify specific English grammar points that need review. Use the study links to find out why a particular answer is correct or incorrect.

Quiz 1

Beginning – Intermediate

Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
Click the "check all" button at the bottom of the practice to reveal the answers after you finish, or
c lick the individual "check" buttons #1-10 to compare responses as you go.

Next year, I intend to go to a new school.
Next year, to a new school.

Feedback 1

Will / Might Will/ Would

It is possible that it will be a difficult to find one I like.
a difficult to find one I like.

Feedback 2

Will / Might

"We hope you are able to find one you like."
They said that they hoped I a school.

Feedback 3

Can / Could Modal Review

I want a school that has the ability to challenge me.
I want a school that me.

challenge (v.) – test and improve the skills or abilities of someone

Feedback 4

Can / Could

I'm not sure how I will commute there everyday.
there everyday.
commute (v.) – travel to school or work

Feedback 5

Will / Might

In my last school, I used to get a ride there everyday.
In my last school, a ride there everyday.
used to (v.) – be an old or former habit (no longer now)

Feedback 6

Modals

I expect to hear from the admissions office soon.
from the admissions office soon.
admissions office (n.) – the office that admits or accepts new students

Feedback 7

Should / Will

I managed to pass a placement test for an advanced level English class.
a placement test for an advanced level English class.
to place (n.) – to qualify for a particular level (e.g., beginning, Intermediate, advanced)

Feedback 8

Could/ Was able to

I prefer to take a history class instead of another language class.
a history class than another language class. instead of (v.) – in place of

Feedback 9

Would

10.

My advisor says that I need to take a science class.
a science class.

Feedback 10

Could / Should Should / Must

11.

I have a few options. One option is to take a biology class.
a biology class.

Feedback 11

Could / Should Should / Must

12.

However, I really think it's important to take a chemistry class.
a chemistry course.

Feedback 12

Could / Should Should / Must

Quiz 2

Intermediate-Advanced

Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
Click the "check all" button at the bottom of the practice to reveal the answers after you finish, or
c lick the individual "check" buttons #13-25 to compare responses as you go.

13.

Jack was supposed to come to the soccer game this morning, but he didn't show up.
to soccer practice.

Feedback 13

Should/Should have

14.

I guess he overslept.
overslept.

overslept (v.) – slept past his wake up time
inference (n.) – something that you think is true, based on information that you have

Feedback 14

Might have / Must have

15.

He had the opportunity to get a ride with us, but he didn't ask.
to get a ride with us, but he didn't ask .

Feedback 15

Could / Could have

16.

He told me to call him so that he up in time.

Feedback 16

Modal Agreement

17.

I did call him a half an hour before the game, but he

did call (v.) – emphasis verb form with auxiliary before the main verb

Feedback 17

Refusal

18.

If I had awakened him in person, at the game now!
in person – face to face (not electronically)

Feedback 18

Mixed Tenses

19.

The coach told us that it was necessary to start the game without him – our goalie!
The coach told us that the game without him.

Feedback 19

Modal Review

20.

I asked the coach, "Do you mind if I give him one more call?"
I asked the coach if I one more time.

Feedback 20

May/ Can

21.

He replied, "By the time he gets here, the game .

Feedback 21

Future Perfect By the time

22.

"It is possible that he has a good excuse."
" a good excuse."

Feedback 22

Will / May / Might

23.

"Jason, please fill in for Jack," said the coach
The coach asked, "Jason, "

Feedback 23

Would May/ Can

24.

"Shall we get this game started?"
The coach said that the game started.

Feedback 24

Modals - Present vs. Past Tense

25.

We played the game. Unfortunately, we lost.
if Jack had been there.

Feedback 25

Modals in Result Clause