Primary 1 English Grammar Quiz

Primary 1 English Quiz - Grammar: Answer Key

Total Marks: 20

Section A: Choose the Correct Word (Questions 1–10)

1. B) sits [1 mark]

• Explanation: "The cat" is one animal (singular), so we add 's' to the verb. "Sit" becomes "sits." We do not say "sitted" because that is not a real word. "Sitting" needs helper words like "is sitting."

2. A) read [1 mark]

• Explanation: "I" is special. With "I," we use the plain verb "read," not "reads." "Reading" needs "am reading." "Reed" is the wrong spelling; it is a plant that grows in water.

3. B) goes [1 mark]

• Explanation: "She" is one person (singular). When a verb ends in 'o,' we add 'es' instead of just 's.' So "go" becomes "goes." This is a spelling rule for words like go, do, and echo.

4. B) are [1 mark]

• Explanation: "My brother and I" means two people (plural). "Are" is used for "you," "we," and "they" — and for all plural subjects. "Is" is for one thing; "am" is only for "I."

5. B) drinks [1 mark]

• Explanation: "The baby" is one person (singular), so we add 's.' "Drink" becomes "drinks." "Drank" is for past time (yesterday), and this sentence is about now.

6. B) are [1 mark]

• Explanation: "We" means more than one person. With "we," always use "are." "Is" is wrong here. "We are happy" is correct.

7. B) has [1 mark]

• Explanation: "That dog" is one animal (singular). "Have" becomes "has" for singular subjects. "Has" shows that one person or thing owns or possesses something. "That dog has a tail."

8. A) go [1 mark]

• Explanation: "They" means more than one person or thing. With "they," we use the plain verb "go," not "goes." This is the same rule as with "I" and "you" — the verb stays simple.

9. B) bakes [1 mark]

• Explanation: "My mother" is one person (singular). Add 's' to "bake" to make "bakes." The silent 'e' at the end stays; we just add 's.' "Baking" needs "is baking."

10. B) are [1 mark]

• Explanation: "You" always uses "are," whether you mean one person or many people. This is a special grammar rule in English. "You are a good friend."

Section B: Circle the Correct Answer (Questions 11–15)

11. C) She has three apples. [1 mark]

• Explanation:

  • "She" is one person, so use "has" (not "have").
  • After a number, the noun must be plural: "three apples" (not "three apple").
  • "Are having" is wrong because "having" is not used this way in simple present tense.

• Expected image features: Girl in school uniform, two apples in her hands, one apple on the table beside her, three apples total.

12. C) The boys are running. [1 mark]

• Explanation:

  • "Boys" with 's' means more than one boy, so use "are" (not "is").
  • "Boy" without 's' is singular, so "boy are" is wrong.
  • "Be running" is not correct English.

• Expected image features: Two boys on a running track, both in running motion, one holding a baton, shared racing activity.

13. B) The children are happy. [1 mark]

• Explanation:

  • "Children" is the plural of "child" — it already means more than one, so use "are."
  • "Is" is wrong for plural. "Childrens" is wrong because "children" is already plural.
  • "Child" is singular, so "child are" is wrong.

• Expected image features: Three children jumping, smiling sun with face, rainbow in sky, outdoor playground, happy mood.

14. B) The elephant sprays water. [1 mark]

• Explanation:

  • "The elephant" is one animal, so add 's': "sprays."
  • "Elephants" with 's' means many elephants, but the verb would still need checking.
  • "Spraying" by itself is incomplete; needs "is spraying."

• Expected image features: Single elephant, water stream from raised trunk, pond with splashing water below.

15. B) The teacher teaches the class. [1 mark]

• Explanation:

  • "The teacher" is one person, so add 'es' because "teach" ends in 'ch.'
  • "Teachs" is wrong spelling — words ending in 'ch,' 'sh,' 'ss,' 'x,' 'z,' or 'o' need 'es.'
  • "Teaching" by itself is incomplete.

• Expected image features: One teacher at whiteboard, large letter 'A' written clearly, five students at desks looking up, standard classroom.

Section C: Fill in the Blank with the Correct Form (Questions 16–20)

16. drives [1 mark]

• Explanation: "My father" is one person (singular). When a verb ends in 'e,' add 's' to make present tense: "drives." Do not remove the 'e' first. "Every morning" tells us this happens again and again, so we use simple present tense.

17. fly [1 mark]

• Explanation: "Those birds" means more than one bird (plural). With plural subjects, use the plain verb: "fly." Do not add 's.' "Those" is a clue that we mean more than one thing.

18. eats [1 mark]

• Explanation: "The monkey" is one animal (singular). Add 's' to "eat": "eats." This sentence tells us what the monkey does now or usually. If we said "is eating," that would mean right this second.

19. like [1 mark]

• Explanation: "We" means more than one person. With "we," use the plain verb "like" without 's.' Even though "very much" comes after, the subject "we" controls the verb form.

20. washes [1 mark]

• Explanation: "Sam" is one person (singular). "Wash" ends in 'sh,' so add 'es' to make "washes." This is the spelling rule: verbs ending in ch, sh, s, x, or z need 'es' (not just 's'). "Before dinner" is a regular time, so use simple present.

Common Mistakes to Watch For:

• Adding 's' to verbs after "I," "you," "we," or "they" — these stay plain.
• Forgetting to add 'es' to verbs ending in ch, sh, s, x, or z.
• Confusing "have" and "has" — "I, you, we, they" use "have"; "he, she, it" and singular nouns use "has."
• Using incomplete -ing forms without "is," "am," or "are."

End of Answer Key