These are the kind of questions asked in standardized tests like TOEFL, GRE and CAT.
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate word or phrase.
1The pyramids ............... around 2600 BC.
Wrong!
Use the past simple passive "were built" because the pyramids received the action in the past.
2Positive hydrogen atoms ............... to negative oxygen atoms.
Wrong!
Use the present simple passive "are attracted" for a general scientific fact.
3I ............... a whole lot of information.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect passive "have been sent" because the speaker received the information.
4We ............... him an invitation.
Wrong!
Use the present perfect active "have sent" because "We" did the action.
5I ............... in 1979.
Wrong!
Use the fixed past passive expression "was born" with a birth date in the past.
6My old shoes ............... because I wear them every day.
Wrong!
Use the intransitive phrasal verb "are wearing out" because the shoes are becoming damaged through use.
7She likes ............... by the audience.
Wrong!
Use the passive gerund "being looked at" after "likes" because she receives the attention.
8Young children ............... by adults.
Wrong!
Use the passive infinitive "need to be taken care of" because young children receive care from adults.
9I hate ............... in public.
Wrong!
Use the passive gerund "being made a fool of" after "hate" because the speaker receives the embarrassing action.
Done.
Score: 0/9
Answers
- The pyramids were built around 2600 BC.
- Positive hydrogen atoms are attracted to negative oxygen atoms.
- I have been sent a whole lot of information.
- We have sent him an invitation.
- I was born in 1979.
- My old shoes are wearing out because I wear them every day.
- She likes being looked at by the audience.
- Young children need to be taken care of by adults.
- I hate being made a fool of in public.

