Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.

ENGLISH IS CONFUSING

“Good evening, everybody!” said the teacher, Donna. “Where is everybody?” That was sort of a daily joke by Donna. Usually the class started with only two or three students present, and then filled up as the minutes went by. It was summer time. Summer school was only eight weeks long. Class attendance was always smaller than during fall and spring semesters. “I don’t know, teacher. Maybe they are late or not coming,” said  one student. “Maybe watching TV football tonight.”

“Is there a soccer game tonight? It seems like there’s a soccer game every night. Oh, well. Let’s get started, okay? We're on page 36 in the workbook. Tonight we’re studying participles as adjectives.

Students are always confused when they learn about the present and past participles, so we will practice this a lot. Tonight, we're just going to practice the present participle. “The present participle tells us what emotion or feeling the subject is causing. For example, ‘Grammar is boring’ means that the subject grammar causes an emotion of boredom. If we say, ‘The movie is interesting,’ we are saying that the movie causes a feeling of interest. If we say, ‘The roller coaster is exciting,’ we are saying that the roller  coaster causes a feeling of excitement. Any questions so far? Am I confusing you? Is everyone confused?”

The classroom was quiet. Donna looked at blank faces. They were confused. She knew this would take a while. But eventually, the faster students would grasp it, and then they would help the slower students. By the end of the evening, most of the class would feel comfortable using the present participle.

Donna erased the board and put some new examples on it. She loved guiding her students through difficult topics like this one. She  always felt a little bit thrilled when the look of understanding came to their faces.

What was always smaller in the summer? 

IV. PREPOSITIONS AND PARTICLES

1. It was very nice _________________ you to prepare and serve meals for the homeless.

2. He was very nice _________________ me. He was willing to take care ___________ my house while I was away.

3. “I’ve bought the Christmas tree you wanted.” – “Oh, thanks – that’s really kind ________ you .

4. Should you be kind _____________ him? He will forget your kindness __________ him.

5. Please be considerate _______________ your next-door neighbors. Never turn the TV up after midnight.

6. It was very considerate _______________ him to send her mother a bouquet of flowers ____________ Mother’s Day.

7. Many people decorate their homes ____________ Christmas. They buy Christmas trees and decorate them _________________ electric lights and ornaments.

8. Children believe that a fat, jolly man brings gifts____________ Christmas Eve. ________ Christmas morning, they look under the Christmas tree or in their stockings ______________ gifts ________________ him.

9. _____________________ Christmas Day, Christians go to church and sing joyful songs.

10. The shops are always crowded ___________________ Christmastime.

11. Would you like to go to Paris with us ____________________ Christmas today?

12. By tradition, people send greetings cards to their relatives and friends ____________ Tet. 13. Tet Trung Thu or the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated every year _________________ August 15th.

14. Passover is celebrated _________________ late March or early April.

15. Vietnamese people always have big celebrations ____________________ New Year.

16. Bye. Don’t forget our plans. Let’s see each other ___________________ the New Year.

17. _________________ Easter Sunday, young children receive some small chocolate eggs.

18. Easter egg hunts are popular _____________________ Easter.

19. Bob’s father is different ____________________ Jack’s in character and height.

20. They look much alike. We can’t distinguish one twin __________________ the other.

21. Rita was proud _________________ her success in her youth.

22. Here you are ________ last! I’ve been so worried! Thank goodness you’ve arrived safely. 23. Let me congratulate you _____________________ your excellent exam results.

24. Most girls are afraid ___________________ going out alone _______________ night.

25. We sometimes go to the theatre or the opera _________________ a friend ____________ Sunday nights.

26. It rained heavily _________________________ the night.

27. _______________________ the first night of my stay in Paris, I couldn’t get to sleep.

28. Were you satisfied ______________________ your last Christmas?

29. He was late _____________________ the show due _________________ the traffic jam. 30. This generous present was given _________________ me ________________ my parents ____________________ my 18th birthday.

31. The Youth Cultural House _____________________ Pham Ngoc Thach Street is open ___________________ public holidays.

32. What lessons can you draw _____________________ that serious mistake?

33. I am permitted to stay up late ___________________ late-night horror movies.

34. Do you often fly to Asian countries _____________ business or ____________ pleasure? 35. I have to help mum _____________ her household chores while she is __________ work. 36. Sorry, I have no time to talk to you ____________ the moment – I’m __________a hurry. 37. Thanks ____________ the present! I have always dreamt _____________ a pet goldfish!

38. We will go ________________ a trip ___________________ the museum next week.

39. I wish I could afford to go ______________ a tour ________________ Southern Vietnam.

40. Volunteers are ready to help people ______________ need _______________ being paid.

MN GIÚP TỚ VỚI Ạ