Soal Bahasa Inggris UAS Semester Ganjil: Latihan Terbaik untuk Raih Nilai Tinggi!

1. Choose the correct sentence: My mother _______ delicious cakes every Sunday.

• a. bake
• b. bakes
• c. baking
• d. baked

Answer: b. bakes

Explanation: This sentence uses the Simple Present tense to describe a habitual action. For a third-person singular subject (‘my mother’), the verb takes an ‘-s’.

2. What is the synonym of ‘ancient’?

• a. new
• b. modern
• c. old
• d. future

Answer: c. old

Explanation: ‘Ancient’ means belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. ‘Old’ is the closest synonym among the options.

3. If I had studied harder, I _______ the exam.

• a. would pass
• b. will pass
• c. would have passed
• d. passed

Answer: c. would have passed

Explanation: This is a Third Conditional sentence, used to talk about hypothetical situations in the past. The structure is ‘If + Past Perfect, Subject + would have + Past Participle’.

4. The news _______ shocking.

• a. are
• b. is
• c. were
• d. have

Answer: b. is

Explanation: Even though ‘news’ ends with an ‘-s’, it is an uncountable noun and is treated as singular, hence requiring a singular verb ‘is’.

5. She _______ to Jakarta tomorrow.

• a. goes
• b. is going
• c. went
• d. gone

Answer: b. is going

Explanation: The Present Continuous tense can be used to describe future plans or arrangements, especially when a specific time marker like ‘tomorrow’ is present.

6. Which word is an adjective?

• a. beautiful
• b. beauty
• c. beautifully
• d. beautify

Answer: a. beautiful

Explanation: ‘Beautiful’ describes a noun (e.g., ‘a beautiful flower’), making it an adjective. ‘Beauty’ is a noun, ‘beautifully’ is an adverb, and ‘beautify’ is a verb.

7. I prefer tea _______ coffee.

• a. than
• b. over
• c. to
• d. from

Answer: c. to

Explanation: The phrase ‘prefer X to Y’ is used to express a preference for one thing over another.

8. Someone _______ my wallet.

• a. has stolen
• b. have stolen
• c. stole
• d. steals

Answer: a. has stolen

Explanation: The Present Perfect tense is used here because the action happened in the past, but the result (the wallet is missing) is still relevant now. ‘Someone’ is singular.

9. The movie was so _______ that I fell asleep.

• a. bored
• b. boring
• c. bore
• d. bores

Answer: b. boring

Explanation: When describing the quality of a thing that causes a feeling, we use the -ing adjective (e.g., ‘boring movie’). If describing a feeling, we use the -ed adjective (e.g., ‘I was bored’).

10. Would you mind _______ the window?

• a. opening
• b. to open
• c. open
• d. opened

Answer: a. opening

Explanation: The verb ‘mind’ is typically followed by a gerund (-ing form of the verb).

11. If you heat water to 100°C, it _______.

• a. will boil
• b. boiled
• c. boils
• d. would boil

Answer: c. boils

Explanation: This is a Zero Conditional sentence, used for facts or general truths. The structure is ‘If + Simple Present, Simple Present’.

12. The book _______ by John was excellent.

• a. written
• b. writing
• c. wrote
• d. to write

Answer: a. written

Explanation: This uses a past participle (‘written’) as an adjective to modify ‘the book’, indicating that the book was the object of the action ‘write’. It’s a reduced relative clause (The book which was written by John…).

13. I wish I _______ taller.

• a. am
• b. were
• c. was
• d. will be

Answer: b. were

Explanation: When expressing wishes about a present or future situation that is contrary to fact, we use the past subjunctive form. For ‘to be’, ‘were’ is used for all subjects.

14. Neither John _______ Mary came to the party.

• a. or
• b. but
• c. and
• d. nor

Answer: d. nor

Explanation: The correlative conjunction pair is ‘neither… nor…’, used to negate two options.

15. She is known _______ her kindness.

• a. with
• b. for
• c. by
• d. about

Answer: b. for

Explanation: The preposition ‘for’ is used after ‘known’ to indicate the reason or quality for which someone is recognized.

16. He asked me _______ I was doing.

• a. if
• b. that
• c. what
• d. which

Answer: c. what

Explanation: This is an indirect question. The original direct question was ‘What are you doing?’. In indirect questions, ‘what’ acts as the conjunction.

17. Don’t forget _______ the door when you leave.

• a. to lock
• b. locking
• c. lock
• d. locked

Answer: a. to lock

Explanation: The verb ‘forget’ can be followed by an infinitive (‘to lock’) when it refers to an action that needs to be done. If followed by a gerund, it refers to forgetting a past event.

18. The children _______ noisily in the garden.

• a. play
• b. plays
• c. playing
• d. played

Answer: d. played

Explanation: The adverb ‘noisily’ modifies the verb ‘played’, describing how the action was performed. The Past Simple tense is a common choice for describing completed actions.

19. How many languages _______ you speak?

• a. are
• b. do
• c. have
• d. can

Answer: b. do

Explanation: The auxiliary verb ‘do’ is used to form questions in the Simple Present tense for ‘you’ (and ‘I’, ‘we’, ‘they’).

20. The company decided _______ its operations.

• a. to expand
• b. expanding
• c. expand
• d. expanded

Answer: a. to expand

Explanation: The verb ‘decide’ is typically followed by an infinitive (‘to expand’).

1. Explain the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’.

Answer: ‘Affect’ is primarily a verb meaning to influence or produce a change in something. ‘Effect’ is primarily a noun meaning the result or outcome of an action or cause.

Explanation: While ‘affect’ is usually a verb and ‘effect’ is usually a noun, both can sometimes take on the other’s role, but this is less common. The core difference lies in their primary grammatical function and meaning.

2. What is a ‘modal verb’? Give two examples.

Answer: A modal verb is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express modality, which means likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or advice. Examples include ‘can’, ‘could’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘must’, ‘shall’, ‘should’, ‘ought to’.

Explanation: Modal verbs always accompany a main verb and do not change form (e.g., no -s for third person singular). They add nuance to the main verb’s meaning.

3. Change the following sentence into passive voice: ‘The students are cleaning the classroom.’

Answer: The classroom is being cleaned by the students.

Explanation: To change from active to passive voice in the Present Continuous tense: Object + is/are/am + being + Past Participle of the main verb + by + Subject. Here, ‘the classroom’ (object) becomes the new subject, ‘is being cleaned’ is the passive verb form, and ‘by the students’ (original subject) is added.

4. What is the function of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Answer: A topic sentence states the main idea or controlling idea of a paragraph. It sets the focus for the paragraph and tells the reader what the paragraph will be about.

Explanation: The topic sentence usually appears at the beginning of a paragraph, providing a clear roadmap for the reader and ensuring coherence and unity within the paragraph.

5. Define ‘idiom’ and provide one example.

Answer: An idiom is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. An example is ‘break a leg’, which means ‘good luck’.

Explanation: Idioms are common in everyday language and often present challenges for language learners because their meaning is non-literal and must be learned as a whole unit.

1. Describe the importance of learning English in today’s globalized world. Provide at least three specific reasons to support your argument.

Answer: Learning English is profoundly important in today’s globalized world due to its role as a universal language. First, English serves as the primary language of international communication. In business, science, technology, and diplomacy, English facilitates dialogue and collaboration among people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This allows for seamless information exchange and fosters global understanding. Second, proficiency in English opens up vast educational and career opportunities. Many of the world’s leading universities offer programs in English, and access to academic resources, research papers, and online courses is predominantly in English. Professionally, English skills are highly valued by multinational corporations, enabling individuals to work in international environments and advance their careers. Third, English provides unparalleled access to information and entertainment. The internet, with its immense repository of knowledge, articles, and media, is largely in English. From scientific journals to popular films and music, English is the gateway to a rich cultural landscape. Without English, individuals might be limited in their ability to engage with global trends, stay informed, and enjoy a wide array of cultural products. Therefore, mastering English is not just a skill but a necessity for personal and professional growth in our interconnected world.

Explanation: The answer should clearly state the importance of English and provide at least three distinct, well-explained reasons. It should be structured logically with an introduction, supporting paragraphs for each reason, and a conclusion. Vocabulary and grammar usage should be accurate and appropriate for an academic essay.

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning.

Answer: Online learning and traditional classroom learning each present unique advantages and disadvantages. Online learning offers significant advantages such as flexibility and accessibility. Students can often study at their own pace and schedule, which is beneficial for those with work or family commitments. It also removes geographical barriers, allowing access to courses and instructors from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, online platforms often provide a wealth of digital resources and interactive tools. However, online learning can suffer from a lack of immediate, in-person interaction, which might hinder spontaneous discussions and peer collaboration. It also requires a high level of self-discipline and motivation, as students are more responsible for managing their own learning. Technical issues and digital divides can also be significant disadvantages. In contrast, traditional classroom learning excels in fostering direct human interaction. Students benefit from face-to-face discussions, immediate feedback from instructors, and a strong sense of community. The structured environment can also be more conducive to learning for some students, providing a consistent routine and fewer distractions. The disadvantages, however, include less flexibility in scheduling, geographical limitations, and often higher costs. Both models have their merits; the optimal choice often depends on individual learning styles, circumstances, and course content.

Explanation: The essay should present a balanced view, detailing both pros and cons for each learning method. Arguments should be supported with clear reasoning. Good organization, coherent paragraphs, and correct grammar are crucial for a high score.

3. Imagine you are applying for a scholarship. Write a short essay (around 150-200 words) explaining why you deserve this scholarship.

Answer: I am writing to express my profound interest in the [Scholarship Name] and to explain why I believe I am a deserving candidate. Throughout my academic journey, I have maintained a strong record, consistently achieving high grades while actively participating in extracurricular activities, such as [mention 1-2 specific activities, e.g., debate club, community service]. My passion for [mention your field of study, e.g., environmental science] drives my commitment to learning and contributing positively to society. This scholarship would be instrumental in alleviating the financial burden of my education, allowing me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and future aspirations. I am confident that with your support, I can not only excel academically but also become a valuable asset to [mention a relevant community/field] in the future. I am eager to seize this opportunity to further my education and make a lasting impact.

Explanation: The essay should be persuasive, clearly articulating the student’s qualifications, financial need, and future aspirations. It should demonstrate good writing skills, including clear structure, concise language, and a compelling tone. Specific examples of achievements or involvements will strengthen the argument.

4. Analyze the role of technology in modern communication. How has it changed the way people interact?

Answer: Technology has fundamentally transformed modern communication, altering the way people interact on both personal and professional levels. One significant change is the immediacy and ubiquitousness of communication. Platforms like instant messaging, social media, and video calls allow for real-time connection across vast distances, making it easier to maintain relationships and collaborate globally. This has shrunk the world, enabling instant sharing of news, ideas, and experiences. Secondly, technology has diversified communication channels. Beyond traditional calls and letters, we now have a plethora of options, each suited for different purposes – from quick texts to detailed emails or multimedia-rich social posts. This offers flexibility but can also lead to communication overload. Thirdly, it has blurred the lines between personal and professional life. Work emails can be checked 24/7, and social media often mixes personal connections with professional networking. While this increases connectivity, it can also lead to a constant ‘always-on’ culture and potential privacy concerns. Moreover, the rise of digital communication has also impacted face-to-face interactions, with some arguing that reliance on screens reduces in-person social skills and deep connections. In summary, technology has made communication faster, more diverse, and more accessible, but it also presents challenges regarding privacy, focus, and the quality of human connection.

Explanation: The answer should analyze the impact of technology comprehensively, discussing both positive and negative changes in interaction. It should cover various technological tools and their effects, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic. A well-structured argument with supporting details is expected.

5. Write a short descriptive paragraph (around 100-150 words) about your favorite place. Focus on using vivid adjectives and sensory details.

Answer: My favorite place is a secluded hidden beach, nestled between towering, moss-covered cliffs. The air there always carries the crisp scent of salt and ancient pine trees from the forest behind. Soft, golden sand stretches invitingly, warmed by the gentle morning sun, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant turquoise of the calm, clear ocean. As the waves whisper a rhythmic lullaby against the shore, tiny, iridescent seashells sparkle like scattered jewels. A gentle breeze rustles through the nearby palm fronds, creating a soothing melody. It’s a sanctuary where time seems to slow down, offering a breathtaking panorama and a profound sense of peace that rejuvenates both mind and spirit, making every visit a magical escape.

Explanation: The essay should demonstrate strong descriptive writing skills, utilizing a range of vivid adjectives, adverbs, and sensory language (sight, sound, smell, touch) to create an immersive image of the place. Coherence and a consistent tone are also important.

1. Match the English vocabulary word with its Indonesian meaning.

Answer: Each English word corresponds to one Indonesian meaning.

Explanation: This exercise tests basic vocabulary knowledge.

2. Match the phrasal verb with its correct meaning.

Answer: Each phrasal verb corresponds to one meaning.

Explanation: This exercise tests understanding of common phrasal verbs.