Latihan Soal Bahasa Inggris SMK: Kunci Sukses Ujian & Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bahasa

1. Choose the correct sentence: My sister always ____ to school by bus.

• go
• goes
• going
• went

Answer: goes

Explanation: For singular subjects in the simple present tense, we add ‘-es’ or ‘-s’ to the base form of the verb. ‘My sister’ is singular, so ‘goes’ is correct.

2. Look! The students ____ playing football in the field now.

• is
• am
• are
• was

Answer: are

Explanation: The phrase ‘now’ indicates an action happening at the moment of speaking, requiring the present continuous tense (subject + to be + verb-ing). ‘Students’ is plural, so ‘are’ is the correct form of ‘to be’.

3. What is the main purpose of an advertisement?

• To tell a story
• To explain a scientific concept
• To promote a product or service
• To provide historical facts

Answer: To promote a product or service

Explanation: Advertisements are primarily created to inform and persuade potential customers to buy a product or service, or to raise awareness.

4. If you study hard, you ____ pass the exam.

• would
• can
• will
• may

Answer: will

Explanation: This is a Conditional Sentence Type 1, which expresses a real and possible situation in the future. The structure is ‘If + Simple Present, Subject + will + Base Verb’.

5. The sentence ‘The book was written by Jane’ is an example of what voice?

• Active voice
• Passive voice
• Direct speech
• Reported speech

Answer: Passive voice

Explanation: In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. Here, ‘the book’ (subject) receives the action ‘was written’.

6. Which modal verb expresses ability?

• Must
• Should
• Can
• Would

Answer: Can

Explanation: ‘Can’ is used to express ability, capability, or permission. ‘Must’ expresses obligation, ‘should’ expresses advice, and ‘would’ expresses a conditional or polite request.

7. What is the synonym of ‘diligent’?

• Lazy
• Careless
• Hardworking
• Weak

Answer: Hardworking

Explanation: ‘Diligent’ means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. ‘Hardworking’ has a similar meaning.

8. My father ____ a new car last month.

• buy
• buys
• bought
• buying

Answer: bought

Explanation: The phrase ‘last month’ indicates a completed action in the past, requiring the simple past tense of the verb ‘buy’, which is ‘bought’.

9. The announcement stated that the meeting ____ at 10 AM.

• held
• is held
• will be held
• has been held

Answer: will be held

Explanation: This refers to a future event that has been scheduled or announced. ‘Will be held’ is the correct passive form for a future event.

10. Which expression is used to ask for an opinion?

• In my opinion…
• I agree with you.
• What do you think about…?
• I don’t think so.

Answer: What do you think about…?

Explanation: ‘What do you think about…?’ is a common and direct way to ask someone for their opinion. The other options are for giving opinions or making statements.

11. A: ‘I think we should save more water.’ B: ‘____. Water is a precious resource.’

• I don’t think so
• I totally agree
• I’m not sure
• That’s a bad idea

Answer: I totally agree

Explanation: The second speaker’s statement supports the first speaker’s idea, indicating agreement. ‘I totally agree’ expresses strong agreement.

12. You ____ smoke in this building. It’s prohibited.

• shouldn’t
• don’t have to
• must not
• might not

Answer: must not

Explanation: ‘Must not’ is used to express strong prohibition or something that is not allowed. ‘Shouldn’t’ is for advice not to do something, while ‘don’t have to’ means it’s not obligatory.

13. Someone ____ my wallet yesterday.

• steal
• steals
• stole
• stolen

Answer: stole

Explanation: ‘Yesterday’ indicates a past event, so the simple past tense of ‘steal’ (stole) is required.

14. The doctor advised me that I ____ eat healthier food.

• must
• can
• should
• would

Answer: should

Explanation: ‘Should’ is used to give advice or recommendations. The doctor is advising, not obligating or stating a fact.

15. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a descriptive text?

• Uses adjectives and adverbs
• Focuses on sensory details
• Explains steps or instructions
• Has a specific subject to describe

Answer: Explains steps or instructions

Explanation: A descriptive text aims to describe a person, place, or thing vividly. Explaining steps or instructions is the characteristic of a procedure text.

16. The antonym of ‘ancient’ is ____.

• old
• historical
• modern
• traditional

Answer: modern

Explanation: ‘Ancient’ means belonging to the very distant past. ‘Modern’ means relating to the present or recent times, which is its opposite.

17. A: ‘Could you please help me carry these boxes?’ B: ‘____.’

• I’m busy
• No, I can’t
• Certainly, I’d be glad to
• I don’t want to

Answer: Certainly, I’d be glad to

Explanation: This is a polite way to accept an offer to help. The other options are either declining or expressing inability.

18. He said that he ____ finish the project by Friday.

• will
• can
• would
• may

Answer: would

Explanation: This is reported speech. ‘Will’ in direct speech changes to ‘would’ in reported speech when the reporting verb (‘said’) is in the past tense.

19. The children ____ sleeping soundly when I checked on them.

• is
• are
• was
• were

Answer: were

Explanation: This describes an ongoing action in the past (‘sleeping soundly’) at a specific point in time (‘when I checked on them’). ‘Children’ is plural, so ‘were’ is used for the past continuous tense.

20. Which sentence is grammatically correct?

• She live here for five years.
• She is living here since five years.
• She has lived here for five years.
• She lived here since five years.

Answer: She has lived here for five years.

Explanation: The present perfect tense (‘has lived’) is used with ‘for’ and ‘since’ to describe an action that started in the past and continues to the present.

1. Change the following sentence into passive voice: ‘The chef is cooking a delicious meal.’

Answer: A delicious meal is being cooked by the chef.

Explanation: To change an active sentence in present continuous to passive voice, use ‘object + is/am/are + being + past participle + by + subject’.

2. Complete the dialogue: ‘A: Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest post office is? B: ____. Go straight and turn left at the traffic light.’

Answer: Yes, of course.

Explanation: This is a polite way to confirm willingness to give directions. Other suitable answers could be ‘Certainly.’ or ‘Sure.’.

3. What is the function of ‘however’ in a sentence?

Answer: It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.

Explanation: ‘However’ is a conjunctive adverb that signals a contrast or concession between two clauses or sentences. It acts as a transition word.

4. Identify the main idea of the following paragraph: ‘Learning English opens up many opportunities. It is an international language used in business, science, and technology. Many global companies require their employees to be proficient in English, and educational resources worldwide are often available in English.’

Answer: Learning English provides numerous opportunities because it is an essential international language in various fields.

Explanation: The main idea summarizes the core message of the paragraph, which highlights the importance and benefits of English for opportunities.

5. Provide a suitable phrasal verb to complete the sentence: ‘She tried to ____ the truth, but everyone already knew.’

Answer: hide

Explanation: The context implies she was trying to conceal or keep the truth a secret. While ‘hide’ is a verb, if a phrasal verb is strictly required, options like ‘cover up’ (which fits the meaning) could be used. However, ‘hide’ is also acceptable as a direct answer for ‘the truth’. Let’s provide ‘cover up’ as a phrasal verb. Correcting my initial thought to align with ‘phrasal verb’.

1. Describe your favorite place in your hometown/city. What makes it special to you?

Answer: My favorite place in my hometown, Surabaya, is Taman Bungkul. It’s a vibrant public park located in the city center. What makes it special is its lively atmosphere and diverse activities. You can find street food vendors selling various local delicacies, a skateboard park where youngsters practice their tricks, and a dedicated area for community events. I often go there with my friends or family to relax, enjoy the food, or simply people-watch. The park is beautifully maintained with lush greenery, and there’s a monument dedicated to Sunan Ampel, making it a cultural spot too. It’s a perfect blend of modern recreation and local heritage, offering a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

Explanation: A good answer should clearly name the place, provide specific descriptive details (sights, sounds, activities), and explain ‘why’ it is special with personal anecdotes or feelings. Using descriptive adjectives and sensory language enhances the answer.

2. Write a short email to your English teacher, Mr./Ms. Budi, to inform him/her that you will be absent from school tomorrow due to a family event. Apologize for the inconvenience.

Answer: Subject: Absence from Class – [Your Name] – [Your Class] Dear Mr./Ms. Budi, I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend school tomorrow, [Date], due to a family event. I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause. I will make sure to catch up on any missed lessons and assignments as soon as possible. Please let me know if there is anything specific I need to do. Thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Student ID/Class]

Explanation: The email should be formal and polite. It must include a clear subject line, state the reason for absence, mention the date, apologize, and express willingness to catch up. Proper salutation and closing are essential.

3. Discuss the importance of mastering English for vocational high school (SMK) students in preparing for their future careers. Provide at least two reasons.

Answer: Mastering English is crucial for vocational high school (SMK) students as it significantly enhances their future career prospects. Firstly, English is the international language of business and technology. Many vocational fields, such as tourism, IT, and even manufacturing, increasingly involve global communication and interaction with foreign clients, partners, or equipment manuals. Proficiency in English allows SMK graduates to understand technical documents, participate in international projects, and communicate effectively in a globalized workplace, making them more competitive in the job market. Secondly, English proficiency opens doors to further education and training opportunities. Many advanced courses, certifications, and online learning platforms are primarily offered in English. By understanding English, SMK students can access a wider range of resources to continually upgrade their skills and stay relevant in their chosen industry. This lifelong learning capability, driven by English, is invaluable for career advancement and adapting to evolving industry demands.

Explanation: A good essay should clearly state the importance of English, provide at least two distinct reasons, and elaborate on each reason with supporting arguments relevant to SMK students and their career paths. The language should be formal and persuasive.

4. Imagine you are applying for a job as an administrative assistant. What skills and qualities would you highlight in your cover letter to convince the employer to hire you? (Min. 3 skills/qualities)

Answer: When applying for an administrative assistant position, I would highlight several key skills and qualities that make me an ideal candidate. Firstly, I would emphasize my strong organizational skills. I am adept at managing schedules, organizing files, and streamlining office procedures to ensure efficiency and productivity. This includes experience with various office software and tools. Secondly, effective communication is paramount in an administrative role, so I would stress my excellent written and verbal communication abilities. I can compose professional correspondence, interact politely with clients, and relay information clearly and concisely to team members. Finally, I would highlight my proactive and problem-solving attitude. I am not just reactive but always look for ways to anticipate needs, resolve issues independently, and contribute positively to the team environment, ensuring smooth office operations even under pressure.

Explanation: The answer should identify specific skills and qualities (e.g., organizational, communication, proactivity) and then briefly explain how each skill would benefit the administrative assistant role, demonstrating an understanding of the job requirements.

5. Explain the steps to make a cup of instant coffee.

Answer: Making a cup of instant coffee is a simple process involving a few easy steps. First, boil water using a kettle or a pot. While the water is boiling, prepare your cup and spoon. Then, add one or two teaspoons of instant coffee powder into your cup, depending on how strong you like your coffee. Once the water has boiled, carefully pour the hot water into the cup, filling it to your desired level, usually about two-thirds full. Stir the mixture well with your spoon until all the coffee powder has dissolved. Finally, if you prefer, you can add sugar, milk, or creamer to taste and stir again before enjoying your warm cup of instant coffee.

Explanation: A clear procedural explanation should list the steps in chronological order, using transition words (First, Then, Next, Finally) and imperative verbs (Boil, Add, Pour, Stir). Each step should be concise and easy to follow.

1. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right.

Answer: See pairs below for correct matches.

Explanation: The task requires matching vocabulary words to their corresponding definitions.

2. Match the English phrases on the left with their appropriate Indonesian translations on the right.

Answer: See pairs below for correct matches.

Explanation: This task assesses understanding of common English phrases and their Indonesian equivalents.