Soal Bahasa Inggris UTS Semester Ganjil: Latihan Terbaik untuk Nilai Maksimal

1. Choose the correct sentence: My sister _____ to Jakarta next week.

• go
• goes
• is going
• went

Answer: is going

Explanation: The phrase ‘next week’ indicates a future arrangement, for which the present continuous tense (is/am/are + verb-ing) is typically used.

2. What is the synonym of ‘ancient’?

• new
• modern
• old
• young

Answer: old

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

3. She _____ her homework before she watched TV.

• finishes
• finished
• had finished
• has finished

Answer: had finished

Explanation: The past perfect tense (‘had finished’) is used to describe an action that happened before another action in the past (‘watched’).

4. If I _____ a bird, I would fly to you.

• am
• was
• were
• have been

Answer: were

Explanation: This is a conditional sentence type 2, used for hypothetical situations. For ‘to be’ in the ‘if’ clause of conditional type 2, ‘were’ is used for all subjects.

5. The students _____ a play tomorrow evening.

• perform
• performed
• will perform
• have performed

Answer: will perform

Explanation: The phrase ‘tomorrow evening’ indicates a future action. ‘Will perform’ is the simple future tense.

6. He _____ not very good at playing football.

• am
• are
• is
• were

Answer: is

Explanation: The subject ‘He’ is singular, so the singular form of ‘to be’, ‘is’, should be used.

7. The word ‘diligent’ is an antonym for _____.

• hardworking
• careful
• active
• lazy

Answer: lazy

Explanation: Diligent means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. ‘Lazy’ is its opposite.

8. They _____ in London for five years.

• live
• lived
• will live
• have lived

Answer: have lived

Explanation: The phrase ‘for five years’ indicates an action that started in the past and continues to the present, requiring the present perfect tense.

9. My mother _____ delicious cake every Sunday.

• bake
• bakes
• baked
• baking

Answer: bakes

Explanation: This describes a habitual action, so the simple present tense with a singular subject (‘mother’) requires ‘bakes’.

10. You _____ wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

• can
• may
• should
• must

Answer: must

Explanation: ‘Must’ is used to express strong obligation or necessity.

11. The book _____ on the table belongs to me.

• who is
• whom is
• which is
• where is

Answer: which is

Explanation: ‘Which is’ (or simply ‘which’) is used to introduce a relative clause that gives extra information about ‘the book’.

12. What is the meaning of ‘pessimistic’?

• expecting the best outcome
• having no feelings
• expecting the worst outcome
• being very happy

Answer: expecting the worst outcome

Explanation: Pessimistic means tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.

13. If she had studied harder, she _____ the exam.

• would pass
• will pass
• would have passed
• passed

Answer: would have passed

Explanation: This is a conditional sentence type 3, used for past hypothetical situations. The result clause uses ‘would have’ + past participle.

14. The news _____ shocking to everyone.

• were
• are
• is
• was

Answer: was

Explanation: The word ‘news’ is an uncountable noun and takes a singular verb.

15. My father always _____ coffee in the morning.

• drink
• drinks
• drank
• drinking

Answer: drinks

Explanation: This is a habitual action, so the simple present tense is used. With a singular subject (‘father’), the verb takes an ‘-s’.

16. The word ‘fragile’ means _____.

• strong
• durable
• easily broken
• heavy

Answer: easily broken

Explanation: Fragile means (of an object) easily broken or damaged.

17. Neither John nor his friends _____ at the party.

• is
• am
• was
• were

Answer: were

Explanation: When ‘neither…nor’ connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Here, ‘his friends’ is plural, so ‘were’ is used.

18. He asked me _____ I wanted to drink.

• who
• where
• what
• when

Answer: what

Explanation: This is an indirect question, and ‘what’ is used to ask for specific information about a thing.

19. She is looking forward to _____ her grandparents next month.

• visit
• to visit
• visited
• visiting

Answer: visiting

Explanation: The phrase ‘look forward to’ is followed by a gerund (verb-ing).

20. The train _____ at 7 AM every day.

• depart
• departing
• will depart
• departs

Answer: departs

Explanation: This describes a scheduled event, for which the simple present tense is used, even if it refers to future time. ‘Train’ is singular, so ‘departs’.

1. What is the function of the present perfect continuous tense?

Answer: The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present, or has just stopped and its results are visible.

Explanation: This tense emphasizes the duration of an activity that began in the past and is ongoing or has very recently concluded. Example: ‘I have been studying for three hours.’

2. Give an example of a sentence using a modal verb to express possibility.

Answer: It might rain tomorrow.

Explanation: Modal verbs like ‘might’, ‘may’, and ‘could’ are used to indicate possibility or probability. ‘Might’ suggests a weaker possibility than ‘may’.

3. 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. Example: ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ (meaning it’s raining very heavily).

Explanation: Idioms are expressions where the collective meaning is different from the literal meaning of the words that make them up. Understanding them is crucial for fluent English.

4. What is the difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’?

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

Explanation: This is a common point of confusion. Remember: ‘A’ for action (affect – verb), ‘E’ for end result (effect – noun). For example, ‘The cold weather affected her health. The effect of the cold weather was a cough.’

5. Complete the sentence with the correct preposition: ‘She is good _____ playing the piano.’

Answer: at

Explanation: The idiom ‘good at’ is used to describe proficiency or skill in a particular activity.

1. Describe a memorable event from your life and explain why it was significant to you. (Minimum 100 words)

Answer: A memorable event from my life was when I volunteered at a local orphanage for a month during my summer break. Before this experience, I had a somewhat narrow view of the world, often focused on my own desires and comforts. However, spending time with the children, helping them with their studies, playing games, and simply listening to their stories opened my eyes to a different reality. Many of these children had faced significant hardships, yet they carried an incredible spirit of resilience and joy. I learned the true meaning of gratitude and empathy. It was significant to me because it shifted my perspective, making me more appreciative of what I have and more compassionate towards others. It instilled in me a desire to contribute positively to my community and seek opportunities to help those in need, profoundly influencing my values and future aspirations.

Explanation: This essay question assesses the student’s ability to narrate a personal experience, use descriptive language, and reflect on its significance. The model answer demonstrates good paragraph structure, clear expression, and a reflective tone, meeting the minimum word count and addressing all parts of the prompt.

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning. (Minimum 120 words)

Answer: Online learning has significantly changed education, offering both distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional classroom learning. One major advantage of online learning is its flexibility; students can often learn at their own pace and schedule, which is beneficial for those with work or family commitments. It also provides access to a wider range of courses and instructors globally, breaking down geographical barriers. Furthermore, online platforms often incorporate diverse digital resources, enhancing the learning experience. However, there are notable disadvantages. Online learning can suffer from a lack of direct social interaction, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and reducing opportunities for collaborative group work that develops interpersonal skills. Technical issues, such as internet connectivity or device compatibility, can also hinder progress. Moreover, some students may find it challenging to maintain self-discipline and motivation without the structured environment and immediate supervision of a physical classroom. In conclusion, while online learning offers unparalleled accessibility and flexibility, traditional learning still holds an edge in fostering direct interaction and structured discipline for many students.

Explanation: This question requires students to analyze and compare two learning modalities. The model answer presents a balanced argument, detailing both pros and cons for each, demonstrating critical thinking and structured essay writing with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. What are three effective strategies for improving English vocabulary? Explain each strategy. (Minimum 100 words)

Answer: Improving English vocabulary is crucial for effective communication, and several strategies can be highly effective. Firstly, consistent reading is paramount. By reading various materials such as books, articles, and news in English, learners encounter new words in context. This helps in understanding their meanings and how they are used naturally, rather than just memorizing definitions. When an unfamiliar word appears, jotting it down and looking it up later reinforces learning. Secondly, utilizing flashcards or digital vocabulary apps is a very practical method. Creating flashcards with the word on one side and its definition, a synonym, and a sample sentence on the other side aids memorization through repetition. Apps like Anki or Quizlet make this process interactive and mobile. Finally, actively using new words in speaking and writing is essential for solidifying them in one’s memory. Instead of just recognizing words, consciously trying to incorporate them into daily conversations or written assignments helps transfer them from passive to active vocabulary. This active recall and application make the words truly ‘yours’.

Explanation: This question tests the student’s knowledge of learning strategies and their ability to explain them clearly. The model answer provides three distinct, actionable strategies and elaborates on the benefits of each, showing a good understanding of vocabulary acquisition.

4. Explain the importance of grammar in English communication. Provide specific examples of how incorrect grammar can lead to misunderstandings. (Minimum 100 words)

Answer: Grammar is the foundational structure of any language, and its importance in English communication cannot be overstated. It provides the rules for how words are combined to form meaningful sentences, ensuring clarity and precision in expressing ideas. Without proper grammar, communication can become ambiguous, confusing, or even offensive. For instance, consider the difference in meaning due to incorrect tense usage: ‘I lived in Jakarta for five years’ (past action, now finished) versus ‘I have lived in Jakarta for five years’ (started in past, still living there). Misuse here can convey inaccurate information about one’s current residence. Another example is the placement of adverbs: ‘Only I saw him’ (no one else saw him) versus ‘I only saw him’ (I didn’t do anything else, just saw him). The subtle shift in word order completely changes the emphasis and meaning. Similarly, incorrect subject-verb agreement, like ‘She go to school’ instead of ‘She goes to school,’ immediately signals a lack of proficiency and can distract the listener from the message itself. Therefore, a solid grasp of grammar is vital for conveying messages accurately, avoiding misinterpretation, and establishing credibility as an effective communicator.

Explanation: This question probes the student’s understanding of grammar’s role. The model answer defines grammar’s importance and supports its claims with clear, specific examples of how grammatical errors impact meaning, demonstrating strong analytical and explanatory skills.

5. Imagine you are applying for a scholarship to study abroad. Write a short paragraph introducing yourself and explaining why you deserve the scholarship. (Minimum 80 words)

Answer: My name is [Your Name], and I am an enthusiastic and dedicated student with a strong academic record, particularly in English. I am writing to express my profound interest in the scholarship to study abroad, as I believe it aligns perfectly with my aspirations for global learning and personal growth. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for cultural exchange, actively participating in various school and community projects. I am confident that my strong work ethic, adaptability, and genuine desire to immerse myself in a new educational environment make me a deserving candidate. This scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower me to broaden my horizons, acquire new skills, and bring back valuable insights to contribute positively to my home community.

Explanation: This question assesses the student’s ability to write a persuasive and concise introductory paragraph. The model answer effectively presents the applicant’s qualities, expresses their motivation, and links their deservingness to the scholarship’s purpose, all while maintaining a formal and confident tone.

1. Match the English words on the left with their correct Indonesian meanings on the right.

Answer: The correct matches are provided in the ‘pairs’ section.

Explanation: This question tests vocabulary knowledge by matching English words to their Indonesian equivalents.

2. Match the phrasal verbs on the left with their meanings on the right.

Answer: The correct matches are provided in the ‘pairs’ section.

Explanation: This question assesses understanding of common English phrasal verbs and their definitions.