Looking for easy ways to approach different questions on English grammar tests?

Test questions come in different formats, each needing different thinking skills and having its own challenges.

Why does it matter?

The way you approach these questions will affect your chances of success. Mastering grammar test formats is important because it:

• Helps you tackle each question with a clear plan

• Leads to better answers

When you understand the format of these 5 common types of English grammar test questions, you’ll know exactly what each question is asking.

Using simple strategies for these question types will make it easier for you to answer correctly.

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Even though multiple-choice questions may seem easier since you don’t have to create your own answers, well-designed ones can still encourage deeper thinking.

Example

Which of the following sentences uses the correct form of the verb:

A. If he would study harder, he would pass the test.

B. If he studied harder, he would pass the test.

C. If he will study harder, he would pass the test.

D. If he studies harder, he would pass the test.

Answer:

B. We use the second conditional to talk about things that aren’t true right now but could happen if something changed.

How to approach multiple-choice question on English grammar tests:

• Read the whole sentence carefully.

• Try to answer the question before looking at the options.

• If you're unsure, go with your first instinct, put a question mark beside it, and come back later— other questions might help you find the answer.

• Eliminate incorrect options.

• Watch out for "All of the Above" questions. If two statements seem true and you're unsure about the third, "All of the Above" is probably the right answer.

• Unless you're sure, don't change your answers. Anxiety can make you doubt yourself.

You might prefer true or false questions because there's a 50/50 chance of getting the right answer, but they can be tricky.

Example

"Neither the students nor the teacher were late for class."

The verb should be "was" because "teacher" is singular. True or False?

Answer:

False (When "neither...nor" is used, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. Since "teacher" is singular, the correct verb should be "was.")

Tips for answering true or false questions on English grammar tests:

• Make sure that every part of the statement is correct before marking it as true.

• Simplify long sentences to find the main point and spot errors.

• Double-check statements with "not" or "never" to catch key details.

• Watch for words like "always," "never," or "most," as they can change meaning.

• As a last resort, if you're not sure, make an educated guess after eliminating wrong answers.

Short answer questions ask you to come up with your own response. The great thing about these questions is they allow you to show how well you can explain your thoughts, be creative, and structure your answer. Plus, they allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the topic or situation behind the question.

Example

Read the following sentence and identify the grammatical error. Then correct it and explain your answer:

Him and his friends was excited to go to the concert.

Answer:

The error is in the subject-verb agreement. The correct sentence is: He and his friends were excited to go to the concert.

How to answer short answer questions on English grammar tests:

• Explain your point in the first sentence.

• Keep your answer short, using key words or phrases.

• Focus on the specific points the examiner is looking for, not general information.

• Using the TEA method will help you to organise your ideas for a short answer question.

• Leave 1 or 2 lines after each answer in handwritten exams in case you remember something important later.

Matching questions check your understanding of grammar by pairing related ideas. You’ll match items from two lists, like sentences and verb tenses, by finding the right connections.

You'll find a variety of matching question types in different English grammar tests, including:

Match Sentences to Verb Tenses

Match a sentence to the correct verb tense (e.g., past simple, present perfect).

Example

• Sentence: "She has lived here for five years."

• Tense Options: A) Past Simple, B) Present Perfect, C) Future Continuous

Tip💡 Look for time clues in the sentence (e.g., "for five years" suggests present perfect).

Match Words to Their Parts of Speech

Match words to their correct parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, etc.).

Example

• Word: "Quickly"

• Options: A) Noun, B) Adverb, C) Adjective

Tip💡 Think about how the word functions in a sentence — does it name, describe, or show action?

Match Sentences to Grammar Rules

Match a sentence to the correct grammar rule it follows.

Example

• Sentence: "If it rains, we will stay inside."

• Options: A) First Conditional, B) Second Conditional, C) Third Conditional

Tip💡 Focus on sentence structure and verb forms — conditionals often use "if" plus a specific tense pattern.

Matching questions vary on different English grammar tests. If you're writing the IELTS test (International English Language Testing System) matching sentence endings are another type of matching question you'll have to master (see the video below for a demonstration):

You might not enjoy writing essays in Engish grammar tests, but they can work in your favor. Unlike other question types, essays give you more freedom to express your thoughts and shape your answer. Most essay questions will guide you on what kind of response is expected and provide a clear prompt to help you get started.

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Essay questions give you full control, letting you showcase your understanding of the topic. The planning phase helps you organize your thoughts, structure your argument, and ensure your ideas flow logically, making your essay clear and well-supported. You should only move on to the writing when the planning phase is done.

How to plan an essay for English grammar tests:

1. Make sure you understand the assignment and/or choose a topic.

2. Decide on the main point you want to make in the essay.

3. Create an outline and plan the structure.

An essay consists of:

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

The video below explains each of these essay sections:

To succeed on English grammar tests: