Primary 2 English Grammar First Term Examination
First Term Examination for Basic 2 – English Language
Introduction
The First Term English Language Examination for Basic 2 assesses pupils’ understanding of fundamental English grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, and sentence structure. The questions cover key aspects of English language learning, such as verb usage, prepositions, punctuation marks, and sentence formation.
This examination is structured to test the pupils’ ability to recognize correct grammar, apply punctuation rules, and construct meaningful sentences. The assessment format includes multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and punctuation exercises.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, each question has been enhanced with explanations and examples.
SECTION A: Grammar (Multiple-Choice Questions)
1. Did Adam go to the farm yesterday?
(a) Yes, he does
(b) Yes, he do
(c) Yes, he did ✅
Explanation:
The correct response is “Yes, he did.” This question is in the past tense because of the word “yesterday.” The helping verb “did” is the correct past tense auxiliary verb.
✅ Example:
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Correct: Did Sarah visit her grandmother last week? Yes, she did.
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Incorrect: Did Sarah visit her grandmother last week? Yes, she does.
2. Was Mary happy to see you yesterday?
(a) Yes, she is
(b) Yes, she wasn’t
(c) Yes, she was ✅
Explanation:
The phrase “yesterday” indicates that the event happened in the past, so the verb should also be in the past. The correct response is “Yes, she was.”
✅ Example:
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Was Tom excited to receive the gift? Yes, he was.
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Were the children tired after playing? Yes, they were.
SECTION B: Fill in the Blanks
3. Ronke ________ chocolate very much.
(a) Loved
(b) Loving
(c) Loves ✅
Explanation:
The correct answer is “loves” because the sentence is in the present tense. The verb must agree with the singular subject Ronke.
✅ Example:
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Tolu loves singing.
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My teacher loves reading books.
4. Put the book ________ the table.
(a) In
(b) Over
(c) On ✅
Explanation:
The correct preposition is “on” because the book is being placed on a surface (the table).
✅ Example:
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She kept the keys on the shelf.
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The phone is on the desk.
5. I have been knocking ________ the door for some time.
(a) Over
(b) On
(c) At ✅
Explanation:
The correct preposition is “at” because we knock at a door when we want to enter.
✅ Example:
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She knocked at the door before entering.
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The visitor was waiting at the gate.
SECTION C: Punctuation Marks
6. Which of the following is a full stop?
(a) ,
(b) ?
(c) . ✅
7. Which of the following is a question mark?
(a) ,
(b) ? ✅
(c) .
8. Which of the following is a comma?
(a) , ✅
(b) ?
(c) .
✅ Explanation:
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Full stop (.) is used to end a sentence.
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Question mark (?) is used to indicate a question.
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Comma (,) is used to separate items in a list or add a pause in a sentence.
✅ Examples:
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She went to school. (Full stop)
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Did you see the cat? (Question mark)
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I bought apples, bananas, and oranges. (Comma)
SECTION D: Punctuation Exercise
Punctuate the following sentences correctly
9. who owns the car
✅ Corrected Sentence: Who owns the car?
10. my father is a lawyer
✅ Corrected Sentence: My father is a lawyer.
11. tolu jide tope and bayo are playing football
✅ Corrected Sentence: Tolu, Jide, Tope, and Bayo are playing football.
SECTION E: Sentence Structure
12. Can Tunde go home now?
(a) No, he may go
(b) Yes, he may not
(c) No, he cannot go ✅
✅ Explanation:
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“Cannot” is the correct word to indicate that he is not allowed to go home.
13. May I have my breakfast now, mummy?
(a) Yes, you may not
(b) No, you may
(c) Yes, you may ✅
✅ Explanation:
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“Yes, you may” is the correct polite way to grant permission.
14. Does Ronke have to marry?
(a) No, she has to
(b) Yes, she does ✅
(c) Yes, she hasn’t
✅ Explanation:
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“Yes, she does” correctly agrees with the question structure.
15. Should I answer the telephone call?
(a) Yes, you shouldn’t
(b) Yes, you should ✅
(c) Yes, should you
✅ Explanation:
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“Yes, you should” is the correct answer to confirm a positive response.
Conclusion
This Basic 2 English Examination evaluates pupils’ grasp of fundamental grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation usage. The exam provides an opportunity for young learners to demonstrate their understanding of:
✔️ Verb agreement (Did, Does, Was, Is, etc.)
✔️ Prepositions (in, on, at, over, etc.)
✔️ Punctuation marks (Full stop, comma, question mark)
✔️ Sentence formation
By practicing similar exercises regularly, pupils can improve their ability to construct correct sentences, apply proper punctuation, and use correct grammar in communication.
For teachers and parents, this examination serves as a tool to identify areas that need improvement, ensuring that learners receive the necessary support in mastering English language skills.