Q&A - PSLE English

[tianzhu]

whitety:

Hi,

Need help on this grammer.

Qn: So you believe that my idea is workable,___________?
(1) do you
(2) don't it
(3) don't you
(4) doesn't it

My dd answer is (3) but answer script is (1).

Thanks!

Hi

I think the paragraph on “tag questions --- special features” will help to answer your question.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/youmeus/learnit/learnitv208.shtml

Best wishes

[whitety]

Hi tianzhu,


Thanks for the link. My dd’s answer is correct and the answer script is wrong.


Thanks!

[tianzhu]

whitety:

Hi tianzhu,


Thanks for the link. My dd's answer is correct and the answer script is wrong.


Thanks!

Hi

Please read the section on “tag questions - special features
positive statement - positive tag”

I think the WS’s answer is correct.

Best wishes

[whitety]

Hi tianzhu,


After reading through the link again, my dd’s answer should be wrong then.

Thanks for the help!

[anneshirleygilbert]

Hi tianzhu and whitety,


I have a little problem with this question:

Qn: So you believe that my idea is workable,___________?
(1) do you
(2) don't it
(3) don't you
(4) doesn't it

My dd answer is (3) but answer script is (1).

While I do not disagree with the worksheet answer, I honestly feel the question is too brief for the student to know the “tag questions --- special features” should be used.
There is no context whatsoever for the student to work from. A question like this really ought to have a preceding paragraph to show context.

What do you think?

[whitety]

Hi anneshirleygilbert,


Take a look at another website
http://www.learnenglish.de/grammar/tagquestions.htm

! It is possible for a positive statement to be followed by a positive tag for even more effect (sarcasm, anger, disbelief, shock, concern etc.).

For example:-
Oh you will, will you?
You think you're funny, do you?

I would consider the question that i have posted to be under some sort of sarcasm. So I think the answer in the answer script is correct.

[anneshirleygilbert]

Hi Whitety,


I see what you mean, and I agree the answer key is not wrong, if you take the question asked by a person expressing surprise, disbelief or, as you put it, scarcasm. This makes a positive statement, requiring a positive tag.

But I still think the question could be viewed differently. It could be asked in earnest, one seeking support for one’s own idea. That being the case, it should be a positive statement, requiring a negative tag.

My daughter is taking her PSLE this year. Let’s just hope no such question, requiring subjective interpretation, appear in the English paper.

Best wishes

[whitety]

Hi anneshirleygilbert,


This question was extracted from 2010 P6 Ai Tong SA1 exam papers. My dd is also taking PSLE this year. So I worry if this kind of question comes out in PSLE. Will just explain to her that generally, a positive statement will require a negative tag. An exception applies to a positive statement with positive tag when the statement requires more effects. Don’t wish to confuse her further with the details.

[softcoach]

May I seek your help on these questions? Thanks


Q : We cannot enter the zoo. We have not purchased the admission tickets.

------------------------------ unless ---------------

A1 : We cannot enter the zoo unless we have purchased the admission tickets. OR
A2 : We cannot enter the zoo unless we purchase the admission tickets.


Q : We were late for the concert. We missed the opening act.

Owing to -----------------------------------------------------------.


Q : Meiping was beautiful. She was intelligent too.

----------------------------- not only -----------------------------.

A1: Meiping was not only beautiful but she was also intelligent.
A2 : Meiping was not only beautiful but also intelligent.

[tianzhu]

Hi


1)We cannot enter the zoo unless we purchase the admission tickets.

2)Owing to the fact that we were late for the concert, we missed the opening act.

3)Meiping was not only beautiful but also intelligent.

Best wishes