Grammar test on forum signup

[grandpa_spec_F6]

I don't mind internet speak, I grew up with it, and grew out of it just as fast.

I don't even give a damn if people miss out a letter or misspell a word, however after observing a number threads on a variety of forums, I propose a simple grammar test before users can sign up.

Example: http://www.anglolang.co.uk/cgi-bin/w...gi_quiz_form=1

While perhaps the solution would be to simply limit where users could post, rather than deny them the ability to view and contribute to the forums all together, it would mean a far more user-friendly experience overall... until someone gets drunk and starts posting

Some people can't seem to string a basic sentence together, and it's quite worrying, especially considering even at a year 10 level of education most should be able to write a letter with even rudimentary grammar and punctuation.

Call me a snob, say I'm discriminating if you wish, but I'm sick to death of having to spend 5 minutes deciphering what on earth the post is about.

[StrikeTwiceXR6]

I agree 100%

[zetec]

I agree with you. When you see the same incorrectly spelt word more than once in a post and you realise it's not just a slip of the typing fingers... it really grates me.

In saying that, we also don't want to discriminate to anyone who's mother tongue is not english, but there's certainly a lot of people who hav sum pritty atroshus speling on hir.

[grandpa_spec_F6]

Originally Posted by zetec

but there's certainly a lot of people who hav sum pritty atroshus speling on hir.

I see what you did there

[Road Games]

Tubble typing? Grama n ishoo ??, puncha wha???

[vztrt]

But if we do this how are people who have nothing constructive to add to the discussion gonna try and win if they can't pick on someone's spelling and grammer?

[auxr]

i dunno wit ya talkin bout - c i pist ma englash ixaminatin wid flyin kolas.


\Seriously though, I do tend to agree with you.

[DJR David]

Correct. I am a terrible one for typos, but as far as the basic use of the english language, we are doomed!!!


The requirements for signing up to any forum should be a test.

1- Please define bought and brought

2- Explain when to use a full stop

3- Explain the difference between weather and whether

4- Explain the difference between their, there and they're

Should the user fail with any of these questions, then a virus should automatically be sent to their computer and it should explode!!!

thanks!!!!

[Rob-bfGTP]

Originally Posted by DJR David

Correct. I am a terrible one for typos, but as far as the basic use of the english language, we are doomed!!!


The requirements for signing up to any forum should be a test.

1- Please define bought and brought

2- Explain when to use a full stop

3- Explain the difference between weather and whether

4- Explain the difference between their, there and they're

Should the user fail with any of these questions, then a virus should automatically be sent to their computer and it should explode!!!

thanks!!!!

I fully agree with DJR David.

I have never made comment about this because I know how sensitive and defensive certain Forum members can get about even the most well-meaning suggestions.

And it appears that these certain members are mostly the ones with a poor knowledge of English grammar etc.

The incorrect uses of "there" instead of "their", and "brought" instead of "bought" are particularly common, together with "whether" instead of "weather".

EGs: "There FPV was brought from a dealership"
"What was the whether like at the car show?"

To me, these obvious mistakes reflect badly on the intelligence of owners of Fords, including expensive and nice looking ones.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by Rob-baGTP

To me, these obvious mistakes reflect badly on the intelligence of owners of Fords, including expensive and nice looking ones.

Big call there mate.....

[Road Games]

1. Can you help me? I _____ a post office.
am looking for
look for
am look for
looking for

Correct.
Grammar point: Present continuous



2. Tomorrow the Queen _____ open a new hospital.
is going
will going to
is going to
will to

Correct.
Grammar point: Going to



3. What _____? I work in a book shop.
are you doing
do you
are you do
do you do

Correct.
Grammar point: Present simple question form



4. Where _____ yesterday?
you was
are you
were you
did you were

Correct.
Grammar point: Was/were



5. _____ John last week?
Did you see
Did you saw
Do you see
Have you see

Correct.
Grammar point: Past simple



6. Last month he _____ three large fish.
catch
catched
caught
did catch

Correct.
Grammar point: Irregular past



7. When we went in, they _____ to the radio.
listened
listening
were listening
were listen

Correct.
Grammar point: Past continuous



8. Do you like Paris? I don't know. I _____there.
never went
didn't go
never gone
haven't been

Correct.
Grammar point: Present perfect: general past



9. I'm a teacher. I _____ a teacher for twelve years.
was
have been
am
am being

Correct.
Grammar point: Present perfect: with for/since



10. She can drive; she _____ drive for fifteen years.
can
is able to
could
has been able to

Correct.
Grammar point: Have been able to



11. He's the best dancer. He dances _____ than anyone else.
very beautiful
more beautiful
much more beautiful
more beautifully

Correct.
Grammar point: Comparison of adverbs (reg. and irreg.)



12. They don't need any help. They can do it _____ .
theirself
theirselves
their own
themselves

Correct.
Grammar point: Reflexive / on one's own



13. He _____ drink whisky, but he does now.
used to
wasn't used to
hadn't use to
didn't use to

Correct.
Grammar point: Used to



14. It's wrong. You_____ do it.
shouldn't to
needn't
don't have to
shouldn't

The answer is: shouldn't
Grammar point: Should



15. When is he coming? I _____ for over an hour.
am waiting
have waited
was waiting
have been waiting

Correct.
Grammar point: Present perfect continuous



16. I'm tired _____ questions.
to answer
that I answer
because of to answer
of answering

Correct.
Grammar point: Prepositional expression and gerund



17. I don't know _____ it.
because he did
why did he
why did he do
why he did

Correct.
Grammar point: Indirect question



18. We'll phone as soon as we _____ the information.
will have
have
are going to have
are having

Correct.
Grammar point: Conditional (Type 1)



19. When the police arrived, the criminals _____ escaped.
were already
already
had already
have already

Correct.
Grammar point: Past Perfect



20. This room _____ seven times.
is painted
has painted
has been painted
they have painted

Correct.
Grammar point: Passive simple



21. If I _____ enough money, I'd buy a car.
have
had
will have
would have

Correct.
Grammar point: Conditional (Type 2)



22. He said _____ happy to be in England again.
he was
I am
he is
to be

The answer is: he was
Grammar point: Reported Speech



23. I enjoy _____ my friends.
to see
seeing
that I see
myself to see

Correct.
Grammar point: Verb and gerund



24. Her colleagues expected _____ the job.
that she gets
her to get
that she got
her getting

Correct.
Grammar point: Verb and object and infinitive



25. You look terrible! You _____ see a doctor.
should to
had better to
had better
would better

Correct.
Grammar point: Had better



26. He _____ be Mexican. He doesn't speak Spanish.
mustn't
isn't possibly
can't
must

The answer is: can't
Grammar point: Must/can't (logical necessity)



27. He _____have done it, but I'm not sure.
must
can't
couldn't
might

Correct.
Grammar point: could/may have



28. It's too late. You _____ have told me before.
must
can
may
should

Correct.
Grammar point: Should have



29. If I _____ in your position then, I would have told the truth.
have been
was
were
had been

Correct.
Grammar point: Conditional (Type 3)



30. We're looking for the lady _____ handbag was stolen yesterday.
of whom
which
whose
the which

Correct.
Grammar point: Relative clause with whose



31. London is boring! I wish _____ in New York.
I would live
that I am living
I lived
that I live

Correct.
Grammar point: Wish and subjunctive



32. We've reduced the price _____ sell more.
for to
so to
in order to
so that

Correct.
Grammar point: In order to and infinitive



33. They've moved to a different house _____ their children can attend a better school.
in order
so that
for
so as

Correct.
Grammar point: So that and subordinate clause



34. If you don't have to do something, it means you _____ do it.
mustn't
needn't
don't must to
haven't to

Correct.
Grammar point: Must / mustn't /needn't / have to



35. Would you like to go out this evening? No, thank you, I _____ stay at home.
prefer
would rather
would prefer
would like

Correct.
Grammar point: Would rather



36. It was _____ beautiful day that he decided to go for a walk.
such a
a so
so very
such

Correct.
Grammar point: So / such / such a



37. Despite her calm appearance, she _____ frightened.
spoke
looked
sounded
talked

The answer is: sounded
Grammar point: To look / to sound / to feel



38. Don't ring at the same time tomorrow, I _____ lunch.
will have
will be having
am going to have
am having

Correct.
Grammar point: Future continuous



39. If you're forbidden to do something, it means you _____ do it.
haven't got to
needn't
couldn't
may not

Correct.
Grammar point: May not / could not / haven't got to



40. I don't usually eat three meals a day, but I _____ used to it.
am getting
have got
am got
am

Correct.
Grammar point: To get used to



41. He's a good talker. He always puts _____ his ideas very well.
off
out
over
away

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



42. We tried a new marketing idea, but it didn't come _____ .
off
up
through
on

The answer is: off
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



43. This computer is useless; it's always breaking _____ .
off
down
up
out

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



44. Working under pressure always brings _____ the best in him.
out
up
through
across

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



45. I'm afraid I can't go _____ your decision; I think you're wrong.
into
over to
up to
along with

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



46. It's hard to get _____ him; he's got such a difficult character.
into
over to
on with
by

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



47. Look _____ ! That car's coming this way.
over
on
after
out

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



48. If his company takes _____ ours, they'll have a monopoly.
out
up
over
down

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



49. Production has slowed down because they have run _____ difficulty with a particular component.
out of
against
on
into

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



50. I'm sorry but I can't make _____ what he's trying to do.
up
out
over
off

Correct.
Grammar point: Phrasal verbs



Your score is 45.

If you wish to improve your grammar, we suggest that you follow an English Language course at Anglolang! In the meantime, you might like to work with one of the following:
For reference:
Practical English Usage by Michael Swan (Oxford University Press)
For practice:
English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press)
How English Works by Swan and Walter (Oxford University Press)





Anglolang Academy of English
Website www.anglolang.com
E-mail communicate@anglolang.co.uk
Telephone +44 1723 501991
Fax +44 1723 378698

BAH ... HUMBUG.!!

[auxr]

Originally Posted by Rob-baGTP

I fully agree with DJR David.

I have never made comment about this because I know how sensitive and defensive certain Forum members can get about even the most well-meaning suggestions.

And it appears that these certain members are mostly the ones with a poor knowledge of English grammar etc.

The incorrect uses of "there" instead of "their", and "brought" instead of "bought" are particularly common, together with "whether" instead of "weather".

EGs: "There FPV was brought from a dealership"
"What was the whether like at the car show?"

To me, these obvious mistakes reflect badly on the intelligence of owners of Fords, including expensive and nice looking ones.

This should be posted up on LS1 forums for their/they're/there response.

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by Rob-baGTP

I fully agree with DJR David.

I have never made comment about this because I know how sensitive and defensive certain Forum members can get about even the most well-meaning suggestions.

And it appears that these certain members are mostly the ones with a poor knowledge of English grammar etc.

The incorrect uses of "there" instead of "their", and "brought" instead of "bought" are particularly common, together with "whether" instead of "weather".

EGs: "There FPV was brought from a dealership"
"What was the whether like at the car show?"

To me, these obvious mistakes reflect badly on the intelligence of owners of Fords, including expensive and nice looking ones.

True but what happened to I before E except after C hmmm ?

[fmc351]

Originally Posted by DAZZLER351

True but what happened to I before E except after C hmmm ?

Like Beige? Or conscience?

There are actually more lines to that 'rule', but they usually arent taught.

[auxr]

Originally Posted by fmc351

Like Beige? Or conscience?

There are actually more lines to that 'rule', but they usually aren't taught.

There ya go fexed it, ya fuget 1 ar deez thingys '

[BFZF8]

Originally Posted by Rob-baGTP

The incorrect uses of "there" instead of "their", and "brought" instead of "bought" are particularly common, together with "whether" instead of "weather".

EGs: "There FPV was brought from a dealership"
"What was the whether like at the car show?"

To me, these obvious mistakes reflect badly on the intelligence of owners of Fords, including expensive and nice looking ones.

This is an excellent point. I'm glad you bought it up.

[Springfield_Johny]

Originally Posted by DJR David

3- Explain the difference between weather and whether


thanks!!!!

You forgot wether

[FordACE]

I don't really agree with this at all. Some people are genuinely not good at learning, so we should banish them from fordforums and perhaps society? Just the way you've learned to write English correctly, perhaps it's time for everyone to learn how to tolerate others misfortunes.

[Road_Warrior]

Or the gibberish posts could simply be moderated.

Someone who is posting that has difficulty with the english language is pretty easy to spot compared with SMS type posts or posts from someone who is just being a moron. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure the moderators do this sort of filtering all the time.

[Geez Louise]

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

This post is the only one that makes sence,
Not everyone has had the luxury of being taught to an extent of other's who seem to think their s*%t don't stink.
I'm sorry but we have had thread's like this before and like all of them, they only bring out the one's that tend to think they know all, but they really need to go back over their own post's and re-read, as some of them fall into this topic that they themselves are complaining about,
Pot-kettle-Black......

[Burnout]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

Arrogance is the purview of all long term governments......politicians.... forum members....

[gossy]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

^^^^^^^^^Well said.

The old phrase of "if you have nothing nice to say,don't say it", is losing relevance in today's society.

Constructive criticism and tact, are what is needed if you do not agree with what is put in front of you.

[max]

Perhaps IQ and psychometric testing might be in order too? Seriously, one musn't be too hard on those less endowed with literary cudos, must one?
Honestly, I do love 'ishoos'!!!!

[b2tf]

wtf u on bout mi spellin is fine m8

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by b2tf

wTf u Oon bOut Mi sPelLIn Is fINe m8

lil coreckshun ther ....................

[DJR-351]

I have no problem reading the below paragraph, so a couple of spelling or grammar mistakes on a forum is neither here nor there they're their aw **** woteva!!!!

I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too.

[Road Games]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

I have no problem reading the below paragraph, so a couple of spelling or grammar mistakes on a forum is neither here nor there they're their aw **** woteva!!!!

Qoute:I cnduo't bvleiee taht I culod aulaclty uesdtannrd waht I was rdnaieg. Unisg the icndeblire pweor of the hmuan mnid, aocdcrnig to rseecrah at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mttaer in waht oderr the lterets in a wrod are, the olny irpoamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rhgit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whoutit a pboerlm. Tihs is bucseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey ltteer by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Aaznmig, huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghhuot slelinpg was ipmorantt! See if yuor fdreins can raed tihs too. :Unqoute

What is that word ?

[Bud Bud]

I would like to see "mobile phone style texting " comments shunned or even banned in the same way that if someone is USING CAPS as everybody is all over them like a rash for shouting because it is considered rude. I feel the same way about "mobile phone style texting" as well, it is just plain rude.

I do not want to see people shunned for poor grammar however as you just do not know their personal circumstance.

There is nothing wrong with showing some form of social grace and etiquette, but there is plenty wrong with making people feel like dummies.

I can tell them apart and if I feel that they are genuine I take the time to decipher what the content of the comment is, but if I see someone who is just "plan lzy" or are treating us like their "bros on da fday nite" then I just ignore the comment anyway.

Bud Bud

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Geez Louise

There are a few people on here who are dyslexic. What would you want done with them?? Drawn and Quartered?? I don't agree with this at all. As mentioned, for some members, English is their second language.

Where is the forum love? Yes, reading some posts can be a tad bit annoying at times, but a little patience and understanding goes a long way.

If we were all so great at spelling and grammar, then perhaps we should all be English teachers.

Agree 100%, Some people just arn't that good around computers as well, this can lead to some hard to read posts.