Lesson 12: Learning Grammar Through Conversations by Dr. Snea Thinsan

(Present Perfect vs. Past Simple)

A: "___ you ever visited Paris?"

B: "Yes, I ___ there last year."

a) Have / went
b) Did / have gone
c) Have / have been

Answer: a) Have / went - Present Perfect is used for experiences, and Past Simple is used for completed actions at a specific time.

(First Conditional)

A: "If it ___ tomorrow, we will go hiking."

B: "I hope it stays dry."

a) doesn't rain
b) won't rain
c) didn't rain

Answer: a) doesn't rain - First Conditional uses 'if' + present simple to describe future possibilities.

(Adverbs of Manner)

A: "She sang ___ at the concert."

B: "Yes, she has a beautiful voice."

a) beautifully
b) beautiful
c) beauty

Answer: a) beautifully - Adverbs of manner describe how something is done.

(Modals of Advice)

A: "I'm feeling tired."

B: "You ___ get some rest."

a) should
b) must
c) can

Answer: a) should - 'Should' is used to give advice.

(Passive Voice: Present Continuous)

A: "The bridge ___ over the river."

B: "It's going to be a big improvement."

a) is being built
b) is building
c) builds

Answer: a) is being built - Passive Voice in Present Continuous is formed with 'is being' + past participle.

(Reported Speech: Statements)

A: "She said that she ___ the book."

B: "Did she like it?"

a) has read
b) read
c) reads

Answer: b) read - Reported Speech shifts the tense back one step from the present to the past.

(Comparative Adjectives)

A: "This cake is ___ than the one we had last week."

B: "Yes, it's much tastier."

a) more delicious
b) delicious
c) most delicious

Answer: a) more delicious - Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things.

(Prepositions of Direction)

A: "We walked ___ the park to get home."

B: "It's a nice shortcut."

a) through
b) across
c) along

Answer: a) through - 'Through' indicates movement from one side of an area to another.

(Gerunds as Subjects)

A: "___ is fun and relaxing."

B: "I agree, especially on weekends."

a) To cook
b) Cooking
c) Cook

Answer: b) Cooking - Gerunds can act as subjects of a sentence.

(Future Continuous)

A: "This time next week, I ___ on a beach in Thailand."

B: "Lucky you!"

a) will lie
b) will be lying
c) am lying

Answer: b) will be lying - Future Continuous is used to describe actions happening at a specific time in the future.

Lesson 10: Learning Grammar Through Conversations by Dr. Snea Thinsan

(Present Perfect Continuous vs. Present Continuous)

A: "How long ___ you been waiting for the bus?"

B: "I ___ waiting for 20 minutes."

a) have / am
b) have / have been
c) are / am

Answer: b) have / have been - Present Perfect Continuous is used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present.

(Second Conditional)

A: "If I ___ a car, I would drive to work."

B: "That's a good idea."

a) have
b) had
c) will have

Answer: b) had - Second Conditional uses 'if' + past simple to talk about hypothetical situations.

(Relative Clauses)

A: "The movie ___ we watched last night was fantastic."

B: "I agree, it was really good."

a) which
b) who
c) whose

Answer: a) which - 'Which' is used for things in relative clauses.

(Modals of Possibility)

A: "She ___ be at home. Her car is not in the driveway."

B: "She might have gone out."

a) must
b) can't
c) should

Answer: b) can't - 'Can't' is used to express impossibility.

(Past Perfect Continuous)

A: "He ___ been working for hours before he took a break."

B: "He must be exhausted."

a) has
b) had
c) was

Answer: b) had - Past Perfect Continuous is used for actions that were ongoing in the past before another action.

(Future Continuous)

A: "This time tomorrow, I ___ flying to Paris."

B: "Have a great trip!"

a) will
b) am
c) will be

Answer: c) will be - Future Continuous is used to describe actions happening at a specific time in the future.

(Comparative and Superlative Adjectives)

A: "This is the ___ pizza I've ever had."

B: "I think the one from last week was ___. "

a) best / better
b) better / good
c) good / better

Answer: a) best / better - 'Best' is the superlative form, and 'better' is the comparative form.

(Prepositions of Place)

A: "The cat is hiding ___ the table."

B: "I can see it now."

a) on
b) in
c) under

Answer: c) under - 'Under' indicates the position below something.

(Reported Speech: Questions)

A: "He asked me where ___ going."

B: "What did you tell him?"

a) am I
b) was I
c) I was

Answer: c) I was - Reported Speech for questions uses subject-verb order.

(Articles: A, An, The)

A: "She bought ___ new dress for the party."

B: "It looks beautiful!"

a) a
b) an
c) the

Answer: a) a - 'A' is used before singular, countable nouns that are not specific.

Thailand & Efforts to Join the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Thailand and the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Thailand has not joined the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, there have been discussions and considerations over the years regarding its potential membership. Here are some chronological details about Thailand and its stance on joining the ICC:

• 1998: The Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, was adopted on July 17, 1998. Thailand participated in the negotiations but did not sign the treaty at this time.
• 2002: The Rome Statute entered into force on July 1, 2002, after 60 countries ratified it. Thailand continued to observe the ICC's development without committing to membership.
• 2003: Thailand signed the Rome Statute on October 2, 2003, signaling its initial intent to join the ICC. However, signing the statute is only the first step, and ratification is required to become a full member.
• Post-2003: Despite signing the Rome Statute, Thailand has not ratified it. Ratification would require changes to national legislation and political commitment, which successive Thai governments have not undertaken.
• 2006-2014: Political instability in Thailand, including military coups in 2006 and 2014, contributed to the lack of progress toward ICC ratification. Political priorities during these periods focused on domestic issues rather than international commitments.
• 2012: The Thai Ministry of Justice's Rights and Liberties Protection Department conducted a public seminar to discuss the implications of joining the ICC. The seminar aimed to educate the public and stakeholders about the ICC and gather opinions on whether Thailand should proceed with ratification.
• 2014-Present: Political and legal reforms have continued to be a focus in Thailand, but the issue of ICC ratification has not been prioritized. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have periodically advocated for Thailand to ratify the Rome Statute and join the ICC.

In summary, while Thailand signed the Rome Statute in 2003, it has not ratified the treaty and therefore is not a member of the International Criminal Court. Political instability and domestic priorities have influenced this decision, and discussions about joining the ICC remain ongoing.

What can be done to push Thailand toward ratifying the Rome Statute?

Pushing Thailand toward ratifying the Rome Statute involves a combination of domestic advocacy, international pressure, and comprehensive education on the benefits and implications of joining the International Criminal Court (ICC). Here are several strategies that could be employed:

Domestic Advocacy and Public Awareness:

• Public Campaigns: Increase public awareness about the ICC and the Rome Statute through campaigns, seminars, and educational programs. Highlight the importance of international justice and the benefits of ratification for Thailand.
• Engage Civil Society: Encourage civil society organizations, human rights groups, and legal professionals to advocate for ratification. These groups can play a crucial role in lobbying the government and educating the public.
• Media Engagement: Utilize traditional and social media to disseminate information about the ICC, its role, and why Thailand should join. Media coverage can help generate public interest and support.

Political Engagement:

• Lobby Government Officials: Engage with key government officials, including members of parliament, the Ministry of Justice, and the Prime Minister's Office, to advocate for ratification. Present them with well-researched arguments and data on the benefits of joining the ICC.
• Parliamentary Support: Work with sympathetic members of parliament to introduce and support legislation necessary for ratification. Building a coalition of lawmakers who back the ICC can be crucial.
• Political Parties: Encourage political parties to include ICC ratification in their platforms and manifestos. This can help make the issue a part of the broader political discourse.

International Pressure and Support:

• Diplomatic Engagement: Other ICC member states can engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage Thailand to ratify the Rome Statute. This can include bilateral discussions, as well as advocacy through regional organizations like ASEAN.
• International Organizations: Work with international organizations, such as the United Nations and the ICC itself, to provide support and pressure for ratification. These organizations can offer technical assistance and guidance on implementing necessary legal reforms.
• Peer Pressure: Highlight the fact that many of Thailand's regional and international peers have joined the ICC. Emphasize the benefits these countries have gained from membership.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions:

• Legal Reforms: Provide technical assistance and expertise to help Thailand align its domestic laws with the requirements of the Rome Statute. Address any legal concerns that may be hindering ratification.
• Clarify Sovereignty Issues: Address concerns about sovereignty and the perceived loss of judicial independence. Explain how the ICC operates on the principle of complementarity, which respects national judicial systems.
• Military and Security Concerns: Engage with the military and security sectors to address their concerns about ICC jurisdiction and potential implications for national security. Assure them that the ICC focuses on serious international crimes and that a strong national judicial system can mitigate concerns about ICC intervention.

Educational Initiatives:

• Academic Research: Promote academic research and publications on the ICC and its relevance to Thailand. Encourage universities and research institutions to study and disseminate findings on the benefits of ratification.
• Workshops and Training: Organize workshops and training sessions for legal professionals, government officials, and civil society representatives on the ICC and the Rome Statute. Provide detailed information on the ratification process and its implications.

By combining these strategies, stakeholders can create a multifaceted approach to encourage Thailand to ratify the Rome Statute and join the International Criminal Court.

Lesson 9: Learning Grammar Through Conversations by Dr. Snea Thinsan

(Present Simple vs. Present Continuous)

A: "What ___ you usually do on weekends?"

B: "I usually ___ hiking."

a) do / go
b) are / going
c) do / going

Answer: a) do / go - Present Simple is used for habitual actions, and 'go' is the correct form after 'usually.'

(Third Conditional)

A: "If I ___ harder, I would have passed the test."

B: "Don't worry, you can try again."

a) study
b) studied
c) had studied

Answer: c) had studied - Third Conditional uses 'if' + past perfect to talk about hypothetical past situations.

(Relative Pronouns)

A: "The woman ___ works at the bakery is very friendly."

B: "Yes, I like her a lot."

a) which
b) who
c) whose

Answer: b) who - 'Who' is used for people in relative clauses.

(Modals of Permission)

A: "___ I leave early today?"

B: "Yes, you can."

a) Must
b) Should
c) May

Answer: c) May - 'May' is used to ask for permission.

(Past Perfect vs. Past Simple)

A: "By the time we arrived, the movie ___. "

B: "That's too bad."

a) had started
b) started
c) has started

Answer: a) had started - Past Perfect is used for actions completed before another action in the past.

(Adverbs of Frequency)

A: "He ___ goes to the gym, that's why he's so fit."

B: "I should go more often too."

a) never
b) rarely
c) always

Answer: c) always - Adverbs of frequency describe how often something happens.

(Conditionals: Type 1)

A: "If it ___ tomorrow, we will go to the beach."

B: "I hope it does!"

a) doesn't rain
b) won't rain
c) don't rain

Answer: a) doesn't rain - First Conditional uses 'if' + present simple to describe future possibilities.

(Passive Voice: Present Simple)

A: "English ___ all over the world."

B: "Yes, it's a very popular language."

a) speaks
b) is spoken
c) spoken

Answer: b) is spoken - Passive Voice in Present Simple is formed with 'is' + past participle.

(Reported Speech: Commands)

A: "She told me to ___ the door."

B: "Did you do it?"

a) close
b) closed
c) closing

Answer: a) close - Reported Speech for commands uses the base form of the verb.

(Comparative Adjectives)

A: "This bag is ___ than the one I bought last year."

B: "It looks sturdier too."

a) more expensive
b) expensive
c) most expensive

Answer: a) more expensive - Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things.

TOEFL Written Expression Practice Quiz - Set 21

Lesson 8: Learning Grammar Through Conversations by Dr. Snea Thinsan

(Present Perfect vs. Past Simple)

A: "Have you ever ___ to Japan?"

B: "Yes, I ___ there last year."

a) been / went
b) went / have been
c) been / have been

Answer: a) been / went - Present Perfect is used for experiences, and Past Simple is used for completed actions at a specific time.

(First Conditional)

A: "If it ___ tomorrow, we will cancel the picnic."

B: "Let's hope for good weather."

a) rains
b) will rain
c) rained

Answer: a) rains - First Conditional uses 'if' + present simple to describe future possibilities.

(Relative Clauses)

A: "Do you know the man ___ is standing over there?"

B: "Yes, he's our new neighbor."

a) which
b) who
c) whose

Answer: b) who - 'Who' is used for people in relative clauses.

(Gerunds and Infinitives)

A: "She enjoys ___ in the morning."

B: "It's a great way to start the day."

a) to jog
b) jog
c) jogging

Answer: c) jogging - Gerunds are used as objects after certain verbs.

(Modals of Advice)

A: "I have a headache."

B: "You ___ take some medicine."

a) should
b) must
c) can

Answer: a) should - 'Should' is used to give advice.

(Past Continuous vs. Past Simple)

A: "I ___ when the phone rang."

B: "Who was it?"

a) was reading / answered
b) read / was answering
c) was reading / was answering

Answer: c) was reading / was answering - Past Continuous is used for ongoing actions in the past interrupted by another action.

(Future Perfect)

A: "By this time next month, I ___ my project."

B: "Good luck with it!"

a) will finish
b) will have finished
c) have finished

Answer: b) will have finished - Future Perfect is used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific future time.

(Passive Voice: Past Simple)

A: "The cake ___ by my grandmother."

B: "It's delicious!"

a) was made
b) is made
c) made

Answer: a) was made - Passive Voice in Past Simple is formed with 'was' + past participle.

(Comparative Adjectives)

A: "This book is ___ than the last one."

B: "Yes, I find it more interesting."

a) good
b) better
c) best

Answer: b) better - Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things.

(Present Continuous)

A: "What ___ you doing right now?"

B: "I'm studying for my exams."

a) do
b) are
c) is

Answer: b) are - Present Continuous is used for actions happening at the moment of speaking.

Lesson 7: Learning Grammar Through Conversations by Dr. Snea Thinsan

(Past Simple vs. Present Perfect)

A: "How long ___ you lived here?"

B: "I ___ here for five years."

a) did / lived
b) have / lived
c) have / have lived

Answer: c) have / have lived - Present Perfect is used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present.

(Modals of Obligation)

A: "You ___ wear a helmet when riding a bike."

B: "I always do."

a) should
b) must
c) can

Answer: b) must - 'Must' indicates strong obligation or necessity.

(Future Continuous)

A: "What ___ you be doing at 8 PM tonight?"

B: "I ___ watching a movie."

a) will / will be
b) will / am
c) will / will

Answer: a) will / will be - Future Continuous is used to describe actions happening at a specific time in the future.

(Comparative and Superlative Adjectives)

A: "This is the ___ restaurant in town."

B: "Yes, it's even ___ than the one we went to last week."

a) good / better
b) better / best
c) best / better

Answer: c) best / better - 'Best' is the superlative form, and 'better' is the comparative form.

(Prepositions of Place)

A: "The cat is hiding ___ the bed."

B: "I see its tail sticking out."

a) on
b) in
c) under

Answer: c) under - 'Under' indicates the position below something.

(Zero Conditional)

A: "If you ___ water to 100 degrees Celsius, it ___. "

B: "That's right."

a) heat / boils
b) will heat / boil
c) heated / boiled

Answer: a) heat / boils - Zero Conditional is used for general truths or scientific facts.

(Passive Voice: Present Perfect)

A: "The project ___ finished by the team."

B: "That's great news!"

a) has been
b) was
c) is

Answer: a) has been - Passive Voice in Present Perfect is formed with 'has been' + past participle.

(Reported Speech: Statements)

A: "She said that she ___ the meeting."

B: "I hope she finds it useful."

a) enjoys
b) enjoyed
c) enjoy

Answer: b) enjoyed - Reported Speech shifts the tense back one step from the present to the past.

(Present Continuous for Future Arrangements)

A: "We ___ dinner with friends tomorrow night."

B: "That sounds fun!"

a) have
b) are having
c) will have

Answer: b) are having - Present Continuous is used for future arrangements.

(Articles: A, An, The)

A: "Can you pass me ___ salt, please?"

B: "Sure, here it is."

a) a
b) an
c) the

Answer: c) the - 'The' is used for specific items known to both speaker and listener.