Intermediate English Grammar Diagnostic Test

  Intermediate English Grammar Diagnostic Test

Instructions: Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

1. If I ____ him, I would have told you.

A) saw

B) have seen

C) had seen

D) would see

2. Sarah is the girl ____ sings in the choir.

A) who

B) which

C) where

D) whose

3. By the time you arrive, we ____ dinner.

A) will have

B) will have had

C) have had

D) had

4. I wish I ____ to her party last night, but I was too tired.

A) went

B) had gone

C) would go

D) g

5. Neither of the applicants ____ suitable for the job.

A) is

B) are

C) were

D) have been

6. She can’t attend the meeting, ____?

A) can she

B) can’t she

C) couldn’t she

D) isn’t it

7. the rain, the soccer game continued.

A) Despite

B) Although

C) Because

D) As

8. I used to ____ coffee every morning, but now I prefer tea.

A) drinking

B) drink

C) drank

D) have drunk

9. I'd rather you ____ to them why we can't come.

A) explain

B) explains

C) explained

D) to explain

10. The instructions ____ clearly before the exam started.

A) were explained

B) explained

C) are explained

D) have been explained

11. You ____ better check your answers before submitting the test.

A) would

B) should

C) could

D) must

12. Not only ____ to Paris, but he also visited Rome.

A) he went

B) went he

C) did he go

D) he did go

13. There ____ any messages for you while you were out.

A) wasn’t

B) weren’t

C) isn’t

D) aren’t

14. She’s interested ____ learning more about French history.

A) to

B) in

C) on

D) at

15. If he ____ the truth, he would have told us.

A) knows

B) knew

C) had known

D) know

16. We’ve run out of milk. I need to go ____ some.

A) buy

B) to buy

C) buying

D) buys

17. ____ time you come, please call first.

A) The next

B) Next

C) On next

D) At the next

18. This is the book ____.

A) who I need

B) that I need

C) which I need

D) what I need

19. Everyone ____ when the results were announced.

A) were surprised

B) was surprised

C) surprised

D) have been surprised

20. He drives more carefully ____ his brother does.

A) than

B) then

C) as

D) like

See the answer key below. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Answer key for the diagnostic English grammar test:

1. C) had seen
2. A) who
3. B) will have had
4. B) had gone
5. A) is
6. A) can she
7. A) Despite
8. B) drink
9. A) explain
10. A) were explained
11. B) should
12. C) did he go
13. B) weren’t
14. B) in
15. C) had known
16. B) to buy
17. B) Next
18. B) that I need
19. B) was surprised
20. A) than

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Quotable quotes on RECONCILIATION

"Reconciliation requires changes of heart and spirit, as well as social and economic change. It requires symbolic as well as practical action." – Malcolm Fraser

"Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." – Hannah Arendt

"In the end, reconciliation is a spiritual process, which requires more than just a legal framework. It has to happen in the hearts and minds of people." – Nelson Mandela

"We are all broken by something. We have all hurt someone and have been hurt. We all share the condition of brokenness even if our brokenness is not equivalent." – Bryan Stevenson

"True reconciliation does not consist in merely forgetting the past." – Nelson Mandela

"Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice." – Corazon Aquino

"The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions." – Thich Nhat Hanh

"Forgiving is not forgetting; it's actually remembering—remembering and not using your right to hit back." – Desmond Tutu

"There is no reconciliation until you recognize the dignity of the other, until you see their view- you have to enter into the pain of the people. You've got to feel their need." – John M. Perkins

"The first step to reconciliation is understanding. The second step is acceptance." – Thabo Mbeki

"It takes a lot of strength to mend a broken heart. Channelising energies into our work helps, but work is not a solution to personal griefs." – Mary Kom

"Every act of reconciliation is a miracle, a phenomenon beyond human explanation and prediction." – Raimon Panikkar

"All the greatest and most important problems in life are fundamentally insoluble… They can never be solved, but only outgrown." – Carl Jung

"Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice." – Nelson Mandela

"Healing and reconciliation are a necessary part of the narrative. Otherwise, history repeats itself." – Andra Day

May these quotes offer guidance and wisdom to those seeking the path of reconciliation.

Why did jews return to Israel? What legitimize their return to that land?

 The return of Jews to Israel is a complex topic, and it is interwoven with religious beliefs, political movements, and historical circumstances.

Religious Aspect:

• Divine Promise: Many Jews believe that God promised the land of Israel to the Jewish people. This belief is based on biblical texts. The covenant between God and Abraham, which is found in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament), is often cited as the divine promise of the land to the Jewish people.

• Exile and Return: Throughout history, there have been several instances where Jews were exiled from the land of Israel and later returned. The Babylonian exile and subsequent return (6th century BCE) is a notable example.

Political and Historical Aspects:

• Zionism: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a political movement known as Zionism emerged. The movement sought to establish a national homeland for the Jewish people in Palestine. This was partially due to the persecution Jews faced in various countries.

• Holocaust: The genocide of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II, known as the Holocaust, greatly influenced the global and Jewish perspective regarding the need for a Jewish homeland. After the war, support for the establishment of a Jewish state increased significantly both among Jews and within the international community.

• Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government, through the Balfour Declaration, expressed its support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people."

• UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Despite the Arab rejection of the plan, the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948.

Socio-Cultural Aspects:

• Identity and Connection: Many Jews have felt a profound historical and cultural connection to the land of Israel. This connection has been maintained and expressed through religious practices, literature, and traditions.

Geopolitical Aspects:

• British Mandate: The British controlled Palestine from 1917 until 1948 under the British Mandate. Their policies, at various times, both facilitated and hindered Jewish immigration to the region.

• Israeli-Arab Conflict: The establishment of Israel was followed by a complex and ongoing conflict with its Arab neighbors. This has involved numerous wars and consistent political tensions.

The return of Jews to Israel is, therefore, a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a blend of religious, historical, political, and sociocultural factors. Various individuals and groups may prioritize or emphasize different aspects of these factors based on their beliefs, experiences, and perspectives.

Islamic verses that may have inspired radical muslim groups

1. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:61)

   • "And [recall] when you said, 'O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.' [Moses] said, 'Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked.' And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing."
   • Description: This verse describes some Israelites who disobeyed Moses, but interpretations vary on whether it's a general condemnation of Jews or specific individuals.
   • 
     

2. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:51)

   • "O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you - then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people."
   • Description: This verse advises against taking Jews and Christians as allies, but interpretations vary regarding whether this was a specific historical directive or a general rule.
   • 
     

3. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:64)

   • "And the Jews say, 'The hand of Allah is chained.' Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended; He spends however He wills. And that which has been revealed to you from your Lord will surely increase many of them in transgression and disbelief. And We have cast among them animosity and hatred until the Day of Resurrection. Every time they kindled the fire of war [against you], Allah extinguished it. And they strive throughout the land [causing] corruption, and Allah does not like corrupters."
   • Description: This verse accuses Jews of spreading corruption and having animosity, with differing interpretations on whether it refers to specific individuals or more broadly.

4. 
   

5. Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:82)

   • "You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the believers [to be] the Jews and those who associate others with Allah..."
   • Description: This verse describes Jews as among the strongest in enmity toward the believers, with interpretations varying between a general characterization and a specific historical context.

These translations, while widely recognized, can differ slightly between versions. Thus, readers and scholars emphasize the importance of understanding the context in which these verses were revealed (Asbab al-Nuzul) and caution against taking them out of that context to apply them to different times, places, or people.

Discussions about religious texts and their interpretations should be approached with sensitivity, acknowledging that perspectives on these verses can vary widely even among adherents of the faith. Different Islamic scholars and communities may have varying interpretations and apply these verses differently in their beliefs and practices. Remember that it's essential to promote dialogue and understanding, particularly when engaging with topics of religious beliefs and interfaith relations.

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS encouraging followers to refrain from killing

Many religious and spiritual traditions emphasize the sanctity of life and have teachings that encourage adherents to refrain from killing. Here’s a list of some teachings or guidelines from various religious traditions that speak to this principle:

1. Christianity

The Ten Commandments: The commandment "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13) is explicit in prohibiting killing.

Teachings of Jesus: Jesus promotes love and forgiveness. He says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21).

2. Islam

The Quran: “...if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind...” (Quran 5:32).

Hadith: Prophet Muhammad teaches, "Do not kill any old person, any child, or any woman” (Abu Dawud).

3. Judaism

The Ten Commandments: Like Christianity, Judaism adheres to the commandment "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).

Talmud: There are various teachings against violence and murder in the Talmud.

4. Buddhism

The First Precept: The first of the Five Precepts in Buddhism is to abstain from taking life ("Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami").

The Noble Eightfold Path: Right action, which involves non-violence and not killing, is an essential element of the path.

5. Hinduism

Ahimsa: This is the principle of non-violence, which is highly regarded in Hinduism. It involves not causing harm or violence to any living being.

The Bhagavad Gita: Although it features a battlefield conversation, the text ultimately emphasizes Dharma (righteousness) and discourages unwarranted violence.

6. Sikhism

Guru Granth Sahib: The primary scripture emphasizes a life of love and non-violence. However, Sikhs are also taught to defend the defenseless.

Guru Tegh Bahadur: The ninth Guru sacrificed his life for the protection of the Hindu community, exemplifying defense without aggression.

7. Jainism

Ahimsa: Much like Hinduism, non-violence is central to Jainism, and it’s even more absolute. It requires adherents to be mindful not to harm any form of life.

Tirthankara Mahavira: He taught rigorous principles of non-violence, stating that one should be non-violent in thoughts, words, and deeds.

8. Baha'i Faith

Baha'u'llah’s Teachings: Emphasize the unity of humanity and discourage violence. There is a significant focus on creating a peaceful and united world.

The Kitáb-i-Aqdas: Discourages violence and emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in society.

9. Zoroastrianism

Holy Zend Avesta: Teaches that life is a gift from Ahura Mazda (God) and should be preserved and respected.

Ahura Mazda: Is seen as a god of wisdom and light, promoting peace and harmony among his creations.

10. Shinto

Kami: All life is considered sacred because it is inhabited by Kami (spiritual beings or gods).

Harmony: Maintaining harmony and avoiding conflict is crucial in Shinto practices and beliefs.

Who exactly owned the land known today as ISRAEL?

The history of the area now known as Israel is exceptionally complex and multifaceted, with a rich tapestry that has been woven over millennia. Below is a very brief overview, but it's essential to acknowledge that each period is dense with events, conflicts, and cultural developments.

Ancient Periods:

• Canaanites: The area was initially inhabited by Canaanite tribes and other Semitic peoples.

• Israelites: In biblical times, the Israelites established the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The exact historical and archaeological veracity of these events is a matter of ongoing study and debate among scholars.

• Various Conquerors: The region was conquered by various empires, such as the Babylonian, Persian, and Macedonian (under Alexander the Great).

Roman Period:

• Roman Rule: The Romans controlled the area from 63 BCE. The region was named "Palaestina" by the Romans, a name that would stick in various forms for centuries.

• Jewish-Roman Wars: There were multiple conflicts between the Jewish inhabitants and the Roman rulers, notably the revolts from 66-70 CE and 132-136 CE.

Islamic and Crusader Periods:

• Islamic Caliphates: In the 7th century, the region came under Muslim rule by the Rashidun and then the Umayyad Caliphates.

• Crusaders: From the late 11th century, European Crusaders intermittently established Christian kingdoms in the area.

Ottoman Period:

• Ottoman Empire: From 1517 until the end of World War I in 1918, the area was part of the Ottoman Empire.

British Mandate:

• Balfour Declaration: In 1917, the British government expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

• British Mandate: After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine from 1920 until 1948.

Modern Period:

• UN Partition Plan: In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side.

• State of Israel: In 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel. Following this, neighboring Arab states invaded, marking the start of the first Arab-Israeli War.

• Israeli-Arab Conflicts: Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, there have been numerous conflicts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, as well as between Israelis and Palestinians.

• Palestinian Territories: The West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War, have been the focus of ongoing conflicts and peace negotiations.

The history of the region is intricate, with each period being subject to various interpretations and perspectives. Therefore, when exploring the topic, it is crucial to approach various sources and viewpoints to get a comprehensive understanding.

Obstacles to reconciliation after a detrimental social revolution or conflict

Reconciliation after a detrimental social revolution or any conflict-intensive period can be an intricate process. Various obstacles can arise, complicating efforts to rebuild a sense of unity and shared community. Here are some of the substantial challenges to reconciliation:

1. Deep-Rooted Animosity

Lingering resentments and hatred among different factions or groups.

Vengeful sentiments that resist forgiveness.

2. Trust Deficit

Lack of trust among individuals, communities, and towards the government.

Suspicion regarding reconciliation efforts.

3. Psychological Trauma

Collective and individual traumas that hamper healing.

PTSD and other mental health issues arising from conflict.

4. Economic Disparity and Destruction

Widespread poverty and economic instability post-revolution.

Destruction of infrastructure and institutions.

5. Justice and Accountability Issues

Difficulty in establishing accountability for crimes committed.

Balancing demands for justice with the need for reconciliation.

6. Political Instability

Weak or volatile political entities and structures.

The power vacuum and struggles for control.

7. Identity and Ideological Clashes

Continuous clashes of ideologies and beliefs.

Diverse identities and their claims for recognition and rights.

8. Memorialization

Disagreements over the narrative of history and memory.

Conflicts related to honoring victims and acknowledging wrongs.

9. Displacement and Demographic Changes

Challenges related to resettlement of displaced populations.

Changing demographics and their impact on social structures.

10. Security Concerns

Ongoing threats from militias, rebels, or dissident groups.

Security apparatus that may be weak, corrupted, or biased.

11. Legal and Institutional Hurdles

Lack of robust legal systems to address grievances and disputes.

Weak or compromised institutions that struggle to enforce policies.

12. Leadership Challenges

Lack of credible leadership willing to foster reconciliation.

Leaders who might benefit from continued discord.

13. International Influence and Pressure

External political and economic influences and interference.

Global geopolitics shaping local reconciliation efforts.

14. Cultural and Social Fragmentation

Fragmentation of society into different cultural or social groups.

Lack of shared values or common ground.

15. Education and Information

Miseducation or lack of education about historical truths.

Propagation of false narratives or myths.

16. Resource Scarcity

Competition over limited resources.

Unequal distribution of resources which might reignite tensions.

17. Technology and Misinformation

Spread of misinformation through social media and other platforms.

Use of technology to perpetuate hate speech and anti-reconciliation narratives.

18. Civil Society Weakness

Absence of robust civil society to facilitate dialogue and healing.

Lack of platforms where individuals can engage constructively.

Reconciliation demands concerted efforts at multiple levels, encompassing truth-telling, justice, reparations, healing, and the establishment of common goals. It is a long-term process and might require generations to fully realize its objectives. It necessitates not just addressing past issues, but also building structures that prevent the recurrence of conflict and promote sustainable peace.

The conflict between Jews and Palestinians in Israel in Brief

 The conflict between Jews and Palestinians in Israel is long-standing and deeply rooted in a complex web of social, political, and historical factors. It's essential to note that the following description is a simplified overview of a deeply nuanced and multifaceted issue:

Historical Background

Biblical Claims:

• Both Jews and Palestinians have ancient historical and religious ties to the land. Jews trace their historical and spiritual connection back thousands of years, while the Palestinian Arab population also has deep-rooted historical and cultural ties to the land.

Ottoman and British Control:

• The area, now known as Israel/Palestine, was part of the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I. Post-WWI, it came under British control (British Mandate for Palestine, 1920–1948).

• During the British Mandate, tensions between Jewish and Arab communities escalated, partially due to the Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which the British government expressed support for "the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people." Arab Palestinians opposed this.

Jewish Immigration:

• Waves of Jewish immigrants came to the region during and after the British Mandate, often fleeing persecution in Europe. This increased the Jewish population and further intensified tensions.

Creation of Israel and Subsequent Wars

UN Partition and Creation of Israel:

• In 1947, the United Nations proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international control. The Jews accepted the plan, but the Arab states and Palestinians rejected it.

• In 1948, Israel declared independence, leading to war with surrounding Arab states.

Nakba:

• The 1948 war led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, an event known as the Nakba ("catastrophe" in Arabic). Palestinians were either expelled from or fled their homes and became refugees.

Territorial Disputes:

• Subsequent wars (such as those in 1956, 1967, and 1973) and the ongoing dispute over territories (like the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem) have significantly intensified the conflict.

Ideological and Nationalistic Aspects

• Zionism vs. Palestinian Nationalism:

• Zionism, the national movement of the Jewish people that supports the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland in the territory defined as the historic Land of Israel, is often in conflict with Palestinian nationalism, which seeks the establishment and recognition of an independent Palestinian state.

• Right of Return:

• The Palestinian demand for the right of return for refugees (to areas now in Israel) and the Israeli concern about maintaining the Jewish character of their state are major sticking points.

Political and Military Aspects

• Occupation and Settlements:

• Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and the existence and expansion of Israeli settlements there are major sources of tension and violence.

• Hamas and Other Militant Groups:

• Various Palestinian groups, such as Hamas, seek the establishment of a Palestinian state and have sometimes used violence and terrorism to pursue their aims, provoking Israeli military responses.

International Involvement

• International Involvement:

• The involvement of other countries and international organizations (such as the USA, UN, and various Arab and European countries) has also influenced the conflict, sometimes exacerbating tensions.

Social and Religious Factors

Religious Significance:

• Jerusalem is a city of significant religious importance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, leading to disputes over holy sites and the status of the city.

Social and Economic Inequalities:

• Disparities in social, economic, and resource access between Israeli citizens and Palestinian inhabitants of the occupied territories also fuel the conflict.

Conclusion

This overview is not exhaustive but provides a general understanding of the multifaceted and complex roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict involves a myriad of issues like territorial disputes, national identities, and historical grievances, which have made peace a challenging objective. Understanding these aspects requires further in-depth study into the socio-political intricacies of the region.

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