TOP Grammar Teacher’s book, Testbook, Answer Keys - Rachel Finnie, Carol Frain, David A. Hill, Karen Thomas 2010
Test 12 Units 47-49
1 Use the words to write questions with can and give affirmative (✓) or negative (X) short answers.
Paul / swim / ? ✓
Can Paul swim? Yes, he can.
1 the boys / play rugby / ? ✓
2 a rabbit / fly / ? X
3 you / speak / English / ? ✓
4 we / go / swimming / ? X
2 Write P (possibility), A (ability) or R (request), according to the meaning of can in these sentences.
Do you know that John is twelve and he still can’t swim? A
1 Neither Sue nor Jim can speak French.
2 Can you play badminton well?
3 We can have a picnic on the beach.
4 You can’t go out to play in the rain.
5 Can I use your mobile, Jack?
6 Andy can run really fast!
7 Sorry, I can’t come to the party.
8 Can I have the car tonight, dad?
3 Use can / could and the words given to write sentences about someone’s abilities in the past and now.
Jane / X swim / two / but / ✓ swim / now
Jane couldn’t swim when she was two, but she can swim now.
1 Richard / X ride a bike / four / but / ✓ ride one / now
2 Alice / ✓ climb / trees / little / but / X climb them / now
3 The boys / X play rugby / ten / but / ✓ play / now
4 Douglas / ✓ draw well / at school / but / X draw / now
5 Lucy and Jane / X sing / young / but / ✓ sing well / now
6 Paul / ✓ play chess / as a boy / but / X play it / now
4 Match the questions with the answers.
1 d 2 ... 3 ... 4 ... 5 ... 6 ... 7 ...
1 Can I help you with your bags? a No, I’m afraid not. I’m using it.
2 When could we meet to discuss the schedule? B Sure. She’ll be pleased to see you.
3 Do you think you might be able to help? c I could see you on Friday morning.
4 May I visit the patient later? d Thank you. That’s very kind of you.
5 Could you lend me your bike tomorrow? e We might as well do the kitchen, too.
6 Are we just decorating the living room and hall? f I don’t think so. They’re too young.
7 Can the children come to the dinner party? g I’m sure I’ll be able to do something.
5 Mike is going out and offers to do the shopping. Complete the dialogue with the correct sentences. There are two sentences extra.
Mike: I’m just going into town. Do you want me to get anything?
Kay: Yes, can you get some eggs please?
Mike: Sure. Is that all?
Kay: (1) ...
Mike: Can you write a list, otherwise I’ll forget everything?
Kay: (2) ...
Mike: Remember to put down the ingredients for lasagna.
Kay: (3) ...
Mike: We’re having the Hamiltons to dinner.
Kay: (4) ...
6 Read the answers and write the appropriate requests with can / could.
Could you tell me how to get to the cinema, please?
Yes, go down this street, turn right, and the cinema’s on your left.
1 ...?
No, I can’t, John. I gave you £20 two days ago.
2 ...?
Of course, I could. It’s terribly cold in here.
3 ...?
Yes, you can, but don’t be late home.
4 ...?
I’m afraid not. I haven’t got my car today and I’m not going to town.
5 ...?
Absolutely not, Smith! We have no money for pay rises at present!
6 ...?
Certainly, sir. Would you like something to eat with your wine?
7 ...?
No, I couldn’t. My parents never took me to the mountains. Actually, I’ve never learnt.
8 ...?
You can’t. You’re going to school tomorrow morning so you’ll have an early night as usual.