English Language Question of the Day

Build your English skills with a fresh grammar, vocabulary, or reading practice question, updated daily.

25 October 2026

Subject: Grammar FundamentalsGrammar FundamentalsPresent simple and present continuous tense

Question

A customer asks a store employee:

Customer: "Excuse me, I'm looking for the special whole-grain bread. Do you know where it is?"

Employee: "Oh, yes! It's usually in aisle 7. But this week, we ____ a temporary display near the bakery section."

Select an Answer

sets up
are setting up
set up
have set up

Rationale:
The correct answer is "are setting up." We use the present continuous tense (am/is/are + verb-ing) for actions that are happening right now or for a temporary period around now. The phrase "this week" tells us that creating the display is a temporary action, not a regular or routine one. The employee is talking about a current, ongoing arrangement that will last for a short time. "It's usually in aisle 7" uses the present simple for the regular location, showing the contrast with the temporary change.

24 October 2026

Subject: Vocabulary and Everyday CommunicationVocabulary and Everyday CommunicationVocabulary for work and the workplace

Question

Read the following conversation between a parent, Mr. Lee, and a school secretary:

Secretary: "Good morning, Mr. Lee. You wanted to discuss your child's after-school pick-up time?"
Mr. Lee: "Yes, thank you. My work schedule just changed, and I now have a different shift. I need to pick up my daughter, Mia, thirty minutes earlier on Thursdays because my new shift ends sooner. Is that possible?"
Secretary: "Let me check for you. Yes, we can adjust Mia's pick-up time. We just need a confirmation note from your employer."

What does Mr. Lee mean when he says he has a "different shift"?

Select an Answer

A new uniform he has to wear at his job.
A specific period of time he is scheduled to work each day.
A new location for his workplace.
A new manager or supervisor at his company.

Rationale:
In the context of work, a 'shift' refers to a specific block of time someone is assigned to work. For example, a morning shift, an evening shift, or a night shift. Mr. Lee's old work hours changed, so he now has new working times, or a 'different shift', which affects when he can pick up his daughter.

23 October 2026

Subject: Listening and Speaking BasicsListening and Speaking BasicsUnderstanding short everyday dialogues

Question

Mr. Davies, the landlord, is talking to Mrs. Lee about a problem in her apartment.

Mr. Davies: "Hello, Mrs. Lee. What seems to be the problem today?"

Mrs. Lee: "Hello, Mr. Davies. Our refrigerator isn't working. It's making a strange noise and ________ the food warm."

Choose the best word to complete Mrs. Lee's sentence.

Select an Answer

kept
keeps
to keep
keeping

Rationale:
The sentence describes an ongoing problem with the refrigerator. Phrases like "isn't working" and "it's making a strange noise" use the present continuous tense (verb + -ing). To continue describing another problem that is happening right now, we need to use another -ing form. "Keeping" correctly fits this pattern, showing that the refrigerator is continuously making the food warm instead of cold.

22 October 2026

Subject: Reading ComprehensionReading ComprehensionIdentifying the main idea of a short passage

Question

Read the following message from a restaurant, then answer the question.

"Welcome to 'The Green Spoon'! We want all our guests to have a great dining experience. Our menu has many delicious options, and we are happy to help customers with special dietary needs. You will see clear symbols for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. If you have any allergies or other food requests, please tell your server, and they will assist you. We aim to make sure everyone can enjoy a safe and tasty meal here."

What is the main idea of this message from 'The Green Spoon'?

Select an Answer

The restaurant only serves vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food.
The restaurant is introducing many new healthy dishes.
The restaurant wants to help all customers, especially those with special dietary needs.
Customers should always speak to their server before ordering any food.

Rationale:
The main idea of the message is that 'The Green Spoon' is committed to making sure all guests, especially those with specific dietary needs (like allergies or choices such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free), can enjoy their meal. The passage mentions clear symbols and asking the server for help, which supports this main point. Other options are either incorrect, too specific, or not the overall purpose of the message.

21 October 2026

Subject: Grammar FundamentalsGrammar FundamentalsPassive voice in simple contexts

Question

Customer: "Excuse me, I'm allergic to nuts. Can you tell me if the pesto pasta...?"
Waiter: "No worries! Our pesto pasta ______ without any nuts. It's safe for you."

Choose the best option to complete the waiter's sentence.

Select an Answer

makes
was made
is making
is made

Rationale:
The sentence describes how the pesto pasta is generally prepared. The pasta does not 'make' itself; it 'is made' by the chef or kitchen staff. We use the passive voice (be + past participle) when the action is done to the subject, not by the subject. Since this is a general fact about the dish's preparation, we use the simple present passive, "is made".