The Imperative – English Grammar Test for B2
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Reading Passage: “How to Stay Calm Under Pressure”
When life gets stressful, it’s easy to panic or lose focus. But staying calm is a skill you can build — and it often begins with a few simple imperatives.
First, breathe deeply. When your heart races, taking slow, deep breaths helps your body relax. Don’t hold your breath — that only increases tension. Instead, count to four as you inhale, and another four as you exhale.
Next, organize your thoughts. Write down what needs to be done and set priorities. This helps you feel more in control. If your mind feels crowded, take a short walk or step away from your desk for a few minutes. Fresh air clears your head.
When emotions run high, don’t shout or say things you’ll regret. Speak softly and listen carefully to others. Calm communication solves problems faster than anger ever will.
If the problem seems too big, ask for help. Remember, teamwork reduces pressure and brings new ideas. Don’t blame yourself for everything — everyone makes mistakes.
Finally, believe in yourself. Confidence keeps you steady when situations become challenging. When you start to doubt, tell yourself, “I can handle this.”
So next time stress appears, breathe, think, and act calmly. It’s not magic — it’s practice. Every time you remind yourself to stay composed, you grow stronger and wiser.
1 What is the main idea of the passage?
(a) How to stay calm under stress
(b) Why people panic easily
(c) Why working alone is better
2 According to the passage, what should you do first when you feel stressed?
(a) Take a walk
(b) Breathe deeply
(c) Write a list
3 Why shouldn’t you hold your breath?
(a) It makes you dizzy
(b) It increases tension
(c) It helps concentration
4 What does counting to four help you do?
(a) Stay angry
(b) Calm your body
(c) Finish faster
5 What is the purpose of writing things down?
(a) To forget them
(b) To make your desk look busy
(c) To organize your thoughts
6 What should you do if your mind feels crowded?
(a) Take a short walk
(b) Drink more coffee
(c) Keep working harder
7 What happens when you shout during stress?
(a) You solve problems
(b) You feel more relaxed
(c) You may say things you’ll regret
8 What kind of communication helps solve problems faster?
(a) Loud and emotional
(b) Calm and careful
(c) Quick and careless
9 What does the writer suggest if a problem feels too big?
(a) Ignore it
(b) Ask for help
(c) Leave your job
10 What should you not do when things go wrong?
(a) Blame yourself
(b) Talk to friends
(c) Try again
11 Why is teamwork important, according to the text?
(a) It brings pressure
(b) It reduces pressure and adds ideas
(c) It causes confusion
12 What should you remember about mistakes?
(a) Nobody makes them
(b) They are part of learning
(c) They ruin everything
13 How does self-confidence help you?
(a) It keeps you steady
(b) It increases fear
(c) It causes stress
14 What should you say to yourself when you doubt?
(a) “I can handle this.”
(b) “I give up.”
(c) “This is too much.”
15 Which of these is NOT recommended in the passage?
(a) Holding your breath
(b) Taking deep breaths
(c) Speaking softly
16 What verb form is repeatedly used to give advice in the passage?
(a) Infinitive
(b) Imperative
(c) Gerund
17 “Don’t hold your breath” is an example of a(n) ___.
(a) polite request
(b) negative imperative
(c) question form
18 “Ask for help” is a(n) ___.
(a) positive imperative
(b) question
(c) report
19 “Don’t shout” expresses ___.
(a) an order
(b) a warning
(c) a suggestion
20 Which imperative means “remain confident”?
(a) Be patient
(b) Believe in yourself
(c) Take control
21 What is the tone of the passage?
(a) Angry and critical
(b) Encouraging and helpful
(c) Sad and pessimistic
22 Which action helps clear your head?
(a) Reading
(b) Arguing
(c) Taking a walk
23 What does the phrase “run high” mean in “when emotions run high”?
(a) When emotions become strong
(b) When emotions disappear
(c) When emotions are low
24 What is the effect of calm communication?
(a) It slows things down
(b) It solves problems faster
(c) It causes more arguments
25 What does the writer mean by “don’t blame yourself”?
(a) Everyone is perfect
(b) It’s okay to make mistakes
(c) You should ignore problems
26 What is the result of practicing calmness regularly?
(a) You grow stronger and wiser
(b) You stop caring
(c) You become indifferent
27 What should you do when you start to doubt?
(a) Give up immediately
(b) Tell yourself something positive
(c) Blame others
28 What is NOT mentioned as a strategy for staying calm?
(a) Taking deep breaths
(b) Yelling loudly
(c) Asking for help
29 What type of writing is this passage?
(a) Narrative story
(b) Instructional advice
(c) Formal report
30 What is the final message of the passage?
(a) Calmness is a natural gift
(b) Staying calm takes practice
(c) Stress cannot be controlled
Answer
1 (a) How to stay calm under stress – The text teaches methods for remaining calm.
2 (b) Breathe deeply – The first advice given.
3 (b) It increases tension – Holding your breath worsens stress.
4 (b) Calm your body – Counting helps regulate breathing.
5 (c) To organize your thoughts – Writing creates structure.
6 (a) Take a short walk – Mentioned as a way to clear your head.
7 (c) You may say things you’ll regret – From the line “don’t shout…”
8 (b) Calm and careful – “Speak softly and listen carefully.”
9 (b) Ask for help – A suggested solution.
10 (a) Blame yourself – The text says “Don’t blame yourself.”
11 (b) It reduces pressure and adds ideas – From “teamwork reduces pressure.”
12 (b) They are part of learning – Mistakes are normal.
13 (a) It keeps you steady – Confidence brings balance.
14 (a) “I can handle this.” – Quoted directly.
15 (a) Holding your breath – Clearly discouraged.
16 (b) Imperative – The whole passage uses imperative verbs.
17 (b) Negative imperative – Begins with “Don’t.”
18 (a) Positive imperative – Direct command form.
19 (b) a warning – “Don’t shout” prevents negative outcomes.
20 (b) Believe in yourself – Encouragement to stay confident.
21 (b) Encouraging and helpful – The author’s tone is supportive.
22 (c) Taking a walk – Mentioned in paragraph two.
23 (a) When emotions become strong – Idiomatic meaning of “run high.”
24 (b) It solves problems faster – Stated in paragraph four.
25 (b) It’s okay to make mistakes – Meaning of “Don’t blame yourself.”
26 (a) You grow stronger and wiser – Final line of the text.
27 (b) Tell yourself something positive – “Tell yourself ‘I can handle this.’”
28 (b) Yelling loudly – Opposite of the advice given.
29 (b) Instructional advice – The passage teaches and instructs.
30 (b) Staying calm takes practice – Final summary sentence.