Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
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The first 3 of 9 cards
the helper is the word that vanishes
Questions and negatives are short, so a missing helper verb is easy to overlook.
What time you finishneeds 'do' work? Tariq not likeneeds 'does' the new rota, and he didn't wanteddid + base verb to come.
PTE Summarize Written Text gives grammar 2 for correct structure.
ask in this order
Only the helper moves: Has she left? Where does she work? After do, does or did, the verb is plain.
the patterns
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| yes / no | helper first | Did she reply? |
| why, where | wh + helper | Why did it fall? |
| who (subject) | no added do | Who booked it? |
| negative | helper + not | We did not book. |
| reported | statement order | I asked why it fell. |
Helper = do, does, did, be, have or a modal such as can or will.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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