Anaphoric reference
Understanding reference in English grammar is essential for comprehension, cohesion, and exam preparation. Two important types of reference are Anaphoric and cataphoric reference. An anaphoric reference comes when a word (a pronoun) refers back to a noun or phrase that has already been mentioned/appeared in the sentence or earlier in the sentence. These MCQs are designed based on commonly tested reference concepts observed in various competitive exams like NTS, KPPSC, PPSC, and ETEA papers.
Example:
Shazmin bought a story book. She started reading it on time.
In this example, “she” refers back to Shazmen, which appeared earlier.
MCQs on Anaphoric Reference (1–5)
1. In the given sentence “The In charge of the company entered the room. He looked angry.”, the word “he” is an example of:
A) Cataphoric reference
B) Anaphoric reference ✅
C) Exophoric reference
D) Reflexive reference
Explanation:
“He” refers back to “the In charge” which was mentioned earlier, so it is an anaphoric reference.
2. Which word shows an anaphoric reference? “she saw a dog yesterday. It was very cute.”
A) saw
B) yesterday
C) it ✅
D) very
Explanation:
“It” refers back to “a dog,” making it an anaphoric reference.
3. Anaphoric reference is used to:
A) Introduce latest information
B) Refer to future or upcoming ideas
C) Avoid repetition ✅
D) Change sentence structure.
Explanation:
Anaphoric reference helps prevent repeating the same noun again and again.
4. “The boys were tired, so they went their rooms.”, in this sentence “they” refers to:
A) rooms
B) tired
C) boys ✅
D) went
Explanation:
“They” refers back to “the boys” mentioned earlier in the sentence.
5. Which sentence contains an anaphoric reference?
A) Before he spoke, Laiba smiled
B) When she arrived, the teacher called
C) Saad lost his bag
D) Hassan found a camera. He returned it to the owner ✅
Explanation:
In this sentence, “He” refers back to “Hassan,” which appears before it.
MCQs on Anaphoric Reference (6–10)
6. The main function of anaphoric reference is to enhance:
A) Vocabulary
B) Text length
C) Sentence cohesion ✅
D) Punctuation
Explanation:
Anaphoric reference connects ideas smoothly and improves sentence cohesion.
7. Identify the anaphoric reference: “This book is very interesting. I will read it today.”
A) this
B) interesting
C) read
D) it ✅
Explanation:
“It” refers back to “this book,” which was mentioned in the sentence. So it is an anaphoric refence
8. Anaphoric references usually appear:
A) Before the noun
B) At the start of a paragraph or sentence
C) After the noun ✅
D) Only in question type sentence.
Explanation:
Anaphoric references normally come after the noun they refer to.
9. Which part of speech is most commonly used for anaphoric reference in a sentence?
A) Adjective
B) Pronoun ✅
C) Verb
D) Preposition
Explanation:
Pronouns are most commonly used to refer back to ahead nouns.
10. “The bike stopped suddenly. It had run out of fuel.”, in this sentence “it” refers to:
A) fuel
B) suddenly
C) stopped
D) bike ✅
Explanation:
“It” refers back to “the bike” which is mentioned earlier.
Cataphoric reference
A cataphoric reference comes when a word (a pronoun) refers forward to a noun or phrase that appears later in the sentence or text.
Example:
When She arrived, Uzma realized she was late almost one hour.
Here, “she” refers forward to Uzma, which comes later.
MCQs on Cataphoric Reference (11–15)
11. In the sentence “When he entered the hall, Zafar felt conscious.”, here “he” is:
A) Anaphoric
B) Exophoric
C) Cataphoric ✅
D) Relative
Explanation:
“He” refers forward to “Zafar” which comes later, so it is cataphoric.
12. Cataphoric reference points to information that:
A) Is already described
B) Is outside the sentence
C) Comes later in the text ✅
D) Is repeated
Explanation:
Cataphoric reference points to information that appears later in the text.
13. Identify the cataphoric reference: “Though he was tired, Shahid completed the assignment.”
A) though
B) tired
C) he ✅
D) assignment
Explanation:
“He” refers forward to “Shahid” making it a cataphoric reference.
14. Identify the sentence which contains a cataphoric reference?
A) The students prepared well, so they succeeded in the exam
B) If he tries hard, Shoaib will succeed ✅
C) They lost their keys yesterday
D) The dog barked loudly
Explanation:
“He” refers forward to “Shoaib” which comes later in the sentence.
15. Cataphoric reference is commonly used in:
A) Headlines
B) Story openings ✅
C) Grammar
D) Files
Explanation:
Cataphoric reference is often used at the Start of stories to create interest.
MCQs on Cataphoric Reference (16–20)
16. In the sentence “Before they spoke, the committee discussed the rules and regulation.”, here “they” refers to:
A) spoke
B) rules
C) committee ✅
D) before
Explanation:
“They” refers forward to “the committee,” which is mentioned later.
17. Cataphoric reference can make sentences more:
A) Complex ✅
B) Confused
C) Predictable
D) long
Explanation:
Cataphoric reference can make sentences more complex by delaying the noun.
18. Which word is cataphoric ? “If she is selected, the candidate will be called.”
A) selected
B) she ✅
C) candidate
D) called
Explanation:
“She” refers forward to “the candidate,” so it is cataphoric.
19. Cataphoric reference is the opposite of:
A) Synonymy
B) Antonymy
C) Anaphoric reference ✅
D) Lexical cohesion
Explanation:
Anaphoric reference is the opposite because it refers opposite, not forward.
20. In which position does the noun usually appear in cataphoric reference?
A) Before the pronoun
B) After the pronoun ✅
C) at the end of paragraph
D) None
Explanation:
In cataphoric reference, the noun usually follow the pronoun.
Further related MCQS
Conclusion:
Understanding anaphoric and cataphoric references is very important for reading comprehension, writing clarity, and effective communication in English. Anaphoric references help link words to ideas already mentioned, creating cohesion in sentences and paragraphs, while cataphoric references point forward, preparing the reader for information that comes next. Mastering these references not only improves grammar skills but also enhances the ability to follow and construct well-organized texts. Regular practice with examples and exercises can make identifying and using these references effortless, aiding both academic success and everyday writing.