ESL Quiz

Yesterday by Beatles: ESL Quiz on Present and Past Simple

Learn English with The Beatles’ “Yesterday”! This post helps you practice Present Simple and Past Simple tenses through two fun quizzes: a fill-in-the-blanks and an MCQ. You’ll also learn 15 key vocabulary words with meanings and examples. After the quizzes, try the post-quiz activity to create your own “Yesterday” story and share it with others. Let’s make learning English fun and meaningful!

Quiz Overview

  • Song Title: “Yesterday”
  • Artist: The Beatles
  • Skills: Listening, Vocabulary, Grammar
  • Grammar Focus: Present Simple and Past Simple Tenses
  • Quiz Type: Fill-in-the-blanks and Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Level: Suitable for beginner to lower intermediate English learners
  • Goal: To help learners recognize and use Present Simple and Past Simple verbs in context.

Quiz 1

Play the song below and take the Quiz. [Turn off the subtitles]

Fill in the Blanks Quiz: "Yesterday" by The Beatles 

Verse 1:

Yesterday

All my troubles so far away

Now it as though they're here to stay

Oh, I in yesterday

Verse 2:

Suddenly

I not half the man I used to be

There a shadow hanging over me

Oh, yesterday suddenly

Bridge:

Why she to go

I know, she wouldn't say

I something wrong

Now I for yesterday

Verse 3:

Yesterday

Love such an easy game to play

Now I a place to hide away

Oh, I in yesterday

Bridge (Repeat):

Why she to go

I know, she wouldn't say

I something wrong

Now I for yesterday

Quiz 2

Scroll up and play the video again. [Turn off the subtitles]

Multiple-Choice Quiz: "Yesterday" by The Beatles

1. Yesterday, all my troubles ___ so far away.

2. Now it ___ as though they're here to stay.

3. Oh, I ___ in yesterday.

4. Suddenly, I ___ not half the man I used to be.

5. There ___ a shadow hanging over me.

6. Oh, yesterday ___ suddenly.

7. Why she ___ to go, I don’t know.

8. I ___ something wrong, now I long for yesterday.

9. Now I ___ for yesterday.

10. Yesterday, love ___ such an easy game to play.

11. Now I ___ a place to hide away.

15 Key Vocabulary from Yesterday by Beatles

Yesterday

  • Meaning: The day before today.
  • Example: I went to the park yesterday.

Troubles

  • Meaning: Problems or difficulties.
  • Example: She shared her troubles with her best friend.

Far away

  • Meaning: At a great distance.
  • Example: The mountains look far away from here.

Suddenly

  • Meaning: Happening quickly and unexpectedly.
  • Example: The lights went out suddenly during the storm.

Shadow

  • Meaning: A dark shape made when something blocks light.
  • Example: The tree cast a shadow on the ground.

Believe

  • Meaning: To think something is true or real.
  • Example: I believe in being kind to everyone.

Game

  • Meaning: An activity for fun or competition.
  • Example: We played a game of chess last night.

Hide

  • Meaning: To stay where you cannot be seen.
  • Example: The cat likes to hide under the bed.

Long (for)

  • Meaning: To want something very much.
  • Example: She longs for a vacation by the beach.

Wrong

  • Meaning: Not correct or not right.
  • Example: He knew he was wrong, so he apologized.

Shadow

  • Meaning: A dark shape made when something blocks light.
  • Example: The tree cast a shadow on the ground.

Suddenly

  • Meaning: Happening quickly and unexpectedly.
  • Example: The lights went out suddenly during the storm.

Believe

  • Meaning: To think something is true or real.
  • Example: I believe in being kind to everyone.

Game

  • Meaning: An activity for fun or competition.
  • Example: We played a game of chess last night.

Hide

  • Meaning: To stay where you cannot be seen.
  • Example: The cat likes to hide under the bed.

    Post-Quiz Activity: Create Your Own “Yesterday” Story

    Step 1: Listen and Reflect

    Listen to the song “Yesterday” one more time. Pay attention to the feelings and memories the singer talks about.

    Step 2: Write Your Story

    Think about your own yesterday. Write 3-5 simple sentences about what you did or how you felt. Use Past Simple verbs (e.g., played, walked, watched).

    • Example: “Yesterday, I played soccer with my friends. I felt happy because we won the game. In the evening, I watched a movie with my family.”

    Step 3: Share with a Partner

    Pair up with a classmate and share your stories. Ask each other questions like:

    • “What did you do yesterday?”
    • “How did you feel?”

    Step 4: Draw a Picture (Optional)

    Draw a picture of one thing you did yesterday. Share it with the class and explain it in 1-2 sentences.

      About the Song: “Yesterday” by The Beatles

      “Yesterday” is a classic song by The Beatles that reflects on love, loss, and the passage of time. The singer remembers a happier past when everything felt simple and carefree. But now, he feels the weight of sadness and regret as he longs to return to those better days.

      The song captures the universal feeling of nostalgia—wishing to go back to a time when life was easier. The singer doesn’t fully understand why things changed, but he knows he misses the happiness he once had.

      With its simple melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Yesterday” reminds us how quickly life can change. It’s a song about holding onto memories while facing the challenges of the present.

      About The Beatles

      The Beatles were a legendary British band that changed music forever. Formed in Liverpool in 1960, the group included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Together, they created some of the most iconic songs in history.

      Their music was a mix of rock, pop, and experimental sounds, and their lyrics often explored love, life, and social issues. Songs like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday” are still loved by people of all ages around the world.

      The Beatles weren’t just musicians—they were cultural icons. Their influence went beyond music, shaping fashion, art, and even the way people thought about the world. Even today, their songs continue to inspire new generations.

      Conclusion

      By practicing with “Yesterday”, you’ve improved your understanding of Present Simple and Past Simple tenses, expanded your vocabulary, and even created your own story.

      Keep listening to music, keep practicing, and keep sharing your stories. Learning English is easier and more fun when you connect it to the things you love!


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