Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
We had to list the time sequence of events in World War II on our test.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The team wasn’t playing well, so the coach took the bull by the horns and sacked several senior players.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
It is such a prestigious university that only excellent students are entitled to a full scholarship each year.
Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The conference was held with a view to laying down rules for the treatment and protection of the wounded and the disaster-stricken.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The aircraft carrier is indispensable in naval operations against sea or shore-based enemies.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
She attempted to assuage the tension in the room with a light-hearted joke.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The rich aroma of freshly baked bread filled the whole house.
Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).
The minister came under fire for his rash decision to close the factory.
When he started that company, he really went _____. It might have been a disaster.
_____ her inexperience, her failure to secure the contract was not surprising.
At the 2015 Women in the World Summit, Hilary Clinton asserted that “_____ cultural codes, religious beliefs, and structural biases have to be changed”.
It is the _____ of stupidity to go walking in the mountains in this weather.
The local press has been pouring _____ on the mayor for dissolving the council.
Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each blank.
The ability to weep is a uniquely human form of emotional response. Some scientists have suggested that human tears are evidence an aquatic past, but this does not seem very likely. We cry from the moment we enter this world, for a number of reasons. Helpless babies cry to persuade their parents that they are ill, hungry or uncomfortable. As they develop, they will also cry just to attract parental attention and will often stop when they get it.
The idea that having a good cry can do you is a very old one and now it has scientific validity since recent research into tears has shown that they contain a natural painkiller called enkaphalin. By sorrow and pain, this chemical helps you feel better. Weeping can increase the quantities of enkaphalin .
Unfortunately, in our society, we impose restrictions upon this naturally healing activity. Because some people still regard it as a sign of weakness in men, boys in particular are when they cry. This kind of repression can only increase stress, both emotionally and physically.
Tears of emotion also help the body itself of toxic chemical waste, there is more protein in them than in tears resulting from cold winds or other irritants. Crying comforts and calms can be very enjoyable - consider the popularity of highly emotional films commonly “weepies”. It seems that people enjoy crying together almost as much as laughing together.
Read the passage then answer the questions.
The fur fashion industry is in poor health. The campaigns that started in the 1980s have had their effect and in the US alone the number of fur farms fell by over 50% from 1987 to 1997. In a move that is bound to be a waste of effort, the fur industry has tried to rebuild by using the slogan “fur is back”. However, a loss of profits and an uncertain future mean that there are far fewer people working in the fur industry today. The number of manufacturers in the US has fallen from 797 in 1972 to fewer than 200. This trend will continue. We still need to be careful, though. Many people who would never consider buying fur are doing so without knowing it.
Clothes designers are aware of the bad image fur has with many people. Some of them have taken the sensible decision not to work with fur. Those that still encourage this cruel trade are forced to find ways to disguise fur. Coats are often trimmed to make the fur feel like other materials. It’s dyed bright orange or powder blue to hide its origins. Perhaps the most common trick is to use a small amount of fur around the edges of coats, hoping that the customers won’t realize that animals have died to make their clothes.
As the fur farming industry mystery faces problems, so does the fur trapping industry. Governments have been rather slow to introduce effective laws but the situation is not looking good for fur trappers. The most popular trap is the leghold trap. Around 90 countries have banned these traps and over 20 countries, mostly in Africa, have banned trapping altogether. The use of the shocking devices is falling but there is more that we can do to persuade governments to act. Letter-writing campaigns can still help. Demonstrations still take place around the world against this evil trade.
These actions do produce results. In Sweden, for example, the government agreed to pass a law saying that foxes cannot be kept in cages and that all foxes kept for fur must be provide space to dig. The extra cost will mean that most fur farms in Sweden will go bankrupt. In Switzerland, too, the law makes this old-fashioned industry impossible. There, all animals must be given enough space to behave naturally. If only more countries would follow this lead, a lot of suffering would be prevented.
The number of animals suffering around the world for the fur trade has fallen by about 27 million over the last decade. The people working against the industry can be proud of what they have achieved. Employment in this area of the economy has fallen to only about 600 workers. Many of them are looking for other jobs. Most of them realize that their industry has no future. Some of them have taken the brave decision to leave because they recognize the cruelty around them.
The increase in sales of furs in the US does not mean that “fur is back”. At a time when the rest of the economy is growing quickly, sales of fur grew by a tiny 1.6% last year. This figure, even if it is correct, is a clear sign that people are moving away from fur. Thankfully, the industry is dying around the world.
The writer thinks the fur industry is _____.
According to the writer, some designers _____.
The phrase "the shocking devices" in paragraph 3 refers to _____.
The industry will suffer in Sweden because companies will have to _____.
On average, annually no less than _____ animals have been saved in the last decade.
The writer admires people who leave their job when they _____.
What is the writer’s attitude to the 1.6% growth in the fur industry?
What would be the most suitable title for the passage?
A: Well, I think volunteering will bring some useful experience for our future job.
B: _____
A: If only I hadn't lent him all my money!
B: _____
Erwin: How much did you pay for it?
Dennis: 200 bucks.
Erwin: _____
Dennis: Yeah, it's not worth it.
Joanne: Hey, you look concerned. _____
Harry: The final exam. I'm not fully prepared yet.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
The president offered his congratulations to the players when they won the cup.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
It’s possible that the plane has been delayed because of the bad weather.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
Does it make sense to apply to university or should I take a gap year?
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
After what he did, he deserves to be put away for life.
Choose the sentence CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.
The burglar was caught red- handed by the police when he broke into the flat.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
We should quickly find a solution to the problem. Otherwise, its impact on those concerned will increase.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
The boss scolded Laura for that minor mistake. He now feels really bad about it.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
Having been informed of her critical condition, he decided not to tell her his financial problem.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
What a pity that the TV packed up. We cannot watch the world news now.
Choose the sentence that best combines this pair of sentences.
I was absorbed in the vivid story. My grandfather told me that story.
Read the passage and choose the correct answer.
(1) _____. English is the main language, and only twenty percent of the population speaks both Welsh and English. Every year for one week in August, there is a Welsh-speaking festival. It takes place in a different town each year (2) _____. Local people spend years making plans for when the festival will be in their town. (3) _____. They travel not only from nearby towns and villages (4)_____. There are concerts, plays, and competitions, and (5) _____, and clothes as well as food and drink. (6) _____, there is a place where Welsh learners can go to practice the language.
Choose the correct answer for (1).
Choose the correct answer for (2).
Choose the correct answer for (3).
Choose the correct answer for (4).
Choose the correct answer for (6).
Write an essay of about 250 words on the following topic:
Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experiences.