FCE Use of English: Multiple choice 2

THÁNG TƯ 22, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN

(From Cambridge First Certificate Examination Practice 2. University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Cambridge University Press. 1991)
Directions: For each question in this section, choose the word or phrase (A, B, C or D) which, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of
the sentence as a whole.
1. It’s good idea to see your doctor regularly for ………. .
(A) a revision
(B) a control
(C) an investigation
(D) a check-up
2. I lost too much money betting at the races last time, so you won’t ………. me to go again.
(A) convince
(B) impress
(C) persuade
(D) urge
3. Last year the potato harvest was very disappointing, but this year it looks as though we shall
have a better ………. .
(A) product
(B) outcome
(C) amount
(D) crop
4. The shop assistant was ………. helpful, but she felt he could have given her more advice.
(A) entirely
(B) exactly
(C) quite
(D) totally
5. When the starter gave the ………. all the competitors in the race began to run round the track.
(A) signal
(B) warning
(C) shot
(D) show
6. It’s an awful ………. your wife couldn’t come. I was looking forward to meeting her.
(A) harm
(B) sorrow
(C) shame
(D) shock
7. ………. from Bill, all the students said they would go.
(A) Except
(B) Only
(C) Apart
(D) Separate
8. The new manager explained to the staff that she hoped to ………. new procedures to save
time and money.
(A) manufacture
(B) establish
(C) control
(D) restore
9. There is a fault at our television station. Please do not ………. your set.
(A) change
(B) adjust
(C) repair
(D) switch
10. He was an ………. writer because he persuaded many people to see the truth of his ideas.
(A) ordinary
(B) influential
(C) unlimited
(D) accurate
11. The meal was excellent; the pears were particularly ………. .
(A) flavoured
(B) delicious
(C) tasteful
(D) desirable
12. Workers who do not obey the safety regulations will be ………. immediately.
(A) refused
(B) rejected
(C) disapproved
(D) dismissed
13. He was in ………. of a large number of men.
(A) management
(B) leadership
(C) charge
(D) direction
14. ………. goes the bus; now we will have to walk!
(A) On time
(B) At once
(C) There
(D) Early
15. When he retired from his job the directors ………. him with a clock.
(A) offered
(B) pleased
(C) satisfied
(D) presented
16. He had to leave his family ………. when he went abroad to work.
(A) at a loss
(B) behind
(C) out
(D) at all costs
17. I am very ………. in the information you have given me.
(A) concerned
(B) surprised
(C) interesting
(D) interested
18. When I went to talk to the manager, he told me he could only ………. me a few minutes.
(A) provide
(B) spare
(C) hear
(D) let
19. I saw a thief take Norman’s wallet so I ran ………. him, but I didn’t catch him.
(A) into
(B) after
(C) over
(D) near
20. If it’s raining tomorrow, we shall have to ………. the match till Sunday.
(A) put off
(B) cancel
(C) play
(D) put away
21. It is usually better not to ………. things, in case they are not returned.
(A) lend
(B) offer
(C) borrow
(D) lose
22. He opened the letter without ………. to read the address on the envelope.
(A) worrying
(B) caring
(C) fearing
(D) bothering
23. There was a big hole in the road which ………. the traffic.
(A) held up
(B) kept down
(C) stood back
(D) sent back
24. The boy fell into the river and was ………. along by the fast current.
(A) caught
(B) swept
(C) thrown
(D) swung
25. The old sailing boat was ………. without trace during the fierce storm.
(A) lost
(B) crashed
(C) disappeared
(D) vanished
26. You can learn as much theory as you like, but you only master a skill by ………. it a lot.
(A) practising
(B) training
(C) exercising
(D) doing
27. Some people think it is ………. to use a long and little-known words.
(A) clever
(B) international
(C) skilled
(D) sensitive
28. The Chairman was so angry with the committee that he decided to ………. from it.
(A) cancel
(B) postpone
(C) resign
(D) prevent
29. The explorers walked all the way along the river from its mouth to its ………. .
(A) cause
(B) well
(C) source
(D) outlet
30. He was afraid of losing his suitcase so he tied a ………. on it on which he had written his
name and address.
(A) badge
(B) mark
(C) label
(D) notice
31. He enjoyed the dessert so much that he accepted a second ………. when it was offered.
(A) load
(B) pile
(C) helping
(D) sharing
32. He soon received promotion, for his superiors realised that he was a man of considerable
………. .
(A) ability
(B) possibility
(C) future
(D) opportunity
33. Is there a bank where I can ………. these pounds for dollars?
(A) exchange
(B) turn
(C) alter
(D) arrange
34. To our ………. , Geoffrey’s illness proved not to be as serious as we had feared.
(A) anxiety
(B) eyes
(C) relief
(D) judgement
35. The author had qualified as a doctor but later gave up the ………. of medicine for full-time
writing.
(A) practice
(B) treatment
(C) procedure
(D) prescription
36. Don’t touch the cat, he may ………. you.
(A) kick
(B) tear
(C) scream
(D) scratch
37. Buy the new ………. of soap now on sale: it is softer than all others!
(A) model
(B) brand
(C) mark
(D) manufacture
38. The chief of police said that he saw no ………. between the six murders.
(A) joint
(B) connection
(C) communication
(D) join
39. The safety committee’s report recommended that all medicines should be kept out of the
………. of children.
(A) hold
(B) hand
(C) reach
(D) grasp
40. In the jar there was a ………. which looked like jam.
(A) substance
(B) material
(C) solid
(D) powder
41. He was surprised that her English was so ………. as she had never been to England.
(A) definite
(B) liquid
(C) fluent
(D) national
42. He is very stubborn, so it will be difficult to ………. him to go.
(A) persuade
(B) suggest
(C) make
(D) prevent
43. He put a ………. against the tree and climbed up to pick the apples.
(A) scale
(B) staircase
(C) grade
(D) ladder
44. It’s six years now since the Socialists came to ………. in that country.
(A) power
(B) force
(C) control
(D) command
45. You’re looking very pale – do you ………. sick?
(A) fall
(B) faint
(C) feel
(D) become
46. He stood on one leg, ………. against the wall, while he took off his shoe.
(A) stopping
(B) staying
(C) leaning
(D) supporting
47. In a greengrocer’s shop there is a lot of ………. when fruit and vegetables are not sold.
(A) rot
(B) waste
(C) ruin
(D) rest
48. After the party the children were allowed to finish off the sandwiches and cakes.
(A) additional
(B) leaving
(C) remaining
(D) left
49. When the time came to ………. the bill at the hotel she found her purse had been stolen.
(A) pay
(B) pay out
(C) pay for
(D) pay up
50. When the manager went to Canada on business his ………. took over all his duties.
(A) caretaker
(B) officer
(C) deputy
(D) commander
51. The blue curtains began to ………. after they had been hanging in the sun for two months.
(A) fade
(B) die
(C) dissolve
(D) melt
52. Learners of English as a foreign language often fail to ………. between unfamiliar sounds in that language.
(A) separate
(B) differ
(C) distinguish
(D) solve
53. The wind blew so hard and so strongly that the windows ………. in their frames.
(A) rattled
(B) slapped
(C) flapped
(D) shocked
54. I have lived near the railway for so long now that I’ve grown ………. to the noise of the trains.
(A) accustomed
(B) familiar
(C) unconscious
(D) aware
55. In spite of her protests, her father ………. her train for the race three hours a day.
(A) let
(B) made
(C) insisted
(D) caused
56. It was impossible for her to tell the truth so she had to ………. a story.
(A) invent
(B) combine
(C) manage
(D) lie
57. The car had a ………. tyre, so we had to change the wheel.
(A) broken
(B) cracked
(C) bent
(D) flat
58. She applied for training as a pilot, but they turned her ………. because of her poor eyesight.
(A) back
(B) up
(C) over
(D) down
59. The only feature ………. to these two flowers is their preference for sandy soil.
(A) similar
(B) same
(C) shared
(D) common
60. The play was very long, but there were two ………. .
(A) intervals
(B) rests
(C) interruptions
(D) gaps
61. These old houses are going to be ………. soon.
(A) laid out
(B) run down
(C) pulled down
(D) knocked out
62. She rang to make an early ………. at the hairdressers.
(A) order
(B) date
(C) assignment
(D) appointment
63. The law states that heavy goods delivery vehicles may not carry ………. of more than fifteen tons.
(A) masses
(B) sizes
(C) measures
(D) loads
64. The young soldier ………. a dangerous mission across the desert, although he knew that he might be killed.
(A) undertook
(B) agreed
(C) promised
(D) entered
65. You must ………. that your safety belt is fastened.
(A) examine
(B) secure
(C) check
(D) guarantee
66. He ………. a rare disease when he was working in the hospital.
(A) took
(B) suffered
(C) infected
(D) caught
67. My sister had a baby daughter yesterday, and she is my first ………. .
(A) nephew
(B) cousin
(C) niece
(D) relation
68. When he heard the joke, he burst into loud ………. .
(A) smiles
(B) laughter
(C) amusement
(D) enjoyment
69. The traffic lights ………. to green, and the cars drove on.
(A) exchanged
(B) turned
(C) removed
(D) shone
70. It is a good idea to be ………. dressed when you go for an interview.
(A) finely
(B) boldly
(C) smartly
(D) clearly
71. If we go to the market we might find a ………. .
(A) trade
(B) shopping
(C) chance
(D) bargain
72. If he drinks any more beer, I don’t think he’ll be ………. to play this afternoon.
(A) skilled
(B) capable
(C) possible
(D) fit
73. That’s a nice coat, and the colour ………. you well.
(A) fits
(B) matches
(C) shows
(D) suits
74. Many accidents in the home could be ………. if householders gave more thought to safety in their houses.
(A) avoided
(B) excluded
(C) protected
(D) preserved
75. Smoking is a very bad habit, which many people find difficult to ………. .
(A) break
(B) beat
(C) breathe
(D) cough
76. After the water workers went on strike there was a ………. of water.
(A) drain
(B) shortage
(C) loss
(D) decrease
77. As the streets of our cities become busier, people are turning more and more to the ………. bicycle.
(A) historical
(B) old-fashioned
(C) old-aged
(D) elderly
78. ………. it was raining heavily he went out without a raincoat.
(A) In spite
(B) In spite of
(C) However
(D) Although
79. As far as I’m ………. , it’s quite all right for you to leave early.
(A) concerned
(B) regarded
(C) consulted
(D) bothered
80. I expect it will rain again when we’re on holiday this year, but at least we are properly prepared ………. it this time.
(A) about
(B) at
(C) with
(D) for
81. If only he ………. told us the truth in the first place, things wouldn’t have gone so wrong.
(A) had
(B) has
(C) would have
(D) should have
82. I know him by ………. , but I have no idea what his name is.
(A) sight
(B) myself
(C) heart
(D) chance
83. No child ………. the age of sixteen will be admitted to this firm.
(A) before
(B) except
(C) lacking
(D) below
84. Mr Smith was ………. in a road accident.
(A) wronged
(B) wounded
(C) injured
(D) damaged
85. Is it worth waiting for a table at this restaurant or shall we go ………. else?
(A) anywhere
(B) otherwise
(C) somewhere
(D) everywhere
86. The picture is ………. ; the thief will be disappointed when he tries to sell it!
(A) priceless
(B) invaluable
(C) unprofitable
(D) worthless
87. I am not sure, but ………. I know he has decided to accept the new job in London.
(A) according
(B) on the whole
(C) as far as
(D) as long as
88. I can’t ………. what he’s doing; it’s so dark down there.
(A) see through
(B) make out
(C) look into
(D) show up
89. Do you know what time the train ………. to Birmingham?
(A) reaches
(B) gets
(C) arrives
(D) comes
90. Having looked the place ………. , the gang went away to make their plans.
(A) through
(B) over
(C) down
(D) out
91. When we came back from holiday our suitcases were ………. by the Customs Officers.
(A) guarded
(B) tested
(C) corrected
(D) examined
92. The child was so noisy that his mother told him not to be such a ………. .
(A) nuisance
(B) trouble
(C) bother
(D) worry
93. The junior Minister’s remarks on television about the strike ………. the Prime Minister so much that he was sacked.
(A) disordered
(B) disliked
(C) disagreed
(D) displeased
94. Could you be more specific about what is ………. in this particular job?
(A) enclosed
(B) concentrated
(C) presented
(D) involved
95. We went to see the play last night and, ………. for Tony, we all enjoyed it very much.
(A) apart
(B) aside
(C) except
(D) unless
96. They haven’t beaten me yet. I still have one or two ………. up my sleeve.
(A) traps
(B) tricks
(C) jokes
(D) defences
97. You ………. go to the dentist’s before your toothache gets worse.
(A) ought to
(B) ought
(C) rather
(D) better
98. According to the forecast it will be mostly cloudy, with ………. of rain in the north.
(A) outbreaks
(B) elements
(C) bursts
(D) times
99. ………. of all of us who are here tonight, I would like to thank Mr Jones for his talk.
(A) On behalf
(B) On account
(C) In person
(D) Instead
100. The brothers are so alike I cannot ………. one from the other.
(A) say
(B) notice
(C) mark
(D) tell
101. From the hotel there is a good ………. of the mountains.
(A) visions
(B) view
(C) sight
(D) picture
102. I’m sorry, I haven’t got ………. change. Why don’t you try the bank?
(A) some
(B) lots
(C) any
(D) all
103. If it ………. fine, I shall go out.
(A) was
(B) is
(C) were
(D) will be
104. We’ve ………. of time to catch the train so there’s no need to rush.
(A) very much
(B) enough
(C) great deal
(D) plenty
105. I can’t make ………. what’s happening.
(A) away
(B) put
(C) do
(D) over
106. He’s left his book at home; he’s always so ………. .
(A) forgetting
(B) forgotten
(C) forgettable
(D) forgetful
107. Driving a car with faulty brakes is ………. quite a risk.
(A) putting
(B) setting
(C) taking
(D) being
108. If we had known your new address, we ………. to see you.
(A) came
(B) will come
(C) would come
(D) would have come
109. A small ………. of students was waiting outside the class to see the teacher.
(A) gang
(B) crowd
(C) team
(D) group
110. Jenny and her sister are so ………. , they could almost be twins.
(A) likeness
(B) alike
(C) same
(D) the same
111. He went to Australia hoping to find a teaching ………. without too much difficulty.
(A) work
(B) occupation
(C) employment
(D) post
112. We’ll play tennis and ………. we’ll have lunch.
(A) then
(B) straight away
(C) immediately
(D) remembered
113. I hope he’s ………. to buy some bread; there’s hardly any left.
(A) reminded
(B) proposed
(C) suggested
(D) remembered
114. The accused man ………. to give the police any more information.
(A) objected
(B) denied
(C) refused
(D) disliked
115. Take the number 7 bus and get ………. at Forest Road.
(A) up
(B) down
(C) outside
(D) off
116. There is no ………. in going to school if you’re not willing to learn.
(A) reason
(B) aim
(C) point
(D) purpose
117. She complained ………. when she heard that she had to work on Sunday.
(A) severely
(B) bitterly
(C) extremely
(D) terribly
118. For a long time after the accident, he suffered from constant ………. in his back.
(A) hurt
(B) ache
(C) pain
(D) injury
119. The policeman ………. me the way.
(A) told
(B) said
(C) explained
(D) directed
120. It was a very beautiful cloth ………. from silk.
(A) composed
(B) worn
(C) woven
(D) threaded
121. My mother was ………. of making a cake when the front door bell rang.
(A) at the centre
(B) on her way
(C) in the middle
(D) halfway through
122. ………. you do better work than this, you won’t pass the exam.
(A) Although
(B) If
(C) Unless
(D) When
123. If you want to join the History Society, you must first ………. this application form.
(A) make up
(B) write down
(C) fill in
(D) do up
124. He has just taken an examination ………. chemistry.
(A) on
(B) about
(C) for
(D) in
125. The police have asked that ………. who saw the accident should get in touch with them.
(A) somebody
(B) someone
(C) one
(D) anyone
FILED UNDER TIẾNG ANH TAGGED WITH FCE, FIRST CERTIFICATE, USE OF ENGLISH

FCE Use of English: Multiple choice 1

THÁNG TƯ 6, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN

(From Cambridge First Certificate Examination Practice 1. University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. Cambridge University Press. 1991)
Directions: For each question in this section, choose the word or phrase (A, B, C or D) which, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of
the sentence as a whole.
1. Her parents were very ………. because she was out so late that night.
(A) responsible
(B) sorry
(C) worried
(D) overcome
2. After a lot of difficulty, he ………. to open the door.
(A) managed
(B) succeeded
(C) obtained
(D) realised
3. I have been looking for this books for months, and ………. I have found it.
(A) at last
(B) in time
(C) at the end
(D) at present
4. My employer’s ………. of my work does not matter to me at all.
(A) meaning
(B) belief
(C) opinion
(D) expression
5. The purpose of the examination was to ………. the students’ knowledge of the subject.
(A) try
(B) inspect
(C) prove
(D) test
6. I’ll have to ………. to you, otherwise he will hear.
(A) shout
(B) say
(C) whistle
(D) whisper
7. As soon as the firebell rang everyone walked quickly downstairs and out of the building, ………. gathered in the car park.
(A) while
(B) then
(C) before
(D) to
8. There’s ………. to be frightened of the dog; he’s quite harmless.
(A) a fear
(B) no fear
(C) no need
(D) any reason
9. After closing the envelope, the secretary ………. the stamps on firmly.
(A) licked
(B) sucked
(C) stuck
(D) struck
10. The teacher ………. them the answer to the question.
(A) explained
(B) told
(C) said
(D) discussed
11. The station clock is not as ………. as it should be; it is usually between one and two minutes fast.
(A) strict
(B) certain
(C) true
(D) accurate
12. We flew to the island, then ………. a car for three days and visited most places of interest.
(A) lent
(B) bought
(C) hired
(D) charged
13. One ………. of their new house is that it has no garden.
(A) pity
(B) dislike
(C) complaint
(D) disadvantage
14. When he spoke over the telephone, his voice was so ………. that I could hardly hear him.
(A) faint
(B) dim
(C) dull
(D) unnoticeable
15. They tell me he is ………. a lot of money in his new job.
(A) having
(B) earning
(C) gaining
(D) profiting
16. She heated the chocolate until it ………. , then poured it over the cake.
(A) formed
(B) melted
(C) changed
(D) flooded
17. He drives so quickly that I am afraid that one day he will ………. someone crossing the street.
(A) crash down
(B) knock down
(C) turn over
(D) run across
18. Hello. Is that 21035? Please put me ………. to the manager.
(A) across
(B) up
(C) over
(D) through
19. Although he was completely ………. as a furniture-maker, he produced the most beautiful chairs.
(A) untrained
(B) unable
(C) incapable
(D) uneducated
20. I have never ………. any experience of living in the country.
(A) had
(B) wished
(C) done
(D) made
21. Because it rained very heavily all day they had to ………. the garden party until the following Saturday.
(A) pre-arrange
(B) postpone
(C) re-arrange
(D) preserve
22. The child was told to ………. for being rude to his uncle.
(A) excuse
(B) apologise
(C) forgive
(D) confess
23. She walked to the ………. of the swimming pool and jumped in.
(A) start
(B) side
(C) extent
(D) border
24. When we visited the zoo on Sunday afternoon it was very crowded but on a weekday it’s practically ………. .
(A) full
(B) clear
(C) empty
(D) uncrowded
25. You may not have to stay the night but take a toothbrush just in ………. .
(A) case
(B) time
(C) order
(D) preparation
26. I was just ………. to go out when you telephoned.
(A) around
(B) about
(C) thinking
(D) planned
27. You will become ill ………. you stop working so hard.
(A) until
(B) when
(C) unless
(D) if
28. When he heard the terrible noise he asked me what was ………. on.
(A) happening
(B) being
(C) getting
(D) going
29. I don’t think that red dress ………. her.
(A) suits
(B) matches
(C) cheers
(D) agrees
30. The three friends all ………. for the same job.
(A) requested
(B) applied
(C) intended
(D) referred
31. She remembered the correct address only ………. she had posted the letter.
(A) since
(B) afterwards
(C) following
(D) after
32. It’s difficult to pay one’s bills when prices keep ………. .
(A) rising
(B) growing
(C) gaining
(D) raising
33. The dentist told him to open his mouth ………. .
(A) broad
(B) much
(C) greatly
(D) wide
34. Could you lend me some money? I’m very ………. of cash at the moment.
(A) down
(B) scarce
(C) low
(D) short
35. His parents never allowed him ………. .
(A) a smoking
(B) smoking
(C) to smoke
(D) some smoked
36. The other driver failed to signal his ………. to turn right so I had to brake suddenly.
(A) purpose
(B) idea
(C) intention
(D) design
37. The managers agreed to ………. the question of payment.
(A) balance
(B) control
(C) discuss
(D) increase
38. I don’t think he’ll ever ………. the shock of his wife’s death.
(A) get through
(B) get over
(C) get by
(D) get off
39. We have no ………. in our files of your recent letter to the tax office.
(A) account
(B) memory
(C) list
(D) record
40. You will spend at least one year working abroad ………. you can find out how things operate overseas.
(A) because
(B) so as to
(C) so that
(D) as long as
41. On the ………. to the town there is a beautiful wood.
(A) direction
(B) street
(C) way
(D) entrance
42. Mary Smith decided to give up her job for the ………. of her children.
(A) care
(B) sake
(C) reason
(D) concern
43. When she was crossing the room the night-nurse happened to notice the old lady ………. to get out of bed.
(A) has tried
(B) to try
(C) trying
(D) tried
44. Do you ………. my turning the television on now?
(A) mind
(B) disapprove
(C) want
(D) object
45. Paris lies ………. the river Seine.
(A) over
(B) next
(C) on
(D) at
46. I’m afraid a rise in salary is ………. just now.
(A) out of sight
(B) out of control
(C) out of date
(D) out of the question
47. The patient ………. to listen to his doctor’s advise.
(A) refused
(B) hindered
(C) lacked
(D) resigned
48. ………. I ask him for the money he owes me, he says he will bring it in a few days, but I don’t think he has got it at all.
(A) Whatever
(B) However
(C) Whenever
(D) Wherever
49. If ………. it would stop raining for a morning, we could cut the grass.
(A) ever
(B) just
(C) even
(D) only
50. British Leyland is aiming to push ………. its share of UK car sales to 25% over the next two years.
(A) up
(B) out
(C) on
(D) through
51. This morning the postman was ………. down the street by my dog.
(A) hunted
(B) chased
(C) run
(D) sped
52. The child hurt himself badly when he fell ………. the bedroom window.
(A) out from
(B) out of
(C) down
(D) over
53. He ………. being given a receipt for the bill he had paid.
(A) asked to
(B) demanded
(C) insisted on
(D) required
54. I knew him ………. I was a child.
(A) until
(B) when
(C) as
(D) during
55. I have absolutely no doubt ………. the innocence of the accused.
(A) about
(B) over
(C) on
(D) with
56. Mr and Mrs Hudson are always ………. with each other about money.
(A) annoying
(B) arguing
(C) discussing
(D) shouting
57. When he left school, John decided to ………. a priest instead of studying languages.
(A) change to
(B) become
(C) train for
(D) study for
58. I walked away as calmly as I could ………. they thought I was the thief.
(A) or else
(B) to avoid
(C) owing to
(D) in case
59. I am late because my alarm clock never ………. this morning.
(A) came on
(B) rang out
(C) went off
(D) turned on
60. He ………. me to buy my air ticket immediately or it would be too late.
(A) convinced
(B) insisted
(C) advised
(D) suggested
61. Don’t worry about trying to catch the last train home, as we can easily ………. you up for the night.
(A) take
(B) put
(C) set
(D) keep
62. Take this road and you will ………. at the hotel in give minutes.
(A) arrive
(B) come
(C) find
(D) reach
63. I would like to offer a small ………. to anyone who finds my missing dog.
(A) receipt
(B) repayment
(C) expense
(D) reward
64. The young girl carefully ………. left and right before crossing the road.
(A) watched
(B) glanced
(C) stared
(D) looked
65. ………. people go to football matches now than twenty years ago.
(A) Less
(B) Lesser
(C) Fewer
(D) Few
66. He got out of bed and took a few ………. but couldn’t go any father.
(A) stages
(B) starts
(C) steps
(D) actions
67. You really can’t ………. a thing that woman says!
(A) believe
(B) rely
(C) count
(D) imagine
68. His performance was ……….; the audience was delighted.
(A) unmarked
(B) faultless
(C) worthless
(D) imperfect
69. But why did the police suspect you? It just does not make ………. to me.
(A) reason
(B) right
(C) sense
(D) truth
70. Could you please tell me if you have any electric typewriters ………. ?
(A) in store
(B) in order
(C) in supply
(D) in stock
71. Two other ………. in his argument for his country’s independence are worth a mention.
(A) notices
(B) points
(C) effects
(D) reports
72. He’s such a naughty child; it’s amazing what his mother lets him ………. away with.
(A) go
(B) make
(C) do
(D) get
73. The factory paid ………. nearly a million pounds to their employees who were injured in the explosion.
(A) off
(B) out
(C) back
(D) in
74. Having ………. the table, Mrs Roberts called the family for supper.
(A) laid
(B) spread
(C) ordered
(D) completed
75. The little girl wouldn’t go into the sea ………. her father went too.
(A) except
(B) but
(C) also
(D) unless
76. The noise of the traffic prevented me from ………. to sleep.
(A) falling
(B) starting
(C) beginning
(D) going
77. The train will be leaving in five minutes so you ………. better hurry up.
(A) had
(B) should
(C) will
(D) would
78. He was very upset by the ………. of his English examination.
(A) result
(B) failure
(C) effect
(D) success
79. Wait ………. you get home before you unpack your parcel.
(A) to
(B) until
(C) when
(D) after
80. He hit the vase with his elbow and it ………. to the floor.
(A) crashed
(B) smashed
(C) broke
(D) knocked
81. The children did not know the ………. by which the game was played.
(A) facts
(B) customs
(C) orders
(D) rules
82. It was difficult to ………. a date which was convenient for everyone.
(A) elect
(B) organise
(C) arrange
(D) provide
83. The new factory must be finished ………. as the profitability of the company depends on it.
(A) on time
(B) in times
(C) at time
(D) for a time
84. It’s ………. long time since he last saw his brothers and sisters.
(A) such a
(B) so
(C) vey
(D) too
85. He played an active ………. in politics until he was well over 80.
(A) scene
(B) job
(C) position
(D) part
86. He retired early ………. ill-health.
(A) on behalf of
(B) ahead of
(C) on account of
(D) in front of
87. I had no ………. that the divorce rate was so high in this country.
(A) knowledge
(B) idea
(C) doubt
(D) understanding
88. A railway bridge is already ………. over the river.
(A) been erected
(B) erecting
(C) in construction
(D) being built
89. This is the ………. of the bicycle which was stolen.
(A) detail
(B) description
(C) information
(D) example
90. There was nothing they could do ………. leave the car at the roadside where it had broken down.
(A) than
(B) unless
(C) instead of
(D) but
91. Some drivers, after ………. , annoy their fellow-motorists by slowing down again immediately.
(A) passing by
(B) overtaking
(C) taking over
(D) passing along
92. Despite her undoubted ability at tennis, she never became the ………. of the local tennis club.
(A) member
(B) partner
(C) champion
(D) winner
93. He liked to sit ………. the river and fish.
(A) at
(B) next
(C) beside
(D) along
94. The bus was so late reaching the station that I ………. missed my train.
(A) almost
(B) already
(C) soon
(D) entirely
95. She was unable to warn her mother that she would be late because the telephone was ………. .
(A) out of work
(B) off work
(C) out of order
(D) off duty
96. ‘How can we ………. out together what we’re to do if we never talk about it frankly?’ she cried in desperation.
(A) test
(B) find
(C) work
(D) search
97. Wild ducks always fly in a definite ………. .
(A) figure
(B) formula
(C) shape
(D) formation
98. Mike was the ………. in his family; all his brothers were much taller.
(A) lowest
(B) shortest
(C) slightest
(D) littlest
99. You’ll ………. yourself a lot of time if you take the car.
(A) spend
(B) make
(C) save
(D) spare
100. ‘Do I have to take that French course?’ ‘No, you ………. .’
(A) haven’t
(B) don’t have
(C) mustn’t
(D) needn’t
101. It was very difficult for the inspector to ………. what recommendations he should make.
(A) realise
(B) settle
(C) solve
(D) decide
102. This is not the right ………. to ask for my help; I am far too busy even to listen!
(A) moment
(B) situation
(C) opportunity
(D) circumstance
103. The job of student lodgings officer ………. a great many visits to landladies.
(A) concerns
(B) offers
(C) asks
(D) involves
104. It is ………. knowledge in the village that Mr and Mrs Thorne quarrel violently several times a week.
(A) common
(B) complete
(C) normal
(D) usual
105. All students leaving college at the end of term must leave their addresses so that letters can be sent ………. .
(A) forward
(B) through
(C) on
(D) to
106. Of course I’m a Christian ………. I expect everyone who works here to be a Christian too.
(A) since
(B) then
(C) and
(D) but
107. ‘My daughter, Mary, tries to ………. to see me at least once a week,’ Mrs Jones told the social worker.
(A) call up
(B) go up
(C) come on
(D) drop in
108. Driving in London is supposed to be confusing but I didn’t find it at ………. difficult.
(A) all
(B) first
(C) once
(D) least
109. Yesterday the naval authorities ………. the reports in Friday’s newspapers that they had exploded three bombs near an unknown submarine.
(A) published
(B) confirmed
(C) re-stated
(D) agreed
110. If only I ………. play the guitar as well as you!
(A) would
(B) should
(C) could
(D) might
111. The shops are always ………. of people at Christmas time.
(A) full
(B) stuffed
(C) busy
(D) crowded
112. The party, ………. I was the guest of honour, was extremely enjoyable.
(A) by which
(B) at which
(C) for which
(D) to which
113. Children with ………. diseases should not be allowed to go to school.
(A) contact
(B) infectious
(C) constant
(D) influential
114. I ………. my friend to lend me his caravan for my trip to the country.
(A) persuaded
(B) suggested
(C) proposed
(D) convinced
115. John swims very well and ………. does his brother.
(A) also
(B) even
(C) so
(D) too
116. They would ………. go by air than spend a week travelling by train.
(A) always
(B) rather
(C) prefer
(D) better
117. I have often ………. why they went to live abroad.
(A) wondered
(B) surprised
(C) thought
(D) puzzled
118. My wife and I have much pleasure in ………. the invitation to your daughter’s wedding.
(A) taking
(B) accepting
(C) thanking
(D) welcoming
119. Her guest apologised for causing her so much ………. .
(A) problem
(B) complication
(C) trouble
(D) damage
120. Because his argument was so confusing, ………. people understood it.
(A) few
(B) clever
(C) less
(D) many
121. Some schools have very ………. rules of behaviour which must be obeyed.
(A) strong
(B) solid
(C) straight
(D) strict
122. It is ………. unlikely that the Queen will agree to open the new Town Hall.
(A) mainly
(B) highly
(C) largely
(D) greatly
123. I must tell you about my ………. when I first arrived in London.
(A) incidents
(B) happenings
(C) experiences
(D) events
124. In pain as a result of the fall, he ………. slowly home.
(A) stepped
(B) wound
(C) limped
(D) sped
125. I think he is unwell; he was complaining ………. a headache this morning.
(A) at
(B) of
(C) from
(D) against
FILED UNDER TIẾNG ANH TAGGED WITH FCE, FIRST CERTIFICATE, USE OF ENGLISH

CPE Use of English: Multiple choice cloze 3

THÁNG BA 14, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN

(From Proficiency Practice Tests Plus. Nick Kenny. Pearson ELT. 2002)

Directions: Read each text below. For questions 1-6, decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
I will not explode
Everyone knows what happens if you give a full bottle of coke a vigorous (1) …… and then unscrew the top. So the children of Benchill primary school
in Manchester dived for (2) …… when visitor Kim Wade flexed her muscles. Wade, head of Manchester Schools Behaviour and Support Service, (3)
…… the temptation to open the bottle and let the fizz drench the pupils. She had (4) …… her point; the frothing of the drink was a metaphor for the
build-up and explosion of temper.
Benchill’s children were having a session on anger management. There is no (5) …… that they are any more angry than children at other schools in
the city, and the lesson was part of a scheme intended to help children identify and (6) …… with the rages that life in the classroom and playground
can provoke.

1 A shake B stir C rattle D wobble

2 A shelter B cover C safety D protecti

on

3 A denied B rejecte C decline D resisted

d d
 4 A given B made C scored D won

5 A inclinat B recepti C convict D suggest

ion on ion ion

6 A cope B bear C handle D manage

Fashion
Fashion may be said to encompass any of four forms. First, there is a conscious manipulation of dress that (1) …… for effect, a ‘fashion statement’ or
‘fad’. Second, fashion may designate innovations in dress that are more (2) …… than simple fads. Some of these charges occur abruptly, whether due
to economic fluctuations, or even the sudden (3) …… of certain materials; other innovations may develop more deliberately. Third is the phenomenon
(4) …… styles in a particular area of dress change swiftly and repeatedly, with the new ones replacing the old in (5) …… succession. Finally, fashion
may refer specifically to the use of such adornments as cosmetics, fragrance and jewellery, whose primary purpose is to enhance a wearer’s (6) ……
features.

1 A attemp B strives C endeavou D seeks

ts rs

2 A eternal B perpetu C enduring D contin

al uing

3 A abunda B overloa C excess D crop

nce d

4 A wherea B whereu C whereabo D where

s pon uts by

5 A prompt B rapid C fast D brisk

6 A naked B raw C common D natural

place

Faces
Despite our complex language skills, the face is still our primary means of communication. It is (1) …… because our faces are so complex in
appearance, that we can easily (2) …… a friend in a crowd or attempt to check the trustworthiness of a stranger. (3) …… , curability to recognise faces
quickly, in all sorts of circumstances, is arguably our most important and remarkable visual skill. Thanks to its very elastic skin, animated by a complex
musculature capable of an enormous range of (4) …… movements, the human face can quickly display a whole (5) …… of contrasting emotions. As a
result of evolution, we can read faces, making judgements about them (6) …… on our experience, without effort and without anything being said.

1 A pointedl B singula C precise D uniqu

. y rly ly ely

2 A peek B glimps C spot D glanc

. e e
 3 A Indeed B Still C Really D Anyw
. ay

4 A intransig B insatia C invinci D intrica

. ent ble ble te

5 A span B extent C scope D array

.

6 A rooted B based C anchor D derive

. ed d

Debut goal
No matter how serious the sporting event, once an animal becomes involved, it will almost certainly steal the (1) ……. In November 1985, a football
match between Newcastle Town and Chell Heath (2) …… an unexpected turn after a terrier dog called Susie decided to make a contribution to the
game.
Newcastle Town were leading 1-0. A Chell Heath player was (3) …… a great chance of equalising, with only the goalkeeper standing between him and
the goal, but the shot went wide. At that moment, Susie the dog came sprinting up the pitch, leaped up and headed the ball past the goalkeeper and
neatly into the net. To the amazement of the crowd and (4) …… disbelief of the Newcastle players, the referee awarded a goal.
Fortunately, Newcastle Town went on to win by three goals to two, as (5) …… speaking the goal shouldn’t have been allowed. Sadly, before local
football scouts had a chance to (6) …… her up and turn her into a star, Susie had disappeared back into the crowd, never to be seen at the stadium
again.

1 A highlig B limelig C footlig D spotlig

ht ht ht ht

2 A took B made C got D gave

3 A out for B up C away D in with

against on

4 A entire B whole C utter D full

5 A truly B rightly C precise D strictly

ly

6 A sign B enroll C join D enlist

Dance for your health

Does the thought of going jogging or joining a gym fill you with dread? If so, the answer may be to give partner dancing a (1) …… . It’s good fun healthy
and can also boost your social life. Dance provides a good aerobic workout. It helps tone the muscles, whilst at the same time, improving balance, (2)
…… and coordination. What’s more, because you can easily go at your own (3) …… , it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Learning new steps
and keeping to time tends to be fairly (4) …… , so dancing is usually more effective in (5) …… your mind off the cares of the day than other forms of
repetitive exercise. As with all exercise, dance promotes the release of endorphins – natural chemicals that help (6) …… your mood, so you come
away not only fitter, but also happier for the experience.

1 A shot B try C test D stab

 2 A bearing B stance C postur D standi
e ng

3 A trot B pace C stride D rate

4 A concentr B overwhel C absor D consu

ating ming bing ming

5 A pulling B fetching C holdi D taking

ng

6 A inspire B enhance C raise D foster

Stuck on you
What’s the most important piece of office equipment of modern times? Not the PC, nor even the Internet or e-mail, and it certainly doesn’t have a
microchip (1) …… anywhere within it. So what can it be? Welt it’s likely to be canary yellow and the chances are that you find it indispensable. You
may have several, most likely all over your computer monitor at work, plus a few at home, loitering by the phone. It’s the Post-It Note, transcending
office hierarchies proving essential to busy boss and humble clerk (2) …… – and prompting nots when the stationery cupboard runs (3) …… .
In an age of high-tech desk managers, its enduring popularity perhaps reflects a (4) …… of stubborn eccentricity in many office workers. After all, you
have a choice: you can put your reminder into a complicated computer programme that will (5) …… you with bleeps and on-screen fireworks should
you forget it. Or you can scribble it on a bit of paper and stick it on your desk, gradually making your grey workstation (6) …… a field of sunflowers.

1 A endow B embed C encircl D entrenc

ed ded ed hed

2 A alike B akin C aside D alone

3 A empty B down C low D through

4 A stroke B smack C streak D strain

5 A cautio B signal C alert D warn

n

6 A recolle B reminis C remin D resembl

ct ce d e

In praise of face to face communication

Homo sapiens is a communicative creature and in our ordinary life. If we want something, we tend to communicate automatically and directly in order
to obtain it. As a species, we have developed very sophisticated methods by which we can communicate with (1) …… ever-increasing ease.
Unfortunately, it seems that sometimes we are so dazzled by the brilliance of the technology we have at our (2) …… that we overlook the fact that the
simplest, and often the most effective, means of communication is talking face-to-face to our target audience. (3) …… , very often the more
sophisticated the means of communication, the less effectively the message itself may be (4) …… . After all, if we are face to face with a person, we
can use body language to emphasise our (5) …… . and check that we have been interpreted correctly. This is a far more effective way of
communicating than using the underlining of words in a memo or (6) …… type in a report.

A efficie B actuall C apparent D eventual

 ntly y ly ly

A reques B availab C conveni D disposal

t ility ence

A Indeed B Otherw C Convers D Nonethe

ise ely less

A impart B inscrib C intoned D imposed

ed ed

A aspect B points C issues D position

s s

A dark B bold C strong D heavy

Home security
Home: it’s one of the most emotive words in any language. The place itself has (1) …… people with privacy and security ever since individual dwellings
first appeared nearly two billion years ago. But nowadays, that sense of security has a twist. (2) …… safe people feel at home, when they are away,
they worry their home will be broken into. What’s more, this fear is far from (3) …… . In spite of falling burglary rates in the UK, a recent survey found
that a house left unoccupied for a month a year is 43 per cent more likely to be burgled than an identical one that is never empty at night. Having
someone (4) …… during the day is no (5) …… either: about 55 per cent of domestic burglaries happen between 6 pm and 6 am. At the same time,
people are spending longer away, on business and on holiday. Many are, therefore, prepared to (5) …… a little privacy, employing professional
housesitters to live in their homes in their absence.

1 A produc B offered C provid D donated

ed ed

2 A Regard B Nonethe C Howe D Albeit

less less ver

3 A ground B aimless C faultle D clueless

less ss

4 A look B check C call on D pop in

over out

5 A restrain B deterren C hindra D impedi

t t nce ment

6 A withhol B sacrifice C deny D refrain

d

Ballet shoes
When they are new, ballet shoes are interchangeable until the dancer (1) …… them in and decides which shoe goes best on which foot. In fact, ballet
shoes are best when they are old and professional dancers are (2) …… to breaking their shoes down by any means, even hitting them with a hammer,
until they reach a comfortable (3) …… of pliancy.
There are soft ballet shoes and point shoes. Soft shoes are (4) …… worn by male dancer. Made of leather and lined with canvas, the under sole is
much smaller than the sole of the foot. In this (5) …… , the dancer’s toes and part of his heel stand on the soft upper leather. In point shoes, the toe is
(6) …… with an extra layer of canvas, hardened with paste, to provide a little flat area for the dancer to balance on.

1 A smoothe B wears C bends D forms

s

2 A accusto B familia C known D adjuste

med r d

3 A grade B scale C degree D extent

4 A significa B vitally C appreci D essenti

ntly ably ally

5 A respect B means C fashion D way

6 A reinforc B augme C replenis D aided

ed nted hed

Happy landings
The technique honeybees use to land smoothly could, it seems, be an ideal way to control pilotless planes as they (1) …… down. A team of Australian
scientists monitored the flight (2) …… of six bees and found that, as the bees descended, their flying speed was always proportional to their height and
this gave the scientists the (3) …… to the simple trick they were using to land safely.
As you travel along, the closer an object is, the faster it seems to pass. It’s the same for bees: if they flew at a constant speed (4) …… descending, the
ground would appear to hurtle by faster and faster. They ensure that the image of the ground always crosses their field of (5) …… at the same rate,
and so they automatically slow down as they land, (6) …… their speed close to zero as they reach the ground.

1 A touch B bring C set D put

2 A road B line C path D route

3 A indicat B insight C clue D hint

or

4 A during B while C for D as

5 A view B scene C focus D vision

6 A having B bringin C causin D leadin

g g g

The death of languages

The death of languages has been repeated many times in history. Localised disasters such as great floods or warfare have (1) …… a part, but in the
modern era the increased international movement of people has greatly (2) …… the destruction. Local languages may be overpowered by a
metropolitan language, thus increasing the pressure to neglect ancestral tongues in (3) …… of the new one, which is seen as the key to prospering in
the (4) …… culture. Children may be forbidden to use their mother tongue in the classroom, as has occurred to many groups, including the Welsh and
Aboriginal Australians. The death of a language is not only a tragedy for those directly affected, but also an (5) …… cultural loss for the world. Through
language, each culture expresses a unique worldview. Thus, any effort to (6) …… linguistic variety implies a deep respect for the positive values of
other cultures.

1 A done B made C adopte D played

d

2 A speede B accelera C urged D hurried

d ted

3 A favour B preferen C suppor D choice

ce ted

4 A foremo B major C leadin D dominan

st g t

5 A invalu B irretriev C inimit D irrepress

able able able ible

6 A champ B hold C preser D collabor

ion ve ate

Old friends
‘Dear Davina and Simon,’ began the letter from Debbie, ‘A visit from your family wouldn’t be complete without a subsequent visit to the Post Office. I’m
pleased to say that that this time you’ve left only a minor item that didn’t (1) …… me in fretting over who wasn’t going to be able to clean their teeth or
explain to a teacher about a missing homework book. ‘
(2) …… of how often I entreat the kids to pack up their own stuff, or how (3) …… I search the bedrooms and bathroom, we always leave something
behind.
We’ve known Debbie and Andrew since before any of our children were born. Debbie and I had our first babies at around the same time, and lent each
other lots of moral and practical support. What you (4) …… then, I suggest, bonds you to those you (5) …… the experience with. When we lived round
the corner from each other, all this leaving behind of possessions never (6) …… but since they moved 70 kilometres away the leavings have had to be
posted back.

1 A entail B involve C imply D oblige

2 A Despi B Consideri C Provid D Regard

te ng ed less

3 A dilige B disconcert C despic D depend

ntly ingly ably ably

4 A put up B get by C go D stand

throug for
h

5 A cope B share C deal D bear

6 A bothe B minded C fussed D mattere

 red d

Beauty from the beast

Our cashmere sweaters are made (1) …… of the purest, whitest cashmere in the world. It comes from the rugged goats that (2) …… the dry, barren,
windswept plains of Inner Mongolia. Grazing is (3) …… even in the summer months, and winter temperatures drop down to 30 degrees below freezing
with the (4) …… that the goats grow a unique protect fleece. A fraction of the width of a human hair, it’s the rarer downy underhairs growing closest to
the goat’s body that are the most (5) …… – and the only fibres used in our sweaters. Why? Well, for a start, they’re the longest, and longer fibres yield
softer, stronger, more consistent yarns which can be knit tighter to aid longevity. And (6) …… even the finest cashmere grows in several natural
shades, we use only white. White fibres hold dyes better to give our sweaters a rich, natural hue.

1 A especi B extensi C effectiv D exclusi

ally vely ely vely

2 A roam B ramble C trample D trek

3 A slim B scanty C sparse D skimpy

4 A recour B reward C result D respons

se e

5 A honour B prized C gifted D awarde

ed d

6 A unless B whilst C providi D despite

ng

‘Chasing Science: Science as Spectator Sport’

by Frederick Pohl
Frederick Pohl’s book flits light-heartedly from continent to continent, mixing travelogue with gentle scientific explanation. This unusual (1) …… gives
Mr Pohl the freedom to (2) …… into an extraordinarily diverse range of topics, including the physics of rainbows, and how to search for fossils in the
marbled halls of downtown banks. It is all good fun, yet among the anecdotes and curious facts the scientific content is deceptively (3) …… . And along
the way Mr Pohl makes a serious point. (4) …… it is not necessary to be an athlete to enjoy sport, his book suggests, it is not necessary to be a
scientific expert to (5) …… science. By pointing out where science is most apparent in the world, Mr Pohl entertainingly demonstrates that it is not
some (6) …… activity, but is instead everywhere that science is, in the end, a world view.

1 A accent B approa C manner D mea

ch ns

2 A delve B rumma C investig D expl

ge ate ore

3 A consider B grand C ample D high

able

4 A Just as B Beside C Wherea D Even

s s if
 5 A attain B appreci C appeal D ende
ate ar

6 A abject B obsolet C arcane D obtu

e se

Television
Television is such a seductive medium, and entertainment programmes are so prevalent, that it is easy to miss the serious stuff altogether. (1) …… the
famous cry: ‘There’s nothing on television.’ What this usually means in practice is that there is nothing on the main terrestrial channels when we
happen to (2) …… up from our newspaper or mid-evening snack, apart from soap operas, games shows and variety programmes. (3) …… if you look
around the margins and (4) …… your eye on the less used networks, there is actually a remarkable quantity of serious, even high-minded, material. To
(5) …… some of it, you may need to set the timer on the video recorder – a task which a (6) …… number of adults are still unable to perform – unless
you happen to be a night owl.

1 A Theref B Hence C There D Hereby

ore by

2 A glimps B glower C glance D glare

e

3 A Yet B So C Even D Thus

4 A get B hold C put D keep

5 A grab B catch C pick D snatch

6 A falterin B blisteri C soberi D staggeri

g ng ng ng

The Elephant Orchestra

Some of the forty-six elephants living at the Elephant Conservation Centre near Lampang in Thailand have (1) …… a new life in music. Six of the
centre’s elephants (2) …… the Thai Elephant Orchestra by playing a variety of percussion instruments. Those familiar with Thai instruments will
recognise the slit drums, the gong and the thundersheel. The only difference is that the elephant (3) …… are a bit sturdier. When they play, the
elephants are given a (4) …… to tell them when to start; after that, they improvise. They clearly have a (5) …… sense of rhythm. They flap their ears to
the beat and some add to the melody with their own trumpeting. Elephant mood-music, it seems, could have a commercial future. A thirteen-track CD
has been produced and anyone not knowing who the players were would simply (6) …… them to be human. All profits from the sales of the CD are
helping to keep the centre going.

1 A found B settled C taken D opted

2 A put B make C play D lead

togeth up out off
er

3 A types B replica C versio D sorts

s ns
 4 A twitch B tip C cue D hint

5 A quick B stark C high D keen

6 A assum B attribu C allocat D apprai

e te e se

The pencil
The modern pencil user (1) …… into one of two basic categories: the propellers and the chewers. Fans of the propelling pencil cannot be without it and
have a (2) …… to clip their pencils into their breast pockets with that typical (3) …… of brisk efficiency. When needed, the offending object is unveiled
in a flash, firmly gripped, poised and then irritatingly clicked three times. The chewers, (4) …… , will leave a damp legacy on every pencil that rolls
innocently into their (5) …… . Unconsciously, they put the unsharpened end between their front teeth and gnaw away until, eventually, graphite is (6)
…… through the splintered paint.

1 A strays B falls C clips D drops

2 A tenden B leaning C habit D liabilit

cy y

3 A state B tone C mood D air

4 A by the B in C in the D on the

same other same other
token words way hand

5 A track B route C path D way

6 A reveal B display C exhibit D betray

ed ed ed ed

New adventure
It was normal that I should feel some anxiety about my departure. Not only was I setting out to a place I had never been before, I was also (1) …… on
a kind of life about which I knew nothing and, what is more, striping myself of all that was familiar to me into the (2) …… . We are all, in our journey
through life, navigating towards some special, dreamed-of place; and if for some reason we are (3) …… off course, then we must strike out, at
whatever risk, to (4) …… things right. Not all of these forays need have the drastic flavour of my own leap into the unknown; some are such subtle
turnings that it is only afterwards that one looks back and sees what is was all (5) …… to. But to drift, blown this way and that or for that (6) …… to
pursue a wrong course for the sake of fear or pride, costs time; and we none of us have too much of that.

1 A escapin B explorin C emigra D embark

g g ting ing

2 A deal B arrange C bargai D negotia

ment n tion

3 A spun B kicked C thrown D headed

4 A set B establis C sort D have

 h

5 A approac B steering C going D leading

hing

6 A end B matter C point D sense

FILED UNDER TIẾNG ANH TAGGED WITH CPE, PROFICIENCY, USE OF ENGLISH

CPE Use of English: Multiple choice cloze 2

THÁNG BA 14, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN

(From Proficiency Masterclass: Exam Practice Workbook. Kathy Gude. Michael Duckworth. Oxford University Press. 2002)
Directions: Read each text below. For questions 1-6, decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Futile exercise?
Isn’t it typical? For years, they have been (1) …… me to take up some regular exercise. Fortunately, I have been able to (2) …… the evil hour when I
had to make a decision. And what happens when I am on the (3) …… of relenting? They double-cross me. A little but often, that’s what I signed up for.
No running up mountains or playing squash at lunch-time. I spent £200 on an exercise bike. Just 20 minutes of moderate (4) …… three times a week.
But no sooner had I submitted to the new regime than I became aware that something was amiss. ‘Twenty minutes?’ said a friend when I (5) …… that I
had taken ownership of my body. With a (6) …… in his eye, he added, ‘I think you’ll find that the necessary time per session is now 30 minutes
minimum!’

1 A wishi B pleadin C urging D demand

ng g ing

2 A clear B break C put off D set

out up down

3 A spot B point C edge D momen

t

4 A exerti B labour C employ D toil

on ment

5 A foret B announ C advertise D publish

old ced d ed

6 A beam B light C flash D twinkle

Buzz words
Once upon a time, it was only metal that could be stressed out. Now, it seems that most workers are feeling the (1) ……. Stress is described, with a
certain paradoxical exuberance, by some as a ‘modern plague’; by others as weak-minded nonsense fuelled by a community of therapists and
counsellors, eager to (2) …… troubled minds. Stress is in (3) …… of becoming one of those words – along with empowerment and creativity – that is
made worthless through (4) …… and overuse. It is certainly the case that each (5) …… on stress seems to outdo the last – but the findings may not (6)
…… a real rise in stress levels. The trouble with statistics like these is that they influence each other.

1 A stretch B pull C strain D heave

 2 A soften B appeas C soothe D compo
e se

3 A threat B danger C menace D hazard

4 A deform B contort C distortio D pervers

ity ion n ion

5 A inspect B view C examina D survey

ion tion

6 A expres B display C indicate D design

s ate

Doing the rounds

Dr Yealland came out of his room, flanked by two junior doctors, (1) …… hands briskly with the physician he had agreed to show around the hospital
and said that he thought the best general (2) …… was perhaps simply a ward round. The party (3) …… of Yealland, the two junior doctors who were
being put through their paces, a ward sister, who made no (4) …… and was invited to make none, and a couple of orderlies who hovered in the
background in case they were required to lift. Yealland was an impressive figure. In conversation he did not merely meet your eye, but stared so (5)
…… that you felt your skull had become transparent. His speech was extremely precise. Something in this steady, unrelenting projection of (6) ……
made Rivers want to laugh, but he didn’t think he’d have wanted to laugh if he’d been a junior doctor or a patient.

1 A moved B waved C touched D shook

2 A acquain B present C establish D introdu

tance ation ment ction

3 A compris B consist C compos D contain

ed ed ed ed

4 A repetitio B interru C contribu D interve

n ption tion ntion

5 A thought B intently C diligentl D emotio

fully y nally

6 A authorit B weight C might D charge

y

Halitosis rex
The new arrival at the Natural History Museum stopped the religious education class from St Albans in its tracks. (1) …… most of the more static
exhibits, when Tyrannosaurus rex sensed their movements, it lashed its 10-foot tail, then (2) …… its head and bellowed. The model took a team of
Japanese engineers three months to construct and it now (3) …… a height of 12 feet, about three quarters the size of a fully grown T rex. When the
creature, which was temporarily installed yesterday in the front hall, is (4) …… to its permanent home in the dinosaur gallery, it will also smell. The
dinosaur was a messy eater which probably flattened its prey under one foot, and it would have had revolting breath. Its mouth (5) …… serrated teeth
like steak knives and food would have remained trapped in the teeth. The present-day model incorporates a (6) …… of new information about the
species after important finds in the last 30 years.
 1 A Apart B Contra C Dissimil D Unlike
ry ar

2 A set up B threw C put D called

back down on

3 A arrive B makes C extends D reache

s s

4 A deport B export C transpor D import

ed ed ted ed

5 A includ B contain C grasped D enclos

ed ed ed

6 A wealth B substa C fullness D fortun

nce e

Come rain or come shine!

The hapless citizen had only one concern: the state of the weather. Why were we constantly under (1) …… from gales and storms, he wanted to
know? Could it possibly be (2) …… to the impiety of the nation? The questions were of such pressing concern that the poor amateur meteorologist (3)
…… them carefully on a lead tablet – and then deposited it in a Roman oracle 2,400 years ago, (4) …… unaware that his concerns might be mirrored
thousands of years later. The answers, unfortunately, are not (5) …… . The questions posed, however, are intriguing – for they suggest that humans
have always thought that the weather is odd, and that we tend to (6) …… its quirks on our own behaviour.

1 A danger B peril C threat D risk

2 A accordi B due C resulti D owed

ng ng

3 A sliced B carved C slashed D chopped

4 A blissful B gladly C joyfull D delighte

ly y dly

5 A entered B minut C registe D recorde

ed red d

6 A accuse B conde C blame D fault

mn

Bleak new world

A recent Ministry of Defence document paints a picture of (1) …… reality for the future. In an intriguing passage, it says Britain will probably become a
net importer of gas over the next decade, and by 2020 could be importing as much as 90% of its needs. It also says that global warming will (2) ……
extensive flooding of coastal areas, which could prove disastrous. Fresh water, meanwhile, will become increasingly (3) …… . It also (4) …… that if
present consumption patterns continue, by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population will (5) …… living in ‘water-stressed’ conditions. Flooding, (6) ……
with the shortage of fresh water, is likely to make matters worse.
 1 A ruthless B severe C cruel D grim

2 A bring B put C turn out D finis

about forward h off

3 A singula B occasio C infrequ D scar

r nal ent ce

4 A informs B warns C notifies D alert

s

5 A break B come C end up D set

out round dow
n

6 A combin B added C connect D unit

ed ed ed

The last word on profit

If you perform a service or (1) …… a commodity for others, you should be (2) …… for your pains. So much is only fair and right. If you do well, you
deserve to (3) …… from it. There is nothing in itself (4) …… with wealth, nor with any individual or company growing rich. Profit is an enabler because
it takes people and peoples beyond subsistence levels to the amenities of life, to comfort and culture, to new knowledge and new possibilities. But the
picture changes when profits are (5) …… out of others’ loss or suffering. That, unfortunately, happens far too often. It seems that one well-known oil
company becomes over £300 richer every second. Amazing, but not as disquieting as the fact that the chairman of a major company can earn as much
in a year as 50 or 100 nurses do. Defenders of high-flying business people point out that they have responsible jobs, producing wealth which, indirectly
through taxation helps pay nurses’ wages. But is the chairman of a business (6) …… 50 nurses?

1 A compose B fabric C produc D originat

ate e e

2 A gratified B fulfill C benefit D reward

ed ed ed

3 A improve B gain C increas D grow

e

4 A wrong B bad C inaccu D mistake

rate n

5 A accompli B made C compo D constit

shed sed uted

6 A equivalen B value C worth D estimat

t d ed

The chef’s garden

One day in the later 1980s, disaster (1) …… Lee Jones’s family farm. Hail in the middle of July wiped out almost everything (2) …… to the harvest
season. Devastated and (3) …… , they decided to start again, selling the five acres of produce they had managed to save at the local farmer’s market.
Times were hard, but everything changed one day at the market when Lee Jones was (4) …… by a chef who wanted zucchini blossoms. ‘I said:
“Ma’am, you don’t eat the flowers. You eat the zucchini,”‘ he recalls. ‘How many do you want?’ Lee asked. Word (5) …… quickly that the farmer Jones
was the grower to call for speciality product requests. Demand (6) …… and the family decided to give the speciality market a serious try. Today, the
Joneses employ 70 people and operate a successful niche market firm with 2,500 chefs from all over the country as clients.

1 A attacke B struck C affected D beat

d

2 A earlier B former C prior D previo

us

3 A burst B collap C spent D broke

sed

4 A underta B propos C approac D applie

ken ed hed d

5 A spread B expan C broaden D exten

ded ed ded

6 A arose B sprang C enlarged D grew

Hot tuna
They may just look like any other dead fish, but to the merchants who eagerly patrol Tokyo’s fish market, they could be the means of making
themselves a small (1) …… . Since the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered a curb on catches of the (2) …… southern bluefin tuna,
the price commanded by this oversized delicacy has (3) …… . The fish can grow to half a tonne or more, which at today’s (4) …… means that each of
these magnificent beasts could (5) …… an average of $15,000. Indeed a record price for a single bluefin tuna at auction has been set at a shade
above a truly astonishing $40,000. Japan already catches more than half of the global annual catch of Bluefin. What it doesn’t catch itself, it imports.
Such is the (6) …… from Tokyo’s top sushi chefs for this tuna. It melts in the mouth, apparently, though costing what it does, it probably ought to.

1 A wealth B fortun C proper D prosper

e ty ity

2 A desired B honou C prized D regarde

red d

3 A raised B soared C leapt D towere

d

4 A charges B costs C expen D prices

ses

5 A obtain B retriev C fetch D elicit

e
 6 A requirem B claim C reques D deman
ent t d

FILED UNDER TIẾNG ANH TAGGED WITH CPE, PROFICIENCY, USE OF ENGLISH

CPE Use of English: Multiple choice cloze 1

THÁNG BA 14, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN

(From Exam Essentials: Proficiency Practice Tests: CPE. Francesca Manfield, Carol Nuttall. Heinle ELT. 2006)
Directions: Read each text below. For questions 1-6, decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
The power of eggs
In ancient times the egg was a symbol of life, birth and fertility, and it featured prominently in several creation myths, representing the (1) ……
beginnings of time and the birth of the universe. It was also believed that the egg had magical powers: it could (2) …… storms, illnesses and the evil
eye. In many societies decorated eggs were at the centre of rituals and ceremonies that (3) …… with the spring – a time of new life and growth after
the long hard winter.
Today eggs continue to be important in many cultural and religious events – such as Easter – and shell decoration is an effective (4) …… for
demonstrating artistic skills. The symmetrical form of the egg – often (5) …… one of the most aesthetically pleasing shapes in nature – (6) …… itself to
a great variety of decorative techniques: it can be dyed, painted and embellished with leaves and flowers, and even gold, silver and precious jewels.

1 A total B complet C absol D very

e ute

2 A ward B put C fend D send

3 A occurr B happene C result D coincid

ed d ed ed

4 A metho B means C vehicl D drive

d e

5 A regard B consider C viewe D seen

ed ed d

6 A helps B lends C offers D provide

s

The Burlington Museum

The Burlington Museum was recently re-opened after an extensive development programme that aims to make the collections (1) …… there more
appealing to a wider public. The Museum’s fine collections can now be seen in more inspiring (2) …… , and exhibitions include a wide range of
innovative displays which allow visitors to make use of the latest interactive information technology. The Museum also (3) …… an excellent new
education centre and art room, as well as a gift shop. Finally, ramps and wider doorways offer improved (4) …… for the disabled and people with
limited mobility.
The Museum worked closely with community groups to achieve its goals. One of the (5) …… of this collaboration is a Buddhist shrine created with the
assistance and advice of the local Buddhist community. A priest (6) …… this significant exhibition and more than two hundred people of different faiths
attended the event.

1 A set B place C housed D homed

 d

2 A backgro B conte C framew D circumsta

unds xts orks nces

3 A boasts B pride C scores D acquires

s

4 A entrance B acces C admissi D admittan

s on ce

5 A effects B outp C fruits D benefits

uts

6 A installed B presi C comme D inaugurat

ded nced ed

The early bird

Peter’s plane was due to leave at 8.40 am. My father, having little (1) …… in my brother’s ability to get himself to the airport on time, had offered to
drive him there. A punctual man himself by nature, he detested the thought of any (2) …… delays, and so roused Peter as early as he dared. (3) ……
they arrived at the airport well in advance of the recommended two hours prior to departure. They made their way over to the check-in desk, where a
queue was only just starting to (4) …… .
When his turn came, Peter handed over his passport and ticket and (5) …… his bags onto the conveyor belt. The check-in attendant frowned. ‘I’m
sorry, sir, but you aren’t on the passenger list,’ she said. Then she took a closer look at his ticket and her eyes widened in surprise. ‘Now I see the
problem. You’re booked on tomorrow’s flight! You’ve come a day too early!’ She turned to my father, who was temporarily (6) …… for words, and
asked, ‘Does he do this often?’

1 A credit B faith C belief D assura

nce

2 A improper B unfoun C groundle D untow

ded ss ard

3 A Subsequ B Duly C Consequ D Finall

ently ently y

4 A build B gather C collect D grow

5 A settled B hoiste C elevated D hande

d d

6 A stunned B shocke C lost D struck

d

Graphology
Graphology is not a new science but it is being used increasingly by businesses to assist employers in the (1) …… process. Some companies have
been using graphology consultants for years to analyse the handwriting samples of job applicants or even employees who are in (2) …… for promotion.
They claim that handwriting can reveal a great deal about a person’s personality, and this is (3) …… , not only in deciding whom to employ but also
which people can work together without friction, (4) …… contributing to a positive atmosphere in the workplace. By studying a person’s handwriting,
graphologists claim they can reveal personality (5) …… more precisely than is possible through a standard interview. A further advantage of
handwriting analysis is that assessments are not affected by any personal (6) …… , as the writer’s race, religion and age remain unknown.

1 A employ B recruitme C enrol D conscri

ment nt ment ption

2 A standby B track C revie D line

w

3 A expend B dispensab C pricel D invalua

able le ess ble

4 A hencefo B thereby C where D wheref

rth by ore

5 A qualitie B attributes C traits D charact

s ers

6 A biases B predispos C partial D supposi

itions ities tions

Giant squid
Scientists are excited by recent photographs of the world’s largest invertebrate, the giant squid. Although (1) …… have previously been found in the
stomachs of sperm whales or (2) …… up on shores, this is the first time that a live animal has been photographed in its natural environment. A team of
Japanese scientists managed to locate the squid by tracking sperm whales, which are known to hunt these (3) …… animals, in the North Pacific. They
lowered cameras attached to a baited line to a depth of about 900 metres – so far below the surface that no light can (4) …… even during the day –
and succeeded in attracting an eight-metre squid and (5) …… it on film. In fact, the squid appeared to be attacking the baited line.
For centuries this behemoth of the deep has been something of a mystery, with nothing at all known about its behaviour. Now it seems that the giant
squid may be more of a (6) …… than was previously thought.

1 A examp B sampl C specim D instance

les es ens s

2 A washe B poure C drifted D waved

d d

3 A obscur B elusiv C indefini D intangib

e e te le

4 A probe B pierce C perforat D penetrat

e e

5 A seizing B arresti C capturi D captivat

ng ng ing
 6 A marau B prowl C predato D stalker
der er r

Reflections
With a feeling of dark (1) …… I returned the mirror to the shop this morning. Nonetheless, I was barely surprised to find the old woman was expecting
me.
‘You managed to keep it longer than the others,’ she said, as I laid my parcel down in the space she had cleared amongst the junk that (2) …… the
table.
‘Thanks for the experience,’ I said, ‘but I think I’d better get on with my own life now.’
The old crone smiled knowingly as she removed the string and newspaper and lifted the mirror up, presumably to check it for signs of damage. I had
the chance to see my face in it one last time: the same (3) …… blond hair with wisps of grey, my dull, tired eyes and the (4) …… in my brow that the
events of last year had scarred me with.
As I turned to leave she put a (5) …… hand on my shoulder and said, ‘You did well, Caroline. Remember it is better to reflect, not regret.’
A chill ran through me as she flashed her toothless gums at me and opened the door. I turned and made my way out through the swirling (6) …… of
dust into the bright sunlight of the street outside.

1 A intuiti B forebod C premoni D prescie

on ing tion nce

2 A clutte B disorde C jumbled D muddle

red red d

3 A gristl B straggl C sinewy D craggy

y y

4 A furro B grooves C tracks D troughs

ws

5 A distor B gnarled C knotted D warped

ted

6 A flakes B flecks C motes D mites

And Dave is wearing …

Why is it that the average man has (1) …… to buying clothes? In fact, shopping probably (2) …… as high as visits to the dentist or doing the washing
up on the male ‘Most Hated Chores’ list. While a woman may sit happily (3) …… through glossy fashion magazines, then spend hours trying to (4) ……
her favourite top model, her male partner spends approximately five minutes deciding what to wear, even less time putting it on, and is out of the front
door before she has even (5) …… her underwear. Women seek out ways to look different, while men generally choose clothes which are as (6) ……
as possible. She will be horrified if another woman is wearing the same dress at a party, whereas for him, finding someone else in the same attire will
simply confirm that he belongs and is not a freak.

1 A a hatred B a C an D a horror
distaste avers
ion

2 A ranks B stands C place D aims

s
 3 A roaming B turning C riflin D leafing
g

4 A emulate B envisag C visua D embody

e lise

5 A dressed B worn C donn D adorned

ed

6 A indescrib B nondesc C obscu D nonexis

able ript re tent

All aboard!
An old, ostensibly obsolete Thames barge has gained an unexpected (1) …… of life. A young couple have bought it and intend to (2) …… it into a
floating home. This move (3) …… a major change in the couple’s lifestyle. ‘We had been feeling (4) …… boxed in by our small flat in the centre,’ says
Cathy Smythe, ‘but with such (5) …… house prices, the possibility of moving anywhere else in the city seemed a million years away. Then someone
jokingly mentioned houseboats, and that gave us the idea.’
A broker showed them various vessels and the Smythes saw potential in the barge. ‘We (6) …… for the Thames barge because of its broadness,’
explains David, Cathy’s husband. ‘It’s actually very spacious below. And, of course, the price was right!’
Let’s hope that life afloat lives up to their expectations.

1 A spark B lease C additio D loan

n

2 A convert B alter C transfer D adapt

3 A rates B marks C infers D announ

ces

4 A exclusiv B extensi C decided D drastic

ely vely ly ally

5 A extortio B opulent C stupend D lavish

nate ous

6 A chose B decided C agreed D opted

The trouble with numbers

I need help. I can’t work, I can’t sleep; the situation’s getting out of (1) …… . Try as I (2) ……, I just can’t resist opening the paper every morning at the
puzzle page. It’s this Su Doku numbers game everyone’s been (3) …… about. Although it looks straightforward at first (4) ……, it’s fiendishly
deceptive. You start with a simplelooking grid of nine rows by nine, split into nine boxes with nine squares in each. The (5) …… of the game is to fill in
the grid so that every row, column and box contains the numbers one to nine. You think, no problem, I’ll just have a quick go. Five minutes and I’ll (6)
…… this. But oh, no! You get hooked. The tricky ones niggle you and you can’t stop. I’ve been late for work twice this week. And now there’s talk of
them adding the game to mobile phones!

1 A sorts B world C hand D mind

 2 A could B might C can D should

3 A cravin B longin C raging D raving

g g

4 A glance B look C peep D glimps

e

5 A task B object C exercis D goal

e

6 A break B win C crack D split

Rubik’s cube
One of the most recognisable fad icons of the 1980s has to be Rubik’s cube – a three-dimensional toy made up of twenty-six smaller interconnecting
cubes, which can be (1) …… either vertically or horizontally to form ‘faces’ of six different colours.
The cube was invented in the mid-1970s by Erno Rubik, a Hungarian engineer fascinated by geometrical (2) ……, although it wasn’t until the end of the
decade that people began to show an interest in the toy. Then suddenly, almost overnight, the craze went international. Demand for the cubes soon far
(3) …… the original production order of one million and pirated versions (4) …… the market. It is estimated that over 100 million cubes had been sold
by the end of 1982.
It has been calculated that Rubik’s cube has over forty-three quintillion (that’s 43 followed by 18 zeros) (5) …… – only one of which will result in the
cube displaying all six sides with the same colour. The official record for the fastest (6) …… belongs to a Japanese student who completed it in just
under fifteen seconds.

1 A revolve B rotated C swivell D spun

d ed

2 A conund B enigmas C riddles D puzzle

rums s

3 A expand B extended C exceede D excelle

ed d d

4 A drowne B flooded C washed D soaked

d

5 A permut B transfor C incarnat D conver

ations mations ions sions

6 A undoin B unravelli C unscra D unwin

g ng mbling ding

Underfloor heating systems

Underfloor heating systems are becoming increasingly popular as an efficient and economical means of heating your home. They are easy to (1) ……
into any new building or renovation, and can be installed in most homes with few restrictions on the type of floor covering required. Because they (2)
…… at a much lower temperature than conventional heating, underfloor heating systems (3) …… far less fuel and are therefore also more eco-friendly.
Another advantage is the absence of radiators, which can be (4) …… and take up a great deal of valuable space. What is more, underfloor heating
systems are far more effective than conventional radiators: heat is (5) …… to the cooler air at floor level, where it is most needed. The now warm air
rises upwards towards the ceiling, resulting in (6) …… distribution of heat across the whole room.

1 A fuse B assimil C amalga D integrat

ate mate e

2 A activate B operate C stimulat D promot

e e

3 A consum B devour C gulp D dispose

e

4 A blatant B outstan C obtrusi D promin

ding ve ent

5 A drafted B transfer C carried D relocat

red ed

6 A a B a level C a D an
standard uniform unswer
ised ving

Strange meeting
The moment Daniel Wilkins walked into her office that October morning, Cynthia was struck by (1) …… feeling of déjà vu – she was sure she had seen
him before, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on where. She noted that he (2) …… an almost tangible air of self-assurance, but with her trained (3)
…… , she could also see that he (4) …… a heavy burden. On the phone earlier that week, he had explained what he needed and she had conceded
that she might be able to help him. But now, as he settled himself into one of the leather armchairs in her office, she wondered if perhaps she was
biting off more than she could (5) …… .
Cynthia listened attentively as Daniel told her a little about himself. While he was speaking, she stood by the window, (6) …… out at the blustery tops
of the trees in the park, watching the starlings circle as they massed together for their long migration. She had goosebumps on her arms, but they
weren’t from the cold.

1 A a B an C a D an
supernat unwie mystic uncann
ural ldy y

2 A absorbe B attract C exuded D retaine

d ed d

3 A eye B view C sight D percept

ion

4 A dragged B heave C shoulde D weighe

d red d

5 A masticat B eat C swallo D chew

 e w

6 A gaping B gazin C glimpsi D gawkin

g ng g

Breaking the news

Where was he? Sally (1) …… the living room anxiously, unable to keep still. How would he take the news? Would he be angry? She doubted it, but
then nor would he be over the (2) …… . He might be pleased at first, then worry about how they were going to cope. How  would they cope? She (3)
…… her hands in desperation. Why did it have to happen now, just when he was about to (4) …… on his PhD? She was supposed to work and
support them both while he studied. Two years later and it would have been wonderful! But now?
The key turned in the lock and she (5) …… round, her heart thumping. ‘Hi, love,’ he said, as he came through the door. Then he saw her face and
stopped dead in his (6) …… . ‘What’s wrong?’ There was nothing for it but to tell him. ‘We’re going to have a baby,’ she said simply.

1 A stalked B pace C wander D marche

d ed d

2 A meado B hill C top D moon

w

3 A wrappe B shoo C wrung D clasped

d k

4 A endeav B emba C depart D underta

our rk ke

5 A swirled B rolle C coiled D spun

d

6 A steps B track C place D feet

s

Feng shui
To those of you who are pragmatic and have your feet firmly (1) …… on the ground, the Chinese art of feng shui may sound like just another bohemian
(2) …… to be scoffed at.
In fact, if you (3) …… with the philosophy, you will see that feng shui really does provide practical solutions to the problem of clutter in your life by
encouraging you to reconsider your relationship with your surroundings. You are probably reluctant to part with mementos, yet this unwillingness (4)
…… creates a connection with the past that prevents you from moving on, and your home atmosphere becomes (5) …… . By teaching you to clear
away clutter and create a fresh atmosphere in your home, feng shui brings a sense of harmony to your environment and so enhances your personal
life. That (6) …… , you may then discover that you are less sceptical of the philosophy behind it.

1 A attached B rooted C placed D planted

2 A fad B phase C habit D whim

3 A discard B dispel C despat D dispens

ch e
 4 A subconsci B unwitti C unerri D indefin
ously ngly ngly itely

5 A torpid B immob C stale D inactiv

ile e

6 A said B done C won D finishe

d

Drawing: talent or skill?

To many people, the ability to draw seems inexplicable, an innate talent reserved only for the chosen few. For this reason artists are usually revered,
sometimes undeservedly so. That is not to (1) …… their admirable ability, but they themselves do little to dispel the mystery surrounding the skill of
drawing. For skill it is: one which can be taught and learnt when you go (2) …… it in the right way.
If you ask an artist how she draws so well, she is (3) …… to say, ‘Well, I just look at something and draw what I see.’ Thisform
naturally does nothing to help the uninitiated and the mystery is (4) …… . Yet on reflection, the artist’s words define the process of drawing precisely,
(5) …… simplistically. For the secret of drawing lies in the artist’s ability to see – not so much what she sees, but how she sees it. It is the art teacher’s
job, then, to teach students how to change their way of looking at things, and the student in turn must learn to adjust her (6) …… of things.

1 A degrad B belittle C defam D besmear

e e

2 A around B about C over D through

3 A prone B predisp C loathe D liable

osed

4 A perpetu B continu C extend D dissemin

ated ed ed ated

5 A even B neverth C albeit D all the

though eless same

6 A concept B revelati C percep D vision

ion on tion

FILED UNDER TIẾNG ANH TAGGED WITH CPE, PROFICIENCY, USE OF ENGLISH

Danh mục

Ti?ng Anh
    

Bài viết mới

 FCE Use of English: Multiple choice 2

 Các cơ chế tiến hóa
 Các học thuyết tiến hóa
 FCE Use of English: Multiple choice 1
 Vợ chồng A Phủ: Phỏng vấn nhà văn Tô Hoài về tác phẩm Vợ chồng A  Phủ
 Lưu trữ

 Tháng Tư 2012
 Tháng Ba 2012

Sổ blog

 Discuss
 Get Inspired
 Get Polling
 Get Support
 Learn WordPress.com
 Theme Showcase
 WordPress Planet
 WordPress.com News

Meta

 Đăng ký
 Đăng nhập
 WordPress
 XHTML

CPE Use of English: Multiple choice cloze 2

THÁNG BA 14, 2012 ĐỂ LẠI BÌNH LUẬN
(From Proficiency Masterclass: Exam Practice Workbook. Kathy Gude. Michael Duckworth. Oxford University Press. 2002)
Directions: Read each text below. For questions 1-6, decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Futile exercise?
Isn’t it typical? For years, they have been (1) …… me to take up some regular exercise. Fortunately, I have been able to (2) …… the evil hour when I
had to make a decision. And what happens when I am on the (3) …… of relenting? They double-cross me. A little but often, that’s what I signed up for.
No running up mountains or playing squash at lunch-time. I spent £200 on an exercise bike. Just 20 minutes of moderate (4) …… three times a week.
But no sooner had I submitted to the new regime than I became aware that something was amiss. ‘Twenty minutes?’ said a friend when I (5) …… that I
had taken ownership of my body. With a (6) …… in his eye, he added, ‘I think you’ll find that the necessary time per session is now 30 minutes
minimum!’

1 A wishing B pleading C urging D demanding

2 A clear B break up C put off D set down

out

3 A spot B point C edge D moment

4 A exertion B labour C employment D toil

5 A foretold B announced C advertised D published

6 A beam B light C flash D twinkle

Buzz words
Once upon a time, it was only metal that could be stressed out. Now, it seems that most workers are feeling the (1) ……. Stress is described, with a
certain paradoxical exuberance, by some as a ‘modern plague’; by others as weak-minded nonsense fuelled by a community of therapists and
counsellors, eager to (2) …… troubled minds. Stress is in (3) …… of becoming one of those words – along with empowerment and creativity – that is
made worthless through (4) …… and overuse. It is certainly the case that each (5) …… on stress seems to outdo the last – but the findings may not (6)
…… a real rise in stress levels. The trouble with statistics like these is that they influence each other.

1 A stretch B pull C strain D heave

2 A soften B appease C soothe D compose

3 A threat B danger C menace D hazard

4 A deformity B contortion C distortion D perversion

5 A inspection B view C examination D survey

6 A express B display C indicate D designate

Doing the rounds

Dr Yealland came out of his room, flanked by two junior doctors, (1) …… hands briskly with the physician he had agreed to show around the hospital
and said that he thought the best general (2) …… was perhaps simply a ward round. The party (3) …… of Yealland, the two junior doctors who were
being put through their paces, a ward sister, who made no (4) …… and was invited to make none, and a couple of orderlies who hovered in the
background in case they were required to lift. Yealland was an impressive figure. In conversation he did not merely meet your eye, but stared so (5)
…… that you felt your skull had become transparent. His speech was extremely precise. Something in this steady, unrelenting projection of (6) ……
made Rivers want to laugh, but he didn’t think he’d have wanted to laugh if he’d been a junior doctor or a patient.

1 A moved B waved C touched D shook

2 A acquaintan B presentatio C establishme D introductio

ce n nt n

3 A comprised B consisted C composed D contained

4 A repetition B interruptio C contribution D interventio

n n

5 A thoughtfully B intently C diligently D emotionall

y

6 A authority B weight C might D charge

Halitosis rex
The new arrival at the Natural History Museum stopped the religious education class from St Albans in its tracks. (1) …… most of the more static
exhibits, when Tyrannosaurus rex sensed their movements, it lashed its 10-foot tail, then (2) …… its head and bellowed. The model took a team of
Japanese engineers three months to construct and it now (3) …… a height of 12 feet, about three quarters the size of a fully grown T rex. When the
creature, which was temporarily installed yesterday in the front hall, is (4) …… to its permanent home in the dinosaur gallery, it will also smell. The
dinosaur was a messy eater which probably flattened its prey under one foot, and it would have had revolting breath. Its mouth (5) …… serrated teeth
like steak knives and food would have remained trapped in the teeth. The present-day model incorporates a (6) …… of new information about the
species after important finds in the last 30 years.

1 A Apart B Contrary C Dissimilar D Unlike

2 A set up B threw back C put down D called on

 3 A arrives B makes C extends D reaches

4 A deported B exported C transported D imported

5 A included B contained C grasped D enclosed

6 A wealth B substance C fullness D fortune

Come rain or come shine!

The hapless citizen had only one concern: the state of the weather. Why were we constantly under (1) …… from gales and storms, he wanted to
know? Could it possibly be (2) …… to the impiety of the nation? The questions were of such pressing concern that the poor amateur meteorologist (3)
…… them carefully on a lead tablet – and then deposited it in a Roman oracle 2,400 years ago, (4) …… unaware that his concerns might be mirrored
thousands of years later. The answers, unfortunately, are not (5) …… . The questions posed, however, are intriguing – for they suggest that humans
have always thought that the weather is odd, and that we tend to (6) …… its quirks on our own behaviour.

1 A danger B peril C threat D risk

2 A according B due C resulting D owed

3 A sliced B carved C slashed D chopped

4 A blissfully B gladly C joyfully D delightedly

5 A entered B minuted C registered D recorded

6 A accuse B condemn C blame D fault

Bleak new world

A recent Ministry of Defence document paints a picture of (1) …… reality for the future. In an intriguing passage, it says Britain will probably become a
net importer of gas over the next decade, and by 2020 could be importing as much as 90% of its needs. It also says that global warming will (2) ……
extensive flooding of coastal areas, which could prove disastrous. Fresh water, meanwhile, will become increasingly (3) …… . It also (4) …… that if
present consumption patterns continue, by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population will (5) …… living in ‘water-stressed’ conditions. Flooding, (6) ……
with the shortage of fresh water, is likely to make matters worse.

1 A ruthless B severe C cruel D grim

2 A bring B put forward C turn out D finish

about off

3 A singular B occasional C infrequent D scarce

4 A informs B warns C notifies D alerts

5 A break out B come C end up D set

round down

6 A combined B added C connected D united

The last word on profit

If you perform a service or (1) …… a commodity for others, you should be (2) …… for your pains. So much is only fair and right. If you do well, you
deserve to (3) …… from it. There is nothing in itself (4) …… with wealth, nor with any individual or company growing rich. Profit is an enabler because
it takes people and peoples beyond subsistence levels to the amenities of life, to comfort and culture, to new knowledge and new possibilities. But the
picture changes when profits are (5) …… out of others’ loss or suffering. That, unfortunately, happens far too often. It seems that one well-known oil
company becomes over £300 richer every second. Amazing, but not as disquieting as the fact that the chairman of a major company can earn as much
in a year as 50 or 100 nurses do. Defenders of high-flying business people point out that they have responsible jobs, producing wealth which, indirectly
through taxation helps pay nurses’ wages. But is the chairman of a business (6) …… 50 nurses?

1 A compose B fabricat C produce D originate

e

2 A gratified B fulfilled C benefited D rewarded

3 A improve B gain C increase D grow

4 A wrong B bad C inaccurat D mistaken

e

5 A accomplishe B made C compose D constituted

d d

6 A equivalent B valued C worth D estimated

The chef’s garden

One day in the later 1980s, disaster (1) …… Lee Jones’s family farm. Hail in the middle of July wiped out almost everything (2) …… to the harvest
season. Devastated and (3) …… , they decided to start again, selling the five acres of produce they had managed to save at the local farmer’s market.
Times were hard, but everything changed one day at the market when Lee Jones was (4) …… by a chef who wanted zucchini blossoms. ‘I said:
“Ma’am, you don’t eat the flowers. You eat the zucchini,”‘ he recalls. ‘How many do you want?’ Lee asked. Word (5) …… quickly that the farmer Jones
was the grower to call for speciality product requests. Demand (6) …… and the family decided to give the speciality market a serious try. Today, the
Joneses employ 70 people and operate a successful niche market firm with 2,500 chefs from all over the country as clients.

1 A attacked B struck C affected D beat

2 A earlier B former C prior D previous

3 A burst B collapsed C spent D broke

4 A undertaken B proposed C approached D applied

5 A spread B expanded C broadened D extended

6 A arose B sprang C enlarged D grew

Hot tuna
They may just look like any other dead fish, but to the merchants who eagerly patrol Tokyo’s fish market, they could be the means of making
themselves a small (1) …… . Since the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ordered a curb on catches of the (2) …… southern bluefin tuna,
the price commanded by this oversized delicacy has (3) …… . The fish can grow to half a tonne or more, which at today’s (4) …… means that each of
these magnificent beasts could (5) …… an average of $15,000. Indeed a record price for a single bluefin tuna at auction has been set at a shade
above a truly astonishing $40,000. Japan already catches more than half of the global annual catch of Bluefin. What it doesn’t catch itself, it imports.
Such is the (6) …… from Tokyo’s top sushi chefs for this tuna. It melts in the mouth, apparently, though costing what it does, it probably ought to.

1 A wealth B fortune C property D prosperity

2 A desired B honoured C prized D regarded

3 A raised B soared C leapt D towered

4 A charges B costs C expenses D prices

5 A obtain B retrieve C fetch D elicit

6 A requirement B claim C request D demand