Cambridge First Certificate Exam Practice: Use Of English

Explanation
Early human beings lived by gathering food, hunting, and fishing. This means that they would collect food from their surroundings, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, as well as hunt animals and catch fish for sustenance. Gathering was an essential survival skill for early humans, as it allowed them to gather a variety of food sources and ensure their survival. This method of obtaining food was simpler in comparison to modern-day methods, but it was also challenging and required physical exertion. Additionally, life expectancy was shorter during this time, highlighting the difficulties and hardships early humans faced in their daily lives.

Explanation
Around 11,000 years ago, agriculture began to emerge or evolve in what is now the Middle East. This suggests that people in this region began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, transitioning from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more settled and agricultural one. The term "developed" accurately describes this process of the gradual advancement and establishment of agriculture in the Middle East during that time period.

Explanation
The word "permanent" fits logically in the sentence because it suggests that homes were built to last indefinitely, implying a sense of permanence. The other options, such as "lasting," "enduring," and "stable," also convey a sense of durability, but "permanent" specifically emphasizes the idea of something being fixed or unchanging. Therefore, "permanent" is the most suitable choice to complete the sentence.

Explanation
The correct answer is "noticeable." This is because the sentence states that the landscape began to change, but it was not easily noticeable in the beginning due to the small population. Therefore, "noticeable" is the most appropriate word to describe the level of change that was initially observed.

Explanation
The word "estimated" is the correct answer because it means to make an approximate calculation or judgment based on available information. In this context, it suggests that the population figures mentioned (eight million people 10,000 years ago and 300 million people 2,000 years ago) are not exact counts but rather rough estimations based on historical data and research.

Explanation
The correct answer is "increased". This word accurately reflects the idea that the world's population grew in size, leading to various changes in the countryside such as increased farming, mining, and the development of larger settlements.

Explanation
During the late 1700s, the Industrial Revolution began in Britain. Machines were introduced to replace hand labor, and steam engines were used to replace animal power. This means that the correct answer is "power" because it accurately reflects the concept of machines and steam engines replacing the physical strength or force provided by animals.

Explanation
Coal was used to make iron, which enabled steam-powered machines to be built. This is because coal was a crucial component in the process of smelting iron ore, which allowed for the production of iron. The availability of iron then made it possible to construct steam-powered machines, as iron was a strong and durable material that could withstand the pressures and forces exerted by these machines. Therefore, the use of coal in iron production enabled the development and construction of steam-powered machines.

Explanation
Factories increased in number and cities grew in size. This means that the quantity or count of factories increased, resulting in the growth and expansion of cities.

Explanation
Industrialization gradually spread to other countries. This means that the process of industrialization started in one country and then gradually expanded or extended to other countries. It implies that the advancements, technologies, and practices of industrialization were adopted and implemented by other nations, leading to their own industrial development.

Explanation
Improved methods of farming led to big increases in food production, which in turn resulted in the world's population growing at a rapid rate. This means that the population was increasing quickly and steadily over time.