2.
My grandfather was sixty when he learnt to swim.
AGE
My grandfather learnt to swim .......................................................................... sixty.
Explanation
The phrase "at the age of" is used to indicate the specific age at which an event or action occurred. In this case, the event is learning to swim and the age is sixty. Therefore, the correct answer is "at the age of."
3.
Joan couldn't eat the food because it was too spicy.
TOO
The food .................................................................. Joan to eat.
Explanation
The food was too spicy for Joan to eat. This means that the spiciness of the food prevented Joan from being able to consume it.
4.
It is a teacher's responsibility to look after students.
RESPONSIBLE
A teacher ........................................................................................ students.
Explanation
A teacher has the duty and obligation to take care of the well-being and safety of their students. This includes ensuring their physical and emotional well-being, providing guidance and support, and creating a conducive learning environment. The teacher is accountable for their students' welfare and must fulfill their responsibilities in this regard.
5.
It's more than a year since I saw Lucy.
FOR
I ............................................................................... more than a year.
Explanation
The correct answer is "haven't seen Lucy for." This is because the original sentence states that it has been more than a year since the speaker last saw Lucy. Therefore, the correct phrase to complete the sentence is "haven't seen Lucy for," indicating that the speaker has not seen Lucy in that time period.
6.
You might be late back so take a key.
CASE
Take a key ....................................................................... late.
Explanation
The correct answer is "in case you are" and "in case you are back". This is because the phrase "in case" is used to express a precaution or a possibility of something happening. In this case, it suggests that the person might be late, so they should take a key with them as a precaution. The phrases "in case you are" and "in case you are back" both convey this meaning effectively.
7.
I'm sorry I didn't come to see you earlier.
WISH
I ........................................................................... to see you earlier.
Explanation
The correct answer is "wish I had come." This is because the sentence "I'm sorry I didn't come to see you earlier" expresses regret for not coming to see the person earlier. The use of "wish" indicates a desire for a different past outcome, and "had come" implies that the speaker wishes they had come to see the person earlier.
8.
People estimate that the painting is worth over a million pounds.
ESTIMATED
The painting ........................................................................ over a million pounds.
Explanation
The phrase "is estimated to be worth" accurately conveys the meaning of the original sentence. It indicates that people have made an estimation or calculation and believe that the painting's value is above one million pounds.
9.
They aren't opening that new computer shop until next week.
BEING
That new computer shop .................................................................. until next week.
Explanation
The given sentence states that the new computer shop will not be opened until next week. Therefore, the correct answer is "is not being opened" because it accurately reflects the passive voice construction of the verb "open" in the present continuous tense.
10.
'Whose is this football?' the teacher asked the children.
TO
'Who ............................................................ ?' the teacher asked the children.
Explanation
The teacher asked the children who the football belongs to.
11.
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It was difficult to persuade Rick to buy the book.
DIFFICULTY
I ..................................................................... Rick to buy the book.
12.
I can't believe this is the best room there is.
BETTER
There must .................................................................. this one!
13.
The notice says you have to sign the form twice.
MUST
The notice says the forms ......................................................................... twice.
Explanation
The correct answer is "must be signed" because the word "must" indicates a requirement or obligation. In this context, the notice is stating that it is necessary for the forms to be signed twice. The use of the passive voice ("must be signed") emphasizes that the action of signing is required, rather than specifying who needs to perform the signing.
14.
I'm sorry but I cannot lend you any money.
ME
I'm sorry but it .......................................................................... to lend you any money.
Explanation
The phrase "is impossible for me" implies that the person is unable to lend any money. This could be due to various reasons such as financial constraints or personal circumstances. The use of the word "impossible" emphasizes the inability to fulfill the request.
15.
The journey will be about nine hours, whichever route you take.
MATTER
It ................................................................. you take, the journey will be about nine hours.
Explanation
The answer "does not matter which route" is correct because regardless of which route you choose, the journey will still take approximately nine hours. The time it takes to complete the journey remains the same, regardless of the specific route taken.
16.
The last time I went to Canada was in January 1994.
BEEN
I ........................................................................... Canada since January 1994.
Explanation
The correct answer is "have not been to." This is because the sentence is in the present perfect tense, which is used to talk about an action or event that started in the past and continues up to the present. In this case, the action is "going to Canada," and the speaker is saying that they have not done this since January 1994. Therefore, "have not been to" is the correct form to use in the sentence.
17.
It's a waste of time for you to discuss the problem with Jane.
POINT
There's ...................................................................... the problem with Jane.
Explanation
There is no benefit or purpose in discussing the problem with Jane.
18.
My house is as big as Peter's.
SAME
Peter's house ................................................................... mine.
Explanation
The correct answer is "is the same size as" because the sentence is comparing the size of Peter's house to the size of "mine" (the speaker's house). By using the phrase "is the same size as," it indicates that both houses are of equal size.
19.
Michael is usually punctual so I'm surprised that he's late.
LIKE
I'm surprised that Michael's not here yet because it's ................................................................. late.
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that Michael is usually punctual, so it is surprising that he is late. The phrase "not like him to be" implies that it is out of character for Michael to be late, further emphasizing the surprise. The answer highlights the contrast between Michael's usual punctuality and his current tardiness.
20.
The committee discussed what to do.
DISCUSSION
The committee ................................................................... should be done.
Explanation
The correct answer is "had a discussion on what." This answer accurately completes the sentence by stating that the committee had a discussion on what should be done. It reflects the main idea of the sentence and provides a grammatically correct and coherent response.
21.
Nobody in the group disagreed with the plan except for John.
EXCEPTION
With .........................................................., everyone in the group agreed with the plan.
Explanation
Everyone in the group agreed with the plan except for John.
22.
The fire in the library was discovered by a student.
WHO
It ........................................................................ the fire in the library.
Explanation
The correct answer is "was a student who discovered." This answer correctly identifies that it was a student who discovered the fire in the library.
23.
Gerald is too young to vote.
OLD
Gerald ....................................................................... vote.
Explanation
The given statement "Gerald is too young to vote" implies that Gerald does not meet the age requirement to be eligible to vote. Therefore, the correct answer is "is not old enough to."
24.
'Do fast cars interest you?' the dealer asked Sarah.
WAS
The dealer asked Sarah ...................................................................... fast cars.
Explanation
The correct answer is "if she was interested in." This is because the question is asking about the dealer's inquiry to Sarah regarding her interest in fast cars. The phrase "if she was interested in" accurately represents the dealer's question, making it the correct answer choice.
25.
My brother reall wishes he could sing well.
ABLE
My brother regrets not ........................................................................... well.
Explanation
The correct answer is "being able to sing." This is because the sentence states that my brother wishes he could sing well, indicating that he is not currently able to do so. Therefore, the phrase "being able to sing" accurately reflects his regret or desire to possess the ability to sing well.
26.
Maria said I had caused the accident.
BLAMED
Maria ..................................................................... the accident.
Explanation
Maria blamed me for having caused the accident.
27.
James did not need to register for the new course.
NECESSARY
It ...................................................................................... to register for the new course.
Explanation
The word "necessary" means something that is required or needed. The phrase "was not necessary for James" implies that James did not need to do something, in this case, register for the new course. Therefore, the sentence conveys the same meaning as the original statement.
28.
She never finishes her work on time even though she works hard.
MATTER
She never finishes her work on time ........................................................................ she works.
Explanation
The phrase "no matter how hard" indicates that regardless of the amount of effort she puts into her work, she still fails to complete it on time. This suggests that her work ethic or dedication is not the issue, but rather there may be external factors or challenges that prevent her from finishing her tasks within the designated timeframe.
29.
There haven't been many changes in this town since I last visited it.
MUCH
Since my last .......................................................... has changed in this town.
Explanation
The correct answer is "Since my last visit, nothing much has changed in this town." This sentence conveys the same meaning as the original statement by using the words "since," "last visit," and "nothing much." It indicates that there have been few or insignificant changes in the town since the speaker's previous visit.
30.
Hardly anybody applied for the job.
APPLICANTS
There were very ................................................................. the job.
Explanation
The given correct answer "few applicants for" suggests that there were not many people who applied for the job. The word "few" indicates a small number or a scarcity of applicants, implying that the job position did not attract a large pool of candidates. This could be due to various reasons such as a lack of interest in the job, unattractive job requirements, or limited availability of job openings.
31.
Luisa does a full-time job and looks after the house too.
WELL
Luisa does a full-time job .................................................. the house.
Explanation
The correct answer is "as well as looking after." This phrase indicates that in addition to having a full-time job, Luisa also takes care of the house. The word "as well as" implies that both activities are being done simultaneously or in conjunction with each other.
32.
'If I were you Jane, I'd take an umbrella and a raincoat!' said Annabel.
ADVISED
Annabel ................................................................................. an umbreela and a raincoat.
Explanation
In the given sentence, Annabel is giving advice to Jane about taking an umbrella and a raincoat. The word "advised" is the past tense of the verb "advise," which means to offer suggestions or recommendations. Therefore, the correct answer is "advised Jane to take" as it accurately conveys the meaning of the original sentence.
33.
Nobody apart from my mother thought I would win the race.
PERSON
My mother ........................................................................... thought I would win the race.
Explanation
The phrase "Nobody apart from my mother" indicates that everyone else did not believe that the speaker would win the race. The correct answer, "was the only person who," completes the sentence by stating that the speaker's mother was the only person who had faith in their ability to win.
34.
Thomas would have gone to the meeting if he had not been so tired.
TIRED
Thomas was ................................................................. to the meeting.
Explanation
Thomas was too tired to go to the meeting. The phrase "if he had not been so tired" indicates that Thomas did not attend the meeting because of his exhaustion. The word "too" emphasizes the extent of his tiredness, implying that it was a significant factor in his decision not to go.
35.
The switchboard operator connected me to the manager.
PUT
The switchboard operator .............................................................................. the manager.
Explanation
The switchboard operator put me through to the manager.
36.
There are very few buildings in the old city higher than this.
ONE
This is .................................................................... buildings in the old city.
Explanation
The given statement implies that there are only a few buildings in the old city that are taller than the one being referred to. It suggests that the building in question is among the tallest in the old city, but not necessarily the tallest.
37.
If we'd arrived a moment later we would have missed the ferry.
IN
We arrived ............................................................................ the ferry.
Explanation
The correct answer is "just in time to catch" because it implies that the speaker arrived at the perfect moment, ensuring that they did not miss the ferry. This phrase indicates that they arrived at the exact time needed to successfully board the ferry.
38.
Andrew set off for the supermarket despite the heavy rain.
THOUGH
Andrew set off for the supermarket, even .......................................................... heavily.
Explanation
Andrew showed determination and resilience by going to the supermarket despite the heavy rain. The word "though" is used to indicate a contrast or contradiction between the heavy rain and Andrew's decision to continue with his plans. The phrase "though it was raining" highlights the adverse weather conditions that Andrew faced but did not deter him from his goal.
39.
He decided that it wasn't worth continuing the course.
POINT
He decided that ....................................................................... continuing the course.
Explanation
The correct answer is "there was no point continuing" and "there was no point in continuing". These phrases indicate that the person made a decision to stop taking the course because they felt it was not worthwhile or beneficial to continue.
40.
The cinema was practically empty.
HARDLY
There ................................................................................ the cinema.
Explanation
The word "hardly" indicates that there were very few people in the cinema. The phrase "hardly anyone" emphasizes the scarcity of people present. Therefore, the correct answer is "was hardly anyone in the cinema."
41.
We couldn't solve the problem.
SOLUTION
We were unable ......................................................................... the problem.
42.
The secret of happy and successful living lies in doing what needs to be done now, not worrying about the past or the future.
ORDER
John saved 10 pounds a week ................................................................... able to go on holiday in the summer.
Explanation
So that John could go on holiday in the summer, he saved 10 pounds a week.
43.
You must do exactly what the manager tells you.
CARRY
You must ......................................................................... instructions exactly.
Explanation
You must do exactly what the manager tells you.
44.
So that John could go on holiday in the summer, he saved 10 pounds a week.
ORDER
John saved 10 pounds a week ............................................................. able to go on holiday in the summer.
Explanation
John saved 10 pounds a week in order to be able to go on holiday in the summer. This means that John was able to go on holiday in the summer because he saved 10 pounds a week. The phrase "in order to be" implies that John needed to save money in order to achieve his goal of going on holiday.
45.
It's not worth asking the manager for the day off.
POINT
There ................................................................. in asking the manager for the day off.
Explanation
There is no benefit or advantage in asking the manager for the day off.
46.
We had to finish all the work before we could leave.
UNTIL
We had to stay .......................................................... all the work.
Explanation
The correct answer is "until we had finished." This is because the phrase "until we had finished" accurately captures the meaning of the original sentence, which states that all the work needed to be completed before leaving. The word "until" indicates a condition or point in time that must be reached before another action can take place. In this case, the action is leaving and the condition is finishing the work. Therefore, "until we had finished" is the appropriate phrase to complete the sentence.
47.
Tim had not expected the concert to be so good.
BETTER
The concert ....................................................... had expected.
Explanation
The concert exceeded Tim's expectations.
48.
If Cheryl doesn't train harder, she'll never get into the swimming team.
DOES
Cheryl will never get into the swimming team ............................................................... more training.
Explanation
The correct answer is "unless she does" or "if she does not do". This is because the original statement suggests that Cheryl needs to train harder in order to get into the swimming team. The word "unless" indicates that if Cheryl does not train harder, she will not be able to achieve her goal. Similarly, the phrase "if she does not do" also implies that without putting in more effort, Cheryl will not be able to make it into the swimming team.
49.
'Do you realise what the time is, Steve?' asked Chris.
WHAT
Chris asked Steve ................................................................ it was.
Explanation
The correct answer is "whether he realized what time, whether he realised what time". In the given question, Chris asked Steve if he realized what time it was. The word "whether" is used to introduce a direct question and is followed by the subject and verb. In this case, it is used to ask if Steve realized what time it was. The correct answer includes both the correct spelling of "realized" and "realised" to account for different variations in spelling.