Insight Upper-intermediate Unit 3
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Most of us go through life acquiring junk that piles up in our lofts or garages. It appears to be part of our nature to accumulate belongings for no particular reason other than the feeling that we cannot part with them. We like to think that they might come in handy one day. Almost all of this stuff is surplus to requirements – all except maybe a sacred family heirloom. An heirloom is an object that is passed down through the generations and gains sentimental and financial value along the way. Once an object is given the title of ‘heirloom’, it acquires a new significance. It’s almost as if you couldn’t throw it away even if you wanted to.So what are the most popular heirlooms? In the number one spot is jewellery. This is unsurprising, as antique jewellery usually becomes more and more valuable as the years go by and is often linked to an important family event like a wedding or christening. Furniture, weapons and clocks make the top ten, too. More unexpected things in the top ten are stories, letters and recipes. It’s good to see hoarding is not simply an exercise in keeping money in the family. Even if the object is rusty or decaying, it has been passed on to you and it’s your duty to pass it on to the next generation.This turned out to be particularly beneficial for retired pilot Martin Kober and his family from Buffalo in upstate New York. A painting they had stored behind their sofa for over thirty years is thought to be a 16th century original by Michelangelo, worth £190 million. Kober’s great-grandfather had passed the piece of art down to him and it had hung in the lounge for years, before being knocked off accidentally by a tennis ball. It was only then that family carefully wrapped up ‘The Mike’, a nickname they gave to the painting because of its suspected creator, and stored it behind the sofa. Antonio Forcellino, an Italian art historian and restorer, was prepared for the worst when he was asked to inspect it in 2010. ‘I had assumed it was going to be a copy.’ He was pleasantly surprised, however, and remains convinced it is genuine.Ryan Givens and his three siblings also got lucky with a family heirloom. A nickel is usually worth five cents in the USA – unless it’s one of only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels that are thought to exist. It sold for an impressive $3.17 million when it went up for auction in April 2013. His mother, Melva, had been given it after her brother died in a car crash and it was found at the scene of the crash. Believed to be a fake by experts, she couldn’t bring herself to throw it out because of its sentimental value, and so decided to keep it in a box in her wardrobe. It stayed there until her death in 1992. Melva’s son, Ryan, and Melva’s other three children held on to it and took it to the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money in Baltimore in 2003. Coincidentally, at that same exhibition, the other four Liberty Head nickels were being exhibited, and Melva’s old coin completed the original set.Of course, you’re unlikely to be this lucky with any of your own family heirlooms, but you never know. It may be worth clearing out your house, while at the same time watching out for anything that catches your eye, especially if it was handed down to you!
- 2.
Choose the correct words to complete the sentences.
- Some people _____________________ clothes until they have no more space to keep them.
- A.
Bin
- B.
Amass
Correct Answer
B. AmassExplanation
The word "amass" means to gather or collect a large quantity of something. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that some people accumulate or collect clothes until they have no more space to store them. The word "bin" does not fit in this context as it means to throw away or dispose of something.Rate this question:
- 3.
Airport staff checked their personal _____________ before they boarded the plane.
- A.
Belongings
- B.
Products
Correct Answer
A. BelongingsExplanation
Airport staff checked their personal belongings before they boarded the plane. This means that the airport staff inspected the personal items or possessions of the individuals before they got on the aircraft.Rate this question:
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- 4.
My family _________________ possessions and so our house is never tidy.
- A.
Junk
- B.
Hoard
Correct Answer
B. HoardExplanation
The word "hoard" means to accumulate or store large quantities of something, often in a disorganized or untidy manner. In this context, the sentence suggests that the family accumulates possessions and does not keep their house tidy as a result. The word "junk" also implies a similar meaning, but "hoard" specifically conveys the idea of collecting and storing things in a disorderly manner, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 5.
After the earthquake there were _____________ of broken glass in every street.
- A.
Piles
- B.
Objects
Correct Answer
A. PilesExplanation
After the earthquake, there were piles of broken glass in every street. This suggests that the earthquake caused significant damage, resulting in broken glass being scattered and accumulated in large quantities throughout the streets. The word "piles" implies a substantial amount of broken glass, indicating the extent of the destruction caused by the earthquake.Rate this question:
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- 6.
It takes a lot longer to find things in a room full of / .
- A.
Stacks
- B.
Clutter
Correct Answer
B. ClutterExplanation
When a room is full of clutter, it means that there are many objects scattered around in a disorganized manner. This makes it difficult to locate specific items as they may be hidden or buried under the clutter. Therefore, it takes a lot longer to find things in a room full of clutter compared to a room that is organized and tidy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
She didn’t want to see her ex-boyfriend again, so she __________ all his photos.
- A.
Accumulated
- B.
Got rid of
Correct Answer
B. Got rid ofExplanation
The correct answer is "got rid of". This means that she wanted to eliminate or remove all of her ex-boyfriend's photos because she did not want to see them again.Rate this question:
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- 8.
He carefully wrapped his _________________ so that it wouldn’t get damaged.
- A.
Junk
- B.
Stuff
Correct Answer
B. StuffExplanation
The word "stuff" is the correct answer because it is a more general and inclusive term compared to "junk." When someone carefully wraps their belongings to prevent damage, it implies that the items are valuable or important to them. "Stuff" encompasses a wide range of possessions, whereas "junk" typically refers to useless or discarded items. Therefore, "stuff" is a more fitting choice in this context.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The shop was selling its ________________ at reduced prices.
- A.
Products
- B.
Possessions
Correct Answer
A. ProductsExplanation
The correct answer is "products" because the sentence states that the shop was selling something at reduced prices. "Products" is a general term that can refer to any items that are sold, whereas "possessions" refers specifically to items that someone owns. Therefore, "products" is the more appropriate term in this context.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Circle the correct article to complete the sentences.Peter Higgs is ____________ British scientist who has won the Nobel Prize.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
--------
Correct Answer
A. AExplanation
The correct article to complete the sentence is "a" because it is referring to Peter Higgs as one of many British scientists who have won the Nobel Prize. It does not specify a specific British scientist or the only British scientist who has won the Nobel Prize.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Once __________ year contemporary artists compete to win the Turner Prize.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
---------
Correct Answer
A. AExplanation
The correct answer is "a" because the sentence is referring to a general occurrence that happens every year, rather than a specific occurrence. The use of "a" indicates that there are multiple instances of contemporary artists competing for the Turner Prize each year.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The poem says that ____ love is more important than anything else.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
-----
Correct Answer
C. -----Explanation
The poem suggests that love, in general, is more important than anything else. The use of the indefinite article "a" indicates that any type of love holds significance, rather than specifying a particular type of love. The definite article "the" would imply that there is a specific love being referred to, which is not mentioned in the question. Therefore, the correct answer is blank as it is incomplete.Rate this question:
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- 13.
____ sculpture in your garden is very striking.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
----
Correct Answer
B. TheExplanation
The use of "the" before "sculpture" suggests that there is a specific sculpture being referred to in the context of the sentence. It implies that the speaker and the listener are already aware of this particular sculpture and it is unique or well-known enough to be recognized without further explanation.Rate this question:
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- 14.
_____ poor are more likely to suffer from hunger and disease.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
---
Correct Answer
B. TheExplanation
The word "the" is the correct answer because it is used to refer to something specific or known. In this sentence, it suggests that there is a specific group of poor people who are more likely to suffer from hunger and disease.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Some people still doubt that the Americans landed on ________ moon.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
-----
Correct Answer
B. TheExplanation
The correct answer is "the". In this sentence, "the" is used before the word "moon" to indicate a specific moon, referring to the moon of planet Earth. This suggests that there are some individuals who have doubts about the American moon landing specifically.Rate this question:
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- 16.
That is ________ woman I told you about this morning.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
-------
Correct Answer
B. TheExplanation
The correct answer is "the" because it is used to refer to a specific woman that was mentioned earlier in the conversation. The speaker is referring to a particular woman that they had previously discussed.Rate this question:
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- 17.
She’s taken ______ beautiful photograph of our baby daughter.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
---
Correct Answer
A. AExplanation
The correct answer is "a" because it is used before a singular countable noun when it is mentioned for the first time. In this case, "beautiful photograph" is a singular countable noun and it is being mentioned for the first time. Therefore, "a" is the appropriate article to use in this sentence.Rate this question:
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- 18.
I haven’t eaten ______ meat since I was sixteen years old.
- A.
A
- B.
The
- C.
----
Correct Answer
C. ----Explanation
In this sentence, the word "meat" is used in a general sense, referring to any kind of meat. Since there is no specific meat mentioned, the indefinite article "a" is the correct choice. The definite article "the" is used when referring to a specific noun that has already been mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Complete the sentences with the infinitive or -ing form of the verbs in brackets.I’ll never forget ________________ (get) lost in a cave when I was a child.
Correct Answer
gettingExplanation
This sentence is talking about a past experience of getting lost in a cave when the person was a child. The phrase "I'll never forget" suggests that this memory is still vivid and impactful to the person. Therefore, the correct verb form to complete the sentence is "getting," which is the present participle form of the verb "get."Rate this question:
- 20.
On her way to the hotel, Lucy stopped ________________ (visit) an old church.
Correct Answer
to visitExplanation
The correct answer is "to visit" because the sentence is indicating that Lucy stopped on her way to the hotel in order to visit an old church. The phrase "to visit" shows the purpose or intention of stopping, indicating that Lucy's goal was to visit the church.Rate this question:
- 21.
The website recommends ________________ (see) the museum of natural history.
Correct Answer
seeingExplanation
The correct answer is "seeing" because the sentence structure indicates that the website is suggesting an action to the reader. In this case, the action being recommended is to visit or go to the museum of natural history. The word "seeing" is the present participle form of the verb "see" and fits grammatically in the sentence.Rate this question:
- 22.
Matt can’t afford ________________ (buy) a car yet.
Correct Answer
to buyExplanation
Matt is not able to buy a car yet due to financial constraints or lack of funds.Rate this question:
- 23.
The TV programme inspired people ________________ (try) a new sport.
Correct Answer
to tryExplanation
The correct answer is "to try." The TV programme inspired people to try a new sport. This means that the TV programme motivated or encouraged individuals to engage in a different sport than what they were previously doing.Rate this question:
- 24.
I enjoyed ________________ (meet) your brother yesterday.
Correct Answer
meetingExplanation
The correct answer is "meeting" because it is the correct form of the verb "meet" to use in this sentence. The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb should be in its -ing form. Additionally, the word "enjoyed" is used to express pleasure in the past, and it is followed by the gerund form of the verb. Therefore, "meeting" is the appropriate choice.Rate this question:
- 25.
You need ________________ (persevere) and not give up immediately.
Correct Answer
to persevereExplanation
Perseverance is necessary in order to continue and not give up easily. It implies having the determination and persistence to overcome challenges and obstacles. By persevering, one can maintain focus and work towards achieving their goals, even when faced with difficulties or setbacks.Rate this question:
- 26.
I must remember ________________ (go) to the Berlin Wall before I leave Germany.
Correct Answer
to goExplanation
The sentence is expressing a personal obligation or necessity to remember to visit the Berlin Wall before leaving Germany. The phrase "to go" is the correct form of the verb "go" in the infinitive form, which is used after the verb "remember" in this context.Rate this question:
- 27.
He went on ________________ (talk) and didn’t see that almost everyone had fallen asleep.
Correct Answer
talkingExplanation
The correct answer is "talking" because it is the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence. The sentence is in the past tense, so the verb should be in the past participle form.Rate this question:
- 28.
People often hold onto things because they think they may need them in the future.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
People tend to hold onto things because they believe that they may have a future use or need for them. This behavior is driven by the desire to be prepared and not wanting to regret getting rid of something that could potentially be useful later on. Holding onto things can also be influenced by sentimental value or the fear of not being able to replace an item in the future.Rate this question:
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- 29.
The longer an heirloom is in the family, the more it is considered important.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The longer an heirloom is in the family, the more it is considered important because heirlooms often carry sentimental value and historical significance. As time passes, the heirloom becomes a symbol of family history and tradition, making it more cherished and valued. Additionally, the longer an heirloom remains in the family, the more it becomes a part of the family's identity and heritage, further increasing its importance.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Jewellery is a popular heirloom because it is likely to increase in value.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Jewellery is often considered a popular heirloom because it has the potential to increase in value over time. Precious metals and gemstones used in jewellery can appreciate in worth, especially if they are of high quality or have historical significance. Additionally, certain designs or brands may become more desirable over the years, further increasing the value of the jewellery. As a result, many people choose to pass down jewellery as an inheritance, hoping that it will appreciate and provide financial benefits to future generations.Rate this question:
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- 31.
According to the writer, all the items in the top ten list of heirlooms are predictable.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The writer does not state that all the items in the top ten list of heirlooms are predictable. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
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- 32.
The writer thinks that family members have a responsibility to pass heirlooms on to their children.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The writer believes that family members have a responsibility to pass down heirlooms to their children. This implies that the writer believes in the importance of preserving family traditions and history through the inheritance of valuable items. It suggests that the writer values the sentimental and historical significance of heirlooms and believes that they should be kept within the family for future generations to appreciate and cherish.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Kober’s family had no idea that the painting was by Michelangelo.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that Kober's family had no knowledge that the painting was created by Michelangelo. This implies that the painting in question is not by Michelangelo, making the answer "False."Rate this question:
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- 34.
Antonio Forcellino feels sure that the Michelangelo painting isn’t a fake.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Antonio Forcellino, based on his expertise and knowledge, is confident that the Michelangelo painting is authentic and not a forgery.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Melva Givens kept the coin because she was told it was very valuable.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Melva Givens did not keep the coin because she was told it was very valuable. The statement does not provide any information about whether she kept the coin or not. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 36.
It was just by chance that the other four coins were at the same exhibition.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The explanation for the given answer "True" is that the presence of the other four coins at the exhibition was purely coincidental. This suggests that there was no intentional selection or specific reason for those coins to be present. It implies that their presence was a random occurrence, reinforcing the idea that it was by chance that the other four coins were at the same exhibition.Rate this question:
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- 37.
The writer recommends getting rid of all the junk in your house.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The writer does not recommend getting rid of all the junk in your house.Rate this question:
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