1.
Food prices have been … steadily for at least ten years
Correct Answer
A. Rising
Explanation
"Rising" is the correct verb form in this context. It describes the action of prices increasing over time. "Lifting" and "raising" are generally used to describe physical actions, and "elevating" is not commonly used in this context.
2.
I’ll have to study hard, … I can pass the exam.
Correct Answer
A. So that
Explanation
"So that" introduces a clause that expresses purpose, meaning the intention behind studying hard is to pass the exam. "Such" does not fit in this context, and "in order" would need to be followed by "to," making it incomplete. "Therefore" implies a conclusion rather than purpose.
3.
You … to eat if you are not hungry.
Correct Answer
C. Don't have
Explanation
"Needn't" means "do not need to," indicating that if you are not hungry, there is no obligation to eat. "Haven't" and "don't have" do not convey the same meaning of necessity, and "mustn't" implies prohibition, which is incorrect in this context.
4.
We’ll dance and … we’ll have lunch.
Correct Answer
C. Then
Explanation
"Then" appropriately indicates a sequence of events, meaning after dancing, they will have lunch. "Straight away" suggests immediacy but is not appropriate for this context. "So" does not fit as it does not indicate a sequence, and "afterwards" is less direct.
5.
She has to go to Germany for the next … of the training.
Correct Answer
B. Stage
Explanation
"Stage" is commonly used to refer to a particular period or level in a process or training program. "Step" can imply an individual action, "point" is vague, and "phase" is also correct but less commonly used in this specific context.
6.
When the meeting had finished, we went ...… the plan once again.
Correct Answer
C. Over
Explanation
"Over" means to review or discuss something again. It is the most appropriate choice for examining the plan again. "Up," "down," and "through" do not convey the same meaning in this context.
7.
I locked the animals in the cage to … them from getting away.
Correct Answer
C. Prevent
Explanation
"Prevent" means to stop something from happening and is the best fit here. "Avoid" implies a desire to not engage with something, "hinder" means to make it difficult but doesn't necessarily stop it, and "stop" is too general in this context.
8.
You’re … your time trying to persuade her.
Correct Answer
A. Wasting
Explanation
"Wasting" means to use time inefficiently, making it the correct choice. "Losing" implies something is gone, "missing" suggests absence, and "spending" does not imply inefficiency.
9.
Our last cook was better than our … one.
Correct Answer
C. Current
Explanation
"Current" is the correct answer in this context, as it refers to the cook who is presently in service. The sentence is comparing the last cook to the one currently working.
10.
I am grateful to Mary for being so patient … us.
Correct Answer
B. With
Explanation
"With" is the correct preposition to express patience towards someone. "For" does not fit in this context, "at" is not used in this way, and "by" is incorrect.
11.
Have you exchanged that lovely car … this?
Correct Answer
C. For
Explanation
"For" is used to indicate that one item is being exchanged in place of another. "With" suggests mutual exchange, "by" does not fit, and "against" is not appropriate in this context.
12.
The weather was … the poor harvest.
Correct Answer
A. Blamed for
Explanation
"Blamed for" is the most straightforward way to express responsibility for the poor harvest. "Condemned" and "found fault with" are more severe and nuanced, while "criticized" does not specifically convey responsibility.
13.
Olivia is teaching three classes and she is examining a literature exam
tomorrow. …, she is chairing a meeting at the Bright Owl Club.
Correct Answer
A. On top of it
Explanation
"On top of it" is the correct answer in this context, as it implies that in addition to her already busy schedule, she has the added responsibility of chairing a meeting. This phrase emphasizes the accumulation of tasks.
14.
I don’t see any … in arriving early at the show.
Correct Answer
B. Point
Explanation
"Point" is the correct answer in this context, as it suggests that there is no reason or advantage to arriving early at the show. The phrase "I don't see any point in..." is commonly used to express that something does not seem worthwhile or beneficial.
15.
Your application for a visa was turned … by the consulate.
Correct Answer
C. Down
Explanation
"Turned down" is the correct phrasal verb meaning to reject something. "Aside" means to separate, "over" is not applicable, and "up" is incorrect in this context.