1.
Thank you. That was _____ interesting presentation.
Correct Answer
D. Such an
Explanation
The correct answer is "such an". In this sentence, "such an" is used to emphasize the level of interest in the presentation. It suggests that the presentation was extremely interesting.
2.
I also have a lot of work to do on this project so I will probably see you in the office sometime _____ the weekend.
Correct Answer
B. During
Explanation
The word "during" is the correct answer because it indicates that the speaker will see the person in the office at some point within the duration of the weekend. It implies that the speaker will be busy with work throughout the weekend and expects to meet the person during that time.
3.
Sometimes political parties have problems in presenting _____ united front.
Correct Answer
A. A
Explanation
"United front" begins with a "yoo" sound, which is a consonant sound. Therefore, the indefinite article "a" is used instead of "an." The definite article "the" or the word "some" would change the meaning of the sentence, as "the" would refer to a specific united front and "some" would imply multiple fronts or a vague amount. So, the correct sentence is "Sometimes political parties have problems in presenting a united front."
4.
He writes very ______.
Correct Answer
D. Well
Explanation
The correct answer is "well" because it is an adverb that describes the verb "writes." It indicates that the person's writing ability is of a high standard or in a satisfactory manner.
5.
_____ my time abroad, I learnt how important it is to understand other cultures.
Correct Answer
C. During
Explanation
During my time abroad, I learnt how important it is to understand other cultures. During indicates a specific period of time in which the action or event took place. In this case, it signifies that the speaker learned about the importance of understanding other cultures while they were abroad.
6.
It looks as if it is made ____ silk.
Correct Answer
B. Of
Explanation
The correct answer is "of" because it indicates the material or substance from which something is made. In this case, "of" suggests that the item in question is made from silk.
7.
You should try to ______ at the meeting before 10.00.
Correct Answer
A. Arrive
Explanation
"arrive AT"
8.
Even with flexible time arrangements, we have to be at work ______ 10.00.
Correct Answer
D. By
Explanation
The correct answer is "by" because it indicates the deadline or the latest time that one needs to be at work. Flexi time arrangements may allow for some flexibility in the start time, but it still requires being present at work before 10.00.
9.
I'm sorry. I didn't catch what you said. Could you speak ____ a little?
Correct Answer
A. Up
Explanation
The phrase "speak up" means to speak louder or more clearly. In this context, the speaker is asking the other person to repeat what they said, but to do so in a louder or clearer manner. Therefore, the correct answer is "up."
10.
Don't believe him ______ he's very persuasive.
Correct Answer
C. Even if
Explanation
This question is testing the understanding of the phrase "even if." In this context, "even if" is used to indicate that the person being referred to is very persuasive, but the speaker is still advising against believing him. This suggests that the person's persuasiveness does not guarantee the truthfulness or reliability of what he says. Therefore, "even if" is the correct answer as it conveys the idea of not being swayed by someone's persuasiveness.
11.
I could never get used _____ driving on the left.
Correct Answer
C. To
Explanation
The correct phrase is "get used to," which is commonly followed by a gerund (verb + ing). In this case, "driving" is the gerund. The preposition "to" is required after "get used" to indicate becoming familiar or accustomed to something. Therefore, the sentence "I could never get used to driving on the left" is correct. Neither "with," "in," nor "of" would appropriately fit in this context.
12.
That was _____ interview I've ever had.
Correct Answer
A. The most difficult
Explanation
The correct answer is "the most difficult" because it is the superlative form of the adjective "difficult." The phrase "the most difficult" indicates that the interview was the most challenging or demanding compared to any other interviews the person has had.
13.
My car has _______. I must get a mechanic.
Correct Answer
A. Broken down
Explanation
The phrase "broken down" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the condition of the car. When a car is "broken down," it means that it has stopped working or is not functioning properly. In this context, the person realizes that their car is not working and needs the assistance of a mechanic to fix it. The other options, "out of order," "gone off," and "in a crash," do not convey the same meaning as "broken down" in relation to a car's condition.
14.
We hope to ______ the new product in the spring.
Correct Answer
C. Launch
Explanation
The verb "launch" is the most appropriate choice in this context as it specifically refers to introducing or making a new product available to the public for the first time. "Start" and "take off" are more general and can be used in various contexts, while "bring off" does not accurately convey the idea of introducing a new product. Therefore, "launch" is the correct answer.
15.
Would you like to speak to Mr Johnson? Ok, I'll put you _______.
Correct Answer
D. Through
Explanation
to be put through -- to be passed on. Usually used in reference to phone calls.
16.
You haven't ____ many mistakes.
Correct Answer
C. Made
Explanation
The correct answer is "made" because it is the past participle form of the verb "make." In this sentence, "made" is used to show that the person being referred to has not committed or performed many mistakes. The word "made" is the appropriate choice as it matches the tense and context of the sentence.
17.
The radio is too loud. Please turn it _____.
Correct Answer
D. Down
Explanation
The correct answer is "down" because the phrase "Please turn it down" is commonly used to request someone to lower the volume or intensity of a sound. In this case, the radio is too loud, so the appropriate action would be to turn it down to decrease the volume.
18.
"Do you know what the current exchange rate is?"
"No, I'll _____ in the Financial Times"
Correct Answer
A. Look it up
Explanation
The phrase "look it up" means to search for information in a reference source or database. In this context, the person is saying that they will search for the current exchange rate in the Financial Times.
19.
Money is very important to _____ people.
Correct Answer
C. Most
Explanation
"Most" is used to refer to the majority of people in general, without needing "of" or an additional qualifier like "the." "Most of" would typically be followed by a specific group, like "most of the people here."
20.
Early retirement is a way of cutting the workforce __ avoiding redundancies.
Correct Answer
A. By
Explanation
Early retirement is a way of cutting the workforce by avoiding redundancies. This means that instead of laying off employees or making them redundant, the company offers them the option of retiring early. By doing so, the company can reduce its workforce without resorting to layoffs or redundancies, which can be costly and have a negative impact on employee morale.
21.
We _____ our sales by 10% last year. (INCREASE)
Correct Answer
increased
Explanation
The correct answer is "increased" because it is the past tense form of the verb "increase," which means to make something larger or greater in size, amount, or degree. In this sentence, it indicates that the sales were made larger by 10% last year.
22.
Wendy ______ the Spanish suppliers last week. (VISIT)
Correct Answer
visited
Explanation
The correct answer is "visited" because it is the past tense form of the verb "visit," which is used to describe an action that happened in the past. In this sentence, it indicates that Wendy performed the action of visiting the Spanish suppliers last week.
23.
Contacts through our website ______ at the moment (INCREASE)
Correct Answer
are increasing
Explanation
The correct answer is "are increasing." This is because the phrase "at the moment" suggests that the action of contacts increasing is happening currently. Therefore, the present continuous tense "are increasing" is the most appropriate choice to indicate an ongoing action in the present.
24.
Petrol _____ 10% cheaper 5 years ago (BE)
Correct Answer
was
Explanation
The word "was" is the correct answer because it is the past tense form of the verb "to be." In the given sentence, the word "was" is used to indicate that petrol was 10% cheaper in the past, specifically 5 years ago.
25.
You definitely _____ at the next management training course (BE)
Correct Answer
will be
Explanation
The correct answer is "will be". In this sentence, the future tense is used to indicate that the person being referred to is certain or expected to attend the next management training course. The phrase "will be" is used to express a future action or event.
26.
If only we _____ the shares last year when the prices were so high! (SELL)
Correct Answer
sold
had sold
Explanation
The correct answer is "sold, had sold" because the sentence is in the past tense and refers to a missed opportunity in the past. "Sold" is the simple past tense of the verb "sell," indicating a completed action in the past. "Had sold" is the past perfect tense, indicating that the action of selling the shares occurred before another past event or time. Therefore, both options are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning of regretting not selling the shares when the prices were high.
27.
He ______ ten people since last Monday (INTERVIEW)
Correct Answer
has interviewed
Explanation
The correct answer is "has interviewed" because the sentence is in the present perfect tense, indicating an action that started in the past and is still ongoing. The word "since" indicates a specific starting point, which is last Monday. Therefore, the correct verb form to use is "has interviewed," which is the present perfect tense form of the verb "interview."
28.
Water _____ at 0 degrees celsius. (FREEZE)
Correct Answer
freezes
Explanation
Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius because freezing is the process in which a liquid changes into a solid due to the removal of heat energy. At this specific temperature, the molecules of water slow down and become more closely packed together, forming a solid state. This is a well-known property of water and is commonly observed in everyday life, such as when water turns into ice cubes in a freezer.
29.
"Do you mind if I ______?"
"Well, I'd rather you don't." (SMOKE)
Correct Answer
smoke
Explanation
In the conversation provided, one person is asking for permission to smoke. They are asking if it is acceptable or if it would bother the other person. The response "Well, I'd rather you don't" indicates that the speaker would prefer if the person did not smoke. This suggests a preference against smoking in their presence, possibly due to personal discomfort, health reasons, or a dislike of smoking.
30.
I ______ here since last September (BE)
Correct Answer
have been
Explanation
The correct answer is "have been." This is because the sentence is in the present perfect tense, which is used to indicate an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. The phrase "have been" is the present perfect tense form of the verb "to be." Therefore, it is the correct choice to complete the sentence.
31.
By the end of this year, the company _____ in existence for 10 years.(BE)
Correct Answer
will have been
Explanation
By the end of this year, the company will have been in existence for 10 years. This answer correctly uses the future perfect tense to indicate an action that will be completed in the future. The phrase "will have been" shows that the company's existence started in the past and will continue up until the end of this year, reaching a total of 10 years.
32.
Sally ______ here for 10 years now. (WORK)
Correct Answer
has been working
Explanation
The sentence is in the present perfect continuous tense, indicating an action that started in the past and is still ongoing. "Has been working" correctly conveys that Sally started working here 10 years ago and continues to work here up to the present moment.
33.
The printer is still out of order. The engineer______ yesterday, but he had an accident on the way.
Correct Answer
A. Was supposed to come
Explanation
The option "was supposed to come" is correct because it conveys the intended meaning of the sentence in the given context. This phrase indicates an obligation or plan that was in place. In this case, the engineer had a prior obligation or plan to come and fix the printer.
34.
I didn't have to attend the training session yesterday as I _______the DVD before (SEE)
Correct Answer
had seen
Explanation
To complete the sentence using the verb "see" in the correct tense, which reflects an action completed before another past action, the past perfect tense is appropriate. The sentence would then read:
"I didn't have to attend the training session yesterday as I had seen the DVD before."
The past perfect tense ("had seen") is used to express that you had already seen the DVD at some point in the past before the training session occurred. This explains why attending the training was unnecessary.
35.
By the end of this month, we _______ this project for two years. (MONITOR)
Correct Answer
will have been monitoring
Explanation
To correctly complete the sentence with the verb "monitor" in the appropriate tense, you would use the future perfect continuous tense, which emphasizes the duration of an action that will continue up until a specific point in the future. The sentence would then read:
"By the end of this month, we will have been monitoring this project for two years."
This tense is used to show that something will continue up until a particular event or time in the future and to highlight the duration of that activity.
36.
I wish we ______ this agency last year when we employed the new receptionist. (USE)
Correct Answer
had used
were using
used
Explanation
The correct answer is "had used". This is because the sentence is referring to a past event (employing the new receptionist) that happened before another past event (wishing to use the agency). The past perfect tense "had used" is used to indicate an action that occurred before another past action. "Were using" is incorrect because it implies an ongoing action in the past, which is not suitable in this context. "Used" is also incorrect because it does not convey the sequence of events in the sentence.
37.
We used ______ 10 sales representatives, but now we only have 6. (EMPLOY)
Correct Answer
to employ
Explanation
The given correct answer is "to employ" because it fits grammatically and contextually in the sentence. The sentence is discussing the number of sales representatives that were previously used and comparing it to the current number. "To employ" is the correct verb form to indicate the action of hiring or having sales representatives.
38.
If we continue to make steady progress, we ______ a 10% increase in productivity. (SEE)
Correct Answer
will see
Explanation
The correct answer is "will see" because the sentence is in the future tense and the verb "see" is used to express the idea of perceiving or experiencing something. Therefore, it implies that if we continue to make steady progress, we will perceive or experience a 10% increase in productivity.
39.
If I ______ you, I would modernize the factory. (BE)
Correct Answer
were
Explanation
The correct answer is "were." In this sentence, the speaker is using the subjunctive mood to express a hypothetical situation. "Were" is the correct form of the verb "to be" to use in the subjunctive mood when referring to a hypothetical or unreal condition.
40.
He's a pensioner now. He __________ last week. (RETIRE)
Correct Answer
retired
Explanation
The correct answer is "retired". The sentence states that the person is now a pensioner, which implies that they have stopped working. The verb "retired" is the past tense form of "retire", which means to stop working, usually due to reaching a certain age or fulfilling certain requirements. Therefore, it is the appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence.