1.
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Read the text and mark true or false from 61 to 70.
The woman who can remember every day of her life
As part of our series on extraordinary people, this week we find out about Rita Howard, a woman with a very unusual talent.
What was the weather like yesterday? What were you thinking about when you woke up this morning? If someone asked you these questions, you probably wouldn’t find it too hard to answer. But how about remembering the same information for this date last year, or even ten years ago? Most of us find it easy to remember what happened on the most important days of our lives, but soon forget the little details of the other days, weeks, months and years. We often imagine that, without this regular ‘forgetting’, our brains would be too crowded with memories and thoughts. For Rita Howard, however, it’s as easy to remember a day thirty years ago as it is to tell us about yesterday.
Rita can choose any date from her 68 years and say where she was, what she was doing, and what day of the week it was. For years, she had no idea that this amazing memory was anything special. She was a hard-working student who always did well at school. Then later she became a historian, a job where she had many opportunities to use her ability to memorize all the facts she’d ever learned. Even so, it was only six years ago, when she was in a research project, that scientists actually told Rita she had hyperthymesia – an unusually good memory of her own experiences. Only around 20 people worldwide have the condition.
‘People began to imagine that I knew everything,’ says Rita. ‘Whereas, of course, I only know everything about my own life!’ Another common idea is that Rita has far more memories than everyone else. ‘In fact, we all have a similar number,’ she comments. ‘I’m just far better at finding and using mine than other people.’
As Rita reached retirement age, she wondered if her memory would get worse. Three years later, however, it’s just as good as ever. ‘Will that always be the case?’ she asks. ‘Who knows? I know all about the past, not the future!’
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2.
Nobody believed Paul at first but he __________to be right.
Correct Answer
B. Turned out
Explanation
The phrase "turned out" means that something happened or was discovered in a certain way, often contrary to what was expected or believed initially. In this context, it implies that despite nobody believing Paul initially, it was eventually discovered or proven that he was right.
3.
Here’s some good news. It will __________.
Correct Answer
D. Cheer you up
Explanation
The phrase "cheer you up" means to make someone feel happier or more positive. In the given context, the statement "Here's some good news. It will cheer you up." suggests that the good news being mentioned will have a positive effect on the person's mood, making them feel happier or more uplifted.
4.
I was annoyed with the way the children were behaving, so I __________.
Correct Answer
B. Told them off
Explanation
The phrase "told them off" means to scold or reprimand someone for their behavior. In this context, the speaker was annoyed with the children's behavior and likely expressed their disapproval or reprimanded them for their actions.
5.
The club committee is __________ of the president, the secretary, and seven other members.
Correct Answer
B. Made up
Explanation
The correct answer is "made up" because it means composed or constituted. In this context, it implies that the club committee consists of the president, the secretary, and seven other members.
6.
At first I didn’t like my job, but __________to enjoy it now.
Correct Answer
A. I’m beginning
Explanation
The correct answer is "I’m beginning." This is because the sentence is in the present tense, and "I’m beginning" is the correct present tense form of the verb "begin." It indicates that the speaker's opinion about their job is changing and they are starting to enjoy it now.
7.
I don’t understand this sentence. What __________?
Correct Answer
B. Does this word mean
Explanation
The sentence is asking for the meaning of a specific word. The correct answer "does this word mean" is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning of the sentence. It is a question form that is commonly used to inquire about the meaning of a word.
8.
Robert __________ away two or three times a year.
Correct Answer
B. Is usually going
Explanation
The correct answer is "is usually going." This is because the sentence is referring to a habitual action or behavior of Robert. The use of the present continuous tense "is going" indicates that this action happens regularly or frequently. The adverb "usually" further emphasizes the frequency of the action.
9.
Matt __________ while we were having dinner.
Correct Answer
A. Called
Explanation
During the time when we were having dinner, Matt made a phone call.
10.
Sarah has lost her passport again. It is the second time this __________.
Correct Answer
B. Happens
Explanation
The correct answer is "happens". This is because the sentence is in the present tense and is referring to a recurring event. The word "again" indicates that Sarah has lost her passport before, and the use of the present simple tense "happens" suggests that this is a regular occurrence.
11.
The man sitting next to me on the plane was very nervous. He __________ before.
Correct Answer
C. Hadn’t flown
Explanation
The correct answer is "hadn't flown." This is because the use of the past perfect tense ("hadn't flown") indicates that the man had not flown before the specific time mentioned in the sentence (when he was sitting next to the speaker on the plane). This explains why he was feeling nervous, as it suggests that he was not familiar or comfortable with flying.
12.
__________a lot of candy when you were a child?
Correct Answer
C. Did you eat
Explanation
This question is asking about past actions, specifically whether the person ate a lot of candy when they were a child. The correct answer is "did you eat" because it is the appropriate past tense form of the verb "eat" in a question format. The other options ("have you eaten," "had you eaten," and "have you ate") are either in the present perfect tense or do not use the correct past tense form of the verb.
13.
Don’t worry __________late tonight.
Correct Answer
A. If I’m
Explanation
The correct answer is "if I'm". This is because the phrase "Don't worry" suggests that the speaker is reassuring someone about a future event. The use of "if" indicates that the speaker is uncertain about whether the event will actually happen. Therefore, "if I'm" is the most appropriate choice as it implies that the speaker is unsure about their availability for the event.
14.
What was the problem? Why __________ leave early?
Correct Answer
B. Did you have to
Explanation
The correct answer is "did you have to." This is because the question is asking about the reason for leaving early, which suggests a past action. The phrase "did you have to" is the correct past tense form of "have to," indicating a necessity or obligation to leave early. The other options are either in the wrong tense or do not convey the same meaning.
15.
__________a little longer, but I really have to go now.
Correct Answer
A. I’d stay
Explanation
The correct answer is "I’d stay" because the sentence is expressing a hypothetical situation in the past. The phrase "a little longer" suggests that the person is considering staying for a longer period of time. "I’d stay" is the contraction of "I would stay," which is used to talk about hypothetical or unreal situations in the present or future.
16.
I wish I __________have to work tomorrow, but unfortunately I do.
Correct Answer
B. Didn’t
Explanation
The correct answer is "didn't". This is because the sentence is in the past tense and the speaker is expressing a wish that they didn't have to work tomorrow. "Didn't" is the past tense form of "do not" and is used to negate the verb "have" in this context.
17.
There’s somebody walking behind us. I think __________.
Correct Answer
D. We are being followed
Explanation
The phrase "we are being followed" suggests that someone is following or tailing the speaker and the person they are with. This implies that there is someone walking behind them who is intentionally following their movements.
18.
Where __________? In Los Angeles
Correct Answer
A. Were you born
Explanation
This question is asking about the location of someone's birth. The correct answer is "were you born" because it is the correct grammatical form for asking about the past.
19.
Hi, Joe. I didn’t expect to see you today. Sonia said you __________in the hospital.
Correct Answer
B. Were
Explanation
The correct answer is "were" because the sentence is in the past tense and "were" is the correct past tense form of the verb "to be" when referring to multiple people.
20.
The police office stopped us and asked us where __________.
Correct Answer
D. We were going
Explanation
The correct answer is "we were going." This is because the question is asking about the past, as indicated by the use of "were" instead of "are." The phrase "where were we going" is the correct grammatical construction for asking about a past action or plan.
21.
I have to go now. I promised __________ late.
Correct Answer
B. Not to be
Explanation
The correct answer is "not to be". In this sentence, the verb "promised" is followed by an infinitive verb phrase. When making a promise, it is grammatically correct to use the infinitive form of the verb. Therefore, the correct phrase is "promised not to be late."
22.
Do you want __________ with you, or do you want to go alone?
Correct Answer
B. Me to come
Explanation
The correct answer is "me to come" because it completes the sentence grammatically and idiomatically. The phrase "want me to come" is a common construction in English when asking if someone wants another person to accompany them.
23.
Should I stay here? I’d rather __________ with us.
Correct Answer
A. You come
Explanation
The correct answer is "you come" because the sentence is expressing a preference or desire for the person to come. The phrase "I'd rather" indicates a preference for a specific action, which in this case is for the person to come.
24.
When __________ invented?
Correct Answer
D. Was the telepHone
Explanation
The correct answer is "was the telephone." The question is asking about the invention of the telephone, which is a singular noun. Therefore, the correct form of the verb "to be" to use is "was."
25.
They live on a busy street. __________a lot of noise from the traffic
Correct Answer
C. There must have
Explanation
The correct answer is "there must have". This is because the sentence suggests that the people living on the busy street experience a lot of noise from the traffic. The phrase "there must have" implies that the noise is a result of the busy street, indicating a cause and effect relationship.
26.
I don’t like stories __________have unhappy endings.
Correct Answer
C. Which
Explanation
The correct answer is "which". In this sentence, "which" is used as a relative pronoun to introduce a relative clause. The relative clause "which have unhappy endings" provides additional information about the noun "stories". It specifies that the speaker does not like stories that have unhappy endings.
27.
We haven’t got __________on vacation at the moment.
Correct Answer
C. Enough money to go
Explanation
The correct answer is "enough money to go". This phrase correctly completes the sentence by indicating that the speaker does not currently have sufficient funds to go on vacation. The phrase "enough money for going" is incorrect because it does not accurately convey the idea of having sufficient funds specifically for the purpose of going on vacation.
28.
The more electricity you use, __________.
Correct Answer
C. The higher your bill will be
Explanation
The correct answer is "the higher your bill will be." This is because the phrase "the higher your bill will be" correctly expresses the cause and effect relationship between electricity usage and the resulting bill. As electricity usage increases, the bill also increases in a proportional manner.
29.
__________the day went on, the weather got worse.
Correct Answer
B. As
Explanation
The correct answer is "As". This conjunction is used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two events. In this case, it suggests that the worsening of the weather is a result of the passing of time throughout the day.
30.
I saw Steve __________ a concert on Saturday.
Correct Answer
A. At
Explanation
The correct answer is "at" because when talking about attending an event, we use the preposition "at" to indicate the location or place where the event took place. In this case, the sentence is referring to attending a concert, so "at" is the appropriate preposition to use.
31.
1. I prefer tea __________ coffee
Correct Answer
B. Than
Explanation
The word "than" is used in this sentence to show a comparison between two things, tea and coffee. It indicates that the speaker has a preference for one over the other.
32.
We gave __________a meal
Correct Answer
C. The visitors
Explanation
The correct answer is "the visitors" because it is the most grammatically correct option. The word "the" indicates that there is a specific group of visitors that the speaker is referring to. The other options ("at the visitors", "for the visitors", "to the visitors") do not make sense in the context of giving a meal.
33.
Here’s my report. __________it at last.
Correct Answer
D. I’ve finished
Explanation
The correct answer is "I’ve finished" because the phrase "I’ve finished" is in the present perfect tense, which is used to talk about completed actions in the past that have a connection to the present. In this context, the speaker is referring to the completion of their report, and the use of "I’ve finished" indicates that the action of finishing the report has recently occurred.
34.
Robert __________ ill for three weeks. He is still in the hospital.
Correct Answer
B. Has been
Explanation
The correct answer is "has been" because the sentence is in the present perfect tense, which is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present. In this case, Robert became ill three weeks ago and he is still in the hospital, indicating that his illness is ongoing. Therefore, "has been" is the correct verb tense to use in this sentence.
35.
When Martin __________ the car, he took it out for a drive.
Correct Answer
C. Repaired
Explanation
The sentence is in the past tense, indicating that the action of repairing the car happened before Martin took it out for a drive. Therefore, the correct answer is "repaired."
36.
What did you leave the meeting early __________? ~ I didn’t feel very well.
Correct Answer
C. For
Explanation
The correct answer is "for". In this context, "for" is used to indicate the reason or purpose for leaving the meeting early. The person left the meeting early because they didn't feel very well.
37.
Are we going the right way? – I think __________.
Correct Answer
C. So
Explanation
The word "so" is the most appropriate answer in this context because it implies agreement or confirmation. The speaker is expressing their belief that they are going the right way.
38.
Susan has to work very hard. I __________ do her job, I’m sure.
Correct Answer
B. Couldn’t
Explanation
The correct answer is "couldn't". This is because the sentence is in the past tense and "couldn't" is the past tense form of "can't". It indicates that the speaker was unable to do Susan's job.
39.
_________________I carry that bag for you? – Oh, thank you.
Correct Answer
B. Shall
Explanation
The correct answer is "Shall" because it is used to make suggestions or offers, which is evident in the context of the conversation. The speaker is offering to carry the bag for the other person, showing a willingness to help.
40.
We can’t go along here because the road is__________.
Correct Answer
B. Being repaired
Explanation
The correct answer is "being repaired". This is because the sentence is in the present tense and indicates an ongoing action. "Being repaired" is the correct form of the verb to convey this idea. The other options are incorrect because they are either in the past tense ("been repaired") or do not follow proper grammar ("bepair" and "repaired").
41.
We weren’t sure __________ or just walk in.
Correct Answer
D. Whether to knock
Explanation
The sentence is discussing a situation where the speaker is unsure about the appropriate action to take. The word "whether" indicates that the speaker is considering two options - knocking or just walking in. Therefore, the correct answer is "whether to knock" as it accurately reflects the uncertainty and the two possible choices.
42.
They raised the money simply __________ for it. It was easy.
Correct Answer
B. By asking
Explanation
The sentence suggests that the money was raised easily by asking for it. The phrase "by asking" indicates that the method used to raise the money was simply by requesting it from someone or a group of people.
43.
My father is not only the town major, he runs __________, too.
Correct Answer
A. A business
Explanation
The correct answer is "a business" because it is the most grammatically correct and logical option. The sentence implies that the father is involved in a specific business, rather than just any business or an unspecified amount of business. Therefore, the phrase "a business" best fits the context and meaning of the sentence.
44.
In England most children go__________at the age of five.
Correct Answer
B. To school
Explanation
In England, it is common for children to start attending school at the age of five. This means that they begin their formal education at this age.
45.
We haven’t had a holiday for__________time.
Correct Answer
C. Such a long
Explanation
The correct answer is "such a long." In this sentence, we are talking about the length of time since we last had a holiday. "Such" is used to emphasize the extent or degree of the time, indicating that it has been a considerable amount of time. The phrase "such a long" is the correct way to express this emphasis.
46.
Is that my key, or is it __________?
Correct Answer
D. Yours
Explanation
The correct answer is "yours" because it is used to indicate possession. In the given sentence, the speaker is questioning whether the key belongs to them or to someone else. "Yours" is the appropriate pronoun to refer to something that belongs to the person being spoken to.
47.
All the guests were dancing. __________having a good time.
Correct Answer
C. Everyone was
Explanation
The correct answer is "Everyone was." This is because "everyone" is a singular pronoun, so it should be paired with the singular verb "was." The other options, such as "all," "every," and "someone," do not match the singular form of the verb and are therefore incorrect.
48.
I __________ missed the bus. I was only just in time to catch it.
Correct Answer
D. Nearly
Explanation
The word "nearly" is the correct answer because it indicates that the speaker almost missed the bus but managed to catch it just in time. The word "nearly" suggests a close call or a narrow escape, emphasizing the speaker's timing and the fact that they were able to catch the bus despite being very close to missing it.
49.
This detailed map is __________ the atlas.
Correct Answer
B. More useful than
Explanation
The correct answer is "more useful than" because it is comparing the usefulness of the detailed map to the usefulness of the atlas. The phrase "more useful than" indicates that the detailed map is considered to have a higher level of usefulness compared to the atlas.
50.
I’ve got a meeting __________Thursday afternoon.
Correct Answer
C. On
Explanation
The correct answer is "on". In this sentence, "on" is used to indicate a specific day. Therefore, the meeting is scheduled for a specific day, which is Thursday afternoon.