CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY FOR

NATURAL ENGLISH
COLLOCATIONS
Jon Marks & Alison Wooder
ANSWERS
All you need to improve your vocabulary

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 3
1. EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................................... 4
2. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE ................................................................................................................... 5
3. FOOD AND DRINK 1 ............................................................................................................................ 6
4. FOOD AND DRINK 2 ............................................................................................................................ 7
5. HEALTH AND SICKNESS .................................................................................................................... 8
6. GETTING AROUND.............................................................................................................................. 9
7. DIRECTIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 10
8. PUBLIC TRANSPORT ........................................................................................................................ 11
9. FLYING ............................................................................................................................................... 12
10. DRIVING ............................................................................................................................................. 13
11. HOLIDAYS .......................................................................................................................................... 14
12. FAMILIES ........................................................................................................................................... 15
13. FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES ........................................................................................................... 16
14. LOVE AND MARRIAGE ...................................................................................................................... 17
15. YOUTH AND AGE .............................................................................................................................. 18
16. EDUCATION ....................................................................................................................................... 19
17. HOUSES AND HOUSING ................................................................................................................... 20
18. HOUSEWORK .................................................................................................................................... 21
19. SHOPPING ......................................................................................................................................... 22
20. CLOTHES AND FASHION .................................................................................................................. 23
21. WORK 1.............................................................................................................................................. 24
22. WORK 2.............................................................................................................................................. 25
23. BUSINESS.......................................................................................................................................... 26
24. MONEY 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 27
25. MONEY 2 ............................................................................................................................................ 28
26. NUMBERS AND STATISTICS ............................................................................................................ 29
27. BUREAUCRACY ................................................................................................................................ 30
28. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY .......................................................................................................... 31
29. COMPUTERS ..................................................................................................................................... 32
30. TELEPHONES .................................................................................................................................... 33
31. LEISURE ............................................................................................................................................ 34
32. FILMS, TV AND RADIO ...................................................................................................................... 35
33. THEATRE ........................................................................................................................................... 36
34. MUSIC AND DANCE .......................................................................................................................... 37
35. ART AND ARTISTS ............................................................................................................................ 38
36. WRITING AND BOOKS ...................................................................................................................... 39

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37. SPORT 1 ............................................................................................................................................ 40
38. SPORT 2 ............................................................................................................................................ 41
39. NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 42
40. ANIMALS AND BIRDS ........................................................................................................................ 43
41. AGRICULTURE .................................................................................................................................. 44
42. THE WEATHER .................................................................................................................................. 45
43. CRIME ................................................................................................................................................ 46
44. PUNISHMENT .................................................................................................................................... 47
45. JOURNALISM AND THE NEWS ......................................................................................................... 48
46. POLITICS ........................................................................................................................................... 49
47. DISASTERS ....................................................................................................................................... 50
48. FIRE ................................................................................................................................................... 51
49. WATER ............................................................................................................................................... 52
50. LIGHT ................................................................................................................................................. 53
51. SLEEP ................................................................................................................................................ 54
52. TASTES AND SMELLS ...................................................................................................................... 55
53. GESTURES ........................................................................................................................................ 56
54. MOVEMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 57
55. SPEED................................................................................................................................................ 58
56. SOUNDS ............................................................................................................................................ 59
57. SHOUTS, CRIES AND WHISPERS .................................................................................................... 60
58. SPEAKING ......................................................................................................................................... 61
59. TRUTH AND LIES .............................................................................................................................. 62
60. LIKES AND DISLIKES ........................................................................................................................ 63
61. MOODS AND FEELINGS ................................................................................................................... 64
62. IDEAS AND INTELLIGENCE .............................................................................................................. 65
63. KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE ...................................................................................................... 66
64. MEMORY AND FORGETFULNESS ................................................................................................... 67
65. CERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY ..................................................................................................... 68
66. CHOICES AND DECISIONS ............................................................................................................... 69
67. AGREEING AND DISAGREEING ....................................................................................................... 70
68. OPINIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 71
69. MEETINGS AND ARRANGEMENTS .................................................................................................. 72
70. WORKING TOGETHER ...................................................................................................................... 73
71. SUCCESS .......................................................................................................................................... 74
72. FAILURE............................................................................................................................................. 75
73. LUCK, CHANCE AND OPPORTUNITY .............................................................................................. 76
74. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS .......................................................................................................... 77
75. SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCE ........................................................................................................ 78
76. CAUSE AND EFFECT ........................................................................................................................ 79
77. CHANGES .......................................................................................................................................... 80
78. TIME ................................................................................................................................................... 81
79. DAYS, MONTHS AND SEASONS ...................................................................................................... 82
80. BEGINNING AND ENDING................................................................................................................. 83

ANSWER KEY ......................................................................................................................................... 84

CHECK YOUR VOCABULARY FOR

NATURAL ENGLISH COLLOCATIONS

by Jon Marks Alison Wooder

This first edition published in Great Britain 2007 - A & C Black Publishers Ltd 38 Soho Square, London W1D 3HB
2
INTRODUCTION
What are collocations?

Collocations are groups of words which often go together.

For example, take a photograph is usual, while make a photograph and do a photograph
are highly unusual (there's another one - highly unusual rather than greatly unusual or
strongly unusual).
Using the correct collocations will make your English sound more natural, and more like a
native speaker's English.

How can the book be used?

The collocations are arranged by topic.

Choose the topics that interest you.
The pages do not have to be completed in any particular order, and there is no need to
complete all the pages if some are on topics which are not useful to you.
It is better to complete one or two pages in a day, and remember the vocabulary, rather
than completing as many pages as possible.
The answers to the exercises can be found at the back of the book.
There is also a subject index to help you find the pages which are most useful to you.
Write new collocations you learn in a notebook or file.
Review this language regularly so that it becomes part of your active vocabulary.
A good general dictionary will be very helpful, providing pronunciation guides and more
contexts.

This book may be of particular use to candidates preparing for exams such as IELTS and
the Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency examinations.
Using appropriate collocations can make a significant difference to the grades achieved in
the writing and speaking modules of those exams.

3
1. EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES
A. Sue is talking about her typical morning.
Choose the right verb to complete the collocations.

My typical morning starts quite early, because I don't like getting /

making1 ready in a hurry. My alarm clock sounds / goes off 2 at 6.30,
then I get out of bed / from my bed 3 and walk / go 4 downstairs in my
dressing gown.
I do / make 5 a cup of tea and have / eat 6 some breakfast. Then
I have / use 7 a shower and clean / wash 8 my teeth. Then I get clothed /
dressed 9 , order / comb 10 my hair and wear / put on 11 my make-up.
Then I do / make 12 the bed and do / make 13 the washing up. If I've got
time, I sometimes control / check 14 my email and look at / watch 15 the
front page of the newspaper. I never see / watch 15 TV in the morning.
I usually leave / depart 17 the house by 8.15."

B. Correct these sentences.

18. Could you answer the door 19. I usually pull the curtains as soon
knocking? I'm in the middle of as it goes dark.
something.

20. Where did you get your hairs cut? 21. Oh no! I've just realised I did a
terrible mistake!

22. That's typical for you! You always 23. What did you have as lunch today?
have to have the last word!

C. Choose the right word.

24. You're back from holiday now, so I suppose it's business as usual / normal.
25. A: How was the weekend?
B: Oh, the usual / normal thing. Nothing special / uncommon.
26. I began / got into the habit of drinking too much coffee when I went to Italy.
27. My husband wakes up at six o'clock, usual / regular as clockwork.
28. Steve couldn't break / end the habit of lighting a cigarette after dinner.

4
2. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
A. Choose the best answer.
1. Liz always looks / appears good - she has great dress / clothes sense.
2. Simon is nearly fifty but he's ageing well - he doesn't look his years / age at all.
3. He noticed that his hair was changing to / going grey.
4. The police are looking for a man in / of his early twenties, of average / middle height
and with a full / complete beard.
5. As the suspect has very distinctive features / facial parts, it will be difficult for him to
adopt / take a disguise.
6. I don't usually spend much time putting / doing my make-up - I just put on / paint with
a bit of lipstick and eyeliner.
7. His scruffy / disorganised clothes and badly-cut hair didn't make / do a very good
impression on his boss.
8. You look great! Have you lost fat / weight?
9. He was wearing / using sunglasses and wearing / carrying an umbrella.

B. Which of these alternatives is not a natural-sounding collocation?

10. Paul's clothes are really ....... .
a. in fashion b. out of fashion c. full of fashion
11. I don't really like this shirt - it ....... .
a. doesn't suit me b. doesn't fit me c. doesn't accommodate me.
12. James' ....... made a strong impression on all the women in the office.
a. striking good looks b. boyish good looks c. good face
13. He's only in his twenties but he's starting to ....... already.
a. be hairless b. go bald c. lose his hair.

C. What's the opposite of these expressions?

Choose from these adjectives:
crooked dry broad curly

14. straight hair / ............................ hair

15. oily skin / ............................ skin
16. narrow shoulders / ............................ shoulders
17. even teeth / ....... teeth

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3. FOOD AND DRINK 1

A. What's the opposite of these expressions?

Choose from these adjectives:

stale sweet heavy mild still

1. a light meal a ...................... meal

2. fresh bread ......................... bread
3. a hot curry a ...................... curry
4. sparkling mineral water ......................... mineral water
5. dry wine ......................... wine

B. Choose the correct words to complete the collocations.

6. The menu looks good. What are you going to order for your ....... ?
a. main course b. main helping c. main meal
7. Would you like ....... or chips with your steak?
a. smashed potatoes b. mashed potatoes c. minced potatoes
8. The smell of ....... coffee woke me up this morning.
a. freshly-cut b. freshly-ground c. freshly-powdered
9. Let's ....... and drink a toast to the happy couple!
a. lift up our glasses b. empty a bottle c. raise our glasses
10. He's ....... so he won't eat this cream sauce.
a. having a strict diet b. on a strict diet c. dieting strictly
11. Oh no! I ordered my steak rare, but they've served it ....... .
a. well done b. well-cooked c. brown
12. If you've finished eating, shall we ....... ?
a. ask for the addition b. ask for the bill c. get our account

C Complete these two-word expressions using the jumbled letters.

13. knife and ............................. KORF
14. salt and ............................. ERPPEP
15. fruit and ............................. SAVETGEEBL
16. bread and ............................. TRUBET
17. cup and ............................. CUASRE
18. fish and ............................. PSCHI

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4. FOOD AND DRINK 2
A. Choose the correct word.
1. This way / direction please, sir, madam. I'll bring / show you to your table.
2. Are there any vegetarian dishes on / in the menu?
3. This meat is unfit / inappropriate for human consumption.
4. These starters are on / from the house, with compliments of the management / owners.
5. Waiter! Could we have a bottle of the house / restaurant wine, please?
6. It's nice to get a bit of house / home cooking again after all that convenient /
convenience food.
7. Whenever I eat out / away, I usually leave / give about 15% as a tip, unless service is
already included / counted on the bill.
8. Table for four? No, sorry. Unless you have a reserve / reservation, I'm afraid we're fully
booked / reserved today, sir.

B. Choose the most suitable word from the box.

bite dish meal tip order course helping

9. Can I take your ...................... ?

10. Would you like to see the menu or will you have the ......................... of the day?
11. What are you going to have for your first ...................... ?
12. Enjoy your .................... !
13. Shall we grab a ........................ to eat before the movie?
14. Would you like a second ........................ of dessert?

C. Which is not a natural collocation?

15. a hearty / good / strong / healthy appetite
16. a three-course / evening / midday / night meal
17. a huge / hearty / compulsive / messy eater
18. a regional speciality / plate / dish
19. speed / health / junk / fast food

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5. HEALTH AND SICKNESS
A. What's the opposite of these expressions?
Choose from these adjectives:
serious minor high severe low

1. a slight pain / .......................... pain

2. serious injuries / .......................... injuries
3. a mild illness / a .......................... illness
4. a high temperature / a .......................... temperature
5. a slight fever / a .......................... fever

B. Complete these sentences using the correct form of get, take or have.
6. I'll just put this thermometer under your tongue and .................... your temperature now.
7. She ......................... a nasty accident falling off a ladder last week.
8. Do you often ...... out of breath when you ........ exercise?
9. I've been .......................... these pills for three weeks now, and I don't seem to be
................... better.
10. She's in great shape and she ...................... a baby just two months ago.
11. Please roll up your sleeve so that I can ....................... your blood pressure.
12. I've been going to the gym recently because I'm trying to .................. in shape for
running the marathon next spring.
13. I had to ................. some time off work because I ................. an operation on my knee.

C. Complete the crossword.

1. I've got a splitting ........ .

2. Help! Somebody call an ...................... .

3. This is a highly-infectious ... .

4. It's important to have a balanced . .

5. You seem to be in very good .

6. The patient has made a full .

8
6. GETTING AROUND

A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

1. travel / go on / set off on a journey

2. go on a travel / an excursion / a day trip / a cruise
3. a seasoned / holiday / commercial / business traveller
4. travel by sea / by rail / by foot / by land
5. travel on a train / tram / taxi / boat
6. ride a bike / horse / car / camel.

B. Choose the most natural-sounding word or phrase.

7. A: When are you setting off on your travels / travel?

B: I'm off / gone tomorrow. I've packed / filled my bags and I'm all ready to move / go!
8. The journey takes / needs around two and half hours.
9. The transport / transportation connections are very good.
It's very easy to get around / travel the city without a car.
10. I was already on road / my way to the station when you called.
11. A: Are we there yet / here yet?
B: It's not far / near now!
12. You can fly non-stop / without stops to China if you want, but it costs a bit more.
13. The last section / leg of the journey was the most difficult, as we had to go by donkey.
14. The band are going to be on / in tour in June and July.
15. My brother bought me an MP3 player. It's handy when you're on the move / moving.

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

16. At the very latest, we need to be on ... a. public transport.

17. They decided to go away ... b. a look at the map.
18. It only takes ... c. the road by nine o'clock.
19. I think we need to have ... d. an hour to get to the station.
20. It would be better to go by ... e. for the weekend.

9
7. DIRECTIONS
A. Which of these two versions sounds more natural?
1 a. He's travelled far and wide.
b. He's travelled wide and far.
2 a. We've been there and here.
b. We've been here and there.
3 a. She keeps flying to and fro.
b. She keeps flying fro and to.
4 a. Good to see you about and out.
b. Good to see you out and about.
5 a. Right then. Onwards and upwards.
b. Right then. Upwards and onwards.

B. Direction or Directions?
Choose the right word to complete these collocations.
6. I don't have a very good sense of ............................. and I always get lost in new cities.
7. We didn't have a map, so we had to stop the car to ask for .................................. .
8. You're going in the right ............... - just keep going straight on, and you'll see the sign.
9. Just look at your hair! It's going in all .................................... because of the wind.
10. Could you give me ................................ while I'm driving? I've no idea how to get there.
11. If you follow my .................................. you'll have no problem finding the place.
12. I told him where to go, but he set off in the opposite ................................. .

C. Which of these expressions is not possible to complete the sentence?

13. The dog was running ....... in the park.
a. side to side b. round and round c. up and down
14. He has travelled ....... in the last two weeks.
a. far distances b. great distances c. a long way
15. Excuse me, I've ....... . Could you tell me the way to the station, please?
a. lost my way b. lost myself c. lost my bearings
16. Don't worry about your dog. I'm sure he'll ....... .
a. find his way home
b. make his own way back
c. return homewards
17. Where are we, anyway? We seem to be ....... .
a. at the end of the world
b. in the back of beyond
c. in the middle of nowhere
18. I think we might have ....... a couple a miles back.
a. taken a wrong turning
b. gone the wrong way
c. mistaken our path
10
8. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
A. Choose the most natural-sounding words.
1. Tickets can purchased from any station ticket office / window or can be booked /
paid online at wwww.southernrail.com.
2. I caught the last / final train back. It's a good thing I didn't lose / miss it.
3. I'll meet you at / in the station. I'll be at / on platform 3.
4. To arrive in / get to Cardiff, you have to move to another train / change at Bristol.
5. The fast / quick trains from Edinburgh don't visit / stop at this station.
6. You can save money if you book your seat / chair more than seven days early / in
advance.
7. The ferry leaves the ferry terminal / station at 6am.
I hope it isn't a rough journey / crossing.
8. It's usual to pay a taxi fare / bill at the end of the journey / ride.

B. Which is not natural English?

9. The train ....... London at 10.35
a. gets to c. arrives in
b. gets into d. arrives at
10. It's sometimes cheaper to travel ....... .
a. off-peak b. non-rush hour c. outside the rush hour
11. Everybody who travels by train has to ....... .
a. pay a ticket b. buy a ticket c. pay the fare
12. I ....... the train at Birmingham.
a. joined c. boarded
b. got on d. entered
13. I love travelling ....... .
a. by rail b. on the rails c. by train
14. I came out of the station and ....... a taxi.
a. hailed d. got
b. got into e. took
c. boarded
15. I usually ....... bus to work
a. get the d. catch a
b. take a e. hail a
c. go by
16. We had a meal ....... the ferry.
a. in c. on board
b. on d. aboard
17. The sea was very ....... .
a. rough b. calm c. flat

11
9. FLYING

A. Choose the most natural-sounding words.

1. I'm afraid your flight has been delayed / retarded because of technical difficulties /
technology problems.
2. It took us half an hour to go through security / be security checked.
3. We take off / go up at seven in the morning and we get in / come down at four in the
afternoon, local time / hours.
4. Are there any left / abandoned luggage lockers in this airport? I've got a twenty-four-
hour stopover / stop between flights.
5. These are the wrong tickets, sir. These are the tickets for your homecoming / return
flight, not your going out / outbound flight.
6. We are currently experiencing / suffering some turbulence so please remain in your
seats with the seatbelts fastened / clipped.
7. Please observe / mark the no-smoking signs at all times.
8. Please remain / keep seated and do not take your luggage from the overhead lockers
until the aircraft has come to a total stop / complete standstill.

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

9 long-haul / small-haul / transatlantic / 3 hour flight
10. go through customs / security / dutyfree / immigration
11. get on / board / embark a plane
12. flight deck / number / control / attendant
13. baggage handler / allowance / suitcase / reclaim

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

14. She told him the estimated time of... a. lounge.
15. The politician chartered... b. arrival.
16. You'll receive a friendly welcome from our cabin... c. airline.
17. Let's go and wait in the departure... d. crew.
18. It's a low-cost... e. a private plane.

12
10. DRIVING
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. a reckless / clever / careful / back seat driver
2. go for a drive / a ride / a lift
3. heavy / stuck in / light / enormous traffic
4. change gear / a wheel / your speed

B. Complete these sentences using go, give or do.

5. He lost his licence for speeding. The police say he was .................... more than 200
kilometres per hour.
6. It's a lovely day. Do you want to ................. for a drive?
7. Someone .................... me directions to get to the station but I think I must have made a
mistake.
8. Nice car! How many kilometres does it .................... to the litre?
9. I'm so annoyed - I've just been ........................... a parking ticket and I was only there
for five minutes!
10. If you're going to be driving past the station could you .......................... me a lift?

C. Choose the most natural-sounding answer to complete these sentences.

Other collocations are in bold type.
11. The road works / workings are likely to cause serious / severe delays on this road,
especially in the rush hour
12. There was a six-mile tailback / a tailback of six miles on the motorway due to a pile-
up earlier in the day.
13. Let's drive / pull into a lay-by in a minute and have a picnic.
14. Sorry, I'm so late. We were held / stuck in traffic coming into town.
15. Don't use your mobile while you're driving or you'll have / make an accident!
16. Don't forget to fill up before you go - you don't want to run out of / finish the petrol on
the back roads.
17. Steve's quite easy-going most of the time but he's a maniac when he starts steering /
gets behind the wheel.
18. A warning light will come on if you don't fasten / connect your seat belt.
19. Do not distract the driver while the vehicle is in / at motion .
20. It's a drive of two hours / a two-hour drive to get to Jo's house.
13
11. HOLIDAYS
A. Match the two parts of the sentences
1. We're going on... a. two weeks off work.
2. I'm taking... b. the low season
3. We decided to stay in... c. a city break to Paris next weekend.
4. It's much cheaper to go in... d. self-catering accommodation this year.
5. You should put on... e. suntan cream if you're going to sit on the beach all day.

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

6. a family-run / luxury / four-star / guest hotel
7. a fashionable / seaside / city / ski resort
8. a holiday / single / double / family room
9. a fun-packed / nightmare / package / dependent holiday

C. Complete these two-word expressions using the jumbled letters

10. bed and ............................... KBRSAETF A
11. lakes and ............................... STMOAINUIN
12. bucket and ............................... DESPA

D. Choose a verb from the box to complete the postcard.

(Change the verb form where necessary.)

take do sit get send have book

Dear Pete,
I thought I'd ......................... 13 you a postcard of the place where we are staying.
We're ............................... 14 a short break on the coast. We ......................... 15
the apartment on the Internet and we're ready pleased with it. We're not
......................................... 16 much sightseeing. Jay and l feel like just
.......................................17 on the beach and ....................................18 a tan. Jay
has ......................................19 lots of pictures.
We'll show you them all when we get back home!
See you soon,
Sara
14
12. FAMILIES
A. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?
Other collocations are in bold type.
1. Jenny comes from a large / big family but I'm a single / an only child.
2. There's no one in my near / immediate family with curly hair.
3. He's a talented musician - he takes / gets it from his mother.
4. Jody is a spoilt / ruined child with over-protective parents.
5. I've got a distant relative / far relation who works in the film industry.
6. They've all got red hair. It goes / runs in the family.
7. I'm afraid Mr Harris is critically ill. We need to notify his next of kin / closest relation.
8. It's natural for a waiting / an expectant mother to worry about her unborn child.

B. Which of these two versions sounds more natural?

9. a. I told all my relations and friends.
b. I told all my friends and relations.
10 a. He is my own flesh and blood, after all.
b. He is my own blood and flesh, after all.
11 a. They are brother and sister.
b. They are sister and brother.
12 a. I went to see my dad and mum.
b. I went to see my mum and dad.
13 a. I now pronounce you wife and man.
b. I now pronounce you man and wife.

C. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.

Change the form of the verb where necessary.

start bring have raise give

14. Claire's going to ............................. a baby in early March.

15. I'm used to being around animals - I was ................................... up on a farm.
16. It's very hard to ..................................... a family on a single income.
17. They decided not to ..................... a family until they had enough money to buy a house.
18. Linda decided she wanted to ................................. birth at home, instead of at hospital.

15
13. FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES
A. Choose the most suitable adjective from the box.

strong sour long wide high warm close

1. He has friends in ........................ places.

2. They've developed a very ................ relationship after all these years of working together.
3. She gave us a very ................................. and friendly welcome.
4. Charlie has a ................................... circle of friends.
5. Over the years the two women has developed ........................... bonds of friendship.
6. They used to get on well together but now things have turned ................... between them.
7. We go back a ..... way - we've known each other for years.

B. Correct these sentences

C. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

12. She's always found it easy to find / make / form friends.
13. Although Dave doesn't enjoy his job much, he has a great social activity / circle / life.
14. They met on a train and started / struck up / began a friendship.
15. Although they're divorced they remain on friendly terms / words / relations.
16. I think we need to do something to improve relations / friendship / cordiality between
the two departments.
17. There was a bit of a bad / an unwelcome / a strained atmosphere in the office after
she fell out with him.
18. I don't know what the argument was about but they're not on speaking conditions /
relations / terms any more.
19. He's not really a friend - he's more of a work / casual / formal acquaintance.

16
14. LOVE AND MARRIAGE
A. Choose the correct words to complete the email.
Hi Emma!
Thanks for your email. It's a shame you couldn't make it to Steve and Jane's wedding on
Saturday. They had a lovely day for it. They had / did 1 the wedding in a nice little church in
2
a village near Jane's parents' house. It looked very pretty in all the marriage/wedding
photographs. The groom looked a bit nervous, but they are both obviously crazily / madly 3
4 5
in love! The wedding reception / party was held / made in a big hotel down the road
6
and we all toasted / drank the newly-weds and the bride's father made / did 7 a speech.
The food was nice and everything went off really well. They've gone
8
off on their wedding trip / honeymoon to the West Indies for a
couple of weeks, now - lucky things!
Anyway, here's a few photos I took of the happy / merry 9 couple.
All the best, Pat

B. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

10. A: Are they a couple / pair ?
B: No, I think they're only / just good friends.
11. They met at a friend's house and it was love at the first sight / first sight.
12. He's never shown much interest in the other / opposite sex.
13. It's a summer romance / love story, but I know it won't last. It's just one of those things.
14. They've been going out / girlfriend and boyfriend together for six months now.
15. Even though they're strongly / highly attracted to each other, it's always been a
platonic relationship / friendship.
16. He accused her of making / having an affair, but as far as I know she always been
faithful to / with him.
17. I just don't want to get involved / go with anyone at the moment. It's too soon since I
broke up with / split from my long-term boyfriend.

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

18. wedding cake / anniversary / bride / day
19. puppy / marriage / cupboard / unrequited love
20. love life / affair / tale / story
21. a double / blind / love / first date

17
15. YOUTH AND AGE
A. Choose the right word.
1. I've got some great news. My wife's going to ....... a baby!
a. do c. make
b. have d. gain
2. I've got a ....... daughter.
a. five years old c. five years aged
b. aged five years d. five year old
3. She wrote the book ....... eighty three.
a. in the age c. of the age
b. at the age of d. by an age of
4. Most of the people in the club were ....... .
a. in their teens c. in their teenagers
b. in teenage d. under twenty years
5. When I was ....... I was already married.
a. aged like you c. the age of you
b. your same age d. your age
6. There were lots of people ....... at the concert.
a. at the age of fifty c. around fifties
b. in their fifties d. in their fifty something
7. He's ninety five, but he doesn't ....... .
a. seem his age c. seem so old.
b. look his age d. look like it

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

8. happy / early / content / second childhood
9. age group / limit / section / restriction
10. only / spoilt / naughty / new child
11. child / middle / old / retirement age

C. Choose the most suitable adjective from the box.

tender natural new-born ripe prime

12. He lived to the ........ old age of ninety seven.

13. I left the country at the ............................. age of six.
14. She's a strong believer in ............................ childbirth.
15. You're not old at all - you're in your ............................. !
16. They don't get much sleep because they have a .......................... baby.
18
16. EDUCATION
A. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.
Change the form of the verb where necessary.
send study get take do start

1. My daughter's five and she's just ................................... school.

2. I'm going to ........................... a course on financial management.
3. His parents decided to .............................. him to boarding school.
4. Dave is .......................................... to be an engineer.
5. My son's just ....................................... a place at university.
6. Harry's decided to ................................. a gap-year, before going to university next year.

B. Choose the right word or phrase.

7. Joanna's doing / making research into the environmental impact of global warming.
8. A recent study has been done / made to investigate the beneficial effects of tea.
9. My exams are coming up and I've got a lot of revision to do / make.
10. Tony dropped out of / left the university and started work as a builder.
11. I can't decide whether to do / make Spanish or French next year.
12. I'm taking / studying evening classes in Computer Science.
13. Gary's in / at university in Manchester. He's reading / learning English Literature.
14. I've got an essay to hand in / give over on Monday morning, so I'd better get on with
some work.
15. Research has been conducted / performed into the hazards of working in a noisy
environment.

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural

collocation?
16. take / have / study / go to lessons
17. do / read / study / make a subject at university.
18. get / take / do / read a degree.
19. pass / take / lose / fail / do an exam
20. private / further / lower / higher education

19
17. HOUSES AND HOUSING
A. Choose the right word.
1. We decided to look for a ....... house after years of living next door to noisy neighbours.
a. separate b. single
c. non-terraced d. detached
2. This flat is only available for a ....... let.
a. brief b. short-term
c. small d. short-time
3. The tenants should pay the ....... direct to the landlord or landlady.
a. money b. let
c. rent d. hire
4. The rooms I've rented are ....... furnished, so I won't need to buy any furniture.
a. fully- b. completely
c. totally d. pre-
5. My daughter is living in the university ....... while she's doing her degree.
a. hostel of residents b. halls of residence
c. place of lodging d. residential home
6. If you take this job, you get ....... free.
a. bed and sleep b. rooms and eating
c. food and housing d. board and lodging
7. While he was working abroad, he ....... his flat through an agency.
a. let out b. hired out
c. sold out d. tenanted
8. This cottage is ....... to rent for the next nine months.
a. disposable b. available
c. free d. open
9. It's ....... neighbourhood, which is why property prices are so low.
a. a sick b. an ailing
c. an out of condition d. a run-down
10. This is a ....... building with plenty of space for all the family.
a. three-floor b. three-storey
c. triple-floored d. three-levelled

B. HOUSE or HOME? Complete these sentences with the correct word.

11. The present owner has done a lot of ....... improvements, so the value of the
property has gone up quite a bit.
12. I'm going to move ...................... next week, so I'll give you my new address.
13. You're welcome to help yourself to anything you feel like - make yourself at ..... .
14. We've only been living here a few weeks but we feel at ...................... already.
15. Many young people decide not to leave ................. until they are in their late twenties.
16. My grandmother has decided to move into an old people's ...... .
17. We're going to have a ............. -warming party on the 23rd so come along if you can.
20
18. HOUSEWORK
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. He cleaned the place from top to... a. tidy.
2. Everything looks very spick and... b. polish
3. His apartment is always neat and... c. cranny.
4. You don't have to clean in every nook and... d. bottom.
5. This work surface needs a bit of spit and... e. span.

B. Choose the right phrase.

6. She's quite house proud, you know. Everything is absolutely ....... .
a. clean b. spotless c. tidy
7. He spilt sugar all over the floor and didn't get round to ..... so it's still crunchy underfoot.
a. brushing it away b. sweeping it up c. lifting it up
8. I haven't been able to ....... a nasty stain on the carpet.
a. get rid of b. lose c. clean out
9. Do you have to be so untidy? I only ....... a couple of days ago.
a. house cleaned b. tidied up c. organised
10. Have you ....... yet?
a. cleaned the dishes b. done the washing up c. washed the plates
11. Do you think you could ....... for me this afternoon? The garden looks a mess!
a. mow the lawn b. cut the lawn c. mow the grass

C. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.

do make get hang clear draw lay

12. If you ............................... the table, then dinner will be ready in five minutes.
13. She decided to ........................... the spring cleaning.
14. You always .............................. a mess when you do the cooking!
15. Could you .............................. the curtains? It's getting dark.
16. I need to ....................... this washing out on the line to dry.
17. If you've finished eating, I'll just ...... the table and then I can load the dishwasher.
18. Kate always likes to ....... everything ready before she starts cooking.

21
19. SHOPPING
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. He's a regular / good / loyal / usual customer.
2. Let's go shopping / for a shop / round the shops / on a shopping spree.
3. It's a shopping / department / chain / convenience store.
4. It's a shopping trolley / keeper / bag / precinct.

B. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

5. A: Do you go / do shopping often?
B: Not really. I prefer shopping / ordering stuff online.
6. It's a bit exhausting going round / into the January sales seeking / hunting
for bargains
7. I haven't done / made my Christmas shopping yet and there's only fifteen more days for
shopping / shopping days till Christmas!
8. If you're going out, could you pick up / bring some things from the shop for me, please?
9. I'm afraid this model is out of stock / not in the shop at the moment, but I could demand /
order it for you.
10. I prefer to go to the supermarket on Monday mornings because I hate being in a line /
standing in a queue to pay for my groceries.
11. Refunds can only be given within 30 days of purchase / buying upon presentation of a
valid receipt. Goods may be exchanged / changed after this date at the company's
discretion.
12. There were quite a few market stall holders / sellers at the monthly farm sale /
farmer's market.
13. Local traders / sellers are complaining about the large out-of-town retail outlets /
shops which have opened in the last few years.
14. I don't like shopping in that town any more. It's all chain shops / stores and shop /
shopping precincts - all the nice little independent / private shops have gone.
15. Customers with five items / things or fewer can use the rapid / express checkouts.

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

16. I think your should splash out ... a. wholesale.
17. Go on! Treat yourself ... b. a bargain.
18. She snapped up c. of drinks.
19. They were very cheap. I bought them ... d. to a new dress.
20. Let me buy the next round ... e. on a nice weekend.

22
20. CLOTHES AND FASHION
A. Choose the best word or phrase to complete the sentence.
Other collocations are in bold type.

1. The woman I saw was completely ................... white.

a. wearing b. dressed in c. clothed in
2. The jacket's the right size but it doesn't ..... me.
a. go with b. match c. suit
3. You look good wearing that colour. It ..................... your eyes.
a. matches b. gives a compliment to c. goes with
4. The meal is going to be quite informal, so you don't need to ................... .
a. dress a lot b. dress up c. dress specially
5. Tell the kids to hurry up and .................. . It's well past their bed time!
a. get undressed b. pull their clothes off c. unclothe themselves
6. I was surprised when I saw Martin ....... Father Christmas at the office party.
a. wearing the clothes of b. dressed up as c. clothed as
7. It's bitterly cold outside today, so ...................... if you're going out.
a. clothe yourself warmly b. dressed well c. wrap up warm

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

10. second hand / baby / winter / fashion clothes

11. summer / sports / casual / evening wear
12. an item / an article / an object / a piece of clothing
13. outdoor / warm / light / indoor clothing
14. well / badly / smartly / untidily dressed

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

15. I don't follow fashion - I set ... a. fashion.
16. Platform shoes are going to make a... b. victim.
17. She thinks that her hair style is the height of c. rage.
18. She looks stupid in that. She's a real fashion d. the trend.
19. Next summer big hats are going to be all the e. comeback.

23
21. WORK 1
A. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?
Other collocations are in bold type.
1. I'm afraid he's not in the office / work at the moment. Can I take a message?
2. My daughter Emma has a good job / good work in politics.
3. The successful applicant for this position will have good / high qualifications and
adequate / relevant experience.
4. The workman did a really good job / work on the plumbing.
5. You deserve a break - you've worked without end / non-stop on this project.
6. He spent the summer earning his money / living as a street musician.
7. I'm exhausted. I've been hard at / of work all day.
8. How did the interview go? Did you have / get the job?
9. Most days I get home from work / the work by 7.00pm.
10. I'm going to ask / apply for a job in the local shop.

J. Choose the correct word to complete the collocation.

11. Ben's ambition was to ....... a career in advertising.
a. get b. pursue c. take
12. Sally was feeling stressed so she asked her boss for some ....... work.
a. time out of b. time off c. break from
13. How long have you been working ....... this project?
a. on b. in c. for
14. Unfortunately there are over ten thousand people ....... work in the area.
a. without some b. out of c. away from
15. It's a nightmare ....... every day by bus.
a. travelling to my job b. going to work c. getting into work
16. A: So what do you do ....... ?
B: I work in a supermarket.
a. to win money b. to earn c. for a living
17. I won't be able to leave the office early - I've got too much ....... to get through.
a. work b. job c. working
18. Greg's ....... business in Japan at the moment.
a. in b. on c. at
24
22. WORK 2
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. I'm so busy! I've got a really heavy...
2. The company has a highly-skilled...
3. I can work flexible...
4. The personnel manager offered him a short-term
5. He had a long and distinguished...

a. hours
b. workload this month.
c. career as a diplomat.
d. workforce e contract.

B. Which of these expressions is not possible to complete the sentence?

6. Marcus ....... because his boss found out he had stolen some money from the company
account.
a. got the sack b. lost his job c. was fired
d. was put out of his job e. was dismissed
7. Jenny plucked up courage to ask her boss for ....... .
a. a pay rise b. greater pay c. a pay increase
8. If I can afford it, I'd like to ....... when I'm 55.
a. give up work b. get retired c. take early retirement
9. The baby's due in two months time so I'm going to be ....... from next month.
a. off work b. taking maternity leave c. taking baby time
10. Unless the management improve conditions soon, the factory workers will ....... .
a. go on strike b. take a strike c. strike

C. Complete the crossword.

1. A hundred workers were made .
2. I work in the finance ....... .
3. The company mostly employs white-collar ..
4. He works for a multi-national ....... .
5. She's a senior sales ....... .
6. We'll have to advertise to fill the vacant .
7. CEO stands for chief executive .
8. The job comes with a very attractive .

25
23. BUSINESS
A. Make or do? Choose the right word. Other collocations are in bold type.
1. I didn't really make / do a profit selling the books on the internet because I had to pay
postage.
2. It's been a pleasure making / doing business with you.
3. Business is booming and we've made / done a lot of money.
4. As you know, we've had a few problems this year and we may have to make / do some
cutbacks.
5. We set up our business last February and we've been making / doing a brisk trade
ever since.

B. Which of these is not a collocation?

6. business / joint / national venture
7. business lunch / associate / friend / meeting
8 heavy / light / trade / motor industry
9. trade embargo / deal / agreement / deficit
10. take up / start up / manage / launch a business

C. Choose the best words to complete the sentences.

Other collocations are in bold type.

11. Well, you drive a hard bargain, but ....... !

a. we've agreed b. let's deal c. it's a deal
12. After a shaky start earlier this financial year, the business has really ....... .
a. grown up b. taken off c. gone up
13. I've been ....... this business for over thirty years, so don't tell me what to do!
a. running b. leading c. bossing
14. Nick's got a very good ....... .
a. business head b. head for business c. sense of business
15. His two sons work ....... .
a. for their family's firm b. in the family company c. in the family business
16. Diana's got a job with a ....... of lawyers.
a. big business b. large firm c. large business
17. This advertising campaign has done nothing to improve our ....... .
a. corporate image b. business appearance c. company look

26
24. MONEY 1
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. Karen has a steady job with a regular
2. The student was awarded a...
3. The charity received a substantial...
4. You may be entitled to receive state...
5. He gave up work when he came into his
a. inheritance
b. income.
c. benefits.
d. donation.
e. scholarship

B. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.

pay off pay by pay on pay with pay in

6. If you ....................... cash I can give you a 10% discount.

7. Josh was able to ....................... his mortgage after only five years.
8. How much tax will I have to ......................... my gross salary?
9. You should go to your bank and ........................ that cash straight away.
10. Is it OK if I ..................... credit card or would you prefer a cheque?

C. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

11. He started / opened his account with Handley's bank five years ago.
12. The meal cost nearly 100, and it was a complete loss / waste of money in my opinion.
13. I'd like to get a new car but I can't afford / can't pay for one at the moment.
14. James got heavily / strongly into debt when he went to college.

D. Which of these verb/noun combinations is not a natural collocation?

15. make / earn / waste / do / spend money
16. cost / get into / make / lose / win a fortune
17. owe / pay / raise / take out / cut tax
18. go up / expand / gain / increase in value
19. pay back / pay off / take out / borrow a loan

27
25. MONEY 2

A. Choose the correct word or phrase.

1. This machine does not give change. Please have the ....... ready.
a. precise figure b. right money c. exact change
2. His great-aunt left him a considerable ....... of money
a. sum b. figure c. quantity
3. Have you seen his new sports car? It must have ....... .
a. been a big expense b. cost a fortune c. had a high price
4. I'm ....... to go on a round-the world trip next year.
a. saving up b. banking some money c. putting money in the bank
5. Could you lend me some coins for the coffee machine? I haven't got any ....... .
a. coinage b. loose change c. small change

B. Which of these two versions sounds more natural?

6. a. He's famous and rich. b. He's rich and famous.

7. a. She only wanted fame and fortune. b. She only wanted fortune and fame.
8. a. I couldn't get any for love nor money. b. I couldn't get any for money nor love.
9. a. The business went to rack and ruin. b. The business went to ruin and rack.

C. Choose the correct words to complete the collocation.

10. The cost / price of living is already high and it is steadily gaining / increasing.
11. I need to exchange / change some money. What's the exchange / change rate today?
12. I'm down / back to my last fiver. I need to get / take some money from the cash point.
13. I've had an account with / in this bank for five years and always had a healthy / rich
bank balance.

D. Which of these is not a natural collocation?

14. economic climate / fortune / development / growth
15 monetary policy / economy / control / reform
16. financial currency / backing / difficulties / year
17. tax benefits / break / income / evasion

28
26. NUMBERS AND STATISTICS
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. He counted up the number of days...
2. I can't keep track...
3. She's got a good head
4. I don't know precisely, but I can make...
5. There seems to have been a significant reduction
a. an estimate.
b. for figures.
c. in numbers.
d. on his fingers
e. of how many there are.
B. Correct these sentences

6. I've lost the count of how many.

7. So 512 x 9 + 336.
What does that come at in total?

8. How many do you calculate it?

9. That gives us a total fifteen.

C. Which of these is not a natural collocation?

10. large / big / vast / huge number
11. unemployment / sales / double / price figures
12. work out the answer / figures / money / price / cost / finances
13. a rough guess / idea / estimate / approximation

D. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

Other collocations are in bold type.
14. I've had a look at the figures but they don't seem to add up. I think I've done / made
a mistake.
15. Unemployment figures are low / small but inflation rates are high / big at the moment.
16. The numbers of students studying Latin has fallen sharply / heavily in the past 5 years.
17. I've been keeping / doing a mental count, and I make it twenty seven.
18. I can't keep track / a record of how many girlfriends he's had since I've known him.

29
27. BUREAUCRACY
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. You have to follow the rules and
2. The supermarkets were asked to follow a voluntary
3. Keeping careful records should be standard...
4. It's a bit of an unwritten
5. Unfortunately there has been an administrative...
a. procedure
b. error
c. law.
d. regulations
e. code of practice.
B. Which of these is not natural English?
6. There're so many forms to ....... for this application, it's bureaucratic nightmare.
a. fill in b. fill out c. fill up d. complete
7. To receive the grant you have to ....... the correct procedure.
a. go through b. follow c. comply with d. take
8. Government departments should try to reduce ....... .
a. unnecessary paperwork b. excessive rules c. red tape
9. To make money on this business, you sometimes have to ....... .
a. move the rules b. break the rules c. bend the rules
10. Our company is quite strict about the regulations and expects us to ....... .
a. do it by the book b. stick to the letter of the law c. respect all rules
11. You have to ....... by 1st March
a. submit your application b. get your application in c. finish applying

C. Choose the most appropriate verb from the box.

Other collocations are in bold type.
follow comply with process break apply for

12. Please carefully ......................... the guidelines laid down in the handbook.
13. Please could you send me the forms I need to ............................. a work permit.
14. The company was very careful to ...................... regulations governing safety at work.
15. Even the most law-abiding person may .................................. the law once or twice.
16. It'll take them about a month to ............................... my application, I would imagine.
30
28. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. While taking this medicine do not operate heavy... a. appliances.
2. The shop sells washing machines and other domestic b. device.
3. The machinery is protected by a safety c. machinery.
4. Although the car is small is has a powerful... d. equipment.
5. This safety clip is an essential piece of... e. engine.

B. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

6. If the razor is faulty / wrong, you should return it to the producer / manufacturer.
7. My car is quite old so it's getting hard to find spare / exchange parts for it when things
go wrong.
8. Be careful not to touch the wires, or you may get an electric strike / shock.
9. I had to walk up six flights of stairs because the lift was out of order / service.
10. My washing machine has broken / broken down again so I guess I'm going to have to
get a new one.
11. The smoke activated / began the sprinkler system and set off / turned on the fire
alarms.
12. I can't understand why the photocopier isn't working / running. It's just been tuned /
serviced and I can't see anything bad / wrong with it.
13. You shouldn't leave the engine working / running. It's a waste of petrol!
14. If I don't use my MP3 player for twenty minutes, it automatically disconnects /
switches itself off to save / conserve the battery.
15. To enter the building, the firemen had to wear breathing masks / apparatus.

C. Which of these is not a collocation?

16. mechanical fault / problem / mistake / failure
17. turn on / turn up / turn over / turn off the power
18. an electric shock / engineer / toothbrush / current
19. technical / nuclear / leading / mad scientist
20. modern / the latest / state of the art / instant technology

31
29. COMPUTERS
A. Choose the most suitable verbs from the box.

back up type have open run

click on close down enter goes down

1. Please . . your user name and password.

2. You don't have to ................. it all in again - just cut and paste it from the first document.
3. If you forget to .................. your work and the system ............ , you may lose everything.
4. If you want to open the program, just ........................ the icon.
5. If you ............... trouble downloading files, it may be because the file sizes are too large.
6. You can ...... Excel files in Word.
7. Your computer will ..................... faster if you ................... the programs you're not using.

B. Which is not natural English?

8. I bought it .......... the internet, so it was much cheaper.
a. through b. on c. over
9. I'll ........... as soon as I arrive.
a. send you an email b. email you c. post you an email
0. When you ............. , don't turn the computer off, because I need it after you.
a. log down b. log off c. log out
11. This computer takes ages to .............. when you switch it on.
a. boot up b. get ready c. start up
12. As soon as I opened the attachment, the computer ....... .
a. froze up b. went down c. crashed

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

13. Some spyware makes a record every time you access... a. data.
14. I have a USB key, but usually I save my work... b. online.
15. This memory key can be used to store up to 4 Gb of c. a website.
16. This anti-virus system will give you peace of mind when you go... d. the net.
17. My son spends too much time surfing... e. to disc.

32
30. TELEPHONES
A. Choose the correct word.
1. The line's still engaged / taken. I've been trying to connect / get through all morning.
2. Can I ring you again / call you back? The signal is breaking up / down.
3. Why don't you ring / telephone her up to see how she's getting on?
4. I'm sorry but she not in the office at the moment. Can I pass / take a message for you?
5. I phoned Dave three times yesterday but he hasn't returned my calls / answered my
rings.
6. Hey, Steve, there's someone on the phone / a phone-caller for you.
7. Your phone has got a really annoying ring / ringing tone. Can't you change it?
8. Can I give you my home / at home phone number in case you need to get in touch over
the weekend?

B. Choose the most suitable word.

1. Excuse me a moment - I need to make a phone .

2. I tried to phone you last night but the ......... was
busy.
3. Phil tried to talk to her, but she just slammed the
....... down.
4. No, sorry. I think you've got the wrong .......... .
5. I tried to phone the company to complain but they
put me on .......... for ten minutes.
6. I'll send you a text .......... .
7. I left a message on Simon's .......... .
8. My mobile's got a low .......... , so I'll call you later.

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

1. mobile / pay / house / public phone
2. dial / telephone / ring / call a number
3. leave / hold / take / send a message
4. put through / miss / ring / take a call
5. phone call / box / tone / number

33
31. LEISURE
A. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.
Change the form of the verb where necessary.

take put start take make

1. He was very friendly and made an effort to .............. me at my ease.

2. As she got into the bath she felt herself ...................... to unwind.
3. Sit down and ........................ the weight of your feet!
4. He put his feet up and ...................... himself comfortable.
5. I've decided to ......................... some time off work to unwind a bit.

B. Choose the most natural sounding words or phrases.

6. Rick spends most of his .................. in the gym.

a. relax time b. free moments c. spare time
7. I don't want you to lift a finger. You just ....... !
a. relax and sit back b. sit back and relax c. sit and relax back
8. Alex and I are ................... on Saturday, so I hope you can come.
a. throwing a party b. making a party c. doing a party
9. I think you should try to calm down and ................... for a bit.
a. take the things easy b. take things easily c. take things easy
10. My doctor's very warm and friendly - she really ................ people at their ease.
a. makes b. puts c. relaxes

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. I've been working too hard and I need to take... a. time

2. He decided to take up... b. peace and quiet.
3. I'm having a weekend at a spa hotel to get a bit of... c. a hobby.
4. I enjoy gardening in my free... d. a break.
5. At the moment, her life's all work and... e. no play.

34
32. FILMS, TV AND RADIO
A. Choose the most natural-sounding answer.
1. The movie has fantastic special effects, so you really should see it ....... .
a. on the screen b. on the big screen c. in full format
2. ....... - there's a film just starting on the other channel at nine o'clock.
a. Change the station b. Retune the TV c. Change the channel
3. This is ....... broadcast from Wembley stadium.
a. an actual b. a live c. a current
4. There will be a ....... of the series over Christmas.
a. feature-length episode b. film-length programme c. full-length showing
5. This soap opera is one of the most popular in the country and ....... are increasing.
a. viewing figures b. viewer numbers c. viewers
6. The film was ....... and was nominated for an Oscar.
a. a ticket-seller b. a cinema success c. a box office hit

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

7. a low-budget / comedy / science fiction / horror movie
8. a television programme / show / film / series
9. on the radio / movie / the air / screen
10. a film programme / star / maker / soundtrack
11. mainstream / everyday / independent / art house cinema

C. Which are the most natural-sounding words?

12. A: Do you feel like seeing / watching television?
B: I don't know. What's broadcasting / on?
13. I can't tune in / move the radio to the new jazz station, because the reception's bad
and I can't pick up / connect to the signal.
14. Don't just sit there jumping / zapping through the channels. If there's nothing playing /
on, then turn the TV off!
15. Who's that actor? I've seen him in / from a movie somewhere.
16. I've seen this film before. I saw it on / on the TV last month.
17. The TV programme was made into a movie / feature film but unfortunately it was a box
office failure/ miss.

35
33. THEATRE
A. Write the correct words in the spaces.

on the stage stage fright dress rehearsal for three months

curtain call the spotlight a standing ovation the lead

1. Who's playing ....... in this production?

2. We're going to have a ....... tomorrow, so please make sure your costumes are ready.
3. The play is due to run ....... but if it gets bad reviews it may close earlier.
4. My daughter wants to go ....... but I've told her acting is a difficult career to get into.
5. The audience gave the play ....... . They clapped for ten minutes.
6. The actor stood in ....... as he delivered his monologue.
7. It's a full house tonight, so I hope Harry doesn't suffer from ....... again when he goes on.
8. As the actors were taking their the leading lady was given a huge bouquet.

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

9. perform in / act in / do / be in / act a play.
10. put on / open / start / direct / rehearse a play
11. forget / talk / learn / rehearse your lines
12. stage hand / door / lamp / lighting / fright
13. title / acting / starring / leading role
14. opening / love / final / performance scene
15. amateur / stage / supporting / comedy / straight actor

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

16. The leading lady made a dramatic...
17. At the end of the performance, the actors took...
18. After the final curtain, the actors came back to give
19. Patrick Picard gave an exceptionally strong...
a. an encore.
b. performance as King Lear.
c. entrance in the first scene.
d. a bow.
36
34. MUSIC AND DANCE
A. Choose the most appropriate words from the box.
Other collocations are in bold type.

note words tune voice choir albums career

1. He started singing in the church ...... when he was eight and he had a beautiful ........ .
2. What's that .................. you're whistling? It sounds vaguely familiar.
3. I've got a piano but I can't play a .................. !
4. Sing along if you know the ..................... I
5. She recorded three best-selling .................. and her singing .................... is going from
strength to strength.

B. Which is the most natural-sounding answer?

6. Sing if you must, but please try not to sing out of tune / off the tune.
7. When I was eleven I learnt the violin but I didn't train / practice very often.
8. Just hum the tune if you don't know the words / lyrics.
9. I'm a terrible / horrible dancer because I've got no sense of beat / rhythm.
10. Dan was tapping his feet to the beat / tempo of the music.
11. The violinist gave / made a very moving performance.
12. The band are planning to go on / take a tour in the spring.
13. Joanna has a good ear / sense for music and she can pick out a tune / harmony on
the piano after hearing it only once.
14. I'm learning to dance the tango / tango, but I can't find a dance companion / partner.
15. I don't like musicals because every five minutes someone explodes / bursts into song.
16. My son's taken / started up the saxophone, but he's not very talented / good at it yet.

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

17. He's a gifted musician with perfect... a. roll.

18. I've always been interested in rhythm and... b. beat.
19. The song has a simple... c blues
20. It's a track with a very strong... d. pitch.
21. The 1950s saw the emergence of rock and... e. melody.

37
35. ART AND ARTISTS
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. display / exhibit / hold / show a work of art
2 fine / modern / antique / contemporary / work of art
3. a digital / a disposable / an electronic camera
4. artistic temperament / licence / merit / work
5. colour / camera / family / black and white / digital photo

B. Choose the most natural-sounding answer.

6. The cathedral looks slightly different in real life, but I've used a bit of artistic ....... to help
balance the composition.
a. freedom b. licence c. permission
7. Do you usually ....... oils or watercolour?
a. work in b. paint by c. paint
8. He was a very ....... with a great gift for composition.
a. gifted creator b. talented artist c. artistic painter
9. This portrait is ....... . The artist has caught your wife's expression perfectly.
a. an accurate look b. a true picture c. a good likeness
10. It's just ....... of how the building will look when it's finished.
a. a rough sketch b. a quick study c. an approximate drawing
11. Have you ever ....... a portrait before?
a. sat for b. posed in c. modelled with

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

12. I'm not trying to compose a perfect photo. I just want to take...
13. Neil took out pencil and paper and quickly did...
14. The gallery are going to put on...
15. The portrait will be put on...
16. I like this painting with the animals in the...
a. an exhibition.
b. foreground.
c. a snapshot.
d. a sketch.
e. display.
38
36. WRITING AND BOOKS
A. Choose the most suitable verbs from the box.

keep put into rub out jot down read

1. Use a pencil, then you can ...... your mistakes.

2. Keep a notebook with you to ...................................... a few notes.
3. The arrangement was never ........................................ writing.
4. He had to .............................. up on the subject before his exam
5. Do you ......................................... a diary?

B. Which are the most natural-sounding words?

6. No abbreviations are permitted in the examination.

Write out the words completely / in full.
7. I'm not sure about the spelling. I'll have to look it up / for it in the dictionary.
8. Could you put it into the contract, please? I'd like to have it in ink / black and white.
9. His last novel was a masterpiece but he hasn't written anything new for years. He's
suffering from writer's block / stop.
10. I'm afraid we can't order this book for you. It's out of print / publication.
11. I've always wanted to be a novelist but I've never found time to put pen to paper / to
write with a pen on paper.
12. Please print your name in block capitals / stamped letters.

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

13. a first / best-selling / historical / detective / love novel
14. a paperback/fiction / comic / good / second-hand book
15. long / neat / legible / terrible / childish handwriting
16. original / unpublished / printed / handwritten manuscript
17. avid / typical / general / non-specialist reader
18. book / public / reference / mobile library
19. best-selling / award-winning / master / contemporary novelist

39
37. SPORT 1
A. Choose the right word to complete these expressions.
court course rink
track stadium pool
1. a golf ..
2. a tennis ..
3. a football ..
4. a skating ..
5. a swimming ..
6. a running ..

B. Do, play or go? Choose the correct verb.

Change the form where necessary.
7. We're off to the leisure centre to ........................... squash, if you fancy coming along.
8. He's quite well-built because he ...... a lot of weight-lifting.
9. I don't want to ............................ jogging today. It's wet and miserable outside.
10. I've never ............................. karate before. Is it fun?
11. Have you ever ............................... mountain climbing?
12. Sam's out with his friends this morning, ............................. a round of golf.
13. I find ............................... yoga every morning helps me to relax.
14 On this holiday, you'll have the opportunity to .......................... sailing, .....
aerobics with a trained instructor or just ............................. a game of beach volleyball.

C. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

Example: We made a lot of activities. - We did a lot of activities.
15. We beat the match easily. .
16. He broke the world's record. .
17. How much sport do you make? .
18. We did cycling this weekend. .
19. I took a part in the competition. .
20. The other team won us. .

40
38. SPORT 2
A. Which of these expressions is not a collocation?
1. sporting facilities / players / events / activities
2 a horse / boat / leg / motor race
3. baseball / cricket / tennis / rugby team
4. a football / rugby / tennis / golf match
5. score a goal / point / try / match

B. Choose the most natural-sounding words.

6. Karate, judo and kung-fu are martial ................. .
a. arts b. sports c. activities
7. He's currently in .............. for a very important race.
a. rehearsal b. practice c. training
8. I'll ..................... of chess, if you feel like it.
a. give you a game b. play you a match c. make you a contest
9. I hoped to beat Simon at tennis but he ................... with me.
a. cleaned the wall b. wiped the floor c. washed the dishes
10. The ................. will go through to the final in Manchester.
a. victorious team b. winning team c. beating team
11. The French team finished .................. , followed closely by the British team.
a. in the top position b. in prime post c. in first place
12. In the end it was no contest, and the ......... swept to victory, beating the visitors four nil.
a. residential team b. home team c. local team

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

13. In the last five minutes of the match, Harrison scored. a. a gold medal
14. We need three new players to join.... b. the score
15. The captain of the football team took.... c. the team
16. Natasha Robertson won.... d. a goal
17. We need somebody to keep. e. the penalty

41
39. NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
A. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?
1. We walked slowly through the thick / dense forest.
2. Tom and Julie stopped for a while to admire the view / enjoy the landscape.
3. The views of the snow-peaked / snow-capped mountains and rolling green country /
countryside are breathtaking / surprising.
4. The resort is within easy access of both secluded rocky / rock-covered coves and long
sanded / sandy beaches.
5. The flora and fauna / fauna and flora of this island are unique.
6. Our company aims to use environmentally friendly / harmless methods of food
production.
7. We had spectacular / spectacle views of the sunset over the sea from our hotel window.
8. The deforestation and unsustainable development / building of the area over the past
twenty years has led to irreparable injury / damage to the environment.
9. Living in the country, you feel much closer to nature / the nature.

B. Which of these expressions is not a collocation?

10. natural phenomenon / disaster / problems / resources
11. Green policies / measures / party / environment
12. preserve / protect / keep / damage the environment
13. barren / countryside / dramatic / urban landscape
14. endangered / fragile / environmental / coastal habitat

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

15. The burning of fossil fuels leads to global ...
16. Insects are an essential part of the food ...
17. We need to develop new forms of renewable ...
18. The sight of these animals is one of the wonders of the natural ...
19. It's important to preserve the otter's natural ...
20. The government is promoting sustainable ...

a. world.
b. warming.
c. habitat .
d. energy .
e. development .
f. chain.
42
40. ANIMALS AND BIRDS
A. Complete these expressions.
locusts kittens bees
elephants wild dogs seagulls
1. a flock of ..
2. a swarm of ..
3. a herd of ..
4. a litter of ..
5. a pack of ..
6. a plague of ..

B. Choose the best answer to complete the sentences.

7. I like your dog. What ....... is it?
a. make b. breed c. species
8. She gave a large donation to an animal ....... organisation.
a. welfare b. help c. protection
9. Unfortunately, the polar bear is now in ....... .
a. endangerment b. risk of extinction c. danger of extinction
10. I don't think it's a good idea to keep an ostrich ....... a pet.
a. for b. like c. as
11. The ..... was set up in 1979 to help protect the habitat from poachers and other threats.
a. wildlife park b. animal park c. wild animal area
12. Geoff's a real ....... . He has three large dogs, five cats and at least seven rabbits.
a. pet lover b. animal lover c. pet fan
13.1 don't like zoos. I prefer to see animals in ....... rather than stuck in little cages.
a. the wild b. nature c. the fresh air

C. Which of these is not a natural collocation?

14. animal kingdom / instinct / planet / rights
15. savage / wild / endangered / domestic animal
16. wild / mythical / savage / horrible beast
17. alive / living / innocent creature

43
41. AGRICULTURE
A. Which of these is not a natural collocation?
1. organic / dairy / agricultural / arable farm
2. farm produce / animals / crop / worker
3. cereal / potato / record / sheep crop
4. grape / bumper / good / full harvest
5. growing / fertile / barren / rich soil

B. Choose the most natural-sounding word or phrase.

6. ............... the seeds in April, in rows at least 15 cm apart.
a. Drop b. Sow c. Grow
7. He's worked ....... a farm all his life.
a. in b. at c. on
8. The land has been ............... , with heavy use of fertilisers.
a. grown heavily b. intensively farmed c. cropped extensively
9. Increasingly, consumers are choosing to buy ...... instead of factory-farmed animals.
a. open air poultry b. free range chickens c. farmyard chickens
10. Mr Harcourt has been ....... pigs for many years.
a. growing b. harvesting c. breeding
11. The famine was caused by .............. across the region, due to the low rainfall.
a. harvest loss b. growth damage c. crop failure
12. ........... fruit and vegetables can be sold for higher prices than those produced using
chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
a. Biologically farmed b. Organically grown c. Green grown

C. Choose the right word to complete these expressions.

harvest horses fields corn cows
13. harvest the .......
14. plough the .......
15. stable the .......
16. milk the .......
17. bring in the .......

44
42. THE WEATHER
A. Complete these expressions.
1. a clap of ...............................
2. a bolt of ...............................
3. a drift of ...............................
4. a drop of ...............................
5. a ray of ...............................
6. a gust of ...............................

sunlight snow thunder rain wind lightning

B. What's the opposite of these weather expressions?

Choose from these adjectives:
7. a light wind a heavy / strong wind
8. light rain heavy / thick rain
9. a light covering of snow a high / thick covering of snow
10. a light frost a strong / hard frost

C. Which of these weather is not possible?

11. a hail / wind / snow storm
12. a strong / persistent / light drizzle
13. a cool / warm / weak / gentle breeze
14. a high / south-westerly / big / strong wind
15. heavy / weak / bright / strong sunlight
16. torrential / pouring / flowing / heavy rain
17. a hard / strict / severe / cold / mild winter

D. Which word or phrase does not make a natural collocation?

18. I want to watch the ..................... on TV to see if it's going to rain tomorrow.
a. weather b. weather programme c. weather forecast
19. The building was .................... by lightening during the thunderstorm.
a. hit b. struck c. electrocuted
20. The emergency services are on call every day, ................... .
a. whatever the weather b. in all weathers c. in all the weather

45
43. CRIME
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. commit murder / robbery / stealing / burglary
2. rob an old lady / a bank / a million pounds
3. stolen property / things / goods
4. organised / small / petty / serious crime
5. major / minor / criminal / serious offence
6. small-time / dangerous / minor / hardened criminal
7. break / uphold / abide by / smash / bend the law

B. Choose the best word to complete these sentences.

Other collocations are in bold type.

8. He was caught on camera for a speeding / speed offence and had to pay a hefty fine.
9. Will the brutal murderer strike / hit again? Find out in the next episode of Murder at
Midnight.
10. The two men are wanted in connection with a gun / an armed robbery committed on
Friday 23rd May.
11. A background check revealed that the suspect has a criminal record / history.
12.The judge took into account several earlier / previous offences.
13. You can't just walk in and help yourself - it's outside / against the law.
14. Do you realise this is very / highly illegal?
15 We have reason to believe that you did / committed the crime.

C. Complete these two-word expressions using the jumbled letters.

14. law and .. R O D R E

15. rules and .. G U T I O R E L A N S

16. drinking and .. I N G V R I D

17. crime and .. M N T P U N S H I E

18. breaking and.. NGTENREI

19. cops and .. S B B R 0 E R

46
44. PUNISHMENT
A. Write the correct words in the spaces, and choose the best words from the
pairs.

a verdict evidence in custody a fine

fingerprints of an offence investigation an arrest

1. Don't touch anything at the place / scene of the crime because we need to take ............. .
2. It took the jury all day to reach ................ , but in the end they found / decided him guilty.
3. With some / any luck, police will shortly be able to make ...... .
4. Even when you are accused ..................... , you are innocent until proved / known guilty.
5. The police are currently doing / carrying out a thorough ...... .
6. His wife decided she didn't want to give .......................... against / about him in the trial.
7. The judge decided against a custodial / imprisonment sentence and ordered her to
pay ....................... instead.
8. The accused was held ............ until yesterday, but has now been released with / on bail.

B. Complete the crossword. Other collocations are in bold type.

1. It wasn't a serious offence, so they .............................. him off with a caution.

2. I hope the fine will ........................................ him a lesson for what he's done.
3. If you don't pay me what you owe me,
I'll ................................... you to court.
4. A man in his late fifties is .................................. police with
their enquiries.
5. across.
The judge dismissed the case due to ............. of evidence.
5. down.
The judge sentenced the prisoner to ..... imprisonment.
6. The accused ............................. innocent, my lord.
7. He ..................... seven years for armed robbery.
8. More than twenty witnesses ............... evidence at the trial.
9. A: How do you ..... the defendant? Guilty or not guilty?
B: Not guilty, my lord.

47
45. JOURNALISM AND THE NEWS
A. Choose the best word to complete these sentences.
1.The story................. the national news and the village was filled with reporters for days.
a. filled b. made c. did
2. This is Radio Avon, bringing you .................... throughout the day.
a. the latest news b. the most recent stories c. the newest events
3.This is Kerry McDowell, ........................ from Beirut.
a. live reporting b. reporting live c. reporting alive
4.The environmental conference was given considerable ..................... .
a. newspaper miles b. journalistic attentions c. media coverage
5. We bring you ....... from the scene of the explosion.
a. an eye-witness report b. a first-person report c. an at-the-scene story
6. In the paper tomorrow, the ....... of the minister's resignation.
a. unique story b. unique news c. exclusive story

B. Choose the most suitable verb.

bring make run come place
7. The paper decided not to ..... the story about the dead donkey.
8. It's only a minor story, so I doubt it's going to .......................... the headlines.
9. I'd like to ...... an advert in the classified section please.
10. Until it folded last year, the magazine used to ........................... out twice monthly.
11. We interrupt this programme to ................................. you a news flash.

C. Choose the best word or phrase.

12. As soon as the royal engagement was announced, her picture was all over the first /
front page for weeks.
13. The news of the scandal hadn't broken / started when the
newspapers went to print / press last night.
14. An important role of detective / investigative journalism is
uncovering corruption.
15. The story opened / broke while the politician was away on holiday.
16. Whale hunting hasn't been in the news / important news much
recently, but it's still an important issue.

48
46. POLITICS

A. Which is not natural English?

1. They couldn't agree on what to do so they decided to ..... .

a. put it to the vote b. take a vote on it c. make a vote on it
2. The government have promised to .................. in May.
a. hold a referendum b. hold a vote c. hold an election
3. Only 8% of the candidates .................. were women.
a. running for office b. standing for election c. fighting for position
4. She is a well known .................. politician.
a. left wing b. centre wing c. right wing
5. He's always been very active in ................. .
a. local politics b. party politics c. government politics
6. Ms Robertson made the decision to ................. politics last year.
a. join b. go into c. enter

B. Write the correct words in the spaces.

general election a military coup in favour of a candidate

to power in power a landslide victory the leadership

7. The party came ................... in 1983, and there have been no free elections since then.
8. The Socialist Alliance party won ........ in last April's elections.
9. The army have staged ....................................... and seized power.
10. Gerald Forbes has decided not to stand as ................................. in the next election.
11. The government may decide to call an early .................. if they think it will benefit them.
12. Under ............................ of President Menzies, the gap between rich and poor widened
considerably.
13. The party could not have remained ........................ without the support of big business.
14. The majority of ministers voted ............................. the proposal, but 15% voted against.

49
47. DISASTERS
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. After many dry months we are experiencing a severe...

2. As soon as the ambulance arrived they administered...
3. The rescue services have been forced to take desperate...
4. The doctors were unable to stop the sweeping...
5. The accident at the chemical factory has led to fears of harmful
6. If the river bursts there will be heavy...
7. The hurricane caused widespread...
a. measures.
b. destruction
c. drought.
d. first aid.
e. flooding.
f. emissions.
g. epidemic.

B. Choose the best words or phrases to complete these sentences.

8. The volcano last ......... in 1872, causing widespread panic and destruction of property.
a. went off b. exploded c. erupted
9. Due to this year's crop ............. , there are fears that the area may suffer from famine.
a. failure b. disaster c. reduction
10. It's immoral to waste water on swimming pools and golf courses in ............ .
a. dry times b. times of drought c. periods of dryness
11. The government have called ................. after the recent earthquake.
a. a state of emergency b. a desperate state c. an emergency period
112. The emergency services have been ..... to assist with the problem.
a. summoned b. brought c. called out
13. After the disaster ............. , appeals for aid met with an amazingly generous response
from the general ........... .
a. happened / people b. struck / public c. took place / population
14. The increase in carbon dioxide ............. from short haul flights is one of the causes of
global .
a. emissions / warming b. pollution / heating c. gases / heating up
15. By ............. coincidence he was ................ by lightning five times, but managed to
survive each time.
a. surprising / attacked b. amazing / struck c. unusual / got

50
48. FIRE
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. a forest / roaring /camp / home fire
2. a naked / fiery / flickering flame
3. a third-degree / horrible / nasty burn
4. fire office / service / brigade
5. glowing / red / smoking embers
6. burn- / flame - / fire- proof

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

Other collocations are in bold type.
7. The land is bone dry at this time of year and the grass can easily ....... .
a. go on fire b. take fire c. catch fire
8. Before he left the house, he ....... the fire and raked over the embers.
a. put out b. turned out c. stopped
9. There was a fire in 1756 and the house and all its contents ....... .
a. went up on fire b. went up in flames c. burned
10. He ....... his cigarette and went into the restaurant.
a. stubbed out b. stamped out c. stopped out
11. If you smell gas don't turn on the lights or ......... , as this might ignite the escaped gas.
a. use a matchbox b. strike a match c. start a match
12. The arsonists were charged with ....... several barns in the neighbourhood.
a. lighting b. igniting c. setting fire to
13. If you don't watch that barbeque, your chicken will be ....... .
a. burnt to a cinder b. burnt to the ground c. turned black
14. Excuse me - Have you got ....... ?
a. a fire b. a light c. a flame
15. She sat ....... watching the glowing embers and flickering light.
a. by the chimney b. by the fireside c. before the fire
16. Be careful with these chemicals - they are ....... .
a. highly flammable b. extremely burnable c. very ignitable
17. A fire ....... in the night and destroyed the contents of the warehouses.
a. burst out b. came out c. broke out
51
49. WATER
A. Choose the best word to complete these sentences.

1. If the summer is as dry as the spring well have another water lack / shortage like last year.
2. Your donation will help to provide clean water supplies / provisions for a whole village.
3. Although it's slower to get there on water / by sea than to fly, it's much more interesting.
4. This cream will soothe your skin, leaving it moist / damp and supple.

B. Match the two parts of the sentences.

5. I don't want to go out in the pouring... a. cloth.

6. Could you fix that dripping... b. river.
7. Clean it with a damp... c. nose.
8. He looked down at the fast-flowing... d. rain.
9. I've got a really runny... e. tap?

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

10. crystal clear / ice-cold / snow-cold / lukewarm water

11. dripping / pouring / soaking wet
12. fizzy / sparkling / gassed / still mineral water
13. soaked through / to the skin / wet
14. flood / deep / river waters
15. bone / powder / drip / dust dry

D. Choose the most suitable word from the box.

quench drink drip leak

16. I need to get something to .................... I'm parched!

17. The boat sprang a ....... as we were crossing the Channel.
18. After your workout try cranberry juice to ...................... your thirst.
19. There was a steady ......................... from the tap.

52
50. LIGHT
A. Which of these alternatives is not a collocation?
1. The light isn't good / strong / hard enough to read by.
2. In the fading / failing / going light, I could just see the boat sailing away from me.
3. We sat together, looking out across the sea at the falling / rising / setting sun.
4. It was very romantic, walking in the park in the moonlight / under moonlight / by the
light of the moon.
5. I can't see a thing! It's pitch black / dark / night in here!

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

6. Keep the plant out of .......
a. strong sun b. direct sunlight c. straight daylight
7. During the storm we were suddenly ....... into complete darkness.
a. sent b. dropped c. plunged
8. The robberies were committed ....... .
a. in the dark b. under the dark c. under cover of darkness
9. I'm getting too hot so I'm going to sit ....... under these trees.
a. in the shadow b. in the shade c. in the shadows
10. As dawn ....... , the birds all around the house started to sing.
a. broke b. started c. happened
11. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere with classical music and ....... .
a. soft lighting b. dark lighting c. weak light
12. The lights are ....... in his study - he must be still working.
a. up b. illuminated c. on

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

13. a shooting / twinkling / flashing / falling star
14. a ray/shot/beam/flash of light
15. in the dark / daylight / the shadows / nightlight
16. brightly / well / darkly / dimly lit
17. dazzling / blinding / shiny / brilliant sunlight

53
51. SLEEP

A. What's the opposite of these expressions?

Choose from these adjectives: sweet light heavy wide

1. a light sleeper / a ............................. sleeper

2. fast asleep / ................................ awake
3. a deep sleep / a ........ sleep
4. bad dreams / ................................. dreams

B. All the expressions are natural collocations, but which each

one of three is not suitable for the situation?

5. You look worn out! You should ....... .

a. go to sleep b. get an early night c. get some sleep
6. I was just ....... in front of a boring movie when you called.
a. nodding off b. dropping off c. going to sleep
7. A: I'm off to bed now. I can hardly keep my eyes open! B: .......
a. Don't wake up! b. Sleep well! c. Sweet dreams!
8. I don't think I can stay awake any longer. I'm going to ....... now.
a. turn in for the night b. go straight to bed c. sleep heavily
9. A: You look bright-eyed and bushy tailed! Did you sleep OK?
B: Yes, thanks! I ....... last night.
a. had a nap b. slept like a log c. was dead to the world
10. A: Are you OK? You don't seem able to stop yawning today! - B: I ....... last night.
a. woke up with a start b. had a sleepless night. c. had a bad night.

C. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?

11. Don't drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine as it may make / send you
drowsy.
12. Don't turn the music up too loud - Jim's making / having a catnap.
13. I woke up with a start and then I couldn't get / fall back to sleep again.
14. I dreamt / had a nightmare about zombies last night.

54
52. TASTES AND SMELLS
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

1. a delicate scent / fragrance / stink of pine needles

2. the rich aroma / odour / scent of freshly ground coffee
3. the pungent smell / perfume / stench of the fish market
4. a weak / slight / bitter aftertaste
5. a faint hint / flavour / aroma of expensive perfume
6. the bland flavour / taste / savour of mashed potato

B. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?

7. You smell nice / well! What perfume are you using / have you got on?
8. Most dogs have an alert / a keen sense of smell, which is why they are sometimes used
for hunting truffles.
9. I caught / smelt a whiff of something delicious being cooked coming from the window as
I walked past.
10. This Spanish wine has a beautiful colour and a whole-bodied / full-bodied taste,
which makes it an excellent accompaniment to red meat dishes.
11. You can't be enjoying those raw fish! Still, there's no accounting / counting for taste.
12. Could I have the sweet and sour / sour and sweet pork ribs, please, with some rice?
13. This type of mushroom emits / gives off an unpleasant smell of rotting meat.
14. You're wearing / carrying too much perfume. You're smelling / stinking the place out!
15. I love this blue cheese. It's really strong and full of mould - maybe a bit of an
experienced / acquired taste.

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

16. Since my cold I've lost my sense of... a. the scent

17. This delicious spice really brings out ... b. taste buds
18. This drink contains no artificial... c. smell
19. Our delicious appetisers will tickle your... d. flavourings
20. The pack of fox hounds lost ... f. the flavour.

55
53. GESTURES
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. She sniffed the farmyard air and screwed up her... a. face.

2. He shouted at the other driver and made a rude b. tongue.
3. When he saw the figures he raised his... c. nose.
4. It's rude to stick out your... d. gesture.
5. He heard the bad news and pulled a ... e. eyebrows.

B. Choose the best answer to complete these sentences.

6. She stood on the platform and ....... as his train pulled out of the station.
a. waved goodbye b. gave a goodbye sign c. signalled goodbye
7.When we asked if the hotel was going to open, the man just ....... .
a. waved his head b. signalled no c. shook his head
8.Tom and Julie sat in the cinema ....... .
a. holding hands b. holding their hands c. hand-holding
9. Sally caught sight of Jim and ....... him a cheery wave.
a. did b. gave c. made
10. The traffic cop raised his hand, giving us the stop ....... .
a. sign b. signal. c. gesture.
11. The teacher ....... to ask about my homework.
a. pointed me forwards b. gestured me forwards c. beckoned me over

C. Choose a verb from the box. Change the form o f the verb where necessary.

make burst clap shrug grin cross

12. When I asked for directions, He just .......................... his shoulders.

13. When she got the good news she was ......................... from ear to ear.
14. He ........................... a face when he tasted the bitter coffee.
15. She sat down and .......................... her legs.
16. The child fell over and immediately ...... into tears.
17. Come on everybody! Tap your feet and ..................... your hands in time to the music!

56
54. MOVEMENT
A. Which of these alternatives does not sound natural?
1. Let's have / go for / take a run tomorrow morning instead, when the weather's better.
2. Sara went on a long / brisk / fast walk to clear her mind.
3. He stamped / trod / tiptoed carefully down the stairs, taking care not to make any noise.
4. He stood in the doorway, as if rooted / planted / glued to the spot.
5. Be quiet and remain / keep / stay absolutely still.
6. They walked barefoot / with naked feet / barefooted across the beach.

B. Match the two parts of the sentences.

7. With a splash, he fell head first... a. over the rocks.
8. Elizabeth picked her way... b. of footsteps behind me.
9. The children ran headlong... c. with the music
10. The soldiers marched in time... d. into the river.
11. I heard the sound... e. underfoot.
12. The cows had trampled the flowers... f. into each other.

C. Choose a word from the box.

Change the form of the verb where necessary.

stroll break dash stride wander creep

13. When he saw the guard had left the cell door unlocked, he made a ...... .
14. When the deer saw him, they ....... into a run.
15. The cat ....... slowly up to the bird table.
16. I'm not suggesting we go for a hike, just a gentle ....... in the country.
17. Henry ....... confidently into the room, certain that all eyes were upon him.
18. We ....... aimlessly around the department store, without buying anything . . for it.

D. Complete the sentences.

19. The wheel went round and . .
20. The waiters were going backwards and .
21. He shook his head from side to ........................................... .

57
55. SPEED
A. Write the correct words in the spaces.

top speed a move on a halt speed limit

pace your time slow motion a hurry

1. You're breaking the ................................. and there's a camera up ahead.

2. If you do everything in .......................... it's not surprising that you make mistakes
3. He quickened his ........................... when he noticed what time it was.
4. Let's watch that goal again, but this time in .
5.If you don't get ................................. , we're going to be late.
6.Take ................................... ! You mustn't hurry things in yoga.
7. He was driving at ..... to try to get to the airport in time.
8.The tram slowly ground to ....................................... , as it reached the station.

B. Complete these two-word expressions using the jumbled letters.

9. slowly but LYURSE

10. quick and YESA
11. fast and SOUFUIR
12. little by TLEILT
13. step by PEST

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

14.Thank you for your prompt... a. recovery

15. We wish you a speedy... b pace
16. During sleep we experience rapid... c. eye movements

17. The book charts the star's meteoric... d train.

18. The journey time is much less on the high-speed... e. reply
19. The motorcyclist rode at breakneck... f. rise to fame.
20. They sauntered along the path at a leisurely... g speed.

58
56. SOUNDS
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. Yes, I can hear you loud and... a. bustle.

2. It's nice to get some peace and... b. clear.
3. I need to get out of all the hustle and... c. crash.
4. The city was filled with strange sights and... d. quiet.
5. The saucepans fell down with an almighty... e. sounds.

B. Choose the most appropriate word from the box.

sound hearing racket volume peace blast ears voice

6. He was shouting at the top of his ....... and shattering the ...... of the neighbourhood.

7. Look! A herd of deer! Don't make a ..... !

8. The noise of the builders was so loud I had to block my .................. .

9. Kenneth is getting a bit hard of ............................. , so speak up when you talk to him.

10. This washing machine really makes an awful ................ when it goes into its spin cycle.

11. Could you turn up the ........ , please? I can't hear it.

12. My neighbours listen to their TV at full .................... every evening. It's driving me crazy!

C. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?

13. I can't hear what you're saying over the noise / sound of the music.
14. The audience fell / turned silent as the speaker made his way to the front of the room.
15. Could you reduce / turn down the music, please? We're trying to get some sleep!
16. They sat in silence / quiet as they waited for the taxi to arrive.
17. The noise of the engine was deafening. We couldn't listen to / hear ourselves think.
18. The tray of glasses fell to the ground with an enormous crash / squeak.
19. The problem of noisy / loud neighbours is a common one.
20. The children were doing / making a lot of noise.

59
57. SHOUTS, CRIES AND WHISPERS
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

1. She's got a hoarse / loud / booming / big / squeaky / high / deep / silly voice.
2. He let out / had / heaved a sigh.
3. She has a smoker's / rough / noisy / hacking cough.
4. They screamed with delight / relief / fear / pain.
5. I cried my eyes out / like a baby / myself to sleep / sadly.

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

6. During the lecture, I had to ........... a yawn several times.

a. block b. cut c. stifle
7. We heard ............. coming from the house next door.
a. noisy voices b. raised voices c. shouting voices
8. When she saw the body she ............ a blood-curdling scream.
a. did b. let out c. made
9. There's no need to scream .......... ! I can hear you perfectly well!
a. your head off
b. loudly
c. your tongue out
10. ....... your voice down, please - I'm trying to get some sleep.
a. Turn b. Keep c. Put
11. There was the noise of a gun and we heard a piercing ....... .
a. sound b. noise c. scream
12. Don't just sit there .......... . Do something about it!
a. groaning and moaning
b. moaning and groaning
c. moan groaning
13. When Craig finally got back to the hotel, he breathed ....... of relief.
a. a sigh b. a cry c. a shout
14. When the singer appeared, the audience ....... a huge cheer.
a. did b. made c. gave
15. The children screamed .......... delight when they saw their Christmas presents.
a. their b. with c. for
16. He emerged from the water, ....... .
a. coughing and spluttering
b. spluttering and coughing
c. splutter-coughing
60
58. SPEAKING
A. SAY, TELL or SPEAK?
Choose the right verb, changing the form where necessary.

1. Excuse me. Could you ................................. me the time, please?

2. The chairman ............................. at length about the plans for the new building project.
3. I wanted to start a conversation with her but I couldn't think of anything to ..................... .
4. Jessica isn't very good at ....... jokes.
5. Our grandma always used to ....................... us a story before we went to sleep at night.
6. Hilary is a natural linguist - she ....................................... six languages like a native.
7. .......................... personally, I think we should write a letter of complaint to the company.

B. Write the correct words in the spaces.

a statement edgeways the conversation a word

command heart to heart your mind a hint

8. Don't be afraid to speak ........... and tell him what the problem is.
9. Could I have .................... with you in private after the meeting?
10. Laura simply never shuts up. I couldn't get a word in ................ .
11. I saw Tania and Claire having a ...... talk in the cafe over the road.
12. Dave dropped ..... that he might be leaving the company quite soon.
13. Jim made an effort to keep ................. going, but it wasn't easy.
14. The government has issued ........................ about the crisis.
15. He's got a good ................... of the language and speaks it fluently.

C. Choose the best words.

16. Professor Jenkins gave / did a speech about the origins of the language.
17. I had / made an interesting conversation with Sarah about her family.
18. Bye, then. Words / Speak to you later!
19. Don't talk / say anything about the party to Simon! It's going to be a surprise.
20. What on earth are you talking on / about?

61
59. TRUTH AND LIES
A. Choose the most suitable words from the box.

honesty deception excuse truth lies word the facts

1. In all ................................... , I don't think we can finish the building job in time.
2. I don't believe a word of it. It's a pack of ................................ .
3. I think you should stick to .......................... . I'm not interested in your guesswork.
4. He was famous for practising ................................ on elderly ladies.
5. We only have his ................................. for it, and it doesn't seem likely to me.
6. Do you think there's any ................................. in his story or is he making it all up?
7. I don't want to go to the party, so I'll make up some ..... or other.

B. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

EXAMPLE: He said me a lie. - He told me a lie.

8. To tell the true, I don't know. ....

9. I'll take your words for it. ....
10. To be honestly, I don't like it. ....
11. The truth will come in eventually. ....

C. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?

12. He told me he was a multi-millionaire. I can't believe I accepted / fell for it!
13. l can't honestly / truly say that I know anything about the subject.
14. She gave me her solemn promise / true word that she'd give me back the money
tomorrow.
15. She's a pathological liar / compulsive deceiver and I wouldn't trust / believe her
further than I could throw her.
16. He was a conman who obtained loans under / with false pretences.
17. There's an element / aspect of truth to the story, but it's been blown up out of all
proportion.
18. You told me you'd finished but it was an absolute / a barefaced lie!
19. This isn't going to work - trust me on this / for this!
62
60. LIKES AND DISLIKES
A. Choose a verb from the box.
Change the form of the verb where necessary.

grow go have take feel resist

1. I've always ............................ a soft spot for Simon.

2. He mentioned his ex-girlfriend, which didn't ......................... down well with Suzy.
3. He ................................. an instant dislike to the place.
4. I couldn't ................ the temptation to have one last swim before we left the beach.
5. I've ........ quite attached to this car.
6. I ....................... nothing but contempt for people who drive large gas-guzzling cars.

B. Choose the best word to complete these sentences.

7. Jessica was always very fond ....... children, so I'm not surprised she became a teacher.
a. of b. towards c. about
8. They only met last week, but they seem to have ....... to each other.
a. started a fancy b. begun an interest c. taken a liking
9. Charlotte's got ....... chocolate in all its forms.
a. a passion about b. a weakness for c. a pleasure in
10. If Wayne's going to be there, I'm not going. I can't ....... the man.
a. stand the sight of b. tolerate the looks of c. bear the face of
11. I hope that the room is ....... , sir.
a. for your satisfaction b. to your liking c. of your pleasing

C. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

EXAMPLE: It gets to my nerves! - It gets on my nerves!

12. It holds little attractiveness for me. .....

13. I'm very keen for the idea. .....
14. He's got a real passionate for the outdoor life. .....
15. This film will appeal at children of all ages. .....
16. They've never really hit them off together. .....

63
61. MOODS AND FEELINGS
A. Choose the most natural-sounding answer.

1. One moment she was shouting and the next she was all ....... .

a. light and sweetness b. sweetness and light.

2. Will you two just stop your arguing right now! I'm ....... of it.

a. sick and tired b. tired and sick

3. I don't care if you don't like it - you'll just have to ....... .

a. bear and grin it b. grin and bear it

4. Nothing seems to bother him - he's always so ....... .

a. calm, cool and collected b. cool, calm and collected

B. Match the two parts of the sentences.

5. I don't want to hurt your... a. spirits.

6. Don't worry about him. He's always in a bad... b. atmosphere.
7. The place has a warm and friendly... c. mood.
8. He seems to be in very good... d. feelings.

C. Which are the most natural-sounding words?

9. Do you ever sense / get the feeling that you're being watched?
10. It's sometimes difficult to outlet / express your feelings in a foreign language.
11. I'm full of admiration for the way you held / kept your temper at the meeting.
12. When she said she was leaving he jumped / flew into a jealous rage.
13. Go on, tell him you like his suit. It'll really cheer him / make his day!
14. I can't stand this music. It gets on my temper / nerves.
15. You're in a good spirit / mood! What's brought that about?
16. He's got very strong / hard feelings on the subject of national identity.
17. I don't feel like going to the cinema tonight. I'm not really in the spirit / mood for it.

64
62. IDEAS AND INTELLIGENCE
A. Choose the best word to complete these sentences.
1. She's 94, but still has a ...... .
a. sharp mind b. clever head c. smart brain
2. It's a difficult job and you need . about you to get it right.
a. your thoughts b. your brains c. your wits
3. I've ....... a great idea. Tell me what you think about it.
a. done b. had c. made
4. He had the ............ to call the police as soon as he noticed something was wrong.
a. good mind b. good brain c. good sense
5. Putting hundreds of letters in envelopes is a .................. activity.
a. mindless b. brainless c. thoughtless

B. Correct these sentences.

6. I've thought hard and long about it.
..
8. Come on! Use the brains!
..
7. I hate to thinking what might have happened!
..
9. I'll have a thought about it and tell you what I decide.
..

C. Choose the most suitable word from the box.

wisdom mind intelligence brains hindsight

10. We racked our .. to come up with an answer to the problem.

11. This book of quotations is a collection of the wit and . of the ages.
12. Don't take any notice of him! He's a man of very limited ... and no manners.
13. It crossed my... that we'll have to book our tickets soon.
14. With the benefit of .. I admit that I was wrong.

65
63. KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE
A. Which of these expressions is not possible?
1. He was living in ....... ignorance of his neighbours' criminal activities.
a. blissful b. total c. happy
2. Maria has ....... knowledge of the subject of medieval history.
a. an encyclopaedic b. a big c. an extensive
3. A: Is there a problem with the computer system?
B: Not as far as .......
a. I'm conscious b. I know. c. I'm aware.
4. A: Where are my keys?
B: .......
a. I haven't the foggiest! b. I haven't the faintest idea!
c. I haven't a clue. d. I've no idea.
e. I have no knowledge. f. I really couldn't say.

B. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

EXAMPLE: Your guess is so good as mine. - Your guess is as good as mine.
5. I shouldn't say. ..................................................................
6. I haven't got the faintest knowledge! ..................................................................
7. Don't ask to me! ..................................................................
8. How must I know? ..................................................................
9. It's beyond my comprehend. ..................................................................
10. I know of a fact that it's true. ..................................................................

C. Choose the most natural answer to complete these sentences.

11. I don't know a thing about classical music. It's a real gap / space in my knowledge.
12. To / For the best of my knowledge, the house has no major structural problems.
13. I think you should consult Professor Dainty on this subject - it's more his department of
knowledge / area of expertise.
14. A: Do you understand?
B: Yes, I know precisely / absolutely what you mean.
15. I know this poem really well. I remembered / learnt it by heart at school.

66
64. MEMORY AND FORGETFULNESS
A. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.
EXAMPLE: It's worth bearing in the mind.
It's worth bearing in mind.
1. Come to think it, you're right. .
2. I've got a good memory of faces. .
3. This music carries it all back, doesn't it? .
4. Sorry I forgot - it completely slipped my brain. .
5. You remember me of an old friend. .
6. It seems like yesterday for me. .

B. Choose the most suitable word.

memory note memorial souvenir blank reminder
7. I put all my bills on a notice board by my desk. It serves as a useful ............ of
when I need to pay them.
8. He committed all the irregular verb forms in English to .................... .
9. This monument will serve as a lasting ....................... to the courage of all the men who
fought so bravely.
10. I brought his T-shirt back as a ....... of my holiday.
11. I tried to remember where I'd met him but I drew a ......................... .
12. I made a mental .............................. to ask Pete to bring the book in for me tomorrow.

C. Choose the most natural answer to complete these sentences.

13. I vaguely / slightly remember meeting him about ten years ago.
14. I understand / recognise the face but the name escapes / avoids me.
15. Now that you say / mention it, I think I saw him in the office.
16. Phil will be able to tell you. He's got a photo / photographic memory.
17. We were looking at some old photos and the memories came flooding / running back.
18. I'd completely forgotten her name, but then something you said jogged / awoke my
memory.

67
65. CERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY
A. Write the correct words in the spaces.
firm promise have no idea I doubt it in two minds
no doubt without fail make sure no chance whatsoever
1. I'll pay you back tomorrow ...... .
2. ............................................ you lock the front door when you go out.
3. I'm afraid I ................................... what happened.
4. I'm ......... about moving house. I'd like to, but moving is so expensive.
5. Are you sure there's absolutely ........................ of it happening again?
6. They gave us a .................... that the goods would be delivered today.
7. A: Will you be here tomorrow?
B: ............................... very much. I'm almost certainly going to Paris.
8. This is the best restaurant in town, ...................................... about it.

B. Rewrite the sentence using the words in italics.

9. I've changed my mind. second thoughts .
10. She's unsure about the plan. doubts .
11. We're still undecided. make up... minds .
12. I'm a little suspicious of him. my doubts .

C. Correct these sentences.

68
66. CHOICES AND DECISIONS
A. Correct the mistakes in the underlined expressions.
Example. A: Is it better to go by bus or taxi?
B: In terms of time, there's not much in there.
There's not much in it.
1. A: Do you want me to pay by cash or cheque?
B: I don't mind. It's up for you. .
2. Both apartments are very nice.
I'd say there's nothing to choose among them.
3. You can have any of them. Take the pick. .
4. A: Is it better to buy a cheap car new or more expensive car second-hand?
B: It's six of one and a dozen of another. ...
5. He really knows his own brain.
6. I need to weigh up the pros and the cons.

B. Choose the best verb to complete these sentences.

Change the form if necessary. Other collocations are in bold type.
lean choose pick make (x2) have (x2)
7. Don't just stand there - I can't wait all day. ...... up your mind which one you want.
8. If I ....... the option, I'd get a job working in the travel industry.
9. Even though it's mainly your project, I'd like to ................... a say in the final stages.
10. We'd like to move house, but we're taking our time. After all, it's a big decision to
..................... .
11. I've been thinking it over and at the moment I'm .... towards getting a new job.
12. He's so well qualified he can ........................ and .................... any job he wants.

C. Which of these alternatives does not sound natural?

13. I don't want to influence you. It's your choice / option / decision / call.
14. Do as you decide / wish / see fit / please. You don't need my advice.
15. I don't want to question your judgement, but do you think that was a wise / sound /
good / judged decision?
16. The committee hasn't made / done / reached / arrived at a decision yet.
17. I can't really decide what to buy. It's not much of a choice, but I'm going to go with /
select / opt for / pick this red jacket here.
69
67. AGREEING AND DISAGREEING
A. Choose the most suitable word from the box.

decision agreement argument eye issue differences half way

1. I have to take ....... with you on that, I'm afraid.

2. Alec and Isabelle don't see eye to ......................... on this matter.
3. They've decided to separate because of irreconcilable .............................. .
4. I'll meet you ....... and offer a five per cent increase.
5. They've had a terrible .................................. .
6. The closure of the hospital was a very controversial ................................ .
7. For once, I found myself in ..... with David.

8. Choose the best phrase to complete these sentences.

8. I ....... disagree with Helen's cost-cutting suggestions.
a. firmly b. hardly c. strongly
9. A: I think we need to extend the deadline for this. B: I couldn't ....... .
a. agree more b. more agree c. agree less
10. I'm sure we can come to some ....... on this.
a. amiable agreement b. amicable agreement c. friendly agreement
11. After hours of arguing, they eventually ....... an agreement on the proposal.
a. joined b. came towards c. reached
12. The teacher suggested having the lesson outside, and the students agreed ....... .
a. wholeheartedly b. perfectly c. absolutely

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

13. The committee was split... a. to disagree.
14. I think we are of the... b. an agreement
15. We failed to reach... c. same opinion.
16. We really need to break... d. down the middle.
17. I think we have to agree... e. the deadlock.

70
68. OPINIONS
A. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?
1. express / say / give / state an opinion
2. reach an agreement / a compromise / an opinion / a consensus
3. take the attitude / the opinion / the view / a stance
4. public / personal / in my / popular / usual opinion
5. have a good / bad / high / low / favourable opinion of.

B. Correct these sentences.

6. As far as I'm concerning, it's a work of genius.
..
7. If you asked me, it's a load of rubbish.
..
8. What's your opinion about this?
..
9. As I'm seeing it, we've got to act now or it'll be too late.
..
10. Let me know what you think for it.
..
11. Personal speaking, I think we should cancel the order.
..

C. Choose the most natural answer to complete these sentences.

1. Don't be afraid to speak your ....... about this.

2. They've had a ..................... of opinion on the subject.
3. She has very ....................... opinions on that subject.
4. I didn't ask ......................... your opinion!
5. I ........... the view that children should be seen and not
heard.
6. ..................... opinion is easily swayed by the media.
7. Where do you ...... on the issue of taxation?
8. I think you should ...... your opinions to yourself.

71
69. MEETINGS AND ARRANGEMENTS
A. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.
Example: Are you freed this evening?
Are you free this evening?

1. Do you hold a reservation, sir? .

2. Friday at 2 o'clock then, if that's OK to you. .
3. I need to control my diary to see if that's OK. .
4. I look forward to see you then. .
5. I'd like to do an appointment, please. .
6. Would Tuesday be any good with you? .
7. How about the Monday 11 th? .

B. Choose the most natural-sounding word or phrase

to complete the sentences.

8. We need to ....... a date for the delivery.

a. make b. organise c. set
9. My secretary will ....... all the arrangements for your hotel.
a. take care of b. order c. organise
10. I'm pretty ....... for most of next week, so let's make it the week after, shall we?
a. occupied b. full c. booked up
1. We need to ....... arrangements for someone to water our plants while we're away.
a. do b. make c. set
12. I phoned the hotel but they're ....... for this weekend.
a. complete b. fully reserved c. fully booked
13. I'm going to have to ....... my appointment, I'm afraid. Something has come up.
a. redo b. postpone c. reorganise
14. Let's ....... the meeting for Tuesday, but if anything comes up, we can make it later.
a. pencil in b. write up c. note down
15. I'm not very pleased about the ....... for the wedding reception.
a. table plan b. table arrangements c. seating arrangements
16. Let me know when you're free, and we'll . for the meeting.
a. fix a date b. do a date c. get a date

72
70. WORKING TOGETHER
A. Write the correct words in the spaces.
solidarity part effort project ideas partnership differences together

1. I've been asked to take ................. in a survey on telephone habits.

2. The mural in the school playground was a collaborative ................ , with pupils, parents
and teachers all working together.
3. James collaborated with Steve on the ..... .
4. The theatre, working in ...................... with the local council, have improved the parking
facilities for the arts centre.
5. We need to all pull .......................... to tackle this problem.
6. We need to work together to settle our .... .
7. Listeners are asked to contribute their .................. on any of the issues discussed in the
programme.
8. Workers went on strike across the country to show ............................... with the miners.

B. Which are the most natural-sounding answers?

9. Fire fighters and local residents worked arm to arm / side by side / hand in hand to
save the building from fire.
10. I'd like you to move / get / turn into groups of three and talk about the subject together.
11. A: Did you do up the whole house on your own? - B: No, Tom was working on it, too.
It was a united force / combined attempt / joint effort.
12. The successful applicant will be active in the day by day administration / day to day
management / daily organising of the sales department.
13. The thing that moved / brought / pulled them together was their love of music.
14. The history department joined a force / teamed up / made a team with the
archaeology department to put on the exhibition.

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

15. a unanimous answer / decision / agreement / verdict
16. a joint project / cooperation / venture / account
17. sleeping / mutual / business / equal partner
18. partnership / management / winning / dream team
73
71. SUCCESS
A. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.
Change the form of the verb where necessary.

win wish have make beat

1. You've worked hard and ...................................... good progress in the last few months.
2. With her application and hard work, she deserves all the success she has .................. .
3. I ..................................... you every success in your new job I
4. The other team were much stronger, and they .................................. us hands down.
5. Although they were elected, the party only .................................. by a narrow margin.

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

6. I think the party ....... . Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
a. succeeded well b. made a big hit c. went really well
7. It was difficult to begin with, but it all ....... in the end.
a. turned out OK b. happened well c. was a hit
8. He won a prize for his outstanding ....... .
a. achievements b. successes c. results
9. The new restaurant business was a real ....... , with record profits in the first year.
a. boom story b. success story c. winning company
10. A: How did your son's exam ....... ? B: He passed with flying colours!
a. do b. go c. pass
11. The production of Romeo and Juliet was a ....... success.
a. spectacular b. vast c. strong
12. The Liberal Republican party won a ....... in last April's elections.
a. huge success b. roaring win c. landslide victory

C. Which of these two versions sounds more natural?

13. The business is going from worse to bad / bad to worse.
14. At last we're home and dry/dry and home.
15. This match is make or break / break or make for the team..
16. There're always losers and winners / winners and losers in
every game.

74
72. FAILURE
A. Which of these alternatives does not sound natural?
1. The play was a complete / total / maximum disaster and closed after only two weeks.
2. The factory is threatened with bankruptcy / closure / closing, after it lost a contract
recently.
3. Trying to get the stain out wasn't a success story / didn't work / was a waste of time.
4. If we don't manage to do it this time, then all our hard work will have been in vain / lost
time/ for nothing.
5. Sophie and Mike's marriage started to go wrong / die / fall apart after the birth of their
first child.
6. The meeting was a total rubbish / fiasco / waste of time, through no fault of my own. I

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

7. Frankly, I think that building that bridge was ....... waste of money.
a. an absolute and total b. a complete and utter c. a full and total
8. I tried those tablets but they ....... whatsoever.
a. did no good b. didn't work c. weren't useful
9. We nearly sold the house, but the sale ....... at the last minute.
a. fell through b. failed c. flopped
10. Sometimes it takes a brave man to ....... defeat.
a. confess to b. admit the c. admit
11. Unfortunately, the negotiations are ....... .
a. going nowhere b. not being successful c. moving nowhere
12. They searched ....... for the lost treasure.
a. in vain b. vainly c. unsuccessfully
13. Former World Chess Champion James Woods accepted the ....... , and surrendered to
his Russian opponent after just seventeen moves.
a. inevitable b. unavoidable c. inescapable

C. Complete these two-word expressions using the jumbled letters.

14. rise and .. L AFL
15. sink or .. M Wl S
16. hit and .. S M SI
17. by trial and .. RERRO

75
73. LUCK, CHANCE AND OPPORTUNITY
A. Write the most natural-sounding words in the spaces.

random coincidence guess fate break

opportunity fortune chance luck have

1. The new business has been reasonably successful - more by .. than

judgment, in my opinion.
2. The offer of a year's work in Paris seemed like a golden ....................................... .
3. I didn't really know the answer at all - it was just a lucky .......... that happened to be right.
4. It was no ................ that Jim chose the seat next to Emma. It was completely deliberate.
5. You can set your Mp3 player to play tracks in any order you choose, or completely at
............................. .
6. By a strange twist of ...................... , it was the same car that we had sold years before.
7. By a stroke of good .................................... I opened the book at exactly the right page.
8. She left the party very early so I didn't get a .... to speak to her.
9. His acting career was going nowhere, but then in 1977 he got a lucky .. .
10. As luck would .............................................. it, we all arrived at exactly the same time.

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

11. a missed / lucky / golden / once-in-a-lifetime / good opportunity
12. a stroke of luck / good fortune / fate
13. a chance of destiny / in a lifetime / in a million / meeting
14. tell / predict / say your fortune
15. a lucky guess / escape / opportunity / break

C. Choose the best word or phrase to complete the sentences.

16. It's funny you should ask about Jenny because, as it happens / by a fortunate
coincidence, I met her the day before yesterday.
17. When they offered me a trip to New Zealand, I ran / jumped at the chance.
18. Wish / Give me luck! I'm going to take my driving test tomorrow.
19. Is there any chance / opportunity of getting a day off next week?
20. Cross / Fold your fingers and with any good fortune / luck we should have some
better weather next week.
76
74. PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
A. Choose the most suitable verb from the box.
Change the form of the verb where necessary.

go suffer sort have

be put make run

1. Call me if you ............................... a problem.

2. I've ....... into a few difficulties on the project.
3. You've lost your passport? That's going to . life difficult.
4. After starting well, it all began to ............................ horribly wrong.
5. I don't want to .......................... you to any inconvenience.
6. You won't .............................. a bother to anyone, so don't worry about it.
7. We'll try to ............................... out the problem before you get back.
8. The team ............................. a setback when their star player was badly injured.

B. Which of these alternatives does not sound natural?

9. The company has run into a few problems / difficulties / troubles with money recently.
10. It puts me in a very terrible / awkward / difficult position.
11. We're faced with the difficult / tricky / nasty problem of how to reduce our expenses.
12. I think that he's heading for problems / disaster / catastrophe.
13. The road works are making / presenting / causing problems for everyone.
14. What's up / the matter / down / with Karen?
15. I'm sure we can find / do / come up with / work out a solution to this problem.

C. Match the two parts of the sentences.

16. This forces us to take desperate... a. a problem that's been bothering me.

17. There are no easy... b. problems

18. You're being more of a hindrance c. measures to resolve this.

19. I'd like to clear up... d. trouble at school.

20. Bill took early retirement due to health... e. than a help, I'm afraid.

21. I never got into f. answers to this problem.

77
75. SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCE
A. Choose the most natural-sounding word to complete each sentence.
1. I can't tell / say / know the difference between this cheap wine and the expensive one.
2. There's a near / strong / heavy similarity between this book and the last one she wrote.
3. He bears a striking / pointed / crucial resemblance to the portrait of his great
grandfather.
4. They live in different countries, but their habits are pretty similar / alike / close.
5. The gleaming new skyscrapers contrast suddenly / a lot / sharply with the shanty
towns that surround them.
6. Stories about the mysterious appearance of the ghost differ closely / strongly / widely.

B. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

EXAMPLE: They are exact the same. - They are exactly the same.
7. I can't tell from them apart. ...........................................................................
8. It's much the same than it ever was. ...........................................................................
9. The brothers are two of the kind. ...........................................................................
10. We're at the same wavelength. ...........................................................................
11. We've got a lot in common for each other. .................................................................
12. I can't tell one against the other. ...........................................................................

C. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

12. Try and ....... the difference between these two pictures.
a. find b. notice c. spot
13. This shop-bought cake ...... no resemblance to the homemade one you made last week.
a. bears b. carries c. is
14. His creativity and his imagination set him ....... from other writers in this genre.
a. in contrast b. apart c. different
15. Although these two watches look very similar, there's ....... in the world between them.
a. a wide difference b. all the difference c. much difference
16. The new organisation was run along ....... to the old one.
a. similar lines b. close resemblance c. the same path
17. The band's new album is a bit of a ....... their usual style.
a. move from b. change of c. departure from
78
76. CAUSE AND EFFECT
A. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.
1. He claimed that he just wanted to help, but in fact he had ....... .
a. a hidden reason b. an ulterior motive c. a secret purpose
2. The ....... of this discovery have not yet been considered.
a. further effects b. wider implications c. longer consequences
3. What are the reasons ....... the closure of the hospital?
a. about b. out of c. behind
4. Lucy said she wanted to leave but she didn't ....... a reason.
a. give b. make c. do
5. His teachers felt that he was a bad ....... the other pupils.
a. effect on b. consequence on c. influence on
6. I only opened the letter ....... curiosity, not because I was suspicious of him.
a. out of b. in c. from

B. Match the two parts of the sentences.

7. Picasso had an enormous... a. influence on younger viewers.
8. The council's decision may have far-reaching b. grounds.
9. TV advertising can exert a strong... c. cause of the problem.
10. We can't pull out of the deal without good d. consequences for local people.
11. Bill took early retirement on health... e. impact on the art world.
12. It's necessary to treat the underlying... e. reason.

C. Correct the mistakes in these expressions.

EXAMPLE: It stands in reason. - It stands to reason.

13. There are several possible explains for this. .

14. That's the reason of why they argued. .
15. There's no cause for a concern. .
16. We're safe, thanks for you. .
17. No good can come from it. .

79
77. CHANGES
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. The old sports stadium was transformed... a. of flux.
2. You've brought about a change... b. day to day.
3. The exchange rate varies from... c. for the better.
4. The whole place is in a state... d. from the past
5. She felt she needed a break e. into a state-of-the-art complex
6. He made a few adjustments... f. to the contract.

B. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

7. a change of heart / scenery / direction / love

8. changeable weather / story / climate / personality

9. bring about / do / cause / make changes

10. radical / complete / new / dramatic / sudden transformation

11. a subtle / sudden / gradual / quick / big / large change

12. change your personality / house / colour / places with

C. Complete the crossword.

1. Let me know if you ...... your mind.
2. It's ..................... change around here at the moment.
3. There's a ..................... of stability in the stock market
at the moment.
4. He came back from India a ..... man.
5. Well, there's no ........................ back now!
6. across. This .................... a change from being at work!
6. down. We need to .......... some changes around here.
7. She's changed ....................... all recognition!

80
78. TIME
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.
1. I've told you time and... a. later.

2. I'll probably do it sooner or... b. then.

3. It's nice to get into the countryside every now and... c. dot

4. Don't worry about the future - live for the here and d. time again.

5. I'll be there at nine o'clock on the... e. now

B. Choose the most natural-sounding word to complete the sentences.

6. According to the timetable / As the timetable says, the next train should be arriving
by / in a few minutes.
7. We're going to be working to a very tight schedule / hard timetable his month.
8. If you'll be quiet momentarily / for a minute, I'll tell you.
9. A: Would you ever go there? - B: No, never in a million years / all time!
10. This isn't where I want to spend the rest of my life, but it's Ok for the present time / the
time being.
11. Don't spend / take all day! It's time to go!

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

12. to pass the / save / lose / waste / spend time
13. to be on / out of / in/with time
14. to go round / away from / against the clock
15. the time of your life / day / year / your age

D. Write the missing words into the grid. 21

The word in grey is the answer to number 21. 16.
16. I always .......................... ages to get ready in the morning.
17.
17. If you don't hurry up, we'll ....... out of time.
18. What time do you ....................... it? 18.
19. The time may ..... when he wishes he hadn't done that. 19.
20. These watches are very reliable. They ............... perfect time.
20.
21. Sorry I'm late. I lost ..... of the time.

81
79. DAYS, MONTHS AND SEASONS
A. Write the correct words in the spaces.

those days to day day out on end

a time day long after day the day

1. I think we should take it one day at ...... .

2. He sits and reads his books for days ...................... .
3. Well, at the end of ....................... , I guess it's not that important.
4. She spends her time cataloguing the collection, day in ........................ .
5. He doesn't plan for the future. He just lives from day ....... .
6. I've been tidying and cleaning all .................... and I need a break.
7. I missed the bus and lost my wallet. It's going to be one of ......................... , I suppose.
8. Day ...... you just sit there on your sofa feeling sorry for yourself!

B. Choose the best word or phrase to complete these sentences.

9. It's a great apartment. How much do you pay in rent a month / for one month?
10. You told me the cheque was in the post but a month has finished / gone by and I still
haven't received it.
11. The house is usually nice and warm, even in the depths of / the heart of winter.
12. Summer's over and the nights are drawing / closing in now.
13. Don't forget that the clocks jump / go forward next Saturday.
14. I only work four days in a week / a week.
15. See you the day after tomorrow / the tomorrow of tomorrow!
16. It's very warm for the time of year / this season's weather, isn't it?

C. Which of these expressions is not a natural collocation?

17. in the coming / winter / next few / soon months

18. seasonal produce / weathers / variations / adjustment
19. in the spring time / summer time / autumn time / winter time
20. a long / wet / clean weekend

82
80. BEGINNING AND ENDING
A. Match the two parts of the sentences.

1. I read it from beginning to... a. finish.

2. Maybe we should begin at the... b. dry.
3. Our holiday was a disaster from start to... c. done.
4. This company is a supermarket first and d. for all.
5. Once we've finished this, we're home and... e. foremost.
6. It'll be nice to finish the project once and... f. end.
7. It's only a party, when all's said and g. beginning.

B. Which word or phrase is not a suitable collocation for the situation?

8. ....... , I'd like to welcome you all to the fifth annual meeting.
a. First and foremost b. First of all c. In the beginning
9. I never really liked him, ....... .
a. from the kick-off b. from the outset c. right from the start
10. So if all the athletes are in their places now - ....... .
a. Ready, steady, Go! b. On your marks, get set, go! c. 3, 2 1, go!
11. I'd like to hear your ....... to the plans, so who would like to get the ball rolling?
a. initial reactions b. early ideas c. first thoughts
12. He kept forgetting my name and calling me Suzy, so we didn't ....... .
a. get off to a very good start b. make a good beginning

C. Write the correct words in the spaces.

in tears to a halt in sight bitter end to a close
13. I suppose I might as well watch this awful movie to the
. .
14. Stop playing with those matches, or it'll all end
.
15. He pressed the 'off button and the machine slowly ground
.. .
16. I've early finished painting the house now. The end is
. .
17. The first signs of spring are here as winter draws
................................................ .
83
ANSWER KEY
1. Everyday activities
A: 1 getting, 2 goes, 3 out of bed, 4 go, 5 make, 6 have, 7 have, 8 clean, 9 dressed,
10 comb, 11 put on, 12 make, 13 do, 14 check, 15 look at, 16 watch, 17 leave
B: 18 answer the door knocking, 19 it gets dark, 20 get your hair cut,
21 made a terrible mistake, 22 typical of you, 23 have for lunch
C: 24 usual, 25 usual / special, 26 got into, 27 regular, 28 break

2. Physical appearance
A: 1 looks / dress, 2 age, 3 going, 4 in / average / full, 5 features / adopt, 6 doing / put on,
7 scruffy / make, 8 weight, 9 wearing / carrying
B: 10 c, 11 c, 12 c, 13 a
C: 14 curly hair, 15 dry skin, 16 broad shoulders, 17 crooked teeth

3. Food and drink 1

A: 1 a heavy meal, 2 stale bread, 3 a mild curry, 4 still mineral water (also: fizzy / flat
mineral water), 5 sweet wine
B: 6 a, 7 b, 8 b, 9 c, 10 b, 11 a, 12 b
C: 14fork, 15 pepper, 16 vegetables, 17 butter, 18 saucer, 19 chips

4. Food and drink 2

A 1 way / show, 2 on, 3 unfit, 4 on / management, 5 house, 6 home / convenience ,
7 out / leave / included, 8 reservation / booked
B 9 order, 10 dish, 11 course, 12 meal, 13 bite, 14 helping
C 15 strong, 16 night, 17 huge, 18 plate, 19 speed

5. Health and Sickness

A 1 severe pain, 2 minor injuries, 3 serious illness, 4 low temperature, 5 high fever
B 6 take, 7 had, 8 get / take, 9 taking / getting, 10 had, 11 take, 12 get, 13 take / had
C 1 headache, 2 ambulance, 3 disease, 4 diet, 5 health, 6 recovery

6. Getting Around
A 1 travel, 2 a travel, 3 holiday, 4 by foot, 5 taxi, 6 car
B 7 travels / off / packed / go, 8 takes, 9 transport / get around, 10 my way,
11 there yet / not far, 12 non-stop, 13 leg, 14 on, 15 on the move
C 16 c, 17 e, 18 d, 19 b, 20 a

7. Directions
A a, 2 b, 3 a, 4 b, 5 a
B 6 direction, 7 directions, 8 direction, 9 directions, 10 directions, 11 directions,
12 direction
C 13 a, 14 a, 15 b, 16 c, 17 a, 18 c

8. Public Transport
A: 1 office / booked, 2 last / miss, 3 at / on, 4 get to / change, 5 fast / stop,
6 seat / in advance, 7 terminal / crossing, 8 fare / journey
B: 9 d, 10 b, 11 a, 12 d, 13 b, 14 c, 1 5 e, 16 a, 17 c

84
9. Flying
A: 1 delayed / technical difficulties, 2 go through security, 3 take off / get in / time,
4 left / stopover, 5 return / outbound, 6 experiencing / fastened, 7 observe,
8 remain / complete standstill
B: 9 small-haul, 10 duty free, 11 embark, 12 control, 13 suitcase
C: 14b, 15e, 16 d, 17a, 18c

10. Driving
A: 1 clever, 2 a lift, 3 enormous, 4 your speed
B: 5 doing, 6 go, 7 gave, 8 do, 9 given, 10 give
C: 11 works / serious, 12 a six mile tailback, 13 pull, 14 stuck , 15 have,
16 run out of, 17 gets behind the wheel, 18 fasten, 19 in, 20 a two-hour drive

11. Holidays
A: 1 c, 2 a, 3 d, 4 b, 5 e
B: 6 guest, 7 city, 8 holiday, 9, dependent
C: 10 breakfast, 11 mountains, 12 spade
D: 13 send, 14 having, 15 booked, 16 doing, 17 sitting, 18 getting, 19 taken

12. Families
A: 1 large / an only, 2 immediate, 3 gets, 4 spoilt, 5 distant relative, 6 runs,
7 next of kin, 8 an expectant
B: 9 b, 10 a, 11 a, 12 b, 13 b
C: 14 have, 15 brought, 16 raise, 17 start, 18 give

13. Friends and colleagues

A: 1 high, 2 close, 3 warm, 4 wide, 5 strong, 6 sour, 7 long
B: 8 Keep in touch, 9 Make yourself at home, 10 of yours, 11 nice to me
C: 12 make, 13 life, 14 struck up, 15 terms, 16 relations, 17 a bad, 18 terms, 19 casual

14. Love and marriage

A: 1 had, 2 wedding, 3 madly, 4 reception, 5 held, 6 toasted, 7 made,
8 honeymoon, 9 happy
B: 10 couple / just, 11 first sight, 12 opposite, 13 romance, 14 going out,
15 strongly / relationship, 16 having /to, 17 get involved / broke up with
C: 18 bride, 19 marriage, 20 tale, 21 love

15. Youth and age

A: 1 b, 2 d, 3 b, 4 a, 5 d, 6 b, 7 b ~*
B: 8 content, 9 section, 10 new, 11 child ^5
C: 12 ripe, 13 tender, 14 natural, 15 prime, 16 new-born

16: Education
A: 1 started, 2 do, 3 send, 4 studying, 5 got, 6 take
B: 7 doing, 8 done, 9 do, 10, dropped out of, 11 do, 12 taking,
13 at / reading, 14 hand in, 15 conducted
C: 16 study, 17 make, 18 read, 19 lose, 20 lower

85
17. Houses and housing
A: 1 d, 2 b, 3 c, 4 a, 5 b, 6 d, 7 a, 8 b, 9 d, 10 b
B: 12 and 17: house. Others: home

18. Housework
A: 1 d, 2 e, 3 a, 4 c, 5 b
B: 6 b, 7 b, 8 a, 9 b, 10 b, 11 a
C: 12 lay, 13 do, 14 make, 15 draw, 16 hang, 17 clear, 18 get

19. Shopping
A: 1 usual, 2 for a shop, 3 shopping, 4 keeper
B: 5 go / ordering, 6 round / hunting, 7 done / shopping days, 8 pick up,
9 out of stock / order, 10 standing in a queue, 11 purchase/exchanged,
12 holders/farmer's market, 13 traders / outlets,
14 stores /shopping / independent, 15 items / express
C: 16 e, 17 d, 18 b, 19 a, 20 c

20. Clothes and fashion

A: 1 b, 2 c, 3 c, 4 b, 5 a, 6 b, 7 c
B: 10 fashion, 11 summer, 12 an object, 13 indoor, 14 untidily
C: 15 d, 16 e, 17 a, 18 b, 19 c

21. Work 1
A: 1 the office, 2 a good job, 3 good / relevant, 4 job, 5 non-stop, 6 living,
7 at, 8 get, 9 work, 10 apply
B: 11 b, 12 b, 13 a, 14 b, 1 5 c, 16 c, 17 a, 18 b

22. Work 2
A: 1 b, 2 d, 3 a, 4 e, 5 c
B: 6d, 7 b, 8 b, 9 c, 10 b
C: 1 redundant, 2 department, 3 workers, 4 company, 5 manager,
6 position, 7 officer, 8 salary

23. Business
A: 1 make, 2 doing, 3 made, 4 make, 5 doing
B: 6 national, 7 friend, 8 trade, 9 deal, 10 take up
C: 11 c, 12 b, 13a, 14b, 15c, 16b, 17a

24. Money 1
A: 1 b, 2 e, 3 d, 4 c, 5 a
B: 6 pay with, 7 pay off, 8 pay on, 9 pay in, 10 pay by
C: 11 opened, 12 waste, 13 can't afford, 14 heavily
D: 15 do, 16 get into, 17 take out, 18 expand, 19 borrow

25. Money 2
A: 1 c, 2 a, 3 b, 4 a, 5 b
B: 6 b, 7 a, 8 a, 9 a
C: 10 cost / increasing, 11 change / exchange, 12 down / get, 13 with / healthy
D: 14 fortune, 15 economy, 16 currency, 17 income
86
26: Numbers and statistics
A: 1 d, 2 e, 3 b, 4 a, 5 c
B: 6 I've lost count, 7 come to, 8 do you make it?, 9 a total of fifteen
C: 10 big, 11 price, 12 money, 13 approximation
D: 14 made, 15 low / high, 16 sharply, 17 keeping, 18 track

27. Bureaucracy
A: 1 d, 2 e, 3 a, 4 c, 5 b
B: 6 c, 7 d, 8 b, 9 a, 10 c, 11 c
C: 12 follow, 13 apply for, 14 comply with, 15 break, 16 process

28. Science and Technology

A: 1 c, 2 a, 3 b, 4 e, 5 d
B: 6 faulty / manufacturer, 7 spare, 8 shock, 9 order, 10 broken down,
11 activated / set off, 12 working / serviced / wrong, 13 running,
14 switches itself off / save, 15 apparatus
C: 16 mistake, 17 turn over, 18 engineer, 19 technical, 20 instant

29. Computers
A: 1 enter, 2 type, 3 back up / goes down, 4 click on, 5 have, 6 open, 7 run / close down
B: 8 a, 9 c, 10 a, 11 b, 12 a C: 13 c, 14 e, 15 a, 16 b, 17 d

30. Telephones
A: 1 engaged / get through, 2 call you back / up, 3 ring, 4 take,
5 returned my calls, 6 someone on the phone, 7 ring, 8 home
B: 1 call, 2 line, 3 receiver, 4 number, 5 hold, 6 message, 7 voicemail, 8 battery
C: 1 house, 2 telephone, 3 hold, 4 ring, 5 tone

31. Leisure
A: 1 put, 2 start, 3 take, 4 made, 5 take
B: 6c, 7 b, 8 a, 9 b, 10 b
C 11 d, 12c, 13b, 14a, 15 e

32. Films, TV and radio

A: 1 b, 2 c, 3 b, 4 a, 5 a, 6 c
B: 7 comedy, 8 film, 9 movie, 10 programme, 11 everyday
C: 12 watching / on, 13 tune in / pick up, 15 zapping / on, 16 in, 17 on, 18 feature / failure

33. Theatre
A: 1 the lead, 2 dress rehearsal, 3 for three months, 4 on the stage,
5 a standing ovation, 6 the spotlight, 7 stage fright, 8 curtain call
B: 9 act, 10 start, 11 talk, 12 lamp, 13 acting, 14 performance, 15 comedy
C: 16 c, 17 d, 18 a, 19 b

34. Music and dance

A: 1 choir / voice, 2 tune, 3 note, 4 words, 5 albums / career
B: 6 out of tune, 7 practise, 8 words, 9 terrible / rhythm, 10 beat, 11 gave,
12 go on, 13 ear / tune, 14 the tango / partner, 15 bursts, 16 taken / good
C: 17 d, 18 c, 19 e, 20 b, 21 a
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35. Art and artists
A: 1 hold, 2 antique, 3 an electronic, 4 work, 5 camera
B: 6b, 7 a, 8 b, 9 c, 10a, 11 a
C: 12 c, 13 d, 14 a, 15 e, 16 b

36. Writing and books

A: 1 rub out, 2 jot down, 3 put into, 4 read, 5 keep
B: 6 in full, 7 it up, 8 black and white, 9 block, 10 print,
11 to put pen to paper, 12 block capitals
C: 13 love, 14 fiction, 15 long, 16 printed, 17 typical, 18 book, 19 master

37. Sport 1
A: 1 course, 2 court, 3 stadium, 4 rink, 5 pool, track
B: 7 play, 8 does, 9 go, 10 done, 11 gone, 12 playing, 13 doing, 14 go / do / play
C: 15 won the match, 16 the world record, 17 do you do, 18 We went cycling,
19 took part in, 20 beat us

38. Sport 2
A: 1 players, 2 leg, 3 tennis, 4 golf, 5 match (a try is from rugby)
B: 6 a, 7 c, 8 a, 9 b, 10 b, 11 c, 12 b
C: 13d, 14c, 15e, 16a, 17b

39. Nature and the environment

A: 1 thick, 2 admire the view, 3 snow-capped / countryside / breathtaking,
4 rocky / sandy, 5 flora and fauna, 6 friendly, 7 spectacular,
8 development / damage, 9 nature
B: 10 problems, 11 environment, 12 keep, 13 countryside, 14 environmental
C: 15 b, 16 f, 17 d, 18 a, 19 c, 20 e

40. Animals
A: 1 seagulls, 2 bees, 3 elephants, 4 kittens, 5 wild dogs, 6 locusts
B: 7 b, 8 a, 9 c, 10 c, 11 a, 12 b, 13 a
C: 14 planet, 15 savage, 16 horrible, 17 alive

41. Agriculture
A: 1 agricultural, 2 crop, 3 sheep, 4 full, 5 growing
B: 6b, 7 c, 8 b, 9 b, 10 c, 11 c, 12 b
C: 13 corn, 14 fields, 15 horses, 16 cows, 17 harvest

42. The weather

A: 1 thunder, 2 lightning, 3 snow, 4 rain, 5 sunlight, 6 wind
B: 7 strong, 8 heavy, 9 thick, 10 hard
C: 11 wind, 12 strong, 13 weak, 14 big, 15 heavy, 16 flowing, 17 strict
D: 18 b, 19 c, 20 c

43. Crime
A: 1 stealing, 2 a million pounds, 3 things, 4 small, 5 major, 6 minor, 7 smash
B: 8 speeding, 9 strike, 10 an armed, 11 record, 12 previous, 13 against,
14 highly, 15 committed
C: 14 order, 15 regulations, 16 driving, 17 punishment, 18 entering, 19 robbers
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44. Punishment
A: 1 scene / fingerprints, 2 a verdict / found, 3 any / an arrest, 4 of an offence / proved,
5 carrying out / investigation, 6 evidence / against, 7 custodial / a fine, 8 in custody / on
B: 1 let, 2 teach, 3 take, 4 helping, 5 across lack, 5 down life, 6 pleads, 7 served,
8 gave, 9 find

45. Journalism and the News

A: 1 b, 2 a, 3 b, 4 c, 5 a, 6 c,
B: 7 run, 8 make, 9 place, 10 come, 11 bring
C: 12 front, 13 broken / press, 14 investigative, 15 broke, 16 in the news

46. Politics
A: 1 c, 2 b, 3 c, 4 b, 5 c, 6 a
B: 7 to power, 8 a landslide victory, 9 a military coup, 10 a candidate,
11 general election, 12 the leadership, 13 in power, 14 in favour of

47. Disasters
A: 1 c, 2 d, 3 a, 4 g, 5 f, 6 e, 7 b
B: 8 c, 9 a, 10 b, 11 a, 12 c, 13 b, 14 a, 15 b

48. Fire
A: 1 home, 2 fiery, 3 horrible, 4 office, 5 red, 6 burn
B: 7 c, 8 a, 9 b, 10 a, 11 b, 12 c, 13 a, 14 b, 15 b, 16 a, 17c

49. Water
A: 1 shortage, 2 supplies, 3 by sea, 4 moist
B: 5 d, 6 e, 7 a, 8 b, 9 c
C: 10 snow-cold, 11 pouring, 12 gassed, 13 wet, 14 river, 15 dust
D: 16 drink, 17 leak, 18 quench, drip

50. Light
A: 1 hard, 2 going, 3 falling, 4 under moonlight, 5 night
B: 6b, 7 c, 8 c, 9 b, 10 a, 11 a, 12 c
C: 13 flashing, 14 shot, 15 nightlight, 16 darkly, 17 shiny

51. Sleep
A: 1 heavy, 2 wide, 3 light, 4 sweet
B: 5 a, 6 c, 7 a, 8 c, 9 a, 10 a
C: 11 make, 12 having, 13 get, 14 had
52. Tastes and smells
A: 1 stink, 2 odour, 3 perfume, 4 weak, 5 flavour, 6 savour
B: 7 nice / have you got on, 8 a keen, 9 caught, 10 full-bodied, 11 accounting,
12 sweet and sour, 13 gives off, 14 wearing / stinking, 15 acquired
C: 16 c, 17 f, 18 d, 19 b, 20 a
53. Gestures
A: 1 c, 2 d, 3 e, 4 b, 5 a
B: 6 a, 7 c, 8 a, 9 b, 10 a, 11 c
C: 12 shrugged, 13 grinning, 14 made, 15 crossed, 16 burst, 17 clap
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54. Movement
A: 1 take, 2 fast, 3 stamped, 4 planted, 5 remain, 6 with naked feet
B: 7d, 8 a, 9 f, 10 c, 11 b, 12 e
C: 13 dash, 14 broke, 15 crept, 16 stroll, 17 strode, 18 wandered
D: 19 round, 20 forwards, 21 side

55. Speed
A: 1 speed limit, 2 a hurry, 3 pace, 4 slow motion, 5 a move on, 6 your time,
7 top speed, 8 a halt
B: 9 surely, 10 easy, 11 furious, 12 little, 13 step
C: 14 e, 15a, 16c, 17 f. 18 d, 19g,20b

56. Sounds
A: 1 b, 2 d, 3 a, 4 e, 5 c
B: 6 voice / peace, 7 sound, 8 ears, 9 hearing, 10 racket, 11 volume, 12 blast
C: 13 noise, 14 fell, 15 turn down, 16 silence, 17 hear, 18 crash, 19 noisy, 20 making

57. Shouts, cries and whispers

A: 1 big, 2 had, 3 rough, 4 relief, 5 sadly
B: 6 c, 7 b, 8 b, 9 a, 10 b, 11 c, 12 b, 13 a, 14 c, 15 b, 16 a

58. Speaking
A: 1 tell, 2 spoke, 3 say, 4 telling, 5 tell, 6 speaks, 7 speaking
B: 8 your mind, 9 a word, 10 edgeways, 11 heart to heart, 12 a hint,
13 the conversation, 14 a statement, 15 command
C: 16 gave, 17 had, 18 Speak, 19 say, 20 about

59. Truth and lies

A: 1 honesty, 2 lies, 3 the facts, 4 deception, 5 word, 6 truth, 7 excuse
B: 8 tell the truth, 9 take your word for it, 10 To be honest, 11 will come out
C: 12 fell for, 13 honestly, 14 solemn promise, 15 pathological liar / trust,
16 under, 17 element, 18 a barefaced, 19 on this

60. Likes and dislikes

A: 1 had, 2 go, 3 took, 4 resist, 5 grown, 6 feel
B: 7a, 8 c, 9 b, 10 a, 11b
C: 12 attraction, 13 keen on, 14 passion for, 15 appeal to, 16 hit it off

61. Moods an feelings

A: 1 b, 2 a, 3 b, 4 b
B: 5 d, 6 c, 7 b, 8 a
C: 9 get, 10 express, 11 kept, 12 flew, 13 make his day, 14 nerves,
15 mood, 16 strong, 17 mood

62. Ideas and intelligence

A: 1 a, 2 c, 3 b, 4 c, 5 a
B: 6 long and hard, 7 hate to think, 8 Use your brains, 9 have a think
C: 10 brains, 11 wisdom, 12 intelligence, 13 mind, 14 hindsight

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63. Knowledge and ignorance
A: 1 b, 2 b, 3 a, 4 e
B: 5 couldn't say, 6 faintest idea, 7 ask me, 8 should I know,
9 comprehension, 10 for a fact
C: 11 gap, 12 To, 13 area of expertise, 14 precisely, 15 learnt

64. Memory and forgetfulness

A: 1 think of it, 2 for faces, 3 brings it all back, 4 slipped my mind,
5 remind me of, 6 to me.
B: 7 reminder, 8 memory, 9 memorial, 10 souvenir, 11 blank, 12 note
C: 13 vaguely, 14 recognise / escapes, 15 mention, 16 photographic,
17 flooding, 18 jogged

65. Certainty and uncertainty

A: 1 without fail, 2 make sure, 3 have no idea, 4 in two minds,
5 no chance, 6 firm promise, 7 I doubt it, 8 no doubt
B: 9 I've had second thoughts, 10 She's having doubts about the plan,
11 We still haven't made up our minds / We still can't make up our minds,
12 I have my doubts about him. (Variations are also possible)
C: 13 on second thoughts, 14 in a million years, 15 I don't think so,
16 without doubt, 17 for certain, 18 have mixed feelings

66. Choices and decisions

A: 1 It's up to you, 2 choose between them, 3 Take your pick,
4 half-a-dozen, 5 own mind, 6 the pros and cons
B: 7 make, 8 had, 9 have, 10 make, 11 leaning, 12 pick / choose
C: 13 option, 14 decide, 15 judged, 16 done, 17 select

67. Agreeing and disagreeing

A: 1 issue, 2 eye, 3 differences, 4 half way, 5 argument, 6 decision, 7 agreement
B: 8 c, 9 a, 10 b, 11 c, 12 a
C: 13 d, 14c, 15 b, 16 e, 17 a

68. Opinions
A: 1 say, 2 an opinion, 3 the opinion, 4 usual, 5 bad
B: 6 I'm concerned, 7 ask me, 8 opinion on this, 9 As I see it,
10 what you think / what you think about it, 11 Personally speaking
C: 1 mind, 2 difference, 3 strong, 4 for, 5 take, 6 popular, 7 stand, 8 keep

69. Meetings and arrangements

A: 1 have a reservation, 2 OK with you, 3 check my diary, 4 seeing you,
5 make an appointment, 6 good for you, 7 How about Monday the 11th?
(Note: in written English, 'the' is usually omitted, giving 'Monday 11th'.)
B: 8 c, 9 a, 10 c, 11 b, 12 c, 13 b, 14 a, 15 c, 16 a

70. Working together

A: 1 part, 2 effort, 3 project, 4 partnership, 5 together, 6 differences, 7 ideas, 8 solidarity
B: 9 side by side, 10 get, 11 joint effort, 12 day to day management,
13 brought, 14 teamed up
C: 15 answer, 16 cooperation, 17 mutual, 18 partnership
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71. Success
A: 1 made, 2 had, 3 wish, 4 beat, 5 won
B: 6c, 7 a, 8 a, 9 b, 10 b, 11 a, 12 c
C: 13 bad to worse, 14 home and dry, 15 make or break, 16 winners and losers

72. Failure
A: 1 maximum, 2 closing, 3 wasn't a success story, 4 lost time, 5 die, 6 rubbish
B: 7 b, 8 a, 9 a, 10 c, 11 a, 12 a, 13 a
C: 14 fall, 15 swim, 16 miss, 17 error

73. Luck, chance and opportunity

A: 1 luck, 2 opportunity, 3 guess, 4 coincidence, 5 random, 6 fate,
7 fortune, 8 chance, 9 break, 10 have
B: 11 lucky, 12 fate, 13 of destiny, 14 say, 15 opportunity
C: 16 as it happens, 17 jumped, 18 Wish, 19 chance, 20 Cross / luck

74. Problems and solutions

A: 1 have, 2 run, 3 make, 4 go, 5 put, 6 be, 7 sort, 8 suffered
B: 9 troubles, 10 terrible, 11 nasty, 12 problems, 13 presenting, 14 down, 15 do
C: 16 c, 17 f, 18 e, 19 a, 20 b, d

75. Similarity and difference

A: 1 tell, 2 strong, 3 striking, 4 similar, 5 sharply, 6 widely
B: 7 tell them, 8 as it ever was, 9 two of a kind, 10 on the same,
11 in common with, 12 one from the other
C: 12 c, 13 a, 14 b, 15 b, 16 a, 17 c

76. Cause and effect

A: 1 b, 2 b, 3 c, 4 a, 5 c, 6 a
B: 7e, 8 d, 9 a, 10 e, 11 b, 12 c
C: 13 explanations, 14 reason why, 15 for concern, 16 thanks to you, 17 come of it

77. Changes
A: 1 e, 2 c, 3 b, 4 a, 5 d, 6 f
B: 7 love, 8 story, 9 do, 10 new, 11 large, 12 house
C: 1 change, 2 all, 3 lack, 4 changed, 5 going, 6 across makes, 6 down make, 7 beyond

78. Time
A: 1 d, 2 a, 3 b, 4 e, 5 c
B: 6 According to the timetable / in, 7 tight schedule, 8 for a minute,
9 a million years, 10 the time being, 11 take
C: 12 lose, 13 with, 14 away from, 15 your age
D: 16 take, 17 run, 18 make, 19 come, 20 keep, 21 track

79. Days, months and seasons

A: 1 a time, 2 on end, 3 the day, 4 day out, 5 today, 6 day long,
7 those days, 8 after day
B: 9 a month, 10 gone by, 11 depths of, 12 drawing, 13 go, 14a week,
15 the day after tomorrow, 16 the time of year
C: 17 soon, 18 weathers, 19 autumn time, 20 clean

80. Beginning and ending

A: 1 f, 2 g, 3 a, 4 e, 5 b, 6 d, 7 c
B: 8c, 9 a, 10 c, 11 b, 12 b
C: 13 bitter end, 14 in tears, 15 to a halt, 16 in sight, 17 to a close
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