Fill in the gaps with ONE word
1.
Keep going and going until you get to _________ crossroads. Then turn right.
KEY
1. a
crossroads: (pl. crossroads)
a place where two roads meet and cross each other. E.g. At the next crossroads, turn right. (figurative) He has reached a career crossroads (= he must decide which way to go next in his career).
I knew I was at the crossroads of my career. Turn right at the next crossroads. We are standing at an important crossroads in the history of Europe. He has reached a career crossroads.
at a/the crossroads: at an important point in somebody’s life or development.
2. 2008 marked the beginning of a big financial crisis. However, there have been others. As a matter of fact on the Wikipedia you can find a list of all the economic ________ that have taken place since the first century.
KEY
2. crises
crisis: /ˈkraɪsɪs/ pl. crises /ˈkraɪsiːz/
3. The myotragus was __________ rare species of goat that lived on the island of Majorca until its extinction around 5,000 years ago.
KEY
3. a
species /ˈspiːʃiːz/ (pl. species)
4. The BBC not only tells you the news, it also explains ________.
KEY
4. it
news: [uncountable]
E.g. What's the latest news? That's great news. a piece/ an item of news. A news article/story/report/item.
5. When I was a child my mother used to make such (a)_________ tasty toast! She would spread (b)__________ with a thin layer of butter and strawberry jam.
KEY
5.
a. really/very...
b. it
toast: [uncountable] slices of bread that have been made brown and crisp by heating them on both sides in a toaster or under a grill cheese on toast a piece of toast two slices/rounds of toast
6. He was welcomed with ____________ applause.
KEY
6. rapturous/deafening/ loud/ thunderous/tumultuous/enthusiastic/warm...
applause /əˈplɔːz/ [uncountable]
the noise made by a group of people clapping their hands and sometimes shouting to show their approval or enjoyment. E.g. Give her a big round of applause! The audience broke into rapturous applause.
7. People say economics (a)______ tough. But he studied (b)_________ at Yale and passed with flying colours. For him maths (c)_________ tougher.
KEY
7.
(a) is
(b) it
(c) was
economics: [uncountable] /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks/ /ˌekəˈnɒmɪks/the study of how a society organizes its money, trade and industry. E.g. He studied politics and economics at Yale.
maths: /mæθs/ [uncountable] mathematics, especially as a subject in school The core subjects are English, Maths and Science. a maths teacher.
8. We are making a public commitment to ensure the roadworks _________ carried out as smoothly, competently and responsibly as possible, with proper road management arrangements in place.
KEY
8. are
roadworks [plural]
9. The sewage works next to the highway (a)________ working to (b)__________ full potential in the summer months and (c)_______ will remain open in the winter. However, other sewage works on the island (d)__________ not in use during the low season.
KEY
9.
(a) is
(b) its
(c) it
(d) are
sewage works /ˈsuːɪdʒ wɜːks/ [countable + singular or plural verb] a place where chemicals are used to clean sewage so that it can then be allowed to go into rivers, etc. or used to make manure.
10. Consumers are eating __________ sugary foods as a result of the government health campaign.
10
KEY
fewer
food:
1. [uncountable] things that people or animals eat. E.g. a shortage of food/food shortages. food and drink. the food industry.
2. [countable, uncountable] a particular type of food. E.g. Do you like Italian food? frozen foods. a can of dog food (= for a dog to eat) He's off his food (= he does not want to eat anything).
11. What _________ beautiful weather we enjoyed! There was a nice turn out for the festival!
KEY
11. absolutely/extremely/ really/remarkably/truly/very/incredibly
weather: [uncountable]
Note: it takes a plural in the expression:
in all kinds of weather, good and bad. E.g. She goes out jogging in all weathers.
12. Bambi and Rudolph were very famous _________. Others have not been so famous.
KEY
12. deer
deer: (pl. deer)
13. I like TV series. The first episode of the new TV (a)_______ is on Saturday. I'm looking forward to (b)___________.
KEY
13.
(a) series
(b) it
series: (pl. series) /ˈsɪəriːz/
14. Television is an effective ___________ of communication. What other means do you use?
KEY
14. means
means: (pl. means)
15. The latest aircraft the government has bought is extremely expensive. Previous ___________ were not so dear.
KEY
15. aircraft
aircraft: (pl. aircraft) /ˈeəkrɑːft/
16. Athletics ___________ an important part of their curriculum.
KEY
16. is
athletics: [uncountable]
17. When the police (a)____________, describe exactly what you have seen. By the way, you did the right thing calling (b)___________ . Everybody knows that when someone is killed, the police (c)_________ to be informed
KEY
17.
(a) arrive
(b) them
(c) have
police: [plural]
18. One analysis would not be enough. We need to compare different ____________.
KEY
18.
analyses
analysis: /əˈnæləsɪs/ (pl analyses /əˈnæləsiːz/)
the detailed study or examination of something in order to understand more about it; the result of the study. E.g. statistical analysis. The book is an analysis of poverty and its causes. At the meeting they presented a detailed analysis of twelve schools in a London borough.
19. What criteria (a)_____________ used for assessing a student's ability? One (b)_________ could be to observe how much time they need to complete a task.
KEY
19.
(a) are
(b) criterion
criterion: /kraɪˈtɪəriən/ (pl. criteria /kraɪˈtɪəriə/)
a standard or principle by which something is judged, or with the help of which a decision is made The main criterion is value for money. What criteria are used for assessing a student's ability? We based the evaluation on two types of criteria.
20. A large (a)____________ of phenomena emerged in the last half of the 20th century. One (b)____________is of course globalisation.
KEY
20.
(a) number /quantity ("quantity"can be used with both [C] and [U] inanimate nouns)
(b) phenomenon
phenomenon: /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ (pl. phenomena /fəˈnɒmɪnə/)
a fact or an event in nature or society, especially one that is not fully understood. E.g. cultural/natural/social phenomena. Globalization is a phenomenon of the 21st century. Early retirement is a relatively new phenomenon in Britain.
21. The premises _______________ regularly checked by security guards.
KEY
21.
are
Premises: /ˈpremɪsɪz/ [plural]
the building and land near to it that a business owns or uses. E.g. business/commercial/industrial premises. The company is looking for larger premises. No alcohol may be consumed on the premises. Police were called to escort her off the premises. These premises are regularly checked by security guards.
22. ________ research shows that people do not use libraries as much as they used to.
KEY
22.
recent/ detailed/ ground-breaking...
research: /rɪˈsɜːtʃ/ /ˈriːsɜːtʃ/ [uncountable] (also researches [plural] )
a careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it. E.g. medical/historical/scientific, etc. research. to do/conduct/undertake research. research (into/on something/somebody) He has carried out extensive research into renewable energy sources. Recent research on deaf children has produced some interesting findings about their speech. What have their researches shown? a research project/grant/student. Research on animals has led to some important medical advances. I've done some research to find out the cheapest way of travelling there.
23. I ate __________ spaghetti than you this time. You seem to have worked up an appetite at the gym this morning.
KEY
23. less
spaghetti: /spəˈɡeti/ [uncountable]
24. In this new__________ people can do many things that could not be done for millennia
KEY
24. millennium
millennium: (pl millennia)
25. To mark the special anniversary of 25 years since graduation, the __________ are getting together.
KEY
25. alumni
Alumnus (sg) /əˈlʌmnəs / alumni (pl) /əˈlʌmnaɪ /
a former male student of a school, college or university.
alumna (sg.) /əˈlʌmnə/ alumnae (pl.) /əˈlʌmniː/:
a former woman student of a school, college or university.
26. If he has so (a)__________ hubris, he might not be able to hide (b)__________.
KEY
26.
(a) much
(b) it
hubris: /ˈhjuːbrɪs/ [uncountable] a way of talking or behaving that is too proud. E.g. He was punished for his hubris. He thought he was above the law and was ultimately punished for his hubris. Scientists may arguably be guilty of hubris in this area.
27. A great (a)_________ of detritus (b)_________ found on the Magaluf beach after the recent wintry storm.
KEY
27.
(a) deal/ amount /quantity
"deal" and "amount" only with [U] nouns
"quantity"can be used with both [C] and [U] inanimate nouns
(b) was
detritus: /dɪˈtraɪtəs/ [uncountable]
any kind of rubbish/garbage that is left after an event or when something has been used.
E.g. the detritus of everyday life The kitchen table was still stacked with the detritus of the previous night. The stadium was littered with the detritus of yesterday's concert.
28. Debris from the aircraft _________ scattered over a large area.
KEY
28.
was
debris: /ˈdebriː//ˈdeɪbriː/ (NAmE /dəˈbriː/) [uncountable]
1. pieces of wood, metal, brick, etc. that are left after something has been destroyed. E.g. Emergency teams are still clearing the debris from the plane crash. Several people were injured by flying debris in the explosion.
2. rubbish/garbage or pieces of material that are left somewhere and are not wanted. E.g. Clear away leaves and other garden debris from the pond. the debris of their lunch
29. Watch this Youtube video. You will agree with me that (a)_______ gymnastics in particular (b)_______ very exciting"
KEY
29.
(a) this
(b) is
gymnastics [uncountable]
physical
exercises that develop and show the body’s strength and ability to move
and bend easily, often done as a sport in competitions. E.g. a gymnastics competition. (figurative) mental/verbal gymnastics (= quick or clever thinking or use of words). She does gymnastics at school.
30. The
whole ____________ of cows was infected.
KEY
30.
herd
31. In
winter, the shepherds had to move with their __________ to
the lowland pastures.
KEY
31.
flocks
a flock of sheep
32. A
whole __________ of seagulls followed the ferry as it set out
from Dover across the Channel.
32.
KEY
flock
a flock of birds
33. A _______________ of wolves roamed the prairie. A number of them were
diseased.
KEY
33.
pack
a pack of wild dogs or a pack of wolves
34. In
the __________ of cards I bought yesterday there were five jokers.
KEY
34.
pack
a pack of cards
35. He
told me a ________ of lies. Nothing he said was true.
KEY
35.
pack
a pack
of lies
36. A large __________ of cows were infected.
KEY
36.
a
large number of cows were infected.
("quantity"can only be used with [C] and [U] inanimate nouns)
37. Let me give you __________ advice.
KEY
37.
some
advice: uncountable
a piece of advice
some advice
a word of advice
38. We bought ___________ new luggage for our trip.
KEY
38.
some
luggage (U): a piece/item of luggage
39. The news this morning _________ terrible – more price rises and a teachers’ strike.
KEY
39.
was
40. I like to listen to the local radio because they report the news that ___________ to me.
KEY
40.
matters
41. The steelworks in our town ________ closing. Unfortunately, it won't be the last one.
KEY
41.
is
steelworks: (countable) (plural steelworks) a factory where steel is made.
42. The roadworks __________________ causing delays on the M20.
KEY
42.
are
roadworks: [plural] repairs that are being done to the road.
43. My friend bought a useful _____________ of equipment for the kitchen.
KEY
43.
piece/item
Equipment: / ɪˈkwɪpmənt/ (U) the things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity.
44. The outskirts of Palma _____________ getting bigger.
KEY
44.
are
outskirts: [plural] the parts of a town or city that are furthest from the centre.
45. The fishmonger weighed out three kilos of ___________.
KEY
45.
fish
Fish is the usual plural form. The older form, fishes, can be used to refer to different kinds of fish.
46. The acoustics in this room ___________ terrible.
KEY
46.
are
acoustics: /əˈkuːstɪks/ [plural] E.g. The acoustics of the new concert hall are excellent.
47. The statistics the speaker used on the first slide __________________ misleading.
KEY
47.
were
statistics: (plural) a collection of information shown in numbers.
48. Maths _____________ my favourite subject at school.
KEY
48.
was
maths: [uncountable] mathematics, especially as a subject in school.
49. Phonetics _____________ an important part of linguistics, which ______ my speciality.
KEY
49.
is/is
phonetics [uncountable]
linguistics [uncountable]
50. Genetics ________________ the study of genes.
KEY
50.
is
Genetics [uncountable]
51. Athletics _________ largely an individual sport.
KEY
51.
is
Athletics [uncountable]
52. The police ____________ aware of the break-in.
KEY
52.
are
police (plural)
53. Economics ______________ a very popular degree at the UIB.
KEY
53.
is
economics: [uncountable]
54. A ____________ of moonlight fell on the lake.
KEY
54.
shaft
shaft of light, sunlight, etc. :(literary) a narrow strip of light. Rayo de luz. E.g. A shaft of moonlight fell on the lake. (Figurative) a shaft of inspiration.
55. The crowd gave them a ___________ of applause
KEY
55.
round/ burst
Applause: /əˈplɔːz/ (U) E.g. The audience broke into rapturous (ecstatic) applause.Give her a big round of applause! A burst of applause.
56. The burglars got in by smashing a ______________ of glass in a door.
KEY
56.
pane
Pane: a single sheet of glass in a window. E.g. a pane of glass. A windowpane.
57. It was a ____________of luck that I found you here.
KEY
57.
stroke/piece
58. Gallstones can be as small as a ____________ of sand
KEY
58.
grain
59. We were woken in the night by a ________ of thunder.
KEY
59.
clap/ crash/crack
a rumble/roll of thunder (=one of a series of deep sounds)
a clap/crash/crack of thunder (=one extremely loud sound)
60. Suddenly there was a _____________ of lightning followed by thunder.
KEY
60.
flash/bolt
61. A ___________ of wind blew his hat off.
KEY
61.
gust/blast
62. A ____________ of sunshine filtered through the dirty window.
KEY
62.
ray
63. I bought two _________ of soap and a __________ of chocolate
KEY
63.
bars
bar
64. He’s gone to buy a ___________of bread.
KEY
64.
loaf
65. We had a _____________ of very mild weather in January
KEY
65.
spell
66. they say we might just get a _________ of rain in the late afternoon.
KEY
66.
spot
A spot of rain: a small amount
67. Police asked ___________ if they had seen the accident. However, only one passer-by stepped forward.
KEY
67.
passers-by
passer-by: (pl. passers-by) a person who is going past somebody/something by chance, especially when something unexpected happens.
68. I only have one brother-in-law, but my wife has four _____________.
KEY
68.
brothers-in-law
