Fill in the blanks with only one word
Distance learning is becoming more popular in our society. However, this system dates back to as
as 1728, when an advertisement was published seeking students who wanted to
receive lessons by regular post. Some time
, in 1858, the University of London was the first university to offer
distance-learning degrees. The largest university in the United Kingdom using this method is the Open
University. There are now many similar institutions
the world with this same name.
its primary delivery methodologies, it used television and radio. In the twentieth
century, the Internet helped to expand the system to more students.
In fact, the technology used may be divided two groups: synchronous and
asynchronous. The former allows all participants to be connected at the time with their tutor. The
offers the students the possibility of using the materials independently, on their schedule.
Distance education provides great benefits to those
cannot attend a school because they
live too far or have limited mobility. It also gives adults the opportunity to keep
learning during their free time.
For questions 1-15, read the text below and type the word which best fits in each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example below: (0) as Global English
Global English exists (0) ... a political and cultural reality. Many misguided theories attempt to
explain why the English language should have succeeded internationally, whilst (1) ... have not.
Is it because there is (2) ... inherently logical or beautiful about the structure of English? Does its
simple grammar (3) ... it easy to learn? Such ideas are misconceived. Latin was once a major
international language, despite having a complicated grammatical structure, and English also
presents learners (4) ... all manner of real difficulties, (5) ... least its spelling system. Ease (6) ...
learning, therefore, has little to (7) ... with it. (8) ... all, children learn to speak their mother
tongue in approximately the same period of time, (9) ... of their language.
English has spread not so (10) ... for linguistic reasons, but rather because it has often found (11)
... in the right place, at the right time. (12) ... the 1960s, two major developments have
contributed to strengthening this global status. Firstly, in a number of countries, English is now
used in addition to national or regional languages. As (13) ... as this, an electronic revolution has
taken (14) ... . It is estimated that (15) ... the region of 80% of worldwide electronic
communication is now in English.
Complete the text using one word in each space.
The death of the High Street
It is often the case (0) that the principal street of an English town or city is
called the High Street, and in the past it (1) have been there that
people used to meet, do business and go shopping. However, over the last
few decades, Britain, (2)
other developed countries, has seen
“giant” supermarkets and major new shopping centres springing (3)
on the outskirts of urban areas or in locations which are (4) reached
by car and which have ample parking. The appearance of these new temples of retailing is (5)
the result and the cause of the phenomenon (6)
as the “death of the High Street”, a consequence of the fact that
town or city centres had become ever (7) inconvenient both for the
retailers themselves and for (8) customers. Once offered an
alternative, shoppers and motorists were quick to flock to more modern and
better-designed suburban shopping facilities, taking their business with them
and so inevitably accelerating the closure of many of the smaller and most traditional shops, (9)
as butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers. These (10)
then replaced by the ubiquitous “charity shops”, small
retail outlets run (11)
non-profit organisations selling second-hand
items given free by their supporters. These shops occupy (12) were
formerly prime locations in the High Street, but may only pay a minimal rent,
and are staffed by volunteers to maximise the income (13) the sale
of old clothes, shoes, books or ornaments which fill their shelves. In the
poorest regions of Britain (14)
is not uncommon to find three, four or
more charity shops in a small High Street, a situation which is convenient for
those who cannot afford to buy new, and for those who benefit (15)
the various services provided by the charities, but depressing for residents
who remember the lively and prosperous High Streets of the past. Saint Patrick's Day by Ethan Cole
Saint Patrick's Day, colloquially St. Paddy's Day
Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day
which celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland.
The day is the national holiday
the Irish people. It is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland,
and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Montserrat, and the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
the rest of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the
United States and New Zealand, it is widely celebrated is not an official holiday.
It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church due
the influence of the Waterford-
born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early part of the 17th century, and is a holy day of obligation Roman Catholics in Ireland.
The date of the feast is occasionally moved by church authorities March 17 falls during
Holy Week; this last happened in 1940 when Saint Patrick's Day was observed 3 April in
order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and happened again in 2008, when it was
held on 15 March for the novus ordo liturgy and April 2 for the traditional Latin Mass to avoid second day in Holy Week. Saint Patrick's Day
celebrated worldwide by Irish people and increasingly by non-Irish
people, as well (usually in Australia, North America, and Ireland). Hence the phrase, "Everyone wants to
Irish on St. Patrick's Day." Celebrations are generally themed
around the color green and all things Irish; both Christians and non-Christians celebrate the secular version
the holiday by wearing green or orange, eating Irish food and/or green
foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), attending parades.
As well as being a celebration of Irish culture, Saint Patrick's Day is a Christian festival celebrated in
Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, and some other denominations. The day always falls
the season of Lent. Some bishops will grant an indult, or release,
from the Friday no-meat observance
St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday; this is
sometimes colloquially known as a "corned-beef indult". When 17 March falls on a Sunday,
church calendars (though rarely secular ones) move Saint Patrick's Day the following
Monday—and when the 17th falls during Holy Week (very rarely), the observance can
moved to the previous week or all the way to April, after Easter.
In many parts of North America, Britain, and Australia expatriate Irish, of Irish
descent, and ever-growing crowds of people with no Irish connections but who may proclaim
themselves "Irish for a day" also celebrate St. Patrick's Day, usually drinking larger
amounts of alcoholic beverages (lager dyed green, Irish beer and stout, such Murphys,
Beamish, Smithwicks, Harp or Guinness, or Irish whiskey, Irish cider, Irish coffee, or Baileys
Irish Cream) than they normally would, and by wearing green-coloured clothing. The eating Irish soda bread (
is sold in supermarkets for the occasion, but not sold during the
rest of the year except in specialty stores) is also common. Some recent American twists on
the holiday, reflecting its growing popularity among the non-Irish, are the making
selling of green bagels and popcorn on and near day.
2007 marked the first annual St. Patrick's Day parade and festival in the Scottish city of Glasgow.
Glasgow having a large Irish community, a parade was never thought feasible
to potential sectarian issues. Saint Patricks day is one of the best times in the year.
Complete the text using one word in each space. Fast food
The concept of “fast food” is very important in English-speaking countries (0)
for one major reason: the working day starts at around the same time (1)
in European countries, but finishes (2) earlier, typically at
about five o'clock in (3)
evening when the offices, banks and many
of the shops begin to close. As a result, there's not much time for lunch, (4)
many people bring something from home to eat at their desks, (5)
with a cup of tea or instant coffee made with the office kettle, (6)
than going out to a restaurant for a “proper” lunch as do many
European office workers, (7)
usually finish work much later in the evening. For (8)
who prefer to get out of the office to have a break or (9)
fresh air, there are the various fast food options (10) as
sandwiches, Cornish pasties, burgers, kebaps, or fish and chips, many of (11)
can be eaten “on the move”, (12) even the need to sit down!
Only on special occasions is a British office worker likely to eat lunch in a restaurant. (13)
someone's birthday, promotion, engagement or
retirement, for example, a group of colleagues will eat together in a pub or
restaurant. It is for this reason (14) foreign visitors are often surprised (15)
the lack of affordable, good quality, places to have
lunch in the major British cities. CPE Pronouns Substitutions Print | Exit Instructions
Fill in the gap in each sentence with a pronoun.
1. There were a number of participants at the conference dinner, several of ........ were keynote speakers.
2. The old house, ........ its condition, is likely to sell quickly given the present housing market.
3. The diner complained so vociferously that the manageress ........ came out of the office to see what the problem was.
4. The party atmosphere suddenly dissipated, at ........ point I made up my mind to leave.
5. The chairman outlined his vision for the future but the chief executive argued that ........ a
strategy could be detrimental to the company’s future.
6. More and more people are turning to vegetarianism which ........ say is much better for your health.
7 My therapist said I could drop in ........ I wanted to, regardless of whether I’d made an appointment or not.
8. The main reasons for quitting my job were overwork and a meagre salary. There are
........ I could mention but they were the primary factors.
CPE Articles and Determiners/Quantifiers Print | Exit Instructions
Complete each of the following sentences with the correct article or determiner.
1. After borrowing two thousand pounds from you, the very ........ she could do is offer to pay back a little each month.
2. ........ as I hate to do this, we’ll have to cancel the party if more people don’t respond.
3. She wants to travel the world eventually but above ........ her priority is to finish her degree course.
4. John doesn’t have many friends, just a select ........, who tend to go along with everything he says.
5. Valerie and Simon can’t decide whether to make their home in France or Australia. ........
way it will mean sacrifices for one of them.
6. In England, polo is a sport that is associated with ........ rich and powerful.
7. As a junior doctor there was ........ a time when I had to seek a second opinion from my
superiors before I made a diagnosis.
8. The company has had ........ of its employees taking sick leave and it has decided to crack down on absenteeism.
CPE Conjunctions and linking words or phrases Print | Exit Instructions
Complete each of the following sentences with the correct conjunction or linking word.
1. The reviews of the play were glowing but as a ......... of fact I thought it was terrible!
2. Most people are car lovers. Even ........, cars cause enormous damage to the environment.
3. ........ most people pass their Proficiency exam first time round a number of candidates will, sadly, fail.
4. The hotel was poor, the food terrible, and we had torrential rain for the whole week.
........ short, the holiday was a disaster.
5. As far as the police were ........., they decided not to press charges against the thief this time round.
6. ........ the bank was shut all weekend they weren’t able to withdraw any cash.
7. I wouldn’t apply for that job if I were you. In ........ case the advert says you have to
have a clean driving licence and you haven’t even passed your test yet.
8 Broadly ........, young people are concerned with finding a good career once they have graduated from university.
CPE Prepositional phrases and phrasal verbs Print | Exit Instructions
Fill in the gaps in each sentence with a suitable particle or preposition.
1. My boss is biased ........ me, which explains why I’ll never get promoted if I stay with this company.
2. Marco had severe misgivings ........ taking the June exam as he felt he just wasn’t ready.
3. People who eat an unhealthy diet are susceptible ........ all kinds of illnesses and diseases.
4. My cousin talked ........ length about his recent holiday and bored everyone to death!
5. When Rose was unfaithful to Joshua she threw herself ........ his mercy and asked him to forgive her.
6. When I was younger I wanted to be an air pilot but I soon went ........ the idea when I realised I hated flying.
7. The government’s plans to reduce crime came ........ for a lot of criticism from freedom groups.
8. Anna: This problem’s driving me crazy!
Joe: Well, have you tried standing ........ from the situation and evaluating it objectively? CPE Collocations Print | Exit Instructions
Complete each of the following sentences with the word that collocates with the words in bold.
1. Victoria has a working ........ of Chinese, which she needs for her job as an international corporate lawyer.
2. The defendant told the judge that she accepted full ........ for her actions and that she would plead guilty.
3. After William realised his mistake he was forced to ........ his pride and apologise.
4. I thought I ........ my position absolutely clear. Either he goes or I do!
5. Tanya came away from the interview with the overriding ........ that she wouldn’t get the job.
6. Although my mother’s in her seventies she is still very young at ........
7. When the shop assistant refused the customer a refund, he was met with a torrent of ........
8. The drowning boy was pulled out of the river and ........ the kiss of life by a medic. Why Dogs Bark By Fubrus Thousands of years
, humans began the process of domesticating the dog and shaping
what "being a dog" really means. Through careful selection and breeding, an astonishing variety of dog breeds
been created. Desirable traits have been selected for in various breeds that are of a benefit
humans. There are some traits, however, that quickly
become undesirable when expressed too frequently. Barking is example of a natural
behaviour that is encouraged in terms of guarding behaviour, but becomes a problem when
the behaviour is produced in excess. A recent health insurance investigation revealed
the sound of a continually barking dog was cited as the most disruptive and stress inducing noise humans. Why Do Dogs Bark?
Barking, in addition to whining, howling and growling, is a dog's natural means
communication. Barking is characterized by a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend
vary little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark
signify territorial protection, exertion of
dominance, or expression of some need. Typically, barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state
excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a
behavioural problem, until it is produced excess. Causes of Problem Barking
Problem barking has a variety of origins. Genetics does influence a dog's tendency to bark. Certain breeds belonging
the terrier family are prone to more frequent barking
breeds such as Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, excess barking can exist in any
breed of dog. The key to solving the problem of inappropriate barking is to determine what external stimulus triggering the behaviour.
Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers. Improper confinement can
include leaving a dog alone in
locked room, or in a dog crate (a tool used for
housebreaking and other behavioural modifications). improper confinements can
include restricted tethering outdoors, or even an enclosed yard without proper shelter from
the elements. Such confinement can cause frustration a dog and cause it to bark
excessively. Closely associated
improper confinement is lack of exercise as a cause of
excess barking. When a dog is not provided with adequate exercise, accumulated energy released through barking. Environmental sounds can
trigger barking. These sounds include such things as the
barking of other dogs, the sound of passing cars, strange voices, thunder, and mechanical noises such
the ringing of the phone. Noises can initiate barking at different times of the
day. A dog may not bark at accustomed sounds
the day, but at night may be incited
to a volley of barking, much to the chagrin of the neighbours, by the slightest of noises.
Other causes of problem barking can include separation anxiety, or the temperament
the dog: an over-aggressive animal may bark
the smallest provocation. A strongly
territorial dog may bark at any stranger, invited or uninvited, entering property. Solutions to Excess Barking
Excess barking can be a serious behavioural problem and can mean the termination of the relationship
your dog or the dog itself if left untreated. The following text includes
information on how to solve your dog's problem barking recommended by a vet.
The first step in solving problem barking, is to determine your dog is barking in
response to inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this is the case, the dog must be
provided with a comfortable amount
space or supplied with a doghouse if outdoor
shelter is inadequate. Increasing the amount of exercise given your dog may also help.
In the event your dog is barking
response to environmental noises, or the barking is
simply due to its temperament, behavioural modification methods should be used. These
methods can include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand as "No!", and leash
correction. It should be noted however, that you should never yell your dog, as loud
noises may encourage your pet to bark more. Also keep in mind the punishment should be
applied while the barking is occurring,
order for your dog to associate the unwanted
behaviour with the punishment. Also remember to reward your dog it stops barking.
Indirect intervention methods can also be applied. These techniques can range from
spraying your dog with water while it is barking,
using noise producing devices such as
"Dog Stop" or "Barker Breaker," which emit loud high frequency sounds that
interrupt barking. These devices can be controlled by the owner, or triggered the dog's
barking. In the event your dog is resistant to
behavioural modifications, more drastic
action can be taken in the form of bark activated shock collars. device is particularly
effective when barking occurs in the owner's absence. Shock collars, however, are
recommended only after other control measures
failed. A final resort, when all other
behavioural modification methods have been tried, and particularly when the dog's life is
question, is a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical procedure involves removal of all or part of vocal cords.
The key to solving the problem of excess barking in your dog begins with understanding
of what is causing this behaviour. Once you have determined a cause, have a greater
chance of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., more exercise) or behavioural
modification. Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour barking can be
difficult, and may require considerable patience, time, and hard work. Solutions, however, are possible, and worth effort.
FCE Open Cloze: The History Of Soap
For questions 1-12, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each
gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet below. Example 0 A G O
The earliest soap in history was probably produced around five thousand years (0) in Ancient Babylon. Archeologists
(1) found ancient tablets with writing on them (2) seem to describe a formula for making soap. (3) the Romans
probably knew how to manufacture soap as well, (4) is believed that they only used it (5) washing fabrics and
actually cleaned their bodies in a totally different (6) . An ancient Egyptian papyrus from around 1550 B.C. also refers to soap manufacture.
The first soaps that we would recognise today were produced by Muslim chemists in the mediaeval Islamic world
around 1000 A.D. (7) soaps were not only made from similar materials (8) also included colouring and perfume in some cases.
But it was not (9) the Nineteenth Century that large-scale soap production began making a product that was cheap
(10) for everybody to afford it. In 1862, Andrew Pears and (11) granson, Francis opened the Pears soap factory in
Isleworth in London. Today, Pears has become (12) of the best known brands of soap in the world.
CPE Open Cloze: Stroking Sharks
For questions 1-12, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each
gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet below. Example 0 I T
On a recent one-week diving trip in Australia, (0)________________ was suggested by the organisers of the tour that
I might like to (1)_________________ stroking one of the most fearsome beasts the Coral Sea (2) _____________
to offer. At first, our tour group, (3)______________ included, reacted with amused reluctance but we were assured,
during our usual pre-dive briefing, that (4)___________ the business of feeding was safely out of the (5)______ , it
would be perfectly safe to approach a shark while it was (6) __________ rest and actually touch it on the side of its
body. The guides insisted that (7) ________________ experienced divers, members of our group should have
(8)________________ difficulty in lowering ourselves to the sandy seabed where white-tip reef-sharks are inclined to
(9) ____________________ a rest after the exertions of the planned shark-feeding.
The feeding itself was certainly as spectacularly feral in (10) ___________intensity as had been promised. Twenty or
so two-metre sharks convened on an underwater garden location and (11) ___________________ turns ripping
pieces off a frozen mass of fish, lowered into the water from the dive boat above. Meanwhile, my group of amazed
divers knelt on the sandy ocean floor at a safe (12) _____________ I was able manouvre myself to within an arm's
length of one of them and cautiously reach out and touch it. And I am glad to say, I am still in possession of my right hand. CPE Open Cloze: Pluto
For questions 1-12, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each
gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet below. Example 0 A F T E R
In 1930, (0) nearly a year of painstaking work at the Lowell Observatory, (1) ____________ American astronomer,
Clyde W Tombaugh finally identified an object in the outer (2)____________ system which (3) ___________ to be
known as Pluto. He had been searching for an object (4) _____________ existence had been predicted by
extrapolating (5) observations of changes in the shape of other planets’ orbits. To do (6) _________________
Tombaugh ended up (7) to look through hundreds of pairs photographs taken of sections of the (8) ______________
sky at two different times in order to identify an object which appeared to change position between the (9) _______ and the second.
After the discovery, the Lowell Observatory invited (10)________________- suggestions and soon ideas
(11) ________________ pouring in from all over the world. The name which was eventually (12) ____________ the
third criterion for planet-hood, namely that it would need to have swallowed up all other objects in or near its orbit. In
fact thousands of objects have been discovered around the orbit of Pluto and so despite massive protests from ardent
supporters, it is no longer included in the list of solar system planets.
Television used to act (0)_______ a uniquely unifying national phenomenon. Never before
(1)_______ so many people had so common (2)_______ core of shared cultural experiences.
People might not know the names of their next-door neighbours, (3)_______ they probably
watched many of the same programmes.
(4)_______ days, however, with the vast expansion of television programming, everyone can
watch (5)_______ different, just as each Internet user can explore a different selection of
websites. Even so, programmes aimed at international markets generally (6)_______ to be less
popular (with the partial exception (7)_______ those from America) and people still often
choose to watch their own national programmes. In (8)_______, if television develops along
similar (9)_______to the movie business, with a few blockbusters attracting vast international
audiences, people may even (10)_______ up watching a narrower range of programmes.
But (11)_______ patterns of viewing habits develop, television will almost certainly become a
personal (12)_______ of equipment, more (13)_______ a mobile phone than a communal
source of entertainment. Armed (14)_______ a credit card and a remote control, viewers will be
able to pick their programmes from wherever they choose. Television will then have become
truly global. (15)_______, perhaps, will the cultural values it instils.