(Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Prass Your Exams) Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Pass Your Exams
(Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Prass Your Exams) Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Pass Your Exams
(Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Prass Your Exams) Check Your English Vocabulary For FCE All You Need To Pass Your Exams
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Rawdon Wyatt
www.bloomsbury.com
All papers used by Bloomsbury Publishing are natural, recyclable products made from wood
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Introduction
Introduction
Who is this book for?
This book has been written for students who are planning to take the Cambridge First Certificate in
English (the FCE) and who want to develop their vocabulary for the exam.
The various exercises throughout the book focus on the vocabulary that FCE students would expect to
use in the Speaking, Writing and Use of English papers, or that they might come across in the Reading
or Listening papers.
Furthermore, unlike other FCE vocabulary resources, it also looks at some of the 'real' English that
native speakers use in their everyday lives - idioms, colloquialisms, slang expressions and so on.
Non-exam students at an intermediate or upper-intermediate level will also find the book ideal for
developing their vocabulary.
Part 1 focuses on general vocabulary items that would be useful in the exam as a whole (for example,
word forms, phrasal verbs, prepositions, language of contrast, and uses of common verbs such as make
and do).
Part 2 focuses on common topics that often come up in the FCE exam and which students might need
to speak or write about (for example, the environment, money, shopping and relationships).
Remember that you should keep a record of new words and expressions that you learn, and review
these from time to time so that they become an active part of your vocabulary. Some students keep a
notebook or file specifically for this purpose.
Also remember that there are other methods of acquiring new vocabulary. For example, you should
read as much as possible from a different variety of authentic reading materials (books, newspapers,
magazines, etc).
To help you learn English, you should use an English dictionary that can clearly define words, provide
information about grammar and give sample sentences to show how words are used in context. You
can use any good English learner's dictionary with this workbook. Many of the sample sentences in the
book have been taken or adapted from the Easier English Dictionary for Students (0 7475
6624 0).
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contents
Contents
50 The arts
PAGE TITLE
52 Character and personality
05 General Vocabulary 53 Clothes
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General Vocabulary
This section focuses on general vocabulary items that would be useful in the exam as a whole (for
example, word forms, phrasal verbs, prepositions, language of contrast, and uses of common verbs such
as make and do).
general vocabulary
Adjectives to nouns
A lot of adjectives can be changed to nouns by the addition of a suffix (e.g., brave - bravery,
equal - equality,, etc), or by changing other features of the word (e.g., proud - pride,
sympathetic - sympathy, etc). Some nouns need a prefix and a suffix, depending on how they
are being used (e.g., equal = equality or inequality)
Task 1. Look at these sentences, and decide if the nouns in bold are correct or incorrect (the
key adjectives are in brackets at the end of each sentence). Look at the meaning of the whole
sentence before you decide, and don't forget to check the spelling.
1. I'm not sure you're old enough to be given such a responsibility. (responsible)
2. Although there are several differents between British and American English, there are also
many similarity. (different / similar)
3. It was a terrible lesson, the hotness in the room was unbearable, we were almost falling
asleep with boredom, and our stomachs were rumbling with hungryness. (hot / bored /
hungry)
5. The check-in staff said that the flight was late and apologised for the convenience,
although they didn't show much sympathetically. (convenient / sympathetic)
8. We had to measure the length, the wideth and the deepth of the swimming pool, and then
measure the hight of the diving board. (long / wide / deep / high)
9. She experienced a lot of happyness and lonelyness in her lifetime; her parents died when
she was still in her youth, her first husband left her, and her only child ran away from
home. (happy / lonely / young)
10. He lacked confidence in his ableness, and seemed unaware of his own intelligence.
(confident / able / intelligent)
11. There's a strong probableness, perhaps even a certainty, that he's going to get a grade A
in the exam. (probable / certain)
Task 2. Here are some more adjectives which can be made into nouns. How many can you
change?
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general vocabulary
Compound adjectives
A compound adjective is a combination of two words which function as a single adjective.
The two words are often joined with a hyphen.
Task 1. Join one word on the left with one word on the right to make compound adjectives.
5. It wasn't a particularly ________ tennis racket; it broke soon after I bought it.
6. She was wearing an ________ dress that made heads turn as she walked through the room.
9. My wife comes from a ________ family; they've always had more money than my own family.
10. My grandfather's becoming very ________ . Last week he went to the library in his slippers.
11. To make a bit of money, my sister and I used to sell ________ cakes.
12. He made a ________ attempt to take an interest, but it was obvious he didn't want to be there.
13. My father is a very ________ man. His favourite authors are Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco.
15. There are lots of jobs for ________ workers in the factories in my area.
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general vocabulary
Compound nouns
A compound noun is a combination of two words which function as a single noun.
• Some compound nouns can be written as one word. e.g., headache (head + ache).
• Some compound nouns can be joined using a hyphen (-). e.g., half-brother.
• Some compound nouns must be written as two words. e.g., television set.
There are no rules to tell us how a compound noun should be written. We have to learn each
one individually.
Task 1. Join one word on the left with one word on the right to make compound nouns. In
some cases, more than one combination is possible.
Task 2. Use the compound nouns above to complete the following sentences. You may need
to change the forms of some of the words.
1. When I was young, my parents used to tell me ________ about witches and giants and other
strange creatures.
2. We had to wait for the ________ to turn green before we were able to continue.
3. Don't leave this plant in the shade; it needs lots of ________.
4. In my home city, there is a lot of bad ________ as a result of the large number of cars and
industrial factories.
5. ________ in my city are very bad. There are often fights between black and white youths.
6. The more money you earn, the more ________ you have to pay to the government.
7. On my last holiday, I had terrible ________ as a consequence of eating some bad fish.
8. I tripped over my ________ and ended up with a broken arm.
9. Don't forget to put some money in the ________ or the traffic wardens will give you a
ticket.
10. When does our train leave? Why don't you check the ________ .
11. I enjoy playing all ball games, but my favourite must be ________.
12. When you write a question, don't forget to put a ________ at the end of the sentence.
13. I enjoy my English lessons, but sometimes our teacher gives us too much ________.
14. I've got a huge ________. I started it when I was six. My favourite comes from an island in
the South Pacific.
15. We could see the path in front of us clearly in the ________, although everything else
around us was dark.
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general vocabulary
Confusing pairs and false friends
Confusing pairs are two words which have a similar meaning to each other, but are used in a
different way.
False friends are words in English which have a similar-looking word in another language but
which have a different meaning.
1. actually / now
Please can we go home ________ ?
It looks quite small, but ________ it is over 5 metres high.
2. advice / advise
My grandfather gave me a very useful piece of ________ .
I ________ you to put all your money into a deposit account.
3. affect / effect
The cuts in spending will have a serious ________ on the hospital.
The strike will seriously ________ the train service.
4. already / yet
I haven’t seen her ________ this morning.
I’ve ________ done my shopping.
6. avoid / prevent
The police will ________ anyone from leaving the building.
You should travel early to ________ the traffic jams.
7. beside / besides
Come and sit down ________ me.
________ managing the shop, he also teaches in the evening.
8. bring / fetch
It’s your turn to ________ the children from school.
Don’t forget to ________ the books to school with you.
9. chance / possibility
Our team has a good ________ of winning tonight.
There is always the ________ that the plane will be early.
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general vocabulary
Confusing pairs and false friends
11. conduct / direct
Von Karajan will ________ the Berlin Symphonic Orchestra at the concert.
It took two policemen to ________ the traffic.
16. go / play
Shall we ________ jogging or swimming?
Neither. Let’s ________ tennis.
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general vocabulary
Confusing pairs and false friends
24. nature / countryside
We must try to protect ________ and the environment.
The English ________ is beautiful in spring.
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general vocabulary
Contrast and comparison
Complete these sentences with the most appropriate word or expression from A, B or C.
4. The two machines _____ considerably; one has an electric motor, the other runs on oil.
5. When he travelled down the east coast of the USA, he became aware of the _____ in weather between
the north and south of the country.
7. Can you tell the _____ between an apple and a pear with your eyes shut?
8. When companies employ people, they must not _____ between people of different sex or race.
10. My two brothers are almost identical. They are very difficult to _____.
11. They have two things _____; they are both Welsh, and they are both left-handed.
13. He's very rich and lives in a big house. _____, he doesn't seem very happy.
14. British and Australian people share the same language, but in other respects they are as
different as _____.
15. We share the same language, but in other respects we are _____ from each other.
A.
1. I think Ben got out of bed on the wrong side this morning.
2. We're planning a little get-together of people from the office.
3. The manager began the meeting with a few comments and then got down to brass tacks.
4. Jan and Richard get on like a house on fire.
5. Rory and Jeannie are getting married? Get away with you!
6. You'll get the sack if you talk to the boss like that.
7. That humming noise is really getting on my nerves.
8. He's got a nerve to ask for a day off.
9. I rang the shops to try and find a new dishwasher, but got nowhere.
10. When she asked him for money, he told her to get lost.
11. OK everyone, we're a bit late so let's get going.
12. Got it!
13. Do you think he got my meaning?
14. Get a grip on yourself - you've got an interview in half an hour.
15.The president is having to get to grips with the failing economy.
16. If they don't get their act together, they'll miss the last date for entries to the competition.
17. How can I get him off my back?
18. If I don't get a rise soon, I'll start looking for another job.
19. I've got out of the habit of eating chocolates.
20. Rainy weather always gets me down.
B.
A. to be unsuccessful
B. a meeting of friends
C. to stop pestering someone
D. to understand.
E. to be dismissed from a job.
F. not to do something any more
G. to start to deal with something
H. Go away. Leave me alone.
I. over-confidence or rudeness
J. to start
K. to receive an increase in salary
L. to try to control yourself; to try to be less emotional
M.to start discussing the real problem
N. Don't try to make me believe that.
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general vocabulary
Expressions with get
O. to start the day badly
P. to make someone sad
Q. to organise yourself properly
R. to annoy someone
S. I've solved the problem
T. to be very friendly with each other
You will find more expressions using ‘get’ in the phrasal verbs section on page 27.
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general vocabulary
Human actions
Task 1. GENERAL ACTIONS
Complete each of the sentences below with the most suitable word from the box. In some
cases, more than one answer is possible.
2. The suitcase was too heavy to pick up, so she ________ it across the platform.
4. She ________ on the floor, trying to get the stains out of the carpet.
6. He ________ out of the car window and was almost hit by another car coming in the opposite
direction.
7. She ________ in fear when she saw the lion come towards her.
11. She ________ in surprise when she heard the loud bang.
12. She ________ when she saw the blood, and remained unconscious for about ten minutes.
13. She ________ off for a while after lunch and was suddenly woken up by the telephone ringing.
14. When he asked her if she understood the question, she ________ yes.
15. After an hour, he couldn't sit still any longer and ________ in his seat.
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general vocabulary
Human actions
Task 2. WAYS OF MOVING Match the verbs on the left with the person who might behave in
that way on the right.
Verbs Person
A. A man who has been injured in an accident but is still able to walk to the
hop hospital.
tiptoe E. Someone who has hurt their foot and must move around on one leg.
dawdle G. Young children running, hopping and jumping along the road.
skip I. A teenage daughter arriving home late and walking quietly up the stairs.
2. They all punched / slapped / shook him on the back to congratulate him.
3. The nurse pointed / beckoned to / saluted her to come into the room.
5. He patted / wiped / folded his pocket to make sure his wallet was still there.
7. It was dark in the cellar and he had to grope / scratch / grab for a light switch.
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general vocabulary
Human actions
9. They waved / punched / beckoned goodbye as the boat left the harbour.
13. You should always pat / grope / shake the bottle before you open it.
14. A policeman tapped / scratched / stroked him on the shoulder and arrested him.
15. He shook / rubbed / wiped his hands together to get them warm.
7. We salute the firemen who entered the burning building to save lives.
We are angry with the firemen.
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general vocabulary
Make or do?
Task 1. WORDS USED WITH MAKE OR DO
Look at the sentences below and decide whether they should be completed with the verb
make or the verb do. The form of these verbs will need to change in most sentences. Use the
words in bold to help you.
10. When we got to the hotel, the beds hadn't been ________ .
11. The workmen are ________ so much noise we can't use the telephone.
15. The milk boiled over and ________ a mess on the stove.
17. Are you going to ________ a Christmas cake again this year?
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general vocabulary
Make or do?
2. IDIOMS AND COLLOQUIALISMS USING MAKE
Replace the words and expressions in bold with an expression using make from the box.
make the best of • make a break with • made a meal of • make do with
make time • made off with • make-believe • make up my mind
2. She forgot her pyjamas and had to use a T-shirt because there was nothing else available.
3. They say it will rain this afternoon so we'd better take advantage of the sunshine while it's here.
4. I can't decide whether to take the afternoon off to do some shopping or stay in the office and work.
5. She spent a lot of unnecessary time and went to a lot of effort repainting the kitchen.
6. His stories about his love affairs are just not true, although he pretends they are.
7. We must arrange to visit the new sports club even though we are short of time.
8. I've tried to forget my last girlfriend, but it's not always easy to move away from the past.
1. If the computer doesn't work, hit it - that should do the sights and get it working again.
3. He never uses violence himself. He just gets other people to do the yourself work for him.
4. He looks a bit unhappy. An evening out would do don'ts to cheer him up.
6. You don't have a car? How can you do turn one? You must have a good public transport system in
our area.
8. She told him all the do's and without about working in the office, and helped him to settle in.
9. He did me a good honours by writing a job reference for me, so I helped him in return.
10. When we went to Barcelona, we did all the wonders and took hundreds of photographs.
You will find more expressions using make and do in the phrasal verbs section on pages 27 and 29.
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general vocabulary
Materials
Task 1. ADJECTIVES AND NOUNS
The words in bold are in the wrong sentences. Put them into the correct sentences. In several
cases, more than one word is possible.
5. After the rain, the dry satin on the football pitch suddenly turned wet and sticky underfoot.
11. She placed little stained glass mats on the table to stop the wine glass marking it.
22. I wore a pair of suede overalls when I painted the living room.
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general vocabulary
Materials
Task 2. GUESS THE OBJECT
Look at the following descriptions and decide what is being described in each one. You might
find it useful to look at the unit on shape and size on page 38 to help you with some of the
descriptions.
1. It's rectangular and made of plastic. It's flat. It 2. It's round, with an open top and a flat bottom.
measures about 8cm x 5cm. It can be a variety It comes in different sizes. It's made of
of colours. You can carry it in your wallet or stainless steel or iron so it can stand a lot of
purse. heat.
3. Traditionally its triangular and made of canvas, 4. It's cylindrical and made of light bark, although
although most modern ones are made of nowadays you can also find plastic ones. It's
nylon and come in a variety of shapes and not very big. When you remove it, it makes a
sizes. loud 'pop!'
5. It's made of plastic and iron. It's wide at one 6. It's long, thin and made of fabric such as silk or
end and narrow at the other, with a plastic cotton. It can come in a variety of colours and
handle on top. Most of them are designed to patterns. Men use them more than women,
spray water. The bottom part gets very hot. especially at work.
9. It's usually made of wool and is long, flat and 10. It's spherical and made of leather, although
rectangular. Football fans often have one with cheaper ones are made of plastic or rubber.
the name of their favourite team on. It's It's about 30cm in diameter. It's usually white,
particularly useful in winter. even though it gets dirty quickly.
2. The estate agent tried to pull the wool over our eyes.
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general vocabulary
Materials
3. I don't have any cash with me. Do you take plastic?
A. cheques
C. U.S. dollars
A. In a beach resort
C. in a tent
A. sold
B. threw out
C. burnt
C. she'll have to get ready to do something that she does not like
A. a place where homeless people build themselves shelters out of pieces of cardboard
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general vocabulary
Modified words
We can sometimes add prefixes to change, or modify, the main meaning of a verb, noun or
adjective without making it into an opposite (e.g., pay - overpay - underpay)
Complete the sentences below with a combination of a prefix from box A and a word from
box B.
A. B.
armed • Christmas • climax
anti- • over- • anti-
clockwise • due • estimate
under- • pro- • fore- • fore-
estimated • European
under- • pre- • post- • fore-
graduates • holiday • mined
under- • anti- • over-
see • social • warned
1. Everybody told us the film was fantastic, so we were quite excited about seeing it. Unfortunately, it
wasn't very good. It really was quite an ________.
2. Do you ________ any problems with the visa? I need to know as soon as possible if we're likely to
have difficulties.
3. Everyone's suffering from ________ depression. After such a nice break in Spain, the gloomy weather
back here in England is making us all miserable.
4. The figure of £50,000 was a bit of an ________ . It actually cost us almost £70,000.
5. She's ________ and believes that the country should remain part of the European Union.
6. He's very ________, and ignores all our attempts to talk to him or make him feel part of the group.
7. A lot of ________ from the university are trying to get holiday jobs so that they have some spending
money next term.
8. She was ________ with good advice before she went into the interview.
9. He was driving ________ round the ring road when the accident took place. If he had been going the
other way, he would have been all right.
10. We were ________ of trouble by our spies and took guns to the meeting.
11. I always read my horoscope so that I can ________ what will happen to me during the week.
12. Her library books were ________ by four weeks, so she had to pay a fine of almost £8.
13. He ________ my confidence by telling me that everyone hated me.
14. Last December we had so many ________ parties that by the time the big day arrived I couldn't eat
or drink another thing.
15. He ________ the amount of time needed to decorate the house; he thought it would take five days
but it only took three.
'Forewarned is forearmed' is an English expression which means that if you know about something
before it happens, you will be better prepared.
Person A. 'Mr Jenkins wants to see me in his office.'
Person B. 'Be careful. He's in a really bad mood this morning'
Person A. 'Thanks. Forewarned is forearmed!'
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general vocabulary
Noises
Task 1. HUMAN NOISES
Match the words in the box with their description below. Use your dictionary to check your
answers.
2. ANIMAL NOISES
Match the noises on the left with the animals that make them on the right.
Noise Animal
croak bee
squeak donkey
howl wolf
quack snake
buzz cat
grunt sheep / goat
hiss duck
neigh lion / tiger
bray mouse
bleat dog
crow pig
roar cock(erel)
bark horse
miaow / purr frog
Several of these noises can also be made by humans or other objects (e.g., a powerful engine can purr).
Use your dictionary to find out which ones.
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general vocabulary
Noises
Task 3. OTHER NOISES
Match the noises in the box with the things that cause them.
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general vocabulary
Nouns and verbs to nouns
Some nouns can be formed by taking another noun or verb and either adding letters,
removing letters or a combination of both. This is especially common when we are talking
about jobs and occupations (for example: sail - sailor).
There are no rules which tell you how each word changes. You must learn each one
individually.
The removal or addition of letters occasionally changes the pronunciation of parts of the
original word.
Use the instructions on the right to change the words on the left to nouns in order to give the
names of the people who do those things. Some of the instructions on the right can be used
more than once.
Example: crime : minus 1 letter plus -inal = criminal
build
science
design
advise
labour
chemistry minus 1 letter plus -inal
study minus 1 letter plus -ent
rob minus 2 letters
law plus -yer
crime minus 1 letter plus -ian
write minus 1 letter plus -ist
terror plus -or
survive plus -r
library plus -ian
manage plus -ber
politics plus -ist
own minus 1 letter plus -or
collect plus -er
direct minus 2 letters plus -tist
guitar
electric
teach
operate
art
piano
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general vocabulary
Opposites 1
A lot of verbs and adjectives can be made into opposites by adding a prefix (e.g., agree -
disagree, correct - incorrect). However, in other cases, it is necessary to change some letters
or use a completely different word in order to make an opposite.
For example:
cry = laugh import = export generous = mean thick = thin
Some verbs and adjectives can have more than one meaning, and so can have more than one
opposite.
Task1. VERBS
Complete these sentences by using the opposite of the word in bold. You will need to change
the forms of some of the words. You will find the answers in the box.
8. The simplest way to ________ them will be to make them pay for the damage they caused. (reward)
10. The exam was very difficult. Most of the students ________ . (pass)
11. We only ________ our tickets the day before we were due to leave. (sent)
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Opposites 1
2. ADJECTIVES
Replace the adjectives in bold with an opposite from the box. Some words in the box can be
used more than once.
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general vocabulary
Opposites 2
A lot of adjectives can be made into their opposite form by the addition of a prefix (e.g.,
un,- in-, dis-, il-) to the beginning of the word. The most common prefix is un-. Adjectives
which end with -ful (thoughtful, useful, etc) are an exception: they are made into opposites
by replacing -ful with the suffix -less (thoughtless, useless, etc)
Note that some adjectives can be made into opposites by the addition of a prefix or by the
use of another word (e.g., correct = incorrect or wrong).
Task1. Decide which of the prefixes from the first box can be used to make opposites of the
adjectives in the second box.
Task 2.Complete these sentences by adding the most suitable adjective to the prefixes given.
1. Your behaviour was completely ir________! You're eighteen years old, not eight!
2. Life can be quite difficult for un________ mothers, or 'single parents' as they are usually called.
3. I'll help you in a minute. Don't be so im________!
4. She never learnt to read or write; she was completely il________.
5. I'm afraid you answer is in________. Try again.
6. He's a very dis________ man; bad-tempered, selfish, ,jealous and bigoted.
7. Flared trousers and a purple corduroy jacket? That's very un________, you know.
8. Using the 'broadband' system means that you get un________ Internet access at any time of the day
or night.
9. Dis________ children - those from poor families - have to work harder than others to succeed in life.
10. I did all the work and she got all the credit for it. That is so un________!
11. The people who run our national rail network are lazy and in_____; they're so bad at their job.
12. You paid £12 for a hamburger? That's un________! You must be joking!
13. After I was hit on the head, I must have been un________ for about ten minutes.
14. Your homework is in________. You've only answered half of the questions.
15. He's rather im________ for a sixteen-year-old. He behaves more like a child of ten.
16. You've broken my favourite cup. It's ir________! I'll never find another one.
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Opposites 3
Some verbs can be made into their opposite form by the addition of a
prefix (e.g., dis- , mis-).
Complete these sentences with the opposite form of one of the verbs in the box. Not all of
the words are needed. You will need to change the form of the verb in several cases.
2. I've just come back from Canada and I'm still ________ my suitcases.
4. She's a very obedient young lady. She would never ________ her parents.
5. She ________ the money which she had been given. She was supposed to use it to pay for her
education, but bought a sports car instead.
6. The head teacher ________ of members of staff wearing jeans to school, and insists that they dress
smartly at all times.
8. His statement to the police said that he was nowhere near the bank, but they managed to ________
this.
9. I ________ anyone who wears green shoes but I can't tell you why.
10. I can't ________ the car door. I think I've got the wrong key.
11. After the accident he was fined £1,000 and ________ from driving for two years.
13. We don't sell Sonic cameras any longer. We have ________ that line.
15. If you refuse to pay your gas bill, you will be ________ .
17. He completely ________ my meaning when I told him to 'put a sock in it'.
18. If you ________ me again, I'm afraid I shall ask you to leave.
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with come
Match the sentences in the left-hand column with those in the right-hand column. Use the
phrasal verbs in bold to help you.
1. We came across this little restaurant when we A. Oh dear. It's such an unpleasant disease.
were out walking.
B. He was obviously a bit nervous as the officer
2. The children have come down with measles. got closer
3. The policewoman came up to him and asked to
C. I'm not surprised. I knew they'd get in the way.
see his passport.
D. Really? Where did you find it?
4. Jenny came into a fortune when she was
twenty-one. E. He's always saying something unexpected.
5. Simon's come out in a rash. F. For how long had she been unconscious?
6. When we suggested moving to another office,
G. How could it? The phone has been
we came up against a lot of opposition from
disconnected and the fax machine is broken.
the management.
7. The message came through this morning. H. You're always in such a hurry. Let me take my
time.
8. Come along, or you'll miss the bus.
I. I'm not surprised. I didn't think they'd do very
9. Our team came off badly in the competition..
well.
10. When she came to, she was in hospital.
J. My son has developed one as well on his chest.
11. Richard came up with a really strange idea
the other day. K. Lucky her! Who did she inherit it from?
cut off • cut in • cut down on • cut in • cut off • cut out • cut back
1. We will have to spend less on staff costs at work if we're to continue operating as
normal.
2. We are trying to get him to reduce the number of cigarettes he smokes each day.
5. Did you see how the little white car suddenly drove in front of the black Audi?
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Do
Replace the words and expressions in bold with a phrasal verb from the box. Use your
dictionary to check the position of the preposition and the object in each sentence.
2. Somebody decided to kill the gang boss and dump the body in the river.
4. Why don't you buy that old cottage and repair it so it is like new?
1. I'm trying to get across to the people in the A. Really? How do you manage to live on that?
office that they'll all have to work harder.
B. No. Her mother never recovered from the shock
2. He was rude to the teacher, but got away with either.
it somehow.
C. She always thinks she's being criticized.
3. How are you going to get by without a car?
D. He needs someone to tell him to start working.
4. We get by on only £50 a week.
E. Well, they've never been very friendly with each
5. He'll have to get down to some hard work if he other.
wants to pass the test.
F. That's great. I'm glad she's better at last.
6. They don't get on well at all.
G. Nothing naughty, I promise.
7. She's getting on well at university.
H. Oh well, at least you've done it at last.
8. I want an excuse to get out of going to the
office party. I. Have you had any luck making them
understand?
9. Kiki's got over her flu.
J. She always manages to persuade someone to do
10. She never got over the death of her father.
what she wants.
11. I only got round to sending my Christmas cards
yesterday. K. Yes, in fact he was very successful.
12. Jane got round the boss by giving him a bottle L. Did you finally manage to speak to someone on
of wine. the phone?
13. Did he get through his exams? M. I don't believe he wasn't punished!
14. I tried to get through to the complaints N. It'll be difficult, but I'll manage.
department, but the line was busy. O. I always knew she'd do well.
15. Whatever did you get up to last night?
P. Typical! You're always trying to avoid doing
16. She thinks she's being got at. something!
How many more phrasal verbs can you find that use ‘get’?
You will find more expressions using ‘get’ on page 9.
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Give
Complete the phrasal verbs in the sentences below with an appropriate preposition from the
box.
1. He said he was French, but we didn't believe him as his accent gave him ________.
2. The company are giving ________ a free pocket calculator with every £10 purchase.
7. I didn't want to go to the cinema with the children, but they kept asking me so in the end
I gave ________ and agreed to take them.
8. The fire in the factory gave ________ clouds of poisonous black smoke.
1. The burglar alarm went off in the middle of the night, waking everybody up.
2. I think this fish has gone down - it stinks.
3. She went about her new boyfriend quite quickly when she discovered his nasty habits.
4. The police investigating the murder don't have much to go on.
5. What on earth is going out here?
6. The fire went on and the room gradually became cold.
7. The bomb went off when there were still lots of people in the building.
8. The firm went out of business last week and their office has closed off.
9. The price of bread has gone on again. Last week it was 60p a loaf, now it's 70p.
10. They decided not to go through with their plans because of opposition from the
neighbours.
11. Before you sign your contract, you should go over it carefully with a solicitor.
12. We'd like to start our own company, but aren't sure how to go off it.
13. She said she had a new job but refused to go into details.
14. She went up speaking for two hours without stopping.
15. There wasn't enough ice cream to go round, so some of the children had chocolates
instead.
16. Tony's going out with a girl from work. I think he's quite serious about her.
28
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Look
Choose the correct phrasal verb in the following sentences.
1. Maureen isn't _____________ taking her driving test. In fact, she's really worried about it.
(looking over / looking forward to / looking into)
2. Things haven't been good for a while, but at last they are ____________.
(looking forward / looking down / looking up)
3. We've got quite a nice view from our office. We _____________ a park.
(look out over / look up / look down)
4. Jane thinks she's better than people who haven't been to university and _____________ them.
(looks up to / looks down on / looks out for)
5. _____________! The car is going backwards.
(Look out! / Look in! / Look over!)
6. She has always admired intelligent men. For example, she _____________ her professor and copies
everything he does.
(looks down on / looks out for / looks up to)
7. _________ me _________ when you're next in London - it will be nice to see you again.
(Look...forward / Look...up / Look...out)
8. She _____________ the figures and they seemed to be OK.
(looked over / looked on / looked out for)
9. I've asked the manager to _____________ the question of staff holidays.
(look down on / look into / look on)
10. Who's going to _____________ your dog while you're away?
(look into / look out / look after)
11. We're _____________ new offices because ours are too small.
(looking down on / looking out for / looking up)
1. Can you make out the house in the dark? A. Somebody has made a decision and won't
change it.
2. I can't make out why he didn't come.
B. Somebody hasn't decided about their
3. Don't worry. He made up the story about a man summer holiday yet.
You will find more expressions in the dictionary under the entry for 'make'.
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Pick
Choose the most suitable definition for the phrasal verbs in the following sentences.
30
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Put
Complete the story below with a suitable phrasal verb from the box.
I had managed to 1._____________ some money for a holiday in Canada, but had
2._____________ booking a flight until I had found a cheap one. Well, I eventually found a
good deal with a local travel agency and, despite my friends who tried to 3.______ me ______
by saying that the agency was unreliable, I 4._____________ a £50 deposit. The next day, I went
back to the agency to collect the ticket but it was closed. I went home and called the
manager, but was 5._____________ to an answering machine. Now, I'm a very tolerant person,
and will 6._____________ almost anything, but by this time I was furious, so I decided to go
back to the travel agency. I got into my car, 7._______ my foot _______ and, to my horror,
drove the car backwards into my living room window! I had accidentally reversed the car!; I
suppose I could 8._______ the accident _______ to my temper and the fact that I wasn't
thinking straight. Anyway, I had to get the builders in to repair the damage. Fortunately my
friend has offered to 9._______ me _______ until the work is finished. And my holiday? I've
spent all my holiday money on building repairs!
1. Why has the clock stopped? A. I ran across it in an antiques shop in London.
B. Yes. He says he's going to run for Prime
2. Why is Molly in hospital?
Minister one day!
3. Why did you come home by bus? C. I'll run them off straight away.
4. Why's Rick looking so depressed? D. Well, let's run through the guest list again to
make sure.
5. Did the police interview him? E. She was run down by a car on the Banbury
Road.
6. Where did you find that beautiful vase?
F. They were running up debts of thousands of
7. Can you make me a few copies of this leaflet? pounds each week.
8. Have we forgotten to invite anyone to our G. I think the battery has run down.
10. Why did the nightclub go out of business? J. Yes. His statement runs over two pages.
K. Penny ran out on him when he lost his job.
11. Did your journey go well?
L. Yes, and I ran into him again last week in a
12. Is Bob very ambitious? cafe by the river.
31
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Set
Look at the definitions for the phrasal verbs below and decide if they are TRUE or FALSE.
1. If you have just set off on a trip, this means you have just finished it.
2. If something sets off your asthma, this means it starts your asthma.
3. If you set up a company, this means that you have just closed your company down.
4. If you set up home, this means that you have just become homeless.
5. If you are set up by somebody, this means that they have deliberately deceived you.
6. If your journey is set back, this means that it takes you longer than you expected.
7. If something has set you back financially, this means that you have just won some money.
8. If some bad weather has set in, this means that the bad weather has started and has become
permanent.
9. If you set aside some money, this means that you spend it.
10. If you set about doing something, this means that you have just finished doing it.
1. Carol takes after her mother 4. Sales took off after the TV commercial.
A. Sales started to go down after the
A. Carol does everything for her mother.
commercial.
B. Carol looks like her mother.
B. Sales started to rise fast after the
C. Carol is unkind to her mother. commercial.
C. Sales stayed the same after the commercial.
A. Thousands of people ignored the B. Miss Black and Mr Jones worked together.
C. Miss Black started doing Mr Jones' job.
advertisement.
32
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs with Turn
Match the phrasal verbs on the left with an item they can be used with on the right. Most of
the verbs can be used with more than one item.
1. Some parents are criticised for the way they bring _____ their children. (raise)
2. Jane and Tim fell _____ over the bill for their meal. (argued)
3. They refused to face _____ _____ their responsibilities, with disastrous consequences. (accept an
unpleasant state of affairs, and try to deal with it)
4. The team had to call _____ the match because of bad weather. (not to go ahead with something)
5. Can I count _____ you for support?. (rely / depend)
6. I missed a lot of lessons, and it took me a long time to catch _____ _____ the other students in my
class. (get to the same level)
7. The storm was terrible, but eventually the rain stopped and the wind died _____. (become less
strong)
8. An alarming number of students drop _____ _____ school early every year. (leave)
9. Can you figure _____ why Tony is acting so strangely? (understand)
10. Call the station and find _____ what time the train arrives. (discover)
11. As we grow _____ our priorities change. (change from being children to being adults)
12. Students can be quite creative with the reasons they give for not handing _____ their homework.
(giving their teachers)
13. I think that learning English is quite difficult, and I often have problems keeping _____ _____ the
others in my class. (work at the same speed as)
14. You haven't completed this cheque properly. You've left _____ the date. (does not include)
15. My teacher pointed _____ all the mistakes I had made in my homework. (show)
16. Before you get angry with them, perhaps you should look _____ the reasons for their absence.
(enquire / research)
17. Once people who have borrowed money fall _____ with their payments, they come under a lot of
pressure from their bank. (become late)
33
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general vocabulary
Other Phrasal Verbs 2
Complete the second sentence in each pair with a phrasal verb from the box, so that the
second sentence has the same meaning as the first. In many cases, you will need to change
the form of the verb.
2. I'm trying to calculate if we've sold more this year than last year.
I'm trying to ________ if we've sold more this year than last year.
5. He was extremely ill, but with the help of the medical team, he was able to recover.
He was extremely ill, but with the help of the medical team, he ________.
7. When parents start to live apart, it can be particularly difficult for their children to cope.
When parents ________ , it can be particularly difficult for their children to cope.
10. People celebrate the Chinese New Year by exploding fireworks in the street.
People celebrate the Chinese New Year by ________ fireworks in the street.
11. It is pointless relying on people to help you if they don't do as they promised.
It is pointless relying on people to help you if they ________ you ________.
13. I'm sorry I'm late, but I was delayed by heavy traffic on the M25.
I'm sorry I'm late, but I was ________ by heavy traffic on the M25.
14. Our planned holiday to Australia didn't happen because we didn't have enough money.
Ourplanned holiday to Australia ________ because we didn't have enough money.
34
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general vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs Test
Complete the following sentences with a verb / particle combination from the two boxes. You
will need to change the verb form in most of the sentences. All of the phrasal verbs have
appeared on the last 9 pages.
35
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general vocabulary
Prepositions
Use the prepositions which are missing from these sentences to complete the crossword.
Sometimes, the sentence can be completed with more than one preposition, but only one of
12._____ the terms of the contract, he couldn't work for another company.
14. You should always rely _____ your dictionary to check the meaning of a word.
17. My parents were very proud _____ me when I got into university.
22. It came as a real shock when the television suddenly burst _____ flames.
24. I'm not very keen _____ hamburgers and other fast food.
27. He decided to change _____ something more formal for the party.
28. They objected _____ his behaviour and threatened _____ fire him.
36
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Prepositions
6. _____ Christmas, parents give their children presents.
10. He demanded to know who was responsible _____ breaking his computer.
11. He was unable to cope _____ the pressure and left the company.
18. She walked _____ the room and looked around carefully.
23. There’s something rather unusual _____ her, and I can’t work out what it is.
1. 2.
3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9. 10.
15.
16.
23.
27.
28.
37
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general vocabulary
Shape and size
Task 1. SHAPE.
A. Match the words below with the picture that best represents each word.
A. B. C. D.
E. F. G. H.
I. J. K.
B. Look at the following list of words and decide what the correct adjective form is, A, B or C.
38
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general vocabulary
Shape and size
Task 2. SIZE
Look at the following list of words and decide whether they can be used to describe
something which is big or something which is small. Write each word in its appropriate box.
BIG small
Task 3. FEATURES
Match the descriptions on the left with the objects, geographical features, etc, on the right.
1. a sharp edge with jagged teeth A. a country road in very poor condition
2. steep, with a pointed peak B. somebody's hair
3. rolling, with undulating wheat C. a very old tree
4. curved, with a smooth surface D. a knife
5. flat, with dotted lines E. a slow-moving river
6. wavy, with blonde highlights F. a mountain
7. meandering, with a calm surface G. a banana
8. winding and bumpy, with deep potholes H. agricultural countryside
9. hollow, with rough bark I. an application form
39
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general vocabulary
Spelling
Task 1. There are eleven words in this passage which are spelt incorrectly. Can you find and
correct them?
Apart from condemming tobacco companies and rising the price of cigarettes, the goverment's anti-
smoking campain has failed to have any long-term affects, and the only people bennefitting from it are
the Inland Revenue departement. Meanwhile, the National Health Service says it may refuse to treat
persistant smokers. Of course, this hasn't prevented the big tobbaco companys spending vast amounts
of money on advertiseing.
It is argueable whether good pronounciation is more important than good grammer and vocabulery.
Consientious students balance their aquisition of these skills, hopeing to acheive both fluency and
accuracey. Teachers should encourage there students to practice all the relevant language skills.
It is becomming increasingly difficcult for many people to find decent accomodation in London at a
price they can afford. To put it simpley, most people just don't have the necesary funds. Organiseations
such as Home Front can offer advise, but it widely agreed that the situation is no longer managable.
The fact that city councils are building cheap, tempory housing for lower-paid profesionals is the only
40
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general vocabulary
Verbs to adjectives
A lot of verbs can be changed to adjectives by the addition of a suffix (e.g., -able, -ous, -ful)
to the end of the word. Some verbs can have more than one adjective form (e.g., bore =
boring or bored). Sometimes you may need to remove or change a letter at the end of the
word before adding a suffix (e.g. vary = variable)
Complete the following sentences with an adjective formed from the verb in bold.
10. She made some ________ suggestions for improving the shop. construct
11. The computer has given us ________ problems since we bought it. continue
15. People living in small villages need a ________ bus service. depend
17. He's a very ________ child and often has headaches. excite
20. We are ________ that the company will accept our offer. hope
22. She was hardly ________ when she came out of prison. recognise
24. We became ________ when we found out that she knew about the deal. suspect
41
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Verbs to nouns
A lot of verbs can be changed to nouns by the addition of a suffix (e.g., perform -
performance, arrange - arrangement, fail - failure, etc), or by changing other features of the
word (e.g., prove - proof, be born - birth, etc).
In many cases, these nouns are abstract. This means that we cannot usually touch, see, feel,
hear or smell them.
Look at these sentences, and complete the crossword puzzle with a noun form of the verb at
the end of each sentence. Make sure that you use the correct suffix or make other necessary
changes.
2. His parents had great _____ for the future, but were ultimately disappointed. (expect)
7. Because of the baggage handlers strike at the airport, there were several flight _____. (cancel)
11.My brother is a _____ expert, and runs courses for people who want to go to remote places like the
Sahara Desert. (survive) (not survivor)
13.I didn't have the right _____ for the job. (qualify)
15.There have been several major _____ in the field of information technology. (develop)
21.When he looked at the liquid under a microscope, he made a shocking _____. (discover).
1. Non-attendance at lessons will result in the _____ of your student visa. (lose)
16. The sound of his _____ could be heard on the top floor. (laugh)
42
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Verbs to nouns
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
10.
11. 12.
13.
14.
15. 16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
43
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44
Topics
This section focuses on common topics that often come up in the FCE exam and which students might
need to speak or write about (for example, the environment, money, shopping and relationships).
45
topic-specific vocabulary
Working words
This exercise lets you review some of the more common uses of 'grammar'-type words
(prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns, prepositions, etc) in context. Use one word to complete
each gap in the sentences. In some cases, there may be more than one alternative answer, but
you should just give one of them.
1. I'm afraid __________ say you have absolutely __________ chance __________ passing the exam.
2. A few years __________, people __________ to write letters to each other. __________ days, it's all e-
mails and text messages.
3. You can't leave early, __________ if you promise to work late tomorrow.
4. __________ 1999 and 2003, the book sold __________ a million copies.
5. One or two of my friends live abroad, but _________ of them live __________ my home.
8. We wanted to see the exhibition __________ the art gallery, but __________ how many other people
__________ be there, we decided to give it a miss.
11. I adore spicy food. __________ is the reason I'm so keen __________ Mexican cooking.
12. Jan Kelly, a teacher __________ works at St Clare's in Oxford, has __________ been given a 'Teacher
of the Year' award.
13. He approached his English lessons __________ enthusiasm, and __________ excellent progress as a
result.
14. His sudden change of heart took everyone __________ surprise, since previously he __________ been
very interested in the project.
15. He spent the second half of his life living in __________ remote village of Hogstail Common,
__________ he wrote most of his novels.
16. Some people try to __________ up cigarettes by smoking __________ they feel sick, or by limiting
themselves to one or __________ a day, but __________ methods are not very effective.
17. My English school, __________ is near the centre of town, is __________ of the best schools in the
__________ country.
18. There were at __________ sixty people in the room, which was far __________ than the organisers
expected, and __________ there were only 20 chairs, most of us __________ to stand.
19. In most respects he was a normal child, but __________ made him different __________ everybody
__________ was his enthusiasm for solving complex mathematical puzzles.
46
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topic-specific vocabulary
Accommodation
Task 1. VERBS
Rearrange the words in bold and write them in the grid on the right. The first letter of each
word has been underlined. When you have finished, you will find another word which means
'to make a building like new again' in the shaded vertical strip.
A. Read the descriptions 1 - 14 and decide which type of accommodation is being described in
each one. Use your dictionary to look up the meanings of the adjectives in bold.
5. It's a bit cramped, but the great advantage is 6. It's lovely out here in the countryside and we
that, when we get fed up with one place, we try to spend as much time here as possible.
just attach it to the back of the car and move It's quite a little house, but very cosy, of
on. course.
47
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topic-specific vocabulary
Accommodation
7. It's a very large, spacious house with a long 8. Although we live in the city, our house stands
drive, beautiful gardens and a view over the alone in its own garden. This means that we
golf course. There are fifteen bedrooms, don't get any noise from the neighbours on
although we don't use them all of course! either side.
9. Our next-door neighbour likes to play loud 10. I'm not sure who lives there now, but at one
music at night, so we moved the bedroom to time it was the residence of King George III.
the other side of the house where there It's very grandiose; 120 bedrooms and almost
aren't any neighbours directly next door. 600 hectares of land.
B. The box below contains a list of words giving the names of different rooms and other parts
of a house or flat. These words have all been joined together, and to make it more difficult
for you, they have all been written backwards! Can you separate them into individual words?
roolftsrifroolfdnuorglaireanoisiveletyenmihcfoorynoclabecarretnedragsriatscittamoord
ebmoorhtabrallecllahnehctikmoorgninidmoorgnivil Start here, and read backwards.
In Cambridge exams like the FCE and the CAE, American English is acceptable, provided you use it
consistently.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Accommodation
Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS
Look at the following sentences and decide whether the explanations which follow them are TRUE or
FALSE.
2. He lay down on the sofa, opened a bottle of beer and made himself at home.
He behaved differently from the way he did in his own house. TRUE / FALSE
9. Caron is my flat-mate.
Caron lives in the flat next door to mine. TRUE / FALSE
10. It's been a long, hard project, but we're almost home and dry.
The project is almost successfully finished. TRUE / FALSE
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topic-specific vocabulary
The arts
Task 1.
Look at the definitions and jumbled letters in bold below. Rearrange the letters so that they
make words connected with the arts (visual arts, performing arts, literature, etc) and write
these in their correct space on the grid. If you do this correctly, you will reveal a word in the
shaded vertical strip which means 'public show'
1. A live show with music, in which the words are sung and not spoken. Mozart's 'Marriage of Figaro'
2. A long story, with imaginary characters and plot. 'Oliver Twist' is a famous example by Charles
Dickens. venlo
6. Something which you cannot forget easily (some songs, for example). remeoblma
9. A new way of doing something (a piece of dance, or some music, for example). aninevovti
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
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topic-specific vocabulary
The arts
Task 2.
Instructions as before. The word in the shaded vertical strip is a general word for any book,
newspaper or magazine which has been published.
1. A figure carved out of stone, wood, etc, or made out of metal. Michelangelo's 'David' is a famous
example. usecluptr
2. People who watch a football match are called spectators. People who watch a film, play, etc are
called the… danuciee
4. A type of dance where dancers perform a story to music. Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' is a famous
example. tablel
5. A collection of well-known works put together in one volume (often used for songs by rock groups,
or short stories by one or more authors). aimconpliot
7. Paintings, designs, etc, which contain shapes or images that do not look like people or objects.
tatscabr rat
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Task 3.
Now use your dictionary to check the meanings of the words in italics in exercises 1 and 2.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Character and personality
Task 1. ADJECTIVES
Match the sentences in the left-hand column with those in the right-hand column. Use the
adjectives in bold to help you.
1. I wish John wouldn't be so critical all the A. I know! He spoke non-stop for two hours on
time. the telephone last night!
B. She made some really nasty remarks about the
2. Mary is so witty. new secretary.
3. Chris is such a garrulous person. C. He hates it when I go out with my friends.
4. Sometimes Rick can be really impulsive. D. You can never make her change her mind.
E. You always believe that only bad things will
5. Laurence is the most conceited person I know. happen.
6. Mr Kelly is very absent-minded. F. He loves going to parties.
15. June is the most sensible student in the class. N. He often rushes to do things without thinking
of the consequences.
16. My boyfriend is so possessive. O. Yesterday he went to the library in his slippers!
17. My mother is quite open-minded. P. He thinks too much of himself.
7. a wet blanket + / - 15. a slave driver + / - 22. the life and soul of the
8. a couch potato + / - 16. an early bird + / - party + / -
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topic-specific vocabulary
Clothes
Task 1. VERBS
Look at the sentences below and fill in the gaps using the appropriate word or expression
from A, B or C.
1. It takes him ages every morning to get up, __________, and have breakfast.
A. put on B. wear C. get dressed
2. You've got an important interview today. Don't forget to __________ a tie.
A. get dressed B. try on C. put on
3. What dress are you going to ________ to the party?
A. wear B. get dressed C. try on
4. Did you __________ the shoes in the shop before you bought them?
A. wear B. try on C. fit
5. These shoes don't __________ me - they're a size too small.
A. fit B. measure C. suit
6. Green clothes usually __________ people with red hair.
A. fit B. suit C. match
7. Your yellow trousers don't __________ your bright green shirt.
A. fit B. measure C. match
8. He's _________ his coat - it's too small for him now.
A. grown into B. grown out of C. grown up
9. Walking across the USA, he ________ three pairs of boots.
A. wore off B. wore out C. wore on
10.The doctor asked the patient to _________.
A. undress B. undo C. untie
11.Can you _________ the zip at the back of my dress?
A. do up B. tie up C. put on
12.Would you mind _________ my shirt please?
A. creasing B. ironing C. squashing
Task 2. NOUNS AND ADJECTIVES
A. Read the texts below and write the names of the people next to the appropriate items of
clothing on the next page. There are not pictures for all the items of clothing mentioned.
16. __________
12. __________ 15. __________
13. __________
14. __________
17. __________ 18. __________ 19. __________ 20. __________ 21. __________
Bert had never been hand in glove with Mrs Jameson, our boss. One day, Mrs Jameson told him
he had to pull his socks up. Bert told her to belt up and threatened to give her a sock in the jaw.
She gave him the boot and I had to step into his shoes. The next day, Bert came to the office
dressed up to the nines. He told Mrs Jameson he didn't want to be without a job and live on a
shoestring. He said he was keeping something up his sleeve which he could use against the
company, but would keep it under his hat if she gave him his job back. Mrs Jameson laughed up
her sleeve at this and told Bert he was talking through his hat. I had to take my hat off to her.
54
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topic-specific vocabulary
Crime
Task 1.
Look at this student's essay, and complete it with a word or expression from the box. In some
cases, more than one answer may be possible.
There is a lot of crime in our towns and cities. What do you think we could all do to reduce the risk to
Crime is a big 1. __________ in some cities. There is a lot of 2. __________ on the streets at night, people
buy and sell 3. __________ illegally, and a lot of houses are 4. __________ on a regular basis. The
5. __________ do their best to 6. __________ these things happening, but they are not always successful.
However, there are some things that people can do to make their lives safer, to 7. __________
themselves and their 8. __________ from crime. For example, they can improve 9. __________ by fixing
good, strong 10. __________ so that thieves cannot 11. __________ and steal their 12. __________. When
they go out at night, they should leave 13. __________ on so that thieves think there are people at
home. When they are on the streets, they should 14. __________ of what is happening around them.
They could even consider doing a 15__________ course such as judo or jujitsu so that they can
There will always be 18. __________ on our streets, but that doesn't mean we all need to be
Task 2. Complete the sentences below with a word or expression from the box.
2. As he grew older, he _____________ old ladies in the street and stole their money.
55
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topic-specific vocabulary
Crime
3. He also _____________ banks, post offices and jewellery shops.
5. In his late twenties, he _____________ cigarettes and alcohol from one country to another.
6. During his only proper job in an office, he _____________ the accounts and pocketed thousands of
pounds.
11. He said he was _____________, but the jury decided he was _____________.
Complete the following story using one of the idiomatic words or expression from the box.
behind bars • nick • boys in blue • doing time • got away with • nicking
spill the beans • hardened • cops • as thick as thieves • leg it • red handed
Brian and Bert had always been 1._____________, sharing each other's secrets and doing everything
together. They turned to a life of crime in their teens, and by the time they were in their early twenties,
they were already 2._____________ criminals. They burgled houses and stole cars and always
3._____________ it, discovering that they actually enjoyed the excitement of avoiding the
4._____________. However, their luck didn't last and one day the 5._____________ caught them
6._____________ while they were 7.______________ a car. They tried to 8._____________, but didn't get
too far. The police interviewed them and told them to 9._____________. I'm glad to say that Brian and
Bert are now 10._____________ in Wandsworth 11._____________, and expect to be 12._____________ for
56
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topic-specific vocabulary
Education
Task 1. VERBS
Look at the sentences below and fill in the gaps using the appropriate word or expression
from A, B or C.
1. He got a good grade in his maths, but ________ his English exam.
A. passed B. lost C. failed
10. School ________ next week; I can't wait for the holidays to begin!
A. breaks into B. breaks up C. breaks down
Task 2. NOUNS
A. Look at the definitions below, and write the words they define in the grid on the next page. The first
letter of each word has been given to you. If you do it correctly, you will find the name we give to a
student at university in the shaded vertical strip. Use your dictionary to help you.
1. A child at school. (e.g., The piano teacher thinks she is her best p_ _ _ _ )
2. A person who is studying at a college or university. (e.g., She's a brilliant s _ _ _ _ _ _ )
3. A diploma from a university. (e.g., She has a d _ _ _ _ _ in mathematics from Oxford University)
4. A meeting of a small group of university students to discuss a subject with a teacher. (e.g. The
French s_ _ _ _ _ _ is being held in the conference room)
5. A talk given to a class of students, usually at a university or college (e.g., We are going to a l _ _ _
_ _ _ on pollution).
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topic-specific vocabulary
Education
6. A sum of money to help (e.g., Not many students get a full g _ _ _ _ )
7. A teaching session between a tutor and one or more students. (e.g., We had a t_ _ _ _ _ _ _ on
Russian history)
8. All the people who work in a company, school, college or other organization (e.g., Three
members of s_ _ _ _ are away sick)
9. A person with a degree from a university. (e.g., He's a g_ _ _ _ _ _ _ of London University)
10. An area of knowledge that you are studying. (e.g., Maths is his weakest s_ _ _ _ _ _)
11. The points given to a student for a test or a piece of work. (e.g., She got top m_ _ _ _ in English)
12. A school that is funded by the state. (e.g., He went to a s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _)
13. A school for little children. (e.g., We send our youngest son to the local k_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _)
1. p
2. s
3. d
4. s
5. l
6. g
7. t
8. s
9. g
10. s
11. m
12. s
13. k
B. What's the difference? Use your dictionary to help you find the difference between the
following pairs of words.
1. He gets up early to go to college, and comes home late. I keep telling him he shouldn't
buy a dog with two tails / burn the candle at both ends / try to wear two pairs of trousers.
2. Sally always does her homework on time and buys the teacher little presents. The other children
hate her. She's such a teacher's toy / teacher's jewel / teacher's pet.
3. He'll have to pull his socks up / polish his head / empty his washing basket and work harder or he'll
fail his exams.
4. She didn't work hard enough and flunked / splodged / squidged her exams.
5. They didn't go to school, but chased the tiger / emptied their heads / played truant and went
fishing instead.
6. He never comes to his English lessons. He's always smirking / skiving / shrinking.
58
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topic-specific vocabulary
Food and drink
1. VERBS
Read the text in the box below and match the words in bold with their definitions
underneath. Use your dictionary to check your answers.
I recently went on a cookery course. It was very tiring work. First of all I had to learn how to
prepare food. The teacher showed us how to marinade meat before we cooked it, baste it while it
was cooking and even how to slice it once it had been cooked. We were also shown how to chop,
grate and dice vegetables. I had never realised before how many different ways there are of
cooking food; I had to learn how to fry, bake, roast, grill, barbecue. stir-fry and steam it! The best
part of the course was trying out the food we had cooked. Some of the students would nibble the
food cautiously and (in the case of the drinks we had prepared), sip delicately before they would
swallow. I, on the other hand, would gobble and gulp it, sometimes without even bothering to
chew it properly first!
4. to cook over a pan of boiling water by allowing the hot mist from the water to pass through small
holes in a container with food in.
6. to soak meat or fish in a mixture of wine and herbs, etc, before cooking it
8. to make food or liquid pass down your throat from your mouth to the stomach.
9. to eat greedily.
13. to cook food using very strong heat directly above it.
16. to cook vegetables or meat quickly in hot oil. Chinese food is often cooked in this way
17. to cook in an oven without any extra liquid or fat. Bread and cakes are usually cooked this way.
59
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topic-specific vocabulary
Food and drink
2 NOUNS AND OTHER WORDS
Read the text in the box below and match the words in bold with their definitions
underneath. Use your dictionary to check your answers.
1. I had soup as a __________, followed by chicken and chips for the __________ , with a __________ of
green salad, and finally a delicious __________ of strawberries and cream.
2. My friend Tim is a __________; he won't eat meat. His girlfriend won't eat any food that exploits
animals (including eggs and cheese). She's a __________.
3. In the restaurant, I chose my food from the __________, and when I had finished, paid the __________
and left the waiter a small __________.
4. I'm on a __________ because I'm trying to lose weight, so I suppose I should eat more __________, but
I'm afraid I can't resist hamburgers, pizzas and other __________ .
5. I bought a really good __________ book last week, but can't find some of the __________ I need for
the dishes.
6. Shall we have dinner at home or shall we eat out? I know, let's do a bit of both. I'll go to the
Chinese __________ and bring something back.
7. Nutritionists tell us that we should eat a __________ We should eat less __________ food such as meat
and cheese, and should eat more foods that contain __________, like brown bread and vegetables.
8. Cakes and biscuits contain lots of __________ and __________.
60
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topic-specific vocabulary
Free time activities
Look at the boxes below.
In the first box, you will see a list of verbs in bold, and some of the words we use with them.
These are all things that people do in their free time.
In the second box, you will see a list of verbs we use to say that we like something.
In the third box, you will see a list of adjectives that we use to describe why we enjoy
different activities.
Use your dictionary to check that you understand all the words and expressions, then write a
few sentences to say what you enjoy doing in your free time, and why you enjoy doing them.
watch television, films, videos, plays, sporting events (football matches, golf tournaments, etc)
listen to the radio, music, CD's
play sports (football, volleyball, tennis, golf, badminton, table tennis, etc)
play chess, video games, computer games, board games, cards, card games
play musical instrument (the piano, the guitar, the violin, the saxophone, the drums, etc)
go swimming, camping, skiing, shopping, running, jogging, climbing, walking, hiking, horse-riding,
sailing, canoeing, cycling
go to the cinema, the theatre, concerts, shows, the pub, restaurants, the library, museums, art
galleries, football matches, amusement parks
read books, magazines, newspapers, journals, comics
collect stamps, postcards, antiques, coins, works of art, paintings
socialize with your friends (in pubs, bars, cafés, nightclubs, restaurants, at home, etc)
surf the Internet
For activities like photography, cooking, painting, writing, drawing, sewing and knitting, there are
no special verbs. We usually use enjoy or other verbs (e.g., I enjoy photography / taking
photographs).
Activities that you do outside the house are called outdoor activities.
61
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topic-specific vocabulary
Geography
Task 1. Places and features
Match the words on the left with an example on the right. There are some words on the left
that do not match with any on the right. Use your dictionary to check what these mean.
I've always preferred an _____ lifestyle to a _____ lifestyle. I'd much rather live in a city than in the _____
because there's so much more to do. The _____ is great - lots of bars, restaurants and nightclubs - and
there are lots of _____ such as sports centres, swimming pools, museums and so on. What I particularly
like is the fact that my home city is so _____; there are people there from all over the world.
Of course, with so many people everywhere it can get very _____, especially during the _____ (in my city,
this is between 7 and 9 in the morning, and between 4 and 6 in the evening). At those times, the trains
and buses are packed with _____ coming to the city to work, and then going back to the _____ around
the city where many of them live. Those who don't use _____ transport drive to the city in their own
cars; this causes terrible traffic _____ on the roads, and of course lots of _____, which makes the air
Consequently, it is good to get away from the city now and then, and get back to _____; lots of lovely
_____ air, green _____ and _____ villages where the only noise is the sound of birds and sheep. It's also
much _____; there's less crime and the roads aren't as dangerous.
62
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topic-specific vocabulary
Health
Task 1. VERBS
Complete the text below with one of the words or expressions from the box.
Most people believe it's very important to 1.__________ in order to 2.__________, but even the fittest
person can sometimes 3.__________, no matter how hard they 4.__________ their health. If you do
become ill, of course you want to 5.__________ as soon as possible. With most minor illnesses, such as a
cold or flu, it's usually possible to 6.__________ yourself by taking lots of rest and drinking plenty of
liquid. However, if you 7.__________ from something more serious, you will have to go to your doctor.
He will 8.__________ you and, if possible, 9.__________ you with medicine which you can 10.__________
from your local chemist. If you have an unusual illness, your doctor may 11.__________ you to a
specialist or a hospital, who may decide to 12.__________ on you if your illness is serious. You will then
have to 13.__________, and this can take a long time.
Task 2. NOUNS
Medical words. There are 12 words hidden in the box. Look at the definitions on the left and
find the words that match them in the box. The first letter of each word has been given to
you.
P P R E S C R I P T I O N
S C A S U A L T Y C K P W
S P S M R S C A N P Y P W
C W W P G E G B D F J P S
P A T I E N T W Z Y P O Y
A R B C R U D E F G T I M
R D Q P Y R O N M L B N P
S T C O N S U L T A N T T
Q S U R G E O N M M S M O
I O I Y R M I D W I F E M
Y J H G F D S A Z X C N S
P S Y C H I A T R I S T X
W O P I U Y T R F D S A C
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topic-specific vocabulary
Health
Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS
Feeling well / feeling sick. How would you feel in the following situations?
1. People speak lots of different languages in my country, but the __________ is English - it is used in
business, politics and education as the main language of communication.
2. My school has an excellent __________ where we can listen to tapes, watch videos and use computers
to improve our English.
3. I have terrible problems with my English __________. Nobody can understand a word I say.
4. Always carry a good dictionary around with you. If you don't understand a word, you can then
__________.
5. When you learn a new word, you should try to __________ it as much as possible in your written and
spoken English.
6. I didn't learn Spanish at school, but I managed to __________ when I was travelling around Spain.
7. He has an unusual __________; it's not British, and it's not American. It's something in between.
8. There are two types of dictionary you can use; a __________ one, which gives a translation of the
word, and a __________ one, which explains the word in the same language.
9. I think my English is __________ well. Last year I passed my PET exam, this year I passed my FCE, and
now I'm studying for the CAE. I can definitely say that I'm making good __________.
10. Of course I speak good English. I've spoken it all my life. It's my __________. I also speak French as a
__________.
11. My English, French, Spanish and Portuguese are __________. I speak them perfectly, like a __________
of those countries. I suppose you could say that I'm __________.
12. When I learnt German at school, I learnt it __________; we listened to the teacher and simply
repeated what he said. I never learnt to use it properly.
13. My Italian isn't great, but when I go to Italy I can usually __________ in restaurants, shops, bars, etc.
Basically, people understand what I'm trying to say.
14. Learning a language can be __________, but it is always __________, especially when you find you
can __________ with people in their own country.
65
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topic-specific vocabulary
The media
Look at the clues, and use them to help you rearrange the letters in bold in the sample
sentences. The first letter of each word has been underlined. Use these words to complete the
crossword. You will find a lot of the answers in the clues to the other sentences.
Clues across ()
1. A person who writes for newspapers or other periodicals.
The aojurtlisn asked the police chief some difficult questions.
4. The amount of space (in a newspaper) or time (on television) that is given to a story or piece of
news.
There wasn't much ogveerca of the Arsenal-Liverpool match.
5. Photographers who follow famous people to take pictures of them for newspapers.
They were followed by the rapaapziz from the theatre to the hotel.
16. A frequency band for radio or TV, or a station using this band.
The news is on anehCnl 4 at 7 o'clock.
18. A journalist in charge of a newspaper, or a person who gets a radio or TV programme ready.
He wrote to the etordi of 'The Times' to complain about the story they had printed.
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topic-specific vocabulary
The Media
8. A newspaper with a large page size.
The problem with a bhrdseoaet is that it's difficult to read on the bus.
15. A radio or TV programme, or a verb which means 'to send out on radio or TV'
The programme will be tbacroasd on Monday at 8 o'clock.
1. 2. 3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. 9. 10.
11. 12.
13.
14. 15.
19.
20. 21.
22.
23.
24.
67
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topic-specific vocabulary
Money
Task 1. VERBS
Look at the conversation between the bank manager and the customer, and fill in the gaps
with an appropriate word from the box.
Customer: I'd like to (1)__________ £5,000 to buy a new car and I was wondering if your bank
could help me.
Manager: I see. Can I ask if you (2)__________ money to any other banks?
Manager: Right. I need to ask you about your salary. Could you tell me how much you
(3)__________ each month, and how much of that you usually manage to (4)__________?
Customer: I make about £1,200 a month, and I usually (5)__________ most of that on rent, bills,
food and general living expenses. I usually have about £250 left at the end of the
month.
Manager: If we agree to (6)__________ you the money, how much could you (7)__________ to
(8)__________ each month?
Manager: Well, that would probably be fine. Now, as you don't currently (9)__________ with us,
you must (10)__________ an account here. We will then (11)__________ the £5,000 in
that account, and as soon as it goes in, you can (12)__________ it.
Task 2. NOUNS
Explain the difference between the following pairs or groups of words. Use your dictionary to
help you.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Money
Now choose one word from each pair or group to complete the sentences below.
1. The best place to invest money, or borrow it when you want to buy a house, is a __________ .
2. The advantage of a __________ is that you can take out money any time using a cheque book or cash
card.
3. My husband made a £500 __________ from the bank and then lost it!
7. Goods from this shop cannot be exchanged unless a sales __________ is shown.
8. I pay my electricity bills by __________ . The electric company transfers the money from my bank
account to theirs.
9. I couldn't believe it when I looked at my bank statement. I had an __________ of nearly £500!
1. were broke? ☺
2. were hard up? ☺
3. were well-off? ☺
4. were unable to make ends meet? ☺
5. were able to spend money like water? ☺
6. had just paid through the nose for something? ☺
7. were bankrupt? ☺
8. were down on your luck? ☺
9. were penniless? ☺
10. were skint? ☺
11. were loaded? ☺
12. were in the black? ☺
13. were in the red? ☺
14. were on the dole? ☺
15. had money to burn? ☺
16. had a lot of dosh? ☺
17. were strapped for cash? ☺
69
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topic-specific vocabulary
Nature and the environment
Task 1. THE ENVIRONMENT
Complete the following sentences with a word or expression from the box. There are some
that you do not need.
1. ________ falling on forests has killed a lot of trees in the last 20 years.
2. The council is encouraging us to ________ more household rubbish.
3. Factories and vehicles produce a lot of dangerous ________.
4. ________ of the atmosphere has increased over the last 50 years, making the environment very
dirty.
5. The effect of gases in the earth's atmosphere is preventing the earth from losing heat; this is
called the ________.
6. When ________ gases are released into the atmosphere, they rise slowly.
7. The hole in the ________ is getting larger every year.
8. If ________ continues, there is a danger that the polar ice-cap will start to melt.
9. We take all our empty bottles to the ________ so that the glass can be used again.
10. Long periods of drought have brought about the ________ of whole areas of central Africa.
11. Tigers, whales and panda bears are all ________ species.
12. People are worried that soon whales will become ________.
13. We should use fewer ________ such as oil and coal, and look to other energy sources such as
________ and ________.
Task 2. CLASSIFICATIONS
Put the words below into their appropriate box depending on their classification. There are eight
words for each box.
Mammals Birds
70
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topic-specific vocabulary
Nature and the environment
Insects and invertebrates Flowers
Can you think of any other words to put into these boxes?
W G Y U I F R M D G W H
A D H E R O B U L L D W
W O T L S X D L G D R X
W N K E N K U E W O L F
A K C P A M C L R G B Y
K E C H I C K E N S I T
F Y F A L X E Q J L R F
B V C N X Z W B I R D K
B U T T E R F L I E S E
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topic-specific vocabulary
On the road
Task 1. NOUNS
Complete the sentences with an appropriate word or expression from the box.
Task 2. VERBS
Complete the story below with an appropriate word or expression from the box.
I've just finished my driving test and I think it went quite well. OK, so I made a few mistakes, but nothing
too serious. For example, I forgot to 1.______ the mirrors, with the result that I couldn't see anything
behind me. Then, when I 2.______ the car, I forgot that I had left it in first gear, so I 3.______. Oh, and I
forgot to 4.______ my seatbelt. And 5.______ the handbrake. When I eventually 6.______ from the side of
the road, I forgot to 7.______ my mirrors; the driver of the car that almost 8.______ into me as a result
9.______ his horn and shouted something at me, but I didn't hear what. I nearly went through a red light,
but saw it at the last second and tried to stop. Unfortunately, I lost control and my car 10.______ across to
72
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topic-specific vocabulary
On the road
the other side of the road - fortunately, the cars coming in the opposite direction managed to 11.______
out of the way. At one point, I 12.______ when I should have 13.______, so instead of stopping, the car just
went faster! Fortunately, the police car that I 14.______ into the back of wasn't badly damaged and the
policeman driving it didn't shout at me too loudly. At another time I had to 15.______ somebody who was
driving a bit slowly, but I forgot to 16.______, so the drivers behind me had no idea what I was going to
do. Finally, I managed to 17.______ into a wall which I couldn't see behind me. I don't know if I've passed
yet, because the examiner is still being treated for shock in the local hospital.
My brother Ted must be the world's worst driver. It started when he was young and used to go for
joyrides, causing pile-ups which resulted in traffic jams and gridlocks for other drivers. As a young
adult, he was a real boy racer, putting his foot down, driving like the clappers and then jamming
on the brakes. I reckon he must have written off at least six of the bangers he used to drive. He's
still a real road hog, tailgating other cars and getting involved in road rage incidents. He's offered
to give me a lift home tonight, but to be honest, I'd rather thumb a lift. He's picking me up in a
few minutes; maybe I'd better have one for the road. At least it's rush hour and the roads will be
chock-a-block so he won't be able to drive too fast! Honestly - sometimes he drives me round the
bend!
73
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topic-specific vocabulary
Physical appearance
Task 1.
Here is a bank of useful words and expressions that we often use when we want to describe
somebody's physical appearance. Use your dictionary to make sure you understand what they
all mean, then use the words and expressions to write a description of yourself or somebody
you know well. There is an example to give you a few ideas.
Build:
tall short of medium / average height fat overweight slim thin of medium / average
build well-built
Hair:
short long dark blond red shoulder-length straight curly wavy a parting a
fringe spiky bald thinning fair-haired
Age:
young old middle-aged elderly a baby a toddler a teenager in his early twenties in
my mid-thirties in her late fifties
Nose:
hooked turned-up sharp bulbous
Skin colour:
tanned fair-/ pale- / dark-skinned a fair / pale / dark complexion
Other expressions:
a double chin a generous mouth long eyelashes thin eyebrows bushy eyebrows broad
shoulders well-developed muscles
Example.
My brother's in his early-thirties. He's of average height and a bit overweight, with a double chin.
He's got short, dark, curly hair (which is thinning slightly), a rather untidy beard and moustache,
and big, bushy eyebrows. He's got quite a fair complexion. When he smiles, he has dimples on his
cheeks, and he gets freckles when he goes out in the sun.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Physical appearance
Task 2.
There are lots of English idiomatic and colloquial expressions which use parts of the body.
Complete the expressions in bold below with a word from the box. Some of the words can be
2. They had been going out together for some time, and then she suddenly gave him the __________ .
3. Don't worry. I wasn't being serious. I was only pulling your __________ .
4. I hoped she would give me a friendly welcome, but in fact she gave me the cold __________ .
5. Poor old Peter is dominated by his wife! She's got him under her _________ .
6. Can you keep an ________ out for the traffic warden while I go into the bank?
8. He really put his ________ in it when he said his boss's wife was too fat: she was standing right
behind him!
9. She thinks she's better than other people and always looks down her ________ at them.
10. Make sure you follow what is happening. Keep your ________ to the ground.
11. Good luck in the exam. I'll be keeping my ________ crossed for you.
12. I know things are going badly, but keep your ________ up and try to remain cheerful.
13. We get on well, even though we don't always see ________ to ________.
14. You must obey the rules. You have to ________ the line.
15. If something is worrying you, talk to me about it. You'll feel much better if you get it off your
________.
17. He interferes all the time. He's always trying to ________ in on our projects and get all the credit for
them.
18. Mind your own business! Stop sticking your ________ in!
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topic-specific vocabulary
Relationships
Task 1. A LOVE STORY: part 1
Complete the first part of the story below using the words and expressions in the box.
Laurence first met Carol at a party and was immediately 1.___________ her. He 2.___________ and at the
end of the evening 3___________ to dinner at a nearby restaurant. She accepted his offer and the next
evening he 4.___________ her in style, with champagne and delicious, exotic foods. They 5.___________
well with each other, decided to meet again and then started to 6.___________ on a regular basis.
Laurence's granny was delighted that he was 7.___________ at last. It wasn't long before they realised
that they had 8.___________ with each other.
A few months later, they bought a flat and moved in together. Laurence's granny disapproved of them
9.___________, but Laurence explained that 10.___________ was quite normal these days.
One day, Laurence decided to ask Carol to marry him, so after a romantic meal, he got down on one
knee and 11.___________ to her. They 12.___________ and the next day announced their 13.___________
to their friends and family. Their parents were delighted that they had decided to 14.___________.
Laurence's friends weren't so sure, however, and all agreed that they would 15.___________ and
16.___________ long before the wedding.
A week or so before the wedding, Laurence went out on a 1.stag night / bull night / lion night with his
male friends, while Carol enjoyed her 2.chicken party / duck party / hen party with her female friends.
At last, the big day arrived. Laurence and Carol had wanted to get married in a 3. registered office /
registry office / regimental office, but their parents insisted on a traditional church wedding. The
church was packed, friends and family of the 4. bride / bright / blight on the left, friends and family of
the 5. gloom / groom / doom on the right. Laurence sat nervously at the front with his 6. beast man /
bent man / best man, who was carrying the 7. wedding rings / wedding rinks / wedding rims in his
pocket. The organist started playing the 8. Wedding March / Wedding Crawl / Wedding Stagger and
Carol walked up the 9. aisle / I'll / ail, accompanied by her father and followed by the 10. brightmaids /
bridesmaids / bride's mates. The priest conducted the ceremony and, after Laurence and Carol had
exchanged 11. cows / vows / vowels, pronounced them husband and wife.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Relationships
Task 3. THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
Match the words in the box with the definitions 1 - 10
1. They were going to get married, but at the A. Me too. We have similar feelings and get on
last moment Allison broke it off. really well.
2. I've got lots of friends, but only one real soul B. She certainly is. She likes attracting the
mate. attention of all the men in the office.
3. How do you get on with your in-laws? C. Not yet, but we are separated.
4. Didn't you meet your future wife on a blind D. Yes. My friends arranged it for me.
date?
E. That's true; I should get out a bit and meet
5. I'm sorry you and Melanie have split up, but more people.
don't worry; there are plenty more fish in F. Although we don't go out together any
the sea. more, we're still good friends.
6. Don't go out with him; he's a real ladykiller! G. Poor Ian! He must have been really upset.
7. Sally came to the party with her latest toy H. Really? I thought they were getting on so
boy. well together.
8. Your new secretary is a bit of a flirt, isn't I. I know. He seems to spend all his time
she? chatting up women.
9. Is Meg still on the shelf? J. Not well, I'm afraid. They've never forgiven
me for marrying their son.
10. Chris and Jo's marriage is on the rocks.
K. No. Haven't you heard? She met the man of
11. How do you get on with your ex- her dreams a few weeks ago.
boyfriend?
L. I'm not surprised. She's always preferred
12. Are you divorced? younger men.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Services and facilities
Task 1. Look at this list of words, and match them with the service or facility that you would
normally associate them with. Some of the words can be used more than once.
1. Bus stop
2. Health centre
3. Health club
4. Restaurant
5. Taxi rank
7. Library
8. Station
9. School
10. Museum
Task 2.
Can you think of any other words or expressions to add to the services and facilities listed
above?
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topic-specific vocabulary
Shopping
Task 1.
Look at the sentences below and fill in the gaps using the appropriate word or expression
from A, B or C.
Task 2.
A. Where are they? Look at the sentences on the left and decide where the speaker is. Choose
from the list of shops on the right.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Shopping
Task 3.
B. Check your spelling. One word in each of the following sentences is incorrectly spelt, or a
wrong word has been used. Use your dictionary to help you correct them.
4. I don't like to buy things by male order - you never know exactly what you're going to get.
5. Don't forget to get a reciept from the sales assistant in case you need to return it to the store.
10. I'm not going to that shop again; I think they treat their costumers very badly.
11. The serving in this shop is so slow. I've been waiting for almost fifteen minutes.
12. It's quite a good idea to buy some things in bulk, as it's more economic.
Now look at these sentences and decide if they are true or false:
1. If something is selling like hot cakes, not many people are buying it.
3. It's a good idea to shop around for the best price before you buy something expensive.
4. If you buy clothes off the peg, you have them specially made for you.
5. If you talk shop, you discuss your favourite shop with a friend.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Sport
Task 1. VERBS
Look at the sentences below and fill in the gaps using the appropriate word or expression
from A, B or C.
Task 2. NOUNS
A. Venues and equipment. Match the sports in the left-hand column with the venue in the
centre column and an item which you associate with that sport in the right-hand column.
There are two items which do not belong.
trunks
swimming range gloves
tennis racetrack target
football ring strip
ice hockey pool helmet
horse-racing racecourse racket
shooting court bow
motor racing rink saddle
boxing pitch stick
shuttlecock
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topic-specific vocabulary
Sport
B. Jumbled words. Rearrange the letters in the box on the next page to find some more words
related to sports. The first letter of each word is in bold. The clues after each jumbled word
will help you.
imudast: a large building for sports, with seating arranged around a sports field.
eerrfee: a person who supervises a game, making sure that it is played according to the rules.
irepmu: similar to the above, but usually associated with tennis or cricket.
senilanm: an official who stays on the sideline in a ball game to see if the ball goes over the line.
raobdsocer: a large board on which the score in a game is shown as the game progresses.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Travel and Holidays
Task 1. VERBS.
A. The sentences below describe the different stages of a holiday. Unfortunately, they are in
the wrong order. Rearrange them so that they are in the correct order. The first one has been
done for you. Use your dictionary to help you find the meaning of the words in bold.
( ) A few weeks later I went to the airport and checked in for my flight.
( ) I spent the next two weeks sunbathing on the beach and sightseeing in the local area.
( ) I left the airport and two hours later arrived at my hotel, where I checked in.
( ) It was with a great deal of reluctance that I eventually checked out of the hotel and returned
home.
( ) I did some shopping in the duty free and then boarded my flight.
Task 2. NOUNS
A. Types of holiday. Look at the types of holiday on the left, and match them with the places
you think you might stay in on the right. Most have more than one answer.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Travel and Holidays
B. Look at the sentences below, and fill in the gaps with an appropriate word from the box.
2. The __________ from Southampton to New York by ship took about five days.
6. We went to the __________ on the High Street to book our holiday, but they were informed by the
7. (At the airport check-in desk) Would you like a seat by the window or one by the __________?
8. Here's your ticket and __________. You're in 33B. It's a no smoking seat.
9. I've just made a list of the things I need to take on holiday with me. First of all I need my __________
so that I can enter the country. I must get __________ in case I have an accident or lose something
important. I have to go to the bank to get some __________ and __________. Oh, and of course I need
my __________ to carry my clothes and other things. I'll also take a __________ so that I can carry my
10. Quattro Vientos Holiday Club offers a variety of accommodation options. If you want a bedroom
and something to eat in the morning, they have __________ accommodation. If you prefer to have
breakfast and dinner, you can stay on a __________ basis. If you want breakfast, lunch and dinner,
you can stay on a __________ basis. They also have rooms with cooking facilities if you want to
prepare your own food and stay on a __________ basis. Alternatively, if you want all your meals and
11. __________ rooms in the hotel have just one small bed. _________ rooms have two small beds.
__________ rooms have one large bed. __________ rooms have one large bed and two small beds.
Most of the rooms are __________, with their own private bath or shower. All rooms have a
__________ or a __________ with a view of the sea. Telephone 01645 98109 to make a __________.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Travel and Holidays
3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS
Match the sentences on the left with a suitable reply on the right. Use your dictionary to
check the meanings of the expressions in bold.
4. How are we going to get home? We haven't D. Let's stop at the first hotel we find.
got enough money for a taxi.
9. I love going to busy, lively resorts for my J. I experienced similar culture shock when I went
holiday. to Vietnam.
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topic-specific vocabulary
24 Hours
Task 1. VERBS.
Look at the sentences below and fill in the gaps using the appropriate word or expression
from A, B or C.
Task 2. NOUNS
A. Below you will see a list of things we use or wear at home or at work. Put them into the
box where we use / wear them most often.
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topic-specific vocabulary
24 Hours
B. Complete the sentences. Now complete the sentences using one of the words above.
B. The sentences below all use expressions with the word ‘time’. Unfortunately, the
expressions are all in the wrong sentences. Rearrange them so that they are in the correct
sentences.
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topic-specific vocabulary
The weather & natural phenomena
Task 1. BAD WEATHER.
Use your dictionary to check the meanings of the nouns and adjectives in bold in the text,
then use the words in the box to complete the text.
Listen to the pouring (1)______ outside, and the roar of the (2)______ as it blows through the trees.
Listen to the clatter of icy (3)______ on the window and the crashing of the (4)______, while (5)______
flashes across the sky. See the thick, grey (6)______ and the thin, grey, wet (7)______ . Smell the dirty,
bitter, yellow-grey (8)______ in the city. Feel the crunch of (9)______ under your feet as you walk on the
icy grass, and shake the freezing, wet (10)______ and (11)______ from your hair as the howling
(12)______ turns the world to white.
1. hurricane
(A) a storm over high mountains, usually accompanied by snow.
(B) a tropical storm with strong winds and rain.
(C) a very quick, but very heavy, rain shower.
2. tornado
(A) a long, heavy snow shower, accompanied by strong winds.
(B) a long period when there is no rain and when the land is dry.
(C) a violent storm with a whirlwind.
3. volcano
(A) a violent shaking of the earth's surface.
(B) a strong wind caused by a drop in air pressure.
(C) a mountain with a hole in the top through which lava, ash and gas can come out.
4. drought
(A) a storm, usually without rain, which happens in hot countries.
(B) a very long period of rain.
(C) a long period when there is no rain and when the land is dry.
5. flood
(A) a large amount of water over land which is usually dry.
(B) a large area of dry land which should usually be wet (e.g., a dry lake).
(C) a lake or river which has been poisoned by pollution.
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topic-specific vocabulary
The weather & natural phenomena
6. earthquake
(A) a long, heavy snow shower, accompanied by strong winds.
(B) a shaking of the earth caused by, for example, volcanic activity.
(C) a large area of dry land which should usually be wet.
7. tsunami
(A) a tropical storm with strong winds and rain.
(B) a huge wave in the sea, caused by an underwater earthquake.
(C) a long period when there is no rain and when the land is dry.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Work
Task 1. VERBS
Read the text in the box below and match the words in bold with their definitions
underneath. Use your dictionary to check your answers.
Brian James left University and decided to apply for a job which he saw advertised in the paper. He
filled in the application forms and, a few weeks later, was asked to attend an interview. He was
offered the job that same day.
As he lived in a small town outside the city, he had to commute every day. He was good at his job
and very soon was promoted. However, the company he worked for was having problems. Two
people were dismissed for stealing and two of their friends resigned in sympathy, the directors
decided to lay off five more because the company couldn't afford to keep them, and the managing
director decided to retire early. The atmosphere was so bad that Brian eventually decided to hand in
his notice.
1. to give up a job.
2. to ask for a job, usually by writing a letter.
3. to be removed from a job, usually because you have done something bad.
4. same as 1.
5. to stop work and take a pension, usually when you are in late middle age.
6. to write in the empty spaces on a form.
7. to be given a better job in the organization you work for.
8. to be questioned by one or more people when you are applying for a job so that they can decide if
you are suitable for that job.
9. to travel to work from home each day, usually from one town to another.
10. to be dismissed from your job for a time until more work is available.
Task 2. NOUNS
Read the text which follows and fill in the gaps with an appropriate word from the box below.
Use your dictionary to help you. In some cases, more than one answer is possible.
A computer company had a (1)__________ for position of (2)__________, and decided to advertise for a
new (3)__________. A lot of (4)__________ with good (5)__________ and (6)__________ applied for the job,
and after all the interviews had finished, the directors made a (7)__________ of the best (8)__________,
then invited them to come back for another interview.
The person who eventually got the job was very happy. After all, he would receive an annual
(9)__________ of £25,000, with a 5% (10)__________ twice a year, a 15% (11) __________ for each
computer he managed to sell, excellent (12)__________ such as private health insurance and a company
car, a company (13)__________ to make sure he would be well-off when he retired, and the chance of
(14)__________ from salesman to sales (15)__________ if he was successful. All in all, his future
(16)__________ looked very good.
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topic-specific vocabulary
Work
Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS
Match the sentences on the left with an appropriate sentence on the right. The sentences on
the right include an idiom or colloquialism connected with work in bold. Use your dictionary
to help you.
4. The train drivers are refusing to work. (D) He's such a slave driver!
5. I work from 10.00pm to 6.00am. (E) I'm glad to say it's business as usual.
6. I work for a very small amount of money.
(F) Of course, I get paid more for working the
7. Jo is unemployed and receiving unemployment
benefit. night shift.
8. Jim applied to his boss for more money. (G) If he continues like that, he'll burn himself
9. Our boss makes his staff work too hard. out.
10. Bob works too hard. Yesterday, he started at (H) I really hate working for peanuts.
7.30 in the morning and didn't finish until
almost midnight! (I) I think I'll ask if I can work overtime.
11. Our company director was given a large sum
(J) They've decided to come out on strike.
of money when he retired before the end of
his contract. (K) I hate it when I have to carry the can for
12. Sarah has great potential and ambition. someone else.
13. My boss made a mistake and made me take
responsibility for it. (L) I wish I could get a golden handshake like
that!
14. Our company is still working in the usual way
in spite of difficulties. (M) Like me, he's a white collar worker.
15. Steve has an unusual job; he looks for top
managers and offers them jobs in other (N) I always knew he'd get fired one day.
companies.
(O) He's a headhunter.
16. Have you heard? John has been dismissed for
coming late all the time. (P) There's nothing worse than being on the dole.
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Vocabulary record sheet
Photocopy this sheet as many times as you like, and use it to keep a record of new words and
expressions that you learn. Try to build your own vocabulary bank of useful words and expressions.
Keep this in a file in alphabetical order for quick reference. Review the words and expressions that
you have recorded on a regular basis.
1. Word or expression
2. Definition
3. Equivalent in my language
4. Sample sentence
1. Word or expression
2. Definition
3. Equivalent in my language
4. Sample sentence
1. Word or expression
2. Definition
3. Equivalent in my language
4. Sample sentence
1. Word or expression
2. Definition
3. Equivalent in my language
4. Sample sentence
On the following pages, you will find some sample FCE-style writing tasks which will give you the
chance to practise some of the vocabulary from this book. The tasks are very similar to the sort you
would be expected to do in part 2 of the FCE Writing Paper.
Each task is followed by a page reference. This shows you where in the book you will find some of the
topic-related vocabulary which might be useful for answering the task.
Each of your essays should be between 120 - 180 words long, and you should allow yourself about 45
minutes for each one. Don't forget to make a plan before you write it, and allow yourself a few
minutes at the end to check your answer for mistakes.
Here are a few tips to help you write the perfect essay:
Make sure that you answer the question correctly, and do not include any information which is
unnecessary or irrelevant to the task (it's a good idea to highlight the key words in the task before
you write your plan, and make sure that you refer to the task while you are writing the plan and the
essay).
Make sure that your essay is organised, with relevant linking words. Your ideas should 'follow on'
from each other. Don't forget that many essays should have an introduction, a body and a
conclusion.
Avoid repeating yourself. This includes repeating the same idea several times, or using the same
word over and over again.
Make sure that you have used the correct word forms.
Make sure that you have not missed any words, or have not used any words which are not necessary
(these are usually 'grammar-type' words like prepositions, articles, pronouns, etc).
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Practice essays
Practice essay 1
You have seen this in an international students' magazine:
- - - Competition - - -
We want you to tell us about your ideal house. Where would it be?
What would it be like? What amenities would it have? The winning
article will be published in the next edition of our magazine.
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Practice essays
Practice essay 2
Your teacher has asked you to write a composition with the following title:
‘The clothes you wear say a lot about your personality. Do you agree?'
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Practice essays
Practice essay 3
A group of students from Britain would like to visit your home town as part of an exchange
programme. Their leader has asked you to write a report describing what there is to see and
do in the town, and to describe some of the other services and facilities that would be
available to them.
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Practice essays
Practice essay 4
A magazine is running a story-writing competition with a first prize of £500. The rules say
that the story should be between 120 and 180 words long and should end with this sentence:
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Practice essays
Practice essay 5
This is part of a letter you have received from a pen friend.
I'm really mad about sport, and I have lots of other hobbies too, including
photography, cooking and going to the cinema. What about you? Do you
play any sports, and do you have any other hobbies or interests? Tell me
all about them.
Write a letter to your pen friend and answer his questions. You do not need to include any addresses
(120 - 180 words)
Free time activities. Page 61.
Sport. Pages 81 - 82.
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Practice essays
Practice essay 6
You have been asked by the editor of your school's English language magazine to write an
article about some typical food and drink from your country. Are there any typical dishes that
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Practice essays
Practice essay 7
You have just had a class discussion on the differences between living in a city and living in
the countryside. Your teacher has asked you to write a composition saying which you prefer
/ would prefer, and why.
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Practice essays
Practice essay 8
A friend is going to study English at a language school in Britain, and has asked you to give
him / her some advice on how to make the best progress.
Write a letter to him / her, giving a few ideas and suggestions. Do not include any addresses. (120 - 180
words).
Education. Pages 57 - 58.
Learning languages. Page 65.
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answers
Answers
General Vocabulary 01 - 44 Task 1.
hunger
8. length = / wideth = width / deepth = depth / well-read 14. semi-detached 15. semi-skilled
high = height
Page 3 Compound nouns
9. happyness = unhappiness / lonelyness =
loneliness / youth =
Task 1.
10. confidence = / ableness = ability or abilities /
air pollution airline pilot bookcase bookmark
intelligence =
hair dryer homework fairy story food
11. probableness = probability / certainty =
poisoning football boots income tax
/ necessary = necessity / superior = superiority / 1. fairy story 2. traffic lights 3. sunlight 4. Air
honest = honesty / inferior = inferiority / reliable = pollution 5. Race relations 6. income tax
reliability / safe = safety / strong = strength 7. food poisoning 8. shoelaces 9. parking meter
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answers
Answers
Page 4 Confusing Pairs And False Friends Task 2. COMPLETE THE SENTENCES
1. now / actually 2. advice / advise 3. effect / affect 1. get on like a house on fire 2. get a rise 3. Got
4. yet / already 5. afraid of / worried about 6. it 4. got out of bed on the wrong side
prevent / avoid 7. beside / besides 8. fetch / bring 5. getting me down 6. Get away 7. get to grips
9. chance / possibility 10. canal(s) / channel /
with 8. get-together 9. got a nerve
Channel 11. conduct / direct 12. continuous /
10. get lost / get knotted 11. get down to brass
continual 13. chauffeur / driver 14. wonderful /
formidable 15. fun / funny 16. go / play 17. come tacks 12. Get a grip on yourself
along with / follow 18. damage / harm 19. 13. got the sack 14. get out of the habit of 15.
discover / invent 20. work / job 21. kind /
Get lost / Get knotted 16. got on his nerves 17.
sympathetic 22. lie / lay 23. borrow / lend 24.
getting nowhere 18. get off my back 19. get my
nature / countryside 25. take / pass 26. practice /
act together 20. got my meaning 21. get going
practise (in American English, practice can be both
1. same as 2. similar to 3. different from 4. 13. dozed 14. nodded 15. fidgeted
cheese 15. worlds apart dash G. skip H. crawl I. creep / tiptoe J. creep /
tiptoe K. dawdle
Page 8 Expressions with Get
Task 1. DEFINITIONS
Task 3. HAND AND ARM ACTIONS
1. P 2. B 3. N. 4. U. 5. O 6. H / J. 7. E 8.
1. punched 2. slapped 3. beckoned 4. stroked 5.
S 9. I 10. A 11. H / J 12. K.
patted 6. grabbed 7. grope 8. salute 9. waved
13. T 14. D 15. M 16. G 17. R 18. C 19. L
20. F 21. Q 10. scratched 11. folded 12. wipe 13. shake 14.
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False (his work is too easy and does not make him Note: take is another verb that works with lots of
work as hard as he could) 11. False (everyone tried nouns. Here are some useful examples. Use your
to get a ticket as quickly as possible) 12. True dictionary to check the meanings of any you don't
4. True 5. True 6. True 7. False (we praise the address / take a test or exam / take a bath or
firemen - we want to say that we think they are shower / take a break / take a seat / take a
very brave) 8. False (don't criticise something photograph (not make a photograph) / take a taxi,
which someone has given you for free) 9. True 10. train, boat, etc / take a look at something / take
making 12. making 13. do 14. does 15. made Task 1. ADJECTIVES AND NOUNS
16. do 17. make 18. make 19. do 20. made 21.
1. cotton / polyester / leather / corduroy / denim 2.
make 22. make 23. made 24. made 25. doing
cardboard 3. corrugated iron
26. made 27. doing 28. make
4. porcelain 5. turf 6. suede / leather / canvas 7.
EXPRESSIONS USING DO
Task 2. GUESS THE OBJECT
1. trick 2. honours 3. dirty 4. wonders 5.
yourself 6. without 7. turn 8. don'ts 9. turn 10. 1. a credit card 2. a saucepan 3. a tent 4. a cork
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6. a tie 7. jeans 8. a teapot 9. a scarf 10. a
14. purr
Page 18 Modified words
Task 1. VERBS
Task 2. ANIMAL NOISES
croak = frog squeak = mouse howl = wolf 1. laughed 2. spend 3. succeeded 4. destroyed
quack = duck buzz = bee grunt = pig hiss = 5. depart / leave 6. emptied 7. hit 8. punish 9.
snake neigh = horse bray = donkey bleat = forget 10. failed 11. received 12. win 13. lend
sheep / goat crow = cock roar = lion bark = dog 14. refused 15. defend 16. fallen 17. denied
retreated
rattle 7. tinkle 8. clink 9. click / whirr 1. artificial 2. thick 3. lazy 4. sharp 5. amateur
10. sizzle 11. rumble 12. murmur 13. bang 14. 6. tame 7. guilty 8. mean 9. light 10. hollow
whirr 11. soft 12. dim / thick
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13. odd 14. tough 15. present 16. strong 17. disobey 5. misused 6. disapproves 7.
light 18. permanent 19. high 20. high 21. mispronouncing 8. disprove 9. dislike 10.
stale 22. live 23. strong 24. shallow 25. smooth unlock 11. disqualified 12. unfolded 13.
26. compulsory 27. approximate 28. public 29. discontinued 14. misplaced 15. disconnected
tough 30. smooth 31. soft / easy 32. soft 33. 16. disagree 17. misunderstood 18. displease
tight 34. sharp 35. live 36. dim / thick 37. easy (this is a slightly old-fashioned word)
38. light 39. stale 40. minor 41. cool 42. cool
Task 2.
Phrasal verbs with get
1. irresponsible 2. unmarried 3. impatient 4.
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Phrasal verbs with go business deal 8. True 9. False - you save it 10.
out 7. correct 8. down 9. up 10. correct 11. Phrasal verbs with take
correct 12. about 13. correct 14. on 15.
1. B 2. C 3. A 4. B 5. C 6. C 7. B
correct 16. correct
10. look after 11. looking out for turn into: a road
Phrasal verbs with make because they haven't paid the rent guests at a
1. G 2. E 3. F 4. B 5. D 6. C 7. A party
with
Phrasal verbs with run 7. down 8. out of 9. out 10. out 11. up
Phrasal verbs with set 1. broke down 2. work out 3. wear off 4.
1. False - you have just started it 2. True 3. false wear themselves out 5. pull through 6. sort out
- you have just started a company 4. False - you 7. split up 8. showed up 9. pulled out 10.
have just moved into a new home 5. True 6. letting off 11. let you down 12. carry on 13.
false - your journey has been delayed 7. False - held up 14. fell through 15. ended up 16.
you have just lost some money on, e.g., a bad carried out
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Phrasal verbs test Task 2. SIZE
1. came across 2. do with 3. set in 4. took over Big - enormous, mammoth, huge, gigantic,
5. picked...up 6. put by / away 7. takes after 8. monumental, colossal, massive, giant, gargantuan
turned...down 9. went off 10. cut off 11. run Small - minute, minuscule, tiny, titchy, teeny. (These
/ go through 12. put back 13. pick up 14. give last two are colloquial and often used by small
up 15. put...through 16. ran into 17. made up children)
18. went on 19. look forward 20. cut down 21.
Task 3. FEATURES
do without 22. broke into 23. made up 24. do
1. D 2. F 3. H 4. G 5. I 6. B 7. E 8. A 9.
up 25. looked after 26. gone up 27. giving
C
away 28. broken down 29. came through 30.
1.E 2.D 3.J 4.F 5.A 6.G 7.H 8.K 9.I 10.B
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agreed that the situation is no longer manageable. at / knowing or realising / would 9. spite /
The fact that city councils are building cheap, managed 10. as / anyone 11. This / on 12. who
temporary housing for lower-paid professionals is / just or recently 13. with / made 14. by / had
the only official acknowledgement of this problem. 15. the / where 16. give / until / two / these 17.
continuous 13. creative 14. decisive 15. 1. decorate 2. rent 3. extend 4. demolish 5. evict
dependable 16. doubtful 17. excitable 18. 6. lease 7. let 8. move in
exciting 19. excited 20. hopeful 21. preferable The word in the shaded vertical strip is renovate.
22. recognizable 23. satisfying 24. suspicious 25.
2. expectations 4. signature 6. argument 7. palace 11. bungalow 12. houseboat 13. flat 14.
15. developments 18. permission 19. death 20. B. Reading backwards through the list, you should
departure 21. discovery 22. choice have identified these words: living room (we can
1. loss 3. satisfaction 5 arrival 8. excitement cellar (we can also say basement) bathroom
9. organisation (we can also spell this organization. bedroom attic stairs garden terrace (we can
English verbs ending in -ise can also end in -ize: also say patio) balcony roof chimney television
realize / realise, rationalize / rationalise, etc) 10. aerial ground floor first floor
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Page 50 The arts Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER
EXPRESSIONS
Task 1.
1. opera 2. novel 3. portrait 4. film 5. secretly = up her sleeve sacked him = gave him
photography 6. memorable 7. cinema 8. stage the boot nonsense = talking through his hat
9. innovative 10. concert 11. contemporary had a plan which he was keeping secret = was
The word in the shaded strip is performance. keeping something up his sleeve try to do better
Task 2. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER aware 15. self-defence 16. defend / protect
11. Tony 12. Jenny 13. Jenny 14. Bob 15. Tony 16. A judge (see number 13) is a person appointed to
Jenny 17. Bob 18. Bob 19. Bob 20. Tony 21. Tony make legal decisions in a court of law.
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A jury (see number 12) is a group of 12 people who Task 2. NOUNS
4. boys in blue / cops 5. boys in blue / cops 6. red B. 1. A teacher works in a school. A professor
handed 7. nicking 8. leg it 9. spill the beans works at a university.
10. doing time / behind bars 11. nick 12. doing 2. (In the UK) A primary school is for children aged
time / behind bars 5 - 11. A secondary school is for children aged 11 -
16.
There are lots of words associated with crime. Here 3. A fee is the money you pay for your education.
are some more which you might find useful. Use A grant is the money you receive from the
your dictionary to find out what they mean: government to help you pay for your education.
Types of criminal: burglar / robber / shoplifter / a 4. A term is a period of study in a British school;
vandal / a hooligan / a murderer / a hijacker / a there are three terms in a year. A semester is a
forger / a spy / a pirate / terrorist / a pickpocket period of study in a North American school; there
A thief is a general word for anyone who steals are two semesters in a year.
something (e.g., burglars, robbers, pickpockets and 5. A graduate in Britain is someone who has
shoplifters are all thieves) successfully completed a course at university. A
The legal system: solicitor / barrister / witness / graduate in the USA is someone who has
defendant / arrest / charge / acquit / sentence / successfully completed a course at a high school
corporal punishment / capital punishment (the US equivalent of a secondary school).
is learning to drive) 5 = B 6=C 7=B (in the Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER
in the USA, people graduate from high school) 8 = 1. burn the candle at both ends 2. teacher's pet
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4. flunked (This word comes from the USA) 5. I'm a very sociable person, so I enjoy going to pubs
played truant (Americans say played hookie) 6. and clubs and socialising with my friends. I find this
skiving both enjoyable and relaxing. I also enjoy outdoor
broil) 14. sip 15. chop 16. stir-fry 17. bake 18.
Page 62 Geography
dice 19. roast
Task 1. State = Ohio (one of the states in the USA)
calories / carbohydrates (in either order) Task 2. I've always preferred an urban lifestyle to a
Page 61 Free time activities times, the trains and buses are packed with
115
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going back to the suburbs around the city where Page 65 Learning languages
Medical words
.press
Task 1. VERBS
7. 8. 9. 10. 11. ☺ 12. 13. lend 7. afford 8. pay back 9. bank 10. open
talk about health. Here are a few more. Use your Task 2. NOUNS
dictionary to check their meanings. 1. Traditionally, a bank is a business organisation
overweight / slim / sedentary / active / give up which keeps money for customers and pays it out
something / cut down on something / disease / on demand or lends them money, and a building
health club / sports centre society is more usually associated with saving
116
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money or lending people money to buy houses. 9. A loan is money which is lent to you by a bank
2. A current account is a bank account people use to buy something. An overdraft is when you spend
to cover everyday expenses, and a deposit account more money that you have in your bank account
is used to save money (you usually need to give without telling your bank beforehand.
3. A withdrawal is when you take money from a withdrawal 4. balance 5. cheque 6. credit card
EXPRESSIONS
4. A statement is a written record of the money
you withdraw from and deposit into a bank 3, 5, 11, 12, 15, 16 = you would probably feel happy
account. A balance is a note which tells you how about your financial situation.
much money you have in your account. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17 = you would probably
6. A credit card allows you to buy something from 1. acid rain 2. recycle 3. fumes 4. pollution 5.
a shop and pay for it later. A debit card is a greenhouse effect 6. CFC. 7. ozone layer 8.
substitute for cash - money is taken directly from global warming 9. bottle bank 10. desertification
your bank account. A cheque guarantee card is a 11. endangered 12. extinct 13. fossil fuels / tidal
card that you use when you present a cheque and energy / solar power
7. A bill tells you how much money you owe for, Mammals - human, squirrel, hedgehog, leopard,
written record of how much money you have spent Birds - swan, owl, peacock, parrot, seagull, crow.
in, for example, a shop. eagle, penguin (A bat is not a bird; it does not lay
fixed amount from an account to a named person Insects & invertebrates - bee, ladybird, butterfly,
or organisation at a regular time each month, year wasp, snail, beetle, worm, ant
etc. A direct debit is an order to a bank to pay Flowers - rose, marigold, lily, tulip, orchid, daffodil,
money from your account to another account. poppy, daisy
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Trees and other plants - cactus, fir, palm, bamboo, road hog 5. putting his foot down 6. drives me
cedar, oak, mushroom, seaweed round the bend 7. a boy racer 8. joyrides 9.
Sea and river creatures - salmon, squid, shark, crab, jamming on the brakes 10. one for the road 11.
lobster, trout. octopus, oyster (You could also have road rage 12. written off 13. pile-ups 14. rush
recognize?
Page 76 Relationships
pollen wings leaf thorn beak bud scales
Task 2. VERBS
1. stag night 2. hen party 3. registry office 4.
1. adjust 2. started up 3. stalled 4. fasten 5. bride 5. groom 6. best man 7. wedding rings 8.
release 6. pulled away 7. check 8. crashed / Wedding March 9. aisle 10. bridesmaids 11. vows
smashed 9. sounded 10. skidded 11. swerve 12. wedding reception 13. toast 14. honeymoon
12. accelerated 13. braked 14. crashed / smashed
Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER Task 3. THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
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3. ex-husband / wife 4. fiancé (male) / fiancée lawyer police sentence trial witness
Page 79 Shopping
Task 2.
bus stop: commuters conductor driver fare
passengers queue shelter 1=C 2=F 3=D 4=H 5=G 6=B 7=E 8
=A
health centre / clinic: appointment doctor
room Task 3.
health club: get fit gymnasium membership 1. refound = refund 2. bargein = bargain 3. sails
personal trainer sauna swimming pool = sales 4. male = mail 5. reciept = receipt 6.
station: cancellation commuters delay fare amount 4. A small amount 5. A large amount
waiting room
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1. C 2. A 3. B 4. C 5. A 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. Task 1. VERBS
1. darts 2. motor-racing 3. horse-racing ( we can 13. It was with a great deal of reluctance that I
also use this expression for any game or sport eventually checked out of the hotel and
where two or more players or teams have the same returned home.
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6. a walking holiday = a tent, a hotel, a youth ring binder computer filing cabinet file
7. a sailing holiday = a boat's cabin internet (Of course, you might use some of
7. kettle 8. microwave
B. 1. excursion 2. voyage 3. tour 4. journey 5.
trip 6. travel agency / tour operator 7. aisle 8. Task 3. IDIOMS, COLLOQUIALISMS AND OTHER
Task 2. NOUNS
Things we use / wear at home Task 2. EXTREME WEATHER AND OTHER NATURAL
ironing board kettle refrigerator vacuum 1. B (in the Caribbean or Eastern Pacific Ocean. In
cleaner hair dryer dishwasher hairbrush the Far East, it is called a typhoon. In the Indian
microwave oven slippers dressing gown Ocean it is called a cyclone) 2. C 3. C 4. C 5.
apron A 6. B 7. B (the word is Japanese in origin. We
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Task 3. WEATHER WORD FORMS
in a teacup
Page 90 Work
Task 1. VERBS
Task 2. NOUNS
1.C 2. M 3. I 4. J 5. F 6. H 7. P 8. B
O 16. N
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