Lexico Practice Tests For Nec 176 Trang Fanpage Tai Lieu Tieng Anh Nang Cao

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Lexico practice tests for NEC (176 trang) Fanpage Tài liệu
Tiếng Anh nâng cao
English (Trường Đại Học Ngoại ngữ Huế)
Scan to open on Studocu
Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)
lOMoARcPSD|15460778
FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO
KEY AND
EXPLANATION
83

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 1
Part 1.
It is not definite that the company will accept our offer, but there's a ___________
chance so there is no reason not to try.
A. sporting B. bragging C. pumping D. bubbling
Key: A
If there is a sporting chance that something good will happen, it is possible that it will
happen
She was ___________ with excitement, imagining how fun her first vacation abroad
would be after years working without resting.
A. bubbling over B. bristling at C. plodding along D. fawning over
Key: A
bubble over = to be so filled with sth (emotion, idea…)
I had to give up on having a pet dog because whenever it got sick, a trip to the vet would
___________.
A. clear me out B. clean me out C. wipe me out D. dry me out
Key: B
clean somebody out = to use all of somebody’s money
Annie and John hid their relationship so well that it took Mary quite a time to
___________ to the fact that they were dating.
A. come down B. glom onto C. dawn on D. cotton on
Key: D
cotton on (to something) = to begin to understand or realize something without being told
By successfully ___________ two seconds off his last best time, our son has not only
won the first prize but also set the world record.
A. cutting B. clipping C. sizing D. gashing
Key: B
clip off = to reduce the time that it takes to do something by a particular length of time
84

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Parkour, an activity which used not to be heard of by many people in India, is now
___________ in this country.
A. big B. faddy C. rife D. conventional
Key: A
big (adj) = popular with the public; successful
I like both teaching and researching so the position of a professor in college is a kind of
halfway ___________ between the two for me.
A. house B. line C. road D. hunch
Key: A
halfway house = something that combines particular features of two other things,
especially in order to try to please people who do not like the two things on their own
Living in the commuter ___________ is fine, but I’m planning to move into the city
centre.
A. belt B. pane C. line D. skirt
Key: A
commuter belt = the area surrounding a large city, where many people who work in the
city live.
Be careful before you sign the contract, remember to read every details including the
___________ print.
A. bold B. hidden C. fine D. clean
Key: C
the fine print = text in a formal agreement that is printed smaller than the rest of the text
The food tour was great, except for the insects, they looked and tasted so horrible that I
___________ with disgust.
A. gloated B. grimaced C. grinned D. chuckled
Key: B
grimace (at somebody/something) = to make an ugly expression with your face to show
pain, dislike, etc.
___________ your heart and mind of sinful thoughts before you enter the pagoda.
85

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. Clean B. Purify C. Liberate D. Cleanse

Key: D
cleanse (v) = to take away somebody’s guilty feelings or sin
Unfortunately, the victim didn’t make it to the hospital, he was pronounced
___________.
A. dead from the neck up B. dead on sight
C. dead in the water D. dead on arrival
Key: D
dead on arrival = (of an accident victim or other patient) already dead when arriving at a
hospital
13. Despite the harsh flow of the stream, she ___________ her way through the water.
A. powered B. struck C. directed D. led
Key: A
power (v) = to move or move something very quickly and with great power in a particular
direction
A career in marketing has always been what she desires, so she just ___________
herself in her work.
A. immersed B. submerged C. engulfed D. dipped
Key: A
immerse yourself in something = to become or make somebody completely involved in
something
The polls are too close to call, and it looks like this election is going to be a real
___________.
A. brain-teaser B. enigma C. cliffhanger D. buoyancy
Key: C
cliffhanger (n) = a situation in a story, film, competition, etc. that is very exciting because
you cannot guess what will happen next, or you do not find out immediately what
happens next
Part 2.
86

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
She is very active and sociable, so it is surprising that she dates such a quiet and
___________ man like Khoi. (ASSUME)
I knew it! Jean was not at all a faithful husband. Now stop saying my suspicion was
___________ (FOUND)!
After just 3 days, Donald has been able to dive ___________ into the pool. (HEAD)
Most homeless people in the US are ___________, they are all around cafes and
restaurants ready to pick up wasted food or leftovers. (FREE)
Sam was ___________ by Linda at first sight, no wonder she is considered a campus
fairy. (TWITTER)
Key:
UNASSUMING (adj) = not wanting to be noticed
ILL-FOUNDED/UNFOUNDED (adj) = not based on fact or reason
HEADFIRST (adv) = with your head in front of the rest of your body while you move
forward
FREE-LIVERS/FREEGANS (n) = someone who lives with more than usual freedom in
the gratification of physical appetites/someone who tries not to spend money by eating
food and using things that have been thrown away or that are found in nature
TWITTERPATED (adj) = to be swept off your feet by someone you quite fancy
87

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 2
Part 1.
These days, schools no longer ___________ girls away from STEM subjects thanks to
the propagation of gender equality.
A. direct B. drive C. steer D. guide
Key: C
steer something + adv./prep. = to take control of a situation and influence the way in
which it develops
I cannot understand what does Jenny ___________ against Tom that makes her treat such
a nice guy so badly.
A. hold B. have C. keep D. make
Key: B
have (got) something against somebody/something (not used in the progressive tenses) =
to dislike someone or something for a particular reason
It turned out I was wrong to think that I could reach the finish line as I started to
___________ in the heat just thirty minutes after the race started.
A. shrivel B. weed C. wither D. wilt
Key: D
wilt (v) = to become weaker and tired
After Janice had to wait two hours to see her doctor, she became ___________ with the
office staff.
A. distressed B. averse C. vexatious D. belligerent
Key: D
belligerent (adj) = hostile, ready to fight
5. Is it ironic when people ___________ glasses of wine and drink to each other's health?
A. splat B. clunk C. clank D. clink
Key: D
clink (v) = to make or cause something to make a sharp ringing sound, like that of glasses
being hit against each other
88

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Don’t think that being children of celebrities is great because you would not only have
fame but also expectations ___________ you since birth.
A. thrust upon B. pasted to C. forced on D. rammed on
Key: A
thrust something/somebody on/upon somebody = to force somebody to accept or deal
with something/somebody that they do not want
___________! You have been in the bathroom for an hour and the concert starts at nine.
A. Tut tut B. Aye aye C. Chop chop D. Up up
Key: C
Chop chop! = Hurry up!
As an introvert, I really admire anyone who is a __________ with great confidence and
communication skills.
A. quick wire B. cup of beer C. good mixer D. hot dish.
Key: C
a good/bad mixer = a person who finds it easy/difficult to talk to people they do not
know, for example at a party
9. I know you are ___________ to French fries, but you had better cut down on it.
A. smitten B. hooked C. partial D. tied
Key: C
be partial to sth (formal/old-fashioned) = to like sth a lot
There is a very strong movement in my country now against ___________ sports like
hunting or shooting even though they are parts of national traditions.
A. lethal B. death C. blood D. red
Key: C
blood sport = a sport in which animals or birds are killed
11. The ___________ of central control has stifled local initiative.
A. dead hand B. smirky fingers C. eagle eyes D. tight grip
89

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: A
The dead hand of sth = an influence that control or limit sth
12. After a sleepless night, tiredness gradually ___________ him while he was driving.
A. lurk up on B. crept up on C. cinched on D. edged on
Key: B
Creep up on sb = to begin to affect sb, especially before they realize it
13. Alexa has got her boyfriend ___________, he will do everything she says.
A. eating out of her hand B. following her through the garden
C. to wash her clothes D. to sell her his heart
Key: A
eat out of (someone's) hand = to be manipulated or dominated by sb, to trust sb
completely
A large proportion of the households in this area is ___________ to the internet thanks to
a generous foreign donor.
A. linked up B. hooked up C. wired up D. crossed up
Key: B
hook up to sth = to connect sb/sth to a piece of electronic equipment / a power supply /
the internet
It came as a shock to Dan to find out that the police officer killed in the ___________
of duty yesterday was his dad.
A. hours B. line C. call D. strike
Key: B
in the line of duty = when sb is doing their job
Part 2.
Depending on a person’s cultural background, he or she might ___________ hunting as
an act of violence or not. (CONCEPT)
Instead, throughout his term as minister, he rode in the vehicle used by his predecessor
and continued to live in a(n) ___________ house. (PRETEND)
90

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Given the sensitivity of the matter, her frankness during the meeting was absolutely
___________ (JUDGE)
Action movies with fighting scenes have become so popular that people are increasingly
___________to violence on TV. (SENSE)
The ___________ of the book generally describes the author’s academic career and her
gratitude for her mother. (WORD)
Key:
CONCEPTUALISE (v) = to form an idea or theory in your mind:
UNPRETENTIOUS (adj) = not trying to appear more special, intelligent, important, etc.
than you really are/it really is
INJUDICIOUS (adj) = not sensible or wise; not appropriate in a particular situation
DESENSITISED (v) = to make somebody/something less aware of something as a
problem by making them become used to it
FOREWORD (n) = a short introduction at the beginning of a book
91

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 3
Part 1.
The spokesperson said the information campaign was a ___________ to hide the most
regressive tax in history.
A. red curtain B. witch cloak C. book cover D. fig leaf
Key: D
fig leaf = something that hides something else, especially something that is dishonest or
embarrassing
Depression was once thought to be a ___________ of an individual's imagination but
research has shown that SAD is a real disorder.
A. figment B. figure C. byproduct D. docket
Key: A
figment (n) = something that somebody has imagined and that does not really exist
3. Dennis is very ___________ about things; he never lets anything stress him out.
A. tolerant B. impetuous C. warm-hearted D. laid-back
Key: D
laid-back = relaxed in manner and character; not usually worried about other people's
behaviour or things that need to be done
Were I to have the courage of my ___________, I would tell the boss how domineering
he was.
A. convictions B. points C. slant D. stance
Key: A
to have the courage of your convictions = to have the courage to say what you think
Joe thinks he can win the fight with that muscular man, he is really a ___________
short of load.
A. stone B. log C. brick D. hog
Key: C
a brick short of load = stupid or crazy
92

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
6. It has taken them all this time to ___________ on a name for their baby.
A. decide B. conclude C. assent D. consent
Key: A
decide on: to choose something from a number of possibilities
After winning the lottery, the man squandered his money on gambling and was soon on
___________ after a year.
A. Queer street B. Baker street C. Pauper street D. Tramp street
Facebook's shares are ___________ after the company launched a new Instagram
feature that will compete with TikTok in the US.
A. holding her thumb B. on high skies C. coming up

roses D. on a tear
be on a tear = engaged in a continuous, fast-paced procession of actions or events,

especially with favorable results
The two generals, although ___________ cooperating to attack the enemy, actually detest
each other.
A. showily B. ostensibly C. audaciously D. benignly
Key: B
ostensibly (adv) = from appearance alone
The company is ___________ to see if this plan provokes any interest in the young
customer group.
A. flying a kite B. dropping the ball
C. shooting the messenger D. dropping the penny
Key: A
to fly a kite = to test out public opinion on a subject
They offered to buy her a BMW but she's holding ___________ a Porsche.
93

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. out for B. out on C. back with D. up with

Key: A
hold out for = to wait until you get what you want
Although I am not a ___________ person, I sometimes do find some sex scenes on TV a
bit excessive and unacceptable.
A. prudish B. sanctimonious C. raffish D. dyspeptic
Key: A
prudish (adj) = easily shocked by rude things, especially anything relating to sex
I never cease to admire the ___________ endurance of my grandfather when captured by
the Nazi during World War Two.
A. placid B. stoical C. obstinate D. immutable
Key: B
stoical (adj) = able to suffer pain or trouble without complaining or showing what you are
feeling
Different from a misanthrope who has a hatred of people in general, Joey is more of a
___________ being distrustful of human goodness and sincerity.
A. pessimist B. tyrant C. cynic D. misogynist
Key: C
cynic (n) = a person who believes that people only do things to help themselves, rather
than for good or sincere reasons
When will you realise that it was your self-righteous and ___________ attitude that
prevented you from learning better ideas from other people?
A. fallow B. ghoulish C. bigoted D. conniving
Key: C
bigoted (adj) = showing strong, unreasonable beliefs or opinions and refusing to change
them
Part 2
I find it impossible to guide such a wild and ___________ person like her. (STRONG)
94

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
He threatened to ___________ his eldest son if he chooses to give up the family business.
(HEIR)
Because we had to arrive on time, our ship had no choice but to ___________ the
congested area. (NAVIGATE)
The differences were ___________ to all but the most trained eye. (PERCEIVE)
Mary has just given birth yesterday so she is currently on ___________ leave.
(MOTHER)
Key:
HEADSTRONG (adj) = determined to do things one’s own way and refuses to listen to
advice
DISINHERIT (v) = to prevent somebody, especially a member of your family, from
receiving your money or property after your death
CIRCUMNAVIGATE (v) = to go around instead of through
IMPERCEPTIBLE (adj) = very small and therefore unable to be seen or felt
MATERNITY (n)
maternity leave = a period of time when a woman is allowed to be away from work
before and after having a baby
95

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 4
Part 1.
He's been working with a ___________ over the past few weeks to make up for wasted
time.
A. drudgery B. servitude C. vengeance D. nudge
Key: C
with a vengeance = to a greater degree than is expected or usual
2. He felt his heart ___________ as his bride-to-be began her walk down the aisle.
A. fasten B. quicken C. expedite D. heighten
Key: B
quicken = to become quicker or make something quicker
3. Constance ___________ a sigh of relief when she heard that her loan was approved.
A. gave B. uttered C. expressed D. breathed
Key: D
breathe a sigh of relief = exhale noisily as a sign of relief
The telephone lines were ___________ with callers trying to get through to the electricity
supplier.
A. jammed B. throttled C. congested D. glutted
Key: A
jammed = very full; crowded
If there happened to be both rich and poor people, as there happen to be both black and
white ones, then the advantages of the ___________ might well spread in time to the
hard-up.
A. well-heeled B. big-hearted C. open-handed D. tight-fisted
Key: A
the well-heeled = rich people
Most popular magazines have a(n) ___________ page where letters about difficulties
with relationships are answered.
96

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. sharing B. personal C. advice D. problem

Key: D
problem page = the part of a magazine or newspaper where letters from readers about
their personal problems are published, together with advice about how to deal with them
Two agents in our team were shot in ___________ for the killing of a rival gang member.
A. return B. retaliation C. reprisal D. recrimination
Key: C
to do sth in reprisal for sth = to have a violent or aggressive act towards somebody
because of something bad that they have done towards you
His talent meant he could create wondrous things, but his ___________ meant he hardly
ever felt like working.
A. adversity B. lethargy C. ineptitude D. tactlessness
Key: B
lethargy = the feeling of having little energy or of being unable or unwilling to do
anything
I left in high ___________ after waiting for them over an hour and not receiving any
apologies.
A. rage B. taciturnity C. oscillation D. dudgeon
Key: D
in high dudgeon = in an angry or offended mood, and showing other people that you are
angry
Everyone knows about his genius even though he never admits, good wine needs no
___________.
A. barter B. advertisement C. bush D. barrel
Key: C
good wine needs no bush = there is no need to advertise or boast about something of
good quality, as people will always discover its merits.
We don’t have enough __________ data to prove that the phenomenon is really affecting
the environment in a negative way.
97

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. empirical B. informed C. substantive D. static

Key: A
empirical (adj) = based on experiment or experience rather than ideas or theories
She acts as if she really is the ___________ of our team and everyone has to rely on
her.
A. lone wolf B. white elephant C. big shark D. queen bee
Key: D
queen bee (n) = a woman who behaves as though she is the most important person in a
group
The police have been ___________ war on drug dealers in the city since January but their
effort does not seem to be very effective.
A. waging B. staging C. fighting D. raging
Key: A
wage (v) = to begin and continue a fight, a war, a battle…
The foreigners were amazed at the ___________ variety of goods in the huge department
store.
A. beleaguered B. bewildering C. baffling D. bizonal
Key: B
bewildering (adj) = making you feel confused because there are too many things to
choose from or because something is difficult to understand
James kept trying to ___________ his duties, but his manager told him if he didn’t start
taking responsibility for his work he would have to leave the company.
A. beaver away B. weasel out of C. chicken out of D. clam up
Key: B
weasel out of = to avoid doing something that you have agreed to do, especially by being
dishonest
Part 2.
The sandwich shop she's opening is a ___________ alternative to the town's male-
dominated coffee shop culture. (STAFF)
98

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The army of this Asian country has a long history of guerrilla ___________ (WAR)
Being a war ___________ is a dangerous job because you will have to bring yourself to
the most conflict-ridden parts of the world. (RESPOND)
During the 20th century, industrialisation continued ___________ with technology being
upgraded rapidly. (PACE)
Under ___________, white people were not allowed to marry their non-white
counterparts. (APART)
Key:
DISTAFF (n) = female or relating to women
WARFARE (n) = the activity of fighting a war, especially using particular weapons or
method
CORRESPONDENT (n) = a person who reports news from a particular country or on a
particular subject for a newspaper or a television or radio station.
APACE (adv) = happening quickly
APARTHEID (n) = the former political system in South Africa in which only white
people had full political and other rights.
99

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 5
Part 1.
1. From our tent, we could see the delightful ___________ of lake Lukedeer.
A. scene B. prospect C. background D. layout
Key: B
prospect (n) = a wide view of an area of land, etc.
In Australia, the government controls the maintenance of war __________, post-war
commemorations and battle exploit memorials.
A. graves B. tombs C. grounds D. catacombs
Key: A
war grave = a burial place for members of the armed forces or civilians who died during
military campaigns or operations
Perhaps tomorrow’s event will mark the ___________ of my life, I cannot wait any
longer!
A. bright buff B. full spark C. high spot D. full bloom
Key: C
high spot = the most enjoyable or significant part of an experience or period of time.
An unusual noise from the back of the class during the exam __________ the teacher’s
attention.
A. held B. sustained C. arrested D. upheld
Key: C
arrest sth = to make sb notice and pay attention to sth
The new employee failed to realize the importance of obedience in this company and
refused to toe the ___________ line.
A. party B. camp C. function D. union
Key: A
toe the party line = to say or do what somebody in authority tells you to say or do, even if
you do not share the same opinions, etc.
100

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Bao is a ___________ off the old block of his father while his sister is more like the
mother.
A. tip B. chip C. piece D. copy
Key: B
a chip off the old block = a person who is very similar to their mother or father in the way
that they look or behave
He regarded this second prize just as a ___________ in order to prevent him from suing
the judges for corruption.
A. factoid B. sob C. whizz D. sop
Key: D
sop (n) = something of little importance or value that is offered to stop complaints or
unhappiness
Although his presidential campaign won ___________ from several celebrities, it failed
to compensate for his incompetence in dealing with last year’s economic crisis.
A. involvement B. warrant C. endorsement D. patronage
Key: C
endorsement (n) = a public statement or action showing that you support
somebody/something
9. Cinderella wore a beautiful dress to the party and was the ___________ of the ball.
A. beauty B. belle C. center D. charmer
Key: B
the belle of the ball = the most beautiful and popular girl or woman at a party.
Much as I like Literature, I cannot stand my teacher’s voice-slow, emotionless and
without ___________.
A. inflation B. reflection C. inflection D. infliction
Key: C
inflection (n) = change in the quality of the voice, often showing an emotion
I couldn’t come to your party as the date ___________ with my holiday.
A. clashed B. struck C. opposed D. occurred
101

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: A
If two events clash, they happen at the same time in a way that is not convenient.
12. At the start of the course every student is assigned a(n) ___________ of studies.
A. advisor B. consultant C. counsellor D. curator
Key: A
An advisor of studies is a type of counselor who works with students, usually at the
college level. They are the ones responsible for helping students choose a major and a
minor and ensuring that they meet all the requirements to graduate with a degree in that
field.
You should prioritize the public interest over a group’s ___________ interests.
A. personal B. sectional C. segregated D. exclusive
Key: B
Interests or aims that are sectional are limited to a particular group within an
organization, society, or country and do not consider other groups.
I hardly want to participate in extracurricular activities but this volunteer job is so
interesting that I accepted the offer with ___________.
A. solace B. consternation C. chastisement D. alacrity
Key: D
alacrity (n) = happiness, enthusiasm
The couple divorced after the husband was found ___________ an affair with a neighbor.
A. making B. having C. performing D. doing
Key: B
having an affair with sb = to have a love relationship with sb (especially when a person is
already in a relationship with sb else)
Part 2.
The ___________ cannot really understand these medical documents. (PERSON)
I need to get away from the hectic city for a while so I am planning to travel
___________ this weekend. (COUNTRY)
102

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I worked late last night because I was ___________ with my project. (HAND)
Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film was one of the ___________ films of the year,
making the second highest profits. (GROSS)
I did not lie to you, by ___________ God I swear. (MIGHT)
Key:
LAYPERSON = a person who does not have expert knowledge of a particular subject
UP-COUNTRY (adv) = in the direction of or relating to the parts of a country further
from the coast, especially where there are few towns and people
BEHINDHAND (adj) = late in doing something or in paying money that is owed
TOP-GROSSING (adj) = earning more money than other similar things or people
ALMIGHTY (adj) = having complete power
THE ALMIGHTY = God
103

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 6
Part 1.
Sandy stole my ___________ when she announced that she was pregnant two days
before I'd planned to tell people about my pregnancy.
A. thunder B. limelight C. stage D. mind
Key: A
steal sb’s thunder = to get the attention, success, etc. that somebody else was expecting,
usually by saying or doing what they had intended to say or do
Dressed in a bright red suit for the wedding, Jack apparently was making a
___________ of himself.
A. mess B. light C. spectacle D. spot
Key: C
make a spectacle of yourself = to draw attention to yourself by behaving or dressing in a
silly way in public
You don’t have the sound business ___________ that is necessary for success so I would
advise you to find another career.
A. starkness B. acumen C. punditry D. wit
Key: B
acumen (n) = skill in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject, such
as business or politics
More than 500 ___________ were involved in the coronation scene of Puyi in “The last
Emperor”.
A. adjuncts B. appendages C. extras D. additives
Key: C
extra (n) = a person in a film who does not have a speaking part and who is usually part
of the scene, for example, in a crowd
Entering the National Competition for the gifted ___________ tremendous concentration
and effort.
A. stipulates B. extracts C. exacts D. inquires
104

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: C
exact (v) = to make something necessary
Despite their disagreement, the representatives of the two nations managed to reach a(n)
___________ settlement, bringing temporary peace for both sides.
A. affable B. fraternal C. amiable D. amicable
Key: D
amicable (adj) = relating to an agreement or decision that is achieved without people
arguing or being unpleasant
The first successful flight in human history completed by the Wright brothers
___________ the law of gravity and stunned everybody.
A. refuted B. defied C. quelled D. disproved
Key: B
defy (v) = to refuse to obey a person, decision, law, situation, etc
The concert ended and the crowd quickly ___________, returning the quietness to the
small town.
A. disassembled B. dissembled C. dismantled D. disgorged
Key: A
disassemble (v) = (of a group of people) to move apart and go away in different
directions
After winning the lottery, they moved into a more ___________ house in a high-class
residential area and had a more comfortable life.
A. well-attended B. well-built C. well-appointed D. well-disposed
Key: C
well-appointed (adj) = having a good supply of comfortable or necessary furniture and
attractive decorations
Tony, you are trying to make her believe your lies so just keep it simple, do not over-egg
the ___________.
A. brulee B. pudding C. sponge D. madeleines
Key: B
105

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
over-egg the pudding = used to say that you think somebody has done more than is
necessary, or has added unnecessary details to make something seem better or worse than
it really is
My school always forces students to follow the rules to the ___________ without caring
about their feelings.
A. book B. letter C. lines D. dots
Key: B
follow/obey something to the letter = to do exactly what you are told to do
12. Although my new house is fine, I still prefer the old one which ___________ a river.
A. backs onto B. faces off C. stands by D. sides with
Key: A
back onto something = (of a building) to have something directly behind it
We are required to ___________ empirical data and evidence from reliable sources to
support our argument.
A. adduce B. attest C. elicit D. accost
Key: A
adduce (v) = cite
Since John is the bee’s ___________ in terms of English, it is no wonder so many friends
ask him for support in this subject.
A. wings B. knees C. antenna D. spiracle
Key: B
the bee’s knees = an excellent person or thing
There is no need to ___________ over the cracks, I know you are having problems, just
tell me and I will help you.
A. carpet B. paper C. lay D. curtain
paper over the cracks = to hide problems, especially arguments between people, in order
to make a situation seem better than it really is
Part 2.
106

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The charity is facing great financial difficulties so its manager wants to turn it into a
___________ company. (PROFIT)
I recall being ___________ by the authorities of the hospital for being careless and
inexperienced during my first years as a doctor. (BRAID)
He had years of experience as a legal ___________ before he became a teacher.
(PRACTICE)
The booming economy has attracted a(n) ___________ of funds from both domestic and
foreign investors. (FLOW)
Boys and girls used to be taught separately before a nationwide movement for
___________ grew. (EDUCATE)
Key:
PROFIT-ORIENTED (adj) = directed towards making profits
UPBRAIDED
upbraid (v) = to forcefully or angrily tell someone they should not have done a particular
thing and criticize them for having done it
PRACTITIONER (n) = someone who works in a job that involves long training and high
levels of skill
INFLOW (n) the arrival of money, asset, a number of things or people in a place
CO-EDUCATION (n) = the practice of teaching girls and boys together in a school
107

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 7
The boss made no ___________ to their gender, all the female workers were forced to do
the heavy work as their male counterparts.
A. concession B. compromise C. allowance D. regression
Key: A
concession (n) = something that you allow or do, or allow somebody to have, in order to
end an argument or to make a situation less difficult
Without discipline, students may think that they have the ___________ to do whatever
they want.
A. licence B. autocracy C. prerogative D. dispensation
Key: A
licence (to do something) = freedom to do or say whatever you want, often something
bad or unacceptable
It's a good film, but the ___________ near the ending scene is a bit complex and
demands watchers to be extremely analytic to understand.
A. flummery B. delineation C. aberration D. convolution
Key: D
convolution (n) = a twist
It was very childish of you to ___________ over your opponent’s failure immediately on
the stage when the result was announced.
A. jolly B. relish C. gloat D. brag
Key: C
gloat (about/at/over something) = to show that you are happy about your own success or
somebody else’s failure, in an unpleasant way
After 11 years in the ___________, Johnson made an unexpected comeback in the movie
Bear.
A. damp B. wilderness C. badlands D. wasteland
Key: B
108

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
If someone, such as a politician, is in the wilderness, they no longer have a position of

authority, fame, or success and are not now in the news
It is often hard for parents to take the opinions of their children on ___________ due to
the generation gap.
A. board B. mind C. check D. self
Key: A
take something on board = to accept and understand an idea or a suggestion
Luckily, our research is supported by a(n) ___________ from the National Science
Foundation.
A. grant B. bursary C. aid D. endowment
Key: A
grant (n) = a sum of money that is given by the government or by another organization to
be used for a particular purpose
Your father was only 17 when he ___________ at Harvard, now look at your school
report.
A. matriculated B. registered C. postulated D. imparted
Key: A
matriculate (v) = to be formally admitted to study at a university or college
Elen has stayed in bed for a whole week, take him out for a walk, that will surely put the
___________ back into his cheeks.
A. colours B. roses C. daisy D. pinky mallow
Key: B
put the roses (back) into sb's cheeks = to make sb look healthy, especially after an illness
Before going back to school, you have to ___________ for at least a week after the
operation.
A. rejuvenate B. recuperate C. overhaul D. reinvigorate
Key: B
recuperate (v) = to become well again after an illness; to get back your strength, health,
etc.
109

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
This naughty class always ___________with their new teachers, which usually greatly
discourages them from teaching.
A. hits it out B. tries it on C. kicks it up D. rubs it in
Key: B
try it on (with somebody) = to behave badly towards somebody or try to get something
from them, even though you know this will make them angry
He won't be able to stand the pressure here for long, I will ___________ him 5 months
and let's see if I am right.
A. put B. give C. tell D. save
Key: B
give somebody/something sth = to predict that something will last a particular length of
time
The event was not really well-attended, there were about 50 people ___________ the
outside.
A. on B. near C. round D. at
Key: D
at the outside = at the most; as a maximum
14 The paper was divided into three parts to ___________ on and analyse the diplomatic
strategy of Vietnam during the 1990-2000 period.
A. expunge B. expurgate C. expatiate D. expound
Key: C
expatiate on sth = to write or speak in detail about a subject
expound on sth = to explain sth by talking about it in detail
That team always sweeps the ___________ in the annual league, leaving very few medals
for the others.
A. top B. prizes C. table D. board
Key: D
sweep the board = to win all the prizes, etc. in a competition
Part 2.
110

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Because the flight is expected to last longer than 12 hours, we will be provided a(n)
___________ meal. (FLY)
My father tried to make a clear ___________ between his work and his private time as a
way to treat his depression. (LINE)
The king was always afraid of making mistakes because he cared about how
___________ would judge him. (POST)
In this poor region of the country, hospital beds were scarce and medicines were
practically ___________ during the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak . (EXIST)
The role in The Duke of Mount Deer is regarded as Tony Leung’s ___________ role,
bring him fame and success. (CAREER)
Key:
IN-FLIGHT (adj) = happening or available during a flight
DELINEATION (n) = the action of marking the edge of sth
POSTERITY (n) = all the people who live in the future
NON-EXISTENT (adj) = not existing, or not real
CAREER-DEFINING (adj) = very important in making someone successful in their job
or in deciding how they will be remembered
111

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 8
Part 1.
In the end, it ___________ that the champion didn’t get the prize by himself but thanks to
his intimate relationship with the judge panel.
A. befell B. occurred C. transpired D. issued
Key: C
it transpires that = sth previously secret is known
I don't think Paul will ever get married — he's the stereotypical ___________
bachelor.
A. settled B. confirmed C. fixed D. determined
Key: B
confirmed bachelor = a man who has never married and is thought unlikely ever to
marry; sometimes used in the past to suggest that a man was gay
Stop staying up late Bang, you are only 17 and I can see you are beginning to
___________ grey.
A. get B. go C. grow D. get
Key: B
go/turn grey = having hair that has become grey or white, usually because of age
The suburbans were seen as the ___________ of clerkly conformism, complacency, and
conservatism.
A. effigy B. epitome C. figure D. personage
Key: B
the epitome of something = a perfect example of something
When I was young, I didn't know that sugar ___________ naturally in fruit and thought
that the sweetness came from my mom’s sugar jar.
A. betides B. precipitates C. prevails D. occurs
Key: D
occur (v) = to be found or to exist somewhere
112

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I cannot understand why my girlfriend always spends hours ___________ herself before
going out even when we might be late after that.
A. preening B. pimping C. sprinkling D. pinking
Key: A
preen (v) = to spend time making yourself look attractive
Your father would fly off the handle if he knew you bet your car ___________ the toss of
a coin
A. on B. at C. by D. with
Key: A
on the toss of a coin = randomly, down to chance
Jenny tried to ___________ into the darkness, hoping to find where this unknown sound
came from.
A. glimpse B. peer C. stare D. peep
Key: B
peer (v) = to look closely or carefully at something, especially when you cannot see it
clearly
Since there has been a change of ___________ for the concert, we will have to start
going earlier in case I might not know that place.
A. alley B. venue C. scene D. sight
Key: B
venue (n) = a place where people meet for an organized event, for example a concert,
sporting event or conference
Son, remember, although money is important, never do anything that is not
___________.
A. above board B. under the sky C. within the square D. in the cards
Key: A
above board = legal and honest; in a legal and honest way
My grandma is 82 already but she still lives with the ___________ of a twenty-year-old,
walking and painting every day.
113

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. zeal B. appetite C. zest D. gusto

Key: C
zest (for something) = pleasure and enthusiasm,
love zeal = eagerness to devote or to do something
Those who really need to hear the message don't come to the meetings, so I'm just
___________ to the choir.
A. singing B. preaching C. speaking D. orating
Key: B
preach to the choir = to speak to people in support of views that they already hold
The five masked men who ___________ the South London Bank on Tuesday have been
caught this morning.
A. held up B. robbed off C. broke for D. dashed in
hold up = to steal from a bank, shop, etc. using a gun

The smallest ___________ could lead to the delay of the whole project, so please check
your schedule carefully and do not miss your deadlines!
A. slippage B. slip-up C. slip D. slipcase
Key: A
slippage (n) = failure to complete a task on time
slip-up (n) = slip (n) = a mistake
15. My teacher ___________ my article to make it sound less aggressive.
A. whiles down B. waters down C. squares down D. romps down
Key: B
water down = to make sth such as a statement or an article less offensive, powerful,
detailed
Studying abroad is a ___________ decision and requires serious consideration.
(MOMENT)
114

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Looking at her ___________clothes, you might be surprised to know that Mary has
moved to the city for over 20 years. (COUNTRY)
He became the ___________ king of football, scoring 28 goals in his first season.
(CROWN)
The answers out there right now offered by a variety of fields are too facile - they're
actually ___________, or logically circular truisms that reveal nothing. (LOGIC)
In the past, Asian women lived in total ___________ to the men in her family. (SERVE)
Key:
MOMENTOUS (adj) = very important or serious, especially because there may be
important results
COUNTRIFIED (adj) = typical of the countryside.
UNCROWNED (adj)
uncrowned king/queen = a man or woman who is considered to be the best, the most
famous, or the most powerful in a particular area of life, especially when they do not have
an official rank or title
TAUTOLOGICAL (adj) = saying the same thing twice in different words, when this is
unnecessary
SUBSERVIENCE (n) = the fact of being too willing to obey other people
115

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 9
Part 1.
Are you sure you want to become a teacher? Repeating the same thing every day for
years can ___________ you down.
A. put B. get C. take D. bring
Key: B
get sb down = make sb feel sad or lose hope, start feeling sad or losing hope
put sb off = to make sb lose interest in or enthusiasm for sth/sb
Things have ___________ since the riots last week and people can finally go back to
work again.
A. simmered down B stomped off C. steamed out D. leveled down
Key: A
simmer down = to become calm after a period of anger or excitement
Soon will come the time when your child start to ___________ your authority and hardly
can you control him like before.
A churn out B kicking against C grousing against D shunting out
Key: B
kick against = to refuse to accept something and react strongly against it
Why don’t you just feel satisfied with what you have already had instead of trying to
keep up with the ___________.
A. Smiths B. Joneses C. neighbours D. Johansson
Key: B
keep up with the Joneses = to strive to get all the material things one’s neighbors or
associates have
The report ___________ the mistaken belief that applying vinegar on your face can help
people get rid of acne.
A. dispels B. disparages C. dissipates D. dispatches
Key: A
116

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
dispel (v) = to make sth, especially a feeling or belief, go away or disappear

I know it is a risky move to invest all my savings in this real estate project during this
unstable period of the economy so I am ___________ for anything.
A. game B. brave C. fain D. boarded
Key: A
game (adj) = willing to do things that are new, difficult or risky
Had I not thought it would just be a child’s ___________ and hadn’t seriously revised for
it, I would have passed the exam.
A. quiz B. play C. game D. thing
Key: B
a child’s play = sth that is very easy
The school should ___________ regulations to implement gender equity education, and
promulgate them.
A. erect B. demolish C. heed D. sermonize
Key: A
erect (v) = to establish sth
I never thought Jenny and I could become best friends because she appeared cold on first
___________, but later I realised she was just shy.
A. sight B. acquaintance C. encounter D. day
Key: B
on first acquaintance = when you first meet sb
The dealer wanted $400, I wanted to pay $300, and $350 was the final price after we
decided to split the ___________.
A. share B. total C. difference D. gap
Key: C
split the difference = take the average of two proposed amounts
You shouldn’t have criticised him ìn front of his friends. It was extremely
___________ of you.
117

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. insensitive B. insensible C. unsentimental D. discordant

Key: A
insensitive (adj) = not caring or realizing how other people feel
You should be cautious when getting involved and test the ___________ before
committing yourself.
A. temperature B. heat C. water D. air
Key: C
test the water = try to find out what reaction an action or idea will get before you do it or
tell it to people.
Although the king has abdicated the throne in his son’s favour, he still rules the country
___________.
A. de facto B. de jure C. de pronto D. jamais vu
Key: A
de facto (adv) = in a way that exists as a fact although it may not be legally accepted
14 Despite Mary’s talents, Mary’s mother still forced her to become an ordinary
___________ worker, confining her to the office.
A. clerical B. white-collar C. clergy D. back-room
Key: A
clerical (adj) = connected with office work
Mary attempted to ___________ herself with her new boss by volunteering to take on
extra work and even leaving the office later than everybody else.
A. satiate B. flatter C. ingratiate D. commend
Key: C
ingratiate oneself with sb = to do things in order to make sb like you, especially sb who
will be useful to you
Part 2.
If you didn't do anything ___________, why did you feel worried when the police called
you in? (CREDIT)
Her husband didn’t know about her ___________ affair with her boss. (MARRY)
118

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
You had better ask your tattoo artist to provide you ___________ instructions. (CARE)
The President’s car was escorted by motorcycle ___________ on his way to the Queen’s
palace. (RIDE)
Unfortunately, his ___________ has prevented him from taking part in this debate. I hope
he will soon recover and be with us again. (DISPOSE)
Key:
DISCREDITABLE (adj) = causing or likely to cause a loss of respect for a person, group,
or idea
EXTRAMARITAL (adj) = happening outside marriage
AFTERCARE (adj) = care or treatment given to someone after they leave hospital, prison
etc
OUTRIDERS
outrider (n) = a person who rides a motorcycle or a horse in front of or next to the vehicle
of an important person in order to give protection
5. INDISPOSITION (n) = a slight illness
119

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 10
Part 1.
On the threshold of adulthood, it is normal for a teenager to go through a period of
___________ with uncertainty and many worries dominating their minds.
A. crank B. angst C. borstal D. perturbation
Key: D
angst (n) = strong feelings of anxiety and unhappiness because you are worried about
your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation
The police forces from both countries were involved in the ___________of the escaped
prisoners because they had run into the forest that is the natural border between the two
nations.
A. apprehension B. attenuation C. capitulation D. seizure
Key: A
apprehension (n) = the act of capturing or arresting somebody, usually by the police
3. Galileo's ideas were well in ___________ of the age in which he lived.
A. front B. headway C. advance D. forth
Key: C
in advance (of sth) = more developed than somebody/something else
The jazz ___________ has played in 7 countries in Asia and Vietnam is going to be their
next destination.
A. assemble B. ensemble C. congregation D. association
Key: B
ensemble (n) = a small group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together
regularly
A ___________ of disapproval of Brexit was reported throughout Britain due to concerns
about long-term economic impacts of this decision.
A. choir B. chorus C. carol D. corps
Kay: B
120

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
a chorus of something = the sound of a lot of people expressing approval or disapproval

at the same time
I ___________ that learning Chemistry is hard, if you try harder, I believe you will
manage to at least pass the exam!
A. assent B. grant C. cede D. bid
Key: B
grant (v) = to admit to somebody that something is true, although you may not like or
agree with it
He criticized the Director and, by ___________, the whole judge panel of this swimwear
pageant competition.
A. implication B. implementation C. connotation D. inference
Key: A
implication (n) = something that is suggested or indirectly stated (= something that is
implied)
8. The cliff was nearly ___________ and impossible to climb.
A. perpendicular B. perpetual C. upstanding D. erectile
Key: A
perpendicular (adj) = at an angle of 90° to a horizontal line or surface
There is no need to have a ___________. I will clear this mess when I am done and
return you your tidy living room.
A. fuse B. fit C. flip D. steam
Key: B
to have a fit = to become very upset
I got first-aid treatment down to a(n) ___________ after working in the Emergency
Room for a year.
A. artwork B. instinct C. science D. routine
Key: C
to have/get something down to a science = to have perfected something through routine
and repetition
121

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
When I heard that he wanted to organize a party in his 250-square-feet apartment, I knew
his plan was going to be dead in the ___________.
A. water B. well C. sea D. moment
Key: A
dead in the water = fails or has little chance of succeeding
What really exists and happens in Area 51 is still ___________ in mystery and attracts
debate.
A. clouded B. shrouded C. blanketed D. parceled
Key: B
be shrouded in secrecy/mystery = to be a matter about which very little is known or
understood
Just make up your mind and tell me whether you want to continue this project or not, stop
___________ hot and cold!
A. breathing B. blowing C. acting D. gusting
Key: B
blow hot and cold = to sometimes like or be interested in something or someone and
sometimes not, so people are confused about how you really feel
Thinking that this crime drama is just blood and ___________ is a big mistake because
the plot is extremely intelligent.
A. fluid B. gore C. gut D. kill
Key: B
blood and gore = violence scenes
15. I never tell my sister anything because I know she will definitely ___________ it out.
A. split B. blurt C. slip D. gush
Key: B
blurt out = To say something unexpectedly, often at an inopportune time or with the
wrong audience (as of a private or secret matter)
Part 2.
122

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
During the time I was ___________ in the hospital, I spent countless hours drawing and
praying to stay positive. (BED)
The centre was awarded a grant for education ___________ to poor students. (REACH)
Without some new force promoting ___________, the decline in fertility rates is
concerning for many developed countries. (CREATE)
The ___________ effects of music and fog enhance the air of mystery in the movie.
(SPHERE)
There are beds aplenty, but the problem is that the hospital is ___________ (HAND)
Key:
BEDRIDDEN (adj) = having to stay in bed because of illness or injury
OUTREACH (n) = the activity of an organization that provides a service or advice to
people in the community, especially those who cannot or are unlikely to come to an
office, a hospital, etc. for help
PROCREATION (n) = the process of producing young animals or babies
ATMOSPHERIC (adj) = creating a special feeling, especially a mysterious or romantic
feeling
SHORT-HANDED (adj) = does not have the usual or necessary number of workers
123

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 11
Part 1.
She ___________ agreed to go with him to the football match although she had no
interest in the game at all.
A. apologetically B. grudgingly C. shamefacedly D. discreetly
Key: B
grudgingly (adv) = in a way that is given or done unwillingly
Police have not so far been able to ___________ a confession from the people accused
of the bombing.
A. excoriate B. exculpate C. extort D. expropriate
Key: C
extort (v) = to make somebody give you something by threatening them
The campaign was launched by David with a long ___________ against the lack of
action of the people in authority.
A. diatribe B. oath C. affidavit D. avowal
Key: A
diatribe (n) = a long and angry speech or piece of writing attacking and criticizing
somebody/something
Reducing plastic waste in school is a(n) ___________ aim, but enforcing them at
gunpoint will likely turn the plan into a failure.
A. exemplary B. glistening C. blazing D. laudable
Key: D
laudable (adj) = deserving to be praised or admired, even if not really successful
Although Mike is quite good at singing, he is barely a(n) ___________ by comparison
with professional singers.
A. dilettante B. greenhorn C. apprentice D. probationer
Key: A
dilettante (n) = a person who is or seems to be interested in a subject, but who is not
involved with it in a serious and determined way
124

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Although he appeared to enjoy a jet-setting life, he ___________ publicity and avoided

nightclubs..
A. rejigged B. derided C. eschewed D. abated
Key: C
eschew (v) = to deliberately avoid or keep away from something
Paradoxically, it is usually even harder for people to give up gambling after losing
because they want to ___________ their losses in the next game.
A. recoup B. rehab C. rectify D. repent
Key: A
recoup (v) = to get back an amount of money that you have spent or lost
Living to 100 will not be a pleasure anymore if you have to ___________ around
getting increasingly frail.
A. lumber B. dodder C. waddle D. dawdle
Key: B
dodder (v) = to move slowly and weakly, as if you might fall, especially because of being
very old
The meditation course has really helped his ___________ to abate, making him calmer
and more considerate.
A. irascibility B. fanaticism C. fervor D. mendacity
Key: A
irascibility (n) = the fact of tending to become angry very easily
The princess's nanny's autobiography really gives the ___________ on life among the
royals.
A. show-down B. know-how C. low-down D. look-out
Key: C
the low-down on (somebody/something) = the true facts about somebody/something,
especially those considered most important to know
He did everything to ___________ favour with his superiors in the hope of getting
promoted.
125

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. hoard B. curry C. drag D. butter
curry favour (with somebody) (disapproving) = to try to get somebody to like or

support you by praising or helping them a lot
12. Children are more likely to be spoiled when their parents ___________ them.
A. dote on B. cosset at C. pamper round D. cosy up to
dote on = to feel and show great love for somebody, ignoring their faults
China was ___________ among the powers of the Eight-Nation Alliance by the end of
the 19th century.
A. thrashed out B. parceled out C. dished out D. slipped out
Key: B
parcel out = to divide something into parts or between several people
Mary finally decided to ___________ and broke up with Jack after having been
together for 4 years.
A. get off her base B. take the plunge
C. play possum D. jump the gun
Key: B
take the plunge = to decide to do something important or difficult, especially after
thinking about it for a long time
Their company is so debt-ridden that I think it’s safe to say they’re ___________ at
this stage.
A. down for the count B. down in the dumps
C. down at the heel D. down to the last penny
Key: A
down to the count = having been, or very near to being, defeated, ruined, or overcome.
Part 2.
126

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
___________ for unemployment benefits are more and more numerous as the
economic crisis is getting worse in this country. (CLAIM)
My brother enjoys ___________ so much that I think he will never get married.
(BACHELOR)
Their parents had an almost ___________ ability to understand what was going on in
their children's minds. (NATURAL)
It is rumoured that the millionaire has connections with the criminal ___________ of
Japan. (WORLD)
The ___________ of the Prince of Wales took place in 1969, a year before the first
Earth day was celebrated. (INVEST)
1. CLAIMANTS
claimant (n) = a person who is receiving money from the state because they
are unemployed, etc.
BACHELORHOOD (n) = the time in a man’s life before he is married
PRETERNATURAL (adj) = that does not seem natural; that cannot be explained by
natural laws
UNDERWORLD (n) = the people and activities involved in crime in a particular place
INVESTITURE (n) = the fact of somebody formally receiving an official title or
special powers; a ceremony at which this happens
127

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 12
I expected the film to be out-of-the-box, but the plot turned out to be just a(n)
___________ boy-meets-girl scenario.
A. frivolous B. hackneyed C. archetypal D. emblematic
Key: B
hackneyed (adj) = used too often and therefore boring
The part of her childhood memory, in which she was kidnapped, became something she
found impossible to ___________ however hard she tried.
A. expunge B. expurgate C. expatiate D. expound
Key: A
expunge (v) = to remove or get rid of something, such as a name, piece of information or
a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind
That friend of yours is a(n) ___________ person who cannot be trusted because she will
be willing to betray you at any time for his own benefits.
A. eccentric B. licentious C. lunatic D. perfidious
Key: D
perfidious (adj) = that cannot be trusted
Never let your thirst for knowledge be ___________ or you will, one day, be left behind
by this ever-evolving world.
A. queered B. quelled C. quenched D. quilt
Key: C
quench (v) = to satisfy a need/demand
With patience and diplomacy, he eventually ___________ the son of the billion-dollar
company into marrying him.
A. deluded B. inveigled C. cruised D. swindled
Key: B
inveigle (v) = to achieve control over somebody in a clever and dishonest way, especially
so that they will do what you want
128

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
As an inevitable effect of globalization, small countries have no choice but to

___________ to the influence of the superpowers.
A. recast B. capitulate C. concede D. perish
Key: B
capitulate (v) = to stop resisting an enemy and accept that you are defeated
This argument may seem ___________ to those not closely involved in the world of
finance.
A. arcane B. peculiar C. foolhardy D. aberrant
Key: A
arcane (adj) = secret and mysterious and therefore difficult to understand
It really knocked me over with a ___________ when I found out that Annie passed her
Chemistry test with flying colours
A. punch B. mug C. feather D. stroke
Key: C
knock sb over with a feather = to schock/confuse/astonish sb
Although doctors always try their best to save people’s lives, they are often
___________ by the patients’ relatives whenever they fail.
A. heckled B. pestered C. derided D. berated
Key: D
berate (v) = to criticize or speak angrily to somebody because you do not approve of
something they have done
Given the competitiveness of the National Contest, I have to knock it out of the
___________ or I won’t be able to win any prizes.
A. park B. nail C. roof D. ring
Key: A
knock sth out of the park = to do sth extremely well
The agreement we reached before was just provisional so I hope you can have another
meeting with our company to ___________ the whole plan before the event.
A. pack up B. drum up C. firm up D. work up
129

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: C
firm up = to make arrangements more final and fixed
12. Billy, if you like History, you ___________, do not let peer pressure affect your life.
A. buy it B. do you C. be it D. be you
Key: B
you do you = used to say that sb should do what they think is best or what they enjoy.
Despite being threatened, the brave and loyal soldier would rather sacrifice than
___________ to the enemy’s demand.
A. give on B. cave in C. burrow in D. kneel down
Key: B
cave in = to agree to demands that you originally opposed because you have become tired
or frightened
___________ piety has degraded in the modern society as more children are disobedient
and disrespectful to their parents.
A. Filial B. Childhood C. Familial D. Fraternal
Key: A
filial piety = a virtue of respect for one’s parents, elders, and ancestors.
I don’t have anything to note here but I will try to ___________ your phone number
firmly in my mind and put it down later when I return home.
A. dwell B. key C. lodge D. set
Key: C
lodge (v) = to become fixed or cause something to become fixed in a place or position
Part 2.
It is ironic that while “Safety first” is said to be the ___________ here, no workers are
equipped with any basic protective equipment. (WORD)
The writer has used a variety of ___________ throughout his career to avoid the attention
of the government. (NAME)
In the ancient society of China, the concept of gender equality would be considered
___________and totally unacceptable. (HERESY)
130

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Steam is water in its ___________ form and may occur due to evaporation or due to
boiling. (GAS)
But for a brief period in the spring, the whole landscape explodes into a ___________
bloom. (COLOUR)
WATCHWORD (n) = (a word or phrase that represents) the main ideas or principles
directing the way that someone behaves or the way that something is done
PSEUDONYMS
Pseudonym (n) = a name used by somebody, especially a writer, instead of their real
name
HERETICAL (adj) = (of a belief or opinion) disagreeing strongly with what most people
believe
GASEOUS (adj) = like or containing gas
MULTICOLOURED (adj) = consisting of or decorated with many colours, especially
bright ones
131

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 13
1. Her mind was ___________ by the death of her child and she never recovered.
A. upstaged B. unhinged C. upended D. unleashed
Key: B
unhinge (v) = to make somebody mentally ill
The coastguard duties included patrolling paths at the top of high and sheer cliffs - not a
job for the ___________.
A. faint-hearted B. weak-willed C. light-headed D. bloody-minded
Key: A
faint-hearted (adj) = not being confident or brave enough; afraid of failing
After our twenty-mile hike, I ate a hamburger and it tasted like the best food in the world.
Hunger is the best ___________.
A. dish B. seasoning C. chef D. sauce
Key: D
hunger is the best sauce = food tastes better when one is hungry
Don’t let insurance companies pull the ___________ over your eyes - ask for a list of all
the hidden charges.
A. silk B. mask C. ribbon D. wool
Key: D
pull the wool over somebody’s eyes = to hide your real actions or intentions from
somebody by making them believe something that is not true
After wasting almost a month, we ___________ by working from dusk till dawn to meet
the deadline.
A. ran ourselves into the ground B. played hard ball
C. rub shoulders with each other D. kept our body and soul together
Key: A
run/drive/work yourself into the ground = to work so hard that you become extremely
tired
132

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The general has ___________ his refusal to compromise with invaders and called for the
soldiers’ loyalty.
A. unveiled B. ushered C. proposed D. reiterated
Key: D
reiterate (v) = to repeat something that you have already said, especially to emphasize it
The man worked all his life and died with his ___________ on when he had a heart
attack at the factory.
A. hat B. boots C. shirt D. tie
Key: B
die with your boots on = die while fighting or to die while actively
occupied/employed/working or in the middle of some action.
In many developing countries, education is still the ___________ of the rich while the
governments show incompetency in changing that.
A. benefit B. priority C. dispensation D. prerogative
Key: D
prerogative (n) = a right or advantage belonging to a particular person or group because
of their importance or social position
The weasel words "if any" leave me with some concern that when push comes to
___________, the council may pull away from difficult issues.
A. pull B. shove C. end D. strike
Key: B
when push comes to shove = when there is no other choice; when everything else has
failed
Until this day, vegans are still dismissed as ___________ in many society despite their
efforts to spread their ideals.
A. ecclesiastical B. preposterous C. cranks D. cults
Key: C
crank (n) = a person with ideas that other people find strange
133

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The children ___________ when their teacher said they were going to plan a class
excursion.
A. flared up B. patched up C. perked up D. pepped up
Key: C
perk up = to become or to make somebody become more cheerful or lively, especially
after they have been ill or sad
The China garden is a green ___________ in the heart of modern Singapore, attracting
millions of tourists and visitors every year.
A. refuge B. façade C. virtuoso D. oasis
Key: D
oasis (n) = a pleasant place or period of time in the middle of something unpleasant or
difficult
13. You have been driving for a while, do you want me to ___________ you?
A. support B. supplant C. succor D. spell
Key: D
spell (v) = to replace for a short time somebody who is doing a particular activity so that
they can rest
14. I love the weather in spring when it is ___________, not too hot nor too cold.
A. torrid B. clement C. frigid D. sultry
Key: B
clement (adj) = mild and pleasant
This is ___________ software, and you have no right to copy it without a license from
the owner.
A. propitious B. propriety C. propitiatory D. proprietary
Key: D
proprietary (adj) = made and sold by a particular company and protected by a registered
trademark
Part 2.
134

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
While ___________ flood damage can be eliminated by moving away from rivers,
people have traditionally lived by water bodies. (RIVER)
Some experiences in life have ___________ effects on an individual. (ERADICATE)
It is ludicrous of him to require absolute perfection from the products without considering
the natural ___________ of humankind. (FAIL)
Even if new regulations will not make a(n) ___________ difference to most people, any
small changes are still better than nothing. (APPRECIATE)
___________ should summarize the main facts about their performance based on the
staff evaluation criteria of the company. (APPRAISE)
Key:
RIVERINE (adj) = on, near, or relating to a river or the banks of a river
INERADICABLE (adj) = (of a quality or situation) that cannot be removed or changed
FALLIBILITY (n) = the ability to make mistakes or be wrong
APPRECIABLE (adj) = large enough to be noticed or thought important
APPRAISEES
Appraisee (n) = the person who is being judged on how well they are doing their job
135

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 14
The eyewitness said that she had seen a man ___________ around outside the factory just
before the fire started.
A. prowling B. languishing C. lumbering D. moseying
Key: A
prowl (v) = to move quietly and carefully around an area, especially with the intention of
committing a crime
A lot of Peter Oprah’ writings ___________ sexism and call for gender equality, showing
his radical mindset.
A. duff up B. inveigh against C. tear off D. bubble under
Key: B
inveigh against = to criticize somebody/something strongly
I have moved to an apartment with many people sharing one room so I cannot
___________ my favorite songs like before anymore.
A. sound out B. sound off C. pound out D. pound off
Key: C
pound out = to play music loudly on a musical instrument
4. A sleepless night with my sick child has given me circled and ___________ eyes.
A. inflamed B. streaked C. amber D. bloodshot
Key: D
bloodshot (adj) = (of eyes) with the part that is usually white full of red lines because of
lack of sleep, etc.
On the aspect of health, you had better ___________ what the doctor says instead of
believing the Internet.
A. defer to B. allude to C. attend to D. tumble to
Key: A
defer to = to agree to accept what somebody has decided or what they think about sb/sth
because you respect him or her
136

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
When Professor Jonathan obtained funding for six months' ___________ leave, he chose
to visit a centre specializing in the disease.
A. vacation B. sabbatical C. bereavement D. vocational
Key: B
sabbatical leave = a period of time when college or university teachers are allowed to
stop their usual work in order to study or travel, usually while continuing to be paid
Without the ___________ support of my family, I would never have been able to
withstand pressure and overcome failures to achieve today’s success.
A. wavering B. unflappable C. unflagging D. scalding
Key: C
unflagging (adj) = remaining strong; not becoming weak
Because Harry was late for school, he ran so fast that he fell down a ___________ of
stairs and ended up in the hospital.
A. creak B. wing C. gate D. flight
Key: D
flight (n) = a series of steps between two floors or levels
Peter Oprah is a true sister under the ___________ as he always supports women’s action
to improve their rights.
A. skin B. chin C. mask D. card
Key: A
a true sister under the skin = a man who supports women’s action to improve their rights
10 There is always a ___________ of journalists waiting for the actors and actresses
when they arrive at the event.
A. clique B. gaggle C. guard D. legion
Key: B
gaggle (n) = a group of noisy people
The amusement park used to be ___________ with children on every weekend, but now
it is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A. hoarding B. crowding C. swarming D. flocking
137

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: C
swarm with somebody/something = to be full of people or things
The proposed shopping centre has ___________ an angry response from local residents.
A. dished up B. given off C. churned out D. called forth
Key: D
call forth = to produce a particular reaction
Performance ___________ is one basic issue of human resource development and
management in an enterprise to evaluate an employee’s productivity and capability.
A. appraisal B. judgment C. remuneration D. assessment
Key: A
A performance appraisal is a regular review of an employee's job performance and
overall contribution to a company.
A whole ___________ of measures was tried in an attempt to get them to give up
cigarettes.
A. battery B. wood C. generation D. stream
Key: A
battery (of something) = a large number of things or people of the same type
People are usually attracted by appearance so it is no wonder she is ___________
with that male model.
A. infatuated B. mesmerized C. entangled D. seduced
Key: A
infatuated (with somebody/something) (adj) = having a very strong feeling of love or
attraction for somebody/something so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way
Part 2.
Cultural changes can cause a(n) ___________ between readers and old texts.
(STRANGE)
It was off the coast of Italy that nine-year-old Shelley went to his ___________ grave due
to the negligence of his parents. (WATER)
138

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
In his later years, he was ___________ by the rejection of the girl he loved and the loss
of his money and fame. (BITTER)
Men and women should be able to compete for jobs on an equal ___________ to ensure
fairness. (FOOT)
Prices are going down now but it will soon increase again, we all know that changes in
the market follow a(n) ___________ pattern. (CYCLE)
Key:
ESTRANGEMENT (n) = a feeling that you do not understand someone or something, or
do not have any connection with him, her, or it
WATERY
watery grave = death by drowning
3. EMBITTERED
embitter (v) = to make someone feel angry and unhappy for a long time
FOOTING (n) = the basis on which something is established or organized
be on an equal footing = to be in an equal situation
CYCLIC(AL) (adj) = repeated many times and always happening in the same order
139

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 15
Part 1.
You are being unnecessarily ___________ by spending too much time on details while
time is running out and only one third of your essay is finished.
A. recalcitrant B. mendacious C. dogmatic D. pedantic
Key: D
pedantic (adj) = too worried about small details or rules
Tony used to be a healthy man until he suddenly developed a ___________ for wine,
which really worries his family.
A. likeness B. partisan C. penchant D. palate
Key: C
penchant (n) = a special liking for something
How the pyramids of Egypt were built remains a(n) ___________ to the world until this
day.
A. brain-teaser B. enigma C. cliffhanger D. crypt
Key: B
enigma (n) = a person, thing or situation that is mysterious and difficult to understand
I decided to quit my job because I can’t stand being ___________ by my boss on every
minor fault.
A called out B. cried out C. torn down D. yelled over
Key: A
call sb out on sth = to criticize somebody, especially publicly
Even if the authorities want to develop this area, it is unjustifiable that they
___________ over the concerns of the local community.
A. lock horns B. pour cold water C. ride roughshod D. spike their guns
Key: C
ride roughshod over somebody = to treat somebody badly and not worry about their
feelings
140

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
After two years living apart, the couple met each other and struggled to ___________
their love.
A. revive B. rekindle C. reheat D. relish
Key: B
rekindle (v) = to make a feeling or relationship become active again
Although the room was ___________ decorated in gold and silver, it was quite simply
over the top.
A. ostentatiously B. tantalisingly C. gregariously D. benevolently
Key: A
ostentatiously (adv) = in a way that is meant to impress people by showing how rich,
important, etc. somebody is
The violent scenes in that movie were simply ___________ and added nothing to the
storyline.
A. docile B. gratuitous C. dormant D. arduous
Key: B
gratuitous (adj) = done without any good reason or purpose and often having harmful
effects
That young people join parties despite the ongoing pandemic is a ___________
disregard for the community’s health.
A. flagrant B. convivial C. frugal D. feral
Key: A
flagrant (adj) = (of an action) that shocks you because it is done in a very obvious way
and shows no respect for people, laws, etc
The chances of finding those trapped in the snow after the avalanche now are
___________ after ten hours have passed and the rescue team has yet to arrive.
A. mediocre B. minuscule C. esoteric D. microscopic
Key: B
minuscule (adj) = extremely small
141

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
You cannot blame Dan for our failure because it was you who ___________ him into this
mission.
A. prodded B. rammed C. let D. thrusted
Key: A
prod sb into sth = to try to make somebody do something, especially when they are
unwilling
The couple got married in 1990, which means that they will have ___________ 30 years
of marriage this summer.
A. run up B. dredged up C. chalked up D. cropped up
Key: C
chalk up sth = to achieve or record a success, points in a game, etc.
Andy, I think you have had enough clothes to wear, stop buying more, money doesn’t
grow on ___________.
A. grass B. trees C. air D. land
Key: B
money doesn’t grow on trees = said to warn someone to be careful how much money they
spend
We need some boys over here since it is going to require a certain amount of
___________ grease to carry this wardrobe upstairs.
A muscle B elbow C spine D knee
Key: B
elbow grease = a lot of physical effort
I have a(n) ___________ with my roommate because she is always eating my food
without asking!
A. hatchet to bury B. axe to grind C. screw to loose D. nail to hit
Key: B
have an axe to grind = to have private reasons for being involved in something or for
arguing for a particular cause
Part 2.
142

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A(n) ___________ smile before the debate of her immediately created a much less
hostile atmosphere in the meeting room. (ARM)
The warring sides have agreed on a one-week ___________ for people to celebrate the
Lunar New Year. (FIRE)
It is an hour until lunch but I am already ___________ after cleaning up the whole house.
(RAVENING)
It was my childhood dream to live in a ___________ house, but now I could only afford
to rent an apartment. (PALACE)
Roughly 26 centuries ago, Sunzi wrote a powerful ___________ on military called The
Art of War. (TREAT)
Key:
DISARMING (adj) = making people feel less angry, making someone begin to like you
CEASEFIRE (n) = a time when enemies agree to stop fighting, usually while a way is
found to end the fighting permanently
RAVENOUS (adj) = (of a person or an animal) extremely hungry
PALATIAL (adj) = (of a room or building) very large and impressive, like a palace
TREATISE (n) = a serious book or article about a particular subject
143

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 16
Part 1.
The actor still accepts to ___________ on the contract even if he will have to pay a
significant amount of compensation
A. shun B. renege C. snap D. impugn
Key: B
renege (on something) = to break a promise, an agreement, etc
The wife still ___________ her husband to this day, 28 years after his sacrifice in World
War II.
A. minds for B. quells for C. pines for D. falls for
Key: C
pine for somebody/something = to want or miss somebody/something very much
The reputation of this eminent school has been ___________ by the students who cheated
in the exam.
A. rued B. taunted C. tendered D. sullied
Key: D
sully something = to damage or reduce the value of something
He is a man who doesn’t know how to ___________ his words so many people have
been hurt by what he said.
A. mince B. gore C. cut D. forge
Key: A
not mince (your) words = to say something in a direct way even though it might offend
other people
I know she's had a hard time, but that is by no means a justifiable reason for her to
___________ her ex-husband of all his money.
A. dry B. milk C. take D. cede
Key: B
milk (v) = to obtain as much money, advantage, etc. for yourself as you can from a
particular situation.
144

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Dilraba’s fans never ___________ in their belief in her, whatever was written in the
press.
A. slash B. meddle C. falter D. gouge
Key: C
falter (v) = to become weaker or less effective
The clear fall in COVID-19 cases is regarded as a(n) ___________ of Vietnamese
government’s measures.
A. testimonial B. acclaim C. testament D. vindication
Key: D
vindication (n) = proof that something is true or that you were right, especially when
other people had a different opinion
8. The world is still waiting for a tried and ___________ vaccine for the disease.
A. believed B. checked C. trusted D. trodden
Key: C
tried and trusted/tested = relied on in the past successfully
9. Every time Mary comes late, she will ___________ a story to explain for her fault.
A. contrive B. concoct C. malign D. chastise
Key: B
concoct = to invent a story, an excuse, etc. or create a plan, especially for a dishonest
purpose
The people in this country were unfairly ___________ by the press as ‘international
terrorists’ while they appeared as friendly and amiable people when I travelled there.
A. vilified B. detained C. blotted D. poached
Key: A
vilify (v) = to say or write unpleasant things about somebody/something so that other
people will have a low opinion of them
He lived in ___________ poverty, trying to keep the style of a high social class while not
having much money.
A. pompous B. genteel C. desolate D. ostentatious
145

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: B
genteel (adj) = pretending to be from a high social class
The future looks ___________ for many traditional craft villages in the North of Vietnam
due to technological development and shifts in demand.
A. pale B. void C. plain D. bleak
Key: D
bleak (adj) = (of a situation) not giving any reason to have hope or expect anything good
He only goes to watch a match when his favorite team plays, otherwise, he has no
___________ in the fight.
A. bull B. chick C. dog D. bet
Key: C
have no dog in a fight = to not have an interest in sth
The only fly in the ___________ in an otherwise perfect party was the fact that my
grumpy uncle was there.
A. ointment B. soup C. porridge D. honey
Key: A
fly in the ointment = something that spoils a situation that could have been pleasant
Unlike his friends who also rose to stardom when they were still teenagers, Andy didn’t
have any ___________ but became even more modest.
A. airs and graces B. beer and skittles
C. cock and bull D. nudge and wink
Key: A
airs and graces = a way of behaving that shows that somebody thinks that they are more
important, etc. than they really are
Part 2.
Most women will be offered a(n) ___________ scan during pregnancy, although it's not
obligatory. (SOUND)
Maybe my modest height is hereditary because my father is a(n) ___________ man, less
than 5 feet tall. (MINUTE)
146

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The doctor was surprised by the little girl who endured her illness with great
___________ (FORT)
The professor tends to adopt a(n) ___________ manner when talking to younger
students, especially the females. (DESCEND)
There were ten votes in favour, six against, and seven ___________ so the policy was
launched in the end. (ABSTAIN)
Key:
ULTRASOUND (n) = a medical process that produces an image of what is inside your
body
DIMINUTIVE (adj) = very small
FORTITUDE (n) = courage shown by somebody who is suffering great pain or facing
great difficulties
CONDESCENDING (adj) = behaving as though you are more important and more
intelligent than other people
ABSTENTIONS
abstention (n) = the fact of not voting in favour of or against someone or something
147

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 17
The event is not compulsory for twelfth-graders so you may leave of your own
___________.
A. volition B. obligation C. demand D. vindication
Key: A
volition (n) = the power to choose something freely or to make your own decisions
England's football fans were hoping for a ___________ performance of the national team
against Cameroon in this year’s tournament
A. virtuoso B. abysmal C. lucrative D. atrocious
Key: A
virtuoso (adj) = showing extremely great skill
No matter how much you exercise, an unhealthy diet will ___________ the effects of
training.
A. nullify B. abrogate C. disclaim D. stampede
Key: A
nullify (v) = to make something lose its effect or power
Not only the government but also the citizens have the responsibility to help
___________ the epidemic.
A. ring out B. stamp out C. eke out D. beat out
Key: B
stamp out = to get rid of something that is bad, unpleasant or dangerous, especially by
using force or a lot of effort
The government is walking a difficult ___________ in wanting to control the pandemic
without hampering economic growth.
A. footpath B. fenland C. tightrope D. boulevard
Key: C
tread/walk a tightrope = to be in a difficult situation in which you do not have much
freedom of action and need to be extremely careful about what you do
148

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I am a doctor so I know what to do, please mind your own business and stop
___________ on my toes.
A. stamping B. pinning C. treading D. rueing
Key: C
tread on somebody’s toes = to offend or annoy somebody, especially by getting involved
in something that is their responsibility
The movie had been over two years in ___________ before it was produced and
premiered.
A. formulation B. gestation C. induction D. resurrection
Key: B
gestation (n) = the process by which an idea or a plan develops
The whole journal includes stories and pictures ___________ women and children in
mountainous regions around the world.
A. strayed from B. shed from C. stalked from D. culled from
Key: D
cull sth from sth = to choose or collect something from a source or several different
sources
He wore a(n) ___________ expression for weeks following the news that he had not got
the promotion.
A. latent B. exultant C. doleful D. nonchalant
Key: C
doleful (adj) = very sad
Because Henry knows the fact that he has failed the university entrance exam will be
known sooner or later, he decides to ___________it out instead of hiding it.
A. shun B. strive C. quash D. brazen
Key: D
brazen it out = to behave as if you are not ashamed or embarrassed about something even
though you should be
149

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Mary used to be a little country girl who liked to wear ___________ clothes before she
turned into a city dweller with a preference for dark fashion.
A. gaudy B. glossy C. noxious D. lustrous
Key: A
gaudy (adj) = too brightly coloured in a way that lacks taste
The millionaire, who is also a former student of TTL, has donated a ___________
sum of money to the school.
A. gregarious B. munificent C. egoistic D. laconic
Key: B
munificent (adj) = extremely generous
There was a ___________ of reliable information on the subject so the research cannot be
conducted.
A dearth B. vestige C. replica D. drought
Key: A
dearth (of sth) = a lack of something; the fact of there not being enough of something
By intuition, I feel that his behaviour ___________ hypocrisy, so you had better be
careful with him.
A. shows off B. dallies with C. savours of D. smells out
Key: C
savour of something = to seem to have an amount of something, especially something
bad
He was ___________ enough not to take the job when there was the possibility of getting
a better one a few months later.
A. analytic B. shrewd C. prescient D. ludicrous
Key: B
shrewd (adj) = having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a
situation, resulting in an advantage
Part 2.
In the old days, ___________ was entwined with political and social life. (MOVIE)
150

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
2 It's a ___________ prophecy : expect things to go wrong, and they probably will.
(FULFIL)
The ___________ smell of cigarettes told her that he had been in the room. (TALE)
___________ forces in the industry are preventing its progress towards greater efficiency.
(ACT)
I hate eating out with friends because after every meal, we will be faced with the
___________ problem of who will pay. (TICKLE)
MOVIEMAKING (n) = the act or process of making a film

SELF-FULFILLING (adj) = happening because it is expected to happen
TELLTALE (adj) = showing that something exists or has happened
REACTIONARY (adj) = opposed to political or social change or new ideas
TICKLISH (adj) = (of a situation or problem) difficult to deal with, and possibly
embarrassing
151

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 18
Part 1.
1. The teacher was suspicious of the student's ___________ behaviour during the exam.
A. furtive B. candid C. cunning D. frivolous
Key: A
furtive (adj) = behaving in a way that shows that you want to keep something secret and
do not want to be noticed
Weapons that would have been ___________ twenty years before are now vulnerable and
obsolete.
A. invincible B. inviolable C. insatiable D. insipid
Key: A
invincible (adj) = too strong to be defeated or changed
The ___________ test of a good driver is whether he or she remains calm in an
emergency.
A. atom B. acid C. silver D. rocket
Key: B
acid test = a way of deciding whether something is successful or true
In spite of an ___________ start, the English runner quickly speeded up and won the
race.
A. ambiguous B. inauspicious C. inveterate D. invidious
Key: B
inauspicious (adj) = showing signs that the future will not be good or successful
Henry Ford did not start his operations by opening hundreds of factories in his first year
but mighty ___________ from tiny acorns grow.
A. spruces B. pines C. oaks D. willows
Key: C
great/tall oaks from little acorns grow = something large and successful often begins in a
very small way
152

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
It was an ___________ feeling, climbing on to the rostrum, waving to the crowd and
receiving my medal.
A. exorbitant B. exuberant C. exultant D. extempore
Key: C
exultant (at something) = feeling or showing that you are very proud or happy, especially
because of something exciting that has happened
The actor had been ___________ for years with many subordinate roles before he finally
got the main role.
A. muddling along B. rattling off C. battling over D. bubbling under
Key: D
bubble under = to have some success but not yet be extremely successful and famous
The example ___________ at the end of the essay not only failed to support the student’s
arguments but even made it look messy.
A. added up B. thrashed out C. toyed with D. tacked on
Key: D
tack on = to add something extra, especially something that does not seem to belong to
the rest
9. I roll up my sleeves and ___________ cleaning the kitchen.
A. pitch into B. bite into C. dig into D. dip into
Key: A
pitch into = to start an activity with enthusiasm
Many pharmaceutical companies have been charged with ___________ from the mask
crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A. profiteering B. racketeering C. extorting D. coercing
Key: A
profiteering (n) = the act of making a lot of money in an unfair way, for example by
asking very high prices for things that are hard to get
Despite receiving little support, the women are persevering with their ___________
to fight against gender inequality.
153

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. trudge B. crusade C. plod D. stroll

Key: B
crusade (n) = a long and determined effort to achieve something that you believe to be
right or to stop something that you believe to be wrong
In a school for the gifted, students with low grades are often treated with
___________ and ridiculed by their friends.
A. animosity B. scorn C. abomination D. abhorrence
Key: B
scorn (n) = a strong feeling that somebody/something is stupid or not good enough,
usually shown by the way you speak
13. I have failed this test twice already, so this time I must pass it ___________.
A. by all costs B. in the slightest
C. by hook or by crook D. by any price
Key: C
by hook or by crook = using any method you can, even a dishonest one
Many American teachers have to work two jobs because they hardly survive on the
___________ they receive as a salary.
A. pittance B. whisker C. nickel D. chunk
Key: A
pittance (n) = a very small amount of money that somebody receives, for example as a
wage, and that is hardly enough to live on
This is the last time I can enter the National Contest so I determine to go out in
___________.
A. the jaws of victory B. a blaze of glory
C. the history books D. the baptism of fire
Key: B
a blaze of glory = happens in a very successful and impressive way, often used to
describe a final action.
154

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Part 2.
Alcohol is not ___________to your health as long as you don’t drink it too often.
(INJURE)
2 After shooting to fame in a movie, Oliver became a ___________, squandering his
money on parties. (SOCIAL)
3 The picture captures the two lovers with their arms ___________ (TWINE)
4 The monks would be awakened by ___________ and by eight had already had prayers.
(DAY)
5 The officials shook hands and exchanged ___________ before getting down to
business. (PLEASANT)
Key:
1 INJURIOUS (adj) = causing or likely to cause harm or damage
2 SOCIALITE (n) = someone, usually of high social class, who is famous for going to a
lot of parties and social events
3 ENTWINED
entwine (v) = to twist or wind something around something else
4 DAYBREAK (n) = the time of day when light first appears
5 PLEASANTRIES
pleasantry (n) = a friendly remark made in order to be polite
155

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 19
Part 1.
Only the most basic and essential facts are required, stop adding more information, you
are making ___________ of the presentation, Emily!
A. a song B. a meal C. a dish D. a scale
Key: B
make a meal of something = to spend a lot of time, energy, etc. doing something in a way
that other people think is unnecessary and/or annoying
She used to be a very rational person but since she fell for John, her brain must have been
___________ by love.
A. adduced B. addled C. ceded D. bluffed
Key: B
addle (v) = to make somebody unable to think clearly; to confuse somebody
Local activist groups have become increasingly ___________ as the volume of traffic
passing through the village has increased.
A. laconic B. vociferous C. vocalic D. covert
Key: B
vociferous (adj) = expressing your opinions or feelings in a loud and confident way
Although Jerry has already had an expensive car, he still can't help casting
___________ looks at his neighbour's new Porsche.
A. covetous B. fastidious C. dismal D. abysmal
Key: A
covetous (adj) = wanting to have something too much, especially something that belongs
to someone else
You are not an electrician so ___________ the wiring will not only waste your time but
can also take your life.
A. monkeying with B. wolfing with C. beating at D. beavering at
Key: A
monkey with = to touch, change, or treat something in a careless or harmful way
156

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
After 6 years serving, Andy was ___________ from the army following his severe injury.
A. discharged B. evicted C. excluded D. detained
Key: A
discharge (v) = to give someone an official order or legal permission to end their duty in
the army, a court, a prison, etc.
Sometimes, I can’t hide my envy of people who are able to walk into a party
___________ confidence.
A. snitching B. razing C. oozing D. beaming
Key: C
ooze (v) = to show a particular quality or feeling strongly; (of a particular quality or
feeling) to be shown strongly
8. He was unaware that he was being ___________ with out-of-date stock.
A. shored up B. struck back C. fobbed off D. thumbed at
Key: C
fob off = to give somebody something that is not what they want or is of worse quality
than they want
9. She ___________ the glamour of the city and went to live in the wilds of Scotland.
A disparaged B. overthrew C. forsook D. abolished
Key: C
forsake (v) = to stop doing something, or leave something, especially something that you
enjoy.
The three-day ___________ was finally brought to an end when the terrorists surrendered
due to shortage of food and water.
A. precinct B. orbital C. cordon D. siege
Key: D
siege (n) = a situation in which the police surround a building where people are living or
hiding, in order to make them come out.
157

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The new professor, who is the author of a(n) ___________ book on Scottish history, will
come to our university today.
A. belligerent B. benevolent C. frenetic D. erudite
Key: D
erudite (adj) = having or containing a lot of knowledge that is known by very few people
Polly’s stupid suggestion met with ___________ of laughter from the rest of the class.
A. fits B. pangs C. roars D. hoots
Key: D
hoot (n) = a short loud laugh or shout
Paul has the ___________ habit of picking his nose in public, which causes much
annoyance to the people around.
A. atrocious B. monstrous C. odious D. flagitious
Key: A
atrocious (adj) = very bad or unpleasant
14. It took the negotiation all weak to ___________ the final terms of the settlement.
A. bog down B. nail down C. tie down D. wind down
Key: B
nail down = reach agreement on the details of a deal
In the underworld, people only recognize the ___________ of the jungle and totally
ignore what justice is.
A. rule B. law C. order D. terms
Jey: B
the law of the jungle = a situation in which people are prepared to harm other people in
order to succeed
Part 2.
For first-time fliers, remember that there is a ___________ for excess baggage.
(CHARGE)
158

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Of course you can put a whole chunk of cheese on the bread if you like but I would prefer
to ___________ it. (LIQUID)
The total ___________ of the bombs dropped in the Vietnam war increases every year as
more bombs are unearthed. (TON)
The clergy spent 9 years in Africa as ___________, teaching about Christianity for the
people. (MISSION)
It's ___________ to expect police departments to investigate themselves and report
everything honestly. (FARCE)
Key:
SURCHARGE (n) = an extra amount of money that you must pay in addition to the usual
price
LIQUEFY (v) = to become liquid; to make something liquid
TONNAGE (n) = the total amount that something weighs
MISSIONARIES
missionary (n) = a person who is sent to a foreign country to teach people about religion,
especially Christianity
FARCICAL (adj) = very silly, unlikely, or unreasonable, often in a way that is humorous
159

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 20
Part 1.
As he has grown up, his parents no longer have much ___________ over him like when
he was a child.
A. scurry B. distress C. sway D. coaxing
Key: C
sway (n) = power or influence over sb
She is a big fan of Taylor Swift so whenever asked, she can always ___________ a long
list of her songs.
A. fob off B. duck on C. reel off D. round on
Key: C
reel off = to say or repeat something quickly without having to stop or think about it
3. The police were corrupt and were operating in ___________ with the drug dealers.
A. collusion B. tandem C. agreement D. intricacy
Key: A
collusion (n) = secret agreement especially in order to do something dishonest or to trick
people
Despite being the youngest ever Footballer of the Year, Nwabueze is continuing his
university course as he is aware of the ___________ nature of sporting success.
A. transitive B. transitional C. transcendent D. transitory
Key: D
transitory (adj) = temporary
5. The worker on the ladder looks as if he is ready to ___________ from exhaustion.
A. keel over B. rattle off C. level off D. croon over
Key: A
keel over = to fall over unexpectedly, especially because you feel ill
She was prepared to take the ___________ for the shoplifting, though it had been her
sister's idea.
160

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. seat B. rap C. gush D. bash

Key: B
take the rap (for somebody/something) = to be blamed or punished, especially for
something you have not done
7. Her dishonest behavior during the final exam came under severe ___________.
A. censure B. admonition C. precept D. vindication
Key: A
censure (n) = strong criticism
The team sank to fourth place in June, but is now ___________ and about to win the
division.
A. arduous B. sullen C. resurgent D. leery
Key: C
resurgent (adj) = becoming stronger or more popular again
You have only overcome the first ___________ by passing the entrance test, there is still
a long way ahead.
A. hurdle B. threshold C. barricade D. snaggle
Key: A
hurdle (n) = a problem or difficulty that must be solved or dealt with before you can
achieve something
I tried to be friendly but maybe it was because of my family background, the rich girl
___________ me completely.
A. snubbed B. snatched C. snapped D. snagged
Key: A
snub (v) = to show a lack of respect for sb, especially by ignoring them.
If you do not let him do things for himself, you are ___________ bad habits that will be
hard to break in the future.
A. construing B. perpetuating C. expunging D. enacting
Key: B
161

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
perpetuate (v) = to make something such as a bad situation, a belief, etc. continue for a
long time
Our host was friendly, actually so friendly that we felt a bit uncomfortable at first because
of her ___________ welcome.
A. effusive B. delirious C. aflame D. effulgent
Key: A
effusive (adj) = showing much or too much emotion
The whole country had tried to ___________ the memory of imperialist figures by
removing many statues in public places.
A. deface B. perforate C. efface D. disfigure
Key: C
efface (v) = to remove sth intentionally
Sex is probably the most popular pastime in the history of life on Earth — which makes it
all the more ridiculous that so many of us have such a ___________ way of talking about
it.
A. tight-fisted B. mealy-mouthed C. thick-skinned D. light-fingered
Key: B
mealy-mouthed = not willing or honest enough to speak in a direct or open way about
what you really think
The main sponsor of the event did not ___________ to all the details of the plan so we
have to adjust some points of it.
A. evince B. demur C. concede D. accede
Key: D
accede to sth = to accept a request or proposal
Part 2.
Jennie is a foreign student in a homogenous school so it is understandable why she is
___________ (SHOULDER)
Demand for ___________ delivery has greatly risen during the COVID-19 pandemic as
people avoid going outside. (STEP)
162

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The novel suffers from pale, insignificant characters and a ___________, self-
contradictory plot. (JOIN)
The country is still suffering from ___________ social division that has its root in the
French colonialism. (SEAT)
We are proud to be the ___________ in laser surgery and hope this technology will soon
become widely applied in treatment. (TRAIL)
blaze the trail = to be the first to do or to discover something that others follow
Key:
1. COLD-SHOULDERED cold-shoulder (v) = to
treat sb in an unfriendly way
DOORSTEP (n)
DISJOINTED (adj) = not communicated or described in a clear or logical way; not
connected
DEEP-SEATED (adj) = very fixed and strong; difficult to change or to destroy
TRAILBLAZER (v) = to be the first to do or to discover something that others follow
163

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 21
We are proud to be the country to ___________ the trail in laser surgery and hope this
technology will soon become widely applied in treatment.
A. hit B. breat C. blaze D. gaze
Key: C
blaze the trail = to be the first to do or to discover something that others follow
The wide ___________ between rich and poor was highlighted in his novel about a
neighbour in the 20th century.
A. divergence B. disparity C. disparagement D. deviation
Key: B
disparity (n) = a difference, especially one connected with unfair treatment
While the other teams actively ___________ the championship, this team seems content
simply to go through the motions of playing.
A. ace for B. bode for C. vie for D. strike for
Key: C
vie for sth = compete for sth
People are more ___________ when they are young so the environment in which
children live will greatly influence their personality.
A. malleable B. permeable C. ductile D. facile
Key: A
malleable (adj) = easily influenced, changed, trained, or controlled.
Having not travelled anywhere before, Ellis was in ___________ about her first visit to
Paris.
A. gaiety B. delirium C. exaltation D. raptures
Key: D
in raptures = an expression of extreme pleasure and happiness or excitement
6. The tickets for the concert were ___________ within three hours of going on sale.
A. wrapped up B. snapped up C. clocked up D. seized up
164

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: B
snap up = to buy or obtain something quickly because it is cheap or you want it very
much
While some ___________ of endearment have remained popular, others like "tomato" or
"lambkin" have fallen out of style.
A. terms B. captions C. titles D. phrases
Key: A
A term of endearment is a word or phrase used to address or describe a person, animal or
inanimate object for which the speaker feels love or affection
Johnny was so nervous at his new school that when he introduced himself, he
___________ the first few words before he could speak smoothly again.
A. stammered B. mumbled C. giggled D. muttered
Key: A
stammer (v) = to speak with difficulty, repeating sounds or words and often stopping,
before saying things correctly
Annie has always worn her heart on her ___________ so it is not difficult to guess whom
she has a crush on.
A. collar B. face C. hat D. sleeve
Key: D
wear your heart on your sleeve = to make your feelings and emotions obvious rather than
hiding them
I need to meet with Jim before the negotiations to make sure that we will be on the same
___________ when we meet with the other company.
A. line B. boat C. page D. stage
Key: C
on the same page = to understand and agree with what is being done or suggested
The secret birthday party plan was about to be spoiled had Mary not ___________ in
time.
A. jacked in B. clammed up C. eked out D. slacked off
165

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: B
clam up = to suddenly stop talking or explaining something
12. In a ___________, you can use margarine, but it is better to use unsalted butter.
A. seed B. drip C. drop D. pinch
Key: D
Something that you can do in a pinch can be done if it is really necessary, but it will be
difficult, not perfect, or not what you would really like
After working a whole day in the summer heat, I would give my right ___________
for a cold drink right now.
A. mind B. ear C. arm D. hand
Key: C
I would give your right arm for sth/to do sth = like or need it very much
By detecting facial movements, the robot is able to ___________ important mood
information from factors such as speech pattern, skin moisture, and body language.
A. glean B. rankle C. reap D. spurn
Key: A
glean (v) = to obtain information, knowledge, etc., sometimes with difficulty and often
from various different places
There may be a ___________ of truth in what these kids say even though they are just
primary students.
A. pinch B. kernel C. speck D. crux
Key: B
kernel of sth = a very small part of something
Part 2.
The company expects to build 100 luxury apartments in two years, mostly targeting
___________ customers. (POCKET)
This poor province is a ___________ of crime and illegal immigration that has yet to be
controlled after many years. (BED)
166

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The Oscar prize represents a ___________ of his long acting career, which has started
from when he was just 17 years old. (STONE)
Climbers may experience difficulty breathing in the ___________ air at high altitudes.
(RARE)
No amount of ___________ succeeded in getting the soldier to reveal his identity.
(ARM)
Key:
DEEP-POCKETED (adj) = having a large amount of money to spend
HOTBED (n) = a place where a lot of a particular activity, especially something bad or
violent, is happening
CAPSTONE (n) = someone's greatest achievement or the greatest part of something
RAREFIED (adj) = containing less oxygen than usual
ARM-TWISTING (n) = behaviour in which you try to make someone do something by
threats or by persuading them
167

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 22
That the boy’s idleness ___________ ill for his future is obvious to everyone apart from
his parents.
A. bodes B. heralds C. causes D. bears
Key: A
bode ill for sth = to be a bad sign for sth
The American runner came within ___________ distance of winning the cup but the
Chinese competitor suddenly surpassed him at the last minute.
A. adjoining B. spitting C. abutting D. neighbouring
Key: B
within spitting/touching/striking distance (of something) = very close to something 3.
I asked for an explanation and all I got was your ridiculous ___________ story.

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. beef-and-bacon B. donkey-and-monkey C. cock-and-bull D.

duck-and-frog
cock and bull story = a story that is unlikely to be true but is used as an explanation or
excuse
Some people say the company took them to the ___________ by charging double for
some services.
A. thrashers B. trashes D. breadline D. cleaners
Key: D
take somebody to the cleaners = to steal all of somebody’s money, etc., or to get it using
a trick
5. He was ___________ until someone criticised his mother, then he got extremely upset.
A. placid B. miffed C. unorthodox D. dejected
Key: A
placid (adj) = (of a person or an animal) not easily excited or annoyed
168

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I am not confident about my essay so I really want to know the professor’s

___________ on it.
A. take B. look C. brook D. catch
Key: A
take (n) [+ on sth] = the particular opinion or idea that somebody has about something
There was a(n) ___________ of scientific publication in the period 1645-1660 with
thousands of researches and experiments conducted.
A. acquiescence B. efflorescence C. effervescence D. convalescence
Key: B
efflorescence (n) = the production of a lot of sth, the most developed stage of sth
The weather in Con Dao during this month is very ___________ so we had better bring
both raincoats and sunscreen along.
A. fluctuating B. capricious C. wavering D. whimsical
Key: B
capricious (adj) = changing suddenly and quickly
Andy’s dog can always ___________ the bullies in no time so he is now no longer afraid
of them anymore.
A. cast off B. wave off C. scrape off D. see off
Key: D
see off = to force somebody to leave a place, for example by threatening them or running
after them
I don't have my phone here to call so I will just come to the library ___________, hoping
that I can meet Mr. Khoi.
A. on spec B. on peg C. in rags D. at ranch
Key: A
on spec = taking a chance, without being sure that you will get what you want
Checking the data is the task nobody wants to be ___________, not only because it is
boring but it is also perplexing.
A. fiddled with B. regaled with C. parted with D. saddled with
169

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: D
saddle with = to give somebody/yourself an unpleasant responsibility, task, debt, etc.
The crew is ___________ its duty to protect the safety of its passengers by not providing
them with life jackets.
A. rescinding B. abrogating C. revoking D. repealing
Key: B
abrogate (v) = to fail to carry out a responsibility or duty, to avoid something that you
should do
It is unwise to believe everything written on the news, some might be misleading, some
might even be downright ___________.
A. obnoxious B. whimsical C. mendacious D. bewildering
Key: C
mendacious (adj) = not telling the truth
Diplomats are trying to ___________ the tense situation between the two nations
recently.
A. defuse B. defy C. destress D. descend
Key: A
defuse (v) = to stop a possibly dangerous or difficult situation from developing,
especially by making people less angry or nervous
___________ including stones and bottles were thrown at the police during the protest.
A. Missiles B. Cartridges C. Cartouches D. Partridges
Key: A
Missile (n) = sth used to throw at people to attack them.
Part 2.
He lies ___________ on the couch after his binges, not aware of anything else happening
around. (SENSE)
Because I never accept any kinds of alcoholic drink, my friend gave me a
___________ look when I ordered champagne. (QUIZ)
170

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The ___________ army finally surrendered after failing to lift the siege the third time.
(BATTLE)
People who don't want to pay tax will exploit any ___________ in the tax regulations.
(HOLE)
It was a ___________ performance from start to finish since I kept stuttering as a result
of stage fright. (CRINGE)
Key:
INSENSATE (adj) = not aware of what you are doing or what is happening around you
QUIZZICAL (adj) = (of an expression) showing that you are slightly surprised
EMBATTLED (adj) = (of an army, a city, etc.) involved in war; surrounded by the
enemy
LOOPHOLE (n) = a mistake in the way a law, contract, etc. has been written that enables
people to legally avoid doing something that the law, contract, etc. had intended them to
do
CRINGE-WORTHY/CRINGE-MAKING (adj) = making you feel embarrassed or
uncomfortable
171

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 23
I was really saved by the ___________ when the teacher moved the math test to next
week.
A. horn B. bell C. stone D. teeth
Key: B
saved by the bell = something that you say when a difficult situation ends suddenly
before you have to do or say something that you do not want to
Jody is 50 years old and still not married, I think she is destined to be an old
___________.
A. nun B. maid C. monk D. crow
Key: B
old maid = a woman who has never married and is now no longer young
The minister is speaking with a ___________ tongue, promising support he will never
deliver.
A. sharp B. forked C. fake D. rosy
Key: B
speak with a forked tongue = to tell lies or say one thing and mean something else
The creative and intelligent boy came up with a solution entirely off his own
___________ instead of relying on the teacher’s hint.
A. bulb B. bat C. bag D. beat
Key: B
off your own bat = if you do something off your own bat, it is your own idea and you do
it without help or support from anyone else
That his father died in the car accident really hit the eight-year-old boy for
___________.
A. half B. nine C. six D. twice
Key: C
hit/knock somebody for six = to affect somebody very deeply, to upset or overwhelm
someone
172

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
6. The saucepan fell onto the floor with a great ___________.

A. clatter B. clunk C. clink D. crackle
Key: A
clatter (n) = the sound of hard objects hitting against each other
How about a night in a charming ___________ windmill on the island of Milos,
watching the sunset over the sea, with a glass of retsina in hand and a plate of olives on
the table?
A. preserved B. customized C. dilapidated D. converted
Key: D
convert (v) = to be able to be changed from one form, purpose, or system to another
Relying heavily on farming, people in this village ___________ their vegetable gardens
very carefully.
A. attend B. tend C. maintain D. tender
Key: B
tend sb/sth = to care for somebody/something
Charles Babbage's "difference engine" is widely regarded as the ___________ of modern
computers.
A. precursor B. outrider C. precedent D. harbinger
Key: A
precursor (of/to something) = a person or thing that comes before somebody/something
similar and that leads to or influences its development
10. As the sky darkened it soon became obvious that a violent storm was ___________.
A. eminent B. impending C. offing D. impenitent
Key: B
The girl with end-stage heart failure underwent a heart transplant in a __________
attempt to save her.
A. last-gasp B. last-ditch C. last-minute D. last-breath
Key: B
173

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
last-ditch (adj) = used to describe a final attempt to achieve something, when there is not
much hope of succeeding
The school shall erect regulations to implement gender equity education, and
___________ them.
A. promulgate B. incite C. heed D. irrigate
Key: A
promulgate (v) = to spread an idea, a belief, etc. among many people or to announce a
new law or system officially or publicly
I never dare to ___________ my duty even for once since I worked here due to the strict
staff appraisal criteria of the company.
A. duke B. whirl C. reel D. shirk
Key: D
shirk (v) = to avoid doing something you should do, especially because you are too lazy
The school authorities thought that taking a ___________ on undisciplined students will
make them more obedient, but this actually backfired in the end.
A. high hand B. hard line C. harsh heart D. tough grip
Key: B
hard line (n) = a strict policy or attitude
Although the project ___________ difficulties, everyone believes that their team will
eventually manage to succeed.
A. bristles with B. trifles with C. cripples with D. grapples with
Key: A
bristle with = to contain a large number of something
Part 2.
He is an old ___________ who likes to meddle with everybody's affairs in the
neighborhood. (BUSY)
Discrimination against women is deeply ___________ in our society and demands drastic
measures from the government to change. (BED)
174

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The teacher threatened to ___________ their phones if they kept using them in class.
(FISCAL)
She continued to ___________ him to forgive her, but it was to no avail. (SEEK)
You should dress in a way that ___________ a woman of your age, which is not so
gaudy. (FIT)
Key:
BUSYBODY (n) = a person who is too interested in what other people are doing
EMBEDDED
embed (v) = to fix something in a substance or solid object
CONFISCATE (v) = to officially take something away from somebody, especially as a
punishment
BESEECH (v) = to ask somebody for something in an anxious way because you want or
need it very much
BEFITS
Befit (v) = to be suitable and good enough for somebody/something
175

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 24
We will be up the creek without ___________ if we lose those files, so we should back
them up regularly.
A. an anchor B. a paddle C. a sailor D. a rope
Key: B
be up the creek (without a paddle) = to be in a very difficult situation
We could talk about this problem until the ___________ come home, but it wouldn't
solve anything.
A. cows B. pigs C. sheeps D. crows
Key: A
till the cows come home = for a very long time, or for ever
I know ten dollars is just a drop in the ___________, but if everyone gives that much, it
will make a big difference.
A. box B. jar C. kettle D. bucket
Key: D
a drop in the bucket = an amount of something that is too small or unimportant to make
any real difference to a situation
About 20 percent of the country's population is ___________ with the drought while the
government sends no help.
A. afflicted B. affected C. inflicted D. inflected
Key: A
be afflicted with something = be affected in an unpleasant or harmful way.
The discovery will help the scientists to ___________ the mystery of how the Chinese
built this structure.
A. dissolve B. interrogate C. dismantle D. unravel
Key: D
unravel (v) = to explain something that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to
become clearer or easier to understand
176

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Hundreds of scientists have tried in a(n) ___________ hope to realise the absurd dream
of reviving the dead.
A. forlorn B. gripping C. far-fetched D. imminent
Key: A
forlorn (adj) = unlikely to succeed, come true, etc.
Living in a countryside tends to ___________ us from the rush and pressure of the
modern world.
A. insulate B. safeguard C. refrain D. upkeep
Key: A
insulate sb/sth from/against sth = to protect somebody/something from unpleasant
experiences or influences
I ran into an unknown in the Lexico-Grammar exercise, but I didn't try and
___________ the gap.
A. held over B. hung out C. pressed on D. stuck at
Key: C
press on = to continue traveling or doing something
The accused ___________ guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
A. confessed B. pleaded C. admitted D. pledged
Key: B
plead (v) = to state in court that you are guilty or not guilty of a crime
Given her domineering personality, I would understand if you wanted to
___________ of this relationship.
A. bail out B. conk out C. draw out D. air out
Key: A
bail out = to escape from a situation that you no longer want to be involved in
The sound of the waves ___________ on the shore lulled the little girl to sleep after a
tired day.
A. surging B. thundering C. clapping D. breaking
177

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: D
break (v) = when waves break, they fall and are dissolved into foam, usually near land
The nature of fame is ___________, you may be sought after when you are still young
but will soon be forgotten when old age comes.
A. eminent B. transient C. alluring D. wavering
Key: B
transient (adj) = continuing for only a short time
Staying inside for weeks during the lockout has driven many people around the
___________.
A. bend B. curve C. edge D. dump
Key: A
drive/send sb round the bend = to make someone very bored or very angry
I can’t understand how they were ___________ into believing that they had won a lot of
money.
A. hoodwinked B. alluded C. misled D. perjured
Key: A
hoodwink (v) = to deceive or trick sb
I attended a ___________ sale the other night and saw people queueing up to buy old
clothes in order to clothe their children.
A. jumble B. stultifying C. rumble D. jumbo
Key: A
jumble sale = a sale of a mixed collection of things that people no longer want, especially
in order to make money for an organization
Part 2.
Since the couple is not really famous, their wedding ceremony was very much a
___________ affair. (RADAR)
The ___________ of the new policy was higher productivity but lower employee
satisfaction. (SHOT)
178

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Ever since my father passed away, my brother has become the ___________ of the whole
family. (PIN)
People believe that ___________ cooperation in the high-tech sector would benefit both
countries. (LATERAL)
Never been in a relationship, the girl ___________ in all the attention she received.
(LUXURY)
BELOW-THE-RADAR (adj) = ignored or not noticed much by people in general
UPSHOT (n) = the final result of a situation
LINCHPIN (n) = a person or thing that is the most important part of an organization, a
plan, etc., because everything else depends on them or it
BILATERAL (adj) = involving two groups of people or two countries
LUXURIATES (v)
luxuriate in sth = to get great pleasure from something
179

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 25
Part 1.
1 After a year living apart from each other, the whole team gathered and had a
___________ at Emy’s party.
A. barrel of fun B. bucket of jollies C. jar of joy D. box of cheers
Key: A
barrel of fun = A person or thing that is very enjoyable
When your kids start ___________ your authority, try to be calm and remember that
teenage rebellion is a part of human development.
A. spurning about B. kicking against C. grousing against D. shunting out
Key: B
kick against = to refuse to accept something and react strongly against it
Cooperation is what young people often associate with society but when it comes to
reality, this is a ___________ world.
A. fish eat fish B. dog eat dog C. rat eat rat D. snake eat snake
Key: B
dog eat dog = a situation in business, politics, etc. where there is a lot of competition and
people are willing to harm each other in order to succeed
The cultural life of the country will sink into ___________ unless more writers and artists
emerge.
A. atrophy B. astuteness C. austerity D. emaciation
Key: A
atrophy (n) = the condition of being weak
By prioritizing profit over quality, the millionaire showed growing ___________ over
time, which eventually procured in the downfall of his company in the late 1980s.
A. caprice B. indoctrination C. avarice D. ratification
Key: C
avarice (n) = greed
180

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I wish you’d stop ___________ with that watch. It needs to be repaired by a professional.
A. tinkering B. dabbling C. monkeying D. trifling
Key: A
tinker (with something) = to make small changes to something in order to repair or
improve it, especially in a way that may not be helpful.
It was wrong of you to ___________ the girl's affections so you don’t have the right to
ask for her forgiveness.
A. hive off B. trifle with C. fawn over D. crow about
Key: B
trifle with sb/sth = to treat somebody/something without real respect
Accepting another task will only ___________ the pressure on the whole team rather
than bring them any benefits.
A. plow up B. pile up C. ball up D. dial up
Key: D
dial up = to increase the amount of sth
The young mother was ___________ with grief after her first son’s death from a serious
eye infection due to her lapse of attention.
A. prostrate B. supine C. apoplectic D. berserk
Key: A
prostrate (adj) = so shocked, upset, etc. that you cannot do anything
Young people often go through a phase of ___________ under parental control, which
requires great tolerance and attention from adults.
A. chafing B. riling C. enraging D. galling
Key: A
chafe (v) [+at/under sth] = to feel annoyed and impatient about something, especially
because it limits what you can do
The firefighters made ___________ efforts to save the children, but were beaten back by
the flames.
181

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. spineless B. petrified C. valiant D. gobsmacked

Key: C
valiant (adj) = very brave or determined
She worked her ___________ to the one to provide a home and food for seven children.
A. back B. fingers C. hands D. head
Key: B
work your fingers to the bone = to work very hard
He keeps trying to get it published while everyone thinks he is flogging a dead
___________.
A. duck B. bull C. horse D. mule
Key: C
flog a dead horse = waste energy on a lost cause or a situation that cannot be changed.
When Roger’s wife divorced him, he made ___________ out of lemons and started
dating again.
A. lemonade B. orangeade C. jam D. honey
Key: A
make lemonade out of lemons = make a bad situation better
The band really hit pay ___________ with their latest album after years struggling to find
fame in showbiz.
A. check B. dirt C. mine D. bucks
Key: B
hit pay dirt = to suddenly be in a successful situation
Part 2.
After the terrorism, tighter airport security regulations could be in the ___________.
(OFF)
The baby sleeps peacefully ___________ in the arms of his mother. (NEST)
182

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Of all human feelings, self-satisfaction is the most ___________ as it prevents us from

improving. (CURSE)
Parrots are usually known for their amazing vocal ___________ even without training.
(MIMIC)
Airport employees worked ___________ to handle the unexpected traffic. (FEVER)
Key:
OFFING
in the offing = likely to appear or happen soon
NESTLED nest (v) = to put or hold somebody/something in a comfortable position in a
warm or soft place
ACCURSED (adj) = annoying or making you feel angry
MIMICRY (n) = the action of copying or the skill of being able to copy the voice,
movements, etc. of others
FEVERISHLY (adv) = in a way that shows strong feelings of excitement or worry, often
with a lot of activity or quick movements
183

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 26
Part 1.
People nowadays try to ___________ some sense of spirituality in order to give their
lives meaning.
A. chalk up B. latch onto C. churn out D. leaf through
Key: B
latch onto = to attach oneself to sth
We should have taken more care when booking our accommodation; we did it
___________ and it wasn’t very good.
A. on the go B. on the run C. on the fly D. on the firing line
Key: C
If you do something on the fly, you do it quickly
Demand for the new model is ___________ supply, so the factory needs to boost
production.
A. outdoing B. outrunning C. outgrowing D. outnumbering
Key: B
outrun = to develop faster or further than something
As well as criticizing the omissions in the sample studied, local scientists
___________ some of the health evidence.
A. gave credit to B. took issue with C. paid tribute to D. made amends for
Key: B
take issue with = to disagree strongly
The safety precautions taken by large resort hotels are often ____________ inadequate
for the number of people who stay there.
A. acutely B. woefully C. sorely D. distressingly
Key: B
woefully = to a serious degree
Tom ____________ in disbelief at the winning lottery ticket in his hand.
184

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. smirked B. flinched C. gaped D. squirmed

Key: C
gape at sb/sth = to stare at somebody/something with your mouth open because you are
shocked or surprised
____________ people who thrive in social situations are seen as extroverts while
introverts are considered socially inhibited.
A. Gregarious B. Amiable C. Repulsive D. Despicable
Key: A
gregarious = sociable
He is a ____________ craftsman; every detail is perfect in every piece of jewelry he
makes.
A. sentimental B. pessimistic C. tolerant D. meticulous
Key: D
meticulous = paying careful attention to every detail
My toddler is as stubborn as a ____________ and he'll throw a tantrum any time he
doesn't get what he wants.
A. rock B. mule C. horse D. brass
Key: B
as stubborn as a mule = very stubborn
It was a real ____________ from the past to see all my old high-school friends and talk
about the old times.
A. bash B. blast C. burst D. dash
Key: B
a real blast from the past = sth or someone that a person has not seen for a long time,
which evokes nostalgic feelings
She is ____________ again! Every time I open Facebook she has a new post telling us
why her life is miserable, she is always looking for sympathy!
A. sadhunting B. sadfishing C. sadtrawling D. sadseeking
Key: B
185

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
sadfishing = exaggerating emotional problems to generate sympathy

He was drunk that night, so he decided to spend the night at his friend’s house and
___________ early the following morning.
A. hit home B. hit the road C. hit below the belt D. hit
the hay Key: B
hit the road = to leave a place or begin a journey

13. Visitors can ___________ an impressive range of exhibits during the event.
A. take off B. take up C. take in D. take on
take in = to go to see something of interest

14. The run-down areas in the city have ___________ thanks to the new infrastructure.
A. come up in the world B. made a world of difference C. done the
world of good D. had the world at their feet Key: A
come up in the world = to have more money or a better social position than you had
before
The government has ordered a public ___________ to determine the reasons for the
unrest.
A. enquiry B. investigation C. research D. survey
Key: A
enquiry = an official process to discover the facts about something bad that has
happened Part 2.
Even after being a doctor for many years, Helen's passion for her work is
___________; she enjoys every moment! (DIM)
With two more days of competition to go she is in an ___________ position. (BEAT)
She’s got an itchy feet; she’s ___________ of expeditions to the far-flung corners of the
world. (DESIRE)

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
186

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
It’s illegal to ___________ when there is a solid white line on the road. (TAKE)
We are all born with a natural curiosity ___________ in our psyche. (BED)
Key:
UNDIMMED (adj) = still bright or shining
UNBEATABLE (adj) = unable to be defeated or improved because of excellent quality
DESIROUS (adj) = wanting something
OVERTAKE (v) = to go past something by being a greater amount or degree
EMBEDDED (adj) = If an emotion, opinion, etc. is embedded in someone or something,
it is a very strong or important part of him, her, or it
187

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 27
Part 1.
The draconian Special Powers Act was never ___________ despite the election promises.
A. abolished B. repealed C. annulled D. nullified
Key: B
If a government repeals a law, it causes that law no longer to have any legal force
2. Samantha likes the sound of her own voice so much that you just can’t _________.
A. get a word in edgeways B. get a kick out of it C. get a grip
on herself D. get into her stride Key: A
not get a word in edgeways = to not be able to say anything because someone else is
talking all the time
3. His plans went up in __________ when the bank manager refused him a loan.
A. smoke B. smog C. storm D. clouds
Key: A
go up in smoke = to be wasted
4. The accident was my fault so I am prepared to __________.
A. throw in the towel B. jump the gun
C. play it safe D. face the music
Key: D
face the music = to accept criticism or punishment for something you have done
We were looking forward to a pay rise when the boss __________ a bombshell and said
we were fired.
A. threw B. dropped C. slumped D. plunged
Key: B
If someone drops a bombshell , they give you a sudden piece of bad or unexpected news .
188

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
6. The newspaper got hold of the story and blew it up out of all __________.
A. scale B. range C. proportion D. dimension Key: C
blow sth out of proportion = to treat a particular event or problem far too seriously
I was enjoying a lazy Sunday so my spirits __________ when I saw Aunt Agnes heading
up the path.
A. shrivelled B. plummeted C. declined D. dwindled
Key: B
plummet = to fall very quickly and suddenly
8. I know I have to __________ with the times, but I don’t like using a computer.
A. play B. stretch C. swell D. move
move with the times = to change and become more modern, because attitudes or fashions
are changing
Jimmy’s mother __________ with pride when he went up to collect his medal.
A. stretched B. swelled C. bulged D. blew Key: B
swell = to become larger and rounder than usual; to (cause to) increase in size or amount:
10. He got back on his __________ very quickly after the accident.
A. toes B. feet C. nails D. fingers Key: B
get back on one’s feet = to be healthy again after a period of illness

11. The flaws in the diamond are too small to be seen without a __________ glass.
A. stretching B. swelling C. magnifying D. inflating
Key: C
A magnifying glass (called a hand lens in laboratory contexts) is a convex lens that is
used to produce a magnified image of an object

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
189

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
12. Skiing is difficult to begin with but fun once you __________ of it.
A. get the gist B. get to the bottom C. get the knack D. get
the feeling
get the knack of sth = to learn how to do something competently or well after a certain
period of practice
I wish Edward would conform a bit. He seems to be constantly __________ with
everyone else.
A. out of step B. out of hand C. beside himself D. beside the point
Key: A
out of step with someone/something = not having the same ideas or beliefs as other
people, or not being aware of other people's beliefs
He must have been hungry; he _______ that burger in record time and ordered another.
A. whipped up B. tucked in C. chopped up D. bolted down
bolt down = to eat something quickly

15. We were just ________ in the sitting area and somehow the window got broken.
A. beetling about B. haring off C. horsing around D. wolfing down
Key: C
horse around = fool around
Part 2.
He is a wolf in sheep's clothing, outwardly kind but inwardly ____________! (VICE)
We cannot yet satisfactorily explain the ____________ of the universe. (GENE)
As we come up with questions ____________ to your area, be prepared to respond to
them. (PERTAIN)
Nuclear cost ____________have put many state utility commissions in difficulty. (RUN)
190

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Although Vietnam is a ____________ to numerous intellectual property conventions,

there are still many reasons for foreign companies operating there to keep a close eye out
for intellectual property violations. (SIGN)
Key:
VICIOUS (adj) = violent and cruel
GENESIS (n) = the beginning or origin of something
PERTINENT (adj) = appropriate to a particular situation
OVERRUNS (n) = the act of taking more time or money than was intended
SIGNATORY (n) = a person, a country or an organization that has signed an official
agreement
191

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 28
Part 1.
1. Because of a serious crash on the motorway, traffic __________ for two hours.
A. came to a dead end B. came to the boil C. came to a
standstill D. came to the crunch
come to a standstill = to slow down and finally stop; to stop completely. (Usually refers
to something that is progressing, such as work, traffic, negotiations.)
My brother can be unreliable at times but when it __________ I know I can depend on
him to help me.
A. comes to a dead end B. comes to the boil
C. comes to a standstill D. comes to the crunch
If/when it comes to the crunch = if/when a situation becomes extremely serious and a
decision must be made
3. I don’t know who stole my money, but __________ I’ll find out.
A. by any chance B. by all means
C. by hook or by crook D. by trial and error
by hook or by crook = by any method possible

I’ve cleaned your office, Mr Jones, but I didn’t __________ anything on your desk.
A. annoy B. confuse C. disturb D. bother Key: C
disturb = to move or change something from its usual position, arrangement, condition, or
shape
5. If you don’t pull your __________ up next term, you will have to repeat the year.
A. hat B. boot C. belt D. socks Key: D

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
192

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
pull your socks up = to make an effort to improve your work or behaviour because it is
not good enough
6. I think it will be OK once we __________ out the difficulties.
A. wash B. iron C. wipe D. boil
Key: B
iron out = to remove problems or find solutions
7. Dad went for a check-up at the hospital and was given a clean __________ of health.
A. chance B. bill C. account D. sheet Key: B
a clean bill of health = a decision by a doctor that someone is healthy

Attention __________ is the amount of time spent concentrating on a task before
becoming distracted.
A. scope B. span C. limit D. stretch
attention span = the length of time that someone can keep their thoughts and interest
fixed on something
9. I would take what he says __________ if I were you.
A. off the cuff B. with a pinch of salt
C. out of luck D. down the drain
Key: B
take sth with a pinch of salt = to not completely believe something that you are told,
because you think it is unlikely to be true
The __________ of society was at their wedding, including top film stars and journalists.
A. bean B. grape C. salt D. cream
Key: D
the cream of sth = the best of a particular group of things or people
I expect everyone who works here to __________ and comply with the rules.
193

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. toe the line B. get a grip on themselves

C. cap it all D. tighten their belt
Key: A
toe the line = to do what you are expected to do without causing trouble for anyone 12.
I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but I'm determined to __________ of it.
A. get the gist B. get to the bottom C. get the knack D. get
the feeling
get to the bottom of sth = to discover the truth about a situation

13. They've only just met - isn't it __________ to be talking about marriage already?
A. throwing in the towel B. jumping the gun C. playing it

safe D. facing the music.
jump the gun = to do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about
it 14. The area has been smartened __________ by the arrival of yuppy residents.
A. out B. off C. over D. up
smarten sth/sb up = to (cause to) become more clean, tidy, and stylish:
When Sue has had a row with someone, she works it __________ by going for a long
walk.
A. out B. up C. away D. off

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: D
If you work off an unpleasant feeling, you get rid of it by doing something
energetic Part 2.
The ____________ of India in 1947was the division of British India into two
independent dominion states, India and Pakistan. (PART)
194

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Leadership and confidence radiate from her in a ____________ and direct manner.
(RIGHT)
Unlike the greenhouse gases, which spread evenly across the globe, sulphur dioxide's
effects are ____________ and regional. (LIVE)
Curry is the ____________ version of the Tamil word Kari, meaning a spiced sauce.
(ANGLO)
Many dolphins die each year from ____________ in fishing nets. (TANGLE)
Key:
PARTITION (n) = the division of one country into two or more countries
FORTHRIGHT (adj) = direct and honest in manner and speech
SHORT-LIVED (adj) = lasting only for a short time
ANGLICIZED/ANGLICISED (verb) = to make somebody/something English in
character
ENTANGLEMENT (n) = the act of becoming caught or twisted in something; the state
of being caught or twisted in something
195

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 29
Part 1.
Heavy rain will cover most of the UK next week with ______________ cold and strong
gales set to make a miserable end to the month.
A. biting B. squeezing C. cutting D. scathing
Key: A
biting = used to describe weather that is extremely cold, especially when it causes you
physical pain
I’m afraid that Tim doesn’t take much care over his homework. He usually does it
__________.
A. any old how B. any how C. how on earth D. how come
Key: A
any old how = carelessly
3. Don’t __________ in judgment on my driving when yours is worse.
A. put B. plead C. sit D. take
Key: C
sit in judgment on/over sb/sth = to make a judgment on someone/something especially
when you have no right to do so
4. I just think he ought to __________ - he's behaving like a child.
A. toe the line B. get a grip on himself
C. cap it all D. tighten his belt
Key: B
get a grip on yourself = to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more
calmly
We went through hell and high __________ to get these theatre tickets and now she says
she doesn’t want to go.
A. storms B. heaven C. mountains D. water
Key: D
196

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
If you go through hell and high water, you experience a lot of difficulties
6. We were prepared to move heaven and __________ to ban a new airport here.
A. cosmos B. sphere C. earth D. planet
Key: C
move heaven and earth = to do everything you can to achieve something
It was the end of the __________ for Tommy when the boss saw him at the races during
working hours.
A. edge B. rim C. lane D. line
Key: D
the end of the line/road= the point at which it is no longer possible to continue with a
process or activity
He seemed to __________ after his wife’s death. He completely lost control of his life.
A. take a back seat B. take a wrong turning C. go off the rails D.

run out of steam
go off the rails = to start behaving in a way that is not generally acceptable, especially
dishonestly or illegally
It didn’t seem amusing at the time, but we had a __________ laugh about it afterwards.
A. loud B. good C. big D. sound Key: B
If you have a good laugh about something, you find it amusing and realize that it is
funny, especially when the situation was at first upsetting
If you always let children have their __________, they’ll become spoilt.
A. course B. way C. shot D. path
have one’s way: to do, get etc what one wants

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The city is worth visiting – it has a lot __________ for it – attractive landscape, delicious
food, and low cost of living.
197

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. going B. making C. fleeing D. flying
have a lot going for sth = have certain advantages that will make the end result successful
12. I went to the exhibition, but there was nothing much to __________ of there.
A. talk B. speak C. tell D. say
no something to speak of = not enough of something to make it worth talking about:

If I can __________ this weekend, I ‘ll bring you those plans.
A. bide my time B. play for time C. make time D. kill time
make time = to make certain you have some time when you are not busy in order to do
something you think you should do
She can’t leave the house because of her broken leg, so I’m sure time __________
very slowly for her.
A. moves B. drags C. flies D. runs
Key: B
drag = go slowly
He gave speeches all over the world to __________ support for his “Help the Homeless”
Campaign.
A. trot out B. turn to C. weigh up D. whip up
Key: D
whip sth up = to encourage or cause people to have strong feelings about
something Part 2.
It's that ______________ smile of his that I can't bear - it makes me want to puke!
(SUGAR)
The central character is a bad man who shoots people and gets his ______________.
(COME)
198

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The so-called ‘norm’ of the nuclear family is in fact ______________ of many families.
(TYPICAL)
His last book is a bold, at times ______________ mixture of fact and fancy. (REAL)
Temperature records have ______________ confirmed the existence of global warming.
(EQUAL)
SUGARY (adj) = seeming too full of emotion in a way that is not sincere
COMEUPPANCE (n) = an outcome (good or bad) that is well deserved
ATYPICAL (adj) = not typical or usual
SURREALISTIC (adj) = very strange; more like a dream than reality, with ideas and
images mixed together in a strange way
UNEQUIVOCALLY = in an unambiguous manner
199

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 30
Part 1.
It is not nice to pour __________water on someone's plan when you do not want to be a
part of it in the first place.
A. hot B. cold C. deep D. shallow
Key: B
pour/throw cold water on sth = to criticize someone's opinions or ideas and stop people
believing them or being excited about them
The West Bank of the River Jordan was a __________ of contention between Palestine
and Israel.
A. finger B. spot C. bone D. point
Key: C
a bone of contention = something that two or more people argue about strongly over a
long period of time
In __________ with an international treaty, whale hunting in these areas has been
banned.
A. common B. connection C. conjunction D. line
Key: D
in line with sth = according to or following something such as a rule or principle
4. Everybody noticed my absence because you __________ their attention to it.
A. gave B. brought C. paid D. called
Key: D
call one’s attention to sb/sth = to make someone notice and think about a person or thing
The local council closed the roller skating-rink in the park __________ it was unsafe for
young children.
A. on the grounds that B. on the understanding that
C. on the off-chance that D. on the terms that
Key: A
200

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
on the grounds that = for the reason that

Discussions on the issue of expansion of the company have been in __________ since the
outbreak of the disease in the area.
A. hitch B. limbo C. feud D. core
Key: B
in limbo = in a situation in which you are not certain what to do next, cannot take action,
etc., especially because you are waiting for somebody else to make a decision
Viewers were __________ at the incredible sight of the lunar landscape, unable to take
their eyes off the screen until the very end of the broadcast.
A. switched B. devised C. transfixed D. stifled
Key: C
transfix = to make a person or animal unable to move or stop looking at something
because they are so interested, surprised, or frightened
Having lost her mother at an early age, Mary felt she had become a mere __________,
having to do absolutely everything for her five brothers and sisters.
A. taskmaster B. workmate C. slavedriver D. workhorse
Key: D
workhorse = a person who does a lot of work, especially of a type that is necessary but
not interesting
If you need help, please don’t hesitate to call me. I can be there __________.
A. in a fix B. in a flash C. in a daze D. in the bag
Key: B
in a flash = immediately
My car broke down and I had to __________ a huge sum of money to have it towed and
serviced.
A. splash out B. fork out C. put aside D. pay off
Key: B
fork out = to pay an amount of money, especially unwillingly
201

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
splash out sth = to spend a lot of money on buying things, especially things that are
pleasant to have but that you do not need
The candidate’s optimism gave __________ to doubt as the result of exit polls became
known.
A. place B. lie C. vent D. voice
Key: A
give place to = to be replaced by something or someone else
Somehow I managed to __________ my physics exam. The pass mark was 55 and I got
56.
A. scrape through B. shake off C. sit through D. slip off
Key: A
scrape through sth = to succeed in something but with a lot of difficulty
As much as the candidate tried to convince people of his honesty, he could not shake off
his __________ past.
A. serene B. tranquil C. shady D. frigid
Key: C
shady = dishonest or illegal
The local authorities annually __________ between £50 million and £100 million on art
projects.
A. disperse B. disband C. disburse D. dispose
Key: C
disburse = to pay out money, usually from an amount that has been collected for a
particular purpose
Most people are __________ to believe that girls and boys like certain toys when they are
young.
A. hardened B. acclimated C. conditioned D. accustomed
Key: C
condition = to train or influence a person or animal mentally so that they do or expect a
particular thing without thinking about it
202

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Part 2.
______________ telecommunications increasingly give ordinary citizens immediate
access to the major political decisions that affect their lives and property. (ACT)
This black comedy is a comment on the alienating and ____________ effects of
contemporary urban life. (HUMAN)
The young Jaxxon landed on Nar Shaddaa, and spent the next few years honing his
____________ survival skills and razor-sharp wit on the mean streets of the vertical
cities. (STREET)
With astonishingly rapid developments, even the hippest ___________ might wonder if
people in the future will even understand the cutting-edge lingo that is so exciting to us
today. (WORD)
Only ___________ who are seeking to make political capital out of the situation are
peddling such malicious and unjustified rumours. (SCARY)
Key:
INTERACTIVE (adj) = capable of acting on or influencing each other
DEHUMANIZING (adj) = depriving of human qualities
STREETWISE (adj) = having the shrewd resourcefulness needed to survive in an urban
environment
WORDSMITH (n) = a person who shows skill at using words
SCAREMONGERS (n)
Scaremonger = a person who spreads stories deliberately to make people frightened or
nervous
203

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 31
Part 1.
1. They offered to buy her a BMW but she's holding ____________ a Porsche.
A. out for B. out on C. back with D. up with
Key: A
hold out for sth = to wait for something better
All the inhabitants in the area have been asked to ____________ at home if the storm
returns.
A. settle B. dwell C. remain D. occupy
Key: C
remain = to stay in the same place; to not leave
If it hadn't been for the hint that the professor ____________ nobody would have found
out the correct answer.
A. dropped B. cast C. threw D. flung
drop a hint = to suggest something without saying it directly
At one moment, the teacher got nervous seeing that whatever he said was
____________ on the students who weren't paying any attention to the lecture.
A. missed B. lost C. failed D. slipped
Key: B
If sth is lost on someone, they do not understand it.
Their relationship had been on the ____________ for years before they finally broke up.
A. stones B. rocks C. pebbles D. marbles
Key: B
on the rocks = likely to fail soon
It was the ____________ warning from the seismologists that helped save the lives of the
island inhabitants before the volcano erupted.
A. preliminary B. hasty C. cursory D. advance
204

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
advance planning/warning/booking etc = planning/warning/booking etc that is done

before an event
7. The comforting news from my sister was a real ____________ off my mind.
A. stone B. deal C. load D. mass Key: C
load/weight off one’s mind = an occasion when a problem that has been worrying you
stops or is dealt with:
I didn't really feel like memorizing all these definitions. It was only the risk of getting
another bad mark that made me ____________ myself.
A. exert B. absorb C. endeavour D. deploy
exert oneself = to make a concerted effort to do something
9. His jokes set the whole class ____________ laughing.
A. off B. out C. up D. about
Key: A
set sb off = to cause someone to start doing something
10. Anyone who lies under oath will be charged with ____________ the course of justice.
A. perverting B. inverting C. converting D. diverting
pervert the course of justice = to act illegally to avoid punishment or to get the wrong
person punished
11. It was a close ____________ but we just made it to the airport on time for our flight.
A. run B. drive C. call D. go
close call = a situation in which something bad, unpleasant, or dangerous almost happens,
but you manage to avoid it
12. Marlene is quite ____________ - I don't know she manages to fit everything in.
A. inexhaustible B. tiresome C. inexorable D. indefatigable Key: D

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
205

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
indefatigable = always determined and energetic in trying to achieve something and never
willing to admit defeat
James never really broke the rules but he did ____________ them a little bit when it
suited him.
A. twist B. curve C. move D. bend
Key: D
bend the rules = to break the rules in a way that you consider unimportant or not harmful
I went to see the boss about a pay rise and he ____________ with a weak excuse about a
business dinner and left me standing there.
A. brushed me aside B. brushed me up
C. brushed me off D. brushed me down
Key: C
brush somebody off = to rudely ignore somebody or refuse to listen to them
The government is using the taxes from the working class to bail out the banks that
ruined the economy? That really ____________!
A. sows wild oats B. spills the beans
C. takes the biscuit D. upsets the apple cart
Key: C
take the biscuit = to be especially annoying, surprising, etc. or to be the worst or best of
its kind
Part 2.
In 1988 there were several well-publicised cases of young people committing suicide
apparently because of ____________ love. (QUIT)
The investigator said the killings were the result of poor procedure by trigger-happy
police rather than ____________ murder. (MEDITATE)
____________ species require little oxygen, but animals or humans need a fair supply.
(AIR)
The opposing counsel then has a last opportunity to ____________ the witness to address
facts brought out in redirect examination. (EXAMINE)
206

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
It is also of great importance in ____________ and material science in the production of

cast alloys. (METAL)
Key:
UNREQUITED (adj) = felt toward someone who does not feel the same way toward you
PREMEDITATED (adj) = done after being thought about or carefully planned
ANAEROBIC (adj) = relating to, involving, or requiring an absence of free oxygen
CROSS - EXAMINE (v) = to ask detailed questions of someone, especially a witness in a
trial, in order to discover if they have been telling the truth
METALLURGY (n) = the scientific study of the structures and uses of metals
207

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 32
Part 1.
This conservative, evangelical megachurch, just outside San Diego, is a ____________
of activity on a Sunday morning.
A. mest B. home C. seat D. hive
Key: D
hive of activity = somewhere where there are lots of activities taking place at the same
time
Mr. Jones is ____________, unfortunately, so you’ll have to call again tomorrow.
A. indifferent B. inimitable C. indisposed D. incongruous
Key: C
indisposed = unable to do something because you are ill, or for a reason you do not want
to give
3. He tried to be as ____________ as possible, but his garish attire made it difficult.
A. accessible B. amenable C. incessant D. inconspicuous
Key: D
inconspicuous = not attracting attention; not easy to notice
Through a series of protestations and exclamations, coyness and giggling, I
____________that she was talking to her boyfriend.
A. assembled B. amassed C. harvested D. gathered
Key: D
gather = to believe or understand that something is true because of information or
evidence you have
Regional parliaments allow ____________ for remote parts of the country or islands far
from the capital.
A. self-government B. self-sufficiency C. self-regulation D. self-support
Key: A
self-government = government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a
political unit rather than by an outside authority broadly
208

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Her ____________ behaviour made her the life of the party; everyone loved talking to
her.
A. exhaustive B. fragrant C. exuberant D. aromatic
Key: C
exuberant = full of energy, excitement and happiness
7. It gets my ____________ that she expects to look after the children every afternoon.
A. goat B. horse C. dog D. beetle Key: A
get one’s goat = annoy sb

Although he came to work the day before his retirement, everyone knew he was just
________.
A. going with the flow B. going through the motions
C. going against the grain D. going along with them
go through the motions = to do or say something because you have to, not because you
really want to
9. They are not likely to ____________ information during the current armed conflict.
A. cop out B. ladle out C. peter out D. pull out
ladle out = give somebody a lot of something, especially money or

advice Key: B
ladle out = give somebody a lot of something, especially money or advice
I offered to do the job, but soon found that I was ____________ as it was more difficult
than I had thought.
A. pushing up daisies B. knocking on wood
C. in over my head D. off my hands
Key: C
be in over one’s head = be involved in a difficult situation that you cannot get out of
The local area is ____________ lacking in places to enjoy art and cinema.

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
209

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. properly B. rashly C. sorely D. aptly

Key: C
sorely = seriously
The well-known ____________ clash between the President and the rebel leader is not
making things easier.
A. character B. mood C. enemy D. personality
personality clash = encounter between people whose characters/overall behaviour conflict

13. We hurried back to our car as we saw the clouds ____________ over the mountains.
A. rolling in B. holding off C. beating down D. bucketing down
roll in = to arrive in great numbers or amounts

Colin is only just ____________; he gets unemployment benefit, but it isn’t much.
A. scraping by B. putting aside C. bailing out D. tiding over Key: A
scrape by = to have only enough money to pay for the basic things you need
This is a very busy office and in your new position you will have to be able to think on
your ____________!
A. toes B. legs C. feet D. knees
think on one’s feet = to make a quick decision or give an answer

quickly Part 2.
She had had the ____________ to prepare herself financially in case of an accident.
(SIGHT)
They were sturdy and wooden; quite beautiful in their ____________, utilitarian lines.
(CLOT)
My room is ____________, so we can invite them to the party in my room. (SHIP)
The turbulence of the airplane during the storm made everyone feel ____________.
(EASE)

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
210

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
It is essential that tutors provide a good service ____________ with the fees being
charged to students and/or their employers. (MEASURE)
Key:
FORESIGHT (n) = the ability to judge correctly what is going to happen in the future and
plan your actions based on this knowledge
UNCLUTTERED (adj) = not having too many objects in it, and looking tidy
SHIPSHAPE (adj) = clean and neat; in good condition and ready to use
QUEASY (adj) = feeling sick; wanting to vomit
COMMENSURATE (adj) = matching something in size, importance, quality, etc.
211

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 33
Part 1.
Being a college professor ____________ you the opportunity simply to write and do
research.
A. affords B. dispenses B. grants C. procures
Key: A
afford somebody something = to provide somebody with something
2. I am afraid that sofa is a ____________ too big to fit along that wall.
A. dose B. portion C. shade D. slice
a shade = a little; slightly

3. Fortunately, I noticed that the shop assistant had ____________ the wrong amount.
A. run over B. rung up C. put on D. rounded up
ring up = enter the cost of goods being bought in a shop on a cash register by pressing the
buttons; to make sales of a particular value
It did not take much to ____________ the old animosity lurking behind the surface of
their relationship.
A. resuscitate B. rekindle C. restore D. regain
Key: B
rekindle = make someone have a feeling that they had in the past
That's a pretty ____________ excuse - he could have gotten there if he'd really wanted
to.
A. blank B. bare C. raw D. thin
Key: D
thin = of poor quality; without an important quality
6. Getting away from the stresses of work would do you a ____________ of good.
A. sense B. taste C. virtue D. power
212

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: D
do sb a power of good = help someone physically or mentally
7. Don’t ____________ him on to join a gang: nothing could be worse for him!
A. egg B. toast C. butter D. knife
Key: A
egg sb on = strongly encourage someone to do something that might not be a very good
idea
The phrase ‘money doesn't buy happiness’ is a cautionary cliché that keeps us from
blindly lining your pockets with ____________ in the hope that we’ll feel happier.
A. stash B. hoard C. stock D. dosh
Key: D
line one’s pockets with dosh = to earn money using dishonest or illegal methods
Malaysians should embrace their natural generosity and not let hard times
____________ their spirit to help others in need.
A. dampen B. moisten C. drench D. deluge
Key: A
dampen your spirits = reduce your enthusiasm, cause you to lose interest
My first impression of Vanessa was that she was very charming and ____________; she
seemed totally at ease with people.
A. exuberant B. urbane C. aloof D. compassionate
Key: B
urbane = good at knowing what to say and how to behave in social situations; appearing
relaxed and confident
Apart from one or two ____________ of brilliance from Owen, England put on a rather
poor performance.
A. flashes B. spells C. storms D. strokes
Key: A
flash of something = a particular idea or feeling that suddenly comes into your mind or
shows in your face
213

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
12. All he has done since losing his job is ____________ around the house all day.
A. mourn B. depress C. mope D. wallow
Key: C
mope around = to spend time walking around a place with no particular purpose,
especially because you feel sorry for yourself
13. Kitchell says the city was a ____________ of all American culture during the '60s.
A. microclimate B. microcopy C. microcosm D. microscope
Key: C
microcosm = a thing, a place or a group that has all the features and qualities of
something much larger
14. The island of Tahiti ____________ sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
A. brags B. gloats C. boasts D. swaggers
Key: C
boast something = to have something that is impressive
The Government is trying to ____________ when it says it will spend more on the health
service without raising taxes.
A. chew the fat B. wave the flag
C. square the circle D. put the lid
Key: C
square the circle = to do something that is considered to be
impossible Part 2.
Some things are ____________ true: Water is wet, gra is green (kind of), dogs bark and
houses prices rise, (ALIEN)
The country had been ____________ from thirteen years of middle-level Conservative
rule of reasonable efficiency, modest dynamism but small-power idealism. (MANCIPLE)
The foreigners in Ottawa constitute a(n) ____________ threat to the integrity and
autonomy of our province. (OMEN)
The sparse dialogue is as mind-numbingly ____________ and unsubtle as political
oratory. (CLAIM)
214

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Although she was from a ____________family and could have led a very comfortable
life, Judith had chosen otherwise. (DO)
Key:
INALIENABLY (adv) = in an inalienable manner
EMANCIPATED
emancipate (v) = to give people social or political freedom and rights
OMINOUS (adj) = suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen
DECLAMATORY (adj) = expressing something with strong feeling, especially in a loud
voice or with forceful language
WELL-TO-DO (adj) = having a lot of money
215

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 34
Part 1.
Her position became ____________ when rumours were spread that she’d lied about her
qualifications.
A. precipitous B. precarious C. perennial D. dubious
Key: B
precarious = not safe or certain; dangerous
The priest was tormented by guilt when he looked back on the ____________ lifestyle he
had led in his youth.
A. insolent B. irresolute C. insolvent D. dissolute
Key: D
dissolute = enjoying immoral activities and not caring about behaving in a morally
acceptable way
The prime minister’s way of dealing with his own incompetence is to ____________
his cabinet.
A. restructure B. reorganise C. rearrange D. reshuffle
Key: D
reshuffle (something) = to change around the jobs that a group of people do, for example
in a government
4. I have to ____________ it to William; he put in the hard work and got results.
A. hand B. present C. give D. applaud
Key: A
If you say you have (got) to hand it to someone you mean that they have been very
successful or skilful
Her ____________ treatment by her employers finally forced her to look for a better job.
A. shabby B. messy C. grungy D. tardy
Key: A
shabby = unfair and unreasonable
216

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
After ____________ over the pros and cons for weeks, she finally quit her job last
Friday.
A. moralizing B. agonizing C. sterilizing D. rationalizing
Key: B
agonize = to spend a lot of time trying to make a decision
7. They are a real ____________ organisation; they are only interested in making a profit.
A. devil-may-care B. fly-by-night C. open-handed D. down-to-earth
fly-by-night = a person or business that is dishonest and only interested in making money
quickly
Unfortunately, Jamie’s plans to tour around Australia didn’t ____________ due to a lack
of finances.
A. pan out B. pull off C. knuckle down D. waltz through
Key: A
pan out (of events or a situation) = to develop in a particular way
We ____________ deny that we have ever cheated or tampered illegally with any match
ball in any game during our careers.
A. categorically B. fully C. distinctly D. highly
categorically = in a way that is without any doubt or possibility of being changed

10. She had a strong desire to be a dancer but failed to make the ____________.
A. grade B. term C. mark D. degree
make the grade = to perform well enough to succeed in something

Millions of people left Italy for the USA during the Italian ____________ of the
nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
A. clique B. diaspora C. horde D. troupe
Key: B
217

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
diaspora = the scattering of people from their original country to other places
The football fans were coming in ____________ to watch the final game. An hour before
the kickoff the stadium was packed full.
A. fingers and thumbs B. bits and bobs
C. dribs and drabs D. bibs and tuckers
Key: C
in dribs and drabs = in small amounts, a few at a time
He likes nothing better than to spend his Sunday mornings ____________ in the gardens.
A. pottering about B. hanging around C. whiling away D. winding down
Key: A
potter about = to spend time in a pleasant, relaxed way, often doing small jobs in your
house
I had been feeling very down in the dumps after being given the sack, but took
____________ when a prestigious employment agency booked two interviews for me.
A. stride B. shine C. heart D. issue
Key: C
take heart = to feel encouraged
Part 2.
The power of red wine to ____________ high cholesterol has been ballyhooed in the
press. (ACT)
Not only was it gaudy in appearance but the smell wafting from the kitchen was distinctly
____________. (ODOR)
The message is clear and concise and displays no ____________ that one would expect
to find in more courtly love scenes. (VERB)
If you join the armed forces, you have to pledge ____________ to your country.
(ALLAY)
The next government will play an energetic role in seeking multilateral nuclear
____________. (ARM)
218

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key:
COUNTERACT (v) = to reduce or remove the effect of something unwanted by
producing an opposite effect
MALODOROUS (adj) = having an unpleasant smell
VERBOSITY (n) = the quality of being verbose (= using too many words)
ALLEGIANCE (n) = loyalty and support for a ruler, country, group, or belief
DISARMAMENT (n) = the act of taking away or giving up weapons
219

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 35
Part 1.
He says that the clothes that judges wear in court are irrelevant ____________ from
another era.
A. remains B. relics C. remnants D. leavings
Key: B
relic (of/from something) = an object, a tradition, a system, etc. that has survived from
the past
While writing the exam, Mark stole a(n) ____________ glance at the answer key on the
teacher’s desk.
A. stealthy B. underhand C. furtive D. secret
Key: C
furtive = behaving in a way that shows that you want to keep something secret and do not
want to be noticed
I wrote the outline of the plot, then an experienced radio dramatist helped me
____________ the story.
A. churn out B. farm out C. flesh out D. kick out
Key: C
flesh something out = to add more information or details to a plan, an argument, etc.
We don’t want him to suspect we’re giving him a surprise party. Make sure you don’t
____________.
A. break the ice B. kick the bucket C. spill the beans D. sweep the board
Key: C
spill the beans = to tell people secret information
5. The earl refuses to allow anyone who is not of ____________ blood to marry his son.
A. blue B. green C. red D. yellow Key: A
blue blood = the blood [heredity] of a noble family; aristocratic ancestry
220

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
6. I've searched ____________ for that old photo album, but I can't find it anywhere.
A. high and low B. long and short
C. straight and narrow D. thick and thin
Key: A
high and low = everywhere
The designer refuses to gild the ____________, preferring clean, simple lines for his
creations.
A. lily B. flower C. rose D. daisy
Key: A
gild the lily = to cause something to be less good or beautiful than it already is by trying
to improve it
Jane ____________ about the surprise party for Sheila and now the whole idea is ruined.
A. blabbed B. gossiped C. prattled D. chatted
Key: A
blab (to somebody) (about something) | blab (something) (to somebody) = to tell
somebody information that should be kept secret
Your column must have ____________ a nerve, because we are getting slammed with
feedback from readers—and they're not happy.
A. drilled B. punched C. touched D. knocked
Key: C
hit/touch/strike a (raw/sensitive) nerve = to mention a subject that makes somebody feel
angry, upset, embarrassed, etc.
You say you need new clothes but your wardrobe is full to ____________ with dresses.
A. overflowing B. overfilling C. overlaying D. overstepping
Key: A
If a container or a place overflows, whatever is inside it starts coming out because it is
too full
221

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Critics agree that Trevor Richmond gave a particularly ____________ performance as

King Lear.
A. holding B. arresting C. apprehensive D. detaining
Key: B
arresting = attracting a lot of attention; very attractive
12. He didn’t mean to be offensive; it was quite an ____________ remark.
A. innocuous B. inaugural C. integral D. insidious
Key: A
innocuous = completely harmless
I had ____________ my hopes on this promotion, so I was crushed when I didn't get
it.
A. clipped B. nailed C. stuck D. pinned
Key: D
pin one’s hopes on sb/sth = to hope very much that something or someone will help you
to achieve what you want
14. I didn't have time to organize my thoughts, so I just spoke ____________.
A. beyond the pale B. in deep water
C. off the cuff D. on the hop
Key: C
If you speak off the cuff, you say something without having prepared or thought about
your words first.
I wish I could convey how much it means to me having you all here, but words
____________ me at the moment.
A. miss B. abandon C. leave D. fail
Key: D
words fail me = said to emphasize your surprise or shock, especially at something you
have just seen or been told
Part 2.
222

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Opposition leaders said they would try to stage nationwide protests, but previous
opposition rallies have met only ____________ support. (WARM)
Jaubert had been a reasonable man to work for, had never asked her to do anything illegal
or ____________. (TASTE)
For twenty-five years he ____________ amassed evidence to support his hypothesis.
(PAIN)
He felt out of place, a(n) ____________ in a society where conformity was highly prized.
(CONFORM)
It would be ____________ on our part to pretend ignorance of our book's impact, both in
sales and controversy. (GENUS)
Key:
LUKEWARM (adj) = not enthusiastic or interested
DISTASTEFUL (adj) = unpleasant and unacceptable
PAINSTAKINGLY (adv) = in a way that shows you have taken a lot of care or made a
lot of effort
NONCONFORMIST (n) = someone who lives and thinks in a way that is different from
other people
DISINGENUOUS (adj) = (of a person or their behaviour) slightly dishonest, or not
speaking the complete truth
223

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 36
Part 1.
Under the threat of a strike, the management ____________ and agreed to reinstate
annual pay increases for all employees.
A. caved in B. ebbed away C. held off D. wore down
Key: A
cave in = to finally do what somebody wants after you have been strongly opposing them
The poor girl was absolutely ____________ with him, not knowing that his tastes lie in
quite a different direction.
A. infatuated B. incapacitated C. captivated D. encapsulated
Key: A
infatuated (with somebody/something) = having a very strong feeling of love or attraction
for somebody/something so that you cannot think clearly and in a sensible way
3. Those remarks were ____________. No wonder they provoked such an angry reaction.
A. below par B. below the belt C. below the radar D. below the salt
Key: B
below the belt = unkind or unfair
I may seem confident when I'm leading a training seminar, but I'm really shaking in my
____________ most of the time.
A. trousers B. suits C shirts D. shoes
Key: D
shake in one’s shoes = to be very nervous or afraid, often visibly so
It is difficult to get skips in this age group capable of keeping their ____________ up at
this level of competition.
A. end B. self C. frame D. edge
Key: A
keep one’s end up = to continue to deal with difficulties bravely and successfully
There is a big investigation ____________, but I don't know when.
224

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. in the offing B. off the peg

C. on the blink D. over the hill
Key: A
in the offing = going to happen soon
As I said before, the report will be released in the ____________ of time. I can't estimate
when that will be.
A. rightness B. fullness C. greatness D. correctness
Key: B
If you say something will happen in the fullness of time, you mean that it will happen if
you wait long enough:
What a bad day: I left my phone in the grocery store, my car broke down on the way
home, and, to ____________ it all off, my groceries broke through the bag as I was
walking to the front door.
A. top B. sum C. total D. peak
Key: A
If you have been describing bad things that happened, and then say that to top it all off
something else happened, you mean that the final thing was even worse.
I was ____________ when I heard that the MP for Burnham had been arrested for fraud.
A. leveled B. floored C. hurled D. heaved
Key: B
be floored = be completely surprised or shocked
10. Disagreements among party members have led to a major political ____________.
A. tussle B. wrangle C. scrap D. squabble
Key: B
wrangle = an angry argument
11. Only after buying the cottage did we discover that it was ____________ with mice.
A. inflicted B. infested C. invaded D. infected
225

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: B
be infested with = to be overrun by or beset with something unpleasant and unwanted,
usually a pest of some kind
She has a(n) ____________ mind which kept her alert and well-informed even in old age.
A. examining B. demanding C. enquiring D. querying
Key: C
enquiring = always wanting to learn new things
My sunburnt nose made me feel rather ____________ for the first few days of the
holiday.
A. self-effacing B. self-centred C. self-conscious D. self-evident
Key: C
self-conscious = too aware of what other people are thinking about you and your
appearance
The old man led a ____________ existence after she left and refused even to see his
children.
A. reclusive B. deserted C. remote D. vacant
Key: A
reclusive = living alone and avoiding other people
If we ____________ over the details, we’ll never finish filming this episode by today.
A. niggle B. discuss C. huddle D. mob
Key: A
niggle over = to fuss or argue (with one) over something petty, trivial, or unimportant
Part 2.
Great cities and ____________ are developed by visionaries who instil pride and
optimism in their fellow citizens. (URBAN)
She ____________ the things we need to buy - sugar, tea and sandwiches. (NUMBER)
Working hours, including those accruing on a ____________ basis, are monitored by line
managers locally and no central figures are available. (TIME)
226

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
____________ to me, he had rented out the apartment while I was away. (KNOW)
He was fascinated by her ____________ - the prominent nose, brooding eyes and thick
hair. (PHYSIC)
Key:
1. CONURBATIONS
conurbation = a city area containing a large number of people, formed by various towns
growing and joining together:
2. ENUMERATES
enumerate = to name things separately, one by one
FLEXITIME (n) = a system of working in which people work a particular number of
hours within a fixed period of time, but can change the time they start or finish work
UNBEKNOWNST (adv) = without a particular person knowing
PHYSIOGNOMY (n) = the shape and features of a person’s face
227

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 37
Part 1.
1. Congratulations on your success! How does it feel to be____________?
A. the man of the hour B. a word of honor
C. an egg on the face D. the top of the morning
Key: A
man of the hour = a person currently being celebrated, honored, or admired by others,
especially for a recent victory, accomplishment, or other cause for celebration
We would like to ____________ again that wire confirmation copy will be coming by
mail soon and copy will be sent to you upon receipt.
A. reincarnate B. reiterate C. rehabilitate D. reciprocate
Key: B
reiterate = to repeat something that you have already said, especially to emphasize it
Annabel and Insidious 3 are not James Wan’s best movies by far and those would be
____________ between any of the other sequels on air, but they are pretty incredible.
A. kiss-offs B. summings-up C. tip-offs D. toss-ups
Key: D
toss-up = a situation in which either of two choices, results, etc. is equally possible
4. You shouldn’t have been ____________ to your elders by raising those matters.
A. ill-mannered B. immaterial C. impertinent D. inapposite
Key: C
impertinent = rude and not showing respect for somebody who is older or more important
Speaking about his long battle with his illness struck a ____________with the audience.
A. wire B. string C. rope D. chord
Key: D
strike a chord = to say or do something that makes people feel sympathy or enthusiasm
228

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
When several companies showed interest in buying the film rights to his novel, he knew
he had ____________.
A. upped the ante B. scooped the bag
C. caught the fat one D. hit the jackpot
hit the jackpot = to make or win a lot of money quickly and unexpectedly
7. The train service has been a ____________ since they introduced the new schedules.
A. shambles B. rumpus C. chaos D. fracas Key: A
shambles = a state of confusion, bad organization, or untidiness, or something that is in

this state
As he accepted the award from the organization, his voice ____________ with emotion.
A. quivered B. flinched C. cringed D. winced
Key: A
quiver = to shake slightly, often because of strong emotion
In the last century, it was widely ____________ that Indian fakirs were capable of
superhuman feats.
A. held B. grasped C. kept D. shaken
Key: A
be widely held that = to be believed by a lot of people
10. I knew my mother would ____________ a face the minute she saw my new haircut.
A. drag B. lift C. pull D. raise
pull the face = to twist one’s face into a strange expression

I associate public transport with one of the worst experiences of my life and the
____________ of it is that I will never catch a bus again.
A. hard and fast B. thick and thin
229

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
C. long and short D. ups and downs

Key: C
and the long and short of it = the whole story in a few words
12. She was just an ordinary person before suddenly thrusting into the ____________.
A. limelight B. floodlight C. headlight D. flashlight
Key: A
the limelight = the public’s attention
Going to the unemployment office and having to wait there for hours is a
____________ experience.
A. soul-destroying B. heart-stopping
C. power-sharing D. thought-provoking
Key: A
soul-destroying = (of a task etc) very dull, boring, repetitive etc
The festival audience were ____________ each other in order to get as near to the stage
as possible.
A. staggering B. jostling C. strolling D. fidgeting
Key: B
jostle = to push roughly
You are going to need her help. If I were you, I’d ___________ a bit. I’d try to get her on
my side, you know what I mean.
A. soap her down B. oil her over
C. butter her up D. grease her out
Key: C
butter sb up = to be very kind or friendly to someone or try to please someone, so that
that person will do what you want them to do
Part 2.
Londoners have long been ____________ proud of a health service that does not serve
them well. (VERSE)
230

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
When we came to the platform on the railway station we were met by the station master,
an ____________ little man with a peaked cap. (OFFICE)
There was a party after the ceremony where much drinking and ____________ went on.
(SLAP)
I know no private business that cannot be improved by independent investigation, by a
____________ policy provided by "new blood" and so on. (SIGHT)
However, this new style of theatre caused some ____________ among the spectators,
who criticized anything that lacked complete realism. (MUSE)
Key:
PERVERSELY (adv) = in a way that is strange and not what most people would expect
or enjoy
OFFICIOUS (adj) = too eager to tell people what to do and having too high an opinion of
your own importance
BACKSLAPPING (n) = a noisy expression of happiness and positive feelings, usually
showing admiration for a shared success
CLEAR-SIGHTED (adj) = having a good understanding of a particular subject and the
ability to make good judgments about it
BEMUSEMENT (n) = the state of being bemused (= slightly confused)
231

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 38
Part 1.
1. After the earthquake, the entrance hall was turned into a ____________ casualty ward.
A. mainstay B. makeshift C. piecework D. wayside
Key: B
makeshift = temporary and of low quality, but used because of a sudden need
2. She knows she needs exercise, but finds going to the gym a ____________.
A. job B. toil C. work D. chore
Key: D
chore = something that is difficult and unpleasant
It’s a ____________ for decent jobs these days, so you need every qualification you can
get.
A. scramble B. jumble C. jostle D. flurry
Key: A
cramble (for something) = a situation in which people push, fight or compete with each
other in order to get or do something
Another, perhaps inspired by the nursery rhyme, is that a(n) ____________ for sweet
things during pregnancy makes you more likely to be having a girl, while a boy will
make you crave savoury, salty foods, meat and cheese in particular.
A. inspiration B. affinity C. predilection D. propensity
Key: C
if you have a predilection for something, you like it very much
Jack was disappointed not to be promoted as he was given to ____________ that the job
would be his.
A. know B. understand C. realize D. say
Key: B
give someone to understand (that) = to tell someone something, or to make them think
that something is true
232

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I know you have a good voice and have ambitions to be an opera singer but do not give
up your day ____________ yet.
A. situation B. work C. job D. place
Key: C
don’t give up the day job (informal, humorous) = used to tell somebody that they should
continue doing what they are used to, rather than trying something new that they are
likely to fail at
Her ambition and ____________ determination ensured that she rose to the top of her
profession.
A. hounded B. wormed C. ducked D. dogged
Key: D
dogged = very determined to do something, even if it is very difficult
I'd been living in this country for a few years, but it wasn't until I had kids that I felt like I
had really put down ____________ here.
A. roots B. seeds C. nuts D. fruits
Key: A
If you put down roots in a place where you have moved to live, you make new friends
and join in new activities there so that you feel it is your home
Given the appalling weather conditions on top of the mountain, I’d say the chances of
their finding any survivors are very ____________ indeed.
A. narrow B. lean C. remote D. shallow
Key: C
remote = slight
A full scholarship to Harvard and you are worried about leaving your job? You’d be a
fool to ____________ up a chance like that.
A. turn B. brush C. pass D. cast
Key: C
pass up sth = to fail to take advantage of an opportunity
233

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
I am not able to go anywhere this weekend because I am up to my ____________ in

work.
A. neck B. nose C. waist D. ankle
Key: A
be up to one’s neck in sth = to be very busy
He says he has raised certain issues, and the government is debating those issues, and it is
very necessary that we ____________ these concerns.
A. lash out B. scroll over C. shrivel up D. mull over
mull something over = to spend time thinking carefully about a plan or proposal
Steve used to be easy to work with, but since his promotion he’s begun to______ .
A. throw his weight around B. throw in the towel
C. throw him off balance D. throw a monkey wrench in the works
throw one’s weight around = to assert oneself in a controlling, domineering, or

authoritarian manner
Both the favourite and then the second favourite pulled out. Naturally, we thought we
were ______ a chance.
A in with B up for C in for D up with
Key: A
be in with a chance = to have a good chance of achieving something
15. The manager hesitated to assign the job to the newcomer as he was__________ .
A. wet behind the ears B. feeling your ears burning C. ringing in

your ears D. keeping your ears open
Key: A
be wet behind the ears = to be immature, inexperienced, and naïve
Part 2.

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
234

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Many students consider coding as an utterly ____________ language distinct from

human language in general. (SCRUTINY)
Even at higher temperatures, there may be problems of having enough time for the solid
to fully ____________ as the system is cooling. (EQUAL)
Just because she’s read some ____________ paperback she thinks she’s some kind of
expert on the modus-operandi. (TRASH)
Staff felt as if they had been ____________ when they discovered the new management’s
plans. (WINK)
The defendant is a ____________ individual gripped by the dangerous delusion that his
opinion matters. (RANCOR)
Key:
INSCRUTABLE (adj) = impossible to understand
EQUILIBRATE (v) = to achieve equilibrium (= a state of balance) or to bring something
into equilibrium
TRASHY (adj) = of low quality; with little or no value
HOODWINKED
hoodwink (v) = to deceive or trick someone
5. CANTANKEROUS (adj) = arguing and complaining a lot
235

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 39
Part 1.
1. Do not mention work to Ray, as it is a sore ____________ with him at the moment.
A. finger B. point C. place D. thumb Key: B
a sore point = a subject that someone prefers not to talk about because it makes them
angry or embarrassed
2. Distress calls were pouring in, thick and ____________, from all over the area
Key: C
thick and fast = quickly and in large numbers
3. She wouldn’t have heard anything. She is ____________.
A. stone-deaf B. rock-deaf C. post-deaf D. bat-deaf
stone deaf = completely unable to hear anything

4. During winter the shelters are full of people of no fixed ____________.
A. residence B. abode C. home D. domicile
be of no fixed abode = have no permanent home

Harry was offered a scholarship to study in Japan and he ____________ the opportunity
with both hands.
A. grasped B. grabbed C. held D. passed
grab = to take the opportunity to get, use, or enjoy something quickly
I thought I had made it ____________ that I didn’t wish to discuss this matter.
A. distinct B. plain C. frank D. straight
make it plain = to say something so that it is obvious what you mean
236

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
The kids are ____________ in the steam-filled room, and the girl seems grateful for adult
conversation.
A. impinging on B. larking about C. ploughing ahead D. floating out
8. I slept badly last night and am feeling particularly ____________ this morning.
A. slow-witted B. far-reaching C. off-hand D. top-heavy
Key: A
slow-witted = not clever and therefore slow to notice or understand things
My first meal was days later because, as ever, the migraine ____________ after the
anaesthetic.
A. caved in B. chipped in C. gave in D. kicked in
kick in = start to have effect

9. Some people can just ____________ a cold, but my colds seem to linger for weeks
A. shrug off B. cough up C. pull through D. stamp out Key: A
shrug off = to get rid of something unpleasant that you do not want
10. It’s a good idea to ____________ people before taking them into your confidence
A. tumble to B. root out C. bank on D. size up Key: D
size up = to examine something or someone carefully and decide what you think about it,
him, or her
Nick's mom has turned her home into a halfway house for ____________ relatives and
stray dogs.
A. tumble-down B. downcast C. run-down D. down-and-out

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
down-and-out = a person without money, a home or a job, who lives on the streets
12. Here I sit ____________ - no food, no money, no anything

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. high and dry B. thick and thin C. huff and puff D. wear and tear
237

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
Key: A
high and dry = in a difficult situation, without help or money
The money was taken out of the bank in small amounts so as not to ____________
suspicion.
A. awake B. arouse C. instigate D. incite
Key: B
arouse = to cause someone to have a particular feeling
14. Because he was an ____________ criminal, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
A. illegible B. impenetrable C. impermeable D. incorrigible
Key: D
incorrigible = bad and impossible to change or improve
15. She was a ____________Catholic and, so far as I am aware, morally unassailable.
A. firm B. devout C. staunch D. strict
Key: B
devout = believing strongly in a religion and obeying all its rules or principles
Part 2.
The New Year 2020’s ____________ show involves almost every famous face of the
country. (STAR)
Companies can be punished for making ____________ claims about their products.
(substance)
We can ____________ our timescale of the circulation by looking at the changes in
density surface of the salinity minimum. (robust)
It was a misery ____________ of a woman escaped from North Korea to which everyone
expressed their sorrow and sympathy. (memory)
They were ____________ in the tradition of 'public service' from their contact with older
regimes. (culture)
ALL-STAR (adj) = having or including famous actors or players
238

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
UNSUBSTANTIATED (adj) = not supported by facts

CORROBORATE (v) = to add proof to an account, statement, idea, etc. with new
information
MEMOIR (n) = a book or other piece of writing based on the writer's personal knowledge
of famous people, places, or events
ACCULTURATED
acculturate (v) = to change so that you become more like people from a different culture,
or to make someone change in this way
239

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
TEST 40
Part 1.
1. I don't know why she puts up with the way he ____________ her.
A. walks in on B. walks away with C. walks off with D.
walks all over
walk all over sb = treat sb with no respect

I have to ____________ the state driving laws because I have to take my driving test
tomorrow.
A. bleat on about B. bone up on C. cast around for D. home in on
Key: B
bone up on sth = to learn more about a particular topic, usually in preparation for
something
3. Don't ____________ your problems. It's better to talk them out.
A. bottle up B. close in C. eat into D. fob off
bottle up sth = to refuse to talk about something that angers or worries you
4. We are not in a ____________ hurry, so let’s have another coffee.
A. dashing B. racing C. rushing D. tearing
be in a tearing hurry = to be going somewhere very quickly, usually because you are late
5. We should all ____________ when advertisers attempt to use unfair practices.

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. make a stand B. make a comeback C. make amends D.

make a deal
make a stand = hold firm against something or someone

People turned out in ____________ to watch the parade on the Independence Day.
240

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. volume B. mass C. force D. bulk

Key: C
in force = in large numbers
Not being able to find my phone number is a pretty____________ excuse for not
contacting me.
A. fragile B. frail C. faint D. feeble
feeble = not effective or good

8. The problem ____________ because neither side was prepared to compromise.
A. amassed B. escalated C. proliferated D. enhanced Key: B
escalate = to become or make something become greater or more serious

9. I couldn't stop myself from ____________ with boredom during the lecture.
A. sighing B. gasping C. panting D. blowing Key: A
sigh = to breathe out slowly and noisily, expressing tiredness, sadness, pleasure, etc
10. Money was short and people survived by ____________ and saving.
A. scrimping B. scavenging C. scouring D. scrounging
scrimp and save = manage to live on very little money in order to pay for something 11.
She didn’t show even a ____________ of emotion when the court found her guilty.
A. gleam B. wink C. flicker D. flash

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
flicker = a feeling or expression of an emotion or quality that does not last very
long 12. He let it ____________ that the Prime Minister was a close friend of his.

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
A. announce B. talk C. drop D. infer Key: C
241

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
let sth drop = say more about sth

We don’t have a secretary ____________, but we do have a student who comes in to do a
bit of filing.
A. as such B. the least bit C. whatsoever D. little more
as such = using the exact meaning of the word or phrase
14. It’s the ____________ of stupidity to go walking in the mountains in this weather.
A. height B. depth C. source D. matter
Key: A
the height of sth = used to say that something is an extreme example of something
I really don’t want to get involved in your problems. Why are you ____________ me into
it?
A. pulling B. dragging C. wrenching D. towing
Key: B
drag sb into sth = to force someone to become involved in an unpleasant or difficult
situation
Part 2.
When we arrived, the party was in full swing and the room was ____________. (BUZZ)
They found it ____________ amusing that this hot-shot chef couldn't even use a tomato
slicer. (ROAR)
Say after me," he would ____________, and the class dutifully repeated whatever he
said. (TONE)
Because opera is a collaborative genre, the mechanisms of its production and its resulting
meaning(s) are often heteroglossic or at best ____________. (GAIN)
Emotionality is also central in language choice for positive affect, such as
____________ or praise for one's partner or children. (DEAR)
Key:
ABUZZ (adj) = filled with noise and activity
UPROARIOUSLY (adv) = in an extremely noisy and confused way
242

lOMoARcPSD|15460778
INTONE (v) = to say something slowly and seriously in a voice that does not rise or fall
much
UNGAINLY (adj) = awkward, clumsy or ungraceful
ENDEARMENTS
endearment (n) = a word or phrase that you use to show that you love someone
243

Lexico Practice Tests For Nec 176 Trang Fanpage Tai Lieu Tieng Anh Nang Cao

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lexico Practice Tests For Nec 176 Trang Fanpage Tai Lieu Tieng Anh Nang Cao

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

lOMoARcPSD|15460778

Scan to open on Studocu

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. Clean B. Purify C. Liberate D. Cleanse

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. holding her thumb B. on high skies C. coming up

be on a tear = engaged in a continuous, fast-paced procession of actions or events,

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. out for B. out on C. back with D. up with

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. sharing B. personal C. advice D. problem

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. empirical B. informed C. substantive D. static

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

Downloaded by han nguyen (ngochan2012007@gmail.com)

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO