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

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO
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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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.
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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)
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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
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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 6 0
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
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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 6 C.0 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
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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.
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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 6 0
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
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Key: C 6 0
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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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 .
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Key: B
a blaze of glory = happens in a very successful and impressive way, often used to
describe a final action.
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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
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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 6 C.0 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
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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. 6 0
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.
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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)
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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
6 0 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
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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
6 0in 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.
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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 6 C.0 expunging D. enacting
Key: B
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perpetuate (v) = to make something such as a bad situation, a belief, etc. continue for a
long time
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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)
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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 6 0
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
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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. 6 0
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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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____________ 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
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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
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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
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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
6 0 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
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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
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tired day.
A. surging B. thundering C. clapping D. breaking
177
Key: D
6 0
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
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)
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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)
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luxuriate in sth = to get great pleasure from something
179
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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)
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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
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183
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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
6 winning
0 lottery ticket in his hand.
184
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
6 0
shocked or surprised
people who thrive in social situations are seen as extroverts while

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

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

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FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

MOVIEMAKING (n) = the act or process of making a film

A. trudge B. crusade C. plod D. stroll

A. seat B. rap C. gush D. bash

faint-hearted (adj) = not being confident or brave enough; afraid of failing

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

swarm with somebody/something = to be full of people or things

A. spineless B. petrified C. valiant D. gobsmacked

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

A. smirked B. flinched C. gaped D. squirmed

sadfishing = exaggerating emotional problems to generate sympathy

hit the road = to leave a place or begin a journey

take in = to go to see something of interest

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

A. get a word in edgeways B. get a kick out of it C. get a grip

A. stretched B. swelled C. bulged D. blew Key: B

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

bolt down = to eat something quickly

Although Vietnam is a ____________ to numerous intellectual property conventions,

by hook or by crook = by any method possible

A. annoy B. confuse C. disturb D. bother Key: C

A. hat B. boot C. belt D. socks Key: D

a clean bill of health = a decision by a doctor that someone is healthy

A. toe the line B. get a grip on themselves

get to the bottom of sth = to discover the truth about a situation

A. throwing in the towel B. jumping the gun C. playing it

A. take a back seat B. take a wrong turning C. go off the rails D.

A. loud B. good C. big D. sound Key: B

have one’s way: to do, get etc what one wants

A. trudge B. crusade C. plod D. stroll

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. seat B. rap C. gush D. bash

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

DEEP-SEATED (adj) = very fixed and strong; difficult to change or to destroy

A. gaiety B. delirium C. exaltation D. raptures

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

categorically = in a way that is without any doubt or possibility of being changed

make the grade = to perform well enough to succeed in something

A. blue B. green C. red D. yellow Key: A

blue blood = the blood [heredity] of a noble family; aristocratic ancestry

Critics agree that Trevor Richmond gave a particularly ____________ performance as

A. in the offing B. off the peg

A. shambles B. rumpus C. chaos D. fracas Key: A

shambles = a state of confusion, bad organization, or untidiness, or something that is in

pull the face = to twist one’s face into a strange expression

C. long and short D. ups and downs

FANPAGE TÀI LIỆU TIẾNG ANH NÂNG CAO

A. spineless B. petrified C. valiant D. gobsmacked

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

A. smirked B. flinched C. gaped D. squirmed

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