Lexico Vocabulary

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Lexico - These materials capture an array of useful

knowledge to enhance your vocabulary
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Test 41
1. The boy who was caught _____ candy or little toys many times but was never
punished by his mother grew up to be a thief.
A snitching B burgling C ransacking D pilfering
2. Some students attempted to _____ the teacher while the others prepared the
surprise birthday party for her.
A stall B haul C swathe D wane
3. Adam has no right to _____ his position on how much our class should
donate, that is our internal affair.
A hammer out B screen out C stake out D take out
4. Getting into the third round of 2022 World Cup is a real _____ for the Vietnam
national team.
A coup B deed C epic D crusade
5. The four-week circuit _____ will come into force tomorrow with the closure of
pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops.
A breaker B spell C respite D span
6. The old owners of the homestay are extremely hospitable and whenever I
travel to Dalat, I know there will always be a _____ welcome awaiting me.
A. princely B. heart-rending C. profound D. abstruse
7. School ends at 5 so my only choice is to _____ a chocolate bar on my way
to my extra Math class, which starts only 10’ later.
A. rattle through B. scarf down C. romp through D. scuff down
8. Having performed excellently in the Quidditch match, Ron _____ his moment
of glory, holding the trophy up to the crowd.
A blazed up B clocked up C plunged in D basked in
9. The image of peace and prosperity appearing on TV is rather _____ and does
not reflect the actual situation of the city.
A factious B factitive C factive D factional
10. Of course we all love a better quality fridge, but for a low-income family like
us, it’s better to cut your _____ according to your cloth.
A cloak B coat C clothes D gloves
11. There are many problems that laws don’t intervene and it totally rests with
the moral _____ of each individual to prevent wrongdoings.
A fibre B anchor C rigidity D latitude
12. My boyfriend refused to climb up the treetop with me because he doesn’t
have a _____ for heights.
A heart B head C soul D foot
13. I have received many warnings about my studies recently and was
threatened to be grounded by my parents, another low grade this time will be
_____ to me.

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A the last straw B the final nail in the coffin

C the parting shot D the drop in the bucket
14. I thought willpower was enough to take me to the finish line, but when my
muscles got sore and my body was exhausted, I knew I had _____.
A hit the deck B hit the sack
C hit the wall D hit the roof
15. He was brought up in an educated family but hanging out with the street
children has turned him into a(n) _____ young man with bad manners.
A uncouth B profane C impious D stoic
Word form
1. The police had been on _____ in our neighborhood for a week to collect
evidence before they arrested the drug dealer. (STAKE)
2. Meeting the first girl he loved after 8 years, old feelings _____ in the heart of
the married man. (FACE)
3. I later put my shoes back on because shells and gravel made walking _____
on the beach uncomfortable for me. (FOOT)
4. Although the technique seems simple compared to those of modern days,
paper produced by Cai Lun was considered _____ at that time. (GROUND)
5. The German recycling system provides a _____ against which schemes in
other nations can be measured. (BENCH)

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Test 42
1. As courageous as he seems to be, Falstaff is nothing but a _____ coward
who would flee first in the face of threat.
A stoic B spineless C deviant D shrewd
2. The game turned into a _____ when Harry caught the golden snitch, with the
Gryffindor winning by 180 to 40.
A rout B shutout C fit D bash
3. “Under the hawthorn” is a(n) _____ tale of pure young love set during the
Cultural Revolution that has brought many people to tears.
A amorous B poignant C mordant D doting
4. When the school year ends and I won’t have to meet my annoying deskmate
again, I will definitely tell her the _____!
A Ps and Qs B home truth C good grief D nuts and bolts
5. I had an ambition of getting the First prize in the National Contest, but I knew
it was just a _____ in the sky.
A pig B star C buffalo D pie
6. After having a whale of a time at my wedding yesterday, my colleague was
looking a little _____ when he came to work this morning.
A around the bend B in a fog
C off his trolley D green around the gills
7. Temporarily, the number of COVID-19 cases has ceased to increase, but I
can see more problems _____.
A carrying the day B coming down the pike
C arriving on the scene D drifting with the tide
8. The authority seems powerless to _____ of violence across the city after the
new law was implemented.
A beat the air B hold the fire C stem the tide D step off the curb
9. The small-scale demonstration later escalated into a _____ battle with the
police, involving more than 800 protesters and causing serious traffic
congestion across the city.
A pitched B racked C heaped D scrap
10. What this government is doing to its female citizens is clearly gender
discrimination under the _____ of religion.
A gown B coat C cape D cloak
11. In the system of constitutional monarchy, the Queen may have privilege but
she has no real political _____.
A loft B swathe C clout D nought
12. The needs of today's children cannot be met by the traditional _____ of
education we’re using, in which emphasis is placed solely on theoretical
knowledge.

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A prototype B paradigm C emblem D epitome

13. Newspapers _____ tributes to Professor Albus Dumbledore after his heroic
sacrifice in the battle against the evils.
A bristled with B hedged in C plucked at D talked into
14. My parents thought the costs of the trip would only remain in their
calculations, but unexpected additional expenses later _____ their budget.
A drank in B gobbled up C harped on D copped out
15. Scout decided that her brother Jem needed some time to _____ after a
terrible night so she tried to keep some distance from him.
A cry off B drill down C come off D simmer down
Word form
1. Many gun shops offer _____ services on the premises for customers to buy,
custom and fix right at the shop. (GUN)
2. The science fair is an annual event of this school and is regarded as a(n)
_____ of their scientific superiority. (SHOW)
3. With so many areas of ancient _____ being cut down, many rare species are
put under threat of habitat loss and extinction. (WOOD)
4. My children always take pride in their grandmother, who is a(n) _____ of the
Vietnam People’s Navy with lots of old stories to tell. (SERVICE)
5. My whole family has agreed on the living room design but wood _____ is still
something that requires consideration due to its cost. (FLOOR)

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Test 43
1. It is high time we canceled our marketing campaign as it hasn’t helped to
_____ in sales for months.
A move the needle B beat the drum
C tip the scales D change tack
2. I'm not surprised that Tina showed up with purple hair today—she loves
_____ with her hair color.
A kicking the bucket B getting the ball rolling
C drawing straws D ringing the changes
3. I think I will _____, it is unacceptable for a student to hold a racist attitude
towards his teacher.
A tell him a thing or two B pick his moment
C tick off on his fingers D get his brain in gear
4. He is a careful guy who will always get his _____ in a row before he starts
doing anything.
A dogs B chickens C ducks D kids
5. After the seventh time Ally came late to work, the teacher lost her patient and
hauled him over _____.
A the fire B woods C boiling water D the coals
6. The green protest is expected to _____ steam after the minister allows the
construction of a shopping center in place of the park.
A pick up B take up C carve up D clock up
7. It is hard to understand what led to a prejudicial attitude and _____ hatred of
women in a person brought up in a progressive family like him.
A foul B obnoxious C pathological D innocuous
8. With a record of 22000 flying hours, Callaghan proved to be an _____ and
shrewd pilot for these storms.
A inimitable B imperturbable C impermeable D unshakeable
9. In this story, the criminal is depicted as a person with a genius mind and a
_____ pleasure in watching others suffer.
A ascetic B dexterous C stoic D perverted
10. The view from the top of LangBiang was so breathtaking that we just stood
there _____ the scenery.
A bristling up in B breaking in C drilling in D drinking in
11. I think you had better spend some time to _____ certain factors before
applying for that position, the deadline is still far away
A mull over B bowl over C sleep over D boil over
12. Recent inconsiderate statements Mr. Key made in the public are believed
to be _____ to the cooperation between our company and the DYC.
A innocuous B prejudicial C vacuous D sinister

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13. As coincidental as the first time they met each other, that actually was also
part of her scheme to _____ this rich guy.
A snarf B snark C snarl D snare
14. As a public figure, whose life and behavior are the focus of intense public
interest, I have gradually become _____ to criticism and scrutiny.
A impermeable B impertinent C impervious D imperious
15. My aunt is clearly bathing in the reflected _____ of her son’s outstanding
performance and enviable achievements in the National Contest.
A glow B glory C fame D splendor
Word form
1. The second time the player was shown the yellow card for his _____ actions
during the game, he was dismissed from the field. (SPORT)
2. The prevalence of illegal drug _____ in the Philippines is lower than the global
average, partly thanks to strict drug policies in this country. (TRAFFIC)
3. I think hibiscus will do poorly as a _____, given the fact that it is native to
tropical regions and adores full sun. (PLANT)
4. Imported coffee is having a difficult time trying to find a _____ in the
Vietnamese market Vietnam. (FOOT)
5. I don’t have the _____ to stay on a diet so the only way for me to lose weight
is exercising. (POWER)

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Test 44
1. There is no _____ that will help you lose weight without effort, the only way
is to exercise and follow a diet.
A smoking gun B silver bullet C straight arrow D golden brick
2. Make sure you have researched your position thoroughly before the debate,
you definitely don’t want to bring _____ to a gunfight.
A a sword B a bow C a knife D an arrow
3. Baking a hundred cakes in two days is undeniably a _____ order, but I believe
we will manage it with unity.
A tall B high C huge D big
4. The runner was far ahead for most of the race, but at the end she won only
_____
A larger than life B by a whisker C on the dot D a notch above
5. Large cities like New York are usually _____ when it comes to adopting new
technology.
A before the wind B beyond depth C above bend D ahead of the curve
6. Slowly, she shed the ideological and emotional _____ of her upbringing in
her effort to become a more open and positive person.
A backpack B package C baggage D luggage
7. Born in the Soviet Union during the 1930s, my father was so deeply
influenced by the contemporary sociopolitical context that socialism has
become a(n) _____ of faith with him.
A realm B article C element D clause
8. Despite _____ efforts by our physiotherapists, my hamstring did not recover
in time for the race.
A staunch B valiant C intrepid D vigorous
9. The _____ of Skull and Bones, of which George H.W. Bush is a member, is
a secret society founded at Yale University in 1832.
A clique B order C assembly D stratum
10. Being the son of Howard Stark-a brilliant inventor, Tony had shown a natural
_____ for mechanical engineering since a young age.
A concord B rapport C affinity D preferment
11. Now that he realised he was losing the most important girl in his life, he
dropped all _____ of dignity and rushed down the street after her.
A semblance B vestige C inkling D portent
12. How sad it is to see with your own eyes the squalor and poverty that lay
behind the glittering _____ of Dubai.
A facade B antenna C masquerade D camouflage
13. I will remain in a holding _____ until the schedule is announced because I
won’t be able to join in the trip if the contest takes place next month.

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A position B pattern C seat D fit

14. I realize it myself, without _____, that I really have an extraordinary talent
for learning foreign languages!
A autocracy B egocentricity C conceit D tyranny
15. He'd spent years _____ a rich aunt of his before she passed away, forcing
him to find a job
A figuring on B battening on C feeding on D egging on
Word form
not reflect the actual situation of the city. (FACT)
2. When I was a child, I would always play shadow puppetry with my brother in
the _____ house during a blackout. (CANDLE)
3. Becoming a volunteer at a nursing home has offered me great opportunities
to strike up _____ friendships with many old people. (GENERATION)
4. _____ by the haze of alcohol, Mi resisted when A Su prevented her from
going to the Spring festival instead of giving in as usual. (BOLD)
5. Most spiders _____ flies and other insects in their webs while come species
like wolf spider or crab spider catch prey using their legs. (SNARE)

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Test 45
1 I'm a little nervous about starting my graduate degree program, but I'm
determined to _____ and give it a go.
A jump off the deep end B jump the gun
C drop off the radar D drop the ball
2. Negotiations went _____, but we did manage to reach an agreement on the
contract by the deadline.
A down to the short strokes B down for the count
C down to the ground D down to the wire
3. I have to clean this mess up before 5:00 or I will be pushing up _____ when
my mom gét home.
A roses B lily C daisies D grasses
4. With your present ability, it will be a cold day in _____ when you can beat
your brother in chess.
A June B Spring C July D Summer
5. Believe me, in this ever-changing era, that ridiculous pants may be _____ for
now but, before long, probably nobody will be wearing them.
A on the ball B all the rage C piping hot D on point
6. While capital punishment has been abolished in many countries, drug
trafficking still _____ the death penalty in Philippines.
A carries B bears C holds D contains
7. Even when in the most severe state of his illness, he still _____ himself with
rigid composure and great dignity of a proud soldier.
A carried B sent C bore D forged
8. My boss is quite an adamant man, so when he has had a plan, he would
_____ no interference or opposition.
A staunch B brook C consign D contain
9. James Conrad was described as a(n) _____ explorer who would always be
willing to venture into the most dangerous corners for new discoveries despite
all the risks.
A ardent B staunch C stalwart D audacious
10. Nothing could _____ the memory of that tragic night from the minds of
Titanic survivors.
A obliterate B deracinate C extinguishe D extort
11. I used to be my team’s treasure, but since my injury, I do realize I have
become more of a _____ than an asset to them.
A debit B culpability C liability D baggage
12. The _____ of the Slytherin house in Harry Potter was a snake and the
house's colours were green and silver.
A emblem B stature C calibre D motto

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13. The portrayal of Professor Snape in Harry Potter will forever stand as a(n)
_____ to actor Alan Rickman after he passes away.
A epitaph B epitome C compendium D conceit
14. I know you have matters that trouble you but please _____ for heaven's
sake Anthony, you are ruining the whole party!
A buck up B sift out C blaze up D air out
15. Both his parents used to be out at work all day when he was small, hence
his deep understanding of the lonesome and dangers of being a _____ child.
A rag B self-supporting C boomerang D latchkey
Word form
1. Don’t waste your _____ and fancy-free days because you won’t have as
much freedom after marriage and parenthood. (FOOT)
2. I hope my clumsy wording and expression won’t prevent the teacher from
recognizing my _____ gratitude to her. (HEART)
3. “A child called “it”” is a misery _____ written by Dave Pelzer, chronicling his
story as the victim of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California
history. (MEMORY)
4. You literally _____ your son by treating him as a failure for not attending
university despite his business success. (CHANGE)
5. Parents should pay close attention to their children’s health because many
respiratory symptoms can be the _____of asthma - a medical condition that
makes breathing difficult.
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Test 46
1. I eventually _____ to temptation and had a bar of chocolate at the seventh
hour of my fast.
A gave B yielded C flaunted D retired
Key: B
yield (v) = to stop resisting something/somebody; to agree to do something that
you do not want to do
2. I used to take my health for granted until my body was seriously _____ by
sickness.
A blighted B amputated C battered D raved
3. That’s weird he didn’t agree to lend you his bike, isn’t he the type of person
who would give you _____ off his back?
A the coat B the shoes C the bag D the shirt
4. I had no idea they were planning to organize a party for my birthday, they
must have kept it _____.
A in deep water B in a lip lock
C among the flowers D under the rose
5. I don’t really like Meg but it was a case of _____ when she was the only
person I could ask at that time.
A any Tom, Dick and Harry B any port in a storm
C any fool could do D any shape or form
6. Since a large percentage of her students failed the exam, the teacher decided
to give them a second bite at _____ by allowing them to take the test again.
A the apple B the pie C the cherry D the olive
7. The graduates of this medical school are considered to be _____ in
cardiology.
A the icing on the cake B the big cheese
C the cream of the crop D the captain of industry
8. The men turned to us, both _____ confident smiles on their faces and ready
for the match.
A smearing B wearing C clothing D masking
9. I decided to watch The hollow crown series of BBC because Tom Hiddleston
was in it but the language of Shakespeare is largely _____ to me.
A insatiable B unearthly C inscrutable D undulating
10. You had better prepare a more persuasive speech because you will have
to _____ a large majority of your colleagues if you want to get the leadership.
A freight B carry C swathe D impel
11. After watching “Capernaum”, a sombre feeling descended on me and got
me _____ on the injustice of the world.
A ruminating B snaring C instigating D sulking
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12. Although humanity has long dreamt of exploring the mysterious galaxy,
people believe it was the moon landing that really _____ a whole new era in
space exploration.
A elicited B precipitate C inaugurated D expedited
13. We can only put a stop to school violence should everyone stop being so
negligent and realize the fact that this phenomenon actually _____ our
ignorance.
A prates on B snaps up C battens on D feeds off
14. I wish my girlfriend would just tell me what she wasn’t pleased about, she
should know how much I am _____ by her silence, not knowing what went
wrong.
A beguiled B discomfited C fouled D mortified
15. Can you guys please stop arguing and work in _____ so that we can
complete this daunting task a little bit faster?
A concomitant B concoction C concert D conciliation
Word form
1. Although Anna appeared positive, I can feel a(n) _____ of desperation in her
speech. (TONE)
2. Chinese mythology contains many tales of animal _____ like huli jing, a fox
spirit which can turn into a beautiful woman. (SHAPE)
3. Political conflict and foreign intervention led to the permanent _____ of the
country. (MEMBER)
4. In Can Tho, there is a park named after Luu Huu Phuoc to _____ the musician
whose birthplace is this city. (MEMORY)
5. Unlike in the North, apricot blossoms are the _____ of Tet in the South of
Vietnam. (HEART)
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Test 47
1. The Forbidden Forest, which borders the edges of the Hogwarts School, is a
dark and _____ forest thick with mysterious creatures and lurking dangers.
A brooding B crooked C dubious D gloomy
2. Because he started writing his term paper far too late, he is now behind the
_____ ball.
A last B ninth C eight D tenth
3. Don’t you think an employee with _____ like Henry will soon be promoted?
A a song in his heart B a fire in his belly
C kindred spirit D a soul of discretion
4. My daughter is a very confident girl and likes to express herself in public,
unlike her brother, who is a _____.
A bowl of cherry B top banana
C ripe plum D shrinking violet
5. He is just a little child, please keep your _____ on and be patient with him.
A hat B socks C belt D shirt
6. Next time if you happen to arrive somewhere in my _____ of the woods, do
come round and have a meal with us.
A neck B foot C head D leg
7. Although the _____ route I showed you is longer, it will actually take you a
shorter time as you can avoid traffic jams during the rush hour.
A exigent B deviant C protracted D devious
8. Although the famous singer dismissed the allegations as _____ and
innuendo, police investigation has shown the opposite.
A smudge B smears C amnesty D bedazzlement
9. Students, when you arrive at the theatre, remember that you must sit
according to the seating _____ I showed you yesterday and whoever doesn’t
follow will be disciplined!
A plan B scheme C command D structure
10. The search for _____ between the two sides has appeared to be in vain as
none of the two companies was willing to compromise.
A moot point B the third way C middle ground D a safe passage
11. Marriage, though not the social imperative it once was, still stands for a
major rite of _____ into adult life.
A threshold B doorway C pathway D passage
12. Though it is still controversial regarding the character of the young actor,
most people can’t deny he is worthy of his _____ success.
A wildfire B phenomenal C aspiring D influential
13. The bullet, luckily, just _____ his shoulder, thanks to which his life
A crouched B rasped C browsed D grazed
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14. Those openly _____ their wealth show nothing but a shallow mind and a
contemptible dignity of themselves.
A eliciting B flaunting C reviling D exerting
15. I understand and would totally support you if you want to _____ of this toxic
relationship.
A sift out B bail out C churn out D blow out
Word form
1 Her toes are severely _____ from years of pursuing a career in professional
ballet. (SHAPE)
2 Teaching in mountainous areas is full of hardship but it is _____ to see the
determination of the students. (HEART)
3 Mulan is a(n) _____ adaptation of the 1998 Walt Disney Animation Studios
film of the same name, starring Liu Yifei in the title role. (LIVE)
4 The haughty employee _____ his hand when asking for a pay rise and was
eventually given the sack. (PLAY)
5 Firefighters are working 12-hour shifts in extreme heat to battle devastating
_____ in the northern forests. (FIRE)
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Test 48
1. I goofed off for the first two years of college, but I turned into a real _____
once I realized the importance of my academic performance.
A sly dog B study animal C eager beaver D war horse
2. I rarely take my kids to the library because he can be a bit of _____, running
around and making a mess.
A a bull in a china shop B a pig in mud
C a bird in the hand D a duck in Arizona
3. I know you really want the promotion, but telling the boss about my personal
problems was _____.
A under the hatches B under thumb
C below the belt D below par
4. Don’t worry, I am confident that Annie will manage to solve the quiz soon,
she is as sharp as _____.
A a blaze B a blade C a knife D a tack
5. Kids, please hold your _____, let’s sing the birthday song before we start
eating the cake!
A tatters B horses C brake D tongue
6. If you desire some practical lessons before your start-up, there are clear
_____ to be drawn from the failure of these companies.
A cheeks B chapters C morals D policies
7. His reasoning is based on the _____ that humans are innately good, which
reflects his belief in Mencius.
A premise B inception C surmise D conjecture
8. Although the matter was outside my _____ of responsibility, I still lent her a
helping hand.
A bound B orbit C sphere D hall
9. I don’t think the two directors would cooperate again in the second part, there
was a real personality _____ between them.
A disagreement B brawl C clash D discord
10. Although he was a talented artist, he lived a life _____ with financial worries.
A pestered B beseeched C clasped D beset
11. When Tony came in class with his ridiculous costume, he was greeted with
_____ of laughter.
A clap B blasts C gales D rounds
12. I intended to petrify him by telling him there was a snake in his room but he
didn't seem _____ concerned.
A in least B at least C the least bit D leastways
13. The architecture chose a gentle colour scheme to create a relaxing _____
for the owner’s bedroom.
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A ambience B complex C palette D sentiment

Vietnam.
A pulse B heartbeat C compass D avatar
15. While everybody else all _____ or the Shang-Shi premiere, director Chloe
Zhao dressed casually in jeans and a loose-fitting top as if she was just dropping
by.
A gussied up B bobbed up C blazed up D bucked up
Word form
1 If there is still time remaining after you have finished the test and gone over
it, try to _____ your answers to avoid mistakes. (CHECK)
2 After graduating, I kept some books that are necessary for college and gave
away the _____ (REMAIN)
3 My parents always deem my playful personality _____ of a high school
teacher, who should be decent and serious. (FIT)
4 The journalists are regarded the _____ to the dictatorial government by
publicly denouncing their selfish and cruel policies. (WEIGHT)
5 Although political changes affected the social position of a samurai, he still
shows great _____ and decency of a noble family. (FINE)
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Test 49
1. Our teacher said _____ after lunch was a good way to refresh ourselves and
be more productive in the afternoon.
A taking a dive B catching forty winks
C hitting the deck D striking a chord
2. You must have been crazy to challenge John in chess, he is the state
champion and he will _____ with you.
A wipe the floor B carry the day
C buy the farm D dress to the nines
3. There are 40 people coming to the party tonight, I need _____ to help me
with the decoration and cooking.
A all beer and skittles B all hands on deck
C all ducks in a row D all mops and brooms
4. I will let the kids play in the living room so please make sure the floor will be
as dry as _____ when you finish.
A a bone B the air C sand D Africa
5. You should hire an engineer to check that used car before making the final
decision or you may end up buying a _____ in a poke.
A parrot B house C horse D pig
6. Harry and his friends spent hours in the library _____ through hundreds of
heavy old books to find information about the Philosopher’s stone.
A sifting B poring C sieving D meshing
7. After volunteering in the SOS village for the orphans in Ben Tre, I now
understand how lucky it is to be able to live in the _____ of your family.
A center B bliss C oasis D bosom
8. Marriage is a big and long-term gamble in which _____ is dubious in defiance
of all oaths and promises.
A jubilation B winnings C felicity D swoon
9. Returning home after a bad exam, I just wanted to sleep and _____ all the
disappointment and worries.
A bliss out B winnow out C blot out D clock out
10. The National Contest for the Gifted is an annual event in which students
from all over Vietnam _____ their wits against each other.
A hedge B pit C have D set
pit your wits against somebody (=compete against someone using your
intelligence or knowledge)
11. Despite his fame and talent, the well-known rock star’s reputation was
seriously damaged by the _____ factor.
A plague B smugness C haul D sleaze
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12. Please tell Severus to come to my office should you see him, I need him to
help me _____ the applications that have no chance of succeeding.
A make out B sift out C leaf through D muddle through
13. As an inexperienced first-time traveller, I was _____ by a local vendor, who
charged me $40 for a little souvenir fridge magnet.
A ragged on B eaten away C ripped off D torn up
14. I don’t think congratulating someone on acing a test and adding that you
have never expected that is a real praise but more like a _____!
A faint praise B false note
C two-handed comment D backhanded compliment
15. Some people believe that the increase in crime shows that society is losing
its moral _____.
A magnet B anchor C compass D arrow
Word form
1 Thanks to months of _____. research by the film producers, the enthronement
ceremony of Qianlong in “The story of Ruyi” was highly commended for being
historically accurate. (PAIN)
2 “Under the hawthorn tree” is a romantic movie with a lovely but tragic _____
(STORY)
3 The death of Bruno and Shmuel in “The boy in the striped pajamas” really
tugs at your _____ (HEART)
4 Border _____ between the two countries is one of the issues that receive the
most public attention. (LIMIT)
5 Following the release of Den Vau’s MV “Hide and Seek”, VTV24 made a
_____ joke to advise against running away from COVID-19 isolation centres.
(TOPIC)
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Test 50
1. Not until the doctor confirms that my sister is _____ can the whole family stop
worrying.
A beyond the pale B out of the woods
C on the round D in the zone
2. After the competition, my friends tried to _____ by teasing me about my
failure.
A bell my cat B go to the dogs
C get my goats D shoot my bull
3. Only kids _____ when Tet comes because they don’t have so many things
to do like adults.
A keep their chins up B hit the hay
C carry the day D have a ball
4. My younger brother keeps begging me to let him join our club’s party, but it
is likely that he will feel like _____.
A a fifth wheel B the fourth wall
C an extra pair of hands D a gift horse
5. Work-life balance is the most important thing to me so I would never take that
job for all the tea in _____.
A Britain B England C Turkey D China
6. Large, black rain clouds _____ in the sky this morning, signalling an
approaching storm.
A glowered B scowled C ruptured D crouched
7. I don’t know what’s so interesting that my daughter always listens to this
speaker with _____ attention whenever there is his show on TV.
A blissful B rapt C spellbinding D griping
8. Despite his competency, the director was _____ after a conflict with his boss
and was demoted to a low-level employee.
A struck off B ratted out C toned down D crossed out
9. Eight months of lockdown were eight months I was _____ in the stifling tiny
flat of mine in the city, unemployed and unable to go anywhere.
A bricked up B clocked up C bottled up D cooped up
10. The well-reputed CEO _____ with £10,000 of the company's money last
night and has come England’s most wanted man at the moment.
A assailed B absconded C debunked D deflated
11. I thought I only liked the character Loki, but it turns out after that I like the
actor himself as I can’t help _____ over photos of Tom Hiddleston.
A drooling B slobbing C dredging D drizzling
12. The monument is a(n) _____ reminder of those who died in the catastrophic
Sichuan earthquake 14 years ago.
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A poignant B affective C sardonic D pungent

13. The gentle colour _____ creates a relaxing ambience for the bedroom of
my little daughter.
A complexion B palette C structure D scheme
14. One special thing about Ron is that he never has a _____ plan - he just
makes decisions as the need arises but still manages to ace any task given.
A ground B base C foundation D post
15. He _____ with only 152 votes out of 300, which is not at all something to
brag about compared with that of his predecessor.
A tucked in B dragged by C scraped in D passed through
Word form
1 When I first met your mother, I just thought she might be 40 or _____ because
she looked so young. (THERE)
2 When demand for a product _____ its supply, the price of that product will
increase. (STRIP)
3 His love for life and optimism gave him a _____ power to overcome what the
doctors refer to as “an incurable disease. (NATURAL)
4 Fans do not know where the event was held because its location was _____
(CLOSE)
5 You may earn a six-figure salary from that job but your health will be the cost,
it’s all swings and _____ (ROUND)
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Test 51
1. I'm delighted that my children have such wonderful opportunities abroad, but
I must say I feel sick as _____ at the thought of being separated from them for
so long.
A a duck B a lizard C a parrot D a turkey
2. Garry used to be the best player in our team, but he seems to have _____
after years dedicated to his business career.
A gone cold turkey B lost his touch
C blown off steam D had sticky fingers
3. What with the COVID-19 pandemic, my restaurant has been operating in the
_____ for five consecutive months and is about to be shut down.
A red B black C yellow D blue
4. Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, my family has been _____ since all
our money is poured into chemotherapy and medicines.
A under the weather B living hand to mouth
C sitting tight D down to Earth
5. We only have 15 minutes to finish sketching the general plan, please _____
and skip the chatter.
A sail close to the wind B beat around the bush
C hit the books D cut to the chase
6. With a _____ of insight, the detective realised exactly who committed this
horrendous crime.
A glare B spark C flash D blaze
7. The bull _____ its nostrils in anger when the torero provokes it with a big
bright red flag.
A flares B splays C rants D raves
8. The child _____ with delight at his teacher as he received the award.
A gleamed B beamed C leered D primped
9. Don’t start writing until the idea has _____ in your mind to avoid making a
mess of your essay, pay attention to the time though!
A glowered B gelled C vacuumed D braced
10. Play areas for children are _____ all over the place.
A springing up B growing up C whipping up D bouncing out
11. The candidate was criticised for _____ a group of people with racial
prejudice in order to get more votes.
A jostling for B clearing off C pandering to D horsing around
12. Watching “Twelve years a slave”, I was appalled by the fact that slaves
could be whipped and hanged at the _____ of their masters.
A whim B quake C whir D wince
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13. My brother’s athletic career has been _____ by a serious ankle injury during
training.
A coiled B blenched C quailed D blighted
14. The defendant, who was convicted of rape, _____ his head in shame when
facing his victim.
A bent B hung C crouched D stooped
15. Your idol’s reputation is not something without _____, don’t forget about his
drug abuse scandal!
A blotch B blur C blemish D blister
Word form
1 Some rituals that were important in the agrarian society of the past are now
deemed _____ and discarded. (WORN)
2 _____ surgery, developed by Joseph Lister, is employed by many hospitals
in modern days to prevent infection during and after surgery. (SEPTIC)
3 For anyone who is interested in Chinese history, this book is _____ for its
detail and reliability. (RIVAL)
4 It was very disrespectful of you to speak _____ to your grandfather, even
when he does know little about your problem. (HAND)
5 I have _____ five applicants for the second round, please contact and inform
them of the interview schedule. (LIST)
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Test 52
1. Nobody in this village doesn’t know that little boy has _____ but never has
he been given a lesson.
A sticky fingers B sore thumbs
C a heavy hand D hidden fingers
2. Never underestimate your opponents no matter how good you are, they may
always be able to give you a run for your _____.
A medal B money C prize D race
3. Considering how often that car breaks down, I think I really bought _____
from the dealership.
A a pig B a fish C a lemon D a mandarin
4. If you are so determined, then I can only wish you luck raising enough funds
for the project—it's like _____.
A selling ice to Eskimos B getting blood from a stone
C pounding the pavement D moving heaven and earth
5. Mr. Chow is one of the principle _____ in this firm so you had better make a
good impression on him if you want to be employed after the internship.
A cash cows B church mouses
C Jekylls and Hydes D movers and shakers
6. After a 5-hour long discussion, we finally managed to _____ a deal even
though the profit division was not really ideal for us.
A latch on B pluck at C patch up D fasten onto
7. I was to get off the bus at Ikea Brent Park but I fell asleep and _____ in Stop
WH, which was 4.8 miles away!
A fetched up B jollied up C banged about D mowed down
8. You won’t understand me until you grow up and have a family with children,
dozens of concerns will _____ your attention.
A jostle for B root for C muck up D pony up
9. The Fellowship of the Ring, a 2001 epic fantasy adventure film, is the first
_____ in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
A parcel B installment C chapter D token
10. This movie _____ poorly at the Chinese box office, mainly due to many
historical inaccuracies and seemingly slapdash references to Chinese culture.
A reeled B staggered C fared D mowed
11. Because of the fierce storm, the rescue mission had to be _____ to avoid
unnecessary loss of life.
A aborted B absconded C banished D ruptured
12. As a person who believes in hard work, my father can’t _____ lazy and
undisciplined people, including me.
A console B concede C ramble D abide
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13. By _____ consent, everyone in the club avoids mentioning the death of the
seventh member.
A joint B general C mutual D shared
14. Firemen secured the bus with ropes to stop it tumbling over the edge before
escorting the _____ passengers to safety.
A petrified B dreadful C curdled D stagey
15. Volunteers are being _____ to support the UN system's response during
the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A headhunted B solicited C accosted D seduced
Word form
1 Amongst the many factors that _____ consumer choices, price and design
have the most decisive role. (FORM)
2 Until now, still there are people who don’t believe in the _____ relationship
between smoking and lung cancer. (CAUSE)
3 The flap of the envelope came _____ so the letter inside fell out somewhere
along the way. (STUCK)
4 That the star had already been married is just a(n) _____ rumour of bloggers
and shouldn’t be trusted. (SUBSTANCE)
5 Much of the financial support for people living in the flooded regions came
from _____ of citizens from all over Vietnam. (BENEFIT)
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Test 53
1. Factories are _____ to produce enough masks and protective clothing for
health workers during the pandemic.
A raising red flags B firing on all cylinders
C raking over the ashes D packing heat
2. This scheme does have some problems but I think we can fix them instead
of throwing the baby out with _____.
A the bath water B the diaper
C the old toys D the rubber duck
3. The epidemic has ruined my plan to _____ with my friends after the National
High school Exam finishes.
A put out feelers B queer the pitch
C push the boat out D pull the plug
4. Now that I have to work closely with the infamously strict chief of the Finance
department, I feel like I've caught a _____ by the tail.
A tiger B lion C snake D crocodile
5. It is like _____ trying to wake our young son up every morning to go to school
on time.
A pulling your punches B pricking up ears
C drawing your horns in D pulling teeth
6. You may find some drinks here that you’v never seen in Trung Nguyen
because this store is just a Trung Nguyen _____, not the original.
A bureau B ballot C franchise D brand
7. With his fame on the rise, Zhang was _____ to stand amongst the top idols
of China when the scandal broke.
A poised B nigh C adjacent D near
8. The star wanted to keep his _____ low-key, hence people knew nothing
about donation until it was publicised.
A munificence B chivalry C narcissism D impiousness
9. The athlete was _____ in defeat and praised his opponent's skill, for which
he received a lot of praise.
A abrasive B valiant C chivalrous D magnanimous
10. During this time of the year, streets in my city are usually _____ with
Vietnam national flags to celebrate our Independence day.
A bedecked B primped C garnished D prattled
11. Despite his repeated _____, nobody is convinced that the singer is totally
innocent in this scandal.
A disavowals B abnegation C ablutions D declamation
12. It’s important to obtain the best possible specimens, and COVID-19 nasal
_____ testing that includes nucleic acid testing is the best option.
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A traces B jot C swab D remnant

13. By the late 70s the band's popularity was beginning to _____, hence the
disbandment after their last concert.
A wane B swaddle C lug D ramble
14. Thinking back, I'd better _____ some sunscreen, I really don’t dare to risk
this sensitive skin of mine.
A pore over B tint on C slap on D splash out
15. He had occasionally _____ the idea of starting his own business, but he had
never actually done anything about it.
A slept on B timed out C dallied with D lavished on
Word form
1 Without that _____ dress, I would have never noticed you in the middle of
hundreds of people going to the festival. (EYE)
2 Meeting her criminal father after ten years, the girl shows overtly _____
disregard for him. (CONTEMPT)
3 Clicking a link sent by a(n) _____ email may seriously threaten your data
security. (SOLICIT)
4 _____ - the unfair treatment of people because they have a disability - is
untenable in a progressive society today. (ABLE)
5 Cutlery is a(n) _____ term for knives, forks and spoons used for eating.
(CATCH)
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Test 54
1. If the pandemic does not ameliorate, our company will surely _____.
A fall afoul B hit out of the park
C go down the tubes D go under the knife
2. The business model you propose sounds amazing, but whether it might
succeed in reality is where _____.
A rubber meets the road B the shoe pinches
C the puck is heading D hell freezes over
3. Jack, your passion won't help you afford a living in this big city, wake up and
smell _____.
A the tea B the coffee C the soda D the roses
4. John keeps himself so closed off that I've never understood the _____ of his
thoughts.
A rock bottom B bare bones C think tank D uncharted waters
5. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but I've got to put my foot on the
_____.
A pedal B gas C brake D field
6. The _____ language in your essay does nothing to address the problem but
only unnecessarily lengthens the piece of writing and causes confusion for
readers.
A convoluted B elasticated C sentimental D dowdy
7. The company's first _____ into the US market is considered somewhat
venturesome for a firm of that scale.
A outing B foray C incursion D pilgrimage
8. Despite not being Buddhists ourselves, it is hard to deny that this religion still
_____ every aspect of our life either consciously or subconsciously.
A ravels B assails C informs D apprises
9. The team played badly in the first half of the game but _____ in the second
thanks to several changes in their tactics .
A rebounded B rallied C revived D reignited
10. She was fired after having many decisions that are in _____ of the company
regulations.
A abdication B infraction C negligence D contravention
11. Loki’s _____ character reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate who
is also a mixture of amusement and mischief.
A roguish B narcissistic C reticent D ravenous
12. Would it be too much of a(n) _____to ask you to pick my children up after
school today?
A tariff B onus C imposition D angst
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13. Superficially, the mechanism of a camera is _____ to that of our eyes, yet
there are still certain major differences in the way they record images.
A homogeneous B kindred C correlative D analogous
14. His wife _____ a fortune over the years in a secret bank account and ran
away with her young lover.
A salted away B plugged away C mucked up D heaped up
15. If you keep _____ training like this, stop dreaming of cutting any weight and
getting the job.
A poring over B turning out C sacking off D ravelling out
Word form
1. After being dismissed from school, Thomas Edison was _____ by his mother
(SCHOOL)
2. The casino has long been suspected as a _____ channel for laundering
money. (DOOR)
3. Annie looks so much like an Indian that it’s hard to believe this little girl is of
Vietnamese _____.
4. _____ is a form of sustainable energy production, achieved by converting the
kinetic energy of water into electrical or mechanical energy. (POWER)
5. Although same-sex love is gaining more social recognition, _____
relationship in our society remains heterosexual. (NORM)
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Test 55
1. My uncle is a typical _____, he has never taken any medical courses but
keeps doubting how doctors are treating COVID patients.
A smart cookie B armchair critic
C class act D pen pusher
2. My grandmother is tough as _____— she lived through the Vietnam War and
raised four kids all on her own after my grandfather’s sacrifice.
A stone B leather C taws D scale
3. What’s the point in paying attention to a teacher who _____, you will never
be able to keep up with his lecture.
A talks the hind leg off a donkey B takes the rap
C talks nineteen to the dozen D thinks on his feet
4. As my brother discovered the fact that I am in a relationship, I have to _____
to stop him from telling mom.
A keep my distance B give the shirt off my back
C collect his thoughts D grease his palm
5. We've been led up the _____ path about the position of our hotel - it's much
farther from the beach than what the advertisement said!
A rocky B mountain C garden D muddy
6. I wonder why he, instead of always trying to _____ himself with the boss,
won’t try to improve himself and rely on his own capabilities to be promoted?
A curry B ingratiate C flatter D charm
7. Racism, despite being rarely overt, is deeply _____ in professional and
institutional practices.
A engraved B inscribed C ingrained D incised
8. When I was a kid, I would usually _____ Oreo cookies in milk until they were
a bit soft before I ate.
A dunk B plunge C drench D douse
9. If you have an apple-shaped body, A-line coats or straight, knee-length trench
styles will really _____ your figure.
A commend B praise C flatter D compliment
10. She was determined not to be _____ into marriage before she became
financially independent.
A compelled B bludgeoned C urged D impelled
11. There’s a nasty flu _____ going round the school at the moment so
parents please tell your kids to wear masks and pay attention to their health.
A gale B scourge C plague D bug
12. Although it takes quite a bit of time at the beginning, once you have acquired
the basic knowledge, a quick learner like you will surely _____.
A forge ahead B plunge ahead C plough ahead D press ahead
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13. Although Loki is usually thought to be the son of Odin, he in fact originally
_____ the cold and dark realm of the Frost Giants.
A bleeds from B hails from C veers from D springs from
14. I thought that my dog would be _____ intelligent, but it seems like a breed
name doesn’t mean everything.
A keenly B avidly C shrewdly D piercingly
15. People are watching _____ TV much less these days, preferring on-demand
platforms like Netflix and Youtube.
A striated B non-stop C beeline D linear
Word form
1 The building of the castle for the Queen has placed tremendous pressure on
the nation’s _____ (TAX)
2 His profound knowledge and significant contribution to the agriculture of
Vietnam has made him a _____ scientist in this country. (WEIGHT)
3 Many hospitals are beginning to limit _____ stays during the pandemic to
minimize risk of spreading COVID-19. (PATIENT)
4 Normally, Anna has already been pretty enough, but her appearance after
putting on make-up last night really _____ me. (WITCH)
5 The Chernobyl disaster has turned a vast area of the city of Chernobyl into a
lifeless nuclear _____ (LAND)
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Test 56
1. If you don’t change this lifestyle of yours, you will get married _____.
A when the sun is over the yardarm B when the dust settles
C when push comes to shove D when hell freezes over
2. You must live happily and get richer so that your ex-husband will _____ the
day he divorced you.
A seize B ruin C rue D name
3. He is regarded a gentleman by many people but I would not trust his as far
as I can _____ him.
A throw B jump C think D fly
4. His embarrassing secret is my _____ and I will reveal it to everybody if he
dares to mock me in public.
A ace in the hole B amber nectar C 110 proof D chin music
5. At the age 34, isn’t Yang Mi a bit _____ to play the role of a high school
student in this movie?
A down at heel B thin on the top
C behind the times D long in the tooth
6. I have tried to persuade my father of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
against infection but he remained _____ that he wouldn’t take it.
A adamant B sordid C haggard D persevere
7. What’s so much to be surprised about, it’s still the usual _____ rock star tale
of drugs and overdoses.
A giddy B frivolous C squalid D sturdy
8. Born a Christian, he _____ elements of oriental mysticism from the years he
spent in India.
A engrossed B inherited C imbibed D solicited
9. The professor _____ the books looking for the information he needed in order
to answer his students’ thorny questions.
A seized B groped C gawked D perused
10. My daughter is a real animal lover, she _____ any form of cruelty towards
animals and follows a vegetarian diet.
A abstains B abhors C debars D desecrates
11. Certain passages were _____from the book after censorship due to
inappropriate content.
A decimated B excised C censured D coveted
12. This accident has _____ the traffic all day, I wish the forces could react
quicklier.
A stowed away B cordoned off C snarled up D towed away
13. I got emotional and couldn’t help _____ at the end of “Me before you”, a
flight attendant even asked me if I was having some problems.
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A whining B snarling C bellowing D bawling

14. With an unsatisfactory year-end profit, it is likely that the rewards budget for
our department will be _____ to minimum.
A nipped off B pared down C branched off D wrapped up
15.The meeting began to get a bit out of control by the time the protesters
reached the city centre so they were _____ by the police force before violence
might happen.
A hemmed in B sniped at C racked up D dusted down
Word form
1 At the height of the pandemic all _____ classes were suspended. (PERSON)
2 My comrade, a young soldier, stood _____ and unafraid against the enemy -
that image is something that I will never forget.
_____ machine. (YIELD)
3 Due to staff shortage, our plan is still in the _____ stage, a week later than
the schedule. (PRINT)
4 After getting out of prison, he turned over a new leaf and became a(n) _____
citizen in the community. (STAND)
5 _____ to his mother, he joined the secret intelligence agency of the Soviet
Union. (KNOW)
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Test 57
1. After losing the secret files of the company, Henry was soon _____.
A out of the woods B in tatters
C out on his ear D in earshot
2. The mayor’s decision to build a new mall in the city center has received
support across the _____.
A board B pond C table D land
3. The disrespectful attitude of the president towards women has _____ among
the country’s female population.
A pushed the envelope B raised hackles
C popped the cherry D screwed the pooch
4. It is no surprise that this story has _____ in our office after Daisy was told
about it.
A given a buzz B ridden high
C done the rounds D rung the bell
5. You can tell her to stop smoking until you are _____ in the face, but she won’t
change her habit.
A red B grey C white D blue
6. Everyone can see that Andy is at _____ for the error but he won’t admit it
and keeps putting the blame on his partner, such a shame!
A blame B fault C guilt D charge
7. The immigrants from this country will not be given the right of _____in Britain
when the new legislation comes into force.
A abode B abbess C baptism D lodging
8. Not only my family but seemingly everybody tends to _____ their spending
during this period of economic recession.
A trim in B drag down C rein in D belt up
9. When someone brings up politics at a party, a casual conversation can
quickly _____ into an ugly argument.
A warp B coerce C wring D morph
10. Many people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic are starting to
_____.
A feel the pinch B feel up to the mark
C live in clover D taste salt
11. The Prime Minister’s attempt to bring in new legislation was met by a _____
of criticism from the public.
A sleet B hail C clash D bind
12. The abnormal surge in the record of robbery last month has urged the police
force to _____ hard on street crime.
A grind down B conk out C clamp down D boot out
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13. The President has gotten used to being _____ by his political opponents
whenever a new policy is proposed.
A blasted off B ripped off C zonked out D sniped at
14. I have every right to _____ at unfair, and possibly illogical, situations — most
because of the decisions of higher-ups.
A rack and ruin B hem and haw C rant and rave D wax and wane
15. I can’t see why the teacher compliments Harry so much, his performance is
basically nothing to _____ home about!
A write B call C go D tell
Word form
1. My whole class was caught _____ by the teacher’s spot check and many of
us were punished for bringing phones to school. (FOOT)
2. I have replaced my old dartboard, which has the boring ordinary _____
pattern, with the one you gave me on my birthday. (CENTER)
3. Although the rumours about the comedian seem hard to believe, I think not
all of them are _____ (FOUND)
4. That the teacher suddenly _____ on her promise to reward points for the
project has rendered our efforts meaningless. (TRACK)
5. As a high school graduate, I am standing at the _____ of my life and I am
fully aware of the importance of choosing the right major for college. (ROAD)
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Test 58
1. After days, the police resorted to _____ tactics to break up the protest.
A strong-arm B breakneck C hard-up D clawback
2. I give in! I will tell you everything you want to know, please call off _____.
A the dogs B the tigers C the guns D the guards
3. She is a very sensitive girl so please _____.
A treat her with kid gloves B bless her cotton socks
C pull the wool over her eyes D go soft in her head
4. Sheila might not be smart, but she always gives _____ when she studies.
A a hundred and one percent B a hundred and ten percent
C hundredfold D twofold
5. There is currently a decline in sales, but don’t worry, it will _____
A come rain and shine B come out swinging
C come down the pike D come out in the wash
6. That young man is _____ driving at that speed on icy roads at night.
A betting the ranch B dicing with death
C dancing on air D robbing the cradle
7. Exhausted after 4 periods, I was _____ at the back of the class when the
teacher called my name.
A drowsing B flaking C swooning D boozing
8. Ali thought he could cram 10 units in one day but in the end, he completely
_____ in his English exam.
A flaked out B mucked up C bucked up D bound over
9. I know how sad you feel missing your chance to visit Paris due to this
pandemic, but I don’t think ____ like that may change anything.
A hassling about B wittering about C expounding on D harping on
10. I didn’t know I was so good at learning languages until I _____ Spanish
before my trip to Mexico.
A hammered into B rabbited on C boned up on D crammed down
11. Every time we go to the shop, the kids _____ my mother to buy them candy
but she never gives in for the sake of their health.
A badger B interject C vitiate D peruse
12. All five men were _____from entering France for three years after being
caught shoplifting expensive fashion items in a mall.
A debauched B debarred C perverted D jettisoned
13. This used to be a toy store when I was still a kid, but several years ago they
started selling dried fruit and nuts and other _____ products.
A cogent B kindred C typical D cognate
14. When you grow up, become an adult, go through failures and betrayal, your
life may have fewer parties and more quiet time to _____ on the meaning of life.
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A dilate B expatiate C admonish D cogitate

15. Coming home with a broken heart, he sank back on his pillow and fell into
a _____, not noticing my talking to him.
A rabbit warren B bottomless pit C brown study D manhole
Word form
1 I did not really enjoy Parasite although it is a(n) _____ film, maybe it was
simply not my cup of tea. (AWARD)
2 From Lung Cu to Ca Mau, I will buy a minivan to travel _____ immediately
when this epidemic is over. (COUNTRY)
3 Whenever I give a speech, I can’t help feeling nervous _____ (HAND)
4 The police _____ the car and other personal property of the drug dealer.
(POUND)
5 While _____ service does not generate revenue for a company, it has a role
to play in retaining old customers post the sale of a product and attracting more
customers. (SALE)
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Test 59
1. It’s a(n) _____ that women are paid less than men for the same amount of
work.
A going concern B crying shame
C onsite matter D splitting headache
2. I was very disappointed when I found out such a talented and reputable actor
got involved in such _____ affairs.
A rotting B gaudy C tawdry D shoddy
3. Teachers are usually made the _____ for students’ low grades.
A scapegoats B brushwood C sideshow D tavern
4. If your deceased grandfather knew how you have squandered his fortune, he
would _____.
A be in a fit of pique B turn in his grave
C walk like Rihanna D groan inwardly
5. Avoid saying the name of her gone mother, let sleeping _____ lie.
A lions B dogs C cats D birds
6. Don’t panic when your child gets low grades, just _____ for a while and only
interfere when necessary.
A leave it at that B leave go C let it slip D let it ride
7. My mother didn’t let me learn Taekwondo at first, but I _____.
A twisted her arm B broke her back
C gave her the eye D chew her ear off
8. I was woken up at a(n) _____ hour in the morning by a strange noise in the
garden.
A ungodly B dismal C evil D earthly
9. In the past, comets were feared _____ of important historical events,
including invasions and major disasters.
A prophets B prescience C trailblazers D harbingers
10. The battle was aimed to overthrow the dictator’s sovereignty and establish
a new democratic government - or at least, that was the _____ reason
according to what they said.
A convenient B ostensible C conspicuous D blatant
11. He claimed he had been _____ his job by jealous colleagues but we all
knew it was just because of his ineptitude.
A dragged from B dealt out of C hounded out of D bashed down from
12. I can’t believe you really dared to _____ $400 for that BlackPink lightstick
while having yet paid off your debts.
A bunk down B plunk down C crack up D blast away
13. I never thought that a well-known actor would _____ endorsing low-quality
products for money and totally trusted everything he said.
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A step up B stoop to C. batten on D dragoon into

14. She's an arrogant girl who is always getting into trouble for giving her
teachers _____.
A cheek B juice C tacks D tongue
15. Easter Monday in Buccoo Village, I was elbowing my way through ice-cream
vans and _____ of people when I saw a weird little girl with red hair.
A flocks B herds C hordes D shoals
Word form
1 Tea is bitter in nature, but certain substances in high-quality tea may give it a
sweet _____ that will gradually cover the initial bitterness. (TASTE)
2 As a gesture of _____, we agreed to do the work free of charge. (GOOD)
3 December 1948, the enemy launched a full-scale _____ on our capital, killing
387 000 civilians. (SLAUGHT)
4 The actor _____ the question by denying his relationship with the female
internet celebrity. (STEP)
5 There is nothing to be proud of in showing a _____ attitude, you should really
learn the value of discipline! (CONFORM)
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Test 60
1. The amount of each ingredient put in your cake might differ a bit from the
recipe, so it usually requires experience to have your cake done _____.
A there and then B just the way
C for good D to a turn
2. I was _____ after the three-hour test and only wanted to sleep when I got
home.
A done in B done away C done out D done with
3. Picasso _____ most of his paintings and sculptures to Spain and France.
A bequeathed B bereaved C berated D entrusted
4. Tell the bullies that your father is a policeman, that will put the _____ up them.
A chill B wind C fright D frostbite
5. After what she has contributed to the organization, she has finally obtained
the recognition she _____ deserved.
A utterly B truthfully C richly D merely
6. The reason I turned down that job is because sales assistants are often at
the _____ end of verbal abuse from customers.
A dead B receiving C pointed D far
7. My father said when he asked my mother out for a date, she kept him _____
for a week before making her decision.
A hovering B floating C lurching D dangling
8. The dynamic environment in this school provides _____ ground for creativity
and innovation.
A arable B lucrative C fallow D fertile
9. After a trip to this so-called “violent” region, I realize this is barely a(n) _____
controversy surrounded by weak allegations made up by the media.
A obnoxious B revolting C unsubstantiated D inauspicious
10. During the last years of the decade, when the Internet started to get more
popular, many companies _____ the idea of putting advertisements online.
A tripped up B latched onto C stooped to D tried on
11. It is reported that people living in areas under lockdown have to pay slightly
more than the _____ for food and other necessities.
A going rate B low level C tail end D even ground
12. My friend tried to create a perfect image of his class by boasting about their
achievements but at the same time _____ their internal conflicts.
A shoring up B closing on C glossing over D branching out
13. This company is one of the few firms to have _____ of a declining industry
during this time of pandemic.
A gone off the rails B cut their losses
C cut corners D bucked the trend
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14. The owner of the factory offered a compromise at the _____ hour to prevent
a strike about to be launched by workers.
A twenty third B eleventh C evil D small
15. The old security guard has been working here for so long that he has
become _____ - it is hard to imagine our school without him one day.
A the top of the tree B a living soul
C part of the furniture D a cog in the machine
Word form
1 One of the most famous paintings of Chen Yifei is “Upland Wind”, a _____
drawing of a heavily clothed Tibetan family. (LIFE)
2 You can see the _____ of the victory on his face even half a month after the
contest. (GLOW)
3 Using _____ steel in construction may help you save money at first but will
end up costing you more when the building degrades. (GRADE)
4 There is nothing to worry about such a small problem, just relax and don’t
_____ it! (THINK)
5 Looking at the number of typos in this article, I am sure you have skipped the
_____ stage again. (READ)
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Test 61
1. After months of training, the astronauts were eager to get the show _____.
A to the stage B off the street C on the road D into light
2. Be careful with who you make friends with, your relationships can have a
considerable _____ on your future.
A weight B force C bearing D footing
3. A friend of mine is regarded by many people as a(n) _____ bachelor but he
does not show much interest in marriage.
A feasible B legal C delicate D eligible
4. The students were still able to cheat without being caught by the camera,
_____ high-tech supervision.
A so much for B very much of C thus be it D so it be
5. Without the Internet, I can’t imagine how _____ can speak up their opinions
when many governments try to restrict free speech.
A dissidents B protesters C proponents D debaters
6. Since many of Kris Wu’s fans have developed a tendency to _____ due to
his perfect public image, his scandal came as a shock to them.
A spare his feelings B follow his footsteps
C put him on a pedestal D take him under their wings
7. Many people see supermarkets as great contributors to the economy of this
area without realizing that they are _____ local stores.
A tiding over B bringing out C forcing down D squeezing out
8. For some unknown reason, Tony seems to be an overly tidy person and
always_____ keeping everything in his house well-organized.
A ropes into B makes a point of
C stoops low to D sets his sights on
9. My boss was about to _____ the meeting as everyone had all agreed on the
plan when a new problem was raised.
A draw in B take down C stop off D wind up
10. Frightened by the actors in the Halloween Haunted House, the little boy
screamed his _____ off
A head B heart C throat D soul
11. Reuniting after 10 years, my best friend, who is now a successful
businessman, offered to _____ the drinks that night.
A fork out B deal out C do up D spring for
12. Even when he does not have any justifiable reason for buying a car, my
father still _____ on one last month.
A splashed out B spilled out C bucketed down D poured down
13. Despite saying that gender is not important, Tony had made it _____ clear
that he preferred having a baby boy.
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A painfully B unduly C abundantly D pure

14. Be realistic, your present Chinese level is not going to bring you a(n) _____
chance of getting a translation job.
A oddly B boldly C briskly D earthly
15. People from tropical countries may like this kind of climate, but not farmers
like me, my whole crop has been _____ by a late frost.
A blasted B groped C hailed D brooded
Word form
1 The factory provides a real _____ for many unskilled rural women in poverty.
(LIFE)
2 Undoubtedly, he was just inviting me as a(n) _____ because I didn’t receive
any invitation cards was informed about the time only a day before the wedding.
(THOUGHT)
3 Just because he is burning the midnight oil doesn’t mean that he is a(n) _____
student, he has been procrastinating for weeks. (INDUSTRY)
4 He is just trying to hide his wickedness under his _____ appearance by acting
kind and courteous. (MAN)
5 Chaturanga, an ancient Indian strategy game, is commonly theorized to be
the 1500-year-old _____ of king chess. (RUN)
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Test 62
1. I feel like I'm _____ when I have joined too many clubs and end up being
snowed under tasks deadlines.
A juggling frogs B chasing my tail
C chickening out D getting ducks in a row
2. They are brothers, they can never fall out with each other for long and will
_____ soon.
A kiss and make up B get their goats
C burst the bubble D break the ice
3. Hearing the news of my father's sudden death, I went weak in the _____ and
could barely remain standing.
A legs B heart C soul D knees
4. There have been a few times that I've nearly _____, but thinking of my
responsibility to my daughter helps keep me sober.
A faced the music B fallen off the wagon
C given lip service D had a screw loose
5. The scene on the street this morning was like an action movie in real life with
cops _____ of the bank robbers.
A near the knuckle B close to the bone
C hot on the heels D down at the heels
6. 30 years after graduation, the billionaire returned to his hometown and
donated $20 million to his _____ - Chicago University.
A alma mater B avant-garde C cul-de-sac D silhouette
7 We used to have a _____ childhood together in a poor but cozy family before
everyone grew up and things started to go wrong.
A blistering B opulent C doleful D blissful
8 All members had to take a solemn _____ never to reveal the secrets of the
organization.
A oath B motto C adage D maxim
9. The company has gained such a good reputation for the quality of its products
that its name has become a _____ for excellence.
A slogan B byword C cliché D dictum
10. He's had a lot of problems at work, fired twice and failing countless times,
but he always seems to _____ pretty quickly.
A back up B skip out C scrape through D bounce back
11. My teacher is usually very tolerant, but after the fifth time in the week Tony
came late, she lost her patience and _____.
A bawled him out B mopped him up
C hashed him out D boiled him down
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12. My lack of sleep, accompanied by the absolute silence in the library, makes
me feel like I'm about to _____ any minute.
A pass by B doze off C pull in D slope off
13 A huge fire _____ a food and beverage factory outside Bangladesh’s capital
last night, killing at least 52 people.
A tided over B smoked out C phased out D ripped through
14. The leaders of the organization were determined to _____ the traitor after
their secret base had been discovered and attacked.
A head off B knuckle down C smoke out D cop out
15. The blaze began Thursday night at the five-story factory in Rupganj, sending
huge clouds of black smoke _____ into the sky.
A hurling B forging C roaming D billowing
Word form
1. People argue that the new term added to the Cybersecurity Law is almost
_____ to censorship. (AMOUNT)
2. Animal diseases can potentially pass to humans at any animal-human _____
such as a zoo, farm or animal market. (FACE)
3. To prevent the outbreak of epidemics, if animals in your house have any signs
of a _____ disease, please report to your local authority. (NOTICE)
4. People from infected areas must _____ their health status and contact
tracing. (REPORT)
5. Many people might be _____ during the incubation period so we can never
know who really doesn’t carry the virus. (SYMPTOM)
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Test 63
1. Nobody is casting _____ on you, it’s just you misunderstanding everyone!
A rebuke B censure C aspersions D condemnation
2. This relationship is unlikely to get anywhere - for one thing, they are both
_____ and will never tolerate the others.
A highly-strung B boisterous C rambunctious D stand-offish
3. It had been quite late but the party still had no sign of ending so we decided
to take _____ leave and made our way home.
A French B Greek C Spanish D Tokyo
4. Sadly, the young actor’s stardom ended up being _____ as he was quickly
forgotten after his first movie.
A feather in the cap B flash in the pan
C sands of time D rack and ruin
5. When my car suddenly broke down in the middle of a forest at night, I felt like
a _____ in the wild.
A sitting duck B turned turtle C shag on a rock D boiling frog
6. Ever since Kyle became a teenager, he's turned into a real _____, and it's
impossible to anticipate his mood at any given time.
A X-factor B Vicar of Bray C Jumping Judas D Jekyll and Hyde
7. She is described as an elegant girl with brown eyes and a(n) _____ smile
always on her face.
A irksome B blushing C winsome D blistering
8. Sadly, I don’t have the discerning _____ necessary to fully enjoy such
expensive dishes.
A appetite B epitome C tongue D palate
9. If her accusations are false, she is making a lot of _____ remarks about a lot
of people and will have to compensate quite a lot.
A tarnished B spurious C irascible D slanderous
10. After the fraud scandal, the famous singer had to make great efforts to
_____ his reputation.
A reinforce B leverage C regenerate D salvage
11. Praying everyday is _____ on believers as a religious duty - thus, it has
become an integral part in my daily routine.
A enmeshed B heeded C enjoined D entitled
12. New policies have been implemented by the government with a view to
_____ the ailing economy after the pandemic.
A curling in B screwing up C knuckling down D shoring up
13. Don had been living _____ after winning the lottery before he found himself
in arrears with his rent and later became homeless.
A beyond his means B from hand to mouth
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C in arrears D on an even keel

14. After running 42km in the blistering heat of summer, Jasper _____ with
exhaustion.
A phased out B hashed out C keeled over D knuckled down
15. The professor could see that no one was listening to her boring lecture, but
she _____ regardless.
A ploughed on B sit through C stuck on D mulled over
Word form
1. Peel the bananas and slice each _____ while waiting for the water to boil.
(LONG)
2. Up to now, at least 37 people have been reported to be infected by the
_____in South Korea at her church. (SPREAD)
3. Those who have been tested for the virus must _____ as they await their
results. (QUARANTINE)
4. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat _____ infections because they don't kill
viruses, only bacteria. (VIRUS)
5. The plane entered Chinese controlled _____ without permission and had to
land immediately to prevent any unforeseen accidents. (SPACE)
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Test 64
1. Despite strict regulations against _____ advertising, it can still be spotted
everywhere from images that briefly flash in between frames of film to subtle
messages in a song.
A subsiding B sublingual C subliminal D telepathic
2. Something that I would really enjoy as a child was to watch the buffaloes
_____ in the warerhole and rolling in the mud.
A twitching B stalking C strolling D wallowing
3. A thousand thoughts _____ together inside my mind while I try to force myself
to sleep every night!
A trifle B jostle C fidget D twiddle
4. While the adults were overthinking the problem, little John came up with a
_____ solution to the problem using the simple mind of a child.
A clean B neat C makeshift D smooth
5. Liverpool had several opportunities to score but _____ their chances and lost
the game in the end.
A squandered B abused C scattered D abolished
6. I saw my classmate cheating during the test, but it was nothing of my _____
so I kept my mouth shut in the end.
A nose B skull C palm D cheek
7. Please follow the doctor's advice, he is in _____ earnest about the epidemic.
A grave B sincere C deadly D pure
8. My mother _____ when she came back home this noon and found out I had
forgotten to cook the rice.
A brought the house down B hit the ceiling
C had her blood boiled D hit the wall
9. Only when you see the hurricane season here will you know nature is
comforting but can also be _____
A out for blood B uncharted waters
C like getting blood out of a stone D red in tooth and claw
10. Hearing about my uncle's death last night, I felt somewhat relieved that he
could now leave this _____ behind after 8 years struggling with cancer.
A gift of the gab B vale of tears
C donkey’s years D cat-and-dog life
11. Harry knows _____ well that he would receive punishment for this but he’s
still determined to go ahead with his plan.
A grim B dead C all D full
12. He was trying to _____ the complicated series of events that had led to this
situation but still couldn’t see where the mistakes lied.
A weasel out B crouch over C ravel out D bowl over
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13. Twenty years serving the business as second in _____ to his father has
helped him gain precious experience for his career.
A authority B command C decree D junction
14. After graduating from law school, my father got a job in the local jury office
and was responsible for _____ justice on the island.
A interrogating B dispensing C waiving D legitimizing
15. It is unfair that he's been cheating his customers for years, and getting
_____ away with it.
A white B clean C straight D flat
Word form
1. The latest economic surveys are _____ as a result of the decline in world
trade during the pandemic. (BEAT)
2. The recent factory closures and job losses are just a _____ of the recession
that is to come. (TASTE)
3. Sarah didn’t do very well on the test, so when knowing her score was barely
enough to pass, the expression on her face was _____ between disappointment
and relief. (WAY)
4. The rainbow appears after the rain and looks just like a colorful giant _____
fan in the sky. (CIRCLE)
5. My team is submerged in deadlines so we do not have the _____ to take on
new projects at the moment. (BAND)
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Test 65
1. The authorities only sit in the _____ without knowing anything about the real
desire of ordinary people.
A ivory tower B cloud castle C air balloon D royal palace
2. Everyone loves these giant retail chains for their low prices, but few care that
the local business owners are taken the _____ out of their mouth.
A bread B egg C teeth D pudding
3. I can see you have been practicing very hard for the past 5 months so you
totally deserve the _____, son!
A gold plate B blue ribbon C silver spoon D red flag
4. I know your dream is to become a singer, but with your voice, please stop
_____ and choose another major.
A chasing the dragon B chasing rainbows
C crying over spilt milk D holding the fort
5. John’s reaction showed that he was full of _____ after hearing that he was
going to be a dad for the first time.
A cakes B lemons C jellies D beans
Key: D
full of beans = to be full of energy and in high spirits
6. The detective pressed the doorbell and waited in the _____ for the front door
to open.
A perch B threshold C porch D ridge
7. Our diplomatic relationship with that country is rather tense at the moment
and we are facing a(n) _____ threat of invasion.
A prominent B imminent C auspicious D immediate
8. During French colonialism, many Vietnamese workers were on the _____ to
object labour exploitation in factories and plantations.
A dole queue B picket line C back bench D assembly line
9. Thinking of the test never fails to make my stomach _____ - waiting for the
result is like torturing my soul.
A flutter B paralyse C wail D relapse
10. Returning home and staying with your family during the holiday was so
comfortable that I sometimes wish this could continue _____ forever.
A unbroken B unbridled C unabridged D unabated
11. My insomnia is so serious that even the background _____ of the air-
conditioning bothers my sleep.
A din B thud C blare D hum
12. He has turned over a new leaf so will you please be kind enough to stop
_____ his criminal record?
A ruling out B ringing back C ramping up D raking up
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13. From the way John is speaking, I suspect he is _____ another piece of cake
for his girlfriend.
A angling for B alluding to C sticking to D attesting to
14. After the test, John _____ hours everyday playing games as a way to
compensate for his hard work over the past few months.
A sinks in B slips up C idles away D ironing out
15. Just by a glance, everybody can realize John is _____ by his desirable
results in the test.
A captivated B intoxicated C aroused D extracted
Word form
1 Ever since his girlfriend had to serve in the isolation area, he has always
seemed _____ (CAST)
2 Many FMVs were produced using this web service, which allows people to
create _____ of movies by combining scenes from various films. (MASH)
3 The conflict relating to border delineation between the two countries has led
to the _____ of their diplomatic relation. (SEVER)
4 Mining and other industrial activities destroy this area and turn it into a
desolate _____. (MOON)
5 Although tourists are attracted to Sapa because of the snow, residents there
are actually afraid of this weather due to its harm to their _____, especially the
buffaloes. (LIVE)
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Test 66
1. Ms. Acogny took the liberty of introducing herself, for she, too, was a dancer
of some _______.
A. renown B. recognition C. dignity D. reputation
2. Nature is rational, simple and orderly, and it acts in accordance with _______
laws.
A. ineluctable B. inscrutable C. immutable D. implausible
3. We suggested it would be quicker to fly, but she _______ and insisted on
taking the train.
A. bit her head off B. dug her heels in
C. kept her chin up D. stuck her neck out
4. I apologized unreservedly for the offending remarks I had made but he turned
a cold, _______ gaze on me.
A. amphibian B. draconian C. mammalian D. reptilian
5. _______ journalism is a practice whereby monetary inducement is given to
journalists to make them write a positive story or kill a negative story.
A. Blue chamber B. Brown envelope
C. Red letter D. White card
6. The employment secretary found himself _______ over recent job cuts.
A. at the end of the line B. down the line
C. in the pipeline D. on the firing line
7. When the cost was ________ the advantages, the scheme looked perfect.
A. set against B. pit against
C. counted against D. weighed up against
8. China's car market exploded in 2009, _______ an ailing global industry and
relegating the U.S. to the second spot.
A. propping up B. ticking over C. wading through D. forging ahead
9. Judges already have substantial latitude to limit _______ arguments that
might mislead jurors; they could use it more often.
A. intramural B. extramural C. extraneous D. outbound
10. He doesn't like the job but he'll _______ until the work is done.
A. cotton on B. harp on C. impinge on D. soldier on
11. Often the interviewer will need to _______ devil's advocate in order to get a
discussion going.
A. make B. act C. place D. play
12. Unfortunately, we ran out of time during tonight's show and had to _______
our musical guest off.
A. sag B. write C. dust D. bump
13. It is a(n) _______ fact that governments rise and fall on the state of the
economy.
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A. axiomatic B. pragmatic C. chromatic D. enigmatic

14. With the economy in the worst recession for thirty years, it was scarcely the
most _______ time to start up a company.
A. pernicious B. parsimonious C. precipitous D. propitious
15. That car must have set Joe _________ quite a bit; it’s top of the range.
A. away B. back C. in D. down
Word form
1. This is regarded by many as a _________ initiative that has failed to deliver
its promises. (LAME)
2. On Wednesday night the UN issued its toughest _________ to date,
demanding that all troops withdraw from the city. (ULTIMATE)
3. The balance of the pairs of opposites which comprise a square is the
_________ of its perfection. (SIGN)
4. An early example of product _________ is in the 1949 movie Gun Crazy,
where a Bulova clock is repeatedly shown in important scenes. (PLACE)
5. I just use a few basic and _________ symbols, for the most part just crossing
out errors and inserting the correct version. (EXPLAIN)
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Test 67
1. The decision to include Morris in the team was completely _______ when he
scored three goals.
A. extrapolated B. vindicated C. reverberated D. subjugated
2. Simon hasn’t got a job, and isn’t trying to get one. He just _________ his
friends.
A. meddles with B. sponges on C. tarts up D. sweeps along
3. Failing to stand a _________ state-run organization, Jimmy decided to switch
job.
A. symphonic B. monolithic C. gargantuan D. concordant
4. On Jan. 17, 1893, Hawaii's monarchy was overthrown as a group of
businessmen and sugar planters forced Queen Liliuokalani to _______.
A. forsake B. abdicate C. desert D. cede
5. Although 83 he was still _______ and his death from pneumonia following a
short hospital stay came as a shock.
A. ebullient B. exuberant C. sprightly D. vivacious
6. If you never put oil into your car engine, one day it will __________.
A. run off B. flake out C. shut down D. seize up
7. She learns to detach, to _______, from all earthly concepts and material
objects, even bodily form.
A. backbite B. impugn C. reprehend D. abnegate
8. We are a luxury restaurant and if people have a bad experience, we have to
_______.
A. carry all before them B. carry the can
C. carry the ball D. carry the day
9. I don’t like to make friends with those who always ____ people _____ behind
their backs.
A. slag/off B. slap/around C. strike/out D. hate/on
10. The dress is perfect. Don't add anything to it at all. It would just be _______.
A. going to seed B. smelling of roses
C. pushing up the daisies D. gilding the lily
11. Government becomes no longer the servant of the people but in the thrall
of big money, lobbyists and a media happy to live off its fancy leftovers in a
___________ of gossip and shallow speculation.
A. feeding frenzy B. second wind
C. fever pitch D. buffer zone
12. Not getting the promotion felt like a real kick in the _________ as I’d put in
so much hard work for the company.
A. head B. teeth C. back D. leg
13. Business leaders predict a hard year ahead with the economy _________.
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A. on the rocks B. on the cards C. in the black D. in the doldrums

14. Even though it’s still easy to _________ digital copy protection, most users
can’t do it.
A. outflank B. deflect C. circumvent D. oscillate
15. The proposal drew many negative comments as it _________ common
sense.
A. struck a hard bargain against B. reinvented the wheel of
C. threw the book at D. flew in the face of
Word form
1. Jean will look after Harry, I'm quite sure - she's a _________ for babies.
(PUSH)
2. Merchandise imports have expanded significantly faster than world trade in
both real and _________ dollar values. (NAME)
3. He suffers from Parkinson’s disease and has occasionally experienced
_________. (BLACK)
4. People say that the corpses of the sacred monks will be _________ due to
their divine power. (COMPOSE)
5. An _________ is the one who uses statistics and mathematics to study,
model and predict economic principles and outcomes. (ECONOMY)
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Test 68
1. Everyone in the company detests getting close to him because he’s always
trying to ______ the boss.
A. suck up to B. cry out for C. pin down to D. fall over to
2. She treats smokers like the _______, as the worst people there are.
A. scum of the earth B. bright spark
C. live wire D. nasty piece of work
3. Being a fertile ground for film production, Los Angeles is ________ with
would-be actors.
A. bulging at the seams B. flying by the seat of its pants
C. wearing the trousers D. burning a hole in its pocket
4. The economic and political ________ of the civil war in Ethiopia is still being
felt.
A. backfire B. backtrack C. backlash D. backwash
5. Her letter contained several outrageous _______ on her former colleagues.
A. blots B. slurs C. stains D. drags
6. To apply for this position, each candidate has to submit a ________ photo
besides other required documents.
A. full-bodied B. full-scale C. full-length D. full-fledged
7. Although the task is basically a no-brainer, she’s making such a ________
weather of it.
A. heavy B. weighty C. stormy D. rough
8. My boss is always having a _______ at me. He always seems to find
something to criticise me for.
A. gun B. dig C. pitch D. hit
9. The starter motor was _______ again, which got on my nerves.
A. firing away B. playing up C. sounding out D. harping on
10. With a feeling of dark ______, I went home straight despite our plans to play
football.
A. intuition B. foreboding C. premonition D. herald
11. By the time the traffic jam cleared up, we were pretty _______.
A. palmed off B. fobbed off C. browned off D. nodded off
12. Although he always gave the impression he was hard up, it was well known
that he had a large amount of money stashed _________ in the bank.
A. out B. back C. up D. away
13. It seems Richard did not wanted to wear that shirt so he spilled ketchup over
it __________-on-purpose.
A. accidentally B. unintentionally C. accidental D. unintentional
14. To save money for _______ purposes is altogether different from saving it
for economical purposes.
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A. avaricious B. dolorous C. pugnacious D. ominous

15. I tried to _______out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
A. strut B. scamper C. slither D. slink
Word form
1. His explanation was wrapped up in so much technical _______ that I couldn't
understand it. (VERB)
2. Most big companies usually have _______ so that the CEO can contact all
directors of subsidiary companies. (CONFERENCE)
3. James was originally _______ but he decided to leave his wealthy family and
then joined Team Rocket. (BLOOD)
4. Hikaru Nara is such a good and catchy song that I get _______ every time I
listen to it. (GOOSE)
5. Oral disease, especially dental carries, is complicated and _______, and it
often begins to develop during infancy. (FACTOR)
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Test 69
1. A successful terminal at Stratford would inevitably and _______ encroach on
the Lea Valley regional park and reduce leisure facilities.
A. inexorably B. inextricably C. indubitably D. indomitably
2. Until this evening, Hannah is still ________ away at her unfinished report.
A. hammering B. grinding C. whiling D. axing
3. It is a major _______ or social embarrassment to arrive at a party early or
even on time.
A. idée fixe B. hoi polloi C. avant garde D. faux pas
because it is not socially correct
4. A _______ headache can occur for many reasons, from temporary causes,
such as a hangover, to more severe or chronic forms of pain.
A. beating B. drumming C. hammering D. throbbing
5. Today, Einstein is _______ as an intellectual colossus who bestrode the 20th
century like no other.
A. enchanted B. venerated C. armored D. enamored
6. Financial aid is being provided to the country _______ of the World Bank.
A. under the auspices B. by the book
C. on the blink D. at the hands
7. Whether there’s truth in it or not, I can’t stand that _______ “follow your heart”.
A. old chestnut B. old soak C. old wives’ tale D. old money
8. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but I accidentally heard this odd _________ of
conversation on the bus.
A. buzz B. hum C. snippet D. snatch
9. Because of the children involved, they want to resolve the court case as
quickly and ________ as possible.
A. grudgingly B. discerningly C. discreetly D. judiciously
10. The new movie’s plot has more holes than _________ cheese.
A. Greek B. Italian C. Swiss D. French
11. The government has been _______ this issue for years, but the time has
finally come for us to do something about it!
A. pertaining to B. touching on C. delving into D. slurring over
12. Can you believe what they're making us do at work now? What a(n)
_______.
A. apple of discord B. can of worms
C. load of cobblers D. spot of bother
13. It’s natural for students to worry about whether they will ________ or not at
a new school.
A. measure up B. sprout up C. show up D. dig up
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14. Except for pasting the occasional coconut tree with small advertisements
for acupuncture, the hippies have done little to _______ this beautiful spot.
A. disfigure B. mutilate C. deface D. amputate
15. For many young people, driving cars at high speed seems to ________ a
rather fatal fascination.
A. reserve B. wield C. weave D. hold
Word form
1. Once the news of the assassination of their beloved leader reached the
public, ________ broke out in streets throughout the country. (DEMON)
2. It was a ________ moment for Kousei when he realized he wouldn’t have
been able to go on but for his friend’s sincere encouragement (LIGHT)
3. Practise good personal protection against mosquito bites to prevent
________ infections. (MOSQUITO)
4. Many new immigrants have not yet ________ fully into the new culture.
(SIMILAR)
5. The externalist approach focuses on the way a belief is produced in order to
assess its epistemic ________. (CREDIT)
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Test 70
1. The road is packed with vehicles! That’s _______ at rush hour.
A. a going concern B. a hue and cry C. part and parcel D. par for the course
2. Haiti's first elected president was _______ in a violent military coup .
A. disbarred B. supplanted C. deposed D. subverted
3. You will have to learn to face up to a few _______, my boy, before it’s too
late.
A. home truths B. odd jobs C. second thoughts D. kid gloves
4. As soon as he read the letter, tears ________ in his eyes.
A. soaked up B. welled up C. filled up D. tanked up
5. Incoherence, or word ________, refers to speech that is unconnected and
conveys no meaning to the listener.
A. salad B. blend C. roll D. soup
6. The case alleges that the company _______ female employees on
opportunities for promotion.
A. short-dated B. short-changed C. short-circuited D. short-handed
7. Poor Mary, all her colleagues teased her; she was the _______ of all their
jokes.
A. hubbub B. butt C. bulk D. brunt
8. The city has _______ on the storage building permit, arguing that may not be
permissible under updated zoning requirements.
A. derided B. taunted C. faltered D. reneged
9. Aircraft production continued to _______ at an agonizingly slow pace.
A. bubble over B. bristle at C. plod along D. fawn over
10. Kim put my name down for a sponsored parachute jump but I _______ at
the last moment.
A. beavered away B. weaseled out
C. chickened out D. clammed up
11. After winning the lottery, they moved into a more _______ house in a high-
class residential area and had a more comfortable life.
A. well-attended B. well-built C. well-appointed D. well-disposed
12. Thousands of people came out onto the streets to _______ their support for
the democratic opposition party.
A. adduce B. attest C. elicit D. accost
13. The Prime Minister exercised his _______ to decide when to call an
election.
A. licence B. autocracy C. prerogative D. dispensation
14. Protein and B2 in soybean help to metabolize amino acids, which _______
the skin.
A. rejuvenate B. recuperate C. overhaul D. reinvigorate
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15. Never _______ feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out
realities and offer hope.
A. dispel B. disparage C. dissipate D. dispatch
Word form
1. We need to _______ the problem before we can understand its origin.
(CONTEXT)
2. The secretary of state for Northern Ireland appeared on television to read a
special _______ for detention without trial. (APOLOGIZE)
3. _______ organizational structures refer to companies with too many
managers, which mean too many presidents, vice presidents and other mid-
level managers between the president and the junior worker. (HEAVY)
4. The ambassador was typically _______ when asked whether further
sanctions would be introduced. (COMMIT)
5. No wonder then that data _______ – literally defined as the process of
increasing the economic value of data – is becoming such an important and
growing area for all businesses. (MONEY)
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KEY AND EXPLANATION
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Test 41
1. The boy who was caught _____ candy or little toys many times but was never
punished by his mother grew up to be a thief.
A snitching B burgling C ransacking D pilfering
Key: D
pilfer (v) = to steal things of little value or in small quantities
2. Some students attempted to _____ the teacher while the others prepared the
surprise birthday party for her.
A stall B haul C swathe D wane
Key: A
stall (v) = to make somebody wait so that you have more time to do something
3. Adam has no right to _____ his position on how much our class should
donate, that is our internal affair
A hammer out B screen out C stake out D take out
Key: C
stake out = to state your opinion, position, etc. on something very clearly
4 Getting into the third round of 2022 World Cup is a real _____ for the Vietnam
national team.
A coup B deed C epic D crusade
Key: A
coup (n) = the fact of achieving something that was difficult to do
5. The four-week circuit _____ will come into force tomorrow with the closure of
pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential shops.
A breaker B spell C respite D span
Key: A
circuit breaker (n) = a short period during which laws are in place to limit
people's movements, especially to require most people to stay at home in order
to stop the spread of disease
6. The old owners of the homestay are extremely hospitable and whenever I
travel to Dalat, I know there will always be a _____ welcome awaiting me.
A. princely B. heart-rending C. profound D. abstruse
Key: A
princely (adj) = impressive or generous
7. School ends at 5 so my only choice is to _____ a chocolate bar on my way
to my extra Math class, which starts only 10’ later.
A. rattle through B. scarf down C. romp through D. scuff down
Key: B
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scarf down = to eat something very quickly

8. Having performed excellently in the Quidditch match, Ron _____ his moment
of glory, holding the trophy up to the crowd.
A blazed up B clocked up C plunged in D basked in
Key: D
bask in something = to enjoy the good feelings that you have when other people
praise or admire you, or when they give you a lot of attention
not reflect the actual situation of the city.
A factious B factitive C factive D factional
Key: A
factitious (adj) = not real but created deliberately and made to appear to be true
10. Of course we all love a better quality fridge, but for a low-income family like
us, it’s better to cut your _____ according to your cloth.
A cloak B coat C clothes D gloves
Key: B
cut your coat according to your cloth = to do only what you have enough money
to do and no more
11. There are many problems that laws don’t intervene and it totally rests with
the moral _____ of each individual to prevent wrongdoings.
A fibre B anchor C rigidity D latitude
Key: A
moral fibre (n) = the inner strength to do what you believe to be right in difficult
situations
12. My boyfriend refused to climb up the treetop with me because he doesn’t
have a _____ for heights.
A heart B head C soul D foot
Key: B
if somebody does not have a head for heights, they feel nervous and think they
are going to fall when they look down from a high place
13. I have received many warnings about my studies recently and was
threatened to be grounded by my parents, another low grade this time will be
_____ to me.
A the last straw B the final nail in the coffin
C the parting shot D the drop in the bucket
Key: B
the final nail in the coffin = an event, decision, action, etc., that seals, confirms,
or ultimately leads to the failure of a situation or event that has already begun
to fail
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14. I thought willpower was enough to take me to the finish line, but when my
muscles got sore and my body was exhausted, I knew I had _____.
A hit the deck B hit the sack
C hit the wall D hit the roof
Key: C
hit the wall = to reach a point when you cannot continue or make any more
progress
15. He was brought up in an educated family but hanging out with the street
children has turned him into a(n) _____ young man with bad manners.
A uncouth B profane C impious D stoic
Key: A
uncouth (adj = (of a person or their behaviour) rude or socially unacceptable
Word form
1. The police had been on _____ in our neighborhood for a week to collect
evidence before they arrested the drug dealer. (STAKE)
2. Meeting the first girl he loved after 8 years, old feelings _____ in the heart of
the married man. (FACE)
3. I later put my shoes back on because shells and gravel made walking _____
on the beach uncomfortable for me. (FOOT)
4. Although the technique seems simple compared to those of modern days,
paper produced by Cai Lun was considered _____ at that time. (GROUND)
5. The German recycling system provides a _____ against which schemes in
other nations can be measured. (BENCH)
1 STAKEOUT (n) = a situation in which police watch a building secretly to find

evidence of illegal activities
2 RESURFACED (v) = to appear again after disappearing
3 BAREFOOT (adv) = without shoes or stocking
4 GROUNDBREAKING (adj) = involves making new discoveries, using new
methods
5 BENCHMARK (n) = something that can be measured and used as a standard
that other things can be compared with
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Test 42
1. As courageous as he seems to be, Falstaff is nothing but a _____ coward
who would flee first in the face of threat.
A stoic B spineless C deviant D shrewd
Key: B
spineless (adj) = (of people) weak and easily frightened
2. The game turned into a _____ when Harry caught the golden snitch, with the
Gryffindor winning by 180 to 40.
A rout B shutout C fit D bash
Key: A
rout (n) = a situation in which somebody is defeated completely in a battle or
competition
3. “Under the hawthorn” is a(n) _____ tale of pure young love set during the
Cultural Revolution that has brought many people to tears.
A amorous B poignant C mordant D doting
Key: B
poignant (adj) = having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way that
makes you feel sad
4. When the school year ends and I won’t have to meet my annoying deskmate
again, I will definitely tell her the _____!
A Ps and Qs B home truth C good grief D nuts and bolts
Key: B
home truth = a true but unpleasant fact about yourself that another person tells
you
5. I had an ambition of getting the First prize in the National Contest, but I knew
it was just a _____ in the sky.
A pig B star C buffalo D pie
Key: D
a pie in the sky = something good that is unlikely to happen
6. After having a whale of a time at my wedding yesterday, my colleague was
looking a little _____ when he came to work this morning.
A around the bend B in a fog
C off his trolley D green around the gills
Key: D
green around the gills = to look ill, as if going to vomit
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7. Temporarily, the number of COVID-19 cases has ceased to increase, but I

can see more problems _____.
A carrying the day B coming down the pike
C arriving on the scene D drifting with the tide
Key: B
come down the pike = to happen; to become easy to notice
8. The authority seems powerless to _____ of violence across the city after the
new law was implemented.
A beat the air B hold the fire C stem the tide D step off the curb
Key: C
stem the tide = stop something from increasing or continuing
9. The small-scale demonstration later escalated into a _____ battle with the
police, involving more than 800 protesters and causing serious traffic
congestion across the city.
A pitched B racked C heaped D scrap
Key: A
pitched battle (n) = a fight that involves a large number of people
10. What this government is doing to its female citizens is clearly gender
discrimination under the _____ of religion.
A gown B coat C cape D cloak
Key: D
cloak (n) = a thing that hides or covers somebody/something
11. In the system of constitutional monarchy, the Queen may have privilege but
she has no real political _____.
A loft B swathe C clout D nought
Key: C
clout (n) = power and influence
12. The needs of today's children cannot be met by the traditional _____ of
education we’re using, in which emphasis is placed solely on theoretical
knowledge.
A prototype B paradigm C emblem D epitome
Key: B
paradigm (n) = a model of sth
13. Newspapers _____ tributes to Professor Albus Dumbledore after his heroic
sacrifice in the battle against the evils.
A bristled with B hedged in C plucked at D talked into
Key: A
bristle with = to have a large amount of something, or to be full of something
14. My parents thought the costs of the trip would only remain in their
calculations, but unexpected additional expenses later _____ their budget.
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GUNSM
A drank in B gobbled up C harped on D copped out

gobble up = to use something very quickly
15. Scout decided that her brother Jem needed some time to _____ after a
terrible night so she tried to keep some distance from him.
A cry off B drill down C come off D simmer down
simmer down = to become calm after a period of anger or excitement
Word form
1. Many gun shops offer _____ services on the premises for customers to buy,
custom and fix right at the shop. (GUN)
2. The science fair is an annual event of this school and is regarded as a(n)
_____ of their scientific superiority. (SHOW)
3. With so many areas of ancient _____ being cut down, many rare species are
put under threat of habitat loss and extinction. (WOOD)
4. My children always take pride in their grandmother, who is a(n) _____ of the
Vietnam People’s Navy with lots of old stories to tell. (SERVICE)
5. My whole family has agreed on the living room design but wood _____ is still
something that requires consideration due to its cost. (FLOOR)
1 GUNSMITH (n) = a person who makes and repairs guns

2 SHOWCASE (n) = an event that presents somebody’s abilities or the good
qualities of something in an attractive way
3 WOODLAND (n) = an area of land that is covered with trees
4 EX-SERVICEWOMAN (n) = a woman who used to be in the army, navy
5 FLOORING (n) = material used to make the floor of a room
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Test 43
1. It is high time we canceled our marketing campaign as it hasn’t helped to
_____ in sales for months.
A move the needle B beat the drum
C tip the scales D change tack
Key: A
move the needle = to cause a noticeable change in something.
2. I'm not surprised that Tina showed up with purple hair today—she loves
_____ with her hair color.
A kicking the bucket B getting the ball rolling
C drawing straws D ringing the changes
Key: D
ring the changes = to continually alter or change something
3. I think I will _____, it is unacceptable for a student to hold a racist attitude
towards his teacher.
A tell him a thing or two B pick his moment
C tick off on his fingers D get his brain in gear
Key: A
tell sb a thing or two = to correct or confront someone about his, her, or their
mistaken belief or incorrect point of view
4. He is a careful guy who will always get his _____ in a row before he starts
doing anything.
A dogs B chickens C ducks D kids
Key: C
get one's ducks in a row = to get everything well organized and under control
5. After the seventh time Ally came late to work, the teacher lost her patient and
hauled him over _____.
A the fire B woods C boiling water D the coals
Key: D
haul sb over the coals = to speak angrily to sb
6. The green protest is expected to _____ steam after the minister allows the
construction of a shopping center in place of the park.
A pick up B take up C carve up D clock up
Key: A
pick up steam = to become gradually more powerful, active, etc
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7. It is hard to understand what led to a prejudicial attitude and _____ hatred of

women in a person brought up in a progressive family like him.
A foul B obnoxious C pathological D innocuous
Key: C
pathological (adj) = not reasonable or sensible; impossible to control
8. With a record of 22000 flying hours, Callaghan proved to be an _____ and
shrewd pilot for these storms.
A inimitable B imperturbable C impermeable D unshakeable
Key: B
imperturbable (adj) = not easily upset or worried by a difficult situation; calm
9. In this story, the criminal is depicted as a person with a genius mind and a
_____ pleasure in watching others suffer.
A ascetic B dexterous C stoic D perverted
Key: D
perverted (adj) = not thought to be normal or acceptable by most people
10. The view from the top of LangBiang was so breathtaking that we just stood
there _____ the scenery.
A bristling up in B breaking in C drilling in D drinking in
Key: D
drink in = to look at or listen to something with great interest and pleasure
11. I think you had better spend some time to _____ certain factors before
applying for that position, the deadline is still far away
A mull over B bowl over C sleep over D boil over
Key: A
mull over = to spend time thinking carefully about a plan or proposal
12. Recent inconsiderate statements Mr. Key made in the public are believed
to be _____ to the cooperation between our company and the DYC.
A innocuous B prejudicial C vacuous D sinister
Key: B
prejudicial (adj) = harming or likely to harm somebody/something
13. As coincidental as the first time they met each other, that actually was also
part of her scheme to _____ this rich guy.
A snarf B snark C snarl D snare
Key: D
snare (v) = to catch something, especially an animal
14. As a public figure, whose life and behavior are the focus of intense public
interest, I have gradually become _____ to criticism and scrutiny.
A impermeable B impertinent C impervious D imperious
Key: C
impervious (adj) = not affected or influenced by something
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15. My aunt is clearly bathing in the reflected _____ of her son’s outstanding
performance and enviable achievements in the National Contest.
A glow B glory C fame D splendor
Key: B
reflected glory = respect or admiration that is given to someone, not because of
what they are or what they have done, but because of what someone they know
has done
Word form
1. The second time the player was shown the yellow card for his _____ actions
during the game, he was dismissed from the field. (SPORT)
2. The prevalence of illegal drug _____ in the Philippines is lower than the global
average, partly thanks to strict drug policies in this country. (TRAFFIC)
3. I think hibiscus will do poorly as a _____, given the fact that it is native to
tropical regions and adores full sun. (PLANT)
4. Imported coffee is having a difficult time trying to find a _____ in the
Vietnamese market Vietnam. (FOOT)
5. I don’t have the _____ to stay on a diet so the only way for me to lose weight
is exercising. (POWER)
1 UNSPORTING (adj) = not fair or generous in your behaviour or treatment of

others, especially of an opponent in a game
2 TRAFFICKING (n) = the activity of buying and selling something illegally
3 HOUSEPLANT (n) = a plant that you keep indoors
4 FOOTHOLD (n) = a strong position in a business, profession, etc. from which
somebody can make progress and achieve success
5 WILLPOWER (n) = the ability to control your own thoughts and the way in
which you behave
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Test 44
1. There is no _____ that will help you lose weight without effort, the only way
is to exercise and follow a diet.
A smoking gun B silver bullet C straight arrow D golden brick
Key: B
silver bullet = something that provides an immediate and extremely effective
solution to a given problem or difficulty, especially one that is normally very
complex or hard to resolve
2. Make sure you have researched your position thoroughly before the debate,
you definitely don’t want to bring _____ to a gunfight.
A a sword B a bow C a knife D an arrow
Key: C
bring a knife to a gunfight = to come poorly prepared or equipped for some task,
goal, competition, or confrontation
3. Baking a hundred cakes in two days is undeniably a _____ order, but I believe
we will manage it with unity.
A tall B high C huge D big
Key: A
a tall order = a particularly difficult task to complete or accomplish
4. The runner was far ahead for most of the race, but at the end she won only
_____
A larger than life B by a whisker C on the dot D a notch above
Key: B
by a whisker = by a very short distance
5. Large cities like New York are usually _____ when it comes to adopting new
technology.
A before the wind B beyond depth C above bend D ahead of the curve
Key: D
ahead of the curve = at the forefront of or leading in something, such as a
developing situation, field of study or business, social development, etc
6. Slowly, she shed the ideological and emotional _____ of her upbringing in
her effort to become a more open and positive person.
A backpack B package C baggage D luggage
Key: C
baggage (n) = the beliefs and attitudes that somebody has as a result of their
past experiences
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7. Born in the Soviet Union during the 1930s, my father was so deeply
influenced by the contemporary sociopolitical context that socialism has
become a(n) _____ of faith with him.
A realm B article C element D clause
Key: B
article of faith (n) = something you believe very strongly, as if it were a religious
belief
8. Despite _____ efforts by our physiotherapists, my hamstring did not recover
in time for the race.
A staunch B valiant C intrepid D vigorous
Key: B
valiant (adj) = very brave or determined, especially when things are difficult or
the situation gives no cause for hope
9. The _____ of Skull and Bones, of which George H.W. Bush is a member, is
a secret society founded at Yale University in 1832.
A clique B order C assembly D stratum
Key: B
order (n) = a secret society
10. Being the son of Howard Stark-a brilliant inventor, Tony had shown a natural
_____ for mechanical engineering since a young age.
A concord B rapport C affinity D preferment
Key: C
affinity (n) = a strong feeling that you understand somebody/something and like
them or it
11. Now that he realised he was losing the most important girl in his life, he
dropped all _____ of dignity and rushed down the street after her.
A semblance B vestige C inkling D portent
Key: A
semblance of sth = a situation in which something seems to exist although this
may not, in fact, be the case
12. How sad it is to see with your own eyes the squalor and poverty that lay
behind the glittering _____ of Dubai.
A facade B antenna C masquerade D camouflage
Key: A
facade (n) = the way that somebody/something appears to be, which is different
from the way somebody/something really is
13. I will remain in a holding _____ until the schedule is announced because I
won’t be able to join in the trip if the contest takes place next month.
A position B pattern C seat D fit
Key: B
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a holding pattern = a situation in which you cannot act because you are waiting
for the result of something
14. I realize it myself, without _____, that I really have an extraordinary talent
for learning foreign languages!
A autocracy B egocentricity C conceit D tyranny
Key: C
conceit (n) = the fact of being too proud of yourself and what you do
15. He'd spent years _____ a rich aunt of his before she passed away, forcing
him to find a job
A figuring on B battening on C feeding on D egging on
Key: B
batten on = to live well by using other people’s money, etc
Word form
not reflect the actual situation of the city. (FACT)
2. When I was a child, I would always play shadow puppetry with my brother in
the _____ house during a blackout. (CANDLE)
3. Becoming a volunteer at a nursing home has offered me great opportunities
to strike up _____ friendships with many old people. (GENERATION)
4. _____ by the haze of alcohol, Mi resisted when A Su prevented her from
going to the Spring festival instead of giving in as usual. (BOLD)
5. Most spiders _____ flies and other insects in their webs while come species
like wolf spider or crab spider catch prey using their legs. (SNARE)
1 FACTITIOUS (adj) = not real but created deliberately and made to appear to
be true
2 CANDLELIT (adj) = lit by candles
3 INTERGENERATIONAL (adj) = including or involving people of different
generations or age groups
4 EMBOLDENED
embolden (v) = to make somebody feel braver or more confident
5 ENSNARE (v) = to catch or get control of something or someone
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Test 45
1 I'm a little nervous about starting my graduate degree program, but I'm
determined to _____ and give it a go.
A jump off the deep end B jump the gun
C drop off the radar D drop the ball
Key: A
jump off the deep end = to begin doing something very complex, overwhelming,
or unfamiliar, especially suddenly and without guidance, assistance, or
preparation
2. Negotiations went _____, but we did manage to reach an agreement on the
contract by the deadline.
A down to the short strokes B down for the count
C down to the ground D down to the wire
Key: D
down to the wire = until the last possible second.
3. I have to clean this mess up before 5:00 or I will be pushing up _____ when
my mom gét home.
A roses B lily C daisies D grasses
Key: C
push up daisies = die
4. With your present ability, it will be a cold day in _____ when you can beat
your brother in chess.
A June B Spring C July D Summer
Key: C
a cold day in July = impossible
5. Believe me, in this ever-changing era, that ridiculous pants may be _____ for
now but, before long, probably nobody will be wearing them.
A on the ball B all the rage C piping hot D on point
Key: B
all the rage = very popular
6. While capital punishment has been abolished in many countries, drug
trafficking still _____ the death penalty in Philippines.
A carries B bears C holds D contains
Key: A
carry (v) = if a crime carries a particular punishment, that is the usual
punishment for the crime
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7. Even when in the most severe state of his illness, he still _____ himself with
rigid composure and great dignity of a proud soldier.
A carried B sent C bore D forged
Key: C
bear [+ oneself] (v) = to move, behave or act in a particular way
8. My boss is quite an adamant man, so when he has had a plan, he would
_____ no interference or opposition.
A staunch B brook C consign D contain
Key: B
brook [+no sth] (v) = to not allow something
9. James Conrad was described as a(n) _____ explorer who would always be
willing to venture into the most dangerous corners for new discoveries despite
all the risks.
A ardent B staunch C stalwart D audacious
Key: D
audacious (adj) = willing to take risks in order to achieve something.
10. Nothing could _____ the memory of that tragic night from the minds of
Titanic survivors.
A obliterate B deracinate C extinguishe D extort
Key: A
obliterate (v) = to remove all signs of something, either by destroying or covering
it completely
11. I used to be my team’s treasure, but since my injury, I do realize I have
become more of a _____ than an asset to them.
A debit B culpability C liability D baggage
Key: C
liability (n) = a person or thing that causes you a lot of problems
12. The _____ of the Slytherin house in Harry Potter was a snake and the
house's colours were green and silver.
A emblem B stature C calibre D motto
Key: A
emblem (n) = a design or picture that represents a country or an organization
13. The portrayal of Professor Snape in Harry Potter will forever stand as a(n)
_____ to actor Alan Rickman after he passes away.
A epitaph B epitome C compendium D conceit
Key: A
epitaph (n) = something that is left to remind people of a particular person, a
period of time or an event
14. I know you have matters that trouble you but please _____ for heaven's
sake Anthony, you are ruining the whole party!
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A buck up B sift out C blaze up D air out

Key: A
buck up = to tell sb to cheer up
15. Both his parents used to be out at work all day when he was small, hence
his deep understanding of the lonesome and dangers of being a _____ child.
A rag B self-supporting C boomerang D latchkey
Key: D
latchkey kid/child = a child who is at home alone after school because both
parents are at work
Word form
1. Don’t waste your _____ and fancy-free days because you won’t have as
much freedom after marriage and parenthood. (FOOT)
2. I hope my clumsy wording and expression won’t prevent the teacher from
recognizing my _____ gratitude to her. (HEART)
3. “A child called “it”” is a misery _____ written by Dave Pelzer, chronicling his
story as the victim of one of the most severe child abuse cases in California
history. (MEMORY)
4. You literally _____ your son by treating him as a failure for not attending
university despite his business success. (CHANGE)
5. Parents should pay close attention to their children’s health because many
respiratory symptoms can be the _____of asthma - a medical condition that
makes breathing difficult.
1 FOOTLOOSE (adj) = free to go where you like or do what you want because
you have no responsibilities
footloose and fancy-free
2 HEARTFELT (adj) = sincere
3 MEMOIR (n) = an account written by somebody, especially somebody
famous, about their life and experiences
misery memoir = story of a person’s life, written by that person, in which the
author describes unpleasant personal experiences, usually suffered during
childhood, and how they recovered from them
4 SHORT-CHANGE (v) = to treat sb unfairly by not giving them what they have
earned or deserve
5 FORERUNNER (n) = a sign of what is going to happen
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Test 46
1. I eventually _____ to temptation and had a bar of chocolate at the seventh
hour of my fast.
A gave B yielded C flaunted D retired
Key: B
yield (v) = to stop resisting something/somebody; to agree to do something that
you do not want to do
2. I used to take my health for granted until my body was seriously _____ by
sickness.
A blighted B amputated C battered D raved
Key: A
blight (v) = to have a bad effect on something, especially by causing a lot of
problems
3. That’s weird he didn’t agree to lend you his bike, isn’t he the type of person
who would give you _____ off his back?
A the coat B the shoes C the bag D the shirt
Key: D
the shirt off one’s back = Anything or everything one owns or has to offer.
4. I had no idea they were planning to organize a party for my birthday, they
must have kept it _____.
A in deep water B in a lip lock
C among the flowers D under the rose
Key: D
under the rose = privately
5. I don’t really like Meg but it was a case of _____ when she was the only
person I could ask at that time.
A any Tom, Dick and Harry B any port in a storm
C any fool could do D any shape or form
Key: B
any port in a storm = any solution, however unappealing, is acceptable in times
of trouble
6. Since a large percentage of her students failed the exam, the teacher decided
to give them a second bite at _____ by allowing them to take the test again.
A the apple B the pie C the cherry D the olive
Key: C
a bite at the cherry = a chance or opportunity
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7. The graduates of this medical school are considered to be _____ in

cardiology.
A the icing on the cake B the big cheese
C the cream of the crop D the captain of industry
Key: C
the cream of the crop = the best
8. The men turned to us, both _____ confident smiles on their faces and ready
for the match.
A smearing B wearing C clothing D masking
Key: B
wear (v) = to have a particular expression on your face
9. I decided to watch The hollow crown series of BBC because Tom Hiddleston
was in it but the language of Shakespeare is largely _____ to me.
A insatiable B unearthly C inscrutable D undulating
Key: C
inscrutable (adj) = impossible to understand or interpret
10. You had better prepare a more persuasive speech because you will have
to _____ a large majority of your colleagues if you want to get the leadership.
A freight B carry C swathe D impel
Key: B
carry (v) = to win the support or sympathy of somebody; to persuade people to
accept your argument
11. After watching “Capernaum”, a sombre feeling descended on me and got
me _____ on the injustice of the world.
A ruminating B snaring C instigating D sulking
Key: A
ruminate (v) = to think deeply about something
12. Although humanity has long dreamt of exploring the mysterious galaxy,
people believe it was the moon landing that really _____ a whole new era in
space exploration.
A elicited B precipitate C inaugurated D expedited
Key: C
inaugurate (v) = to introduce a new public official or leader at a special
ceremony
13. We can only put a stop to school violence should everyone stop being so
negligent and realize the fact that this phenomenon actually _____ our
ignorance.
A prates on B snaps up C battens on D feeds off
Key: D
feed off = to become stronger because of something else
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14. I wish my girlfriend would just tell me what she wasn’t pleased about, she
should know how much I am _____ by her silence, not knowing what went
wrong.
A beguiled B discomfited C fouled D mortified
Key: B
discomfit (v) = to make somebody feel confused or embarrassed
15. Can you guys please stop arguing and work in _____ so that we can
complete this daunting task a little bit faster?
A concomitant B concoction C concert D conciliation
Key: C
in concert (with sb/sth) = (formal) working together with somebody/something
Word form
1. Although Anna appeared positive, I can feel a(n) _____ of desperation in her
speech. (TONE)
2. Chinese mythology contains many tales of animal _____ like huli jing, a fox
spirit which can turn into a beautiful woman. (SHAPE)
3. Political conflict and foreign intervention led to the permanent _____ of the
country. (MEMBER)
4. In Can Tho, there is a park named after Luu Huu Phuoc to _____ the musician
whose birthplace is this city. (MEMORY)
Vietnam. (HEART)
1 UNDERTONE (n) = a feeling, quality or meaning that is not expressed directly

but can still be understood from what somebody says or does
2 SHAPE-SHIFTER (n) = a person or an animal that is able to change into other
people, animals or things
3 DISMEMBERMENT (n) = the act or process of dividing a country, an
organization, etc. into smaller parts
4 COMMEMORATE (v) = to remind people of an important event or person from
the past with a special action or object
5 HEARTBEAT (n) = an important feature of something, that is responsible for
making it what it is
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Test 47
1. The Forbidden Forest, which borders the edges of the Hogwarts School, is a
dark and _____ forest thick with mysterious creatures and lurking dangers.
A brooding B crooked C dubious D gloomy
Key: A
brooding (adj) = mysterious and threatening
2. Because he started writing his term paper far too late, he is now behind the
_____ ball.
A last B ninth C eight D tenth
Key: C
behind the eight ball = in a difficult situation
3. Don’t you think an employee with _____ like Henry will soon be promoted?
A a song in his heart B a fire in his belly
C kindred spirit D a soul of discretion
Key: B
a fire in one’s belly = passion and determination
4. My daughter is a very confident girl and likes to express herself in public,
unlike her brother, who is a _____.
A bowl of cherry B top banana
C ripe plum D shrinking violet
Key: D
shrinking violet = a shy person
5. He is just a little child, please keep your _____ on and be patient with him.
A hat B socks C belt D shirt
Key: D
keep your shirt on = not get angry
6. Next time if you happen to arrive somewhere in my _____ of the woods, do
come round and have a meal with us.
A neck B foot C head D leg
Key: A
neck of the woods = A neighborhood or nearby area; the area around where
one lives.
7. Although the _____ route I showed you is longer, it will actually take you a
shorter time as you can avoid traffic jams during the rush hour.
A exigent B deviant C protracted D devious
Key: D
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devious (adj) = a route or path that is not straight but has many changes in
direction; not direct
8. Although the famous singer dismissed the allegations as _____ and
innuendo, police investigation has shown the opposite.
A smudge B smears C amnesty D bedazzlement
Key: B
smear (n) = a story that is not true about somebody that is intended to damage
their reputation
9. Students, when you arrive at the theatre, remember that you must sit
according to the seating _____ I showed you yesterday and whoever doesn’t
follow will be disciplined!
A plan B scheme C command D structure
Key: A
plan (n) = a detailed map of a building, town, etc.
seating plan = A seating plan is a diagram or a set of written or spoken
instructions that determines where people should take their seats.
10. The search for _____ between the two sides has appeared to be in vain as
none of the two companies was willing to compromise.
A moot point B the third way C middle ground D a safe passage
Key: C
middle ground (n) = a set of opinions, decisions, etc. that two or more groups
who oppose each other can agree on; a position that is not extreme
11. Marriage, though not the social imperative it once was, still stands for a
major rite of _____ into adult life.
A threshold B doorway C pathway D passage
Key: D
rite of passage (n) = a ceremony or an event that marks an important stage in
somebody’s life
12. Though it is still controversial regarding the character of the young actor,
most people can’t deny he is worthy of his _____ success.
A wildfire B phenomenal C aspiring D influential
Key: B
phenomenal success = very great or impressive success
13. The bullet, luckily, just _____ his shoulder, thanks to which his life
A crouched B rasped C browsed D grazed
Key: D
graze (v) = to break the surface of your skin
14. Those openly _____ their wealth show nothing but a shallow mind and a
contemptible dignity of themselves.
A eliciting B flaunting C reviling D exerting
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Key: B
flaunt (v) = to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to
impress them
15. I understand and would totally support you if you want to _____ of this toxic
relationship.
A sift out B bail out C churn out D blow out
Key: B
bail out = to escape from a situation that you no longer want to be involved in
Word form
1 Her toes are severely _____ from years of pursuing a career in professional
ballet. (SHAPE)
2 Teaching in mountainous areas is full of hardship but it is _____ to see the
determination of the students. (HEART)
3 Mulan is a(n) _____ adaptation of the 1998 Walt Disney Animation Studios
film of the same name, starring Liu Yifei in the title role. (LIVE)
4 The haughty employee _____ his hand when asking for a pay rise and was
eventually given the sack. (PLAY)
5 Firefighters are working 12-hour shifts in extreme heat to battle devastating
_____ in the northern forests. (FIRE)
1 MISSHAPEN (adj) = with a shape that is not normal or natural

2 HEARTENING (adj) = making you feel hope
3 LIVE-ACTION (adj) = (of a film) using real people or animals, rather than
drawings, models or computers
4 OVERPLAYED
overplay your hand = to behave too confidently because you think you are in a
stronger position than you actually are
5 WILDFIRES = very big fires that spread quickly and burns natural areas like
woods, forests and grassland
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Test 48
1. I goofed off for the first two years of college, but I turned into a real _____
once I realized the importance of my academic performance.
A sly dog B study animal C eager beaver D war horse
Key: B
study animal = someone who studies very hard or very often
2. I rarely take my kids to the library because he can be a bit of _____, running
around and making a mess.
A a bull in a china shop B a pig in mud
C a bird in the hand D a duck in Arizona
Key: A
a bull in a china shop = a person who is careless, or who moves or acts in a
rough way, in a place or situation where skill and care are needed
3. I know you really want the promotion, but telling the boss about my personal
problems was _____.
A under the hatches B under thumb
C below the belt D below par
Key: C
below the belt = (of a remark) unfair or cruel
4. Don’t worry, I am confident that Annie will manage to solve the quiz soon,
she is as sharp as _____.
A a blaze B a blade C a knife D a tack
Key: D
as sharp as a tack = very witty, mentally acute
5. Kids, please hold your _____, let’s sing the birthday song before we start
eating the cake!
A tatters B horses C brake D tongue
Key: B
hold your horses = be calm and patient
6. If you desire some practical lessons before your start-up, there are clear
_____ to be drawn from the failure of these companies.
A cheeks B chapters C morals D policies
Key: C
moral (n) = a practical lesson that a story, an event or an experience teaches
you
7. His reasoning is based on the _____ that humans are innately good, which
reflects his belief in Mencius.
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A premise B inception C surmise D conjecture

Key: A
premise (n) = a statement or an idea that forms the basis for a reasonable line
of argument
8. Although the matter was outside my _____ of responsibility, I still lent her a
helping hand.
A bound B orbit C sphere D hall
Key: C
sphere (n) = an area of activity, influence or interest; a particular section of
society
9. I don’t think the two directors would cooperate again in the second part, there
was a real personality _____ between them.
A disagreement B brawl C clash D discord
Key: C
personality clash [collocation] = a situation in which two or more people have
very different characters and are unable to have a good relationship with each
other
10. Although he was a talented artist, he lived a life _____ with financial worries.
A pestered B beseeched C clasped D beset
Key: D
beset (v) = to affect somebody/something in an unpleasant or harmful way
11. When Tony came in class with his ridiculous costume, he was greeted with
_____ of laughter.
A clap B blasts C gales D rounds
Key: C
gale(s) of laughter = the sound of people laughing very loudly
12. I intended to petrify him by telling him there was a snake in his room but he
didn't seem _____ concerned.
A in least B at least C the least bit D leastways
Key: C
13. The architecture chose a gentle colour scheme to create a relaxing _____
for the owner’s bedroom.
A ambience B complex C palette D sentiment
Key: A
ambience (n) = the character and atmosphere of a place
Vietnam.
A pulse B heartbeat C compass D avatar
Key: B
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heartbeat (n) = an important feature of something, that is responsible for making

it what it is
15. While everybody else all _____ or the Shang-Shi premiere, director Chloe
Zhao dressed casually in jeans and a loose-fitting top as if she was just dropping
by.
A gussied up B bobbed up C blazed up D bucked up
Key: A
gussy up = to dress yourself in an attractive way; to make somebody/something
more attractive, especially in a showy way
Word form
1 If there is still time remaining after you have finished the test and gone over
it, try to _____ your answers to avoid mistakes. (CHECK)
2 After graduating, I kept some books that are necessary for college and gave
away the _____ (REMAIN)
3 My parents always deem my playful personality _____ of a high school
teacher, who should be decent and serious. (FIT)
4 The journalists are regarded the _____ to the dictatorial government by
publicly denouncing their selfish and cruel policies. (WEIGHT)
5 Although political changes affected the social position of a samurai, he still
shows great _____ and decency of a noble family. (FINE)
1 DOUBLE-CHECK (v) = to check sth again/twice

(There is no “recheck” in Oxford, Cambridge or Longman dictionary)
2 REMAINDER (n) = the people, things or time that remain
3 UNBEFITTING (adj) = not suitable or good enough for somebody/something
4 COUNTERWEIGHT (n) = a thing that has an equal but opposite effect to
something else and can be used to limit the bad effects of something
5 REFINEMENT (n) = the state of having the sort of manners that are
considered typical of a high social class
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Test 49
1. Our teacher said _____ after lunch was a good way to refresh ourselves and
be more productive in the afternoon.
A taking a dive B catching forty winks
C hitting the deck D striking a chord
Key: B
catch forty winks = have a short sleep during the day
2. You must have been crazy to challenge John in chess, he is the state
champion and he will _____ with you.
A wipe the floor B carry the day
C buy the farm D dress to the nines
Key: A
wipe the floor with sb = to beat sb easily
3. There are 40 people coming to the party tonight, I need _____ to help me
with the decoration and cooking.
A all beer and skittles B all hands on deck
C all ducks in a row D all mops and brooms
Key: B
all hands on deck = everyone helps or must help, especially in a difficult
situation
4. I will let the kids play in the living room so please make sure the floor will be
as dry as _____ when you finish.
A a bone B the air C sand D Africa
Key: A
dry as a bone = very dry
5. You should hire an engineer to check that used car before making the final
decision or you may end up buying a _____ in a poke.
A parrot B house C horse D pig
Key: D
buy a pig in a poke = to buy something without inspecting it thoroughly, often
with negative consequences.
6. Harry and his friends spent hours in the library _____ through hundreds of
heavy old books to find information about the Philosopher’s stone.
A sifting B poring C sieving D meshing
Key: A
sift (v) = to examine something very carefully in order to decide what is important
or useful or to find something important
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7. After volunteering in the SOS village for the orphans in Ben Tre, I now
understand how lucky it is to be able to live in the _____ of your family.
A center B bliss C oasis D bosom
Key: D
bosom (n) = a situation in which you are with people who love and protect you
8. Marriage is a big and long-term gamble in which _____ is dubious in defiance
of all oaths and promises.
A jubilation B winnings C felicity D swoon
Key: C
felicity (n) = happiness
jubilation (n) = a feeling of great happiness because of a success
9. Returning home after a bad exam, I just wanted to sleep and _____ all the
disappointment and worries.
A bliss out B winnow out C blot out D clock out
Key: C
blot out = to deliberately try to forget an unpleasant memory or thought
10. The National Contest for the Gifted is an annual event in which students
from all over Vietnam _____ their wits against each other.
A hedge B pit C have D set
Key: B
pit somebody/something against something = to test somebody or their
strength, intelligence, etc. in a struggle or contest against somebody/something
else
pit your wits against somebody (=compete against someone using your
intelligence or knowledge)
11. Despite his fame and talent, the well-known rock star’s reputation was
seriously damaged by the _____ factor.
A plague B smugness C haul D sleaze
Key: D
sleaze (n) = dishonest or immoral behaviour
12. Please tell Severus to come to my office should you see him, I need him to
help me _____ the applications that have no chance of succeeding.
A make out B sift out C leaf through D muddle through
Key: B
sift out = to separate something, usually something you do not want, from a
group of things
13. As an inexperienced first-time traveller, I was _____ by a local vendor, who
charged me $40 for a little souvenir fridge magnet.
A ragged on B eaten away C ripped off D torn up
Key: C
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rip off = to cheat somebody, by making them pay too much, by selling them
something of poor quality, etc
14. I don’t think congratulating someone on acing a test and adding that you
have never expected that is a real praise but more like a _____!
A faint praise B false note
C two-handed comment D backhanded compliment
Key: D
a backhanded compliment = a comment that seems to express approval but
could also be understood as expressing a poor opinion of somebody/something
15. Some people believe that the increase in crime shows that society is losing
its moral _____.
A magnet B anchor C compass D arrow
Key: C
moral compass = a natural feeling that makes people know what is right and
wrong and how they should behave
Word form
1 Thanks to months of _____. research by the film producers, the enthronement
ceremony of Qianlong in “The story of Ruyi” was highly commended for being
historically accurate. (PAIN)
2 “Under the hawthorn tree” is a romantic movie with a lovely but tragic _____
(STORY)
3 The death of Bruno and Shmuel in “The boy in the striped pajamas” really
tugs at your _____ (HEART)
4 Border _____ between the two countries is one of the issues that receive the
most public attention. (LIMIT)
5 Following the release of Den Vau’s MV “Hide and Seek”, VTV24 made a
_____ joke to advise against running away from COVID-19 isolation centres.
(TOPIC)
1 PAINSTAKING (adj) = done with a lot of care, effort and attention to detail
2 STORYLINE (n) = the basic story in a novel, play, film, etc
3 to tug at sb’s HEARTSTRINGS = to cause strong feelings of love or sympathy
in somebody
4 DELIMITATION (n) = the process of deciding what the limits of something are
5 TOPICAL (adj) = connected with something that is happening or of interest at
the present time
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Test 50
1. Not until the doctor confirms that my sister is _____ can the whole family stop
worrying.
A beyond the pale B out of the woods
C on the round D in the zone
Key: B
out of the woods = no longer in danger or dealing with a particular difficulty,
though not entirely resolved.
2. After the competition, my friends tried to _____ by teasing me about my
failure.
A bell my cat B go to the dogs
C get my goats D shoot my bull
Key: C
get sb’s goat = to make sb annoyed or angry
3. Only kids _____ when Tet comes because they don’t have so many things
to do like adults.
A keep their chins up B hit the hay
C carry the day D have a ball
Key: D
have a ball = have an enjoyable time
4. My younger brother keeps begging me to let him join our club’s party, but it
is likely that he will feel like _____.
A a fifth wheel B the fourth wall
C an extra pair of hands D a gift horse
Key: A
a fifth wheel = an unwelcome or extra person
5. Work-life balance is the most important thing to me so I would never take that
job for all the tea in _____.
A Britain B England C Turkey D China
Key: D
would not do sth for all the tea in China = used to say that nothing could
persuade you to do something
6. Large, black rain clouds _____ in the sky this morning, signalling an
approaching storm.
A glowered B scowled C ruptured D crouched
Key: A
glower = looked likely to produce rain
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7. I don’t know what’s so interesting that my daughter always listens to this

speaker with _____ attention whenever there is his show on TV.
A blissful B rapt C spellbinding D griping
Key: B
rapt (adj) = so interested in one particular thing that you are not aware of
anything else
8. Despite his competency, the director was _____ after a conflict with his boss
and was demoted to a low-level employee.
A struck off B ratted out C toned down D crossed out
Key: A
strike off = to remove a doctor, lawyer, etc. from an official list so that they are
no longer allowed to work in that job
9. Eight months of lockdown were eight months I was _____ in the stifling tiny
flat of mine in the city, unemployed and unable to go anywhere.
A bricked up B clocked up C bottled up D cooped up
Key: D
coop up = to keep a person or an animal inside a building or in a small space
10. The well-reputed CEO _____ with £10,000 of the company's money last
night and has come England’s most wanted man at the moment.
A assailed B absconded C debunked D deflated
Key: B
abscond (v) = to leave secretly and take with you something, especially money,
that does not belong to you
11. I thought I only liked the character Loki, but it turns out after that I like the
actor himself as I can’t help _____ over photos of Tom Hiddleston.
A drooling B slobbing C dredging D drizzling
Key: A
drool (v) = to show in a silly or exaggerated way that you want or admire
somebody/something very much
12. The monument is a(n) _____ reminder of those who died in the catastrophic
Sichuan earthquake 14 years ago.
A poignant B affective C sardonic D pungent
Key: A
poignant (adj) = having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way that
made you feel sad
13. The gentle colour _____ creates a relaxing ambience for the bedroom of
my little daughter.
A complexion B palette C structure D scheme
Key: D
scheme (n) = an ordered system or arrangement
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colour scheme = the way in which colors are arranged, especially in the furniture
and decoration of a room
14. One special thing about Ron is that he never has a _____ plan - he just
makes decisions as the need arises but still manages to ace any task given.
A ground B base C foundation D post
Key: A
ground plan (n) = a plan for future action
15. He _____ with only 152 votes out of 300, which is not at all something to
brag about compared with that of his predecessor.
A tucked in B dragged by C scraped in D passed through
Key: C
scrape in = to manage to get a job, a position, a place at college, etc., but with
difficulty
Word form
1 When I first met your mother, I just thought she might be 40 or _____ because
she looked so young. (THERE)
2 When demand for a product _____ its supply, the price of that product will
increase. (STRIP)
3 His love for life and optimism gave him a _____ power to overcome what the
doctors refer to as “an incurable disease. (NATURAL)
4 Fans do not know where the event was held because its location was _____
(CLOSE)
5 You may earn a six-figure salary from that job but your health will be the cost,
it’s all swings and _____ (ROUND)
1 THEREABOUTS (adv) = used to say that a particular number, quantity, time,

etc. is not exact
2 OUTSTRIPS (v) = to become larger, more important, etc. than sb/sth
3 PRETERNATURAL (adj) = that does not seem natural; that cannot be
explained by natural laws
4 UNDISCLOSED (adj) = not made known or told to anyone
5 ROUNDABOUT (adj) = not done or said using the shortest, simplest or most
direct way possible
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Test 51
1. I'm delighted that my children have such wonderful opportunities abroad, but
I must say I feel sick as _____ at the thought of being separated from them for
so long.
A a duck B a lizard C a parrot D a turkey
Key: C
as sick as a parrot = thoroughly displeased, disappointed, or dejected (about
something)
2. Garry used to be the best player in our team, but he seems to have _____
after years dedicated to his business career.
A gone cold turkey B lost his touch
C blown off steam D had sticky fingers
Key: B
lose your touch = to no longer be skilled in doing something
3. What with the COVID-19 pandemic, my restaurant has been operating in the
_____ for five consecutive months and is about to be shut down.
A red B black C yellow D blue
Key: A
in the red = to lose more money than you make.
4. Ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, my family has been _____ since all
our money is poured into chemotherapy and medicines.
A under the weather B living hand to mouth
C sitting tight D down to Earth
Key: B
live hand to mouth = be extremely poor
5. We only have 15 minutes to finish sketching the general plan, please _____
and skip the chatter.
A sail close to the wind B beat around the bush
C hit the books D cut to the chase
Key: D
cut to the chase = to talk about or deal with the important parts of a subject and
not waste time with things that are not important
6. With a _____ of insight, the detective realised exactly who committed this
horrendous crime.
A glare B spark C flash D blaze
Key: C
7. The bull _____ its nostrils in anger when the torero provokes it with a big
bright red flag.
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A flares B splays C rants D raves

Key: A
flare (v) = if a person or animal flares their nostrils (=the openings at the end of
the nose), or if their nostrils flare, their nostrils become wider because they are
angry
8. The child _____ with delight at his teacher as he received the award.
A gleamed B beamed C leered D primped
Key: B
beam (v) = to have a big happy smile on your face
9. Don’t start writing until the idea has _____ in your mind to avoid making a
mess of your essay, pay attention to the time though!
A glowered B gelled C vacuumed D braced
Key: B
gel (v) = (of an idea, a thought, a plan, etc.) to become clearer and more definite
10. Play areas for children are _____ all over the place
A springing up B growing up C whipping up D bouncing out
Key: A
spring up = to appear or develop quickly and/or suddenly
11. The candidate was criticised for _____ a group of people with racial
prejudice in order to get more votes.
A jostling for B clearing off C pandering to D horsing around
Key: C
pander to = to do what somebody wants, or try to please them, especially when
this is not acceptable or reasonable
12. Watching “Twelve years a slave”, I was appalled by the fact that slaves
could be whipped and hanged at the _____ of their masters.
A whim B quake C whir D wince
Key: A
whim (n) = a sudden wish to do or have something, especially when it is
something unusual or unnecessary
13. My brother’s athletic career has been _____ by a serious ankle injury during
training.
A coiled B blenched C quailed D blighted
Key: D
blight (v) = to have a bad effect on something, especially by causing a lot of
problems
14. The defendant, who was convicted of rape, _____ his head in shame when
facing his victim.
A bent B hung C crouched D stooped
Key: B
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hang (v) = to bend or let something bend downwards

hang your head in shame = to feel ashamed
15. Your idol’s reputation is not something without _____, don’t forget about his
drug abuse scandal!
A blotch B blur C blemish D blister
Key: C
blemish (n) = a fault in a person’s character
Word form
1 Some rituals that were important in the agrarian society of the past are now
deemed _____ and discarded. (WORN)
2 _____ surgery, developed by Joseph Lister, is employed by many hospitals
in modern days to prevent infection during and after surgery. (SEPTIC)
3 For anyone who is interested in Chinese history, this book is _____ for its
detail and reliability. (RIVAL)
4 It was very disrespectful of you to speak _____ to your grandfather, even
when he does know little about your problem. (HAND)
5 I have _____ five applicants for the second round, please contact and inform
them of the interview schedule. (LIST)
1 OUTWORN (adj) = old-fashioned and no longer useful

2 ANTISEPTIC (adj) = very clean and free from bacteria
3 UNRIVALLED (adj) = better or greater than any other
4 OFFHANDEDLY (adv) = in a way that does not show much interest in sb/sth
and is rude
5 SHORTLISTED (v) = to put sb on a short list
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Test 52
1. Nobody in this village doesn’t know that little boy has _____ but never has
he been given a lesson.
A sticky fingers B sore thumbs
C a heavy hand D hidden fingers
Key: A
sticky fingers = a tendency to steal
2. Never underestimate your opponents no matter how good you are, they may
always be able to give you a run for your _____.
A medal B money C prize D race
Key: B
give sb a run for their money = to be as good at something as someone is and
therefore make them really work for their win
3. Considering how often that car breaks down, I think I really bought _____
from the dealership.
A a pig B a fish C a lemon D a mandarin
Key: C
buy a lemon = to buy something (usually a motor vehicle) that doesn’t work well
and is therefore worthless.
4. If you are so determined, then I can only wish you luck raising enough funds
for the project—it's like _____.
A selling ice to Eskimos B getting blood from a stone
C pounding the pavement D moving heaven and earth
Key: B
get blood from a stone = to do something that is very hard to accomplish
5. Mr. Chow is one of the principle _____ in this firm so you had better make a
good impression on him if you want to be employed after the internship.
A cash cows B church mouses
C Jekylls and Hydes D movers and shakers
Key: D
movers and shakers = the people with power and influence in a particular area
6. After a 5-hour long discussion, we finally managed to _____ a deal even
though the profit division was not really ideal for us.
A latch on B pluck at C patch up D fasten onto
Key: C
patch up = to agree on something, especially after long discussions and even
though the agreement is not exactly what everyone wants
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7. I was to get off the bus at Ikea Brent Park but I fell asleep and _____ in Stop
WH, which was 4.8 miles away!
A fetched up B jollied up C banged about D mowed down
Key: A
fetch up = to arrive somewhere without planning to
8. You won’t understand me until you grow up and have a family with children,
dozens of concerns will _____ your attention.
A jostle for B root for C muck up D pony up
Key: A
jostle for = to compete strongly and with force for something
9. The Fellowship of the Ring, a 2001 epic fantasy adventure film, is the first
_____ in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
A parcel B installment C chapter D token
Key: B
installment (n) = one of the parts of something, such as a show, that is
experienced as part of a series over a period of time
10. This movie _____ poorly at the Chinese box office, mainly due to many
historical inaccuracies and seemingly slapdash references to Chinese culture.
A reeled B staggered C fared D mowed
Key: C
fare (v) = to be successful/unsuccessful in a particular situation
11. Because of the fierce storm, the rescue mission had to be _____ to avoid
unnecessary loss of life.
A aborted B absconded C banished D ruptured
Key: A
abort (v) = to end or cause something to end before it has been completed,
especially because it is likely to fail
12. As a person who believes in hard work, my father can’t _____ lazy and
undisciplined people, including me.
A console B concede C ramble D abide
Key: D
cannot/could not abide somebody/something to dislike somebody/something so
much that you hate having to be with or deal with them
13. By _____ consent, everyone in the club avoids mentioning the death of the
seventh member.
A joint B general C mutual D shared
Key: C
to happen by mutual consent = to happen as the result of an agreement
between the people or groups involved.
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14. Firemen secured the bus with ropes to stop it tumbling over the edge before
escorting the _____ passengers to safety.
A petrified B dreadful C curdled D stagey
Key: A
petrify (v) = to make somebody feel extremely frightened
15. Volunteers are being _____ to support the UN system's response during
the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A headhunted B solicited C accosted D seduced
Key: B
solicit (v) = to ask somebody for something, such as support, money or
information; to try to get something or persuade somebody to do something
Word form
1 Amongst the many factors that _____ consumer choices, price and design
have the most decisive role. (FORM)
2 Until now, still there are people who don’t believe in the _____ relationship
between smoking and lung cancer. (CAUSE)
3 The flap of the envelope came _____ so the letter inside fell out somewhere
along the way. (STUCK)
4 That the star had already been married is just a(n) _____ rumour of bloggers
and shouldn’t be trusted. (SUBSTANCE)
5 Much of the financial support for people living in the flooded regions came
from _____ of citizens from all over Vietnam. (BENEFIT)
1 INFORM (v) = to have an influence on sth

2 CAUSAL (adj) = connected with the relationship between two things, where
one causes the other to happen
3 UNSTUCK (adj) = to become separated from something it was stuck or
fastened to
4 UNSUBSTANTIATED (adj) = not proved to be true by evidence
5 BENEFACTIONS (n) = a gift, usually of money, that is given to a person or an
organization in order to do good
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Test 53
1. Factories are _____ to produce enough masks and protective clothing for
health workers during the pandemic.
A raising red flags B firing on all cylinders
C raking over the ashes D packing heat
Key: B
firing on all cylinders = to be functioning or operating at the most desirable or
greatest possible level of efficiency, speed, or productivity.
2. This scheme does have some problems but I think we can fix them instead
of throwing the baby out with _____.
A the bath water B the diaper
C the old toys D the rubber duck
Key: A
throw the baby out with the bath water = to discard something valuable or
important while disposing of something considered worthless
3. The epidemic has ruined my plan to _____ with my friends after the National
High school Exam finishes.
A put out feelers B queer the pitch
C push the boat out D pull the plug
Key: C
push the boat out = spend a lot of money in order to celebrate something or
have a very enjoyable time
4. Now that I have to work closely with the infamously strict chief of the Finance
department, I feel like I've caught a _____ by the tail.
A tiger B lion C snake D crocodile
Key: A
catch a tiger by the tail = to be involved with someone or something that is
powerful and could become troublesome or threatening
5. It is like _____ trying to wake our young son up every morning to go to school
on time.
A pulling your punches B pricking up ears
C drawing your horns in D pulling teeth
Key: D
like pulling teeth = used to say that it is very difficult to make somebody do
something
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6. You may find some drinks here that you’v never seen in Trung Nguyen
because this store is just a Trung Nguyen _____, not the original.
A bureau B ballot C franchise D brand
Key: C
franchise (n) = a business that has bought the right to sell the products and
services of another company
7. With his fame on the rise, Zhang was _____ to stand amongst the top idols
of China when the scandal broke.
A poised B nigh C adjacent D near
Key: A
poised (adj) = completely ready for something or to do something
8. The star wanted to keep his _____ low-key, hence people knew nothing
about donation until it was publicised.
A munificence B chivalry C narcissism D impiousness
Key: A
munificence (n) = the quality of being extremely generous
9. The athlete was _____ in defeat and praised his opponent's skill, for which
he received a lot of praise.
A abrasive B valiant C chivalrous D magnanimous
Key: D
magnanimous (adj) = kind, generous and forgiving, especially towards an
enemy or competitor
10. During this time of the year, streets in my city are usually _____ with
Vietnam national flags to celebrate our Independence day.
A bedecked B primped C garnished D prattled
Key: A
bedeck (v) = to decorate something/somebody with flowers, flags, precious
stones, etc.
11. Despite his repeated _____, nobody is convinced that the singer is totally
innocent in this scandal.
A disavowals B abnegation C ablutions D declamation
Key: A
disavowal (n) = the act of stating publicly that you have no knowledge of
something or that you are not responsible for something/somebody
12. It’s important to obtain the best possible specimens, and COVID-19 nasal
_____ testing that includes nucleic acid testing is the best option.
A traces B jot C swab D remnant
Key: C
swab (n) = a small amount of substance from a body that can be tested
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13. By the late 70s the band's popularity was beginning to _____, hence the
disbandment after their last concert.
A wane B swaddle C lug D ramble
Key: A
wane (v) = to become gradually weaker or less important
14. Thinking back, I'd better _____ some sunscreen, I really don’t dare to risk
this sensitive skin of mine.
A pore over B tint on C slap on D splash out
Key: C
slap on = to spread something on a surface in a quick, careless way
15. He had occasionally _____ the idea of starting his own business, but he had
never actually done anything about it.
A slept on B timed out C dallied with D lavished on
Key: C
dally with = to consider or imagine an idea, subject, or plan, but not in a serious
way
Word form
1 Without that _____ dress, I would have never noticed you in the middle of
hundreds of people going to the festival. (EYE)
2 Meeting her criminal father after ten years, the girl shows overtly _____
disregard for him. (CONTEMPT)
3 Clicking a link sent by a(n) _____ email may seriously threaten your data
security. (SOLICIT)
4 _____ - the unfair treatment of people because they have a disability - is
untenable in a progressive society today. (ABLE)
5 Cutlery is a(n) _____ term for knives, forks and spoons used for eating.
(CATCH)
1 EYE-CATCHING (adj) = (of a thing) immediately likely to attract attention

because it is particularly interesting, bright or attractive
2 CONTEMPTUOUS (adj) = feeling or showing that you have no respect for
somebody/something
contemptible (adj) = not deserving any respect at all
3 UNSOLICITED (adj) = not asked for and sometimes not wanted
4 ABLEISM (n) = the unfair treatment of people because they have a disability
5 CATCH-ALL (adj) = including several different things without stating clearly
what is included or not
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Test 54
1. If the pandemic does not ameliorate, our company will surely _____.
A fall afoul B hit out of the park
C go down the tubes D go under the knife
Key: C
go down the tubes = to fail completely
2. The business model you propose sounds amazing, but whether it might
succeed in reality is where _____.
A rubber meets the road B the shoe pinches
C the puck is heading D hell freezes over
Key: A
where rubber meets the road = The point at which someone's or something's
efforts, resolve, or viability are put to the test
3. Jack, your passion won't help you afford a living in this big city, wake up and
smell _____.
A the tea B the coffee C the soda D the roses
Key: B
wake up and smell the coffee = to tell sb to start to be more realistic and aware
of what is happening around them
4. John keeps himself so closed off that I've never understood the _____ of his
thoughts.
A rock bottom B bare bones C think tank D uncharted waters
Key: D
uncharted waters = sth that has not been visited or investigated before
5. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but I've got to put my foot on the
_____.
A pedal B gas C brake D field
Key: B
put one’s foot on the gas = to do something more quickly or with more effort
and determination
6. The _____ language in your essay does nothing to address the problem but
only unnecessarily lengthens the piece of writing and causes confusion for
readers.
A convoluted B elasticated C sentimental D dowdy
Key: A
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convoluted (adj) = convoluted sentences, explanations, arguments, etc. are

unreasonably long and difficult to understand
7. The company's first _____ into the US market is considered somewhat
venturesome for a firm of that scale.
A outing B foray C incursion D pilgrimage
Key: B
foray (n) = a short involvement in an activity, an area, or a market that is different
from a person or company's usual one
8. Despite not being Buddhists ourselves, it is hard to deny that this religion still
_____ every aspect of our life either consciously or subconsciously.
A ravels B assails C informs D apprises
Key: C
inform (v) = to have an influence on something
9. The team played badly in the first half of the game but _____ in the second
thanks to several changes in their tactics .
A rebounded B rallied C revived D reignited
Key: B
rally (v) = to return to a better condition
10. She was fired after having many decisions that are in _____ of the company
regulations.
A abdication B infraction C negligence D contravention
Key: D
contravention (n) = the fact of doing something that is not allowed by a law or
rule
11. Loki’s _____ character reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate who
is also a mixture of amusement and mischief.
A roguish B narcissistic C reticent D ravenous
Key: A
roguish (adj) = behaving in a way that is slightly bad or wrong, but that is not
too serious
12. Would it be too much of a(n) _____to ask you to pick my children up after
school today?
A tariff B onus C imposition D angst
Key: C
imposition (n) = a situation in which someone expects another person to do
something that they do not want to do or that is not convenient
13. Superficially, the mechanism of a camera is _____ to that of our eyes, yet
there are still certain major differences in the way they record images.
A homogeneous B kindred C correlative D analogous
Key: D
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analogous (adj) = similar in some way to another thing or situation and therefore
able to be compared with it
14. His wife _____ a fortune over the years in a secret bank account and ran
away with her young lover.
A salted away B plugged away C mucked up D heaped up
Key: A
salt away = to save something for the future, secretly and usually dishonestly
15. If you keep _____ training like this, stop dreaming of cutting any weight and
getting the job.
A poring over B turning out C sacking off D ravelling out
Key: C
sack off = to avoid or stop doing something
Word form
1 After being dismissed from school, Thomas Edison was _____ by his mother
(SCHOOL)
2 The casino has long been suspected as a _____ channel for laundering
money. (DOOR)
3 Annie looks so much like an Indian that it’s hard to believe this little girl is of
Vietnamese _____.
4 _____ is a form of sustainable energy production, achieved by converting the
kinetic energy of water into electrical or mechanical energy. (POWER)
5 Although same-sex love is gaining more social recognition, _____ relationship
in our society remains heterosexual. (NORM)
1 HOMESCHOOLED (v) = to teach a child at home rather than sending him or

her to school
2 BACKDOOR (adj) = using indirect or secret means in order to achieve
something
3 EXTRACTION (n) = having a particular family origin
4 HYDROPOWER (n) = the production of electricity by the force of fast moving
water
5 NORMATIVE (adj) = of, relating to, or based on norms
(“Normal” is not an acceptable answer for this question because using the word
“normal” for heterosexual relationship also implies that same-sex relationship is
not normal, which is synonymous with a disrespect for the LGBT community)
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Test 55
1. My uncle is a typical _____, he has never taken any medical courses but
keeps doubting how doctors are treating COVID patients.
A smart cookie B armchair critic
C class act D pen pusher
Key: B
armchair critic = One who speaks critically on topics one actually knows little to
nothing about.
2. My grandmother is tough as _____— she lived through the Vietnam War and
raised four kids all on her own after my grandfather’s sacrifice.
A stone B leather C taws D scale
Key: B
as tough as leather = having great strength of body, mind, or will; not susceptible
to sickness or injury.
3. What’s the point in paying attention to a teacher who _____, you will never
be able to keep up with his lecture.
A talks the hind leg off a donkey B takes the rap
C talks nineteen to the dozen D thinks on his feet
Key: C
talk nineteen to the dozen = speak very quickly
4. As my brother discovered the fact that I am in a relationship, I have to _____
to stop him from telling mom.
A keep my distance B give the shirt off my back
C collect his thoughts D grease his palm
Key: D
grease sb’s palm = to secretly give someone money in order to persuade them
to do something for you
5. We've been led up the _____ path about the position of our hotel - it's much
farther from the beach than what the advertisement said!
A rocky B mountain C garden D muddy
Key: C
lead sb up the garden path = to deceive sb
6. I wonder why he, instead of always trying to _____ himself with the boss,
won’t try to improve himself and rely on his own capabilities to be promoted?
A curry B ingratiate C flatter D charm
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Key: B
ingratiate yourself with sb = to make sb like you by flattering them
7. Racism, despite being rarely overt, is deeply _____ in professional and
institutional practices.
A engraved B inscribed C ingrained D incised
Key: C
ingrain (v) = to establish something such as a belief so firmly that it is not likely
to change
8. When I was a kid, I would usually _____ Oreo cookies in milk until they were
a bit soft before I ate.
A dunk B plunge C drench D douse
Key: A
dunk (v) = to put food quickly into liquid before eating it
9. If you have an apple-shaped body, A-line coats or straight, knee-length trench
styles will really _____ your figure.
A commend B praise C flatter D compliment
Key: C
flatter (v) = to make somebody look attractive; to make somebody seem more
attractive or better than they really are
10. She was determined not to be _____ into marriage before she became
financially independent.
A compelled B bludgeoned C urged D impelled
Key: B
bludgeon (v) = to force somebody to do something, especially by arguing with
them
11. There’s a nasty flu _____ going round the school at the moment so
parents please tell your kids to wear masks and pay attention to their health.
A gale B scourge C plague D bug
Key: D
bug (n) = an illness that is usually fairly mild but spreads easily from person to
person
12. Although it takes quite a bit of time at the beginning, once you have acquired
the basic knowledge, a quick learner like you will surely _____.
A forge ahead B plunge ahead C plough ahead D press ahead
Key: A
forge ahead = to move forward quickly; to make a lot of progress quickly
13. Although Loki is usually thought to be the son of Odin, he in fact originally
_____ the cold and dark realm of the Frost Giants.
A bleeds from B hails from C veers from D springs from
Key: B
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hail from = to come from or have been born in a particular place

14. I thought that my dog would be _____ intelligent, but it seems like a breed
name doesn’t mean everything.
A keenly B avidly C shrewdly D piercingly
Key: A
keenly (adv) = in a way that involves quick understanding
15. People are watching _____ TV much less these days, preferring on-demand
platforms like Netflix and Youtube.
A striated B non-stop C beeline D linear
Key: D
linear TV = broadcast and watched at regular times according to a schedule
Word form
1 The building of the castle for the Queen has placed tremendous pressure on
the nation’s _____ (TAX)
2 His profound knowledge and significant contribution to the agriculture of
Vietnam has made him a _____ scientist in this country. (WEIGHT)
3 Many hospitals are beginning to limit _____ stays during the pandemic to
minimize risk of spreading COVID-19. (PATIENT)
4 Normally, Anna has already been pretty enough, but her appearance after
putting on make-up last night really _____ me. (WITCH)
5 The Chernobyl disaster has turned a vast area of the city of Chernobyl into a
lifeless nuclear _____ (LAND)
1 TAXPAYERS (n) = people who pay tax to the government, especially on the
money that they earn
2 HEAVYWEIGHT (n) = a very important person, organization or thing that
influences others
3 INPATIENT (n) = a person who stays in a hospital while receiving treatment
4 BEWITCHED (v) = to attract or impress somebody so much that they cannot
think in a sensible way
5 WASTELAND (n) = an area of land that cannot be used or that is no longer
used for building or growing things on
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Test 56
1. If you don’t change this lifestyle of yours, you will get married _____.
A when the sun is over the yardarm B when the dust settles
C when push comes to shove D when hell freezes over
Key: D
when hell freezes over = never
2. You must live happily and get richer so that your ex-husband will _____ the
day he divorced you.
A seize B ruin C rue D name
Key: C
rue the day = to bitterly regret a point in time
3. He is regarded a gentleman by many people but I would not trust his as far
as I can _____ him.
A throw B jump C think D fly
Key: A
I wouldn't trust sb as far as I could throw them = something you say that means
you do not trust someone at all
4. His embarrassing secret is my _____ and I will reveal it to everybody if he
dares to mock me in public.
A ace in the hole B amber nectar C 110 proof D chin music
Key: A
ace in the hole = a major advantage that one keeps hidden until an ideal time
5. At the age 34, isn’t Yang Mi a bit _____ to play the role of a high school
student in this movie?
A down at heel B thin on the top
C behind the times D long in the tooth
Key: D
long in the tooth = a bit too old to do something
6. I have tried to persuade my father of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
against infection but he remained _____ that he wouldn’t take it.
A adamant B sordid C haggard D persevere
Key: A
adamant (adj) = determined not to change your mind or to be persuaded about
something
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7. What’s so much to be surprised about, it’s still the usual _____ rock star tale
of drugs and overdoses.
A giddy B frivolous C squalid D sturdy
Key: C
squalid (adj) = (of situations or activities) involving low moral standards or
dishonest behaviour
8. Born a Christian, he _____ elements of oriental mysticism from the years he
spent in India.
A engrossed B inherited C imbibed D solicited
Key: C
imbibe (v) = to receive and understand ideas or information
9. The professor _____ the books looking for the information he needed in order
to answer his students’ thorny questions.
A seized B groped C gawked D perused
Key: D
peruse (v) = to read something, especially in a careful way
10. My daughter is a real animal lover, she _____ any form of cruelty towards
animals and follows a vegetarian diet.
A abstains B abhors C debars D desecrates
Key: B
abhor (v) = to hate something, for example a way of behaving or thinking,
especially for moral reasons
11. Certain passages were _____from the book after censorship due to
inappropriate content.
A decimated B excised C censured D coveted
Key: B
excise (v) = to remove sth
12. This accident has _____ the traffic all day, I wish the forces could react
quicklier.
A stowed away B cordoned off C snarled up D towed away
Key: C
snarl up = to involve somebody/something in a situation that stops their
movement or progress
13. I got emotional and couldn’t help _____ at the end of “Me before you”, a
flight attendant even asked me if I was having some problems.
A whining B snarling C bellowing D bawling
Key: D
bawl (v) = to cry loudly
14. With an unsatisfactory year-end profit, it is likely that the rewards budget for
our department will be _____ to minimum.
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A nipped off B pared down C branched off D wrapped up

Key: B
pare down = to reduce the amount, number, or size of something as much as
you can
15.The meeting began to get a bit out of control by the time the protesters
reached the city centre so they were _____ by the police force before violence
might happen.
A hemmed in B sniped at C racked up D dusted down
Key: A
hem in = to surround someone and prevent them from moving or doing what
they want to do
Word form
1 At the height of the pandemic all _____ classes were suspended. (PERSON)
2 My comrade, a young soldier, stood _____ and unafraid against the enemy -
that image is something that I will never forget.
_____ machine. (YIELD)
3 Due to staff shortage, our plan is still in the _____ stage, a week later than
the schedule. (PRINT)
4 After getting out of prison, he turned over a new leaf and became a(n) _____
citizen in the community. (STAND)
5 _____ to his mother, he joined the secret intelligence agency of the Soviet
Union. (KNOW)
1 IN-PERSON (adj) = (of an activity or event) taking place with people physically
present together in the same place, not on the internet or by phone or video link
2 UNYIELDING (adj) = not easily influenced and they are unlikely to change
their mind
3 BLUEPRINT (n) = a plan which shows what can be achieved and how it can
be achieved
4 UPSTANDING (adj) = behaving in a good and moral way
5 UNBEKNOWN (adj) = without the person mentioned knowing
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Test 57
1. After losing the secret files of the company, Henry was soon _____.
A out of the woods B in tatters
C out on his ear D in earshot
Key: C
be out on your ear = to be forced to leave a job or place, especially because
you have done something wrong
2. The mayor’s decision to build a new mall in the city center has received
support across the _____.
A board B pond C table D land
Key: A
across the board = involving everyone or everything in a company, situation,
group, etc
3. The disrespectful attitude of the president towards women has _____ among
the country’s female population.
A pushed the envelope B raised hackles
C popped the cherry D screwed the pooch
Key: B
raise sb’s hackles = to greatly irritate, annoy, or aggravate one
4. It is no surprise that this story has _____ in our office after Daisy was told
about it.
A given a buzz B ridden high
C done the rounds D rung the bell
Key: C
go/do the rounds = go from one person/place to another
5. You can tell her to stop smoking until you are _____ in the face, but she won’t
change her habit.
A red B grey C white D blue
Key: D
until you are blue in the face = If you say or shout something until you are blue
in the face, you are wasting your efforts because you will get no results
6. Everyone can see that Andy is at _____ for the error but he won’t admit it
and keeps putting the blame on his partner, such a shame!
A blame B fault C guilt D charge
Key: B
at fault = wrong or to blame
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7. The immigrants from this country will not be given the right of _____in Britain
when the new legislation comes into force.
A abode B abbess C baptism D lodging
Key: A
Having right of abode means you're allowed to live or work in a country without
any immigration restrictions
8. Not only my family but seemingly everybody tends to _____ their spending
during this period of economic recession.
A trim in B drag down C rein in D belt up
Key: C
rein in = to start to control somebody/something more strictly
9. When someone brings up politics at a party, a casual conversation can
quickly _____ into an ugly argument.
A warp B coerce C wring D morph
Key: D
morph [+into] (v) = to change, or make somebody/something change, into
something different
10. Many people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic are starting to
_____.
A feel the pinch B feel up to the mark
C live in clover D taste salt
Key: A
feel the pinch = to not have enough money
11. The Prime Minister’s attempt to bring in new legislation was met by a _____
of criticism from the public.
A sleet B hail C clash D bind
Key: B
hail (n) = a large number or amount of something that is aimed at somebody in
order to harm them
12. The abnormal surge in the record of robbery last month has urged the police
force to _____ hard on street crime.
A grind down B conk out C clamp down D boot out
Key: C
clamp down = to take strict action in order to prevent something, especially
crime
13. The President has gotten used to being _____ by his political opponents
whenever a new policy is proposed.
A blasted off B ripped off C zonked out D sniped at
Key: D
snipe at = criticise
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14. I have every right to _____ at unfair, and possibly illogical, situations — most
because of the decisions of higher-ups.
A rack and ruin B hem and haw C rant and rave D wax and wane
Key: C
rant and rave = to show that you are angry by shouting or complaining loudly
15. I can’t see why the teacher compliments Harry so much, his performance is
basically nothing to _____ home about!
A write B call C go D tell
Key: A
nothing to write home about = nothing special
Word form
1. My whole class was caught _____ by the teacher’s spot check and many of
us were punished for bringing phones to school. (FOOT)
2. I have replaced my old dartboard, which has the boring ordinary _____
pattern, with the one you gave me on my birthday. (CENTER)
3. Although the rumours about the comedian seem hard to believe, I think not
all of them are _____ (FOUND)
4. That the teacher suddenly _____ on her promise to reward points for the
project has rendered our efforts meaningless. (TRACK)
5. As a high school graduate, I am standing at the _____ of my life and I am
fully aware of the importance of choosing the right major for college. (ROAD)
1 FLAT-FOOTED (adj) = not prepared for what is going to happen

2 CONCENTRIC (adj) = (of circles) having the same centre
3 UNFOUNDED/ILL-FOUNDED (adj) = not based on reason, truth, fact....
4 BACKTRACKED (v) = to say that you did not mean something you said earlier
or say that you have changed your opinion
5 CROSSROADS (n) = a place where two roads meet and cross each other
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Test 58
1. After days, the police resorted to _____ tactics to break up the protest.
A strong-arm B breakneck C hard-up D clawback
Key: A
a strong-arm tactic/method = a method or a type of behaviour that involves
using force and threats to make people do what you want
2. I give in! I will tell you everything you want to know, please call off _____.
A the dogs B the tigers C the guns D the guards
Key: A
call off the dogs = to tell someone to stop criticizing, attacking, or damaging
another person
3. She is a very sensitive girl so please _____.
A treat her with kid gloves B bless her cotton socks
C pull the wool over her eyes D go soft in her head
Key: A
treat sb with kid gloves = to deal with somebody in a very careful way so that
you do not offend or upset them
4. Sheila might not be smart, but she always gives _____ when she studies.
A a hundred and one percent B a hundred and ten percent
C hundredfold D twofold
Key: B
a hundred and ten percent = more than what seems to be the maximum
5. There is currently a decline in sales, but don’t worry, it will _____
A come rain and shine B come out swinging
C come down the pike D come out in the wash
Key: D
come out in the wash = used to tell someone that problems will be solved in the
end
6. That young man is _____ driving at that speed on icy roads at night.
A betting the ranch B dicing with death
C dancing on air D robbing the cradle
Key: B
dice with death = to do something extremely dangerous and silly
7. Exhausted after 4 periods, I was _____ at the back of the class when the
teacher called my name.
A drowsing B flaking C swooning D boozing
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Key: A
drowse (v) = to be in a light sleep or to feel as though you are almost asleep
8. Ali thought he could cram 10 units in one day but in the end, he completely
_____ in his English exam.
A flaked out B mucked up C bucked up D bound over
Key: B
muck up = to do something badly so that you fail to achieve what you wanted
or hoped to achieve
9. I know how sad you feel missing your chance to visit Paris due to this
pandemic, but I don’t think ____ like that may change anything.
A hassling about B wittering about C expounding on D harping on
Key: D
harp on = to talk or complain about something many times
10. I didn’t know I was so good at learning languages until I _____ Spanish
before my trip to Mexico.
A hammered into B rabbited on C boned up on D crammed down
Key: C
bone up on = to learn as much as you can about a subject, because you need
the knowledge
11. Every time we go to the shop, the kids _____ my mother to buy them candy
but she never gives in for the sake of their health.
A badger B interject C vitiate D peruse
Key: A
badger (v) = to put pressure on somebody by repeatedly asking them questions
or asking them to do something
12. All five men were _____from entering France for three years after being
caught shoplifting expensive fashion items in a mall.
A debauched B debarred C perverted D jettisoned
Key: B
debar (v) = to officially prevent somebody from doing something, joining
something, etc.
13. This used to be a toy store when I was still a kid, but several years ago they
started selling dried fruit and nuts and other _____ products.
A cogent B kindred C typical D cognate
Key: B
kindred (adj) = similar/related
14. When you grow up, become an adult, go through failures and betrayal, your
life may have fewer parties and more quiet time to _____ on the meaning of life.
A dilate B expatiate C admonish D cogitate
Key: D
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cogitate (v) = to think carefully and seriously about something

15. Coming home with a broken heart, he sank back on his pillow and fell into
a _____, not noticing my talking to him.
A rabbit warren B bottomless pit C brown study D manhole
Key: C
a brown study = a mood in which you are very involved in your own thoughts
and not paying attention to anything else
Word form
1 I did not really enjoy Parasite although it is a(n) _____ film, maybe it was
simply not my cup of tea. (AWARD)
2 From Lung Cu to Ca Mau, I will buy a minivan to travel _____ immediately
when this epidemic is over. (COUNTRY)
3 Whenever I give a speech, I can’t help feeling nervous _____ (HAND)
4 The police _____ the car and other personal property of the drug dealer.
(POUND)
5 While _____ service does not generate revenue for a company, it has a role
to play in retaining old customers post the sale of a product and attracting more
customers. (SALE)
1 AWARD-WINNING (adj) = having won a prize

2 CROSS-COUNTRY (adv) = across the length of the country
3 BEFOREHAND (adv) = before sth else happens
4 IMPOUNDED (v) = (of the police, courts of law, etc.) to take something away
from somebody, so that they cannot use it or because they have broken the law
5 AFTER-SALES (adj) = the fact of providing help to customers after they have
bought a product, usually involving doing repairs that are needed or giving
advice on how to use the product
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Test 59
1. It’s a(n) _____ that women are paid less than men for the same amount of
work.
A going concern B crying shame
C onsite matter D splitting headache
Key: B
it’s a crying shame = something that you say when you think a situation is wrong
2. I was very disappointed when I found out such a talented and reputable actor
got involved in such _____ affairs.
A rotting B gaudy C tawdry D shoddy
Key: C
tawdry (adj) = showing or having low moral standards
3. Teachers are usually made the _____ for students’ low grades.
A scapegoats B brushwood C sideshow D tavern
Key: A
scapegoat (n) = a person who is blamed for something that someone else has
done
4. If your deceased grandfather knew how you have squandered his fortune, he
would _____.
A be in a fit of pique B turn in his grave
C walk like Rihanna D groan inwardly
Key: B
turn in his/her grave = (of a person who is dead) likely to be very shocked or
angry
5. Avoid saying the name of her gone mother, let sleeping _____ lie.
A lions B dogs C cats D birds
Key: B
let sleeping dogs lie = said to warn someone that they should not talk about a
bad situation that most people have forgotten about
6. Don’t panic when your child gets low grades, just _____ for a while and only
interfere when necessary.
A leave it at that B leave go C let it slip D let it ride
Key: D
let it ride = to not take any action to stop something wrong or unpleasant,
thinking that action may not be necessary or is not yet necessary
7. My mother didn’t let me learn Taekwondo at first, but I _____.
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A twisted her arm B broke her back

C gave her the eye D chew her ear off
Key: A
twist sb's arm = to get someone to do what you want by making it very difficult
for him or her to refuse
8. I was woken up at a(n) _____ hour in the morning by a strange noise in the
garden.
A ungodly B dismal C evil D earthly
Key: A
ungodly hour = very early or very late and therefore annoying
9. In the past, comets were feared _____ of important historical events,
including invasions and major disasters.
A prophets B prescience C trailblazers D harbingers
Key: D
harbinger = a sign that shows that something is going to happen soon, often
something bad
10. The battle was aimed to overthrow the dictator’s sovereignty and establish
a new democratic government - or at least, that was the _____ reason
according to what they said.
A convenient B ostensible C conspicuous D blatant
Key: B
ostensible (adj) = seeming or stated to be real or true, when this is perhaps not
the case
11. He claimed he had been _____ his job by jealous colleagues but we all
knew it was just because of his ineptitude.
A dragged from B dealt out of C hounded out of D bashed down from
Key: C
hound out of sth = to force somebody to leave a job or a place, especially by
making their life difficult and unpleasant
12. I can’t believe you really dared to _____ $400 for that BlackPink lightstick
while having yet paid off your debts.
A bunk down B plunk down C crack up D blast away
Key: B
plunk down = to spend an amount of money on something
13. I never thought that a well-known actor would _____ endorsing low-quality
products for money and totally trusted everything he said.
A step up B stoop to C. batten on D dragoon into
Key: B
stoop to = to drop your moral standards to do something bad or unpleasant
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14. She's an arrogant girl who is always getting into trouble for giving her
teachers _____.
A cheek B juice C tacks D tongue
Key: A
cheek (n) = talk or behaviour that people think is annoying, rude or not showing
enough respect
15. Easter Monday in Buccoo Village, I was elbowing my way through ice-cream
vans and _____ of people when I saw a weird little girl with red hair.
A flocks B herds C hordes D shoals
Key: C
horde (n) = a large crowd of people
Word form
1 Tea is bitter in nature, but certain substances in high-quality tea may give it a
sweet _____ that will gradually cover the initial bitterness. (TASTE)
2 As a gesture of _____, we agreed to do the work free of charge. (GOOD)
3 December 1948, the enemy launched a full-scale _____ on our capital, killing
387 000 civilians. (SLAUGHT)
4 The actor _____ the question by denying his relationship with the female
internet celebrity. (STEP)
5 There is nothing to be proud of in showing a _____ attitude, you should really
learn the value of discipline! (CONFORM)
1 AFTERTASTE (n) = a taste (usually an unpleasant one) that stays in your

mouth after you have eaten or drunk something
2 GOODWILL (n) = friendly or helpful feelings towards other people or countries
3 ONSLAUGHT (n) = a strong or violent attack
4 SIDESTEPPED (v) = to avoid answering a question or dealing with a problem
5 NONCONFORMIST (adj) = not following normal ways of thinking or behaving
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Test 60
1. The amount of each ingredient put in your cake might differ a bit from the
recipe, so it usually requires experience to have your cake done _____.
A there and then B just the way
C for good D to a turn
Key: D
cooked/ done to a turn = cooked for exactly the right amount of time
2. I was _____ after the three-hour test and only wanted to sleep when I got
home.
A done in B done away C done out D done with
Key: A
done in = very tired
3. Picasso _____ most of his paintings and sculptures to Spain and France.
A bequeathed B bereaved C berated D entrusted
Key: A
bequeath (v) = to arrange for money or property to be given to somebody after
your death
4. Tell the bullies that your father is a policeman, that will put the _____ up them.
A chill B wind C fright D frostbite
Key: B
put the wind up sb = to make sb feel worried about their situation
5. After what she has contributed to the organization, she has finally obtained
the recognition she _____ deserved.
A utterly B truthfully C richly D merely
Key: C
richly (adv) = in a very special or valuable way, or in a way that is greater than
usual
6. The reason I turned down that job is because sales assistants are often at
the _____ end of verbal abuse from customers.
A dead B receiving C pointed D far
Key: B
If you are at/on the receiving end of something unpleasant that someone does,
you suffer because of it
7. My father said when he asked my mother out for a date, she kept him _____
for a week before making her decision.
A hovering B floating C lurching D dangling
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Key: D
keep sb dangling = to keep somebody in an uncertain state by not telling them
something that they want to know
8. The dynamic environment in this school provides _____ ground for creativity
and innovation.
A arable B lucrative C fallow D fertile
Key: D
fertile (adj) = that produces good results; that encourages activity
9. After a trip to this so-called “violent” region, I realize this is barely a(n) _____
controversy surrounded by weak allegations made up by the media.
A obnoxious B revolting C unsubstantiated D inauspicious
Key: C
unsubstantiated (adj) = not proved to be true by evidence
10. During the last years of the decade, when the Internet started to get more
popular, many companies _____ the idea of putting advertisements online.
A tripped up B latched onto C stooped to D tried on
Key: B
latch onto = to understand an idea or what somebody is saying
11. It is reported that people living in areas under lockdown have to pay slightly
more than the _____ for food and other necessities.
A going rate B low level C tail end D even ground
Key: A
the going rate = the usual amount of money paid for goods or services at a
particular time
12. My friend tried to create a perfect image of his class by boasting about their
achievements but at the same time _____ their internal conflicts.
A shoring up B closing on C glossing over D branching out
Key: C
gloss over = to avoid talking about something unpleasant or embarrassing by
not dealing with it in detail
13. This company is one of the few firms to have _____ of a declining industry
during this time of pandemic.
A gone off the rails B cut their losses
C cut corners D bucked the trend
Key: D
buck the trend = to succeed in doing something, even though there is a general
tendency for this not to happen
14. The owner of the factory offered a compromise at the _____ hour to prevent
a strike about to be launched by workers.
A twenty third B eleventh C evil D small
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Key: B
at the eleventh hour = at the last possible moment; just in time
15. The old security guard has been working here for so long that he has
become _____ - it is hard to imagine our school without him one day.
A the top of the tree B a living soul
C part of the furniture D a cog in the machine
Key: C
part of the furniture = sb has been somewhere for such a long time that it is hard
to imagine that place without them.
Word form
1 One of the most famous paintings of Chen Yifei is “Upland Wind”, a _____
drawing of a heavily clothed Tibetan family. (LIFE)
2 You can see the _____ of the victory on his face even half a month after the
contest. (GLOW)
3 Using _____ steel in construction may help you save money at first but will
end up costing you more when the building degrades. (GRADE)
4 There is nothing to worry about such a small problem, just relax and don’t
_____ it! (THINK)
5 Looking at the number of typos in this article, I am sure you have skipped the
_____ stage again. (READ)
1 LIFELIKE (adj) = exactly like a real person or thing

2 AFTERGLOW (n) = a pleasant feeling after a good experience
3 LOW-GRADE (adj) = of low quality
4 OVERTHINK (v) = to think about sth too much in a way that is not useful
5 PROOFREADING (n) = the process of finding and correcting mistakes in text
before it is printed or put online
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Test 61
1. After months of training, the astronauts were eager to get the show _____.
A to the stage B off the street C on the road D into light
Key: C
get the show on the road = get sth started.
2. Be careful with who you make friends with, your relationships can have a
considerable _____ on your future.
A weight B force C bearing D footing
Key: C
have a bearing on sth = to have an influence on something or a relationship to
something
3. A friend of mine is regarded by many people as a(n) _____ bachelor but he
does not show much interest in marriage.
A feasible B legal C delicate D eligible
Key: D
eligible (adj) = an eligible person is not married and is thought to be a suitable
future marriage partner, especially because they are rich and attractive
4. The students were still able to cheat without being caught by the camera,
_____ high-tech supervision.
A so much for B very much of C thus be it D so it be
Key: A
If you say so much for a particular thing, you mean that it has not been
successful or helpful.
5. Without the Internet, I can’t imagine how _____ can speak up their opinions
when many governments try to restrict free speech.
A dissidents B protesters C proponents D debaters
Key: A
dissident (n) = a person who publicly disagrees with and criticizes their
government
6. Since many of Kris Wu’s fans have developed a tendency to _____ due to
his perfect public image, his scandal came as a shock to them.
A spare his feelings B follow his footsteps
C put him on a pedestal D take him under their wings
Key: C
put sb on a pedestal = to admire or love someone so much that you believe
they have no faults
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7. Many people see supermarkets as great contributors to the economy of this

area without realizing that they are _____ local stores.
A tiding over B bringing out C forcing down D squeezing out
Key: D
squeeze out = to prevent somebody/something from continuing to do something
or be in business
8. For some unknown reason, Tony seems to be an overly tidy person and
always_____ keeping everything in his house well-organized.
A ropes into B makes a point of
C stoops low to D sets his sights on
Key: B
make a point of = to always do something or to take particular care to do
something
9. My boss was about to _____ the meeting as everyone had all agreed on the
plan when a new problem was raised.
A draw in B take down C stop off D wind up
Key: D
wind up = to bring something such as a speech or meeting to an end
10. Frightened by the actors in the Halloween Haunted House, the little boy
screamed his _____ off
A head B heart C throat D soul
Key: A
scream your head off = to scream or yell very loudly and lengthily
11. Reuniting after 10 years, my best friend, who is now a successful
businessman, offered to _____ the drinks that night.
A fork out B deal out C do up D spring for
Key: D
spring for = to pay for or buy something, often for someone else
12. Even when he does not have any justifiable reason for buying a car, my
father still _____ on one last month.
A splashed out B spilled out C bucketed down D poured down
Key: A
splash out on sth = spend a lot of money on sth
13. Despite saying that gender is not important, Tony had made it _____ clear
that he preferred having a baby boy.
A painfully B unduly C abundantly D pure
Key: C
abundantly clear = very obvious
14. Be realistic, your present Chinese level is not going to bring you a(n) _____
chance of getting a translation job.
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A oddly B boldly C briskly D earthly

Key: D
earthly (adj) = (often used in questions and negatives for emphasis) possible
15. People from tropical countries may like this kind of climate, but not farmers
like me, my whole crop has been _____ by a late frost.
A blasted B groped C hailed D brooded
Key: A
blast (v) = to destroy something such as a plant with disease, cold, heat, etc.
Word form
1 The factory provides a real _____ for many unskilled rural women in poverty.
(LIFE)
2 Undoubtedly, he was just inviting me as a(n) _____ because I didn’t receive
any invitation cards was informed about the time only a day before the wedding.
(THOUGHT)
3 Just because he is burning the midnight oil doesn’t mean that he is a(n) _____
student, he has been procrastinating for weeks. (INDUSTRY)
4 He is just trying to hide his wickedness under his _____ appearance by acting
kind and courteous. (MAN)
5 Chaturanga, an ancient Indian strategy game, is commonly theorized to be
the 1500-year-old _____ of king chess. (RUN)
1 LIFELINE (n) = something that is very important for somebody and that they
depend on
2 AFTERTHOUGHT (n) = a thing that is thought of, said or added later, and is
often not carefully planned
3 INDUSTRIOUS (adj) = hard-working
4 GENTLEMANLY (adj) = behaving very well and showing very good manners,
like a gentleman
5 FORERUNNER (n) = a person or thing that came before and influenced
somebody/something else that is similar
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Test 62
1. I feel like I'm _____ when I have joined too many clubs and end up being
snowed under tasks deadlines.
A juggling frogs B chasing my tail
C chickening out D getting ducks in a row
Key: A
juggle frogs = trying to deal with many different tasks at the same time and
finding the situation difficult
2. They are brothers, they can never fall out with each other for long and will
_____ soon.
A kiss and make up B get their goats
C burst the bubble D break the ice
Key: A
kiss and make up = to forgive sb and become friends again
3. Hearing the news of my father's sudden death, I went weak in the _____ and
could barely remain standing.
A legs B heart C soul D knees
Key: D
weak in the knees = unsteady or flustered due to a strong emotional reaction to
someone or something.
4. There have been a few times that I've nearly _____, but thinking of my
responsibility to my daughter helps keep me sober.
A faced the music B fallen off the wagon
C given lip service D had a screw loose
Key: B
fall off the wagon = to begin using alcohol (or another problem substance) after
quitting
5. The scene on the street this morning was like an action movie in real life with
cops _____ of the bank robbers.
A near the knuckle B close to the bone
C hot on the heels D down at the heels
Key: C
hot on the heels = following closely behind sb
6. 30 years after graduation, the billionaire returned to his hometown and
donated $20 million to his _____ - Chicago University.
A alma mater B avant-garde C cul-de-sac D silhouette
Key: A
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alma mater = the school, college, or university that one attended or in which
one has studied
7 We used to have a _____ childhood together in a poor but cozy family before
everyone grew up and things started to go wrong.
A blistering B opulent C doleful D blissful
Key: D
blissful (adj) = extremely happy
8 All members had to take a solemn _____ never to reveal the secrets of the
organization.
A oath B motto C adage D maxim
Key: A
oath (n) = a formal promise to do something or a formal statement that
something is true
9. The company has gained such a good reputation for the quality of its products
that its name has become a _____ for excellence.
A slogan B byword C cliché D dictum
Key: B
byword (n) = a person or thing that is a well-known or typical example of a
particular quality
10. He's had a lot of problems at work, fired twice and failing countless times,
but he always seems to _____ pretty quickly.
A back up B skip out C scrape through D bounce back
Key: D
bounce back = to become healthy, successful or confident again after being ill
or having difficulties
11. My teacher is usually very tolerant, but after the fifth time in the week Tony
came late, she lost her patience and _____.
A bawled him out B mopped him up
C hashed him out D boiled him down
Key: A
bawl out = to speak angrily to somebody because they have done something
wrong
12. My lack of sleep, accompanied by the absolute silence in the library, makes
me feel like I'm about to _____ any minute.
A pass by B doze off C pull in D slope off
Key: B
doze off = fall asleep, especially during the day
13 A huge fire _____ a food and beverage factory outside Bangladesh’s capital
last night, killing at least 52 people.
A tided over B smoked out C phased out D ripped through
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Key: D
rip through = to go very quickly and violently into or through
somebody/something
14. The leaders of the organization were determined to _____ the traitor after
their secret base had been discovered and attacked.
A head off B knuckle down C smoke out D cop out
Key: C
smoke out = to take action to discover where somebody is hiding or to make a
secret publicly known
15. The blaze began Thursday night at the five-story factory in Rupganj, sending
huge clouds of black smoke _____ into the sky.
A hurling B forging C roaming D billowing
Key: D
billow (v) = if smoke, cloud, etc. billows, it rises and moves in a large mass
Word form
1. People argue that the new term added to the Cybersecurity Law is almost
_____ to censorship. (AMOUNT)
2. Animal diseases can potentially pass to humans at any animal-human _____
such as a zoo, farm or animal market. (FACE)
3. To prevent the outbreak of epidemics, if animals in your house have any signs
of a _____ disease, please report to your local authority. (NOTICE)
4. People from infected areas must _____ their health status and contact
tracing. (REPORT)
5. Many people might be _____ during the incubation period so we can never
know who really doesn’t carry the virus. (SYMPTOM)
1 TANTAMOUNT (adj) = having the same bad effect as something else

2 INTERFACE (n) = the point where two subjects, systems, etc. meet and affect
each other
3 NOTIFIABLE (adj) = a notifiable disease or offence must be reported to public
health or legal organizations
4 SELF-REPORT (v) = to give details about an aspect of your life, typically
relating to your physical or mental condition
5 ASYMPTOMATIC (adj) = having no symptoms
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Test 63
1. Nobody is casting _____ on you, it’s just you misunderstanding everyone!
A rebuke B censure C aspersions D condemnation
Key: C
aspersions = an unkind remark or an unfair judgment
2. This relationship is unlikely to get anywhere - for one thing, they are both
_____ and will never tolerate the others.
A highly-strung B boisterous C rambunctious D stand-offish
Key: A
highly strung (adj) = easily upset
3. It had been quite late but the party still had no sign of ending so we decided
to take _____ leave and made our way home.
A French B Greek C Spanish D Tokyo
Key: A
take French leave = an absence or departure from some place or event without
ceremony, permission, or announcement
4. Sadly, the young actor’s stardom ended up being _____ as he was quickly
forgotten after his first movie.
A feather in the cap B flash in the pan
C sands of time D rack and ruin
Key: B
flash in the pan = a sudden success that lasts only a short time and is not likely
to be repeated
5. When my car suddenly broke down in the middle of a forest at night, I felt like
a _____ in the wild.
A sitting duck B turned turtle C shag on a rock D boiling frog
Key: A
sitting duck = sth that is unprotected and vulnerable to an easy attack.
6. Ever since Kyle became a teenager, he's turned into a real _____, and it's
impossible to anticipate his mood at any given time.
A X-factor B Vicar of Bray C Jumping Judas D Jekyll and Hyde
Key: D
Jekyll and Hyde = A person whose personality drastically changes between
good and bad.
7. She is described as an elegant girl with brown eyes and a(n) _____ smile
always on her face.
A irksome B blushing C winsome D blistering
Key: C
winsome (adj) = charming and attractive in a simple way
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8. Sadly, I don’t have the discerning _____ necessary to fully enjoy such
expensive dishes.
A appetite B epitome C tongue D palate
Key: D
palate = the ability to recognize and/or enjoy good food and drink
9. If her accusations are false, she is making a lot of _____ remarks about a lot
of people and will have to compensate quite a lot.
A tarnished B spurious C irascible D slanderous
Key: D
slanderous (adj) = (of a spoken statement) false, and intended to damage the
good opinion people have of somebody
10. After the fraud scandal, the famous singer had to make great efforts to
_____ his reputation.
A reinforce B leverage C regenerate D salvage
Key: D
salvage (v) = to try to make a bad situation better
11. Praying everyday is _____ on believers as a religious duty - thus, it has
become an integral part in my daily routine.
A enmeshed B heeded C enjoined D entitled
Key: C
enjoin (v) = to order or strongly advise somebody to do something; to say that
a particular action or quality is necessary
12. New policies have been implemented by the government with a view to
_____ the ailing economy after the pandemic.
A curling in B screwing up C knuckling down D shoring up
Key: D
shore up = to help to support something that is weak or going to fail
13. Don had been living _____ after winning the lottery before he found himself
in arrears with his rent and later became homeless.
A beyond his means B from hand to mouth
C in arrears D on an even keel
Key: A
live beyond your means = spend more than you earn
14. After running 42km in the blistering heat of summer, Jasper _____ with
exhaustion.
A phased out B hashed out C keeled over D knuckled down
Key: C
keel over = to fall over suddenly
15. The professor could see that no one was listening to her boring lecture, but
she _____ regardless.
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A ploughed on B sit through C stuck on D mulled over

Key: A
plough on = to continue doing something that is difficult or boring
Word form
1. Peel the bananas and slice each _____ while waiting for the water to boil.
(LONG)
2. Up to now, at least 37 people have been reported to be infected by the
_____in South Korea at her church. (SPREAD)
3. Those who have been tested for the virus must _____ as they await their
results. (QUARANTINE)
4. Antibiotics cannot be used to treat _____ infections because they don't kill
viruses, only bacteria. (VIRUS)
5. The plane entered Chinese controlled _____ without permission and had to
land immediately to prevent any unforeseen accidents. (SPACE)
1 LONGWAYS/LENGTHWISE/LENGTHWAYS (adv) = in the direction of the

longest side
2 SUPERSPREADER (n) = a person with a disease who spreads it to a much
larger number of people than average
3 SELF-QUARANTINE (v) = to keep yourself away from other people for a
period of time if you think you may have a disease in order to prevent the
disease from spreading
4 VIRAL (adj) = like or caused by a virus
5 AIRSPACE (n) = the part of the sky where planes fly, usually the part above
a particular country that is legally controlled by that country
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Test 64
1. Despite strict regulations against _____ advertising, it can still be spotted
everywhere from images that briefly flash in between frames of film to subtle
messages in a song.
A subsiding B sublingual C subliminal D telepathic
Key: C
subliminal (adj) = affecting your mind even though you are not aware of it
2. Something that I would really enjoy as a child was to watch the buffaloes
_____ in the warerhole and rolling in the mud.
A twitching B stalking C strolling D wallowing
Key: D
wallow (v) = (of large animals or people) to lie and roll about in water or mud, to
keep cool or for pleasure
3. A thousand thoughts _____ together inside my mind while I try to force myself
to sleep every night!
A trifle B jostle C fidget D twiddle
Key: B
jostle (v) = to compete for something such as attention or a reward
4. While the adults were overthinking the problem, little John came up with a
_____ solution to the problem using the simple mind of a child.
A clean B neat C makeshift D smooth
Key: B
neat (adj) = simple but clever
5. Liverpool had several opportunities to score but _____ their chances and lost
the game in the end.
A squandered B abused C scattered D abolished
Key: A
squander (v) = to waste money or supplies, or to waste opportunities by not
using them to your advantage
6. I saw my classmate cheating during the test, but it was nothing of my _____
so I kept my mouth shut in the end.
A nose B skull C palm D cheek
Key: A
it is no skin of my nose = It is no or very little concern of mine; it poses no
difficulty, threat, or risk to me.
7. Please follow the doctor's advice, he is in _____ earnest about the epidemic.
A grave B sincere C deadly D pure
Key: C
in deadly earnest = completely serious
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8. My mother _____ when she came back home this noon and found out I had
forgotten to cook the rice.
A brought the house down B hit the ceiling
C had her blood boiled D hit the wall
Key: B
hit the ceiling = to become extremely angry
9. Only when you see the hurricane season here will you know nature is
comforting but can also be _____
A out for blood B uncharted waters
C like getting blood out of a stone D red in tooth and claw
Key: D
red in tooth and claw = behaving competitively or ruthlessly
10. Hearing about my uncle's death last night, I felt somewhat relieved that he
could now leave this _____ behind after 8 years struggling with cancer.
A gift of the gab B vale of tears
C donkey’s years D cat-and-dog life
Key: B
vale of tears = life or the world at large regarded as a source of sorrow, strife,
or tragedy.
11. Harry knows _____ well that he would receive punishment for this but he’s
still determined to go ahead with his plan.
A grim B dead C all D full
Key: D
know full well = be definitely aware of sth, although they may behave as if they
are not
12. He was trying to _____ the complicated series of events that had led to this
situation but still couldn’t see where the mistakes lied.
A weasel out B crouch over C ravel out D bowl over
Key: C
ravel out = to explain something that is difficult to understand or is mysterious;
to become clearer or easier to understand
13. Twenty years serving the business as second in _____ to his father has
helped him gain precious experience for his career.
A authority B command C decree D junction
Key: B
second in command (n) = a person who has the second highest rank in a group
and takes charge when the leader is not there
14. After graduating from law school, my father got a job in the local jury office
and was responsible for _____ justice on the island.
A interrogating B dispensing C waiving D legitimizing
Key: B
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dispense (v) = to provide something, especially a service, for people

15. It is unfair that he's been cheating his customers for years, and getting
_____ away with it.
A white B clean C straight D flat
Key: B
clean (adv) = completely
Word form
1. The latest economic surveys are _____ as a result of the decline in world
trade during the pandemic. (BEAT)
2. The recent factory closures and job losses are just a _____ of the recession
that is to come. (TASTE)
3. Sarah didn’t do very well on the test, so when knowing her score was barely
enough to pass, the expression on her face was _____ between disappointment
and relief. (WAY)
4. The rainbow appears after the rain and looks just like a colorful giant _____
fan in the sky. (CIRCLE)
5. My team is submerged in deadlines so we do not have the _____ to take on
new projects at the moment. (BAND)
1 DOWNBEAT (adj) = depressing; not having much hope for the future
2 FORETASTE (n) = a small amount of a particular experience or situation that
shows you what it will be like when the same thing happens on a larger scale in
the future
3 MIDWAY (adv) = with some of the characteristics of one thing and some of
another
4 SEMICIRCULAR (adj) = forming or having a shape like one half of a circle
5 BANDWIDTH (n) = the energy or capacity that you need to do something
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Test 65
1. The authorities only sit in the _____ without knowing anything about the real
desire of ordinary people.
A ivory tower B cloud castle C air balloon D royal palace
Key: A
ivory tower = a place or situation where you are separated from the problems
and practical aspects of normal life and therefore do not have to worry about or
understand them
2. Everyone loves these giant retail chains for their low prices, but few care that
the local business owners are taken the _____ out of their mouth.
A bread B egg C teeth D pudding
Key: A
take the bread out of somebody’s mouth = to take away somebody’s job so that
they are no longer able to earn enough money to live
3. I can see you have been practicing very hard for the past 5 months so you
totally deserve the _____, son!
A gold plate B blue ribbon C silver spoon D red flag
Key: B
blue ribbon = the highest prize in a competition or event
4. I know your dream is to become a singer, but with your voice, please stop
_____ and choose another major.
A chasing the dragon B chasing rainbows
C crying over spilt milk D holding the fort
Key: B
chase rainbows = to try to get something that you can never have
5. John’s reaction showed that he was full of _____ after hearing that he was
going to be a dad for the first time.
A cakes B lemons C jellies D beans
Key: D
full of beans = to be full of energy and in high spirits
6. The detective pressed the doorbell and waited in the _____ for the front door
to open.
A perch B threshold C porch D ridge
Key: C
porch (n) = a small area at the entrance to a building, such as a house or a
church, that is covered by a roof and often has walls
7. Our diplomatic relationship with that country is rather tense at the moment
and we are facing a(n) _____ threat of invasion.
A prominent B imminent C auspicious D immediate
Key: B
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imminent (adj) = (especially of something unpleasant) likely to happen very

soon
8. During French colonialism, many Vietnamese workers were on the _____ to
object labour exploitation in factories and plantations.
A dole queue B picket line C back bench D assembly line
Key: B
the picket line = a line of people picketing a business, organization, or institution
9. Thinking of the test never fails to make my stomach _____ - waiting for the
result is like torturing my soul.
A flutter B paralyse C wail D relapse
Key: A
If your heart or stomach flutters, you feel slightly uncomfortable because you
are excited or nervous:
10. Returning home and staying with your family during the holiday was so
comfortable that I sometimes wish this could continue _____ forever.
A unbroken B unbridled C unabridged D unabated
Key: A
unbroken (adj) = not interrupted in any way
11. My insomnia is so serious that even the background _____ of the air-
conditioning bothers my sleep.
A din B thud C blare D hum
Key: D
hum (n) = a low continuous sound
12. He has turned over a new leaf so will you please be kind enough to stop
_____ his criminal record?
A ruling out B ringing back C ramping up D raking up
Key: D
rake up = to mention something unpleasant that happened in the past and that
other people would like to forget
13. From the way John is speaking, I suspect he is _____ another piece of cake
for his girlfriend.
A angling for B alluding to C sticking to D attesting to
Key: A
angle for = to try to get sth or a particular response from somebody, without
directly asking for what you want
14. After the test, John _____ hours everyday playing games as a way to
compensate for his hard work over the past few months.
A sinks in B slips up C idles away D ironing out
Key: C
idle away = waste time doing nothing much
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15. Just by a glance, everybody can realize John is _____ by his desirable
results in the test.
A captivated B intoxicated C aroused D extracted
Key: B
intoxicate (v) = to make sb excited, happy, and slightly out of control
Word form
1. Ever since his girlfriend had to serve in the isolation area, he has always
seemed _____ (CAST)
2. Many FMVs were produced using this web service, which allows people to
create _____ of movies by combining scenes from various films. (MASH)
3. The conflict relating to border delineation between the two countries has led
to the _____ of their diplomatic relation. (SEVER)
4. Mining and other industrial activities destroy this area and turn it into a
desolate _____. (MOON)
5. Although tourists are attracted to Sapa because of the snow, residents there
are actually afraid of this weather due to its harm to their _____, especially the
buffaloes. (LIVE)
1 DOWNCAST (adj) = (of a person or an expression) sad or depressed

2 MASH-UPS (n) = a combination of elements from different sources used to
create a new song, video, computer file, program, etc.
3 SEVERANCE (n) = the act of ending a connection or relationship
4 MOONSCAPE (n) = an area of land that is empty, with no trees, water, etc.,
and looks like the surface of the moon
5 LIVESTOCK (n) = animals and birds that are kept on a farm, such as cows,
sheep, or chickens
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Test 66
1. Ms. Acogny took the liberty of introducing herself, for she, too, was a dancer
of some _______.
A. renown B. recognition C. dignity D. reputation
Key: A
of renown = being known and admired by many people for some special quality
or achievement
2. Nature is rational, simple and orderly, and it acts in accordance with _______
laws.
A. ineluctable B. inscrutable C. immutable D. implausible
Key. C
immutable (adj) = that cannot be changed; that will never change
3. We suggested it would be quicker to fly, but she _______ and insisted on
taking the train.
A. bit her head off B. dug her heels in
C. kept her chin up D. stuck her neck out
Key: B
dig your heels in = to refuse to change your plans or ideas, especially when
someone is trying to persuade you to do so
4. I apologized unreservedly for the offending remarks I had made but he turned
a cold, _______ gaze on me.
A. amphibian B. draconian C. mammalian D. reptilian
Key: D
reptilian (adj) = used to describe an unpleasantly strange and unfriendly person
or type of behaviour
5. _______ journalism is a practice whereby monetary inducement is given to
journalists to make them write a positive story or kill a negative story.
A. Blue chamber B. Brown envelope
C. Red letter D. White card
Key: B
Brown envelope journalism (BEJ) is a practice whereby monetary inducement
is given to journalists to make them write a positive story or kill a negative story.
The name is derived from cash inducements hidden in brown envelopes and
given to journalists during press briefings
6. The employment secretary found himself _______ over recent job cuts.
A. at the end of the line B. down the line
C. in the pipeline D. on the firing line
Key: D
be in/on the firing line = to be in a position where people can criticize or blame
you
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7. When the cost was ________ the advantages, the scheme looked perfect.
A. set against B. pit against
C. counted against D. weighed up against
Key: A
set something (off) against something = to judge something by comparing good
or positive qualities with bad or negative ones
8. China's car market exploded in 2009, _______ an ailing global industry and
relegating the U.S. to the second spot.
A. propping up B. ticking over C. wading through D. forging ahead
Key: A
prop up = to help something that is having difficulties
9. Judges already have substantial latitude to limit _______ arguments that
might mislead jurors; they could use it more often.
B. intramural B. extramural C. extraneous D. outbound
Key: C
extraneous (adj) = not directly connected with the particular situation you are in
or the subject you are dealing with
10. He doesn't like the job but he'll _______ until the work is done.
A. cotton on B. harp on C. impinge on D. soldier on
Key: D
soldier on = to continue with what you are doing or trying to achieve, especially
when this is difficult or unpleasant
11. Often the interviewer will need to _______ devil's advocate in order to get a
discussion going.
A. make B. act C. place D. play
Key: D
play devil's advocate = express an opinion that they do not really hold in order
to encourage a discussion about a subject
12. Unfortunately, we ran out of time during tonight's show and had to _______
our musical guest off.
A. sag B. write C. dust D. bump
Key: D
bumb sb off = to unexpectedly remove someone from something, often a list or
schedule
13. It is a(n) _______ fact that governments rise and fall on the state of the
economy.
A. axiomatic B. pragmatic C. chromatic D. enigmatic
Key: A
axiomatic = evident without proof or argument
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14. With the economy in the worst recession for thirty years, it was scarcely the
most _______ time to start up a company.
A. pernicious B. parsimonious C. precipitous D. propitious
Key: D
propitious (adj) = likely to produce a successful result
15. That car must have set Joe _________ quite a bit; it’s top of the range.
A. away B. back C. in D. down
Key: B
set somebody back something = to cost somebody a particular amount of
money
Word form
1. This is regarded by many as a _________ initiative that has failed to deliver
its promises. (LAME)
2. On Wednesday night the UN issued its toughest _________ to date,
demanding that all troops withdraw from the city. (ULTIMATE)
3. The balance of the pairs of opposites which comprise a square is the
_________ of its perfection. (SIGN)
4. An early example of product _________ is in the 1949 movie Gun Crazy,
where a Bulova clock is repeatedly shown in important scenes. (PLACE)
5. I just use a few basic and _________ symbols, for the most part just crossing
out errors and inserting the correct version. (EXPLAIN)
1. LAME-DUCK (n) = one that is weak or that falls behind in ability or

achievement
2. ULTIMATUM (n) = a threat in which a person or group of people are warned
that if they do not do a particular thing, something unpleasant will happen to
them
3. INSIGNIA (n) = an object or mark that shows that a person belongs to a
particular organization or group, or has a particular rank
4. PLACEMENT (n) = the act of placing something in a particular position, or
the position of something
5. SELF-EXPLANATORY (adj) = easily understood from the information already
given and not needing further explanation:
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Test 67
1. The decision to include Morris in the team was completely _______ when he
scored three goals.
A. extrapolated B. vindicated C. reverberated D. subjugated
Key: B
vindicate something (v) = to prove that something is true or that you were right
to do something, especially when other people had a different opinion
2. Simon hasn’t got a job, and isn’t trying to get one. He just _________ his
friends.
A. meddles with B. sponges on C. tarts up D. sweeps along
Key: B
sponge on = to take advantage of someone else's generosity, charity, or
hospitality in order to obtain something, typically money or food, as a handout
3. Failing to stand a _________ state-run organization, Jimmy decided to switch
job.
A. symphonic B. monolithic C. gargantuan D. concordant
Key: B
monolithic = used to describe single, very large organizations that are very slow
to change and not interested in individual people
4. On Jan. 17, 1893, Hawaii's monarchy was overthrown as a group of
businessmen and sugar planters forced Queen Liliuokalani to _______.
A. forsake B. abdicate C. desert D. cede
Key: B
abdicate (v) = to give up the position of being king, queen or emperor
5. Although 83 he was still _______ and his death from pneumonia following a
short hospital stay came as a shock.
A. ebullient B. exuberant C. sprightly D. vivacious
Key: C
sprightly (adj) = (especially of older people) full of life and energy
6. If you never put oil into your car engine, one day it will __________.
A. run off B. flake out C. shut down D. seize up
Key: D
seize up = to stop being able to move or work in the normal way
7. She learns to detach, to _______, from all earthly concepts and material
objects, even bodily form.
A. backbite B. impugn C. reprehend D. abnegate
Key: D
abnegate = to not allow yourself to have something, especially something you
like or want
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8. We are a luxury restaurant and if people have a bad experience, we have to

_______.
A. carry all before them B. carry the can
C. carry the ball D. carry the day
Key: B
carry the can = to take the blame or responsibility for something that is wrong
or has not succeeded
9. I don’t like to make friends with those who always ____ people _____ behind
their backs.
A. slag/off B. slap/around C. strike/out D. hate/on
Key: A
slag sb off = to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way
10. The dress is perfect. Don't add anything to it at all. It would just be _______.
A. going to seed B. smelling of roses
C. pushing up the daisies D. gilding the lily
Key: D
gild the lily = make unnecessary additions to what is already complete
11. Government becomes no longer the servant of the people but in the thrall
of big money, lobbyists and a media happy to live off its fancy leftovers in a
___________ of gossip and shallow speculation.
A. feeding frenzy B. second wind
C. fever pitch D. buffer zone
Key: A
feeding frenzy = a situation in which people try to get as much as possible of
something, for example information about an event, especially in an unpleasant
way
12. Not getting the promotion felt like a real kick in the _________ as I’d put in
so much hard work for the company.
A. head B. teeth C. back D. leg
Key: B
If you describe the way someone treats you as a kick in the teeth, you mean
that that person treats you badly and unfairly, especially at a time when you
need their support
13. Business leaders predict a hard year ahead with the economy _________.
A. on the rocks B. on the cards C. in the black D. in the doldrums
Key: D
If an economy or business is in the doldrums, nothing new is happening and it
is not doing well
14. Even though it’s still easy to _________ digital copy protection, most users
can’t do it.
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A. outflank B. deflect C. circumvent D. oscillate

Key: C
circumvent = to find a way of avoiding a difficulty or a rule
15. The proposal drew many negative comments as it _________ common
sense.
A. struck a hard bargain against B. reinvented the wheel of
C. threw the book at D. flew in the face of
Key: D
fly in the face of = to oppose or be the opposite of something that is usual or
expected
Word form
1. Jean will look after Harry, I'm quite sure - she's a _________ for babies.
(PUSH)
2. Merchandise imports have expanded significantly faster than world trade in
both real and _________ dollar values. (NAME)
3. He suffers from Parkinson’s disease and has occasionally experienced
_________. (BLACK)
4. People say that the corpses of the sacred monks will be _________ due to
their divine power. (COMPOSE)
5. An _________ is the one who uses statistics and mathematics to study,
model and predict economic principles and outcomes. (ECONOMY)
1. PUSHOVER (n) = a person who is easy to persuade or influence

2. NOMINAL (adj) = being something in name only, and not in reality
3. BLACKOUTS
BLACKOUT (n) = a temporary loss of consciousness, sight or memory
4. INDECOMPOSABLE (adj) = incapable of being decomposed
5. ECONOMETRICIAN (n) = someone who works with or studies econometrics
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Test 68
1. Everyone in the company detests getting close to him because he’s always
trying to ______ the boss.
A. suck up to B. cry out for C. pin down to D. fall over to
Key: A
suck up to = to try to please somebody in authority by praising them too much,
helping them, etc., in order to gain some advantage for yourself
2. She treats smokers like the _______, as the worst people there are.
A. scum of the earth B. bright spark
C. live wire D. nasty piece of work
Key: A
scum of the earth = the worst type of people that can be imagined
3. Being a fertile ground for film production, Los Angeles is ________ with
would-be actors.
A. bulging at the seams B. flying by the seat of its pants
C. wearing the trousers D. burning a hole in its pocket
Key: A
be bursting/bulging at the seams (with something) = be very or too full (of
something)
4. The economic and political ________ of the civil war in Ethiopia is still being
felt.
A. backfire B. backtrack C. backlash D. backwash
Key: D
backwash (n) = the unpleasant result of an event
5. Her letter contained several outrageous _______ on her former colleagues.
A. blots B. slurs C. stains D. drags
Key: B
slur (n) = a remark that criticizes someone and is likely to have a harmful effect
on their reputation
6. To apply for this position, each candidate has to submit a ________ photo
besides other required documents.
A. full-bodied B. full-scale C. full-length D. full-fledged
Key: C
full-length (adj) = showing the whole of a person’s body
7. Although the task is basically a no-brainer, she’s making such a ________
weather of it.
A. heavy B. weighty C. stormy D. rough
Key: A
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If you say that someone is making heavy weather of a task, you are critical of
them because they are doing it in an inefficient way and are making it seem
more difficult than it really is.
8. My boss is always having a _______ at me. He always seems to find
something to criticise me for.
A. gun B. dig C. pitch D. hit
Key: B
have a dig at sb = to make a mocking, sarcastic, or insulting remark, gibe, or
criticism at someone's or something's expense
9. The starter motor was _______ again, which got on my nerves.
A. firing away B. playing up C. sounding out D. harping on
Key: B
If a machine plays up, it does not work as it should.
10. With a feeling of dark ______, I went home straight despite our plans to play
football.
A. intuition B. foreboding C. premonition D. herald
Key: B
foreboding (n) = a strong feeling that something unpleasant or dangerous is
going to happen
11. By the time the traffic jam cleared up, we were pretty _______.
A. palmed off B. fobbed off C. browned off D. nodded off
Key: B
fob off = to anger or irritate someone
12. Although he always gave the impression he was hard up, it was well known
that he had a large amount of money stashed _________ in the bank.
A. out B. back C. up D. away
Key: D
stash sth away = to hide something; to set something aside for use at a later
time
13. It seems Richard did not wanted to wear that shirt so he spilled ketchup over
it __________-on-purpose.
A. accidentally B. unintentionally C. accidental D. unintentional
Key: A
If you do something accidentally on purpose, you do it intentionally but pretend
it happened by chance.
14. To save money for _______ purposes is altogether different from saving it
for economical purposes.
A. avaricious B. dolorous C. pugnacious D. ominous
Key: A
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avaricious (adj) = showing an extremely strong wish to get or keep money or

possessions
15. I tried to _______out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
A. strut B. scamper C. slither D. slink
Key: D
slink (v) = to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed
Word form
1. His explanation was wrapped up in so much technical _______ that I couldn't
understand it. (VERB)
2. Most big companies usually have _______ so that the CEO can contact all
directors of subsidiary companies. (CONFERENCE)
3. James was originally _______ but he decided to leave his wealthy family and
then joined Team Rocket. (BLOOD)
4. Hikaru Nara is such a good and catchy song that I get _______ every time I
listen to it. (GOOSE)
5. Oral disease, especially dental carries, is complicated and _______, and it
often begins to develop during infancy. (FACTOR)
1. VERBIAGE (n) = the use of too many words, or of more difficult words than
are needed, to express an idea
2. TELECONFERENCES
TELECONFERENCE (n) = a meeting involving people who are in different
places, but who are connected by video and computers
3. BLUE-BLOODED (adj) = someone born into a family that belongs to the
highest social class.
4. GOOSEBUMPS (n) = small raised areas that appear on the skin because of
cold, fear, or excitement
5. MULTIFACTORIAL (adj) = having, involving, or produced by a variety of
elements or causes
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Test 69
1. A successful terminal at Stratford would inevitably and _______ encroach on
the Lea Valley regional park and reduce leisure facilities.
A. inexorably B. inextricably C. indubitably D. indomitably
Key: A
inexorably (adv) = n a way that cannot be stopped or changed
2. Until this evening, Hannah is still ________ away at her unfinished report.
A. hammering B. grinding C. whiling D. axing
Key: B
grind away = work or study hard
3. It is a major _______ or social embarrassment to arrive at a party early or
even on time.
A. idée fixe B. hoi polloi C. avant garde D. faux pas
Key: D
faux pas = an action or a remark that causes somebody to feel embarrassed
because it is not socially correct
4. A _______ headache can occur for many reasons, from temporary causes,
such as a hangover, to more severe or chronic forms of pain.
A. beating B. drumming C. hammering D. throbbing
Key: D
An injury that's throbbing with pain pounds with regular beats
5. Today, Einstein is _______ as an intellectual colossus who bestrode the 20th
century like no other.
A. enchanted B. venerated C. armored D. enamored
Key: B
venerate = to have and show a lot of respect for somebody/something,
especially somebody/something that is considered to be holy or very important
6. Financial aid is being provided to the country _______ of the World Bank.
A. under the auspices B. by the book
C. on the blink D. at the hands
Key: A
under the auspices = with the help and support of (someone or something)
7. Whether there’s truth in it or not, I can’t stand that _______ “follow your heart”.
A. old chestnut B. old soak C. old wives’ tale D. old money
Key: A
old chestnut = an old joke or story that has been told so many times that it is no
longer funny or interesting
8. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but I accidentally heard this odd _________ of
conversation on the bus.
A. buzz B. hum C. snippet D. snatch
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Key: D
snatch (n) = a very small part of a conversation or some music that you hear
9. Because of the children involved, they want to resolve the court case as
quickly and ________ as possible.
B. grudgingly B. discerningly C. discreetly D. judiciously
Key: C
discreetly (adv) = in a careful way, in order to keep something secret or to avoid
causing difficulty for somebody or making them feel embarrassed
10. The new movie’s plot has more holes than _________ cheese.
A. Greek B. Italian C. Swiss D. French
Key: C
If something has more holes than a Swiss cheese, it is incomplete, and lacks
many parts.
11. The government has been _______ this issue for years, but the time has
finally come for us to do something about it!
A. pertaining to B. touching on C. delving into D. slurring over
Key: D
slur over = to discuss, treat, approach, or deal with something in a very
superficial, careless, or evasive manner
12. Can you believe what they're making us do at work now? What a(n)
_______.
A. apple of discord B. can of worms
C. load of cobblers D. spot of bother
Key: C
a load of (old) cobblers = a bunch of nonsense
13. It’s natural for students to worry about whether they will ________ or not at
a new school.
A. measure up B. sprout up C. show up D. dig up
Key: A
measure up = to be as good, successful, etc. as expected or needed
14. Except for pasting the occasional coconut tree with small advertisements
for acupuncture, the hippies have done little to _______ this beautiful spot.
A. disfigure B. mutilate C. deface D. amputate
Key: A
disfigure = to damage the appearance of a person, thing or place
15. For many young people, driving cars at high speed seems to ________ a
rather fatal fascination.
A. reserve B. wield C. weave D. hold
Key: D
hold a fascination (collo)
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Word form
1. Once the news of the assassination of their beloved leader reached the
public, ________ broke out in streets throughout the country. (DEMON)
2. It was a ________ moment for Kousei when he realized he wouldn’t have
been able to go on but for his friend’s sincere encouragement (LIGHT)
3. Practise good personal protection against mosquito bites to prevent
________ infections. (MOSQUITO)
4. Many new immigrants have not yet ________ fully into the new culture.
(SIMILAR)
5. The externalist approach focuses on the way a belief is produced in order to
assess its epistemic ________. (CREDIT)
1. PANDEMONIUM (n) = a chaotic situation

2. LIGHT-BULB (n)
LIGHT-BULB MOMENT = a moment of sudden realization, enlightenment, or
inspiration
3. MOSQUITO-BORNE (adj)
MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES = diseases spread by the bite of an infected
mosquito
4. ASSIMILATED
ASSIMILATE (v) = to become, or cause somebody to become, a part of a
country or community rather than remaining in a separate group
5. CREDENTIALS
CREDENTIAL (n) = a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of
a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for
something
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Test 70
1. The road is packed with vehicles! That’s _______ at rush hour.
A. a going concern B. a hue and cry C. part and parcel D. par for the course
Key: D
If a type of behaviour, event, or situation is par for the course, it is not good but
it is normal or as you would expect.
2. Haiti's first elected president was _______ in a violent military coup .
A. disbarred B. supplanted C. deposed D. subverted
Key: C
depose = to remove someone important from a powerful position
3. You will have to learn to face up to a few _______, my boy, before it’s too
late.
A. home truths B. odd jobs C. second thoughts D. kid gloves
Key: A
home truths = a true but unpleasant fact about yourself that another person tells
you
4. As soon as he read the letter, tears ________ in his eyes.
A. soaked up B. welled up C. filled up D. tanked up
Key: B
well up = to gush or pour up and away from something
5. Incoherence, or word ________, refers to speech that is unconnected and
conveys no meaning to the listener.
A. salad B. blend C. roll D. soup
Key: A
word salad = a mixture of words or phrases that is confused and difficult to
understand
6. The case alleges that the company _______ female employees on
opportunities for promotion.
A. short-dated B. short-changed C. short-circuited D. short-handed
Key: B
short-change (v) = to treat someone unfairly by giving them less than they
deserve
7. Poor Mary, all her colleagues teased her; she was the _______ of all their
jokes.
A. hubbub B. butt C. bulk D. brunt
Key: B
be the butt of sth = to be the person or thing that other people often make jokes
about
8. The city has _______ on the storage building permit, arguing that may not be
permissible under updated zoning requirements.
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A. derided B. taunted C. faltered D. reneged

Key: D
renege (v) to break a promise, an agreement, etc
9. Aircraft production continued to _______ at an agonizingly slow pace.
A. bubble over B. bristle at C. plod along D. fawn over
Key: C
plod along = to make very slow progress, especially with difficult or boring work
10. Kim put my name down for a sponsored parachute jump but I _______ at
the last moment.
A. beavered away B. weaseled out
C. chickened out D. clammed up
Key: C
chicken out (of sth) = to decide not to do something because you are afraid
11. After winning the lottery, they moved into a more _______ house in a high-
class residential area and had a more comfortable life.
A. well-attended B. well-built C. well-appointed D. well-disposed
Key: C
well-appointed (adj) = having a good supply of comfortable or necessary
furniture and attractive decorations
12. Thousands of people came out onto the streets to _______ their support for
the democratic opposition party.
A. adduce B. attest C. elicit D. accost
Key: B
attest (v) = to provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior,
attitude, or external attributes
13. The Prime Minister exercised his _______ to decide when to call an
election.
A. licence B. autocracy C. prerogative D. dispensation
Key: C
prerogative (n) = a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group
(especially a hereditary or official right).
14. Protein and B2 in soybean help to metabolize amino acids, which _______
the skin.
A. rejuvenate B. recuperate C. overhaul D. reinvigorate
Key: A
rejuvenate (v) = to make somebody/something look or feel younger, more lively
or more modern
15. Never _______ feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out
realities and offer hope.
A. dispel B. disparage C. dissipate D. dispatch
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Key: B
disparage (v) = to suggest that somebody/something is not important or
valuable
Word form
1. We need to _______ the problem before we can understand its origin.
(CONTEXT)
2. The secretary of state for Northern Ireland appeared on television to read a
special _______ for detention without trial. (APOLOGIZE)
3. _______ organizational structures refer to companies with too many
managers, which mean too many presidents, vice presidents and other mid-
level managers between the president and the junior worker. (HEAVY)
4. The ambassador was typically _______ when asked whether further
sanctions would be introduced. (COMMIT)
5. No wonder then that data _______ – literally defined as the process of
increasing the economic value of data – is becoming such an important and
growing area for all businesses. (MONEY)
1. CONTEXTUALIZE (v) = to consider something in relation to the situation in

which it happens or exists
2. APOLOGIA (n) = a formal written defence of your own or somebody else’s
actions or opinions
3. TOP-HEAVY (adj) = having too many senior staff compared to the number of
workers
4. NONCOMMITTAL (adj) = not giving an opinion; not showing which side of an
argument you agree with
5. MONETIZATION (n) = the act or process of earning money from something,
especially a business or an asset (= something that a business owns)
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A the last straw B the final nail in the coffin

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A prototype B paradigm C emblem D epitome

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A position B pattern C seat D fit

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A ambience B complex C palette D sentiment

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A poignant B affective C sardonic D pungent

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A traces B jot C swab D remnant

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