LEXICO-GRAMMAR

1.Despite her initial success, the famous actress fell into a downward spiral and ended up
on_______.
A. pins and needles B.skid row C.thin ice D.the right track
2.Orphaned from a young age, she was_________by her grandparents.
A. brought up B.cheered up C.laid up D.geared up
3._________, they must have contributed significantly to the project and community, demonstrating
exceptional dedication, expertise and leadership.
A. Having granted such privilege B.Being granted such privilege
C.To grant such privilege D.To be granted such privilege
4.After reviewing the quarterly financial report, the management team adjusted the budget ______

5
A.similarly B.accordingly C.equally D.rigorously
5.In the aftermath of the project’s failure, the team leader was unfairly made the_________, taking

SS
the blame for errors that were beyond his control.
A.scapegoat B.incrimination C.story D.amendment
6.Sarah was _____________by the unexpected praise she received from her mother who rarely paid
attention to her achievements.
A.taken for a ride B.taken for granted C.taken aback D.taken apart
7.Compiling a comprehensive report can be a ________task, requiring meticulous attention to detail
and thorough research.
ST
A.time-consuming B.far-reaching C.quick-thinking D.narrow-minded
8.She___________ her keys at home, as she couldn’t get into her apartment when she returned from
work.
A.should have forgotten B.needn’t have forgotten
C.must have forgotten D.mightn’t have forgotten
O

9.Despite her young age, Lily has __________, already managing her own successful online store.
A.the upper hand B.a ball
C.a good head for business D.her head in the clouds
O

10. After years abroad, he__________a taste of his grandmother’s homemade apple pine.
A.strived for B.made for C.endeavored to D.longed for
11. Only after ______________ did she go out to play.
EB

A.she finished homework B.finishing her homework

C.does she finish homework D.will she finish homework
12.Many celebrities spoke out __________ the environmental campaign to raise awareness.
A.on behalf of B.in support of C.with respect to D.with a view to
13. Don’t forget to lock the door, _________
A.do you? B.have you? C.will you? D.are you?
14.Many students are___________ due to high cost of education and student loans.
A.up to their ears in debt B.trouble makers
C.on the dole D.stinking rich
15.The company offered refunds to _________ customers affected by the service outage.
A.appease B.encourage C.revive D.dictate
16. How many teams are taking ________ in the competitions?
A.role B.part C.over D.off
17.Jenna became _________ due to inheriting her father’s huge estate.
A.stinking rich B.well-known C.bone idle D.cold-blooded
18.After the argument, she decided to __________ for a week, refusing to respond to his messages
or acknowledge his presence.
A.spill the beans B. give him the cold shoulder C.cut corners D.kick the bucket
19.The new regulations introduced by the government were intended to simplify the process, but
they only added more red ___________ and made it even more complicated for small businesses to
comply.
A.carpet B.herring C.letter day D.tape
20.- “I’m not sure if I want to go to the concert tonight. I’m pretty tired.”
- “Come on, you love this band! Plus, I already bought the tickets. Don’t make me __________ to

5
get you to come.”
A. twist your arm B.miss the boat C.spill the beans D.set my heart on

SS
21.The headmaster bore __________ of the criticism for the school’s poor academic record.
A.the brunt B.effect C.in mind D.testimony
22.The artwork was rumored __________- for over a million dollars.
A.to have sold B.to have been sold C.to be sold D.being sold
23.Lift-off is always the _________ of truth for a new rocket.
A.moment B.flashpoint C.presence D.eden
24.He returned to his hometown, ________ he once dreamed of escaping, only to find it had changed
ST
beyond recognition
A.which B.that C.where D.it
25.______________ surprised everyone, considering their underdog status.
A.The team winning B.The win of the team is
C.That the team won D.Having won
O

26.These aircraft are _____________, being small yet extremely fast.

A.in a class of their own B.one in a trillion
C.of the norm D.the highest category
O

27.Having prior work experience may give someone a _________ over others in a job competition.
A.nut to crack B.head start C.precedent D.big step
28.The driver managed not to hit the child who ran in front of his car, but only ______ the cost of
EB

injuring himself.
A.on B.within C.at D.in
29.He was _________ disappointed at the result of the exam.
A.bitterly B.strongly C.heavily D.seriously
30.Olivia is still the only student________the first prize four times for the best design.
A.to be awarding B.being awarded
C.to have been awarded D.to have awarded
31.I don’t think that TV viewers like that film,_________?
A.don’t I B.do I C.don’t they D.do they
32. When his alarm went off, he shut it off and slept for______15 minutes.
A.other B.others C.another D.the others
33.We should ______our resources to make sure we can make it through these hard times.
A.husband B.use up C.go through D.converse
34.Extroverts tend to be gregarious and amiable. They gain energy from __________
A.staying away from B.bearing a grudge against
C.making fun of others D.rubbing shoulders with others
35.Holiday beaches are like huge barbecues where people________like burgers on a grill.
A.sit B.stand C.lie D.stretch
36._________, the balcony chairs will be ruined in this weather.
A.Left uncovered B.Having left uncovered
C.Leaving uncovered D.Been left uncovered
37.She's so disorganized - I wish she'd ______________.
A.get her act together B.get with the programme
C.get her courage up D.get wind of herself

5
38.Everyone thinks he’s in charge, but we all know who really___________
A.make amends B.wears the trousers C.play the keyboard D.make it big

SS
39.The storm was terrible, but eventually the wind ______
A.died down B.let in C.set in D.calmed up
40.No matter how much we discussed the issue, he was as stubborn as a _____ and wouldn’t budge.
A.mule B.oyster C.urchin D.mulish
41.His friends decided to _____ him on to participate in the singing competition, even though he
was initially hesitant.
A.push B.let C.egg D.kick
ST
42.’A __________ lifestyle can lead to heart problems’ the doctor explained as he urged the patient
to exercise regularly.
A.sedentary B.slow-burned C.primitive D.dependent
43.Little _________ that his decision would change his life forever.
A.he knew B.was he known C.did he know D.he did know
O

44._____________, helped shape the history of American industry.

A.Joseph Wharton, along with his many successful business ventures, has
B.Joseph Wharton, including his many successful business ventures, have
O

C.Joseph Wharton, along with his many successful business ventures, have
D.Joseph Wharton and his many successful business ventures has
45.I forgot my glasses so I’m blind as a(n)__________.
EB

A.bat B.owl C.raccoon D.urchin

46.I’d say let’s meet on Saturday but I’m none ___________ sure what’s happening at the weekend.
A.so B.very C.that D.too
47.I’ve spent the whole morning vacuuming the inside of the car. It’s now clean as a __________.
A.dust B.cucumber C.whistle D.lab
48.A ________of laughter filled the room after the comedian’s joke.
A.bunch B.mix C.amalgam D.cascade
49.She took a year off to travel the world, and _________, she decided to become a travel writer.
A.however B.thereafter C.therefore D.thereabout
50.She has a ________ sense of humor, often making jokes about death and decay.
A.morbid B.quivering C.deep D.questionable
CLOZE TEST
Ex1.
Darwin’s theory is that ‘selective breeding’ 1.______in nature as ‘natural selection’ is the engine
behind evolution. Thus, the theory provides an excellent basis for understanding how organisms
change over time. 2._______, it is just a theory and elusively difficult to prove. One of the major
holes in Darwin’s theory revolves around ‘irreducibly complex systems.’ An irreducibly complex
system is 3. __________as a system where many different parts must all operate together. As a
result, in the absence of one, the system as a whole collapses. Consequently, as modern technology
improves, science can identify these ‘irreducibly complex systems’ even at microscopic levels.
These complex systems, 4._______so inter-reliant, would be resistant to Darwin’s supposition of
how evolution occurs. As Darwin himself admitted, ‘To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable
contrivance for adjusting the focus for different distances, for admitting different amounts of light,
and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration could 5.________been formed by

5
natural selection seems I free confess absurd in the highest degree.
Ex2.

SS
The Octopus: A Master of Mimicry
In the vast and variegated tapestry of 1.__________ life, the octopus emerges as an extraordinary
creature, endowed 2._______ an uncanny ability to deceive predators and prey alike. This mollusk,
a denizen of the deep, exhibits a remarkable propensity for mimicry, a survival tactic that is as
beguiling as it is effective. The octopus is not 3._________ to static mimicry. It can emulate the
movements and behaviors of other sea creatures, such as the flounder or lionfish, an ability that
underscores its cognitive complexity. This dynamic mimicry extends beyond mere imitation; it is a
ST
sophisticated strategy 4.________ underscores the octopus’s adaptability in the 5.ever-shifting
mosaic of the oceanic realm.
1.A.marine B.daily C.acidic D.seasonal
2.A.in B.at C.with D.to
3.A.constructed B.limited C.encouraged D.defined
O

4.A.when B.with C.that D.thus

5.A.ever-shifting B.rock-solid C.sharp-tongue D.steel-steady
Ex3.
O

Sleep deprivation, a pervasive condition often precipitated by hectic modern lifestyles, can have
profound implications for both physical and mental health. Characterized by a chronic 1.________
in sleep duration or quality, it is a state that can have 2._________ a myriad of deleterious effects.
EB

Cognitive impairments, 3.________ as diminished attention span and memory lapses, are frequently
observed in individuals suffering from sleep deprivation. Not only 4.______ sleep deprivation has
been implicated in the exacerbation of health disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,
but also the physiological mechanisms underlying these adverse outcomes are multifaceted and
complex. Involved 5._________ disruptions in the intricate interplay of neurochemical processes
that govern sleep cycles. 6.___________ , addressing sleep deprivation necessitates a
comprehensive approach that encompasses lifestyle modifications, such as adhering to regular sleep
schedules and optimizing sleep hygiene, alongside potential pharmacological interventions.
7.___________ , understanding and mitigating the impacts of sleep deprivation is a pressing issue
in contemporary health discourse.
WORDFORMATION
Ex1.
1.Money and education are ________ linked in our daily lives. (EXTRICATE)
2.Education cannot be __________ since it provides us with the fundamental tools we require to
live.(LOOK)
3. The village elders gathered annually to discuss the age-old traditions that have been the
________ of their community’s identity for centuries.(STONE)
4.Their love affair began against a __________ of war.(DROP)
5.Many more people died in the _________ of the explosion.(AFTER)
6.We've tried to anticipate the most likely problems, but it's impossible to be prepared for all
_______________.(EVENTUAL)
7.The gymnast’s ________ was evident as she performed complex flips and twists with graceful
precision.(AGILE)
8.Despite the temptation of the delicious desserts on display, she used her _______ to stick to her

5
diet.(POWER)
9.Coffee beans and tea leaves are ________ with this solvent.(CAFFEINE)

SS
10.Economists and some psychologists __________ employ such tasks in their studies.
(EXCLUDE)
11. Put otherwise, in a context in which there are unequal power relations, a _________
homogenisation seems likely, if not inevitable.(DELETE)
12. Farmers often hope for the ___________weather of gentle rain overnight to help their crops
grow without disrupting the harvest.(PREFER)
13.Due to the dispute over the ownership of the ______________ house, the couple had to seek
ST
legal advice.(MATRIMONY)
14.She was an _________ critic about the new banking laws.(SPEAK)
15.The president has accused two cabinet members of working secretly to __________ his
position.(MINE)
16.Mark’s celebration was ___________-because the ball hadn’t fallen in the hole.(MATURE)
O

17.The reason for Bruce Lee’s death was sleeping pill ___________. (DOSE)
18._____________ pain is the reason for around 5% of all emergency department visits.
(ABDOMENT)
O

19.Lawrence feared his candid views of the company would __________ him from his coworkers.
(STRANGE)
20.Many __________ people became enlightened during the Renaissance. (NIGHT)
EB

Ex 2.
‘Guernica’ by Pablo Picasso is a very significant work of art that serves as a powerful
1.__________(CONDEMN) of the horrors of war. This monumental painting, executed in tones of
gray, white and black, depicts the devastating bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish
Civil War. Picasso’s fragmented and distorted forms, combined with his bold brushwork, evoke a
sense of chaos and anguish. ‘Guernica’ is a 2.__________(VISION) protest against the
3.______________(BRUTAL) and suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians. The anguished faces
and frantic animals symbolize the pain and despair experienced by the victims of the bombing. The
sheer emotional impact of ‘Guernica’ is overwhelming. Picasso’s ability to capture the essence of
human suffering and his bold expression of 4.__________(RAGE) make this painting a timeless
masterpiece. It stands as a powerful reminder of the consequences of violence and the need for
peace and compassion in our world. This painting remains an enduring symbol of protest and a call
to action against the atrocities of war. Picasso’s artistic genius and his constant
5.__________(COMMIT) to social justice have cemented this painting as one of the most
significant and influential works of art of the 20th century.
Ex3.
The design for this Malaysian-Singaporean joint venture 1.________(ACTION) engages the space
of the surrounding city to form a new civic nucleus in Singapore’s modern metropolis. The two
towers are not conceived as 2._____________(AUTONOMY) objects, but defined by the spaces
they create around them. Singapore consistently ranks as one of Asia’s most 3._________(LIVE)
cities. However, it is increasingly dominated by isolated individual towers that favor
4.___________(EXCLUDE) over social 5.____________(CONNECT). The prescribed zoning
confronts the project with a dual dilemma: it splits the site into two separate pieces, and leaves
large, 6.___________(BULK) footprints for the resulting tower envelopes which risk overpowering

5
the 7._______________(SURROUND) and the intimate scale of the adjacent historic Kampong
Glam district. The design for DUO subtracts circular carvings from the 8.___________(ALLOW)

SS
building volumes in a series of concave movements that generate urban spaces – a kind of “urban
poché” that co-opts adjacent buildings and symbiotically inscribes the two towers into their context.
The duo of tower volumes is further sculpted to feature a series of cantilevers and
9.______________(SET) that evoke choreographed kinetic 10.__________(MOVE) of the
building silhouettes.
Ex4.
When one hears the 1._____________(EXPRESS) ‘role models’, one’s mind naturally jumps to
ST
celebrities, especially as far as young people are concerned. Therefore, it would be more than
natural to assume that teenagers, heavily influenced by the media, are dazzled by
2._________(KNOW) Hollywood stars, famous musicians, and internationally renowned athletes.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. In 3.__________(REAL), according to a recent
survey over 75% of teens who filled out an online 4.____________(QUESTION) claimed that the
O

role model for whom they had the greatest respect was not a famous 5.___________(PERSON) but
a family member. It seems that qualities that make a good role model are more complex than
researchers first assumed. Moreover, role models come into young people’s lives in
O

6.__________(VARY) ways. They are family members, 7.__________(EDUCATE), peers,

ordinary people encountered in daily lives. Students emphasized that being a great model is not
confined to those with 8.____________(NATION) fame or unbelievable wealth. Instead, they said
EB

the greatest attribute of a role model is the 9.__________(ABLE) to inspire others. Teachers are
often mentioned as examples in this case, as the ones dedicated to encouraging students, helping
them push limits, and 10._____________(STRONG) characters.
TRANSFORMATION
Ex1.
1.Is it necessary to make such a fuss about my being late?(song)
Do you have to___________________about my being late?
2. They have narrowed the many applicants down to three. (SHORT)
→_______________________________________________
3. Bruce said that the situation at work was like a family argument. (LIKENED)
→_______________________________________________
4. Carol pretended that she hadn’t understood my request. (MADE)
→_______________________________________________
5. If you want good accommodation in Brighton, you should book in advance.
→If you want _______________________________________________
6. They recommended opening new factories in the depressed area.
→They recommended_______________________________________________
7. He’s a taxi driver, so he is thoroughly familiar with the city. (HAND)
→_______________________________________________
8. If she ever learns about this news, she’ll be furious. (EARS)
→_______________________________________________
9. The new computer game will be undoubtedly as good as Caroline has expected. UP
→ There is no______________________________________________________.
10. Danny kept some spare parts in his car because he thought his car might stop working. DOWN

5
→ In______________________________________________________________.
11. If nobody objects, today’s class will not end until 5pm. DISMISSED

SS
→ Unless__________________________________________________________.
12. This door, which is an emergency exit, must never be locked for any reason. SINCE
→ On no___________________________________________________________.
13. Melvin decided to hire the camping equipment from a local shop instead of buying it from the
website. DECISION
→ Rather____________________________________________________________.
14. Due to the danger of virus infiltration, we have to be cautious when sharing information.
ST
PRECAUTION
→ So dangerous_____________________________________________________.
15. English is known to be an international language. (PUBLIC)
→ It___________________________________an international language.
16. The female player is too experienced to fall into that trap.
O

→ She's got_________________________________to fall into that trap.

17. No matter what happens, you mustn't open this door.
→ On no__________________________________________________.
O

18. "You are coming home for lunch and I won't take no for an answer !" Tom said to me.
→ Tom insisted_______________________________________________.
19. I don't know why people are attracted to spending all day on the beach.
EB

→ I can’t see the________________________________on the beach.

20. People are persuaded by adverts to spend more than they can afford.
→ Adverts tempt__________________________________afford.
EB
O
O
ST
SS
5
EB
O
O
ST
SS
5