Gap filling preparation exercises ( Dạng bài điền từ vào đoạn văn - Luyện thi thpt quốc gia môn tiếng anh )

Gap filling preparation
For questions 16 – 30, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space.
Use only one word in each space. Choose from the list of words before each test
in- to- have – as- which – with – time – since – than – yourself – plenty/lots- some/many – put –
what – this
Caravanning in Wales
The sea cliffs and sandy beaches of Wales are hard (0) ____to____ beat. Add to (16)
________wild, romantic scenery, ancient castles, modern theme parks and cheap accommodation
and you’ve got a great family holiday. Of course (17) _______makes Wales so green is the rain.
Even in mid-summer, you can expect a couple of wet and windy days. But don’t let that
(18)__________ you off. There are (19) __________of indoor activities, so you can enjoy (20)
________whatever

the

weather.

For

(21)

_________people

Wales is a caravan country. If you haven’t stayed in a caravan (22) ________you were little, it’s
(23) _________you tried it again. Standards of comfort are much higher (24) ________a decade
ago, with facilities such (25) _________laundries and kids’ play areas. A good example is
theFontygary Holiday Park. You can stay in a spacious caravan equipped (26) __________TV,
shower, separate bedrooms and fridge, (27) ____________works out to be less expensive when
compared (28) ____________a guesthouse or self-catering cottage. And you won’t even need to
leave the site to (29) ______________fun. The kids can swim in the 25-metre indoor pool, or join
(30) ____________ the games organized by the entertainment staff. Meanwhile you can take a

sauna, go to the gym, have your hair styled, or just sit on the cliff top and enjoy the view.
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out – be/get – by – in – thanks – case – which – example/instance – of – whether/if – wrong –
others/some – fact – out – longer
Travel Insurance
When going (0) ___on___ holiday, it is always a good idea to take (16) _________travel
insurance. This is just in (17) __________something goes (18) __________ along the way. You
could lose your luggage, you could (19) _________robbed, or even become ill and need
expensive medical treatment. For millions of holiday makers, travel insurance is just a precaution
(20)___________ will help them have an enjoyable and worry-free holiday. But for (21)
__________ , travel insurance is a way of earning money (22) __________ making false claims
against insurance companies. For (23) ____________ , some people pretend that they have had
expensive equipment stolen which in (24) __________ never even existed, and then claim large


sums (25) _____________ compensation. Such claims cost insurance companies a total (26)
_________£50 million per year. But the cheats’ luck is about to run (27) ________ . (28)
________to a new computer system, companies will be able to tell at a glance (29) ___________
someone has made a claim within the last three years. Honest travellers will no (30) ___________
have to pay through the nose for other people’s dishonesty.
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on – been – also – that – than – their – way – means/way – many/some – make – of – and – down
– in – which / that
Laughter
You not only laugh more (0) ___when___you are relaxed, but you (16) ________relax when you
laugh, and it has (17) ________found that when you’re (18) _________ holiday it is easier to do
both. But for (19) ___________ people laughter is not just a pleasure, it is a (20) __________ of
fighting illness. Some hospitals have begun to bring in clowns to relieve the silent, depressing
atmosphere, especially in children’s wards. This scheme is called “Medical Smile” and it helps
sick children in a (21)__________ that doctors, with all (22) _____________ knowledge, can’t

do. The effect of the clowns is more (23) ___________ psychological. Laughter helps strengthen
the immune system- (24) _________ is, the part of our bodies (25) __________fights off disease.
We take (26) _________more oxygen when we laugh, and our heartbeat slows (27)
_________ . Hospital clowns are becoming more (28) ________more popular because (29)
______ the positive effect they have. They both relieve depression, which tends to (30)
__________ illnesses worse, and give people the will to fight their illnesses themselves.
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fact – have – who – like – well – at – in/from – or – out – point/time – idea/prospect/thought –
will/may/can/could – then – from – such
Coping with Shyness
Shyness is a problem that is common (0) ___to___many people. In (16) __________ , according
to Mr Zimbardo, a distinguished psychologist at Stanford University, eight (17) _________ of ten
people are reported to (18) _________been shy at some (19) ___________in their lives. Most
people (20) __________have this condition, suffer feelings of discomfort and anxiety at the (21)
___________of meeting others, especially at social gatherings (22) ____________parties.
Keeping away from such situations is not really a solution, of course, and if a shy person can
manage to overcome their fears they (23) ___________ gain a feeling of self-satisfaction as (24)
___________as improving their social life. However, if the case of shyness is severe, when
important occasions are missed or a person’s social, educational or professional life is affected,
(25) ___________ the label “shyness” is inappropriate. (26) ___________ this stage, it is termed


“social phobia”. Those suffering (27) ______________ this condition are very often bright,
talented and sensitive people. But feelings of social isolation, resulting (28) _____________
loneliness, can lead to additional problems (29) _____________ as alcohol abuse or addiction to
medication. Fortunately, a number of treatments are available and come in the form of individual
(30) ____________ group therapy and training. Therefore, a person who has social phobia has an
excellent chance of recovery.
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time – some/other/many – has – when – have – take – to – more/in – up – who – to – from –

amount/level(s)/proportion – in – on
Wake Up, It’s Summer!
The summer season makes (0) ___all/most____ of us feel good, and scientists believe that they
(16) ____________ discovered the reason for this. “Bright light makes you feel more awake and
helps you sleep better,” says Dr. Arendt, from the University of Surrey, (17) ___________ is
studying the effect of light (18) _____________ the human body. Light travels through the eye
and sends a message to the part of the brain that controls sleep and appetite. So in the summer
months (19) ____________ sunlight is increased, your energy level goes (20) ____________ thus
decreasing the need to eat and sleep. (21) ___________ addition, the heat from the sun also
(22)__________ a calming effect as it reduces blood pressure, producing a feeling of relaxation.
Sea and mountain air are also beneficial in summer as they make you breathe (23) __________
deeply, increasing the (24) _________ of oxygen in your blood. For (25) __________ people,
however, there is a negative side (26) ___________summer. Those suffering (27) __________
low blood pressure may experience feelings of tiredness and anxiety at this (28) ___________ of
year. Experts advise such people to (29) _________ up exercise and to add more salt (30)
___________ their diet. So, if you can, enjoy the benefits of bright light, warm days and seaside
air and you’ll feel completely refreshed. ‘
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about – having – fact – from – something/a – whether – lot – for – there – while – full – more –
well – most/many/all – be
Tasty Snacks
We (0) ____all____ love to eat between meals, (16) ________it’s a bar of chocolate after
breakfast or a packet of crisps before dinner. But when we think (17) _______it, most of these
“snack” foods are (18) __________of fat, salt and sugar and thus contain a (19) ________of
calories. Another disadvantage is that after (20) _________consumed these foods, there is a
temptation to eat (21) __________as they still leave you feeling hungry. But who says snack
foods have to be bad (22) ___________you? They can, in (23)___________ , be very good for


you if you just choose carefully. One of the best and healthiest snack options is dried fruit. It’s

really tasty and makes a brilliant, easy-to- eat snack, as (24) __________as leaving you satisfied.
(25)_____________ is also a great variety to choose (26) ________, with dried bananas, apricots,
grapes and apples available at (27) ___________ supermarkets. You can enjoy dried fruit for
morning and afternoon breaks, at school or at work, in the car or (28) ___________watching
television. Dried fruit also makes the perfect fast food for late-night homework sessions. So next
time you fancy (29) ___________sweet, try the healthy option and you’ll (30) _________
pleasantly surprised.
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who(m) – in – without – will/can – ones – sure – other – cost – well – after – no – all – when/before
– all – get /help
Dinner Parties
Organising a dinner party can (0) ___be___ a stressful business. Firstly you have to decide (16)
_______you are going to invite and make (17) _________ the guests are going to mix well. It’s
(18) ________good inviting people that are either going to sit around (19) small groups and only
speak to each (20) ________or people that are going to hide behind the furniture and not talk at
(21) ________. Also you have to ensure they can get to and from your home (22) _________any
problems. Next is organising the food. You want to prepare a meal that is above average standard,
but doesn’t (23) _________ the earth. It is also wise to ask the guests about their likes and dislikes
(24) ________ you invite them, as you don’t want to serve up a meal nobody (25) _______ eat.
Cooking the meal is important as (26) __________ , because you want it ready at the time you
stated. Seating arrangements are important too. You don’t want (27) _________the quiet guests
at one end of the table and the talkative (28) __________ at the other. Serving drinks before,
during and (29) ________ the meal is always a good way to (30) _________ people to relax and
chat. And remember to shut the cat in another room, as you don’t want it jumping onto the table
searching for a snack!
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many – take – until – down – at – spare – has – over/during/for – other – on- which – far/much
– for – in – be
The Golden Gate Bridge
The

Golden

Gate

Bridge

has

linked

San

Francisco

and

theMarin

Peninsula for more (0) ___than___ 50 years. However, building it was no easy task. The idea of
linking the two places was not a new one but it wasn’t (16) _______1917 that the first workable
design was produced. It would (17)_______twenty years to complete the bridge, and from the
outset there were (18) _______difficulties: rough waters, the often foggy conditions and the


danger of earthquakes all combined to make constructing this bridge a (19) _______trickier
business than building New York’s George Washington Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge, (20)
_______was then the largest in the world, was finished (21) _______ May 27th, 1937.
Californians flocked to their new showpiece and walked from one end to the (22)__________ .
The next day it was opened to cars. (23) _______ the past 58 years it (24) __________ been part

of daily life for millions of commuters. Of course, its paintwork must (25) __________ kept (26)
_______good condition. A 28-man team is responsible for this. If you thought Michelangelo
needed a good head (27) ________ heights to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling, just (28)
_________ a thought for these men. The bridge stands (29) __________4,200 feet. The trick,
agree the painters, is never to look (30)_______ . Rather them than us!
************************************************************
there – so – into – supposed/thought/said/ – along – the – in – was – where – of – will/can –
plenty/lots

–

many

–

middle/heart

/depth

–

by

Cyprus
With (0) ___its___warm sunshine, sparkling seas and serene landscapes, Cyprus offers (16)
_______of reasons to escape the grey winter days. Cyprus has so (17) ________attractions as a
holiday island. The sun shines most days of the year and even in the (18) _______of winter the
days are warm and inviting. The shoreline of rough cliffs, sandy beaches and old harbours is
washed (19) ______the Mediterranean. Inland, you (20) _______discover another world of
ancient mountains and green valleys with neat fields, orange and lemon groves, vineyards and old

villages built out (21) ________stone Legend has it that Cyprus was the place (22) _________the
ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, (23) ________born. The exact spot is (24) ________to
be the Rocks of Romiou, a beautiful beach just (25) the coast from the old port and town of
Paphos. This is (26) _______largest town in Cyprus and is located (27) ________the south
western part of the island. Paphos has developed (28)_________a thriving modern city and is a
large tourist resort, but even (29) _________, it has managed to preserve its ancient past. The old
harbour is still the central part of the town with tavernas lining the waterside. (30) ________are
also excellent bars, clubs and restaurants in the modern part of town where visitors can enjoy
traditional food and entertainment.
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been – than – fit – for – but – could – turned – value – whose – aim – being – which –
example/instance – terms – allow
Power Dressing


Fashion designers have finally realised that working women are (0) ___their____main customers.
Well-made clothes for the office rather (16) ________high glamour are now top priority. This
season’s designs show that the working woman has (17) ________ very important to a wide range
of fashion designers, with garments being made to (18) _________ not only the body (19)
_________ the lifestyle as well. (20) _________ years, plain-coloured basic suits were the only
thing business women (21) ________ wear, but today’s woman isn’t happy wearing what is no
more than a version of a man’s business suit. She wants her clothes to be elegant, modern and
dynamic – and good (22) __________ for money. While few big names in fashion have (23)
___________ their attention to the office, a new group of designers is emerging, (24)
_________main goal is to dress city women in style. Collections are (25) __________ designed
with the (26) ___________ of providing easy, comfortable, all-purpose clothes (27)
__________will free women from thinking only in (28) ________of the usual blouse, jacket and
skirt. For (29) ___________, a long black fitted jacket worn over a simple but beautifully cut
dress would (30) ________ a woman to go from the office to a cocktail party with elegant ease.
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comes – keep/stay – shown – against/from – who – but – fewer – as – been – much – in – take –
up – due – such/this
Keeping Warm In Winter
Do you feel the cold? If the answer is “yes”, then (0) ___why____not try a cold bath or shower?
This unusual advice (16) ________from a natural health therapist in Germany (17) ________, for
the last 30 years, has (18) ________studying the effects of cold water. Most people are brought
(19) ________to believe that it’s important to (20) __________warm during the cold weather,
with extra clothing and heaters, (21) _________ research shows that the opposite is true. At a
German health centre, hundreds of visitors follow this advice by taking their first cold bath at 6
am, and come out feeling (22) _________ more relaxed. This is (23) __________ to the fact that
the cold water increases blood sugar levels, the heart beat and breathing rate. New research at the
medical centre of Hanover has (24) __________ that those taking daily cold baths have 50% (25)
__________ colds and breathing problems than those who don’t. Studies (26) ________
London have also proven that (27) __________ treatment will help protect (28) ___________
heart attacks. For those people who find the idea of such behaviour unthinkable, then regular
exercise such (29) ___________ running or cycling is a good alternative. So, next time you’re
suffering from the cold, don’t sit and complain, (30) __________ action!
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been – from/using – than – our – them/one – has – enough – being/also – less – so – order –
in/with – which/that – can – from
Fatal Frogs
Across South America one can find a variety of frog unlike (0) ___those/any____found in Europe.
Apart (16) _______being different colours, such as yellow and blue, these frogs are poisonous.
Some of them are (17) ________ poisonous that even touching (18) _______ can be fatal. The
Embera Choco people of Colombia have (19) ________ using toxins from frogs for many years
in (20) ________ to hunt. However, since the arrival of other types of weapons in the rainforest,
the .art of making dart guns (21) __________ started to disappear. However, it is still possible to
find craftsmen making dart guns (22) _________ the trunks of palm trees. The actual dart is

covered (23) __________ poison from the frog’s skin. The poison will remain strong (24) ______
to kill animals for more (25) a year. About 55 of the 135 species of South American frogs are
toxic. The frogs are brightly coloured to warn predators not to touch them. Some species of frogs
produce toxins (26) _________may be useful for mankind as painkillers. A number of species are
(27) ________bred by researchers in the States to investigate the possibility of using toxins for
(28) ________benefit. By licking the frog’s skin scientists (29) _______judge the level of toxins.
There is no danger of being poisoned, though, as frogs in captivity gradually become (30)
_______poisonous.
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any/all/most – look/seem/be/appear – such – like – have – other – be – because – as – with –
kind/type – on – their – have – number
Vegetables
We are frequently told these days that we should eat more vegetables (0) ___as____part of a
healthy diet. However, a large (16) _______of people are still not taking this advice. One of the
reasons could be that they (17) ________ bad memories of the few vegetables they were forced
to eat by (18) ________parents when they were children. (19) ________ the other hand, potatoes
are one (20) ________ of vegetable which we are familiar (21) _______ although we do not
perhaps think of them (22) ________ healthy food to eat. Of course, chips are not very good for
us (23) _______ of their high fat content, but potatoes can (24) _______ cooked in many other
interesting ways which do not harm our health. (25) ________ vegetables which we will almost
certainly (26) _________ eaten are carrots, turnips and parsnips. Carrots can be eaten raw, while
parsnips can be prepared (27) ________ potatoes, and baby turnips are crisp and as sweet as
apples when cooked. Alternatively, there are many different vegetables in the shops, (28)
_________as celeriac, kohlrabi and salsify. These may (29) _______ strange to us at the moment,
but they are as easy to cook as (30) _________ of the other vegetables mentioned and make a
delicious change.


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few – also – fit – along/on – on – are – pay – other – harm/damage – when/if – by – well –

otherwise/or – let – that
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is becoming an increasingly popular sport, as people become (0)
____more________ interested in keeping (16) ________and doing activities which take them out
of their homes. It is not only a pleasurable way of improving your fitness, but (17) _________one
of the most rewarding ways to explore the countryside. However, it is important to follow a (18)
_________simple rules, other- wise you could (19) ___________the environment and spoil (20)
___________people’s

enjoyment. Cyclists

can

use

any

road

but

they

must

(21)

__________attention to the type of path they are on. Some paths (22) __________only designed
for people who are (23) __________foot, so if you are cycling (24) __________ these, you could
cause inconvenience to walkers as (25) _________ as ending up being taken to court (26)

___________ the owner of the land you are on. On any other path, you should still respect walkers
and be careful (27) _________you are passing horse riders. Other things which you are asked to
do are to close gates behind you, so (28) ___________farm animals cannot escape, and to take
your rubbish home with you. Always (29) _________someone know where you are going and
carry the right equipment and clothing for unexpected conditions, (30) _________you could be
creating unnecessary problems for yourself.

who – to – over/around – as – of – enough – worth – lots/plenty – worth – in – place – of – so –
all – other/popular
The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a small island just (0) ___off____the south coast of England near the towns
of

Portsmouth

and

Southampton.

Queen

Victoria loved the island (16) _______ much that she had Osborne House built, which has not
changed at (17) _______ since the days when she used to visit with her huge family. (18)
________ tourist attractions include Butterfly World, where, (19) _________ the name suggests,
visitors can see a large range __________ (20) butterflies, and two zoos. In summer it is usually
warm and sunny (21) _________ for holidaymakers to enjoy the miles of clean
beaches. Alternatively, for those (22) __________ want to be out of doors but don’t like
sunbathing, the Isle of Wight is an excellent place for cyclists. There are numerous little paths
which

lead

(23)

________picturesque

villages

all

(24)

_______the

island.

Newport, the island’s capital, is also (25) _________a visit. It is a busy little town with (26)
_______of small specialist shops. (27)________ the beginning of August, there is the most


famous

yachting

week

(28)

_________the

world,

which

takes

(29)

_______at

Cowes. During that week Cowes is full (30) _______carnival atmosphere and every bar and
restaurant is packed.
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of/like – of – for – much – its – before – which – so/this – able – well – one – however – when/if
– between – most
The Brain
Contrary to popular belief, it is not true (0) ___that___we use only 10 percent of our brain power;
it is (16) ______of the myths of modern times. The brain controls all of our bodily functions as
(17) _______ as carrying out the most complicated processes (18) _________ thought and
imagination. There must (19) __________ , be some spare capacity built into the system because
brain cells – unlike most of the body’s other cells – are not (20) _________ to divide and therefore
are incapable (21) __________ replacing themselves (22) __________ they die. It is possible to
increase the abilities of our brain. We do _________(23) when we learn to read, (24) ________
example. Current research shows that the learning process creates new connections (25)
__________brain cells (26) ________ increases our mental powers. But scientists are unable to
say exactly how (27) ________ of our brains we don’t use. Despite a lot of research, the brain is
still the (28) _________ mysterious organ in the body and it will be many years (29) ________
enough information can be gathered to explain all (30) _________ functions.
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under – makes – are – which – making – few – your – time/care – some/this – in – causes – much

– down – after/within – of
Beating Stress
Do you grab quick snacks (0) __at__work, eat late at night and drink too (16) ________ tea and
coffee? If so, you’re probably (17) ________ stress, and your eating habits are (18) _______ the
problem worse. The effects of stress can be beaten by following (19) _________ simple advice.
First, cut (20) _________ on coffee, tea and cola drinks. They all contain caffeine, which (21)
_________ you feel better for a (22) ________ minutes, but which also destroys the vitamins (23)
_________ our bodies. Try not to eat sweets, biscuits and cakes. A quick burst of sugar suddenly
increases blood-sugar levels; however, (24) _______ 2 or 3 minutes, you (25) ________ left
feeling tired and irritable. Don’t drink alcohol to forget (26) ________ worries. In the long term,
alcohol (27) _________ depression. Eat plenty (28) _________ citrus fruit and green vegetables
as they contain Vitamin C. Red meat and seafood contain iron, (29) __________ helps fight
nervous tiredness. Remember to eat a good breakfast to start the day well. Take (30) ___________
to eat properly and try to avoid eating late at night. Avoid junk food. Fresh is best!


Gap filling, 25
January 23, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space.There is an example at the
beginning (0).
Example: 0: do

THE MASTER OF YOUR DOMAIN
Be prepared: you may have to go to the ends of the World (Wide Web) to
achieve it.
All Iwanted to (O) ..do .. was to get an Internet domain name of my (16) …..
– the part of an e-mail address to the right of the ‘@’ and the part of the
World Wide Web address that typically follows www. The (17) ….. is that Lewis
is a (18) ….. common name and Lewis.com (19) ….. already taken.

So, (20) …..millions of Internet users before me, I (21) ….. looking elsewhere
(22) …… a domain I could call home – the Internet equivalent of 40 acres,
where I (23) ….. grow electronic mail, raise a small herd of web pages and
maybe someday open a little electronic collage industry of my own.
It (24) ….. to be technically difficult for average computer users to get (25)
….. own personal Internet domain names. (26) ….. if you could figure out (27)
….. to do it, registering a domain name was free and good names were
plentiful.
No (28) …..! The Internet is now the world’s fastest growing economy, and
the commercialisation of the Internet (29) ….. created a frenzy for domain
names. An Internet domain name is (30) ….. just an equivalent of a telephone
number and mailing address but also a status symbol.


Gap filling, 24
January 23, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).
Example:

0: and

CARNIVAL TIME
It was carnival time again. It was time for fun (0)
__and__ laughter. Although I had seen carnival processions on television, I
had never taken part in (16) ….. before so I was looking forward to it.
The procession began and we went singing and dancing (17) ….. the street
watched by crowds of people. Balloons flew up in the air and everyone was
having (18) ….. wonderful time.

Just then I realised that my young brother, who had (19) ….. with me to the
procession, was (20) ….. longer with me. I asked one of my friends to help
me find him. It was a difficult thing to do because everyone was dressed up
and many of them were also wearing masks over their (21) ……
Suddenly, I saw him. I could (22) ….. believe my eyes. He was sitting on the
very first float right next to the ‘King of the Carnival’. He (23) ….. smiling and
enjoying every minute of it.
I shouted to him (24) ….. because there was (25) …… much noise, he did not
hear me at first. I kept (26) ….. shouting until he finally (27) …..me and
waved. I yelled out to (28) ….. that he should wait for me at the end of the
street when the (29) ….. was over. He nodded his head (30) ….. agreement
and went back to waving and smiling at the crowd.


Gap filling, 23
January 21, 2007
For questions 16 – 30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space.There is an example at the
beginning (0).
Example: 0: on

SPLENDID SPAS OF ASIA
Lying (0) ..on. .. a bed almost on the edge (16) ….. a cliff, with a stupendous
ocean view and the (17) ….. of waves, aches and pains are soothed away
(18) ….. expert hands. Only two steps (19) ….. needed to reach the private
pool, (20) ….. seems to merge with the ocean.
Such a scenario is (21) ….. longer a fantasy (22) …… an increasingly popular
reality in Asia for many stressed out businessmen and visitors from all (23)
….. the world in search of that peaceful time and space (24) ….. their body
and mind.

In the last four years, at (25) ….. 17 hotel spas have opened in South East
Asia to (26) …… this need. The tropical climate of the region and its reliable
sunshine make for an ideal spa setting. Picturesque environments together
(27) ….. a series of rejuvenating treatments bring the desired result. The
Asian spa resorts have acquired a formidable reputation for their professional
services as (28) ….. as for the decor of their large treatment rooms. Visitors
relax with Thai music and soak in the warm tones of the room. As all these
take (29) ….. in individual rooms, precious privacy is guaranteed, a rare
privilege often absent from other spas (30) ….. guests share rooms or
changing areas.


Gap filling, 21
January 20, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES
I am going to visit one of the most famous prehistoric temples in Europe –
Stonehenge. Ted, (0) ..whose.. father is an archaeologist, has invited me. Dr
Millers, Ted’s father, wants extra help (16) ….. the work that is going to be
(17) ….. in the summer.
Stonehenge, (18) ….. means ‘hanging stones’, is said to be an open-air
temple where the primitive people of the area worshipped the Sun-god. It
faces the rising sun (19) ….. a midsummer day.
The temple is made of huge stones laid (20) ….. in a circle. There are two
circles; the outer circle is made of sandstone and the inner circle is made of
bluestone. On top of (21) ….. pillar is a horizontal block of stone. In the (22)
….. of this circle there was a place for the worshipping to take place.

I have (23) ….. wondered how (24) …… giant stones were transported to that
site as none of them are from there. They have come from (25) ….. area
many miles away. Many theories have been put forward (26) ….. how the
temple came to be there. (27) …..theory is creatures from outer (28) …..
visited the area that living (29) ….. built the temple. They say that because
the stones are so big they could not have been (30) …… to the site of the
temple in the ordinary way. Who knows? The work that will be done in the
summer should give us more information.


Gap filling, 20
January 20, 2007
For questions 16 – 30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0). Write your answers on the separate answer sheet.
Example: 0 at

WHO IS AFRAID OF BACK PAIN?
About 80 percent of the American population is hit with back pain
(O) atleast once in their lives, and half of (16) …..can expect a revisit (17)
…..three years. The lower back, the so-called ‘lumbar region’, accounts (18)
…… most of those incidents and (19) …… some 11,430,000 Americans to the
doctor in 1996.
The pain (20) ….. over for 80 percent of us (21) ….. 10 to 14days, (22) …..
that’s still a lot of suffering and lost time.
Fortunately, treatment continues (23) ….. advance. The last decade (24) …..
seen major progress in the understanding of back pain, of (25) ….. we can
avoid it and (26) ……we can do when its slaps us down.
Back pain (27) …… not be such a problem if our progenitors hadn’t given (28)
….. going on all four limbs. Certainly, we’ve evolved since we started (29) ……

on two feet, but obviously we (30) ….. have some evolving to do.


Gap filling, 19
January 18, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).
JUST IN TIME
The wind was stronger (0) …than …it had been earlier. I had
(16) ….. been out in such a strong storm before. As we drove rapidly through
the woods the branches swayed backwards and forwards above (17) ……. .
Lightning flashed. ‘I wish we weren’t out in (18) …… storm,’ I said to John.
The words were hardly out of (19) …… mouth when a branch from a tree
came crashing down across the road in front of us. We leapt out of the car
and ran quickly (20) ….. the fallen branch. We had to move it, otherwise we
(21) …… not be able to continue our journey. We pulled and pushed until we
were finally able to move it (22) …… the side of the road. We got back into
the car and drove on down the road. We had to get to the house (23) ……
time. Lord Brenton, (24) …… was dying, was the (25) …… person who could
give us the information we needed (26) ….. we could catch the murderers.
He was a key witness. At last we reached our destination. The house (27) …..
lit up inside like a Christmas (28) ….. . He must (29) ….. be alive, I thought,
as we jumped out of the car and ran up the steps to (30) …… entrance of the
huge Victorian house. ‘I think we’ve made it,’ I called to John.


Gap filling, 18
January 18, 2007
For questions 16 – 30, read the text below and think of the word which best

fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

ITALY’S MOST POETIC CITY
Venice has been an inspiration (O) for writers, artists and musicians
throughout history. In the 15th (16) ….. it was the world’s (17) ….. port. Since
then it has built up an astonishing collection of art and architecture (18) …..
to its trade with the East.
The city (19) ….. its visitors incredible sights. (20) ….. not believe those (21)
….. say Venice is a museum. This is still a living city full of joys. Venice (22)
….. good in any light. The sun makes the domes sparkle, but even on a grey,
(23) ….. day the city can be extremely romantic.
And (24) ….. it gets overcrowded, (25) ….. is an easy escape to the other
islands in the Venice Gulf (26) ….. brightly-coloured houses are a
photographer’s dream.
In a curious way, Venice is a model city for the future; it is free from cars and
the (27) ….. way to get around is by public transport or (28) ….. foot. This
one fact alone (29) ….. it a unique city, one (30) ….. traffic noise. The creation
of genius indeed.


Gap filling, 17
January 17, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

PARTY TIME
Joe called (0) …for… Sandra at half past seven. The barbecue (16) …………to
begin at eight but they had decided to get there about half past eight.

Sandra had opened her wardrobe (17) ……. had looked through her clothes.
She had spent a long (18) …….. trying to decide what to wear. As it was
summer time, she had (19) …….. chosen a flowered skirt (20) ……… a shortsleeved blouse. She had combed (21) …….. hair into the (22) ……… modern
style and tied it with a bright red ribbon.
(23) ……. , as she now sat in the car waiting for Joe to start the engine, she
began to have doubts. Was she (24) …… formally dressed for the occasion?
What if everyone else came in casual clothes? Should she have worn a pair
of jeans instead? Joe tried his best to assure her that she looked beautiful
and that a lot of girls (25) ……..be wearing skirts and blouses like her. Sandra
continued to be uncertain.
In the end, Sandra got out of the car and went back (26) ……. the house. She
quickly (27) …….. into a pair of jeans and a blue T-shirt. She also put on a
pair

of shoes

(28)

…….

matched

her

clothes.

Now

she felt (29)

……..comfortable. She would be able to enjoy (30) ……… without feeling the
odd one out.


Gap filling, 16
January 16, 2007
For questions 16-30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

A GREAT WRITER
Every child has at some time (0) or other been thrilled by the stories that
have been written by Jules Verne, (16) ___ was a very imaginative
Frenchman.
Although he was (17) _____ in Nandi, France (18) _____ 1828, Jules Verne
lived in Paris (19) ______ he studied law. However, (20) ______ knowledge
of science soon made him realise that he (21) _______ use this in the writing
of adventure stories centred around the use of inventions.
He found it difficult to have his books published (22) _____ first, but after his
first book, Five Weeks in a Balloon, was published, it was (23) ______a
success that his publisher, Etzel, offered him a twenty-year contract. After
that he wrote two novels a year. In (24) ______ over forty years he had
written eighty novels.
All of Verne’s stories, besides being adventure stories, are also to do with
travel. (25) _______ of his books, Around the World in Eighty Days, is a very
clever (26) ______ that takes us around the world and through all sorts of
adven- tures. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea stirs the imagination
as we travel in Captain Nemo’s submarine to many parts of (27) ______
world.
Many of his stories (28) _______ been made into films (29) _____ besides

reading the stories we can now see them on the screen.
Much of what was fantasy then has now (30) ______reality.


Gap filling, 15
January 16, 2007
For questions 16 – 30, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each space. Use only one word in each space. There is an example at the
beginning (0).

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
Mary Smith has (0) ….been… a contributor to ‘Fame’ magazine for the (16)………… six
years. She is a freelance writer and television producer based in London. She (17)
………….. worked on stories across six continents and (18) …………. nominated for an
Emmy Award for her coverage of the 1991 Soviet coup.
Having

now

given (19)

……………up polo

which

……………….covering
she

finds

far

war

zones,

she

has

(21)…………..dangerous,

(20)
(22)

………….considers it an addiction (23) ……………will finish either in bankruptcy or old
(24)……….. .This month, she will play the game riding (25) ……………..the back of an
elephant.Mary also (26) …… three years in Japan studying the language (27)
…………… coming back to London to work (28)………the BBC and the Japanese
Broadcasting Corporation. In this issue of ‘Fame’ she writes (29) …………….an initiative
to (30) …………….Namibia’s cheetahs and leopards


Gap filling, 14
January 11, 2007
Fill in the missing prepositions (or adverb particles) in the following passage.
There is an example at the beginning (0).

The Curse of Tutankhamun
Most people scoff (0) at the idea of curses coming true, but the events that

followed the opening (1)___ Tutankhamun’s tomb (2)______ Howard Carter
(3)______ 1922

may make them

think twice (4)______

laughing.

The story (5)_____ the curse began when the last man climbed out (6)____
the tomb. It is said that a sudden sandstorm blew (7)______ and that the
men (8)_____ the party saw a hawk, the ancient royal symbol (9)____ Egypt,
fly

overhead.

Local Egyptians took this to mean that the spirit (10)___the dead king had
left his tomb, cursing those who had opened it. Five months later, the man
who financed the expedition, Lord Carnarvon, was bitten (11)____ the cheek
(12)____ a mosquito. Normally nothing too serious! But the bite became
infected and Carnarvon caught pneumonia and died (13)____ an Egyptian
hospital.
(14) ____ the precise moment (15)_____ his death all the lights (16)_____
Cairo went (17)______ and thousands (18)______ miles away (19) ______
the Carnarvon mansion (20)____ Hampshire, England, his dog began to howl
– and died (21)_______ the night. Doctors who examined the mummified
body (22)______ Tutankhamun reported that he had a small depression
(23)_____ his cheek, just like a mosquito bite, (24)______ exactly the same
spot

where

Carnarvon

had

been

bitten.

Many people who visited the tomb also died (25)____ strange circumstances.
Lord Carnarvon’s half-brother died (26)_____ a burst appendix. An Egyptian
prince whose family claimed descent (27)____ the pharaohs was murdered
(28)______ London and his brother commited suicide. An American railway
tycoon caught a cold while (29)________ the tomb and died (30)______
pneumonia.
The man who helped Howard Carter to catalogue the items found (31)____
the tomb commited suicide, and a few months later his father jumped
(32)_____ his death (33)_____ the balcony (34)____ his London flat. There
was an alabaster vase (35)______ the tomb (36) ______the room that he
jumped

(37)______

(38)_____ 1966 the governement (39)____ Egypt agreed to lend the


treasures (40)_______France (41)_______ an important exhibition. The
Director (42)______ Antiquities fought (43)______the decision, because he
had dreamed that he would die if he allowed the treasures to go

(44)____________ (two words) Egypt. When he left the last meeting, still
trying to make the authorities change their minds, he was knocked down
(45)____

a

car

and

died

two

days

later.

And Howard Carter who was the first man (46)_____ the tomb? He died (47)_____ natural causes – (48) ______ 1939.


Gap filling, 13
January 11, 2007
Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use
only one word in each space. There is an example at the beginning (0)

Call me Mother
It was (0) their first wedding anniversary and to celebrate it Colin and his
wife,

Julie

decided

to

(2)________expensive
(3)_______________

go

(1)_______

restaurants
the

romantic

a

in

meal

at

town.

one

of

They

evening,

gazing

the
were

lovingly

(4)_____________ each other’s eyes, when an elderly lady sitting alone
made

her

way

to

the

table.

‘I’m terribly sorry to (5)____________you’, she said, wiping away a tear.
‘But you look just (6)_________my son. He was killed in a car accident just
over a year ago and I (7)__________ miss him terribly, I wonder if you’d
(8)_____________

me

a

favour?’

The couple were very moved by the old lady and , feeling sorry
(9)________her,

agreed

to

help

her

if

they

could.

‘I wonder if, just as I’m leaving, you (10)___________ say “Goodbye , Mum”
and wave me off? It could give me (11)______________ a thrill.’
‘Of course we will,’ the couple replied. ‘No problem.’ Well, (12)___________
could

they

possibly

refuse?

The old lady thanked them and went back to her table. (13)_________ a
short while, she picked up all her belongings and got up to leave.
‘Goodbye, Mum!’ shouted the couple with a big , theatrical wave as the old
lady made her way slowly out (14)_______ the restaurant. ‘See you at the
weekend,’

Colin

added.

Feeling very pleased (15)____________they had made an old person happy,
they finished their meal and asked for the (16)_________ . But after checking
and rechecking it they sent for the manager, demanding to know
(17)________

they

had

been

overcharged

by

more

than

£40.

‘But that (18)___________ the charge for the lady’s meal,’ the manager
explained. ‘She said her son would pay.’


Gap Filling, 12
January 11, 2007
Read through the following newspaper article and then choose the best
phrase given below to fill each of the gaps. Write one letter (a-p). Not all the
phrases will be used.
Smoking ‘will kill one million young people’
Prolonged smoking will kill around one million British teenagers and children
in middle age (1)____ , says a report published yesterday.
A further one million will die of tobacco-related diseases in old age, (2)___ at
the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the World Health Organization. On
present trends , 4-5 million young Britons (3)___ .
Professor Richard Peto, of the ICRF, said that worldwide somebody (4)___
which was already killing three million people each year, and the number was
increasing.
‘In most countries (5)___ . If current smoking patterns persist, then by the
time the young smokers of today (6)___ there will be about ten million deaths
a year from tobacco – one evey three seconds. Furthermore, young people
continue to see misleading portrayals (7)___ . It tells them that lighting up
is acceptable. It is no surprise therefore that 90 per cent of smokers start
when young.’

He argued that (8)___ about the effects of prolonged smoking, because of
the very long delay between cause and effect. The risk came decades later.
‘If cigarette smokers start young and don’t stop, about half will be killed by
tobacco.’ This means that the developing countries (9)___ , said Professor
Peto.
Dr Alan Lopez of the World Health Organization in Geneva, added: ‘The WHO
has called on governments everywhere to protect children from (10)___ . The
sooner the tobacco advertising is banned, the more lives will be saved.’
Professor Sir Richard Doll – one of the two people (11)___ forty years ago –
urged the Government to increase tax on cigarettes and ban advertising.


It is quite incredible they don’t do it. Here you have something that (12)___
and people are being encouraged to do it. It is immoral, there is no other
word for it.’
a of smoking as romantic and sporting
b who proved the link between smoking and lung cancer
c there has been widespread misunderstanding
d there has been little notice paid
e if current patterns continue
f is killing one sixth of the population prematurely
g are sitting on a time bomb
h the worst is yet to come
i it is both cruel and deadly
j according to the report by scientists
k the advertising and promotion of tobacco
l died every ten seconds through smoking
m will probably kill millions of young people
n reach middle or old age
o will become regular smokers

p refusal to ban tobacco advertising


Gap filling, 11
January 11, 2007
Fill each of the blank spaces in the sentences below with a suitable word or
phrase. There is an example at the beginning (0)
0 Even though / Although he was nearly seventy, he could still beat me at
tennis.
1 You’re late! You __________________________here

half an hour ago.

2 Even if we had run all the way we still __________catch

the train.

3 ‘Cigarette?’
‘No, thank you. I ______________ two years ago’
4 Do you really ________________________so soon?

Can’t you stay just

a little bit longer?
5 Sorry everyone. I’m going to have to go to bed. I’m
just

_______________________staying up late.

6 My neighbour is ___________________________

people you could

ever wish to meet.
7 Don’t park there! _________________________ get a

parking ticket

8 ‘Another cup of coffee?’
‘No, thanks. I __________________two cups already.’
9 Even if we’d caught a taxi, we still _____________ there

in time.

10 The weather was so bad that they decided __________

the barbecue.

11 ‘What _____________________a living?’
‘She’s an accountant’
12 I was only eighteen when I started working for Brown &
by June next year I __________ for them

Company. So

for forty-five years.

13 What’s happened to Jake? I _____________since 1990
14 The holiday was a total disaster. I just wish _________

somewhere

else.
15 My wife was staying with her mother in Scotland last
you __________________________
have seen her in London.

weekend, so