1.

A leopard can’t change its spots:

2. Like a bull in a china shop:
3. twist your arm:
4. break the bank:
5. money talks:
6. rolling in dough:
7. Penny for your thoughts:
8. A penny saved is a penny earned:
9. Money doesn’t grow on trees:
10. ON the breadline:
11. The icing on the cake
12.Butter sb up:
13.Blue in the face:
14.Yellow-belied:
15.Grey area:
16.Bite the bullet:
17.Nature calls:
18.Bend over backward:
19.Play ball:
20.Down for the count:
21.The ball is in your court:
22.In the ballpark:
23.Horseplay:
24.On the ball
25.A whole new ball game:
26.Be on the same page:
27.Fly by the seat of your pants:
28.In the driver’s seat:
29.steer clear of:
30.Wanderlust:
31.Globe-trotter:
32.Voyage of discovery:
1. My teacher advises me to juice _____ my presentation with more colorful illustrations.
A. down B. up C. over D. off
2. Every Christmas of my childhood was the same. My father _____ late for lunch, weighed
down with presents for the family.
A. would arrive B. had arrived
C. was arriving D. was used to arriving
3. Jack: Did you know Jim's car broke down on the highway late at night?

Jane: Unfortunately, that's a situation anyone _____.

A. might have to confront with B. might be confronted with

C. might be confronted D. might have been confronted

4. I don't like the way that Jack is always trying to _____ trouble between us.

A. dish out B. rub up C. stir up D. spark out

5. It’s time ____ so extravagant and started being a bit thriftier.

A. you will stop being B. you had stopped being
C. you stopped being D. you don’t be
6. ____ you’ve filled in the forms correctly, you shouldn’t have a problem opening a new account.
A. Unless B. Provided that C. But for D. Supposing
7. ____ she had no experience, they left her to her own devices.
A. Despite the fact that B. However C. While D. Nevertheless

8.The different colors of _____ the different temperatures of the stars’ surfaces.
A. the stars indicate B. indicating stars
C. the indication that the stars D. stars indicating that
9. Only a few sounds produced by insects are heard by humans most of the sounds are
pitched either too low or too high.
A. in spite of B. because C. as a result of D. instead of
10. Mathematics helps meteorologists to predict the weather more accurately, to calculate the
speed of storms, and _____.
A. for the wind to blow determines B. causes the wind blowing to determine
C. to determine what causes the wind to blow D. determine the wind’s blowing
11. Would passengers please _____ from using any electronic equipment until the plane is
airborne?
A. refer B. resist C. restrain D. refrain
12. If you want to solve the problem forever, you must face a difficulty or danger boldly, that is,
you must _____.
A. pull the bull's horns B. take the bull by horns
C. blow your own horn D. be on the horns of a dilemma
13. The international conference of the Cardiological Association has been _____ in Cairo to
discuss the revolutionary discovery of doctor Gonzales from Mexico.
A. deployed B. collected C. mobilized D. summoned
14. If she wins the prize again this year, it'll be a real _____ in her cap.
 A. nutshell B. gemstone C. feather D. landmark
15. When times are good, people can spend freely, but during bad times we have to _____ our
spending.

A. multiple B. disperse C. curtail D. obstinate

16. The manager hesitated to assign the job to the newcomer as he was _____.
A. wet behind the ears B. feeling your ears burning
C. ringing in your ears D. keeping your ears open
17. It is important to set goals to strive for in life; however, make sure they are attainable,
otherwise they are nothing more than just _____ dreams.
A. pipe B. cloud C. drain D. tube
18. With just a little preparation and regular feeding and watering, you can guarantee that you
have a ________ of colour throughout the summer.
A. disturbance B. riot C. demonstration D. rally

19. With a wide range of qualifications and a wealth of experience, Rosa is____ the most suitable
candidate.
A. haphazardly B. begrudgingly C. indubitably D. jovially
20. Working night shifts at the weekend is _______ of any job in hospitality.

A. cut and thrust B. ebb and flow C. nuts and bolts D. part and parcel

1. Ivan has an excellent memory – he can call ______ precise details of things that happened when he
was a small child.

2. A: “Did Amanda ever complete the project?”

B: “She’s almost finished. She just has a few minor problems left to iron ______.”

3. Tim distrusts his new friends and prefers to keep them ______ arm’s length.

4. I would advise you to think very carefully before you embark ______ a completely new career.

5. Unfortunately, most of the photos Terry took were ______ of focus.

6. The dentist told me that when the effect of the anaesthetic wore ______, I might feel a little
pain. But it was more than a little.
7. Their predictions were not borne ______ by subsequent events. In fact, the very opposite
occurred.
8. To prevent soldiers from rebelling, the commander splits them into groups to play them off
______.
9. Close your eyes and try to conjure ______ a picture of a place where you feel at peace.
10. It’s going to be a financially difficult year for us, but we’ll just have to tough it ______.
Things are bound to get better soon.
1. The main character in her first novel is very unconventional and is full of _______, brutal but
generous and loyal. (CONTRADICT)
2. My mom thought she’d _______ her account but suddenly she received nine notifications.
(ACTIVE)
3. There is a _________ belief that flamenco is typical throughout Spain, but that is not true.
(HOLD)
4. He left us with the ______ impression that we had been speaking to a future leader.
(ERADICATE)
5. With free-market globalization, investment funds can move _____ from the rich countries to
the developing countries. (IMPEDIMENT)
6. We've tried to anticipate the most likely problems, but it's impossible to be prepared for every
______. (EVENTUATE)
7. The organization insists that it is ______ and does not identify with any one particular party.
(POLITICS)
8. Bill Gate is a totally millionaire ______ who started his own business with no financial help at
all. (SELF)
9. Globalisation has become the ______ of governments and policy-makers across the world,
being alternately blamed and celebrated, depending on what particular action (or outcome) is
being justified. (WORD)
10. A sound dome could thus be regarded as a gigantic well-tempered spatial instrument
with _____ loudspeakers on its periphery. (DISTANT)

Part 1. Read the following passage and circle the best answer to each of the following questions.
Write your answers in corresponding numbered boxes. (15 points)
For those people who go out in search of adventure, a long-distance flight in a hot-air balloon is
a particularly exciting (1)_______. Indeed, a round-the-world balloon trip is widely regarded as the
ultimate challenge. One well-known adventurer, David Hemplemann-Adams would not agree, however.
Recently, he became the first man to (2)_______ the North Pole in a hot-air balloon, a more significant
(3)_______ in his eyes. Given that the distance and altitudes (4)_______ are comparatively modest, you
might wonder why the trip from Canada to the Pole, should present such a challenge.
Part of the (5)_______ was that such a flight had not even been attempted for over a century. In
those days, such expeditions were huge events, with a nation's pride (6)_______ on their success, and
so resources were (7)_______ to them. Although he eventually managed to secure a substantial
sponsorship deal from an insurance company, Hemplemann-Adams had the added challenge of having
to raise sufficient funds for his trip.
Then, of course, he had to face major survival concerns, such as predicting the weather
(8)_______ and coping with the dangerously low temperatures. But most challenging of all was the
incredibly complex problem of navigation. As the earth's magnetic field gets stronger, only the most
sophisticated of satellite-linked navigation systems can (9)_______ that one has got to the Pole. Without
them, the chances of getting anywhere near it are extremely slim. Not to mention an even greater
problem that (10)_______ on Hemplemann-Adams' mind: getting back!

1. A campaign B prospect C motion D engagement

2. A meet B reach C attain D fulfil
3. A recognition B acquisition C achievement D realisation
4. A engaged B regarded C involved D connected
5. A appeal B beauty C charm D allure
6. A leaning B resting C waiting D standing
7. A commended B confided C confirmed D committed
8. A tendencies B conditions C circumstances D elements
9. A approve B confirm C reinforce D support
10. A pushed B stressed C pressed D weighed

Your answers:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Part 2. Read the following text and fill in the blank with ONE suitable word. Write your answers in
corresponding numbered boxes. (15 points)

The huge stone figures of Easter Island have beguiled explorers, researchers and the
wider world (1) ______ centuries, but now experts say they have cracked one of the biggest
mysteries: why the statues are where they are.
Researchers say they have analysed the locations of the megalithic platforms (2) ______
which many of the statues known as moai sit, as well as scrutinising sites of the island’s
resources, and have discovered the structures are typically found close (3) ______ sources of
fresh water. This led to the belief that such constructions could be tied to the abundance and
quality of the supplies.
Professor Carl Lipo from Binghamton University in New York commented that (4)
______ is important about the findings is that the statue locations seem to carry a symbolic
meaning to them while integrating into the lives of the community, rather than being a weird
ritual place. Easter Island has more than 300 megalithic platforms, (5) ______ of which might
have been made by a separate community. The first of these are believed to have been
constructed in the 13th century.
It is thought the monuments represent ancestors and were linked to ritual activity,
forming a focal point for communities, (6) ______ the reason for their locations was previously
unsolved. (7) ______ studies have suggested the sites might have been chosen because of a link
to key resources, the team says the latest research is the first attempt to scrutinise such claims.
The team (8) ______ on the east of the island, where various resources have been well mapped,
and looked at the distribution of 93 megalithic platforms constructed (9) ______ European
sailors arrived later in the 18th century.
After finding (10) ______ link to the proximity of rock used for tools or for the
monuments, they looked at whether the statues were found near other important resources:
gardens spread with stones in which crops like sweet potatoes were grown, fishing sites, and
sources of freshwater.
26. If you are _________ with your goods, contact us within ten days of
receipt, and we shall arrange collection and refund your money in full.

A. not completely satisfied B. not completely satisfying

C. not completely satisfactory D. not satisfied completely

27. “Can you come away with me for the weekend?”

“I can’t as I’m decorating the kitchen. _________ , my mother is ill.”

A. Even so B. All the same C. After all D. On top of that

28. Would you please leave us details of your address____________ forwarding

any of your mail to come?

A. for the purpose of B. as a consequence of

C. for the sake of D. by means of

29. Nobel Prize winner author J.M. Coetzee has been called "the new Kafka", as
he writes about_______sense of individual dislocation_______Franz Kafka did.

A. not only - but also B. more – than C. both - and D. the same
- as

30. It is believed that_______students will pass the exam with flying colors.

A. each and every B. each one of the C. all of D. every

31. ____ films about writers are so dull is that writers don't dress up to practice
their craft.

A. Everybody says B. It is often claimed

C. One of the reasons D. Because

32. The chemicals spilled over the road and left drivers ___________ for breath.

A. suffocating B. gasping C. inhaling D.

prohibiting
33. Radium is no more a baby but the conditions of the discovery were somewhat
peculiar, and so it is always of interest ______ them and to explain them.

A. in remembering B. to have remembered them

C. to remember D. remember

34. U.S. aquacultural production comprises ______ food fish, ornamental fish,
baitfish, mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic plants, algae, and some reptiles.

A. the producing B. produce C. is producing D. the production

of

35. The early railroads were_________the existing arteries of transportation:

roads, turnpikes, canals, and other waterways.

A. those short lines connected B. short lines that connected

C. connected by short lines D. short connecting lines

36. The school drama club is _______ a play for the school’s anniversary, which is
due to take place next month.

A. turning up B. making off C. putting on D. bringing down

37. For busy people in today’s society, lifestyle management is gaining

_________.

A. points B. ground C. speed D. terrain

38. She tried to _________ Tom’s importance to the company in order to gain a
promotion for herself.

A. diminish B. shrink C. dwindle D. reduce

39. He may appear to be _________ but in fact he’s a compulsive liar.

A. authentic B. genuine C. natural D. real

40. The damp has________ his death; he’s got rheumatism.

 A. affected B. influenced C. swayed D. impressed

41. Until your finances are in the _________, it’s not a good idea to take out a
loan.

A. credit B. funds C. profit D. black

42. The shopping center was built surrounded by a vast ________ of concrete for
parking.

A. scope B. field C. extent D. range

43. There was a ________ debate about the Middle East, then they moved to a
vote.

A. lively B. flexible C. main D. nimble

44. Aware that his pension will be small, he _________ a part of his salary for his
old age.

A. sets apart B. sets aside C. puts up D. puts apart

45. People who are overweight _________ a risk of a heart attack or stroke.

A. bear B. suffer C. make D. run

Part 2. For questions 46-55, complete each of the following sentences with
suitable preposition(s) or particle(s). Write your answer in the boxes provided.
(10 pts)

46. You must take his educational background _____________ account when
deciding what work to give him.

47. Ben’s dreams of a university education went_____________ the board when

his father died and he was forced to earn a living.

48. I realized something was _________ of the ordinary when Ann didn’t show up
for work today.
49. The rioting was brought _____________ by a huge increase in the price of
bread.

50. He will carry his plan _________despite all your objections.

51. You have to take _________these curtains. They look very dirty.

52. Her father has made __________all his property to her as she is his only child.

53. Looking _________ on my life, I realize I’ve been very fortunate.

54. The prime minister should stand _________ and let a new leader head the
party.

55. Most patients find that the numbness from the injection wears _______ after
about an hour.

Your answers:

46. 47. 48. 49. 50.

51. 52. 53. 54. 55.

Part 3. For questions 56-65, fill each gap with the correct form of the words in
brackets. Write your answer in the boxes provided. (10 pts)

56. The diplomat, as he ____________ is, was humble and polite in the face of
unfair criticism. (VARIABLE)

57. The earthquake was so destructive that local maps needed to be ____________.
(DATE)

58. Despite the number of vehicles involved in the accident, police say there were
no ____________. (FATAL)

59. You've made a lot of wild accusations against Betsy, but is any of it
____________? (PROOF)
60. Barry is only four years old and will be ____________ by both his parents for
the audition. (COMPANY)

61. She is a talented singer and actress who stands a good chance of gaining
____________ and recognition. (STAR)

62. My aunt is thinking of going on a diet because she is about seven kilos
____________. (WEIGH)

63. Several books that feature the images of widely ____________ photographers
are listed in the bibliography. (CLAIM)

64. More people are turning to organic food these days because they're worried
about all the different ____________ in processed food. (ADD)

65. He likes to ____________his breakfast cereal with honey instead of sugar.

(SWEET)

Your answers:

56. 57. 58. 59. 60.

61. 62. 63. 64. 65.

III. READING (60 POINTS)

Part 1. For questions 66-75, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B,
C or D) best fits each gap. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered
boxes provided. (15 pts)
 OWNING A PET

The joys and tribulations of being a pet owner! During our lifetime most of us
have some experience of either owning a pet or being in (66) _______ contact
with someone who does. Is there such a thing as “the ideal pet”? If so, what
characterizes the ideal pet? Various (67) _______ influence one’s choice of pet,
from your reasons for getting a pet to your lifestyle. For example, although quite a
few pets are relatively cheap to buy, the cost of (68) _______ can be
considerable. Everything must be (69) _______ into account, from food and
bedding, to vaccinations and veterinary bills. You must be prepared to (70)
_______ time on your pet, which involves shopping for it, cleaning and feeding it.
Pets can be demanding and a big responsibility. Are you prepared to exercise and
(71) _______ an animal or do you prefer a more independent pet? How much
spare room do you have? Is it right to lock an energetic animal into a (72) _______
space? Do you live near a busy road which may threaten the life of your pet? Pets
(73) _______ as turtles and goldfish can be cheap and convenient, but if you
prefer affectionate pets, a friendly cat or dog would be more (74) _______.
People get pets for a number of reasons, for company, security or to teach
responsibility to children. Pets can be affectionate and loyal and an excellent
source of company as long as you know what pet (75) _______ you and your
lifestyle.

66. A. near B. close C. narrow D. tight

67. A. facets B. elements C. factors D. points
68. A. upkeep B. maintenance C. upbringing D. raising
69. A. considering B. held C. taken D. kept
70. A. take B. waste C. occupy D. spend
71. A. household B. housetrain C. housekeep D. housework
72. A. confined B. detained C. reduced D. closed
73. A. so B. for C. much D. such
74. A. suited B. appropriate C. likely D. good
75. A. fits B. matches C. suits D. goes with

Your answers

66. 67. 68. 69. 70.

71. 72. 73. 74. 75.

Part 2. For questions 76-85, fill each gap in the passage below with ONE
appropriate word. Write your answers in the corresponding numbered boxes
provided. (15 pts)

The word “computer” is a misleading name (76) _______________the

ubiquitous machine that sits on our desks. If we go (77) _______________ to the
Victorian period, or even the World War II era, the word (78) _______________
an occupation, defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as "one who computes; a
calculator, reckoner; specifically a person employed to make calculations in an
observatory, in surveying, etc."
In (79) _______________, although modern computer can work with
numbers, (80) _______________ main use is for storing and manipulating
information, (81) _______________ is, for doing the kinds of jobs performed by a
clerk--defined in the Oxford English Dictionary (82) _______________ "one
employed in a subordinate position in a public or (83) _______________ office,
shop, warehouse, etc., to make written entries, (84) _______________ accounts,
make fair copies of documents, do the mechanical work of correspondence and
similar 'clerkly' work." The electronic computer (85) _______________ be said to
combine the roles of the human computer and the human clerk.