I challenge you all to ignore it and not to post any comments about it!

I'm back! Complete the sentences with one suitable word. One medal each.

A) My nan's too set in her to go out and buy a dog, even though I know she'd love the company.

B) Harry was always the and soul of the party, really considerate and a great friend.

C) All you seem to get on TV these days are second-rate celebrities who think they're the cat's .

New challenge: GAPPED SENTENCES

1. The situation was already bad but your interference has made it worse _______ .
I feel a bit guilty about what happened; _______ there's nothing I could have done to prevent it so I know I shouldn't feel bad.
I haven't officially signed any agreement so I can _________change my mind if I want to.

2. She'd been feeling a bit low but hearing that she got the job gave her a ________.
The Government is going to _________ the restrictions on water usage now that the river levels are normal.
I used to ________ whole passages from books when I was at school and nobody noticed it.

3. The car skidded on the ice and_________ into a tree at the side of the road.
The football ________ the glass in the window into a thousand pieces.
The managing director ________ his fist down on the table in anger at the committee's decision.

4. After the concert, all the equipment was __________ away and transported in a convoy of lorries to the next venue.
George __________ in his job and went travelling around the world for a year.
The club was ________ absolutely and there was no room at all on the dance floor.

5. I was sitting at the next table to them so I couldn't __________ overhearing their conversation.
My financial situation is pretty bad anyway, so this unexpected bill doesn't exactly ______________.
I wish you wouldn't __________ yourself to my CDs without asking me first.

6. They _____________ to lose a lot of money if they are forced to close down their business.
He has treated me very badly for a long time and I think that the time has now come for me to ____________ up to him.
Wendy is extremely selfish and she can't ____________ it when she doesn't get her own way.



Cheers,

Bia

Here's 15 in addition!

Fill in the blanks with a suitable word. Note that even though the topics are divided into sets of three sentences, each blank should be filled in with a different word. Have fun!!

Moods and Emotions

_________________________________________________

1) Jamie's been ......... the doldrums since he split up with his girlfriend. How can we cheer him up?

2) Supporters were on cloud ........ yesterday following the team's cup final win.

3) Sarah must be fed up about something. I only asked her if she wanted to go out and she ........ my head off.

_________________________________________________

Communication

_________________________________________________

4) I think you've missed the ......... We can't carry on ignoring the situation. We need to take action.

5) I got off on the wrong ........ with one of my new colleagues at the office party. I complained to him about smoking at the dinner table.

6) Do you think you could put in a good ........ for me where you work? I'm thinking of applying for the clerical job there.

_________________________________________________

Agreeing and Disagreeing

_________________________________________________

7) I'm always having arguments with Laura. She always seems to rub me ......... the wrong way.

8) They've never ........ eye to eye and have always argued about everything.

9) One minute our two children are ........ like cat and dog and the next they're playing together like the best of friends.

_________________________________________________

Money

_________________________________________________

10) Madeleine started the business on a ........ but has since gone from strength to strength.

11) The idea that many women go to work for ........ money is no longer the case. More often than not, their income is just as important as their partner's.

12) My brother-in-law is rolling ........ it. He owns several properties in the city and has his own restaurant.

_________________________________________________

Business

_________________________________________________

13) The business has changed ........ several times and is now owned by a man in Spain.

14) Their new range of summer dresses are selling like ........ cakes. When I arrived they'd sold out.

15) The two companies have ........ forces and are prepared to fight the Government's new regulations.

One medal for each correct answer!

Fill in the blanks with a suitable word. Note that even though the topics are divided into sets of three sentences, each blank should be filled in with a different word. Have fun!!

_________________________________________________

Topic: Romance

_________________________________________________

1) After being together for 17 years they finally tied the ........ and held the ceremony on holiday in Spain.

2) Apparently she met Laurent on a business trip and he ........ her off her feet.

3) I saw you making ........ at that woman earlier. Why don't you ask her for a date before it's too late?

_________________________________________________

Topic: Power and Politics
_________________________________________________

4) There has been a ........ of protests following the election results and many leading figures are demanding a recount.

5) One thing that has always helped the party is the fact that the Prime Minister has the ........ touch with ordinary people.

6) OK, now here's your chance to ........ your vote. All those in favour raise your hand.

_________________________________________________

Topic: Difficult Situations
_________________________________________________

7) Not getting the job was actually a blessing in ........ I found out after that the company are on the verge of closing down.

8) Why should we carry the ........? It wasn't our department who made the mistake.

9) I was thrown in at the deep ........ and was given responsibility for customer service, even though I'd never worked in that area before.

_________________________________________________

Topic: Activity
_________________________________________________

10) I've been rushed off my ........ since I got into work this morning. I need a break.

11) Give me the screwdriver! You're making real ........ weather of such a simple job.

12) The boss always gets me to do the ........ work. I wish I could be given a bit more responsibility.

_________________________________________________

Topic: Character Traits
_________________________________________________

13) The boss comes across as a bit distant and is difficult to talk to but his heart is in the right .........

14) Don't worry about Ken. I know he shouts and orders people around but his ........ is worse than his bite.

15) I love working with Miriam. She's always cheerful and a real ........ of sunshine.

Holy macaroni!!!

And that is only the beginning!!

Another challenge worth 4 medals!

Click on the image so that you can do the exercise.

Next, post a comment with the answers.

Then, four shiny ones will be on their way to you!

Xtranormal - Create your video for 4 medals!!

The Hall is gettin' kinda packed!!

As good as it gets!!

More gapped sentences

Some more exercises for you.

1. You should ________ yourselves lucky that no one was badly hurt.
There are so many birds here, I've lost __________.
I could _________ the number of times he's been on time on one hand.

2. Jewish people do not _________ Christmas.
Do you really believe the rebels will _________ the ceasefire?
Parents should ________ carefully the behaviour of their children.

3. A _________ of musicians will perform at the festival.
My website is getting too big. I need to find a new place to ________ it.
Rio will ________ the 2016 Olympic Games.

Cheers,

Bia

New challenge

Hi, everyone!

I've been missing the classes and the challenges.

So here's a new one.

Gapped sentences

1. Mark loves to _________ out advice, even when you don't want it.

2. She's trying to _________ her co-workers' chances of getting a promotion.

3. I can recommend the chef's ___________ of the day.


It's not difficult, so who's the first to answer it?

Cheers,

Bia

Here I am !!

Hi everybody!!!! It feels really good to be a member of this club!!!!! hahaha :)) Had a great time on Friday (except writing test :(((

See you!!

Lina

A new star is out!

A new medalist arises!

Insisting on gapped sentences!!!

Find the single word that can fill each of these gapped sentences:

It took a while to understand but I finally got the ........ of it.
Don't give up. Just ........ in there till the end.
The thought of my visit to the dentist is going to ........ over me until it's over.

More gapped sentences worth 3 medals!!

It is very difficult to fully ........ certain pieces of jazz music until you've heard them a good few times.

Although I'm always ready to lend a hand, Marta never really seems to ........ the things I do for her.

Given the market for decorative antiques, I'd say that the value of the beautiful vase is set to ........ considerably in the next few years.

ONE WORD FILLS ALL BLANKS!!!
How much longer until you can't resist the temptation, guys?

Gapped Sentences <> worth 3 medals

Find the single word that can fill each of these gapped sentences:

Whisk the milk into the flour until it has a ......... consistency without any lumps whatsoever.

Many students find the transition from school to university less than ........, especially if they are away from their families for the first time.

I don't trust that car salesman. He's far too ........ for my liking!

MEET UP WITH OTHER CPE STUDENTS AND GET DAILY PRACTICE

Interested in getting help to keep up to date with your exam preparation over the coming months? Would you like to share your experiences, questions and preparation tips with other CPE students? Find out how we can help you stay focussed with Facebook or Twitter here:Click on this link

I can never post anything here!!! You're too fast..you and your broadband connections! I can't cope with that!
I'll keep on trying..anyway :(

Absolutely stunning!!!

TWO medals each!

The English language is filled with alliterations and repeating words which are used to convey specific ideas. Ping-pong, peepee, pooh-pooh, flip-flop, and riffraff are examples of such phenomenon to name but a few.
In the sentences below, substitute the italicized parts of the sentences by an alliteration which should convey exactly the same meaning as that of the original sentence. You will be provided with the first letter of each correct answer. Have fun!

I know my house is cluttered, but all these small objects that I've collected are important to me. "B"

Do you hear that sound of horses' hooves on the pavement? I think there's a horse coming this way. "C"

I like to lie in bed and listen to to the tapping noise of the rain in the morning. "P"

When I return, I want to see that you've cleaned up your room and made it very orderly. "S"

I am going to place the star at the highest point of the christmas tree. "T"

Stop beeing so indecisive. Just make up your mind! "W"

I know I'm going to be on the phone for at least an hour with my aunt. Every time she calls I have to put up with her talking nonstop about nothing. "Y"


L.R.

challenges...

From my CPE course, back in 2001....
rephrase, using the word in bold, so that the second sentence has the same meaning as the first....

The incident ruined my chances of promotion.
paid

I find harold's behaviour quite incomprehensible.
loss

They wouldn't let the former chairman attend the conference.
barred

cheers.......

Ata boy, Thiago !!!!!!!!

Amazingly efficient! Congrats, Bia!!

Frequently Asked Questions straight from the Guru's mouth!

Reading
Can computers spot when a candidate has made a mistake transferring the answers?
If more than one lozenge has been completed for one question, the computer rejects the answer sheet, which is then dealt with on an individual basis. Checks are in place to identify incomplete answer sheets, which are also then checked.

Cases where all the answers have been entered incorrectly, e.g. by putting answer 1 to question 2, answer 2 to question 3 etc., cannot be identified.

Candidates should be careful when filling in their answer sheets.

Writing
Are candidates penalised for writing over-long or over-short answers?
Candidates are not penalised simply for writing more or fewer than the stipulated number of words. An exception to this is made where answers have fewer than 60 words — these are awarded a score of Band 0.

However, as length of answer is a factor of task achievement, candidates would be penalised for over-long answers where the extra material is considered to be irrelevant and has a negative effect on the target reader. Similarly, a candidate who produces considerably fewer than the stipulated number of words is unlikely to have included all the features of content necessary to achieve the task.

All CPE Writing tasks are extensively trialled before they appear on a live paper, and care is taken to ensure that tasks do not expect answers that are significantly longer or shorter than the required number of words.

Do candidates have to study all the set texts?
The set text questions are optional. If candidates decide to answer on a set text, it is only necessary to study one of the texts as there is always a question on each of them.

N.B. From June 2009, there will be a choice of two books of a different style and genre. Each book will normally remain on the list for two years. Information on which set texts have been selected for a particular year can be found in Exam Details and Timetables. Will any edition of the set texts do?Any full-length edition will do. CPE candidates should not be reading simplified editions, which are acceptable at FCE level.

Download the sample papers for CPE and other exams.

Are addresses to be omitted ONLY when stated in the task?
As a matter of policy, where the genre is given as a letter, the instruction 'You do not need to include postal addresses' is added to the rubric. Where other genres are given in the rubric (e.g. report, article), candidates sometimes choose to use a letter format to answer the question if appropriate to the task. In no case will the address, if included by the candidate, be subject to assessment, either negative or positive.

Is report or proposal format obligatory for such questions on the Writing paper?
Reports and proposals should be clearly organised and may contain headings. The report/proposal format is not obligatory, but will make a good impression on the target reader if used appropriately. The mark awarded to the report/proposal will, however, depend on how the writing meets the requirements of the General Mark Scheme and the Task Specific Mark Scheme for the question.

Use of English
What happens if candidates miss a negative in the transformations, thereby giving the opposite meaning to the original?
The instructions to the candidate state that the second sentence must have a similar meaning to the first. However, in the mark scheme the answer is divided into two parts (see below). The two parts of the sentence (either side of the dividing line) are always treated separately, so a candidate will receive one mark for correctly completing one part of the sentence even if a negative has been omitted from the other part.

e.g. I've never thought of asking the hotel staff for advice about restaurants.

OCCURRED

It has ............. the hotel staff for advice about restaurants.
never occurred to me (1)
to ask (1)

Listening
Which accents are used in the Listening paper?
In General English examinations, there is a range of accents. These correspond to standard variants of English native speaker accents, and to English non-native speaker accents that approximate to the norms of native speaker accents, as this is what people have to listen to in real life.

Is wrong spelling penalised in the Listening paper?
Where candidates are asked to produce answers containing a word or words, as in Part 2, these must be spelled correctly. However, items are extensively pretested and care is taken that no word targeted as an answer causes candidates undue spelling problems.

Are candidates supposed to write the words they hear on the recording in answers to Part 2, or do they get more marks if they use their own words?
Candidates should try to use the actual words they hear on the CD. They do not get more marks for using their own words.

In the Listening paper, can candidates fill in the answer sheet directly?There is nothing to prevent candidates from doing this. However, it is recommended that candidates put their answers on the question paper while listening to the recording and then transfer these answers to the answer sheet when the recording has finished.

Speaking
What should candidates do if they don't understand the instructions?
Candidates should ask the examiner to repeat the instructions. They will not be penalised for this. However, for reasons of standardisation, no variation on the instructions can be given.

What is done when there's only one candidate left at the end of a Speaking test session?
In all General English examinations, candidates are examined in pairs with two examiners. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate will be examined with the last pair to form a group of three.

Post comments asking Angela Dias any further questions and earn a medal for your relevant particpation!

Medals anyone?

Choose the words from the list below which best complete each of the following sentences. Then, explain the meaning of the informal expressions originated from sports lingo.
(Worth 3 medals):

hard - left - pool - score - tackle - touch - towel

1. The boss refused to give the employees a raise. I think it's time to play ____________ ball and threaten to quit.

2. I exercise every day and eat all the right things, but I just can't seem to lose weight. I'm ready to throw in the ____________.

3. I was having a nice conversation with Julie and then suddenlyshe started yelling at me for something I did ten years ago. That certainly came out of ____________ field.

4. Robert let all the air out of my tires so that I would be late for my job interview. Then, he went to the interview himself and got hired! That was dirty ____________.

5. We need to bring in more money for the company. If we ____________ this together, I know we can find a solution to this problem.

6. I need to leave for the airport right away. Let's talk later. I'll ____________ base with you tonight.

7. Can you believe what Ernie did? He tried to ____________ with my mother!

Baby, come back....

http://www.zimmertwins.com/node/994771

Paving your way to Mount Olympus!

A new challenge

Hi, guys!

First of all, where's everybody?

I have a new challenge for you.

Which single word can fill the sentences below?

1. The bank sent a ______________ over with the contract.

2. John was arrested yesterday because police discovered he was a gun ____________.

3. She's won many competitions worldwide. She's probably the best long-distance ____________ to date.


Bye,

Bia

I'm running out of medals! LOL!

A set of five to you Bia ! You earned it !

http://www.zimmertwins.com/node/960959

Definitely worth five medals! Congrats, Thiago!!

http://www.zimmertwins.com/node/960185

Digital immersion challenge

Watch this animation and read the first comment about it. If you dare to take the challenge there, you are to get 5 (FIVE) medals!!!!

http://www.zimmertwins.com/

A new challenge

Hi, guys!

I'd like to propose a challenge. Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word. Then, explain the meaning of the six expressions.


1. I really did not study that much for the test. I just have a __________ for the right answers.

2. He was really afraid of being caught, so he did a _________.

3. He used inside information to __________his own nest.

4. If you do not agree with my decisions, you can quit. Remember, I am calling the __________ now.

5. My parents worked their entire lives to build up a good-sized __________ egg. Now that they are retired, they can finally do all the things they could never afford before.

6. The President appeared at a rally in Washington to make a __________for his new economic plan.


Bye. Happy Easter!

Bia

One more for the hall of fame

A taste of April's challenges. Who's in for a medal?

Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word so as to complete the meaning of those six colloquial expressions. Then, explain their meaning! One medal for the first to come up with all the correct answers!

A) People from New York are supposed to be the salt of the . Is that how they came across to you?

B) Eddie has a of gold and would give you his last penny if you needed it.

C) I don't know what's the matter with you lately. You've always got such a quick .

D) I know Dad's always moaning about you staying out late but his heart is in the place.

E) I know he sounds angry but his bark is worse than his .

F) You're not exactly a ray of this morning. Did you have a bad night's sleep.

The Listening Paper

The Listening paper, which lasts approximately 45 minutes, consists of 4 parts.

Part 1: Three Option Multiple Choice
Part 1 consists of eight questions based on four short extracts.
These extracts might consist of short monologues, dialogues or texts. Candidates should read the introductory sentence to get a idea of the context for each extract. Try listening to short extracts from the radio and try to work out the main points.

Part 2 Sentence Completion
Part 2 contains nine questions each consisting of a sentence that needs to be completed with a word or short phrase. The questions are based on a monologue that might be in the form of a lecture, talk or broadcast. Candidates will need to show they have understood specific information, opinions or attitudes. The completed sentences should be accurate, logical and without spelling or grammatical errors.

Part 3 Four Option Multiple Choice
Five questions based on one text involving interacting speakers.
The context could be a broadcast or a discussion, and the questions will require a detailed understanding of points raised and will often require the candidate to be able to interpret attitude and infer meanings.

Part 4 Three-Way Matching
Six questions based on a a text involving interacting male and female speakers. Candidates must match statements to the speakers who express certain views. Candidates should be able to identifty opinion both by what is stated and also through an understanding of how stress and intonation can show the speakers' opinion.



Post comments asking Angela Dias any further questions and earn a medal for your relevant particpation!

You earned it big-time guys!!

An unexpected business call...

First answer these questions about the audio:

1) What's the caller's name?

2) Where's the caller from?

3) What business deal is the caller trying to get done?

4) Which idiomatic expression does the caller use to have an estimate of how much it will cost to close the deal?

Now, in order to get medals anyone should answer the first four questions correctly and come up with an interesting question about the audio themselves, which should in turn lead to at least 2 comments. The best comments will also get medals.

Let's have fun!!!

Tough competition!!!

A new challenge

Hi guys!
As a student who's just enrolled in the class, I thought it would be a nice idea to go beyond the "hello everybody" and propose a little challenge!
Well, inspired by our class today, in which we dealt with prepositional phrases, the challenge I propose is to complete the sentences with complex prepositions or prepositional verbs.

Here we go!

1) Capital Punishment [ ] inhuman and immoral.
2) As she drove away, I just [ ] and wept.
3) This is a concert [ ] victims of the war.
4) I've successfully completed the test [ ] my teacher.
5) He [ ] an interesting book at Borders.

See you all next friday!
Thiago

One last challenge before March!

A) We're used to working to a tight and have never missed a deadline yet.

B) Apparently, the company have got problems the horizon but they aren't taking steps to deal wiith them.

C) I've been told that my number at Mateways is being paid twice as much as me.

Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word so as to complete the meaning of those three colloquial expressions. Then, explain their meaning! One medal for the first to come up with all the correct answers!

And a new medalist arises!

Try this one then!

A) This time I'll give you the of the doubt, but if I have to speak to you again there will be trouble.

B) He'll find it very difficult to clear his as the media have reported so many bad things about him.

C) The boss is always threatening to come hard on people who use the Internet during working hours, but he never actually does anything.

Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word so as to complete the meaning of those three colloquial expressions. Then, explain their meaning! One medal for the first to come up with all the correct answers!

Third medal in less than 2 weeks!? Good Gracious!

More colloquial expressions!

A) The burglars were caught the act breaking into the house by a passing police patrol car.

B) If I were you I'd the music and admit to taking his pen.

C) The striker has been in trouble with the referee several times so far and needs to his nose clean or he'll be sent off.

Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word so as to complete the meaning of those three colloquial expressions. Then, explain their meaning! One medal for the first to come up with all the correct answers!

ABOUT THE CPE READING PAPER: PARTS 1 and 2

The reading paper, which consists of four parts, will include a range of texts including fiction and non-fiction, magazine and newspaper articles, advertisements, etc. It is vital that you read as widely as possible during your CPE preparation, not only to familiarise yourself with these text types but also to build knowledge of vocabulary which you will need to pass the examination.

Part 1: Multiple Choice Cloze Lexical Cloze
You will have to answer 18 questions based on 3 unrelated short texts. Each question requires you to complete gaps in the texts with a word or phrase. This task tests your knowledge of idioms, collocations phrasal verbs and set expressions. In your preparation for CPE, you should get into the habit of recording vocabulary 'chunks' rather than individual words. In your reading try spotting the fixed expressions and make a mental note at least of those that catch your eye. Try using one or two of them each day, either in your writing or in conversation. This will help you remember them and also confirm that you are using them correctly.
Part 2: Multiple Choice
In Part 2 you will read four short texts, each of which will be followed by two multiple choice questions. These will test you on your understanding of the detail, the purpose, or tone of the text, organisational features, the writer's attitude, etc. Read as often and as widely as possible. Try working with a partner and compare views on anything that you have both read.


Post comments asking Angela Dias any further questions and earn a medal for your relevant particpation!

Two medals at one go!! That's brilliant!

Try this one (for a medal)!

Which single very same word can fill each of these gapped sentences?

'There is a weather ........ approaching from the west'
'She's been in ........ for the whole race and looks like staying there'
'How are things on the business ........ ?'

Colloquial expressions

A) Apparently, they're having a whale of a on holiday and are thinking of staying for a few days longer.

B) The team are all planning to go out and paint the red after winning the competition.

C) You should let your hair once in a while instead of working long hours every day.

Complete each of the empty spaces with one (different) word so as to complete the meaning of those three colloquial expressions. Then, explain their meaning! One medal for the first to come up with all the correct answers!

Big time winner!!! We're all VERY proud of you, Carla!

Last year's winner!! Congrats, Pat!

HINT FROM THE EXAMINER

Two of the most frequently asked questions about the Listening Paper are the following:

Q1. Does it matter if I make a spelling mistake in my answer?

Unfortunately, yes! You must use the correct spelling throughout your answers in the Listening Paper or you will not get a mark for those questions where the spelling is wrong. However, the questions are designed so that the answers are not unnecessarily or unreasonably demanding as far as spelling is concerned.

Q2. What if there is background noise on the tape which makes it hard to hear the speakers?

Rest assured that the listening extracts will not contain any background noise during the time that the speakers are actually speaking. Occasionally, there will be the use of sound effects to introduce an extract and set the scene but these are not used during the actual speeches.


Post comments asking Angela Dias any further questions and earn a medal for your relevant particpation!