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!