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!

December 18, 2009

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

We need a big ........ of colour on that wall to stop it looking so dull.

He was quite an extrovert and made quite a ........ in the office on his first day.

Add a ......... of lemon juice to the salad and it's finished.

CPE Reading

When reading English texts, do so quickly and efficienly by being able to ignore unknown words or expressions that do not hinder comprehension. Aim to understand sentences first rather than each and every word. If comprehension is hindered by unknown vocabulary, try guessing the meaning first before using a dictionary. This will help build your confidence prior to the exam when dictionaries will be out of bounds!

In addition, practice the skill of speed-reading:

*Try using your finger as a pointer and run it along a line of text to speed up your eye movement. This will stop you becoming too focussed on individual words and avoid 'skipping back' to previous words or phrases, a tendency we all have when we feel the need to confim we understand something.

*Try reading groups of words rather than individual words.

*Set a very short time limit to scan paragraphs for key words. Then read the text through more slowly to see if you managed to get a general understanding the first time.

*Moving your lips and mouthing the words will slow you down. Read silently with your eyes only!


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

How about some challenge?

Which single word can fill each of these gapped sentences ?

'As the clock ........ twelve I felt quite nervous alone in the house.'

'He ........ a match to try to see where he was going.'

'I ........ your name off the list as you'd told me you didn't want to go on the tour after all.'

Your improved spelling could get you a higher grade

As well as needing accurate spelling in the CPE Writing Paper, you know that exam candidates will lose marks for incorrect spelling in the Listening and Use of English Papers too. So What techniques do teachers and examiners recommend to improve spelling?

1. Read, read, read ... is the first recommendation. Reading in English really will improve your ability to spell so try and look at a newspaper, magazine or even a website each day.

2. Practise with a friend. Choose a short paragraph from a book or newspaper and ask your friend to dictate it to you (i.e. read it out loud) so you can transcribe what he or she has said. You can check against the original text for accuracy.By the way, if you've ever wondered what some of the most commonly-misspelled English words are then take a look at the following list:

accidentally, advice (noun), affect (verb), beginning, believe, benefit, deceive, definite, describe, disappoint, effect, existence, humorous, immediately, led, lose (verb), marriage, necessary, occurred, playwright, preceding, prejudice, principal, privilege, pursue, repetition, rhyme, rhythm, ridiculous, separate, siege, similar, undoubtedly, until



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

If you're attending an interview, whether for work or for the CPE English speaking examination, it's vital that you answer the questions you're asked as fully as possible in order to showcase yourself or your English skills in the best possible light. Listen to an interview featuring Ekaterina from Bulgaria and Teodoro from Chile, who both met for a 'getting-to-know-you' interview in Skype.
As you listen decide how well both Ekaterina and Teodoro respond to each other's questions and the extent to which they managed to hold a natural conversation.

Please, share your ideas in form of comments to this post. I am eager to know your impressions!
A medal will be awarded for each relevant participation!

You can listen to the recording from the link below:
Ekaterina and Teodoro

Find him!

Activity

1)I'm afraid I won't be able to come out this weekend. I'm absolutely snowed ........ with work.
a) in
b) under
c) down
2)
If you ......... down and try to concentrate I'm sure you'll do well in your exams.

a) wrestle
b) grapple
c) knuckle
3)
The doctor's told me to ......... it easy and to avoid stressful situations.

a) take
b) play
c) make

DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

1)For a working mother, the balancing ........ between work and home is a tough one.
a) trick
b) show
c) act
2)
You're going to have to ......... the nettle and speak to the boss about the problem.

a) grip
b) grasp
c) grab
3)
We've done all we can at our end. The ball's now in your .........

a) court
b) field
c) pitch

Romance

1)They really do make the ........ couple. I've never known two people who get on so well.

a) perfect
b) ideal
c) superb
2)
I've heard their marriage is on the ........ and they're getting divorced.

a) bricks
b) stones
c) rocks
3)
It's a match made in ........ And to think they first got together on an Internet dating agency!

a) paradise
b) heaven
c) bliss

Shopping

1)I sold that old CD Player on the Internet for £20! Talk about money for old .........!

a) twine
b) string
c) rope
2)
That shop is trying to sell second-hand clothes for almost as much as if they were new. It's daylight ........!

a) robbery
b) theft
c) crime
3)
I wouldn't pay that much. Those shoes are ten a ........ in the local market.

a) dime
b) cent
c) penny

Travel

1)My car's been playing ........ recently. I think I'll pop it into the garage.
a) up
b) down
c) away
2)
You should always have regular breaks when you make long journeys or you could end up falling asleep at the .........

a) windscreen
b) pedal
c) wheel
3)
I think it's time we made ......... I've got to be up early in the morning.

a) tracks
b) paths
c) ways

Work

1)Bob got his ........ orders for having too much time off work.
a) striding
b) walking
c) marching
2)
Their interview process isn't at all fair. It's set up to give jobs for the ........ .

a) boys
b) chaps
c) men
3)
Her father used to work in the same profession and taught her all the ........ of the trade.

a) topics
b) tips
c) tricks

Money

1)You can bet your ........ dollar that Peter won't be in today. He always seems to have Wednesday off work.

a) last
b) bottom
c) final
2)
That new cafe in town must be making money hand over ........ Have you seen the queue of people they always have?

a) fist
b) palm
c) wrist
3)
Do you know that man who's always in the club ......... his money around? Someone told me he's gone out of business.

a) passing
b) showing
c) throwing

Crime and Punishment

1)That camera is cheap. Do you think it fell off the ........ of a lorry?
a) back
b) rear
c) behind
2)
Now, I know one of you stole the money but who is going to ........ clean and own up?

a) make
b) act
c) come
3)
Michele has been late for work every day this week but always gets away with it scot .........

a) free
b) loose
c) light

Learning

1)You can't always tell someone what's best. They often have to learn the ........ way through their own mistakes.

a) direct
b) difficult
c) hard
2)
Are you trying to teach your grandmother how to ........ eggs? I've been cooking this meal for longer than I can remember!

a) suck
b) blow
c) crack
3)
I couldn't get a grant and had to work my ........ through college.

a) path
b) road
c) way

Health and Ilness

1)Sam won't be coming to school today. He's ........ a bit of a temperature.
a) having
b) showing
c) running
2)
Thomas took a ........ for the worse during the night but he seems to be a lot better this morning.

a) turn
b) move
c) shift
3)
For a woman of her age she is in ........ health and a real inspiration.

a) sharp
b) impolite
c) rude

A few useful tips concerning the CPE

BEFORE THE EXAM:
Arrive early
Take all the materials you need
Stay relaxed - practise deep breathing
Don't talk to other candidates about the exam
Feel confident - focus on the last time you did something well and live the feeling again
IN THE EXAM:
Answer the easier parts/questions first
In multiple choice questions ignore the answers you know are wrong
When you have no idea - guess!
In the Writing paper build in a few minutes to think and prepare what you are going to write
Make sure you have answered all the questions
Proofread your work for spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Fill in the answer sheets correctly and clearly
AFTER THE EXAM:
Try not to compare answers with your colleagues - it's too late to change your answer!
Go out and enjoy yourself!!


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

Business

1)I know you can't give me an exact price but I'd appreciate a ball ........ figure so that I can let my team know.

a) park
b) court
c) field
2)
I hate it when a local business goes belly ........ It's sad to see a small business fail.

a) out
b) over
c) up
3)
If you want to make sure your business is running efficiently you need to get yourself a good number ........ to keep your accounts in order.

a) cruncher
b) juggler
c) squeezer

Food and Drink

1)We've got some officials coming over next week who we're intending to ........ and dine.

a) feed
b) wine
c) drink
2)
The restaurant was lovely and the fish was done to a .........

a) turn
b) roll
c) twist
3)
I told you not to put too much on your plate children. Your ........ are bigger than your belly.

a) eyes
b) mouth
c) teeth

Help needed

Dear fellows,

A little bird has told me that there seems to be an issue with the number of medals awarded so far. If that should be the case, I will deadly need your help to come up with a fair update of the list of medalists. So, please, let me know where or how it has started to go wrong.

Thanks a lot and sorry for the inconvenience!
You ROCK big time!

Health and Ilness

1)Apparently, John's on the ........ following his operation and could be home this week.

a) fix
b) repair
c) mend
2)
I've been sitting in the same position for too long. I've got pins and ........ in my leg.

a) screws
b) needles
c) nails
3)
Poor old Simon is in a ........ way. He sprained his ankle jogging and now can't get around at all.

a) bad
b) poor
c) ill

Work

1)Be careful. The managers are on the ........ over that email that was sent out to all staff criticising management.

a) march
b) rampage
c) warpath
2)
It's a good job. The boss keeps us all on our ........ but everyone is keen to do well and there's a great atmosphere.

a) toes
b) feet
c) legs
3)
It takes courage to put your ........ on the line when there's a difficult decision to be made.

a) arm
b) body
c) neck

Happy Occasions

1)They've been married for 50 years and they're going to ........ the occasion with a huge family party.

a) signal
b) show
c) mark

2)It's a red-........ day for the school as they've had a record number of students passing their exams!

a) letter
b) flag
c) carpet

3)Are you going to lay ........ a party for your daughter's 21st birthday?

a) in
b) on
c) out

Possibility and Probability

1)I think we need to leave ........ the possibility that Simon has decided not to come to the party.

a) open
b) vacant
c) free

2) Your dog ate your homework? That's a ........ story!

a) realistic
b) possible
c) likely

3)There's a ........ chance I won't be at work tomorrow. I might have to stay at home to wait for a delivery.

a) fine
b) slim
c) thin

Learning

1)Schools should go back to ........ and make sure children can read, write and do simple maths.

a) fundamentals
b) basics
c) bases



2)
Nobody thought he would make the ........ but he surprised them all and ended up going to university.

a) grade
b) level
c) mark



3)
I've been reading these instructions again and again but I just can't ........ my head around them.

a) put
b) get
c) make

Business

1)I've just spoken to their sales department and they think they can supply us with what we need. But they have got a track record of not delivering the ........

a) products
b) goods
c) items



2)
We had a salesman in the office earlier trying to give us the ........ sell with a new photocopier. We just couldn't get rid of him.

a) strong
b) heavy
c) hard



3)
I'm enjoying having my own business but if there's one thing I hate doing it's cold ........ to try to get new orders.

a) calling
b) phoning
c) ringing

Money

1)Frank used to make a ........ selling insurance before he went into teaching.
a) income
b) wage
c) living


2)
If you'd like to make a ........ buck do you fancy helping me with a job on Saturday?

a) quick
b) rapid
c) speedy



3)
We're beginning to ........ the pinch since Graham started to work part-time.

a) have
b) see
c) feel

Agreeing and Disagreeing

1)Sorry, but I've got to ........ issue with you over something you said earlier.
a) raise
b) make
c) take

2)
This discussion could go on for hours. Shall we just agree to ........ and move on?

a) differ
b) argue
c) disagree



3)
The two sides in the dispute are ........ odds over how to deal with the problem.

a) at
b) in
c) on

Homework suggestions

Please, check the comments for this post to get a a list of suggested exercises in your workbook.
Cheers!

CPE Collocations

Complete each of the following sentences with the word that collocates with the words in bold.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Victoria has a working ........ of Chinese, which she needs for her job as an international corporate lawyer.

2. The defendant told the judge that she accepted full ........ for her actions and that she would plead guilty.


3. After William realised his mistake he was forced to ........ his pride and apologise.


4. I thought I ........ my position absolutely clear. Either he goes or I do!


5. Tanya came away from the interview with the overriding ........ that she wouldn’t get the job.


6. Although my mother’s in her seventies she is still very young at ........


7. When the shop assistant refused the customer a refund, he was met with a torrent of ........


8. The drowning boy was pulled out of the river and ........ the kiss of life by a medic.

Moods and Emotions

1)
If you need any help just ........ the word and I'll be round immediately.
a) speak
b) say
c) utter



2)
Look, if there's something the matter just get it off your ........ and stop sitting there with a long face!

a) chest
b) head
c) stomach



3)
The builder was late again today. If he's not here at 9.00 tomorrow I'm really going to give him a ........ of my mind.

a) piece
b) bit
c) part

Moods and Emotions

1)The children have been in ........ spirits since we told them about the holiday we've booked.

a) high
b) wide
c) deep



2) I'm as pleased as ........ to be nominated for the award.

a) punch
b) push
c) pull


3)
One minute Sue was quite happy and the next she stormed off in a ........ of pique about a comment someone had made.

a) act
b) fit
c) sign

Character Traits

1)Anna is the ........ of the earth and very popular with all her colleagues.
a) stone
b) soil
c) salt


2)
Our daughter's teacher has got a heart of ........ and is always prepared to spend extra time with the children to help them with their work.

a) silver
b) gold
c) jewels


3)
I'd be careful what you say to Stephan. He's got rather a ........ temper.

a) fast
b) quick
c) snappy

Activity

1)We were sitting in the hospital waiting room twiddling our ........ for hours until we were seen.

a) fingers
b) thumbs
c) hands



2)
We've been up to our ........ in work lately. I've never known it to be so busy.

a) nose
b) hair
c) eyes



3)
You'll never persuade him to help you with the garden. He's bone ........ .

a) idle
b) lazy
c) still

DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

1)We were sitting in the meeting when the boss ........ the bombshell and told us the business was being sold.

a) ignited
b) exploded
c) dropped

2)
I put a brave ........ on things but I was actually feeling quite sad.

a) look
b) face
c) view



3)
Rather than trying to fight a losing ........ you should accept you were wrong and move on.

a) battle
b) war
c) struggle

Power and Politics

1)Dad's ........ his soapbox again, going on about what the Government's doing wrong.

a) at
b) on
c) in

2)
I really don't know who to vote for. Can't I just ........ on the fence?

a) sit
b) stand
c) lie

3)
Mathew is a useful person to know as he has friends in ........ places.

a) main
b) big
c) high

Vocabulary Exercise based on Objective Proficiency

Romance

1)Paul has been using the Internet to search for an old ........ of his.
a) spark
b) light
c) flame


2)
Clare shouldn't really be thinking about meeting someone new yet as she's still ........ the rebound.

a) on
b) in
c) at



3)
You won't get any sense out of Alex at the moment. He's head over ........ in love.

a) toes
b) heels
c) feet

Angela's Challenge - 2 medals each - totalling six good ones

a)
1. The brutal military regime has .... fear into the whole population.
2. She ... a match and lit another cigarette.
3. The management and the employees eventually ... a bargain.

b)
1. She’s been ... a grudge against her boss ever since her transfer was refused.
2. ... criminals is an offence in law.
3. I’m certainly not ... a secret passion for that man, if that’s what you’re thinking.

c)
1. Her doctor was at ... in not sending her straight to the specialist.
2. It’s depressing to have someone always finding ... with your work.
3. I can’t phone my Dad - there seems to be a ... on the line.

Time and Frequency

1)You were supposed to be here at 9.00 o'clock! Never mind. Better ........ than never.

a) late
b) delayed
c) overdue

2
What are you waiting for? Give her a call now. There's no time like the .........

a) reality
b) immediacy
c) present



3
We just popped into the travel agent on the spur of the ........ and booked a holiday.

a) instant
b) moment
c) time

Shopping

1)Have you got any loose ........ on you? I've only got notes.
a) money
b) change
c) cash





2
Have you seen that new car Salvatore has bought? That must have cost a ........ penny.

a) pretty
b) nice
c) shiny


3
Instead of paying through the ........ for expensive designer clothes why don't you look around in one of the ordinary shops?

a) eyes
b) nose
c) mouth

Objective Proficiency Answers

Well, I think the answers are:

4. swallow
5. pinch
6. dropped

Work

1)If you keep working all the ........ God sends you're going to burn yourself out.

a) periods
b) time
c) hours




2)
Edward was my right- ........ man during my time with the company.

a) hand
b) arm
c) side



3)
There's a very clear pecking ........ in the organisation and everybody knows their place.

a) order
b) level
c) system

Snack time

Hey everyone!

Who's taking the snack this Friday?

xxx

Checking pronunciation

Hi, folks! Here's a link to check pronunciation. It's worth trying it!
I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/tts_example.php?sitepal

Cheers,
Fatima

Pat and Junior, Sol is getting closer and closer! LOL

Open Cloze

Guys, an open cloze for you to have fun! You can find the full text on Google, but try to complete it before reading the full version, ok?

Enjoy!

xxx

Mamma Mia! The Movie will no (1)... find its audience. There will be women of a certain age who will embrace its joie de vivre. And there will be men of a certain persuasion who will adore its kitsch appeal. Beyond these two demographics, (2)..., the movie skids into the arena of cultural car crash. (3)... on stage the flimsy conceit of Catherine Johnson’s `story’ is bulked up with showbiz razzmatazz, on the big screen (4)... thinness is stretched into diaphanous toffee.

Like Across the Universe, Mamma Mia! is a collection of hit songs in search (5)... a storyline. But (6)... the former, it has established its theatrical legs, playing in 170 cities across the globe. Songs like Honey, Honey and Money, Money have been twisted and tweaked to serve new narrative ends, ending up both (7)... a vibrant paeon to Abba and a sort of Shirley Valentine on amphetamines.

Here, we have Meryl Streep as Donna, a doughty, hard-working single mother running a ramshackle hotel on a Greek island. Her daughter, Sophie (Seyfried), is getting married and, behind Donna’s back, has invited the three men that her mother slept with around the time of her conception. Sophie feels that (8)... she discovers the identity of her father, she cannot know who she really is. And so Pierce Bosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård roll up, (9)... to claim the daughter they never knew they had.

Watching the likes of Karen Silkwood, James Bond and Mr Darcy grapple with the familiar hooks of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulraeus’ timeless tunes is akin to indulging in some (10)... of blood sport. While, as (11)..., Ms Streep rises dynamically to the occasion, Brosnan is laughed off the screen as he manfully butchers SOS (‘How can I even try to go on…’). The real star is Christine Baranski, who brings spit and polish to her role as Donna’s friend, Tanya.

There’s gusto to spare, but in the cultural banquet of the film musical, this is strictly choux pastry.

Back in action! Congrats!

Great site

Here goes a link to a wonderful site for our practice. There are even listening exercises. I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.english-test.net/lessons/9/index.html
Cheers,
Fatima

Speaking task

Assuming your task is to talk about the subject: "Does travel broaden the mind?" the suggested vocabulary is
To see the world
To go globetrotting
To develop cultural awareness/cross cultural understanding
To become more open-minded
To break down barriers
Cultural/national stereotypes
To have fixed opinions
To become more tolerant
To experience first hand
Mass tourism
Effect on the local population/indigenous population
Tourist trap

Expressions to offer examples:

For example
For instance
Take...for example
To give you an example
By way of example
A case in point is
To illustrate this
To show you what I mean

Business

Complete the following colloquial expressions:

1)The new owner is known to be ruthless and his first action is likely to be getting rid of any dead ......... in the organisation.

a) foliage
b) matter
c) wood
2)If I can only get my foot in the ........ somehow I'm sure I can make an impression.

a) building
b) door
c) room
3)The deal isn't cut and ........ yet but I'm pretty confident we'll agree terms.

a) dried
b) tied
c) dyed

Reflecting on the use of English paper

The skills and language knowledge that you need to pass the Use of English Paper of the new CPE are slightly different from the traditional grammar and vocabulary items that you used to be tested on when you were regular English students. Since the last time we were together we did an entire mock of paper 3, here's some food for thought.

You have heard the term 'lexical chunks', which are items of language that consist of a few words and cannot really be called 'grammar' or 'vocabulary' but are something in between. Some
examples are language items like the following:
- 'come to light' as in 'New evidence came to light during the police investigation.'
- 'go according to plan' as in 'The party went according to plan and everyone was pleased.'

How might this knowledge be tested? In Part 1 (Open Cloze) or Part 3 (Gapped sentences) you may have to supply a missing word from part of that lexical chunk. In Part 4 (Key Word Transformations) you may have to supply the whole item.

Hope this has helped you somehow, folks!
Keep on blogging!

This week's snack

Hi, guys!

I am one of the students responsible for this Friday's snack. As we have not made arrangements yet, I am thinking about taking two cartons of juice. Enough? What are the other members of "team C" taking? Keep me posted.

Cheers,
Carla

CPE sentence transformation exercises

Hi guys!

Hope it is useful and you have some fun!

http://www.imparareinglese.co.uk/esercizi_inglese/CPE_key_word_transformation_2.html

Missing u!

Gi.

Gapped sentences

Which word best fits the three sentences?

1. I had to spend hours to sort out all those documents – what a _________________!

2. All around her birds whistled their happy tune as they went about their ______________.

3. The manager suspected that there had been some monkey _______________ going on in the office.

FYI - ABOUT THE CPE SPEAKING PAPER

The Speaking paper, which lasts for approximately 19 minutes, consists of 3 parts. The typical arrangement is of two students and two examiners, one acting as interlocutor and assessor, the other as assessor.

Part 1: Conversation between the interlocutor and the candidates
Part 1 consists of the interlocutor asking the candidates to introduce themselves by giving information about themselves and offering opinions. This 'ice-breaker' will last approximately 3
minutes.

Part 2 Conversation between the two candidates
Part 2 consists of a two-way conversation between the two candidates who will be required to use visual and verbal prompts to carry out a task. This task will require the candidates to evaluate, compare, give opinions or speculate about a particular subject and will last approximately 4 minutes.

Part 3 Long turn plus discussion
Part 3 consists of a long turn by Candidate A during which he or she responds to written questions on a prompt card (2 minutes). Candidate B is asked to respond with their own views on the topic in question (1 minute) and then both candidates respond (1 minute). The process is then repeated with Candidtae A taking a long turn and Candidate B responding.


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

my apologies...

Oh, guys, I owe you an apology for last Friday. When I decided not to go to Cultura, I’d completely forgotten about the snack. It was terribly irresponsible of me not to go, so, I’ve got to atone for my sin...

Next class (17th of April, right?), even though I’m not taking part in the group who is going to provide the snack, I’m taking something to keep you sweet. =P

Forgive me, guys, and remind me when it comes closer to the date; I’ve got a mind like a sieve...

Cheers

Fifteenth medal!!! wow!

Key Word Transformation

1. Mary was fired last week.

REDUNDANT

Mary ___________________ last week.

2. If you buy me a chocolate bar, I’ll give you my phone number.

PROVIDED

____________________________ a chocolate bar, I’ll give you my phone number.

3. Your bedroom is a complete mess!

SIXES

Your bedroom ___________________________!



Enjoy!

PRACTISE PRACTISE PRACTISE

Complete each sentence with a different word.

1. I think the fact that she hasn´t had the good grace to apologise _____________ volumes about her.

2. When he _____________ round after the operation, he had absolutely no idea where he was.

3. Terry was finally brought to _____________ for fiddling the accounts.

4. Your office won´t be ready until next week, so could you use Room 11 just for the _______________ being?

All you want to know about English

Great site! I hope I can contribute to your study!

http://www.english-test.net/

See you, folks!

FYI

Your medals will continue to be constantly updated even though you won't be able to visualize them for some time, because I have just formatted my HD and it will take me quite a while to install all the back-up applications and files...

In the meantime keep up the excellent work!

Ask the Bards

Hy guys,

Lets play a CPE vocabulary game on SOPHISTICATED ADJECTIVES?

- This is a chain game that takes as long as the pot boils;
- Each one posts an adjective starting from the last letter of the previous word. Ex: good - dear - radical - ...
- Only 3-syllable (minimum) or compound adjectives are accepted (we're CPE holders to be, right?)

The first word is given below.

Have a Blast!

Why am I not surprised?

A bit of Morphology to spice your lives

Use the words given to form words that fit in each space:

It appears that hypertension has an additive ______ effect on overall prognosis in the diabetic. DELETE

The structures are based upon organic droplets in an ________ medium. WATER

Stalin's body was _________ removed from the Moscow Mausoleum. CEREMONY

GAPPED SENTENCES

Which one word fits all the sentences?

1. What is the ___________ of play in the current negotiations?
2. Their band often plays at the White House on __________ occasions.
3. Ames´dismissal had left him in a distressed _________ of mind.