First-Time Homebuyers Are Scarce, but More Are Paying Cash

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Fill in the blank (dropdown)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete sentence and notice the subject, verb form, time reference and word order before answering.

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   First-time buyers ___ up 22% of homebuyers, according to the report.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. made
   2. makes
   3. making
   4. has make
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   made

   The report describes a completed finding in the past.

2. Question 2 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The report says first-time buyers ___ older than before.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. are
   2. is
   3. was
   4. be
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   are

   The plural subject “buyers” takes “are.”

3. Question 3 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   One in 10 ___ so, the article says.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. did
   2. does
   3. do
   4. doing
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   did

   The past auxiliary “did” fits the reported result.

4. Question 4 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   More buyers used assets than ___ financial help from family or friends.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. received
   2. receives
   3. receiving
   4. receive
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   received

   The past-tense verbs keep the comparison consistent.

5. Question 5 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Paying cash can ___ the need for a mortgage.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. avoid
   2. avoids
   3. avoided
   4. avoiding
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   avoid

   After “can,” use the base form of the verb.

What to review next

After checking an answer, explain the rule in your own words and write a new sentence using the same pattern. Revisit any rules you could not explain.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.