NPR Short Wave explores mysterious X-rays, movement and learning, and memory

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.

   Scientists ___ X-rays from objects in space.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. study
   2. studies
   3. studying
   4. to study
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   study

   The present simple describes a regular scientific activity.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The observations can ___ questions about the objects.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. raise
   2. raises
   3. raising
   4. to raises
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   raise

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

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Movement can include physical activity ___ simple actions.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. or
   2. but
   3. because
   4. although
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   or

   “Or” correctly joins two possible examples.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The episode focuses ___ a small part of the brain.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. on
   2. at
   3. to
   4. with
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   on

   The verb “focuses” is followed by the preposition “on.”

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The discussion moves from objects ___ give off X-rays to questions about education.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. that
   2. what
   3. where
   4. who
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   that

   “That” correctly introduces a defining relative clause.

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.