Saving for a Starter Home Now Takes Twice as Long

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.

   The analysis ___ released by the center’s Julian Bond Institute.

   Choices for blank 1

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

   Blank 1

   was

   Use the past passive because the analysis received the action in the past.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Renters’ incomes have not ___ pace with rising costs.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. keep
   2. kept
   3. keeping
   4. keeps
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   kept

   The fixed expression is “keep pace with,” followed here by “have not kept.”

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The report says the timeline can ___ the meaning of buying a first home.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. changes
   2. changed
   3. changing
   4. change
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   change

   After “can,” use the base verb “change.”

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Home prices have risen ___ inflation has increased everyday costs.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. while
   2. unless
   3. because of
   4. despite of
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   while

   Use “while” to connect two actions happening during the same period.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Families may need many years ___ enough money for a down payment.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. saving
   2. saved
   3. to save
   4. save
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to save

   After “need many years,” use the infinitive “to save” to show purpose.

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.