Colleges reshape degree programs around influencing, artificial intelligence, and health careers

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

C1. 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.

   Universities are introducing new programs as they ___ to changing student ambitions.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. respond
   2. responded
   3. responding
   4. to respond
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   respond

   The present progressive requires the base-form verb after “as they.”

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The biology degree was strong, ___ it did not provide sufficient professional focus.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. although
   2. but
   3. despite
   4. while
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   but

   A coordinating conjunction is required to join these contrasting independent clauses.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The new major enables students ___ the prerequisites for medical school.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. complete
   2. completing
   3. to complete
   4. completed
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to complete

   Enable requires an object followed by a to-infinitive.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   If graduates remain in Texas, the university ___ an additional regional benefit.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. gains
   2. gained
   3. will gain
   4. would gaining
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   will gain

   The first conditional uses will plus the base form in its result clause.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The program was introduced ___ students a more focused course of study.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. giving
   2. to give
   3. gave
   4. given
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to give

   The infinitive expresses purpose after the passive clause.

6. Question 6 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The number of humanities degrees has fallen ___ 2012.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. during
   2. from
   3. since
   4. by
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   since

   Since correctly introduces the starting point of a period continuing to now.

7. Question 7 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Colleges must respond to economic concerns while ___ broader educational purposes.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. preserve
   2. preserved
   3. preserving
   4. to preserve
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   preserving

   After “while,” the parallel participial form matches “respond.”

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.