Scientists Study Jonathan the Tortoise’s Genome for Clues to Longevity

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.

   Researchers examined the genome ___ clues to Jonathan’s longevity.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. for uncovering
   2. to uncovering
   3. for to uncover
   4. to uncovered
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   for uncovering

   The gerund phrase correctly expresses the purpose of examining.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The evidence requires careful interpretation before researchers ___ conclusions.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. draw
   2. draws
   3. drawing
   4. to draw
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   draw

   The modal requires a base-form verb after it.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Had the researchers ignored comparisons, they ___ the study’s broader significance.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. would have overlooked
   2. would overlook
   3. will have overlooked
   4. have overlooked
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   would have overlooked

   Third conditional results require would have plus a past participle.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Jonathan’s genome, along with related data, ___ being examined for relevant patterns.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. is
   2. are
   3. were
   4. have
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   is

   The singular head noun genome determines the singular passive form.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The researchers avoided ___ one genetic feature as conclusive evidence.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. treating
   2. to treat
   3. treated
   4. treat
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   treating

   Avoid is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The study may reveal factors ___ with slower aging.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. associated
   2. associating
   3. associate
   4. to associating
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   associated

   The reduced relative clause requires the past participle associated.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Researchers must determine which details ___ potentially meaningful.

   Choices for blank 1

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

   Blank 1

   are

   The adjective meaningful follows the linking verb are.

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.