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

Single choice

How to approach this practice

Read the passage for its main idea, then return to the relevant sentence or paragraph for each question. Base answers on the passage.

1. Question 1 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What is the main idea of the article?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. Renters are buying larger homes than before.
   2. Renters need longer to save for starter homes.
   3. Homeowners insurance is becoming less important.
   4. First-time buyers no longer need down payments.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Renters need longer to save for starter homes.

   The article explains why renters now need longer to save for starter homes.

   Buying a first home is taking much longer for many renters in the United States.

2. Question 2 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   Why does the article mention the Federal Housing Administration?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. To identify a source of the down-payment rule
   2. To compare two types of home loans
   3. To explain why rents have fallen
   4. To describe a group of front-line workers
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To identify a source of the down-payment rule

   It explains where the required down-payment amount comes from.

   The calculation uses a 3.5% down payment, the amount required by the Federal Housing Administration for first-time buyers.

3. Question 3 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What can be inferred about renters’ incomes?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. They have grown faster than home prices.
   2. They have stayed exactly the same.
   3. They have not matched rising costs.
   4. They have increased personal savings rates.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   They have not matched rising costs.

   Their incomes have not grown as quickly as important costs.

   At the same time, renters’ incomes have not kept pace, and personal savings rates have fallen.

4. Question 4 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the fourth paragraph, what does “These” refer to?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. Home prices
   2. Everyday needs
   3. Closing costs
   4. Personal savings rates
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Closing costs

   The following sentence explains that these are extra fees connected with loans.

   Closing costs are the extra fees paid when a home loan is completed.

5. Question 5 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   How is the article organized after introducing the sixteen-year estimate?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. It gives causes, group comparisons, and a final effect.
   2. It presents only personal stories from renters.
   3. It changes to advice about choosing a neighborhood.
   4. It lists laws without explaining their effects.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   It gives causes, group comparisons, and a final effect.

   It explains the estimate, its causes, affected groups, and wider meaning.

   The wait can be even longer for some groups.

What to review next

Find the words that support each answer. For a mistake, compare the question with the evidence and identify the detail or inference you missed.

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.

Before you practise: a worked example

Look for evidence in the text. Separate what the writer says from what you already know about the topic.

The library normally closes at six, but on Fridays it stays open until eight. When does it close on Friday?

The answer is eight. But introduces an exception to the normal closing time, so the first time mentioned is not the answer.

This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.