An Experience That Changed a Habit

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

Cloze (text)

How to approach this practice

Read the complete context. Check both the meaning and the grammar, including word forms, collocations and links between sentences.

1. Question 1 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use drive and walk: A small problem with transport eventually changed the way I travelled around my own neighbourhood. I used 1___ (drive) everywhere. Now I prefer 2___ (walk) for short journeys. The change was gradual, and I did not plan it as a big personal goal.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to drive

   Blank 2

   walking / to walk

   Used to takes a base verb; prefer accepts an ing form or a to-infinitive.

2. Question 2 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: The change began on a morning when I needed to reach work but my usual transport was unavailable. My car broke 1___ one morning, so I had no choice but to go 2___ foot. Walking seemed inconvenient then, although the office was not very far from home.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   down

   Blank 2

   on

   Break down means stop working; on foot means walking.

3. Question 3 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use the past simple of NOTICE and the past participle of SEE: Without the traffic to watch, I could pay more attention to the streets around me. As I walked, I 1___ (notice) places I had never 2___ (see) before. A small bookshop and a public garden were among the discoveries that surprised me.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   noticed

   Blank 2

   seen

   Noticed is past simple; had takes the participle seen.

4. Question 4 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: I had lived in the area for years without really noticing what was close to my home. I realised I had been taking the neighbourhood for 1___. After that, I made an 2___ to explore it. Use the fixed phrases. I started choosing different routes instead of following the same road every morning.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   granted

   Blank 2

   effort

   Take for granted and make an effort are fixed combinations.

5. Question 5 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use forms of TIRE and HEALTHY: The first walks were uncomfortable because I was not used to that much exercise. At first I felt 1___ (TIRE), but soon I felt much 2___ (HEALTHY). After several weeks, the journey began to feel like a useful part of the day.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   tired

   Blank 2

   healthier

   Tired describes a feeling; much strengthens comparative healthier.

6. Question 6 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: My office allows flexible arrival times, so a slightly slower journey is not a serious problem. I've walked to work every day 1___ March. It takes longer, but I don't mind 2___ late sometimes. I leave myself extra time whenever there is a meeting at a fixed hour.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   since

   Blank 2

   being / arriving / running / getting

   Since introduces a starting point; mind takes being.

7. Question 7 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use forms of SAVE and SIT: There are practical advantages as well as the chance to get some exercise before work. Walking helps me 1___ (SAVE) money. I spend less time 2___ (SIT) in traffic. I no longer need to search for a parking space when I arrive.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   save / to save

   Blank 2

   sitting

   Help allows a bare or to-infinitive; spend time takes an ing form.

8. Question 8 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: I did not expect one transport problem to have such a lasting effect on my daily routine. The change has made a real 1___ to my mood. I plan to carry 2___ with it. Use the fixed phrases meaning have an effect and continue. For me, a useful habit grew from trying a different solution to an ordinary difficulty.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   difference

   Blank 2

   on

   Make a difference and carry on are the required phrases.

What to review next

Explain why each answer fits the meaning and structure. Record useful phrases and write a new example using each pattern you found difficult.

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.