Choosing Collocations in Everyday News

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

1. Question 1 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The volunteers ___ a big difference to the neighbourhood.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. took
   2. gave
   3. did
   4. made
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   made

   Make a difference means have a meaningful effect.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The charity hopes to ___ money for a new minibus.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. lift up of
   2. grow up
   3. raise
   4. rise
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   raise

   Raise money means collect funds.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The event will ___ place in the town square.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. take
   2. do
   3. give
   4. make
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   take

   Take place means happen.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Local residents have ___ concerns about the traffic.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. said
   2. told
   3. expressed
   4. spoken
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   expressed

   Express concerns is the natural collocation.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The school has ___ a new rule about phones.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. introduced
   2. entered
   3. invited
   4. arrived
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   introduced

   Introduce a rule means put it into use.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The cafe has ___ a reputation for friendly service.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. paid
   2. spent
   3. earned
   4. cost
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   earned

   Earn a reputation means acquire it through conduct.

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

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The council plans to ___ action on street lighting.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. do
   2. hold of
   3. make
   4. take
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   take

   Take action is the standard phrase.

8. Question 8 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The project offers an ___ for young people to learn new skills.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. opportune
   2. occasionally
   3. opportunistic
   4. opportunity
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   opportunity

   An opportunity for someone to do something is the pattern.

9. Question 9 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   The new service is in high ___ among local families.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. wish
   2. asking
   3. request
   4. demand
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   demand

   In high demand means wanted by many people.

10. Question 10 · Fill in the blank (dropdown)

    Choose the correct option for each blank.

    The announcement ___ our attention because it mentioned our street.

    Choices for blank 1

    1. did
    2. caught
    3. made
    4. held of
    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    caught

    Catch someone's attention means attract their notice.

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.