Messages About Learning and Community Life

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.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: A resident writes about joining an activity after settling into a new neighbourhood. I have lived here 1___ three years. Last month, I signed 2___ for an evening course. I am looking forward 3___ meeting the other students. The classes should be a useful way to learn and meet people who live nearby.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   for

   Blank 2

   up

   Blank 3

   to

   For introduces a duration. Sign up means register. Look forward to is followed by an -ing form.

2. Question 2 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: A notice explains how residents can use the library when the building is not open. The library is closed 1___ Sundays. It is still possible 2___ borrow books online. Ask a member 3___ staff if you need help. The online service is especially useful for people who work during normal opening hours.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   on

   Blank 2

   to

   Blank 3

   of

   Use on with days. Possible is followed by a to-infinitive here. A member of staff is a fixed noun phrase.

3. Question 3 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: A student explains why she missed the beginning of an evening class despite leaving home in good time. I was late 1___ the lesson because my bike had a flat tyre. By the time I arrived, the teacher 2___ already started. She asked me 3___ sit near the door. The teacher helped her join the activity without interrupting the other students.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   for

   Blank 2

   had

   Blank 3

   to

   Late for identifies the missed event. Had started places the start before arrival. Ask someone to do something takes a to-infinitive.

4. Question 4 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: The school sends a message inviting different kinds of volunteers to help with its performance. We are putting 1___ a small play at school. Everyone has a part to play, even students 2___ do not want to act. They can help 3___ painting the scenery. The organisers want students with practical and artistic skills as well as confident actors.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   on

   Blank 2

   who / that

   Blank 3

   by / with

   Put on a play means stage it. Who or that refers to students. By painting describes the method of helping; with painting identifies the activity they help with.

5. Question 5 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: Two students describe an arrangement that lets each of them contribute a different strength. I used 1___ study alone, but now I work with a partner. She is better 2___ maths than I am. In return, I help her 3___ English. They explain difficult points to each other rather than simply copying the answers.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Blank 2

   at

   Blank 3

   with

   Used to describes a past habit. Better at identifies a skill. Help someone with a subject is a natural pattern.

6. Question 6 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: Bad weather affects an evening class, and the students need to know whether to travel. The course was cancelled because 1___ the storm. Our tutor sent us an email to let us 2___ about the change. We will meet next week 3___ usual. The message arrives early enough for everyone to change their plans.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   of

   Blank 2

   know

   Blank 3

   as

   Because of takes a noun phrase. Let someone know means inform them. As usual means in the normal way.

7. Question 7 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: New students receive instructions about borrowing learning materials for the term. You do not have 1___ buy a textbook; the college provides one. Please take care 2___ it and return it 3___ the end of the course. The books will be used by another group later, so keeping them in good condition matters.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Blank 2

   of

   Blank 3

   at / by

   Have to expresses a requirement. Take care of means look after. At the end identifies the finishing point; by the end sets a deadline. Both fit this request.

8. Question 8 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: A learner writes about trying a difficult activity with the support of her classmates. I am not used 1___ speaking in public yet. Yesterday I gave a short talk 2___ front of my class. It was easier 3___ I had expected. The experience encourages her to volunteer for another short presentation.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Blank 2

   in

   Blank 3

   than

   Be used to takes an -ing form. In front of is a fixed phrase. A comparative such as easier is followed by than.

9. Question 9 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Complete with ONE word per gap: As the end of the course approaches, students arrange to help one another finish their work. We need to hand 1___ our projects by Friday. I have finished mine, but Ana is still working 2___ hers. I offered 3___ check her spelling tomorrow. They can share advice while still completing their own projects independently.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   in

   Blank 2

   on

   Blank 3

   to

   Hand in means submit. Work on identifies the task. Offer is followed by a to-infinitive.

10. Question 10 · Cloze (text)

    Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

    Complete with ONE word per gap: The students decide to keep meeting after discovering how much they learn from explaining ideas aloud. Our study group meets twice 1___ week. We take turns 2___ explain difficult questions. Since we started, I have 3___ much more confident about speaking. Regular practice also makes it easier to ask questions without feeling embarrassed.

    Check answers and explanations

    Blank 1

    a / per

    Blank 2

    to

    Blank 3

    become / grown / felt / been / got / gotten

    Twice a week expresses frequency. Take turns to do something is a standard pattern. The final present-perfect verb can describe gaining confidence or feeling more confident; natural alternatives are accepted.

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.