How a Project Changed Direction

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

B2. 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 propose and review: A small theatre needed a more reliable lighting system, but its first plan was far more ambitious than its budget allowed. The team had initially 1___ (propose) a full rebuild. After 2___ (review) the costs, they chose a smaller upgrade. The new proposal kept the useful equipment and focused spending on the parts that caused the most trouble.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   proposed

   Blank 2

   reviewing

   Had takes a participle; after takes an ing form for an action.

2. Question 2 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: An independent assessment changed what the team knew about the condition of the existing equipment. The decision was made in the light 1___ new evidence. It was not, 2___, accepted by everyone. Some members still preferred the original design because they had spent months developing it.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   of

   Blank 2

   however / nevertheless / nonetheless

   In the light of introduces the evidence; however marks the contrast.

3. Question 3 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use ONE word in the first gap and an adjective formed from FEASIBILITY in the second: The headline purchase price had looked affordable until the team considered what the theatre would pay afterwards. They had failed to take 1___ of maintenance costs. The original plan was therefore no longer 2___ (FEASIBILITY). Looking beyond installation made it easier to compare a cheap purchase with a manageable long-term commitment.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   account

   Blank 2

   feasible

   Take account of means consider; feasible is the adjective describing viability.

4. Question 4 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use passive forms of CONSULT and an infinitive from MEET: The people who operated the lights knew about practical problems that were missing from the written specification. Staff insisted on 1___ (CONSULT) by the manager before further changes. The manager agreed 2___ (MEET) them the following day. Their involvement was intended to improve the decision before the equipment was ordered.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   being consulted / having been consulted

   Blank 2

   to meet

   Staff receive consultation, so a passive ing form is needed; agree takes to meet.

5. Question 5 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: After discussing the alternatives, the team agreed that the theatre needed dependable equipment without committing every available resource. The revised plan struck a balance 1___ cost and reliability. It also left more room 2___ future expansion. Keeping some capacity in reserve meant that a later change would not require another complete rebuild.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   between

   Blank 2

   for

   Balance between contrasts two priorities; room for identifies the capacity allowed.

6. Question 6 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use delay and inform: The board wanted the work to proceed, but it also wanted a clear way to monitor what happened next. Rather than 1___ (delay) the decision, the board asked to 2___ (inform) of progress each week. Regular updates would allow problems to be addressed before they became expensive surprises.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   delay / delaying

   Blank 2

   be informed

   Rather than can introduce delay or delaying in this sentence. Asked to be informed requires a passive infinitive because the board receives the information.

7. Question 7 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use one word per gap: Not everyone preferred the compromise, although they agreed to support the practical work once the decision had been made. The work went 1___ despite the disagreement. Most problems were dealt 2___ before installation began. The team checked the drawings and tested the connections while adjustments were still straightforward.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   ahead / on

   Blank 2

   with

   Go ahead or on describes proceeding; deal with means handle.

8. Question 8 · Cloze (text)

   Complete each blank with the missing word or phrase.

   Use prove and expect: A review of the first year compared the revised system with the theatre's original expectations. The compromise 1___ (prove) successful last year. It has performed better than anyone had 2___ (expect). The experience showed that changing direction can be a considered response to evidence rather than a failure to plan.

   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   proved

   Blank 2

   expected

   Last year requires past simple; had takes expected.

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.