How People Form New Habits

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 (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 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: A guide to everyday behaviour begins by questioning the idea that a dramatic personal promise is enough. People often set ambitious goals, only 1___ give up after a week. Small changes may be more 2___. The aim is to choose an action that still feels manageable on an ordinary, busy day.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. by
   2. to
   3. at
   4. for

   Choices for blank 2

   1. effective
   2. affect
   3. effectively
   4. effect
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Blank 2

   effective

   Only to introduces an unwelcome result; effective describes changes.

2. Question 2 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: Remembering a new action is easier when there is a familiar event that can act as a reminder. A new habit is more likely 1___ last if it is linked 2___ an existing routine. The connection gives the new behaviour a regular place in the day instead of leaving it to chance.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. to
   2. at
   3. for
   4. by

   Choices for blank 2

   1. to
   2. for
   3. at
   4. from
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to

   Blank 2

   to

   Likely to takes a base verb; linked to identifies the connection.

3. Question 3 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: A person may want to practise an instrument yet avoid doing so if setting it up takes too much effort. Rather than 1___ on motivation alone, it helps to make the desired action easy 2___. Leaving the instrument ready removes a practical obstacle without requiring stronger determination.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. rely
   2. relied
   3. relies
   4. reliable

   Choices for blank 2

   1. to repeat
   2. repeating
   3. repeated
   4. repeat
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   rely

   Blank 2

   to repeat

   Rather than takes the offered base form; easy takes a to-infinitive.

4. Question 4 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: Enthusiasm can explain why somebody begins, but it does not fully explain what happens several months later. Researchers distinguish 1___ starting a habit and maintaining it. The latter depends 2___ repetition. A routine needs to survive beyond the excitement that accompanied the original decision.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. between
   2. across
   3. to
   4. from

   Choices for blank 2

   1. on
   2. with
   3. to
   4. at
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   between

   Blank 2

   on

   Distinguish between contrasts two processes; depend on identifies the requirement.

5. Question 5 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: It is difficult to concentrate on reading when a phone repeatedly lights up beside the book. The environment can have a strong 1___ on behaviour. Removing distractions may prevent people 2___ falling back into old patterns. Changing the setting can sometimes be more effective than blaming a person for losing focus.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. influencing
   2. influential
   3. influenced
   4. influence

   Choices for blank 2

   1. of
   2. at
   3. to
   4. from
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   influence

   Blank 2

   from

   Have an influence on is the pattern; prevent from takes ing.

6. Question 6 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: People often interpret a small interruption as proof that they have returned to the beginning. Progress is rarely as 1___ as people expect. A missed day need not 2___ that the attempt has failed. Recognising an imperfect pattern makes it easier to resume the action instead of abandoning it.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. steadiness
   2. steadied
   3. steadily
   4. steady

   Choices for blank 2

   1. means
   2. meant
   3. mean
   4. meaning
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   steady

   Blank 2

   mean

   As...as uses an adjective here; need not takes a base verb.

7. Question 7 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: A short diary can reveal whether an action becomes harder at particular times or in particular places. Keeping a record can make it easier 1___ patterns and may help people stay 2___. The record is useful when it helps a person adjust the routine rather than judge themselves harshly.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. to notice
   2. noticing
   3. notice
   4. noticed

   Choices for blank 2

   1. commit
   2. committing
   3. committed
   4. commitment
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to notice

   Blank 2

   committed

   Easier takes a to-infinitive; stay takes the adjective committed.

8. Question 8 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: The guide ends by warning that a routine suitable for one household may be unrealistic in another. The most useful strategy is one that takes individual circumstances into 1___ rather than making unrealistic 2___. A workable plan responds to real commitments and resources instead of assuming that everyone has the same day.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. number
   2. count
   3. account
   4. amount

   Choices for blank 2

   1. demands
   2. demanded
   3. demanding
   4. demand
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   account

   Blank 2

   demands

   Take into account and make demands are the required combinations.

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.