The Case for Repairing Things

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 local repair group asks residents to think about what happens after a broken item leaves their home. Replacing a broken appliance may seem easier 1___ repairing it. Yet replacement can result 2___ unnecessary waste. The most convenient personal choice may have a cost that is not visible at the point of purchase.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. as
   2. to
   3. than
   4. from

   Choices for blank 2

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

   Blank 1

   than

   Blank 2

   in

   A comparative takes than; result in introduces the consequence.

2. Question 2 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: Even people willing to repair an appliance may be unable to obtain the information or parts they need. Manufacturers are being urged 1___ spare parts available and 2___ clearer repair instructions. Making a repair possible involves design decisions made long before the product breaks.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. making
   2. made
   3. to make
   4. make

   Choices for blank 2

   1. providing
   2. provided
   3. provides
   4. provide
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to make

   Blank 2

   provide

   Urge someone to do governs both coordinated verbs.

3. Question 3 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: A repair that costs almost as much as a new item can be hard to justify for a household on a limited budget. The cost of repair is often out of 1___ to the value of the item. This discourages people 2___ fixing it. The group argues that practical affordability matters alongside encouragement to waste less.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. proportionate
   2. proportional
   3. proportionally
   4. proportion

   Choices for blank 2

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

   Blank 1

   proportion

   Blank 2

   from

   Out of proportion to compares cost and value; discourage from takes ing.

4. Question 4 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: At the repair cafe, an owner can watch an experienced volunteer investigate a problem. Repair cafes allow volunteers 1___ their skills while helping owners avoid 2___ usable items away. The meeting is intended to share knowledge as well as return a particular object to working order.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. share
   2. sharing
   3. shared
   4. to share

   Choices for blank 2

   1. to throw
   2. throwing
   3. throw
   4. thrown
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   to share

   Blank 2

   throwing

   Allow someone takes to; avoid takes an ing form.

5. Question 5 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: Some damaged products are unsafe or too expensive to restore, and the organisers acknowledge that limit. 1___ repairing every item is unrealistic, many faults can be fixed 2___ little expense. Being realistic about such cases makes the argument for other repairs more convincing.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. Despite
   2. Because of
   3. Although
   4. In spite

   Choices for blank 2

   1. in
   2. by
   3. on
   4. at
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   Although

   Blank 2

   at

   Although introduces a clause; at little expense describes cost.

6. Question 6 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: The organisers also describe changes in how residents think about the things they already own. The scheme has 1___ awareness of waste and encouraged people to take better 2___ of their belongings. Learning why an item failed can influence how carefully a person uses its replacement.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. raised
   2. grown up
   3. risen
   4. lifted

   Choices for blank 2

   1. careful
   2. carefully
   3. caring
   4. care
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   raised

   Blank 2

   care

   Raise awareness and take care of are fixed combinations.

7. Question 7 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: There is a reasonable concern about asking busy volunteers and owners to spend time on difficult repairs. Critics point 1___ that repairs require time. Supporters respond that the skills gained are well 2___ the effort. The reply recognises that investment while explaining why its value extends beyond a single object.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. off
   2. to
   3. out
   4. away

   Choices for blank 2

   1. worth
   2. value
   3. cost
   4. worthy
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   out

   Blank 2

   worth

   Point out introduces an observation; worth the effort expresses value.

8. Question 8 · Cloze (dropdown)

   Choose the correct option for each blank.

   Choose the best option for each gap: The group does not claim that nobody should buy a new appliance again. The aim is not to prevent all purchases, 1___ to make people think 2___ before replacing something. Its message is to consider the available options before treating replacement as the automatic response.

   Choices for blank 1

   1. despite
   2. but
   3. because of
   4. although

   Choices for blank 2

   1. twice
   2. double
   3. two
   4. secondly
   Check answers and explanations

   Blank 1

   but

   Blank 2

   twice

   Not...but contrasts purposes; think twice means reconsider carefully.

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.