Why Rescue Robots May Take Their Cues from Octopuses

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

C2. 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

Single choice

How to approach this practice

Use the surrounding sentence to identify the meaning and word form needed. Check which words naturally go together.

1. Question 1 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “obstruct” mean?

   1. To block or impede passage, access, or progress.
   2. To make a route more direct and accessible.
   3. To observe something from a short distance.
   4. To adapt a device to a new purpose.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To block or impede passage, access, or progress.

   The sentence describes a barrier to access.

2. Question 2 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “maneuver” mean?

   1. To move or guide something carefully through a difficult or restricted space.
   2. To measure the dimensions of a passage precisely.
   3. To build a structure around a confined route.
   4. To remain still while an obstacle is removed.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To move or guide something carefully through a difficult or restricted space.

   The device must move through a tight opening.

3. Question 3 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “contorting” mean?

   1. Twisting or bending the body into an unusual or strained shape.
   2. Moving steadily without changing one’s posture.
   3. Strengthening the body through repeated exercise.
   4. Compressing an object by applying pressure from outside.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Twisting or bending the body into an unusual or strained shape.

   The word describes unusual twisting or bending of the body.

4. Question 4 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “confined” mean?

   1. Restricted to a small or limited space.
   2. Surrounded by unfamiliar people or equipment.
   3. Temporarily closed to the public.
   4. Designed for a single purpose or user.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Restricted to a small or limited space.

   The route is restricted in available space.

5. Question 5 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “negotiate” mean?

   1. To find a way through, around, or over an obstacle or difficult route.
   2. To reach an agreement through formal discussion.
   3. To plan a route without attempting to follow it.
   4. To make a barrier more difficult to cross.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To find a way through, around, or over an obstacle or difficult route.

   The phrase concerns finding a way through tight spaces.

6. Question 6 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “wriggling” mean?

   1. Moving with small twisting or turning motions, especially through a tight space.
   2. Sliding smoothly along a straight surface without turning.
   3. Pushing an obstacle aside with a single strong movement.
   4. Shaking rapidly while remaining in one position.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   Moving with small twisting or turning motions, especially through a tight space.

   The word suggests twisting movement through a narrow route.

7. Question 7 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “reproduce” mean?

   1. To make or do something again in a way that closely matches an original.
   2. To explain the purpose of something in different terms.
   3. To use an existing object for an unrelated task.
   4. To improve a design by removing unnecessary parts.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To make or do something again in a way that closely matches an original.

   The sentence contrasts inspiration with close imitation.

8. Question 8 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   In the article, what does “benchmark” mean?

   1. A standard or point of comparison used to assess performance or progress.
   2. A tool for measuring the length of a passage.
   3. A machine component that allows a robot to bend.
   4. A prediction about whether a design will succeed.
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   A standard or point of comparison used to assess performance or progress.

   It identifies a standard for judging robot performance.

What to review next

Keep a short list of unfamiliar words with their meanings and example sentences. Practise recalling them later, then use them in a sentence of your own.

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.

Before you practise: a worked example

Read the whole sentence before choosing a word. Check both its meaning and the words it naturally combines with.

Please make an appointment before visiting the clinic.

Make an appointment is a natural word combination. Knowing a dictionary meaning alone may not tell you which verb fits.

This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.