CPE :: Lesson 38

LOS CURSOS DE INGLES GRATIS PREFERIDOS POR LOS HISPANOHABLANTES

 

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About blank filling

 

 

 

One part in the CPE "Reading and Use of English" paper requires you to complete blanks with a suitable word or phrase. Like other test exercises in this exam, this is in effect a test of grammar.

In order to complete what is needed, however, you must employ the reading skills practised in other units in this course, and read every word in the item, since it will contain all the clues you need.

You will usually find TWO types of items:

ITEM # 1: Single sentence

The first item is the single sentence with a blank. Study this example:

Remember that 'Not only ..." is always followed by an inversion construction when it begins a sentence e.g.
Not only was I wet and lonely, but I was lost, too.
Not only did she bring Paul, but she brought all her family, too.

Since the second half of the sentence is negative with 'not. . . either', the verb in the first half will almost certainly be negative, too.

The subject in the second half is 'he', so the subject in the first half will almost certainly be 'he'.

The tense in the second half is the Simple Past, so the tense in the first half will almost certainly be the Simple Past.

In the second half, 'her second name' gives a clue or pointer to 'her first name' needed in the first half.

Such reasoning above therefore suggests that the first half of the sentence should read:
Not only did he not know her first name, ...

Or perhaps, by the same kind of reasoning:
Not only could he not remember her first name, ...

ITEM # 2: Simple dialogue exchange

The second type of item is a simple dialogue exchange, with a blank in one half. Study this example:

The have and the 've ... already' tell you that the tense needed is Present Perfect.

The verb 'have' in the question suggests that the main verb needed in the answer is also 'have' i.e. 'have had',  not 'have drunk/consumed .

The phrase 'another cup of tea' tells you that the second speaker must have had at least one already, and possibly more. Therefore the speaker has probably had 'enough' or 'plenty' or 'more than enough', since he says 'No, thank you'.

Such reasoning above suggests that the sentence should read:
I've had enough already.
I've had more than enough already.


Or perhaps, by the same kind of reasoning:
I've had plenty already.
I've had one already.

On the next page you will be able to practise both items explained above.

 

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