Fill in the Blank
Alcohol is an important part of our society. It is produced and consumed all over the world and comes in innumerable forms. However, it is also toxic substance. Unfortunately, informed knowledge of its effects on our bodies is not ___________ its use.
A. more personal than
B. separated from
C. as widespread as
D. so intuitive
C. as widespread as
"Hey! Thanks for the invitation to the party but I'm going to have to take a rain check. I can't make it this year."
What does "take a rain check" mean?
used to tell someone that you cannot accept an invitation now, but would like to do so at a later time.
In many places, it is illegal to let lawns or other grassy areas become overgrown. However, today people strive to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, mechanical lawn mowers are powered by fossil fuels. This means property owners often disregard these environmental concerns.
What is one problem with requiring that people cut their grass?
People often disregard environmental concerns to follow the laws.
The doctor was unable to give a specific ( ) of what was causing the woman's headaches. He decided to send her to a specialist for further tests.
A. execution
B. vaccination
C. diagnosis
D. tendency
C. diagnosis
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does tendency mean?
The gym teacher ___________ the rules of the game so that all the kids would know how to play it.
A. spelled out
B. blurted out
C. pointed out
A. spelled out
(to explain something in a clear way with details)
Both the island realms of Japan, and Britain are of a similar size, located not far off the coast of much larger land masses _____________ has helped to protect them from many of the wars fought throughout the years, which ravaged their more-exposed neighbors, wherein entire cities were razed to the ground and several empires were shattered.
A. their proximity to nearby islands
B. this dependence on neighbors
C. this geographical isolation
D. their relatively higher latitudes
C. this geographical isolation
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does isolation mean?
"The old dog finally kicked the bucket when the winter got too harsh for him."
What does "kicked the bucket" mean?
to die / to pass away / to stop living
Goats are effective at removing unwanted vegetation, and don’t require the use of fossil fuels. They also have an easier time navigating rough terrain, such as rocky hillsides. Business owners and property owners have begun renting herds of goats to help maintain their lawns. These herds of goats have become popular with local families.
What are the positive benefits of using goats to remove grass?
Goats can navigate rough terrain, and do not require fossil fuels.
Various environmental groups are ( ) the government to pass laws that will do more to prevent pollution.
A. resigning
B. lobbying
C. violating
D. exhibiting
B. lobbying
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does exhibiting mean?
I can't concentrate on my work with the noise of the construction outside - it's impossible to _____________.
A. cut if off
B. tune it out
C. rant about it
B. tune it out
(stop listening or paying attention to something)
Both the nations of Japan, and Britain excel at trade and have forged strong commercial links with other countries all over the world. People, who cling to their traditions, are often very ___________ change; however, they are certainly capable of dealing with it when absolutely necessary.
A. bent on
B. motivated by
C. exempt from
D. resistant to
D. resistant to
"I could sit here and argue with you until the cows come home, but it wouldn't solve anything."
What does "until the cows come home" mean?
for a very long time.
Locusts are notorious throughout history for destroying crops. In a single day, a relatively small group of locusts can eat through enough food to feed tens of thousands of people. Despite attempts to control them with pesticides, locusts travel and reproduce quickly, and are unpredictable in their movements.
What does the speaker imply about pesticides?
Pesticides were used to control the spread of locust; stop or kill the insect.
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What are pesticides?
Jaina often gives talks at business conferences because of her ( ). She has started many companies and successfully manages some of them herself.
A. pasture
B. notation
C. expertise
D. stimulus
C. expertise
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does stimulus mean?
Steve is really into astronomy - if you can ask him, he can __________ the names of all the constellations.
A. rattle off
B. rant about
C. bring up
A. rattle off
(say, or produce something quickly and effortlessly)
As a result of drinking, large quantities of the sugar, glucose, is also introduced into the blood. The body responds with the production of the hormone insulin to ______ from the blood.
A. remove the excess glucose
B. stimulate sugar production
C. boost energy levels
D. reduce our desire for alcohol
A. remove the excess glucose
"I thought about bringing up my concerns during the meeting, but decided instead to let sleeping dogs lie."
What does "let sleeping dogs lie" mean?
to ignore a problem because trying to deal with it could cause an even more difficult situation.
The Oxus civilization was a Bronze Age society located in Central Asia. However, despite several archaeological sites being discovered, many structures, and artifacts discovered. Much remains unknown about the Oxus, and how far the civilization extended.
What is one thing that we learned about the Oxus civilization?
Not much has been learned about the Oxus, despite the many artifacts discovered.
The kids did not ( ) a single word after they broke the lamp. They remained silent until their mom cam and asked what had happened.
A. scorch
B. intensify
C. exceed
D. utter
D. utter
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does intensify mean?
I can't stand people who are always __________ problems, but never offer any solutions.
A. opening up to
B. tuning out
C. harping on
C. harping on
(to talk about something constantly in an annoying way)
One problem both Japan, and Britain now find themselves facing is how to deal with futures which are certain to be less illustrious than their past. Their continued acceptance of this reality and resolve to embrace _____ will be of the utmost importance.
A. the new world order
B. their valued traditions
C. a hierarchical society
D. isolationist policies
A. the new world order
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does the word hierarchy mean?
"Jill has been burning the midnight oil lately; I guess she has a big exam coming up."
What does "burn the midnight oil" mean?
to stay awake late at night to work, or to study.
Establishing a colony on Mars has been considered a near-future goal for humanity. There are hurdles to this, aside from the technical innovations required to build a sustainable habitat, the long journey in the space craft is also a problem. Along side the tens of thousands of dollars needed to achieve this goal.
What does the speaker imply about space travel?
Space travel would be difficult due to the costs and technology required to do so.
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) Explain, what is a sustainable habit?
All of Raoul`s coworkers respect him for his ( ) ideas. He has suggested many new and creative ways to improve his teams performance.
A. defensive
B. innovative
C. abrupt
D. mournful
B. innovative
(Bonus Question / 100 Points) What does abrupt mean?
When my doctor told me my cholesterol levels were high, I __________ and admitted I hadn't stuck to my diet.
A. butted in
B. spoke out
C. fessed up
C. fessed up
(to admit to doing something wrong / confess)