C1 [CAE]

Complete the word formation, paying particular attention to whether the required word is grammatically positive (+) or negative (-).

benefit (noun +) - .................... (adjective +)

After going to the zoo, the mall, and the movies, Cassie was sick of bending over backwards to entertain her nieces.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• Cassie was doing very little to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was making small efforts to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was trying very hard to entertain her nieces.

• Cassie was not trying at all to entertain her nieces.

Complete the sentences. Choose the correct particles.

Jennifer put her glass down .................... on the table.

• with

• away

• down

Complete the word formation, paying particular attention to whether the required word is grammatically positive (+) or negative (-).

complex (adjective +) - .................... (noun +)

Bobby would have been playing ball until the cows came home if it hadn’t been for Suzie dragging him home for dinner.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• Bobby was just about to stop playing ball.

• Bobby didn’t even want to play ball to begin with.

• Bobby prefers nature to athletics.

• Bobby would have continued playing ball for a long time.

Complete the word formation, paying particular attention to whether the required word is grammatically positive (+) or negative (-).

conceive (verb +) - .................... (noun -)

You might think that Billy Parker is the kid who has everything, but if you saw the list of chores his parents give him, I guarantee that you wouldn’t want to be in his shoes.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• You wouldn’t want your shoes to get as dirty as Billy’s when he’s doing his chores.

• If you have to do as many chores as Billy, you’ll want a pair of comfortable shoes.

• Billy shoes are so uncomfortable that doing his chores is really unpleasant.

• Billy has so many chores to do that it is unpleasant to imagine doing them all.

Eric wanted to fix his cousin’s computer, but he was already having problems setting up his Aunt’s Wi-Fi network and he didn’t want to open a whole new can of worms.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• Eric was sick of spending his time helping his family.

• Eric wanted to go fishing instead of working on computers.

• Eric was having difficulties untangling the computer wires.

• Eric was not ready to begin working on a complicated new problem.

Even though Candace already had a new job, she submitted her two-week notice and conducted herself in a professional way at her old job because she didn’t want to burn bridges.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• Candace didn’t want to ruin her positive relationship with her old employer.

• Candace wasn’t ready to start her new job.

• Candace was really going to miss her old job.

• Candace was waiting until her last day to rub it in everyone’s face that she was leaving.

World renowned country western super group The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena at the drop of a hat.

Which is the correct explanation for this idiom?

• The Mountain Boys may be able to sell out an arena, but it will take a long time.

• The Mountain Boys can sell out an arena very quickly.

• The Mountain Boys are always willing to perform at charity events.

• The Mountain Boys enforce a dress code at all of their shows.