WRITING

TEST 1
I. Complete each second sentence using the word given, so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence. Write between two and five words in each gap.(5 marks)
1. The government is considering a new law to ban smoking following new research. considered
A new law to ban smoking..........................................................................................following new research.
2. I'm not so keen on skiing now I've discovered snowboarding. gone
I've .........................................................................since I discovered snowboarding.
3. People walked more fifty years ago than they do now. would
Fifty years ago, ....................................................................than they do now.
4. Some people don't respect the law. have
Some people ..........................................................................the law.
5. The judge told the jury to consider the man's past life. account
The judge told the jury to .................................................................the man's past life.
II. Rewrite the following sentences without changing their original meaning. (5 marks)
1. Photographs are not permitted under any circumstances.
Under................................................................................................................
2. What would you do if you had a million euros?
Suppose.............................................................................................................................
3. Not many people want this type of bank account.
There is..........................................................................................................................
4. Elaine tasted the curry for me to see how hot it was.
I...........................................................................................................................
5. It's a waste of time looking at that website.
There is..............................................................................................................
TEST 2
I. Complete each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the one given. (5
points)
1. Immediately after his arrival, things went wrong.
No sooner …………………………………………….
2. It was only when I left home that I realized how much my father meant to me.
Not until ……………………………………………………………………….
3. I dislike it when people criticize me unfairly.
I object ……………………………………………
4. My shoes need to be cleaned before the interview.
I must ………………………………………………..
5. Our present financial problems will soon be a thing in the past.
We ……………………………………………………………..
II. Complete the second sentence so that it has the similar meaning to the first one, by using the word
given.( Do not change the word given.) (5 points)
1. The effects of the gale were felt mainly along the south coast. brunt
The south coast ……………………….………………the gale.
2. All she does is sit in the office drinking coffee. but
She does ………………………….drinking coffee.
3. If his father hadn’t advised him against it, he might have become a record producer. for
Had it not ……………………………… a record producer now.
4. Police reported that a man had been helping them with their inquiries. was
A man ……………………………………….police with their inquiries.
5. The accused was alleged to have committed fraud. had
It ………………………………………committed fraud.
TEST 3
I. Finish each of the sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence printed
before it.
1. We were surprised to learn that Brian had become a monk.
It came ________________________________________________________________.
2. Mike doesn’t use his tape recorder very often.
Hardly ever ____________________________________________________________.
3. You are all welcome to take any food you like.
Help __________________________________________________________________.
4. I doubt whether it will stop raining till afternoon.
It is ___________________________________________________________________.
5. Mark doesn’t like to be told what to do.
Mark hates _____________________________________________________________.
II. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word
given.
1. I’m never going to forget to consider Darren’s views when I make a decision again. ACCOUNT
That’s the last time I _______________________________________ when I make a decision.
2. I don’t know how on earth she thinks of such brilliant plots for her novels. COME
How on earth _______________________________________ such brilliant plots for her novels?
3. I’m sure Nancy is still presuming that the party starts at nine. IMPRESSION
I’m sure Nancy _______________________________________ that the party starts at nine.
4. Sean, do you know yet what you’re doing this evening? MIND
Sean, _______________________________________ yet what you’re doing this evening?
5. I told Jeanne, thinking that she’d be supportive- how wrong I was! BELIEF
I told Jeanne _______________________________________ that she’d be supportive- how wrong I was!
TEST 4
1. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it is as similar as possible in meaning to the
sentence printed before it. (5 marks)
1. Anna failed to understand how serious her illness was until she spoke to the doctor.
Not until _____________________________________________________
2. I do like carrots, but I don’t want to eat them every day.
Much as _____________________________________________________
3. I had only just watered the garden when it began to rain.
Hardly _____________________________________________________
4. I would prefer you to pay in cash.
I’d rather _____________________________________________________
5. All the children will receive a prize, whatever their score in the competition.
No matter _____________________________________________________
2. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word
given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words, including the word
given. (5 marks)
1. I said that I thought he was wrong about the best way for us to proceed. (issue)
I ___________________________________________ best we should proceed.
2. He didn’t want to get into a position where he might lose all his money. (possibility)
He didn’t want to expose _______________________________________________ all his money.
3. Her work didn’t meet the standards that were considered acceptable. (conform)
Her work ___________________________________________ acceptable standards.
4. He had no idea what was going to happen to him when he walked into that room. (store)
Little ______________________________________________ him when he walked into that room.
5. He became famous but it cost him his privacy. (expense)
His rise _________________________________________________ of his privacy.
TEST 5
I. Write a new sentence so that it has the same meaning as the original sentence: (5 points)
1. I am having a lot of trouble now because I lost my passport last week.
-> If I______________________________________________________________________
2. She had hardly begun to speak before people started interrupting her.
-> Hardly___________________________________________________________________
3. “Nothing will persuade me to sleep in that haunted house”, she said
-> She flatly________________________________________________________________
4. I was too scared to tell him what I really thought.
-> I lacked__________________________________________________________________
5. The house shouldn’t be left unlocked for any reason
-> On no___________________________________________________________________
II. Write a new sentence so that it has the same meaning as the original sentence, using the word in
capital letters. This word must not be altered in any way. (5 points)
6. We don’t expect that the missing climbers have survived. (HOLD)
______________________________________________________________________
7. Pauline isn’t one of the people who know the secret.( ON)
______________________________________________________________________
8. You must make allowances for his inexperience. (ACCOUNT)
______________________________________________________________________
9. I really don't know what you're talking about. (FAINTEST )
______________________________________________________________________
10. You must accept the fact that she has left you. (TERMS)
______________________________________________________________________
TEST 6
Part 1: For questions 1–5, finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the
There is an example at the beginning (0).
1. “I think opinion polls are worthless,” he said.
He dismissed…………………………………………………………
2. The harsh criticism of the Prime Minister was quite unjustified.
There…………………………………………………………………
3. It was more of a business contract than a marriage.
It was not so…………………………………………………………..
4. They stand a good chance of winning the case.
The chances..…………………………………………………………..
5. It doesn’t matter what happens, we’ll stay side by side.
Come………………………………………………………………….
For questions 6–10, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence,
using the word given. Do not change the word given. There is an example at the beginning (0).
0. It’s no use arguing: I’ve made up my mind.
point
…..…. There’s no point in arguing: ……… I’ve made up my mind.
6. I need someone to take my place at the ceremony. (STAND)
…………………………………………………………………………
7. He owed his life to a passer-by. (INDEBTED)
…………………………………………………………………………
8. I had suspicion when they offered me such a high interest rate. (RAT)
…………………………………………………………………………
9. It is certain that the new cuts will worry the staff. (BOUND)
…………………………………………………………………………
10. Money has no value on a desert island. (COUNTS)
…………………………………………………………………………
TEST 7
Part 1. Finish the second sentence in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it.
1. She acted brilliantly in the school play.
She gave ...........................................................................................
2. You must concentrate on your work more.
You must apply ................................................................................
3. He imitated George Bush and other politicians in a humorous way.
He took ............................................................................................
4. Peter doesn’t care if Jean leaves or stay.
Whatever ..........................................................................................
5. “I think the whole idea’s ridiculous”, he said.
 He dismissed ....................................................................................
Part 2. Write a new sentence similar in meaning to the one given, using the word given in capital. Do
not alter the word in any way.
1. Many customs restrictions within the EC have been abolished. AWAY
...............................................................................................................
2. I’m annoyed with you for not phoning me to say you’d be late. EARTH
................................................................................................................
3. People’s race, creed or color is not taken into account when they apply for a job with us.
IRRESPECTIVE
................................................................................................................
4. I tried to talk to Jack about the problem but he was too busy. WORD
................................................................................................................
5. I have searched everywhere for my purse. HIGH
...............................................................................................................
TEST 8
I. For questions 1–5, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence,
using the word given. You must use between three and eight words, including the word given. Do not
change the word given. There is an example at the beginning (0). (7.5 points)
1. The team certainly do not intend to give up at this stage. question
There’s __________________________________________ at this stage.
2. Her son insisted on going with her to the hospital. accompany
He was adamant _____________________________________ to the hospital.
3. Nowadays parents and their children seem to have more in common than they used to do.
narrowing
The generation ___________________________________________ days.
4. Mr Brandt says he would much rather go to the opera than be taken out for dinner.
preference
Mr Brandt has ______________________________________ to the opera, rather than out for dinner.
5. Mary became totally engrossed in her novel and forgot to cook the dinner. absorbing
Mary ____________________________________________ to cook the dinner.
II. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the sentence printed
before it. (7.5 points)
1 . She didn’t cry when the story ended in tragedy.
Not a ________________________________________________________
2. Scientists have tried very hard to find a cure for this disease
Enormous ____________________________________________________
3. I never thought of asking for his help
The thought ___________________________________________________
4. As there are no more questions, we think we can end the meeting
There ________________________________________________________
5. My brother works better when he is pressed for time.
The less ______________________________________________________
TEST 9
Part 1: Rewrite each of the following sentences in such a way that it has the same meaning as the one
printed above. (15 pts)
1. The soldiers entered the castle while it was dark.
Under ____________________________________________________________
2. This paintient’s condition in rather worrying if you look at his medical history.
Given_____________________________________________________________
3. A child of his age is too young to be deceitful.
So young __________________________________________________________

4. Paul smashed a window and damaged the television too.

Not only___________________________________________________________
5. Your empty promises won’t have any effect on her. (ICE)
 __________________________________________________________________
6. He is becoming quite famous as an interviewer. (NAME)
__________________________________________________________________
7. You can walk to the station easily from the hotel. (WITHIN)
__________________________________________________________________
8. I haven’t realized yet what winning this race means. (SUNK)
__________________________________________________________________
9. The sooner this job is over, the better.
Let’s get___________________________________________________________
10. I saw a TV programme last month, which was very similar to this one. (BEARS)
__________________________________________________________________
TEST 10
1. “Nothing will persuade me to sleep in that haunted house,” she said.
She flatly ……………………………………………………………………………………………
2. I rarely sleep in the afternoon.
I’m not in …………………………………………………………………………………………...
3. It would not have been possible to solve that puzzle, even for a genius.
That puzzle …………………………………………………………………………………………
4. We must continue our efforts, whether there are problems or not.
Regardless ………………………………………………………………………………………….
5. It seems that no one predicted the correct result.
No one ……………………………………………………………………………………………...
6. I don't mind which make of car you choose.
It is of …………………………………………………………………… make of car you choose.
7. You should always be grateful for what you are given. horse
You should …………………………………………………………………………….. the mouth.
8. He promised to look into my case personally. assurance
He ………………………………………………………………….. look into my case personally.
9. The prisoner was unrepentant about the suffering he had caused. remorse
The prisoner ........................................................................... the suffering he had caused.
10. We got no assistance when we needed help and advice. resources
We ……………………………………………………………... when we needed help and advice.
TEST 11
PART 1:
1. Simon couldn't remember ever having met the woman. RECOLLECTION
Simon …………………………………………………… ever having met the woman.
2. He didn't seem to consider anything to be as important as winning the medal. MATTER
Nothing ………………………………………………………. winning the medal.
3. The diplomat has been arrested because it is believed he had been spying for his government.
SUSPICION
The diplomat has been arrested ……………………………….. for his government.
4. Could you have a quick look at my essay before I give it in? CAST
Could you …………………………………………………. before I give it in?
5. Sally Smith became known throughout the country as a result of her popular TV series. HOUSEHOLD
Sally Smith became …………………………………….as a result of her popular TV series.
Part 2: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the sentence before it.
(7.5 points)
1. You don't have to come and see the new house if you don't wish.
=> You are under……………………………………
2. He threatened the officers with violence.
=> He made……………………………………
3. The headmaster has a very good opinion of the physics teacher.
=> The headmaster holds………………………………………………
4. He himself admits to a fear of spiders.
=> On his……………………………………………………………….
5. Suzanne is far superior to me in terms of technical knowledge.
=> When it……………………………………………………………………
II. Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first one, using the word given. (5
pts)
1. She was very relieved. She realized that her bag hadn’t been stolen. (breathed)
 ..................................................................................................................................
2. The effects of the gale were felt mainly along the south coast. (brunt)
 …………………………………..……………………………………………………
3. I almost won the lottery last week. (close)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Winning the prize has made him very conceited. (head)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5. She was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop looking at her. (eyes)
…………………………………………………………………………………………
TEST 12
Part 1. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the one printed
before it. Write your answers in the space provided. (10 points)
1. He was so disgusted at the way she behaved that he refused to speak to her.
Such .
2. I‟ll have to wait before I know whether he‟ll keep his promise or not.
It remains .
3. It was Walter Raleigh who introduced potatoes and tobacco into England.
The English owed .
4. The moment I saw the dirty state of the restaurant kitchen, I no longer felt hungry.
I lost .
5. He loses his temper at all things, even the slightest one.
He flies _.
Part 2. Rewrite the sentences below in such a way that their meanings stay the same. You must use the
words in capital without changing their forms. Write your answers in the space provided (10 points)
1. Yoshi wanted to make sure that everything was as it should be on the big day. LEAVE
Yoshi didn‟t on the big day.
2. He always makes everything look so difficult. WEATHER
He always everything.
3. I found the plot of the book too complicated to follow. HEAD
I couldn‟t the book.
4. Don‟t tell the boss anything about this. BREATHE
Don‟t the boss.
5. Our attempts to persuade Soji to continue his studies weren‟t successful and he left university early.
MET
Our attempts to persuade Soji not to no success and he left
university early.
TEST 13
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the sentence printed
before it. (7.5p.)
1. Trudy was quite relieved when she found out the truth.
It was something...................................................................................................................................
2. I know this reporter’s background well and he’s 100% honest.
This reporter, ........................................................................................................................................
3. I’m afraid that I think he shouldn’t marry her.
I can’t....................................................................................................................................................
4. Although the papers claim that they are going to get divorced, they are not.
Contrary ...............................................................................................................................................
5. I have been told that you have been late for work every day this week.
It has been brought ...............................................................................................................................
II. Rewrite the sentences below in such a way that their meanings stay the same. You must use the
words in capital without changing their forms. (7.5 pts)
1. What the lecturer said was not very clear at times. (LACK)
There .................................................................................................... in what the lecturer said at times.
2. The careful preparation for the event ensured it was a memorable day for everyone who attended.
(WHICH)
The care ............................................................... event ensured it was a memorable day for everyone.
3. His fake arrogance only hid his genuine insecurity. (LAY)
Behind ................................................................................................................................... insecurity.
4. The sales director told his staff nothing about the new marketing post. (DARK)
The sales director .................................................................................... about the new marketing post.
5. Is it possible to walk from the hotel to the city center? (WITHIN)
Is the city center..................................................................................................................................?
TEST 14
Question 1: Finish each of sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the given sentence.
(5pts)
1. It is not certain that Jones will get the job.
It is open ……………………………………………………………………………..
2. Everyone started complaining the moment the announcement was made.
No sooner ……..……………………………………………………………………..
3. Julia soon calmed down and explained her problem.
Julia soon pulled…….………………………………………………………………..
4. He warned them against using the mountain road.
‘I wouldn’t……………………………………………………………………………
5. He delayed writing the book until he had done a lot of research
Only when …………………………………………………………………………...
Question 2: For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to
the original sentence using the word given. This word must not be altered in any way. (5pts)
1. Graham stopped talking to deal with a customer. (OFF)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. John is a bit too ill to go out. (UP)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Carol has trouble communicating her ideas to others. (ACROSS)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. After six-year relationship, Martha and Billy have decided to get married. (KNOT)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. Noise is something that is not possible for me to tolerate. (PUT)
………………………………………………………………………………………..
TEST 15
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the sentence
printed before it. (15 points)
1. I think he’s at last beginning to agree with me. ROUND
I suppose ____________________________________________________________.
2. When he won the scholarship, Alan began to realize just how lucky he was. DAWN
When he won the scholarship, it began ____________________________________.
3. Do you have any idea about how Jack made enough money to buy that new sports car? LIGHT
Can you ________________________________________________ to buy that new sports car?
4. Anne complained about the weather throughout the holiday. ENTIRE
Anne _______________________________________________________________.
5. He said there was no way the government would send financial aid to the region.
RULED
He __________________________________ sending financial aid to the region.
6. Did you see how concerned Jessie was?
EXPRESSION
 Did you see__________________________________________________________.
7. I only called the police when I had tried everything else. RESORT
I only _______________________________________________________________.
8. Would you take freelance work if it was offered to you?
Were _______________________________________________________________?
9. A rise in temperature in the next century seems likely.
In all _______________________________________________________________.
10. It was an impressive building but it wasn’t to my taste.
Impressive ___________________________________________________________.
TEST 16
PART 1: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it is as similar as possible in
meaning to the sentence printed before it. (7.5 pts)
1. She was definitely displeased when I told her.
She was nothing _________________________________________________
2. Fortunately I found another job shortly afterwards.
I had_____________________________________________________________
3. I hope it’s not inconvenient for me to phone you so late.
I hope I’m not putting ______________________________________
4. We only came to this restaurant because you insisted that we did so.
It was at _______________________________________________
5. Arguing with her won’t get you anywhere.
It won’t do __________________________________________________
PART II. For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the
original one, using the word given. DO NOT CHANGE the word given. (7.5 pts)
1. The police had to let the suspect go because new evidence was produced. LIGHT
→The police had to_________________________________
2. I feel that I don’t fit in with the people in the new office. FISH
→I feel ________________________________ in the new office.
3. Most people expect the minister to resign. HIGHLY
→It seems ________________________________________resign
4. His holiday failed through lack of support. BACK
→His holiday failed __________________________________ him up.
5. His grandfather is now having an operation. KNIFE
→His grandfather is now ___________________________________
TEST 17
Part 1. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the
sentences printed before it, using the word in capitals. Do not alter the word given. You must use
between three and six words, including the word given.
1. By the end of the meeting, the committee had agreed on the next step.
REACHED
By the end of the committee meeting, an ……..…………………………..what to do next.
2. The burglar wore gloves so as not to leave any fingerprints behind.
AVOID
The burglar wore gloves in ………………………………………… any fingerprints behind.
3. Colin couldn’t possibly afford any of the paintings in that gallery.
FAR
The paintings in that gallery are…………………………………………………..buy.
4. I was very shocked when my brother told me what had happened the previous day.
ACCOUNT
I was very shocked by my………………………………………………… what had happened the previous
day.
5. The fire at the oil depot has led to the imposition of stricter safety regulations.
IMPOSED
Stricter safety regulations……………………………………………..result of the fire at the oil depot.
Part 2. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the
sentences printed before it.
1. Everyone was surprised that the singer had very little money when he died.
That________________________________________________________________
2. I don’t really like her even though I admire her achievement.
Much______________________________________________________________
3. When they told the Minister about the strike, he was very angry.
On_________________________________________________________________
4. The patient recovered more rapidly than expected.
The patient__________________________________________________________
5. Keeping calm is the secret of passing your driving test.
As long as___________________________________________________________
TEST 18
I. Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means exactly the sentence before it. (7.5
points)
1. Mr. Foster asked me to write this letter to you.
It is at ___________________________________________________________________
2. Everybody was honoured by the boss with the exception of one clerk.
All but ___________________________________________________________________
3. My brother works better when he is pressed for time.
The less ___________________________________________________________________
4. She is proud of being such a good cook.
She prides ___________________________________________________________________
5. 'Nothing will persuade me to sleep in that haunted house,' she said.
She flatly ___________________________________________________________________
II. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word
given. Do not change the word given. You must use between TWO and SIX words, including the word
given. (7.5 points)
1. By the end of the meeting, the committee had agreed on the next step. REACHED
By the end of the committee meeting, an __________________________________________what to do
next.
2. Henrik was very pleased to be selected for the team. DELIGHT
Much __________________________________________ he was selected for the team
3. I really felt relieved on completion of my thesis. SENSE
I felt a __________________________________________completed my thesis.
4. Dawn’s boss is constantly criticizing her work. FAULT
Dawn’s boss __________________________________________ her work.
5. I saw a TV programme last month, which was very similar to this one. BEARS
This TV programme __________________________________________ the one I saw last month.
TEST 19
1. It is fairly unlikely that he will be convicted of the offence.
=> There ____________________________________________________________
2. He suddenly thought that he might have misunderstood her.
=> It crossed _________________________________________________________
3. She doesn’t think very highly of politicians.
=> She’s got a ________________________________________________________
4. You must concentrate on your work more.
=> You must apply ____________________________________________________
5. Regarding payment, most major credit cards are acceptable.
=> As far ____________________________________________________________
Question 2. Rewrite the following sentences, using the given words in capital letters. Make sure that no
change in the form of the word given is allowed. (5 marks)
1. Any correspondence from the Canberra office must be dealt with before other matters. (PRIORITY).
____________________________________________________________________
2. I advise you not to believe what you read in the papers about me. (RELIANCE).
____________________________________________________________________
3. Please inform the relevant authority at once. (DELAY)
____________________________________________________________________
4. The film wasn’t as good as we expected. (COME)
____________________________________________________________________
5. Williams tried to remain impartial in the quarrel between his two cousins. (SIDES)
___________________________________________________________________
TEST 20
I. Rewrite the sentences with the given words or beginning in such a way that their meanings remain
unchanged. (15pts)
1. It was his lack of confidence that surprised me.
What……………………………………………….
2. He got over his operation very quickly.
He made a…………………………………………
3. Everybody was honoured by the boss with the exception of one clerk.
All but……………………………………………..
4. The writer’s writing style contrasted sharply with his spoken language.
There…………………………………………………………….
5. The gun going off was the signal for everyone to panic.
As soon as…………………………………………………….
6. He deals calmly with everything. (stride)
7. Many companies were immediately affected by the new regulations. (effect)
8. Being her only niece, Mary is very precious to her. (apple)
9. I used to be familiar with every corner of this school. (hand)
10. John and she arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at the same time. (coincided)
6.___________________________________________________________________
7.___________________________________________________________________
8.___________________________________________________________________
9.___________________________________________________________________
10.___________________________________________________________________
TEST 21
1. Mr. Peter asked me to write this letter to you.
It is at ____________________________________________________________________
2. We were elated by the birth of our first grandchild.
We were over___________________________________________________________
3. The likelihood of their having any work to offer me in the foreseeable future is nil.
It is not ___________________________________________________________________
4. I could hold a big party due to my Mom’s help.
Had it ____________________________________________________________________
5. Anna doesn’t claim to have a lot of musical talent.
Anna makes _______________________________________________________________
XI. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first one, using the words in
bold given. Do not change the given word. (10 points)
1. Handicapped people find shopping in supermarkets difficult. SHOP
It _________________________________________________________ in supermarkets.
2. I think you misunderstood, Tom. STICK
I think you must _____________________________________________________, Tom.
3. I thought very hard but couldn’t remember the answer. RACKED
I ___________________________________________________ to remember the answer.
4. Don’t panic about something trivial. MOUNTAIN
Don’t __________________________________________________________ a molehill.
5. There was loud applause as he left the stage. ACCOMPANIMENT
He _______________________________________________________ loud applause.