This is another training exercise for students taking the C1 Advanced exam. Students learn some typical fixed expressions that come up in part 4 of the reading and use of English paper. Download the handout below:
Students work together to paraphrase the fixed expressions, then flip the paper over and try to recall them using a key word as a prompt. You’ll find the 17 expressions in this set of 82 different key word transformation questions from quizlet.com
Student Handout
Version 1
Work with a partner, read the sentences, then paraphrase the expression in bold.
- Sorry I’m late, I completely lost track of time.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- Leaving this door open may result in the monkeys escaping.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- He stands every chance of winning the championship this year.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- She stands a slim chance of beating her rival to the trophy.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- This evening’s performance will be followed by a question and answer session with the director.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- No fewer than seventeen people were seen breaking into the building.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- Her main problem is that she is weak at spelling.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- The project failed due to a lack of funding from the local government.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- The project is going ahead according to plan.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- She is highly spoken of in the local area. We should hire her.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- I am in no doubt that the show will be a resounding success.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- I didn’t have any recollection of seeing Julia on Saturday night until I saw her at work on Monday morning.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- The teenagers took no notice of me and carried on smoking and playing loud music.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- I left my handbag on the train, I’ve given up hope of finding it again.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- He really made a name for himself when he moved to LA in 2006.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- It’s official, I handed in my notice to my boss yesterday and I’m starting my own business next week!
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
- She can’t even boil an egg, let alone cook a full meal for ten people.
Meaning …………………………………………………………………………
Version 2
Read the sentences, can you remember the expressions from version 1? Use the key word in brackets to help you.
- Sorry I’m late, I didn’t realise what time it was. (TRACK)
…………………………………………………………………………
- Leaving this door open may lead to (IN) the monkeys escaping.
…………………………………………………………………………
- He is almost definitely going to win (CHANCE) the championship this year.
…………………………………………………………………………
- There’s a low probability that she will beat (CHANCE) her rival to the trophy.
…………………………………………………………………………
- After this evening’s performance there will be (FOLLOWED) a question and answer session with the director.
…………………………………………………………………………
- As many as (THAN) seventeen people were seen breaking into the building.
…………………………………………………………………………
- Her main problem is that her spelling is bad. (WEAK)
…………………………………………………………………………
- The project failed because there wasn’t enough (DUE) funding from the local government.
…………………………………………………………………………
- The project is continuing as planned (AHEAD)
…………………………………………………………………………
- She has a great reputation (HIGHLY) in the local area. We should hire her.
…………………………………………………………………………
- I am sure that (DOUBT) the show will be a resounding success.
…………………………………………………………………………
- I didn’t remember seeing (RECOLLECTION) Julia on Saturday night until I saw her at work on Monday morning.
…………………………………………………………………………
- The teenagers ignored (NOTICE) me and carried on smoking and playing loud music.
…………………………………………………………………………
- I left my handbag on the train, I don’t think I will find (UP) it again.
…………………………………………………………………………
- He really became famous (NAME) when he moved to LA in 2006.
…………………………………………………………………………
- It’s official, I officially told my boss I was leaving (NOTICE) yesterday and I’m starting my own business next week!
…………………………………………………………………………
- She can’t even boil an egg, so she definitely can’t (ALONE) cook a full meal for ten people.
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