PTE Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks

10 new sets of 4/5 questions with options, each based on a different passage. The format matches the example: a short passage with numbered blanks and multiple-choice options.

Set 1

Passage: The Benefits of Reading

Reading is one of the most beneficial habits a person can develop. It not only improves vocabulary and writing skills but also (1) ______ the mind and reduces stress. Studies have shown that reading fiction can increase empathy, as readers (2) ______ with characters and their experiences. Unlike passive activities such as watching television, reading requires active engagement and (3) ______ concentration. Unfortunately, many people (4) ______ reading for pleasure due to busy schedules. Experts suggest setting aside at least twenty minutes a day to read, as even short sessions can have a (5) ______ impact on overall well-being.

Options:

1. A) sharpens B) sharpening C) sharpened D) sharp

2. A) identify B) relate C) connect D) associate

3. A) sustain B) sustained C) sustaining D) sustains

4. A) neglect B) ignore C) overlook D) dismiss

5. A) significance B) significant C) significantly D) signify

Set 2

Passage: Climate Change and Agriculture

Climate change is increasingly (1) ______ global agriculture. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are making it harder for farmers to (2) ______ stable harvests. In many regions, crops that once thrived are now failing due to drought or flooding. Scientists warn that unless urgent action is taken, food shortages could become (3) ______ in the coming decades. Some farmers are adapting by switching to drought-resistant crops, while others are (4) ______ to new technologies to improve efficiency. Governments must also play a role by investing in sustainable farming practices and (5) ______ farmers with the resources they need.

Options:

1. A) affect B) affecting C) affected D) affects

2. A) produce B) achieve C) attain D) secure

3. A) widespread B) widely C) width D) widen

4. A) turning B) turn C) turned D) turns

5. A) provide B) provided C) providing D) provides

Set 3

Passage: The Rise of Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically (1) ______ the way people work. Millions of employees were forced to work from home, and many discovered that remote work offered greater flexibility and a better work-life balance. Companies also benefited, as they were able to (2) ______ overhead costs and access talent from around the world. However, remote work is not without its (3) ______. Some workers report feeling isolated, while others struggle to separate their professional and personal lives. To address these issues, employers are increasingly (4) ______ hybrid models that combine remote and office work. Experts believe that remote work is here to stay and will continue to (5) ______ the future of employment.

Options:

1. A) transformed B) transforming C) transform D) transformation

2. A) reduce B) decline C) decrease D) lower

3. A) drawbacks B) drawback C) drawn D) drawing

4. A) adopting B) adopted C) adopt D) adopts

5. A) shape B) shaping C) shaped D) shapes

Set 4

Passage: The Importance of Exercise

Regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining good health. It helps control weight, strengthens muscles and bones, and (1) ______ the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise also releases endorphins, which are chemicals that (2) ______ mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Despite these benefits, many people fail to (3) ______ enough physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles, long working hours, and lack of motivation are common (4) ______. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but even small amounts of activity can make a (5) ______ difference.

Options:

1. A) reduces B) reducing C) reduced D) reduction

2. A) improve B) improves C) improving D) improved

3. A) get B) do C) make D) take

4. A) barriers B) barrier C) barring D) barred

5. A) meaning B) meaningful C) meaningfully D) mean

Set 5

Passage: The Impact of Social Media

Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate and share information. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow users to connect with friends, follow news, and express opinions instantly. However, social media also has a (1) ______ side. Excessive use has been linked to anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality, especially among young people. Many users feel pressure to (2) ______ unrealistic standards of beauty and success. Additionally, the spread of misinformation has become a serious (3) ______. To use social media responsibly, experts recommend (4) ______ time spent online and being critical of the content we consume. Ultimately, social media is a tool, and its impact depends on how we (5) ______ it.

Options:

1. A) dark B) darker C) darkest D) darkness

2. A) live up to B) live with C) live on D) live by

3. A) concern B) concerned C) concerning D) concerns

4. A) limit B) limiting C) limited D) limits

5. A) choose B) choose to C) choose for D) choose in

Set 6

Passage: Learning a Second Language

Learning a second language offers numerous cognitive, social, and professional benefits. Research shows that bilingual individuals tend to have better problem-solving skills and are more (1) ______ at multitasking. Learning a new language also (2) ______ cultural awareness and can open up career opportunities. However, mastering a second language requires time, patience, and consistent practice. Many learners become (3) ______ when they do not see immediate results. Experts suggest setting realistic goals and (4) ______ in the language as often as possible. Immersion programs, where learners live in a country where the language is spoken, are considered one of the most (5) ______ ways to learn.

Options:

1. A) adept B) adapt C) adopt D) adequate

2. A) enhances B) enhancing C) enhanced D) enhancement

3. A) frustrated B) frustrating C) frustrate D) frustration

4. A) immerse B) immersing C) immersed D) immersion

5. A) effect B) effective C) effectively D) effectiveness

Set 7

Passage: The Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and societies. From self-driving cars to medical diagnosis, AI systems are becoming increasingly (1) ______ at performing tasks that once required human intelligence. Proponents argue that AI will boost productivity, improve healthcare, and (2) ______ solutions to complex global problems. Critics, however, warn that AI could (3) ______ millions of jobs and raise ethical concerns about privacy and autonomy. Governments and tech companies are now (4) ______ to develop regulations that ensure AI is used responsibly. The key challenge is to harness the benefits of AI while (5) ______ its risks.

Options:

1. A) capable B) capacity C) capable of D) capability

2. A) offer B) offering C) offered D) offers

3. A) eliminate B) elimination C) eliminated D) eliminating

4. A) working B) work C) worked D) works

5. A) minimize B) minimizing C) minimized D) minimum

Set 8

Passage: The Value of Volunteering

Volunteering is a rewarding activity that benefits both the volunteer and the community. It allows individuals to (1) ______ back to society, develop new skills, and meet like-minded people. Studies have shown that volunteering can improve mental health by (2) ______ feelings of purpose and belonging. It also looks good on a resume, as employers value candidates who (3) ______ community involvement. However, volunteering requires commitment and time, and some people find it difficult to (4) ______ their responsibilities. Despite these challenges, the benefits far outweigh the costs, and many volunteers report feeling more (5) ______ and fulfilled.

Options:

1. A) give B) take C) put D) set

2. A) create B) creating C) created D) creation

3. A) demonstrate B) demonstrates C) demonstrated D) demonstrating

4. A) balance B) balancing C) balanced D) balances

5. A) content B) contented C) contentment D) contentedly

Set 9

Passage: The Dangers of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste (1) ______ into the oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. Plastic takes hundreds of years to (2) ______, and much of it breaks down into microplastics that enter the food chain. Wildlife often mistakes plastic for food, leading to (3) ______ and death. To tackle this problem, governments are banning single-use plastics, and companies are developing biodegradable alternatives. Individuals can also help by (4) ______ plastic use and recycling properly. Without urgent action, the (5) ______ of plastic pollution will only worsen.

Options:

1. A) end up B) end with C) end in D) end by

2. A) decompose B) decomposition C) decomposing D) decomposed

3. A) injury B) injure C) injured D) injuring

4. A) reduce B) reducing C) reduced D) reduction

5. A) severe B) severity C) severely D) severeness

Set 10

Passage: The Power of Habit

Habits shape our daily lives more than we realize. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, much of our behavior is driven by (1) ______ routines. Research suggests that nearly 40% of our actions are habits rather than conscious decisions. Good habits, such as exercising regularly or reading daily, can (2) ______ to long-term success and well-being. Bad habits, on the other hand, can (3) ______ our health and relationships. The good news is that habits can be changed with effort and (4) ______. Experts recommend starting small, being consistent, and replacing bad habits with positive ones. Over time, these changes can (5) ______ a significant impact on our lives.

Options:

1. A) automatic B) automatically C) automate D) automation

2. A) contribute B) contribution C) contributing D) contributed

3. A) harm B) harmful C) harmfully D) harmed

4. A) patient B) patience C) patiently D) patients

5. A) have B) having C) had D) has

PTE Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks

Answers with Short Reasons

Set 1

1. A) sharpens — Subject "It" is singular; a present-tense verb is needed.

2. A) identify — "Identify with" is the correct phrase meaning to relate to.

3. A) sustain — Parallel structure with "requires active engagement and ___ concentration"; base verb needed.

4. A) neglect — "Neglect" fits best, meaning to fail to care for something habitually.

5. B) significant — An adjective is needed before the noun "impact."

Set 2

1. B) affecting — Present continuous tense; "is increasingly affecting" is correct.

2. A) produce — "Produce harvests" is the natural collocation.

3. A) widespread — An adjective is needed after "become."

4. A) turning — Parallel with "are adapting... while others are turning"; present continuous.

5. C) providing — Parallel with "investing"; a gerund is needed after "by."

Set 3

1. A) transformed — Past tense is needed; the pandemic already changed the way people work.

2. A) reduce — "Reduce costs" is the correct collocation; "decrease/lower" are less natural with "overhead costs."

3. A) drawbacks — A plural noun is needed; "its" refers to remote work, which has multiple drawbacks.

4. A) adopting — Present continuous; "are increasingly adopting."

5. A) shape — Base verb after "will continue to."

Set 4

1. A) reduces — Parallel with "helps control" and "strengthens"; singular subject "It."

2. A) improve — Plural subject "chemicals"; base present-tense verb.

3. A) get — "Get enough physical activity" is the natural collocation.

4. A) barriers — Plural noun needed; "are common barriers."

5. B) meaningful — An adjective is needed before the noun "difference."

Set 5

1. A) dark — "Dark side" is a fixed expression; an adjective is needed.

2. A) live up to — "Live up to standards" is the correct phrasal verb.

3. A) concern — A singular noun is needed after "a serious."

4. B) limiting — Gerund after "recommend"; "recommend limiting."

5. A) choose — Base verb after "how we"; "how we choose it."

Set 6

1. A) adept — "Adept at" means skilled at; it is the correct adjective + preposition combination.

2. A) enhances — Singular subject "Learning"; present-tense verb.

3. A) frustrated — Past-participle adjective describing how learners feel.

4. B) immersing — Parallel with "setting"; gerund after "and."

5. B) effective — An adjective is needed before the noun "ways."

Set 7

1. A) capable — "Increasingly capable" works as an adjective describing AI systems.

2. A) offer — Parallel with "boost" and "improve"; base verb after "will."

3. A) eliminate — Base verb after "could."

4. A) working — Present continuous; "are now working to develop."

5. B) minimizing — Gerund after "while"; parallel with "harness."

Set 8

1. A) give — "Give back to society" is the fixed phrase.

2. B) creating — Gerund after the preposition "by."

3. A) demonstrate — "Who" refers to plural "candidates"; base present-tense verb.

4. A) balance — Base verb after "to"; "difficult to balance."

5. A) content — Adjective meaning satisfied; "more content and fulfilled."

Set 9

1. A) end up — "End up in the oceans" means eventually arrive there; correct phrasal verb.

2. A) decompose — Base verb after "to"; "takes years to decompose."

3. A) injury — A noun is needed; it is parallel with "death."

4. B) reducing — Gerund after "by."

5. B) severity — A noun is needed as the subject; "the severity of plastic pollution."

Set 10

1. A) automatic — An adjective is needed before the noun "routines."

2. A) contribute — Base verb after "can"; "can contribute to."

3. A) harm — Base verb after "can"; "can harm our health."

4. B) patience — A noun is needed; "effort and patience."

5. A) have — Base verb after "can"; "can have a significant impact."

20 new sets of 4–5 questions with options, each based on a different passage, with answers and short reasons at the end.

Set 1

Passage: The Importance of Trees

Trees are essential to life on Earth. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide habitat for countless species. Trees also help (1) ______ soil erosion and regulate the water cycle. In cities, they reduce the urban heat island effect and (2) ______ air quality. Despite these benefits, deforestation continues at an alarming (3) ______. Each year, millions of hectares of forest are cleared for agriculture and development. Reforestation efforts are (4) ______ in many countries, but they cannot fully replace the biodiversity lost. Protecting existing forests is (5) ______ more effective than planting new ones.

Options:

1. A) prevent B) prevents C) preventing D) prevention

2. A) improve B) improves C) improving D) improved

3. A) rate B) rated C) rating D) rates

4. A) underway B) under way C) underweight D) underhand

5. A) very B) far C) much D) so

Set 2

Passage: The Benefits of Music

Music has a profound effect on the human mind and body. Listening to music can (1) ______ stress, improve mood, and even boost cognitive performance. Studies show that learning to play an instrument (2) ______ memory and spatial reasoning skills. Music therapy is now used to help patients with dementia, depression, and chronic pain. It works by (3) ______ the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. Whether you are a professional musician or simply enjoy listening, music can (4) ______ your quality of life. It is one of the few activities that (5) ______ the whole brain.

Options:

1. A) reduce B) reduces C) reducing D) reduction

2. A) enhance B) enhances C) enhancing D) enhanced

3. A) trigger B) triggers C) triggering D) triggered

4. A) significant B) significantly C) signify D) significance

5. A) engage B) engages C) engaging D) engaged

Set 3

Passage: Online Learning

Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent years. It offers flexibility, allowing students to study at their own (1) ______ and from any location. However, it also requires self-discipline and motivation, as there is no teacher physically (2) ______ progress. Some students struggle with the lack of face-to-face interaction and feel (3) ______ from their peers. To address this, many platforms now include discussion forums and virtual classrooms. Research suggests that online learning can be just as (4) ______ as traditional learning when done properly. The key is to (5) ______ a balance between flexibility and structure.

Options:

1. A) pace B) step C) speed D) rate

2. A) monitor B) monitors C) monitoring D) monitored

3. A) isolated B) isolating C) isolation D) isolate

4. A) effect B) effective C) effectively D) effectiveness

5. A) strike B) striking C) struck D) strikes

Set 4

Passage: Healthy Eating

A balanced diet is essential for good health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins (1) ______ the body with the nutrients it needs. Poor diet is a major (2) ______ factor for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Unfortunately, many people (3) ______ processed foods over fresh ones because they are cheaper and more convenient. Nutritionists recommend reading food labels and (4) ______ sugary drinks with water. Small changes in diet can (5) ______ a big difference over time.

Options:

1. A) provide B) provides C) providing D) provided

2. A) risk B) risky C) risked D) risking

3. A) choose B) chooses C) choosing D) chose

4. A) replace B) replacing C) replaced D) replacement

5. A) make B) makes C) making D) made

Set 5

Passage: Space Exploration

Space exploration has captured human imagination for decades. It has led to countless technological innovations, from satellite communications to medical devices. Sending astronauts to the Moon and Mars (1) ______ enormous resources, but many argue the benefits outweigh the costs. Space research helps us understand our planet and (2) ______ for natural disasters. It also inspires young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. Private companies are now (3) ______ a larger role in space travel, (4) ______ costs and increasing access. The future of space exploration (5) ______ on continued investment and international cooperation.

Options:

1. A) require B) requires C) requiring D) required

2. A) prepare B) prepares C) preparing D) prepared

3. A) play B) plays C) playing D) played

4. A) reduce B) reduces C) reducing D) reduced

5. A) depend B) depends C) depending D) depended

Set 6

Passage: The Importance of Water

Water is essential for all forms of life. The human body is made up of about 60% water, and every cell, tissue, and organ (1) ______ water to function properly. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and poor concentration. It is recommended that adults (2) ______ at least eight glasses of water a day. However, many people (3) ______ to drink enough, especially during busy days. Drinking water regularly can (4) ______ energy levels and improve skin health. It is one of the simplest yet most (5) ______ things you can do for your body.

Options:

1. A) need B) needs C) needing D) needed

2. A) drink B) drinks C) drinking D) drank

3. A) fail B) fails C) failing D) failed

4. A) boost B) boosts C) boosting D) boosted

5. A) effect B) effective C) effectively D) effectiveness

Set 7

Passage: The Rise of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common on roads worldwide. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and are (1) ______ cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. Governments are encouraging their adoption by (2) ______ tax breaks and building charging infrastructure. However, EVs still face challenges, including limited range and high upfront costs. Battery technology is (3) ______ rapidly, and prices are expected to fall in the coming years. Many experts believe that EVs will (4) ______ replace conventional cars within the next few decades. This shift will (5) ______ a major impact on the environment and the global economy.

Options:

1. A) significant B) significantly C) significance D) signify

2. A) offer B) offers C) offering D) offered

3. A) improve B) improves C) improving D) improved

4. A) eventual B) eventually C) event D) eventful

5. A) have B) has C) having D) had

Set 8

Passage: The Benefits of Travel

Traveling to new places can be a life-changing experience. It exposes people to different cultures, languages, and ways of life, which (1) ______ tolerance and understanding. Travel also helps individuals (2) ______ new skills, such as navigation, communication, and problem-solving. Many people find that traveling (3) ______ their stress and boosts their creativity. However, travel can also be expensive and (4) ______ time-consuming. Despite these challenges, the personal growth that comes from travel is (5) ______ valuable.

Options:

1. A) promote B) promotes C) promoting D) promoted

2. A) develop B) develops C) developing D) developed

3. A) reduce B) reduces C) reducing D) reduced

4. A) potential B) potentially C) potency D) potent

5. A) immense B) immensely C) immensity D) immenseness

Set 9

Passage: The Problem of Plastic Waste

Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. Every year, millions of tons of plastic (1) ______ up in landfills and oceans. Plastic does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks into tiny particles called microplastics, which (2) ______ wildlife and enter the food chain. Many countries have started (3) ______ single-use plastics such as bags and straws. Individuals can also help by recycling and (4) ______ reusable products. Without urgent action, the amount of plastic in the ocean (5) ______ to triple by 2040.

Options:

1. A) end B) ends C) ending D) ended

2. A) harm B) harms C) harming D) harmed

3. A) ban B) bans C) banning D) banned

4. A) choose B) chooses C) choosing D) chose

5. A) expect B) expects C) is expected D) are expected

Set 10

Passage: The Value of Teamwork

Teamwork is essential in almost every aspect of life, from school projects to corporate environments. When people work together, they can (1) ______ problems more effectively and generate creative solutions. Teamwork also (2) ______ a sense of belonging and shared purpose. However, working in a team is not always easy; conflicts can (3) ______ when personalities clash or goals differ. Successful teams require clear communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to (4) ______. Leaders play a key role in (5) ______ team members and fostering a positive environment.

Options:

1. A) solve B) solves C) solving D) solved

2. A) create B) creates C) creating D) created

3. A) arise B) arises C) arising D) arose

4. A) compromise B) compromises C) compromising D) compromised

5. A) motivate B) motivates C) motivating D) motivated

Set 11

Passage: The Dangers of Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. It (1) ______ the lungs, heart, and nearly every other organ in the body. Smokers are at a much higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Secondhand smoke is also dangerous, (2) ______ non-smokers who live or work with smokers. Fortunately, many countries have (3) ______ strict laws to ban smoking in public places. Campaigns to raise awareness and (4) ______ people to quit have also been effective. The sooner a person stops smoking, the more their body can (5) ______.

Options:

1. A) damage B) damages C) damaging D) damaged

2. A) affect B) affects C) affecting D) affected

3. A) introduce B) introduces C) introducing D) introduced

4. A) encourage B) encourages C) encouraging D) encouraged

5. A) recover B) recovers C) recovering D) recovered

Set 12

Passage: The Power of Reading

Reading is one of the most beneficial habits a person can develop. It (1) ______ vocabulary, improves writing skills, and expands knowledge. Reading fiction, in particular, has been shown to (2) ______ empathy by allowing readers to experience the world through others' eyes. It also provides an escape from daily stress and can (3) ______ relaxation. Unlike passive entertainment, reading requires active engagement and (4) ______ concentration. Even reading for just twenty minutes a day can (5) ______ a significant impact on personal growth.

Options:

1. A) build B) builds C) building D) built

2. A) increase B) increases C) increasing D) increased

3. A) promote B) promotes C) promoting D) promoted

4. A) sustain B) sustains C) sustaining D) sustained

5. A) have B) has C) having D) had

Set 13

Passage: Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. Rising global temperatures (1) ______ to more heatwaves, droughts, and storms. Coastal cities are especially (2) ______ to flooding as sea levels rise. Scientists warn that unless greenhouse gas emissions are (3) ______, the situation will worsen. Governments are under pressure to (4) ______ renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Individuals can also contribute by (5) ______ energy and supporting sustainable policies.

Options:

1. A) lead B) leads C) leading D) led

2. A) vulnerable B) vulnerably C) vulnerability D) vulnerableness

3. A) reduce B) reduces C) reducing D) reduced

4. A) invest B) invests C) investing D) invested

5. A) conserve B) conserves C) conserving D) conserved

Set 14

Passage: The Importance of Breakfast

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast (1) ______ energy levels and helps concentration throughout the morning. It also (2) ______ overeating later in the day by reducing hunger. Studies show that people who skip breakfast are more (3) ______ to be overweight and have poorer diets. A good breakfast should include protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Unfortunately, many people (4) ______ breakfast due to busy mornings. Taking just a few minutes to eat something nutritious can (5) ______ a big difference.

Options:

1. A) boost B) boosts C) boosting D) boosted

2. A) prevent B) prevents C) preventing D) prevented

3. A) likely B) likelihood C) likeliness D) liked

4. A) skip B) skips C) skipping D) skipped

5. A) make B) makes C) making D) made

Set 15

Passage: The Rise of Streaming Services

Streaming services have transformed the entertainment industry. Instead of watching scheduled programs on television, viewers can now (1) ______ what they want, when they want. This shift has (2) ______ traditional broadcasters, many of whom are losing subscribers. Streaming platforms also produce original content, (3) ______ billions of dollars in investment. However, the growing number of platforms means viewers must (4) ______ between multiple subscriptions, which can be expensive. Despite this, streaming continues to (5) ______ in popularity worldwide.

Options:

1. A) watch B) watches C) watching D) watched

2. A) challenge B) challenges C) challenging D) challenged

3. A) attract B) attracts C) attracting D) attracted

4. A) choose B) chooses C) choosing D) chose

5. A) grow B) grows C) growing D) grew

Set 16

Passage: The Benefits of Gardening

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that offers numerous benefits. It (1) ______ physical activity, which helps maintain fitness and flexibility. Being outdoors and (2) ______ with nature also reduces stress and improves mood. Gardening can even (3) ______ cognitive function in older adults. Growing your own fruits and vegetables ensures access to fresh, healthy produce. However, gardening requires patience, as plants take time to (4) ______. For beginners, it is best to start with easy-to-grow plants and (5) ______ gradually.

Options:

1. A) provide B) provides C) providing D) provided

2. A) connect B) connects C) connecting D) connected

3. A) improve B) improves C) improving D) improved

4. A) mature B) matures C) maturing D) matured

5. A) expand B) expands C) expanding D) expanded

Set 17

Passage: The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation has become a serious public health issue. Many people do not (1) ______ the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep loss can (2) ______ to problems with memory, mood, and immune function. It also increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Drivers who are sleep-deprived are more (3) ______ to have accidents. To improve sleep, experts recommend (4) ______ a regular schedule and avoiding screens before bed. Prioritizing sleep is essential for (5) ______ health and well-being.

Options:

1. A) get B) gets C) getting D) got

2. A) lead B) leads C) leading D) led

3. A) likely B) likelihood C) likeliness D) liked

4. A) keep B) keeps C) keeping D) kept

5. A) maintain B) maintains C) maintaining D) maintained

Set 18

Passage: The Importance of Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that many people lack. Understanding how to budget, save, and invest (1) ______ individuals make better financial decisions. It also helps people avoid debt and (2) ______ for emergencies. Unfortunately, financial education is not always taught in schools, (3) ______ many young adults unprepared for real-world money management. Governments and organizations are now (4) ______ programs to improve financial literacy. Learning to manage money wisely can (5) ______ a lifetime of benefits.

Options:

1. A) help B) helps C) helping D) helped

2. A) prepare B) prepares C) preparing D) prepared

3. A) leave B) leaves C) leaving D) left

4. A) launch B) launches C) launching D) launched

5. A) bring B) brings C) bringing D) brought

Set 19

Passage: The Benefits of Pets

Owning a pet can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health. Pets provide companionship, which (1) ______ loneliness and depression. Walking a dog, for example, encourages regular exercise and (2) ______ cardiovascular health. Pets can also help children (3) ______ responsibility and empathy. However, owning a pet is a big commitment and requires time, money, and patience. Before (4) ______ a pet, individuals should carefully consider their lifestyle. For many people, the benefits of pet ownership far (5) ______ the challenges.

Options:

1. A) reduce B) reduces C) reducing D) reduced

2. A) improve B) improves C) improving D) improved

3. A) develop B) develops C) developing D) developed

4. A) adopt B) adopts C) adopting D) adopted

5. A) outweigh B) outweighs C) outweighing D) outweighed

Set 20

Passage: The Future of Work

The nature of work is changing rapidly due to technology and globalization. Automation and artificial intelligence are (1) ______ many routine tasks, freeing workers to focus on creative and strategic roles. Remote work has become more common, (2) ______ employees greater flexibility. However, these changes also bring challenges, such as job insecurity and the need for continuous (3) ______. Workers must adapt by learning new skills and (4) ______ open to change. Governments and companies must work together to ensure that the transition (5) ______ fairly for everyone.

Options:

1. A) automate B) automates C) automating D) automated

2. A) give B) gives C) giving D) gave

3. A) learn B) learns C) learning D) learned

4. A) remain B) remains C) remaining D) remained

5. A) be B) is C) are D) being

ANSWER KEY WITH SHORT REASONS

Set 1

1. A) prevent — Base verb after "help"; "help prevent."

2. A) improve — Parallel with "reduce"; base verb after "and."

3. A) rate — "At an alarming rate" is a fixed expression.

4. A) underway — "Underway" means in progress; correct adjective.

5. B) far — "Far more effective" is the correct comparative intensifier.

Set 2

1. A) reduce — Base verb after "can."

2. B) enhances — Singular subject "learning to play an instrument."

3. C) triggering — Gerund after preposition "by."

4. B) significantly — Adverb modifying verb "improve."

5. B) engages — Singular subject "one of the few activities."

Set 3

1. A) pace — "At their own pace" is a fixed expression.

2. C) monitoring — Present participle modifying "teacher"; "no teacher physically monitoring."

3. A) isolated — Past participle adjective describing how students feel.

4. B) effective — Adjective after "as...as."

5. A) strike — Base verb after "to"; "to strike a balance."

Set 4

1. B) provides — Singular subject "Eating a variety" (treated as singular).

2. A) risk — "Risk factor" is a compound noun; adjective "risk" used attributively.

3. A) choose — Plural subject "many people"; base present tense.

4. B) replacing — Parallel with "reading"; gerund after "and."

5. A) make — Base verb after "can."

Set 5

1. B) requires — Gerund phrase "Sending astronauts..." acts as singular subject.

2. B) prepares — Parallel with "helps"; singular subject "Space research."

3. C) playing — Present continuous; "are now playing."

4. C) reducing — Parallel with "increasing"; gerund.

5. B) depends — Singular subject "The future."

Set 6

1. B) needs — Singular subject "every cell, tissue, and organ" (each).

2. A) drink — Subjunctive/base form after "recommended that."

3. A) fail — Plural subject "many people"; base present tense.

4. A) boost — Base verb after "can."

5. B) effective — Adjective before noun "things."

Set 7

1. B) significantly — Adverb modifying "cheaper."

2. C) offering — Gerund after preposition "by."

3. C) improving — Present continuous; "is improving."

4. B) eventually — Adverb modifying "replace."

5. A) have — Base verb after "will."

Set 8

1. B) promotes — Singular subject "which" refers to "exposes people to different cultures..."

2. A) develop — Base verb after "help."

3. B) reduces — Singular subject "traveling."

4. B) potentially — Adverb modifying "time-consuming."

5. B) immensely — Adverb modifying "valuable."

Set 9

1. A) end — Plural subject "millions of tons"; base present tense.

2. A) harm — Plural subject "which" refers to "microplastics"; base present tense.

3. C) banning — Gerund after "started."

4. C) choosing — Parallel with "recycling"; gerund.

5. C) is expected — Passive voice; singular subject "the amount."

Set 10

1. A) solve — Base verb after "can."

2. B) creates — Singular subject "Teamwork."

3. A) arise — Base verb after "can."

4. A) compromise — Base verb after "to."

5. C) motivating — Gerund after preposition "in."

Set 11

1. B) damages — Singular subject "It."

2. C) affecting — Present participle modifying "secondhand smoke."

3. D) introduced — Past participle in present perfect; "have introduced."

4. A) encourage — Base verb after "and"; parallel with "raise."

5. A) recover — Base verb after "can."

Set 12

1. B) builds — Singular subject "It."

2. A) increase — Base verb after "to."

3. A) promote — Base verb after "can."

4. C) sustaining — Parallel with "active engagement"; gerund.

5. A) have — Base verb after "can."

Set 13

1. A) lead — Plural subject "temperatures"; base present tense.

2. A) vulnerable — Adjective after "especially."

3. D) reduced — Past participle in passive; "are reduced."

4. A) invest — Base verb after "to."

5. C) conserving — Gerund after preposition "by."

Set 14

1. B) boosts — Singular subject "Eating a healthy breakfast."

2. B) prevents — Singular subject "It."

3. A) likely — "More likely to" is the correct structure.

4. A) skip — Plural subject "many people"; base present tense.

5. A) make — Base verb after "can."

Set 15

1. A) watch — Base verb after "can."

2. D) challenged — Past participle in present perfect; "has challenged."

3. C) attracting — Present participle modifying "produce original content."

4. A) choose — Base verb after "must."

5. A) grow — Base verb after "continue to."

Set 16

1. B) provides — Singular subject "It."

2. C) connecting — Parallel with "being outdoors"; gerund.

3. A) improve — Base verb after "can."

4. A) mature — Base verb after "to."

5. A) expand — Base verb after "and"; parallel with "start."

Set 17

1. A) get — Plural subject "many people"; base present tense.

2. A) lead — Base verb after "can."

3. A) likely — "More likely to" is the correct structure.

4. C) keeping — Gerund after "recommend."

5. C) maintaining — Gerund after preposition "for."

Set 18

1. B) helps — Singular subject "Understanding how to budget..."

2. A) prepare — Base verb after "help"; parallel with "avoid."

3. C) leaving — Present participle showing result.

4. C) launching — Present continuous; "are now launching."

5. A) bring — Base verb after "can."

Set 19

1. B) reduces — Singular subject "which" refers to "companionship."

2. B) improves — Singular subject "Walking a dog."

3. A) develop — Base verb after "help."

4. C) adopting — Gerund after preposition "before."

5. A) outweigh — Plural subject "benefits"; base present tense.

Set 20

1. C) automating — Present continuous; "are automating."

2. C) giving — Present participle showing result.

3. C) learning — Gerund after preposition "for."

4. C) remaining — Parallel with "learning"; gerund.

5. B) is — Singular subject "the transition."

Friday, 2 October 2026