Grammar clue guide
Before you look for the answer, decide what kind of word the gap needs. The words around the gap tell you.
Clues: after a / an / the / this / my / some / many / two; after an adjective (a large ……); after a preposition (in the ……); before of (the …… of).
Check: singular, plural or uncountable? a → singular; two / many → plural; much / some → uncountable.
Clues: after to and modals (can, must, will) → base form; after enjoy, avoid, finish → -ing; after have / has / been / was → past participle (-ed, -en); after a subject → a tense form.
Clues: before a noun (a …… day); after be, seem, become (is ……); after very, quite, extremely when a noun follows.
Clues: after a verb (spoke ……); between have and the participle (have …… risen); before an adjective (highly active); often ends in -ly.
Preposition: before a noun (at 9 a.m., in London). Number: after £ or before a unit (…… weeks). Name: after Mr / Ms or when spelling is dictated.
The Science of Sleep
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Sleep is far from a passive state. While we rest, the brain remains highly active, sorting the day’s experiences and strengthening important memories. Researchers have shown that students who sleep well after studying perform significantly better in tests than those who stay awake. Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, yet surveys suggest that a growing number regularly sleep for fewer than six. The consequences can be serious: tiredness reduces concentration, weakens the immune system and increases the risk of accidents. Experts recommend keeping a regular bedtime, avoiding screens in the evening and making the bedroom dark and quiet. Interestingly, caffeine taken even six hours before bed can disturb sleep, although many people are unaware of this.
Listening transcript: booking a course
Read it like a listening script. Notice how the words around each answer give grammar clues.
Receptionist: Good morning, Lakeside Language School. How can I help?
Caller: Hello, I’d like to book a place on the evening English course.
Receptionist: Certainly. Can I take your name?
Caller: It’s Maria Fernandez – that’s F-E-R-N-A-N-D-E-Z.
Receptionist: Thank you. And your phone number?
Caller: It’s 0773 905 4412.
Receptionist: The course starts on Tuesday the fourteenth of March and lasts eight weeks. Classes are held in the Garden Building.
Caller: What time are the lessons?
Receptionist: From half past six to eight thirty. The fee is two hundred and fifty pounds, and you’ll also need to buy a workbook.
Caller: Can I pay by credit card?
Receptionist: Yes, you can pay by card or in cash. Please bring a passport as proof of identity.
Clue guide practice
Read the guide on the left. What kind of word does each gap need?
Level 1: Beginner
Choose the part of speech that fits each gap.
Level 2: Intermediate
Be more exact: singular, plural or uncountable noun? Which verb form?
Level 3: Upper-intermediate (note completion)
Notes often leave out small words, so use the headings and the words around each gap.
Meeting point: outside the (1) ……
Cost per person: £(2) ……
Wear (3) …… shoes
Bring a (4) …… of water
Suitable for (5) …… of all ages
Guide’s name: Mr (6) ……
Tickets must be (7) …… in advance
Tours run (8) …… from Monday to Friday
Visitors should avoid (9) …… the walls
The café is (10) …… on Mondays
Level 4: Advanced (reading)
Read the passage on the left. For each gap, first decide the type of word, then type the answer (NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage).
Listening: predict before you hear
Read the transcript on the left (in the exam you would hear it). For each gap in the form, decide what kind of answer is needed, then type it.
Surname: (1) ……
Phone number: (2) ……
Course starts on: (3) …… 14th March
Time: 6.30 to (4) ……
Fee: £(5) ……
Place: (6) …… Building
Bring: (7) …… (proof of identity)
Pay by: (8) …… or cash