Idioms; Commonly confused words – B2 English Vocabulary Test

1  Complete the idioms A–H. Then match them to the definitions 1–8.

1   to be unaware of the time …D…

2   to be annoying ……

3   to think about something for a short time ……

4   to make someone feel surprise and admiration ……

5   to be good at noticing a particular thing ……

6   to make you feel very sad ……

7   to be very easy ……

8   to make people feel more relaxed ……

A   a ………………. of cake

B   break someone’s ……………….

C   be a ……………….

D   ……lose…… track of time

E    have an ………………. for something

F    ………………. the ice

G   take someone’s ………………. away

H   cross someone’s ……………….

2  Complete the sentences with the phrases in the box.

1   On the first day of class we played a game ……to break the ice…… .

2   This view of the ocean is so beautiful it ……………………………. .

3   That exam ……………………………., I should get 100%.

4   Sorry I’m late, I was reading a great book and I ……………………………. .

5   I nearly cried at the end of the film, ……………………………. when the man left.

6   Did it ……………………………. they might be busy tonight?

7   My younger brother ……………………………. sometimes but he’s funny too.

8   You ……………………………. what clothes look good together, are you interested in fashion?

3  Complete the puzzle to find the mystery word. Write a definition for the mystery word.

1   a situation in which you have the chance to do something

2   the act of travelling from one place to another, usually in a vehicle

3   to give an answer when you do not have all the facts

4   a method or way of doing something

5   to watch someone or something closely

6   to hurt a person, animal or part of your body

7   humorous, causing laughter

8   Mystery word: ………………………   Definition: ………………………  

4  Complete the sentences with appropriate words.

1   I’m not sure how tall I am but I guess…… I’m around 1.65m.

2   The hurricane caused a lot of d……………… on the island with many homes totally destroyed.

3   We had a lot of f……………… at the park today.

4   It’s only snow, it won’t h……………… your clothes, just dry them later.

5   Do you k……………… how much paint we need to cover the whole wall?

6   There must be a w……………… to solve this equation.

7   This internship is a great o……………… to gain some office experience.

8   There’s a p……………… that dad might get a job in the US, but he doesn’t know for sure yet.

5  Choose the correct options.

A:   Did you complete the application form?

B:   Yes, it was a (1) break the ice / piece of cake / pain. It just required a few personal details.

A:   Good. I think it would be a great (2) observe / opportunity / possibility for you and you’d get some valuable experience.

B:   I (3) guess / know / harm so. I’m just not sure if I want to work in advertising.

A:   Well, it’s only a (4) short-term / grown-up / high-tech summer position, but it might help you decide. You (5) cross your mind / have an eye for / lose track of detail and a way with words, so you’re an ideal candidate.

B:   We’ll see. I’ll certainly (6) see the best in it / have a go at it / look bright if I get offered the job. I just wish it wasn’t so (7) badly paid / rewarding / deadline. I really need to save up for college.

A:   Perhaps there’s a (8) journey / way / injure you can make more money; evening work in a café or bar, for example.

B:   Maybe.