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Use of English Exercises Practice Set 1

Phrasal verbs with: -write, brush, mug, scrape, and swot (referring to courses and exams) -read, dip, write, jot, tone, and set (referring to ways of reading and writing)

1) Identify the meaning of the following phrasal verbs bearing in mind the context in which they were used. Choose between A or B and say which option best suits the meaning according to the context.

He usually spent the solitary evenings writing up his reports for the newspapper agency.

A: To record sth in writing in a full and complete form, often using notes that you made earlier B: To continue without stopping or changing, or to continue something without allowing it to stop or change

The date of my trip to Paris was coming closer so I ask my friend to help me brush up my French. Though I hadnt used the language since secondary school, I still remember some words.

A: to teach sb something or influence the way they behave

B: to practise and improve your skills or knowledge of something that you learned in the past

When I came to visit my cousin on Sunday, aunt Alice told me he was upstaris mugging up history. She also told me that John had been staying up late the whole week and playing video games instead of studying. I didnt want to disturb him so I went back home.

A:To ground or punish a child by not allowing them to go out with their friends for a period of time B: To try to learn sth over short period of time so that you can remember the main facts about it.

Dont just mug up on the key points you need for the exam and hope that youll scrape through with little effort.

A: To only just succeed in passing an examination or dealing with a difficult situation

B: To improve a skill or an ability by practising it

She spent the whole week, day and night, at home swotting up on American History. It was the last time she would sit for an exam and she knew the effort was worth it.

A: To read or learn as much as you can about a subject, usually because you are going to be asked questions about it, or take an examination

B: To learn something by watching or listening to other people, rather than by studying it

You'll enjoy traveling more if you read up on the history of the countries you'll be visiting.

A: To read small parts of a book or magazine

B:To read a lot about a particular subject in order to learn about it, to read extensively

Our grammar teacher suggested that we should dip into the book by Greenbum and Quirk in case we need it when doing the exercises.

A: To read short parts of a book, magazine etc, but not the whole thing

B: To read extensively paying attention to every single detail

As a writer, I have developed many techniques throughout the years. One of them is to carry a notebook with me so that I can jot down any ideas that come to my mind at any moment.

A: To write all the necessary information on an official document or form

B: To scribble down or write sth down briefly in the form of a short informal note.

Some of the language in the original play has been toned down for the television version. The teacher advised him to tone down some paragraphs of his article so as to improve his writing.

A: To cut sth out, to remove some parts of a piece of writing

B: To make something less forceful, offensive, severe or strong usually a piece of writing or a speech

Your contract will set out the terms and conditions of your employment.

A: To give the details of something or to explain it, especially in writing, in a clear, organized way

B: To sum up the most important points in a piece of writing

Definitions to refer to written work courses: Assignement, project, portfolio, composition. 2) Identify the correct meaning of the words above in each of the following sentences The student had worked on his history assignment for at least two months to complete his course on Greek history.

A: A long essay, often part of a course, ussually thousands of words. B: A piece of work that is given to someone as part of their job.

The students were asked to do a portfolio to hand in at the end of the year and it consisted of five parts of different pieces of work.

A: A particular job or area of responsibility of a member of a government.

B: A collection of individual pieces of work, not necessarily written.

On the fourth year at college, students have to do a special research project on the area they choose.

A: A piece of planned work or an activity which is finished over a period of time and intended to achieve a particular aim.

B: Like an assignment, but emphasis on students own material and topic.

Students of second year at school are expected to write a 100 haundred words composition that is called Our Planet.

A: A piece of writing that could be justa 50-100 words, often used to refer to childrens work.

B: A piece of music, a poem, or a piece of writing.

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