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Cae Practice Test – Quiz 1
Cae Practice Test Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates advanced English grammar skills, including comparative forms, subjunctive mood in requests, conditional clauses, and verb tenses. It also assesses understanding of idiomatic expressions, prepositional phrases, and subject-verb agreement.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
"Are there regular buses going into town?" "No ..... their frequency, most people take the train."
A) Since.
B) Because.
C) Owing to.
D) For.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "No ..... their frequency, most people take the train." indicates a reason for why regular buses are not preferred. The word that best connects this idea is "owing to," as it introduces the cause or reason for the statement.
Option A (Since) typically introduces a clause explaining a fact or condition.
Option B (Because) directly states the reason, which might sound abrupt in this context.
Option C (Owing to) appropriately introduces the reason why most people take the train instead of regular buses.
Option D (For) is often used to introduce a purpose rather than a cause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Introduces a clause explaining a fact or condition, not suitable for introducing a reason.
Option B:
Directly states the reason, which might sound abrupt in this context.
Option C:
Appropriately introduces the reason why most people take the train instead of regular buses.
Option D:
Introduces a purpose rather than a cause, not suitable here.
2.
The company's record sales last quarter ..... extremely hard work and exceptional relationships with clients.
A) Are being accounted for Peter's.
B) Were on account of Peter's.
C) Were owed to Peter's.
D) Were in view of Peter's.
Show Answer
Explanations:
" Were on account of Peter's." is correct because it properly conveys that the company’s record sales last quarter were due to Peter's hard work and exceptional client relationships. The phrase "were on account of" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, which fits the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Are being accounted for" implies an ongoing action or responsibility, which does not fit the past tense context of the sentence.
Option B:
Correct. "Were on account of" correctly indicates that the sales were due to Peter's efforts.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Were owed to" suggests a debt or obligation, which is not the intended meaning in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Were in view of" means considering or taking into account, which does not fit the cause-and-effect relationship described.
3.
It is difficult to study certain human traits which are determined ..... our DNA.
A) As much by environment as by.
B) By environment as.
C) As much as environment by.
D) So much by environment by.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) As much by environment as by.
This option maintains the parallel structure of the sentence, comparing the influence of DNA and environment equally. The phrase "as much by" ensures that both factors are given equal weight in determining human traits.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Maintains parallelism and balance between DNA and environment.
Option B:
Incorrect. Lacks the second "by," breaking the parallel structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Poorly structured, does not maintain parallelism.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses "so much" which is redundant and disrupts the parallelism.
4.
It is essential that design internships provide participants with the expertise ..... in such a challenging and demanding industry as fashion.
A) Which they are required.
B) Having been required.
C) Required.
D) That it required.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C "Required" is correct because it directly modifies the noun "expertise," indicating that the expertise needed is required. This fits grammatically and logically in the sentence, ensuring clarity about what participants should gain from the internship.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Which they are required" introduces an unnecessary relative clause, making the sentence awkward and unclear.
Option B:
"Having been required" is a past participle phrase that does not fit well in this context as it implies a completed action, which is not necessary here.
Option D:
"That it required" uses an unnecessary relative pronoun and verb form, making the sentence structure incorrect and confusing.
5.
..... in his yearly review, Mark was certain of getting a raise or perhaps even a promotion.
A) Having performed well.
B) Performed well.
C) To have performed well.
D) Having been performed well.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a participial phrase that functions as an adjective, modifying "Mark." The correct form is the present perfect participle "Having performed well," which indicates an action completed before another in the past and its effects continuing to the present. This makes option A the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Having performed well" functions as a participial phrase, modifying Mark and indicating his actions leading up to the review.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Performed well" is in the simple past tense and does not indicate an action completed before another event in the past.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To have performed well" is a construction that typically introduces purpose or intention, which does not fit here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Having been performed well" implies passive voice and does not fit grammatically in this context.
6.
The foreign minister said he was worried ..... progress concerning the peace talks.
A) For the lack.
B) Due to lacking.
C) Of the lack.
D) About the lack of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) About the lack of.
This option correctly uses a preposition ("about") to introduce the idea that the foreign minister's worry is related to the absence of progress in peace talks. The phrase "the lack of" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate a deficiency or absence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"For the lack" is not grammatically correct and does not fit naturally into the sentence structure.
Option B:
"Due to lacking" uses an infinitive ("to") which is unnecessary here. The preposition "due to" should be followed by a noun or pronoun, not a gerund (verb + -ing).
Option C:
"Of the lack" is grammatically correct but less natural and concise than using "about." It implies possession rather than addressing the issue at hand.
Option D:
"About the lack of" is the most appropriate choice as it clearly conveys that the minister's worry is related to the absence of progress in peace talks.
7.
Tom is a good player, but he ..... prove that he can make it in the big leagues.
A) Isn't yet to.
B) Has yet to.
C) Hadn't as yet.
D) Yet hasn't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Has yet to" is the correct answer because it properly conveys that Tom has not yet succeeded in proving his ability to perform at the big leagues, but he still has a chance to do so in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Isn't yet to" is incorrect as it does not fit grammatically and doesn't convey the intended meaning.
Option B:
"Has yet to" is correct for the given context, indicating that Tom has not yet succeeded in proving his ability.
Option C:
"Hadn't as yet" is incorrect because it implies a past action and does not fit the present tense required by the sentence structure.
Option D:
"Yet hasn't" is grammatically correct but less formal than "Has yet to," making B more suitable for this context.
8.
Marcus is an introvert and doesn't say much, ..... he surprisingly has lots of friends.
A) Except from.
B) Despite for.
C) Yet.
D) Apart for.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Yet" is the correct answer because it indicates a contrast between Marcus's introverted nature and his numerous friends, showing that despite being quiet, he has many social connections.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Except from" is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option B:
"Despite for" is incorrect; the preposition "for" does not fit here.
Option C:
"Yet" correctly conveys the contrast between Marcus's introversion and his social life.
Option D:
"Apart from" suggests separation rather than a contrasting situation, making it inappropriate for this context.
9.
Now that (= because) James is back in New York after so long he can finally ..... up for lost time and reconnect with his friends.
A) Follow.
B) Build.
C) Make.
D) Do.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "make up for lost time" is a common English idiom that means to compensate for wasted time by doing something quickly or energetically. Therefore, the correct answer is C) Make.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Follow - This does not fit the context of compensating for lost time.
Option B:
Build - While it can mean to establish something over time, it doesn't capture the sense of making up for missed opportunities.
Option C:
Make - Correct. It fits the idiom "make up for lost time."
Option D:
Do - This is too general and does not specifically convey the meaning of compensating for lost time.
10.
The executive manager ..... the financial sales report.
A) Had his assistant completing.
B) Had his assistant complete.
C) Had completed his assistance.
D) Has his assistant to complete.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the past perfect passive voice ("had his assistant complete") which indicates that the action of having someone complete the report was finished before another past event. This fits well with the context where an executive manager delegates a task to an assistant, and the task's completion precedes some other action or state.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it uses "was completing" which is in the past continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action. This does not fit the context of a completed task.
Option B:
Correct as explained above.
Option C:
Incorrect; it uses "had completed his assistance," which changes the subject to the assistant and is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect; it uses "has his assistant to complete," which is in the present tense, indicating an ongoing or habitual action. This does not fit the past context of the sentence.
11.
..... completed in track and field competitions around the country, but I've also won medals with my team as well.
A) I not only have.
B) Not have I only.
C) Not only have I.
D) I have only not.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C "Not only have I" is correct because it properly uses the structure of a "not only...but also" statement, which is appropriate for the given sentence context. The phrase indicates that the speaker has achieved two things: completing individual competitions and winning medals with their team.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it starts with "I not only have," which does not follow proper English syntax.
Option B:
Incorrect as it suggests a negative statement, which is not the intended meaning of the sentence.
Option C:
Correct for using "Not only have I" to properly introduce two related achievements.
Option D:
Incorrect as it incorrectly places the negation and does not follow proper English syntax.
12.
The Wellness Retreat offers a deluxe spa experience for anyone ..... from the frenetic pace of daily life.
A) Escaping to long.
B) Longing in escaping.
C) Longing to escape.
D) To long to escape.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Longing to escape.
This option uses the gerund "longing" as a participial phrase, which functions effectively as an adjective modifying "anyone." It smoothly connects the subject with the purpose of their participation in the spa experience.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Escaping to long" is grammatically incorrect and does not fit naturally into the sentence structure.
Option B:
"Longing in escaping" is awkward and does not function properly as a phrase in this context.
Option C:
"Longing to escape" correctly uses a gerund with an infinitive, making it the most suitable choice for the sentence.
Option D:
"To long to escape" is redundant and incorrect as "to long" does not function properly in this context.
13.
The board of directors demands the firm ..... the government tender as soon as possible.
A) Inspection of this application.
B) Inspects this application in.
C) To inspect this application at.
D) Inspect this application for.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Inspect this application for.
This option uses the infinitive form "to inspect" which is necessary after a demand from the board of directors, making it grammatically correct and fitting the context. The phrase "for the government tender as soon as possible" indicates the purpose or reason for inspection.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Inspection of this application" is a noun phrase and does not fit after "demands the firm."
Option B:
Incorrect; "Inspects this application in" is grammatically incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect; "To inspect this application at" is incomplete and awkward.
Option D:
Correct; uses the infinitive form "to inspect," which fits after a demand from the board of directors.
14.
Thanks to heavy traffic, by the time we got to the craft fair, all the best items .....
A) Had been sold.
B) Had sold.
C) Will be sold.
D) Were being sold.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses the past perfect continuous tense "had been sold" to indicate that the selling process started before a certain point in the past and continued up until another time in the past, which is when they arrived at the craft fair. This fits well with the context of heavy traffic delaying their arrival.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Had been sold" indicates that the selling process started before a certain point and continued up until another time in the past, fitting the context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Had sold" implies a completed action by the time they arrived, which doesn't fit the ongoing nature of the traffic delay scenario.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Will be sold" is in the future tense and does not match the past context established by the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Were being sold" suggests an action that was ongoing at a specific moment, which doesn't fit with the idea of items already having been sold due to the delay caused by traffic.
15.
Using signet rings on documents and letters is a European tradition ..... ancient Greece and Rome.
A) Which is dating back.
B) Which fates further from.
C) That dates further back.
D) That dates back to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Dates back to" is the correct phrase used in English to indicate a tradition's origin from a specified time in the past. "That dates back to ancient Greece and Rome" clearly states that signet rings were used in these historical periods, making option D the most appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Which is dating back" is not a proper English construction for this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Which fates further from" does not make sense in the sentence structure and meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. "That dates further back" implies an incorrect comparative form, which is unnecessary here.
Option D:
Correct. "That dates back to ancient Greece and Rome" accurately conveys the intended meaning of the sentence.
16.
He decide not to xpand his business in a(an) ..... way.
A) Conventional.
B) Common.
C) Straight.
D) Everyday.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The word "conventional" fits best in the context of the sentence, as it implies that he decided not to expand his business in a typical or standard manner. This suggests an alternative approach was chosen instead.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a non-standard method of expansion.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Common" does not fit the context as well as it is too vague and less specific than "conventional."
Option C:
Incorrect. "Straight" implies directness, which is not relevant to the business expansion context here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Everyday" suggests regularity or routine, which does not align with the idea of a different approach to business expansion.
17.
After further examination the surgeon noticed that ..... to the patient's bones was minimal.
A) Damage.
B) A damage.
C) The damaged.
D) Damages.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a singular noun to match "was" and fit grammatically with "to the patient's bones." "Damage" (Option A) is correct as it functions as an uncountable noun in this context, meaning harm or injury without specifying individual instances.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Damage" is singular and fits grammatically.
Option B:
Incorrect. "A damage" implies a specific instance of damage, which doesn't fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "The damaged" suggests a specific set of bones that have been damaged, which is not appropriate here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Damages" implies multiple instances or claims for compensation, which doesn't fit the context.
18.
The research jas given him a(n) ..... into the behaviour of animals.
A) Insight.
B) Perception.
C) Awareness.
D) Vision.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Insight refers to a deep understanding or perception, often gained through careful examination and analysis. In the context of the sentence, "insight" accurately conveys that the research has provided a profound understanding into the behavior of animals.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Insight means a deep understanding or perception.
Option B:
Perception refers to awareness through the senses, not necessarily an in-depth understanding gained from research.
Option C:
Awareness is a general state of being conscious or aware of something, which does not capture the depth implied by "insight."
Option D:
Vision typically refers to the ability to see with one's eyes and can also mean a long-term goal or plan. It does not fit the context as well as insight.
19.
The man being questioned by the investigating officer ..... conceal material facts for his own sake.
A) Better not be.
B) Should better now.
C) Would rather had not.
D) Had better not.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Had better not.
This phrase is used to give advice, suggesting a course of action that would be wise to take. In the context of the sentence, it advises against concealing material facts for one's own sake.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Better not be" is incorrect as it does not fit grammatically or logically in this context.
Option B:
"Should better now" is awkward and incorrect; the correct form would be "should have better."
Option C:
"Would rather had not" uses a past perfect tense that does not fit the present advice being given.
Option D:
"Had better not" is the appropriate choice as it correctly conveys the advice to avoid an undesirable action.
20.
It was essential ..... all the necessary information before making such an important decision.
A) That is having.
B) That he have.
C) That he has.
D) He will have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) That he have.
This option uses the subjunctive mood, which is required after "it was essential" to express a necessary condition. The phrase "that he have" correctly conveys this necessity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "having" is not in the subjunctive form.
Option B:
Correct; uses the correct subjunctive form "have."
Option C:
Incorrect; "has" is not in the subjunctive form and does not fit grammatically here.
Option D:
Incorrect; "will have" implies a future action, which is not necessary for expressing an essential condition.
21.
He ..... that half of animal species will die out in next fifty years.
A) Contends.
B) Contents.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Contends" is the correct choice because it accurately conveys a statement of belief or argument, fitting well in the context where someone is asserting that half of animal species will die out in the next fifty years. "Contents," on the other hand, means to contain or have as part of something and does not fit grammatically or semantically here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Contends" is appropriate for stating an argument or belief.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Contents" means to contain, which doesn't fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" would imply both A and B are correct, but only A fits.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
22.
Working hard toward your goal may make ..... achieve success.
A) It more like you.
B) You like it more to.
C) You more likely to.
D) It more likely you.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) You more likely to. This option correctly uses the phrase "more likely" and maintains proper subject-verb agreement, making it grammatically sound in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to improper word order and lack of verb agreement.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reasons as Option A.
Option C:
Correct, properly structured and grammatically sound.
Option D:
Incorrect because it is not a complete sentence and lacks proper verb agreement.
23.
He realised that he had to ..... their trust. Abandoning scientific detachment, he took the daring step of forming relationships with the animals, bringing them food to gain their acceptance.
A) Win.
B) Catch.
C) Achieve.
D) Receive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
He realized he had to
win
their trust. This means he needed to earn and establish the animals' confidence through his actions, such as forming relationships and providing food. The other options do not fit the context: "catch" implies capturing, "achieve" is too general, and "receive" suggests passively accepting something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Win - Correct. He needed to earn their trust.
Option B:
Catch - Incorrect. It implies capturing the animals, which is not mentioned in the context.
Option C:
Achieve - Too general; it doesn't specifically convey earning trust.
Option D:
Receive - Implies passively accepting something, not actively earning trust.
24.
If confronted with a choice between watching or playing a sport, most people would opt .....
A) The formerly.
B) For the former.
C) Of the formerly.
D) The former.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) For the former.
This option uses the preposition "for" to properly introduce the comparative form of "the former," which correctly contrasts with "the latter." The sentence structure indicates a choice, and "for" appropriately introduces the preferred option.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "The formerly" is not a correct comparative form.
Option B:
Correct. Uses proper preposition to introduce the comparison.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Of the formerly" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "The former" alone is incomplete and requires a preposition for correct usage here.
25.
By the time we arrive downtown, Laura's flight ..... at the international airport already.
A) Will have been landing.
B) Will have landed.
C) Would have landed.
D) Will be landing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
By the time we arrive downtown, Laura's flight will have landed already indicates a future point in time (our arrival) when an action (Laura’s flight landing) has been completed before that moment. "Will have landed" correctly conveys this perfect future tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Will have been landing - This suggests the action is ongoing up to and including our arrival, which doesn't fit the context of completion by then.
Option B:
Will have landed - Correct. It indicates the flight will complete its landing before we arrive downtown.
Option C:
Would have landed - This is a conditional perfect and implies a hypothetical situation, not a certainty about future events.
Option D:
Will be landing - This suggests the action is in progress at our arrival, which doesn't match the context of completion before that moment.
26.
"Can I wait in here?" " ..... , only authorized personnel are allowed in this area."
A) To speak strictly.
B) Strictly to speak.
C) Strictly speaking.
D) To be strict.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Strictly speaking" is the correct phrase to use in this context because it introduces a precise and accurate statement, indicating that the following words are to be taken as an exact interpretation of the situation. It sets up the clause that follows as a clarification or correction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To speak strictly" is not a common phrase in English and does not fit grammatically here.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Strictly to speak" is also not a correct phrase structure in this context.
Option C:
Correct. "Strictly speaking" introduces the precise statement that follows, indicating that only authorized personnel are allowed in the area.
Option D:
Incorrect. "To be strict" is a general phrase and does not fit the context of introducing an exact statement here.
27.
What I really admire about Martin Luther King, Jr. is that he devoted his life ..... what he believed in.
A) With fighting.
B) In the fight with.
C) To fighting for.
D) For the fight in.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) To fighting for.
This option correctly uses the preposition "to" followed by the gerund "fighting for," which properly conveys that Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advocating and working towards what he believed in.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"With fighting." This is incorrect because it uses an unnecessary preposition and does not fit grammatically with the rest of the sentence.
Option B:
"In the fight with." This option introduces redundancy ("the fight") and an unnecessary preposition, making it incorrect.
Option C:
"To fighting for." This is correct as explained above.
Option D:
"For the fight in." This option uses an unnecessary article ("the") and a misplaced preposition, making it incorrect.
28.
After Sarah told everyone how much she disliked house parties, no one expected ..... at Paul's apartment later that evening.
A) Her to turn up.
B) Her turn up.
C) Her turning up.
D) To turn her up.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Her to turn up.
This option uses the infinitive form "to turn up" which fits naturally in the sentence structure, indicating an unexpected action by Sarah. The phrase "no one expected" requires a verb form that can follow it directly without additional words.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form "to turn up," fitting the sentence structure.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Her turn up" is not a proper construction in English grammar for this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Her turning up" uses gerund form, which does not fit with "expected."
Option D:
Incorrect. "To turn her up" is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense in the sentence.
29.
..... the global population uses the Internet on a daily basis according to statistics.
A) More than that half.
B) More than half it is.
C) There is more than half.
D) More than half of.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it properly uses the phrase "more than half of" to introduce the subject, which is necessary for a complete and grammatically correct sentence in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "More than that half" lacks proper introduction.
Option B:
Incorrect. The structure "More than half it is" is awkward and not standard English.
Option C:
Incorrect. "There is more than half" does not introduce the subject correctly in this context.
Option D:
Correct. "More than half of" properly introduces the subject, making it a complete sentence.
30.
The man accused of robbery asked that he ..... on bail until the court hearing.
A) Was releasing himself.
B) Be released.
C) Is to release.
D) Will be released.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The man accused of robbery asked that he
be released
on bail until the court hearing. This is a request for permission, and "asked that" typically requires the subjunctive mood, which uses "be" + past participle in this case.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Was releasing himself - Incorrect; it does not fit grammatically or semantically.
Option B:
Be released - Correct; fits the subjunctive mood required by "asked that."
Option C:
Is to release - Incorrect; it is not in the correct form for a request.
Option D:
Will be released - Incorrect; it implies certainty, which is not appropriate here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Cae Practice Test?
The purpose of a Cae Practice Test is to help students familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions found in the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) exam, allowing them to assess their readiness and identify areas for improvement.
How does a Cae Practice Test differ from the actual CAE exam?
A Cae Practice Test is designed to mimic the structure and content of the real CAE exam, but it may not cover every single aspect or include exactly the same questions. It serves as a valuable preparation tool rather than an exact replica.
What skills does a Cae Practice Test evaluate?
A Cae Practice Test evaluates various English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and listening. It focuses on advanced proficiency levels required for the CAE exam.
How often should I take a Cae Practice Test?
It is recommended to take a Cae Practice Test several times throughout your preparation period, ideally after completing different study modules or before the actual exam date, to track progress and ensure readiness.
What should I do if I find a question difficult during a Cae Practice Test?
If you encounter challenging questions, it is advisable to review the relevant grammar rules or vocabulary, and seek additional resources or guidance. Understanding the underlying concepts will help improve your performance in future tests.