Question 1
_____ the past, people used to live _____ small houses made of mud and straw.
We say in the past for a time long ago. We live in a house, because we are inside it.
Question 2
_____ New Year's Eve, people gather _____ each other's homes and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
Use on with a special day: on New Year's Eve. People gather at a place, like at someone's home.
Question 3
A: Where is my coat?
B: It is _____ the coat hook _____ the door.
The coat hangs on the hook, because it touches it. The hook is behind the door, at the back of it.
Question 4
Two boats that crashed and sank are now _____ the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
We say at the bottom of the sea or ocean. Not under, because nothing is under the bottom.
Question 5
My football got stuck _____ the roof of the house, so Dad is climbing _____ the ladder to get it.
The ball is on the roof, on top of it. Dad goes up the ladder to get to it.
Question 6
The mouse walked _____ the pipe and then it jumped _____ the muddy water in the garden.
Through means from one end to the other inside something, like a pipe. Into shows movement to the inside: jump into the water.
Question 7
Mary didn't clean the carpets yesterday _____ the vacuum cleaner was broken.
Because gives the reason: the vacuum cleaner was broken, so she couldn't clean. Not so, because so gives a result, not a reason.
Question 8
_____ his efforts, Henry couldn't understand the meaning of the passage _____ the book.
Despite is followed by a noun (his efforts) and shows a contrast. Not Although, because it needs a full clause with a verb. We read a passage in a book.
Question 9
He was waiting _____ the airport while his friends were having fun _____ the party.
Use at for a place or event where something happens: at the airport, at the party.
Question 10
She walked _____ the street and entered the building _____ the right of the bank.
Across the street means from one side to the other. We say on the right of (or to the right of) something.
Question 11
Angela's alarm clock didn't go off _____ this morning, so she was late for her meeting _____ work.
We don't use a preposition before this morning, today or tomorrow. We say at work for the place where we work.
Question 12
Derek needs to change his clothes _____ he accidentally fell _____ his neighbour's swimming pool.
Because gives the reason he must change. He fell into the pool, from outside to inside the water.
Question 13
_____ they heard the news, they hurried to the hospital.
As soon as means immediately after something happens: they heard the news and then hurried at once.
Question 14
_____ I had blisters on my heels, I still played tennis last Sunday.
Despite the fact that is followed by a full clause (I had blisters) and shows a contrast. Not In spite of, because without the fact that it needs a noun, not a clause.
Question 15
_____ her bad health, she is cheerful and she is giving a dinner party _____ 12th July.
In spite of + noun (her bad health) shows a contrast. We use on with dates: on 12th July.
Question 16
(Please note: The following questions are related to a specific reading passage, available solely before the first question. Remember, referring back to the reading text while answering the questions may be helpful to ensure accuracy.)
Lucas is a tour guide in the city. Today he is showing a group of French tourists around. They are standing in the city centre. They are asking him questions about the locations in the city and how to get to these places.
Marcel: Where is the town hall?
Lucas: It is between the supermarket and the bakery.
Cynthia: What is the quickest way to the train station?
Lucas: Go along Pine Street and go over the bridge and turn right. It is a 5-minute walk.
Leon: How can I get to the football stadium?
Lucas: You should go by bus or by taxi. It is too far to walk from here.
Marion: Are there any historical places near here?
Lucas: Across the road is the museum, on Broad Street is the Independence Statue, and St. Samuel Church, which is the oldest church in the city, is just around the corner.
Louis: When can we visit the gift shop?
Lucas: We can visit the gift shop later this afternoon because the owner is at lunch.
Florence: It's started to rain. Can we still visit the park?
Lucas: Despite the fact that it is raining, we will visit the park. I have some umbrellas you can borrow.
The town hall is next to the museum and opposite the park.
Lucas says the town hall is between the supermarket and the bakery. He doesn't say it is next to the museum or opposite the park.
Question 17
The gift shop is closed because the owner is on a break.
Lucas says they can visit the gift shop later because the owner is at lunch. Being at lunch means the owner is on a break.
Question 18
The fastest way to the train station is to go along Pine Street and go under the bridge and turn left.
Lucas says to go over the bridge and turn right, not under the bridge and left.
Question 19
The football stadium is within walking distance of the city centre.
Lucas says it is too far to walk, so they should go by bus or taxi.
Question 20
There is a historical monument on Broad Street.
Lucas says on Broad Street is the Independence Statue. A statue is a historical monument.
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