Ready for C1. p 182. Ready for Grammar p 239 Ex 2. Modal Verbs. Verb Form Gap Fill

Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).

Verbs: be, gather, worry, join, upload, label, catch up, envisage, go, send, play down, take. 

Hi James!

 It (0) is a shame you (1) us on the march yesterday. When it started raining in the morning, I was afraid we’d only get a small turnout, but actually, I (2). Loads of people attended. There (3) about 3000 of us, at least. And it wasn’t just students that were marching – there were families and couples, too. It was a long day, and I definitely (4) more water because I was pretty dehydrated by the end of it – but hey, I survived! I’m also thinking of going on the march planned for June 2nd. Mum says I (5) mad, but I don’t think she gets how important this issue is to me. Anyway, I’ll look through my photos of the march, and I (6) you some tomorrow. If you (7) them onto the college website – great. You (8) them – I think the images speak for themselves. 

OK – hope (9) soon.
All the best,

Nick

 

KEY

0. is

1. couldn’t join

2. needn't have worried

3. must have gathered

4. should have taken

5. must have gone

6. should be able to send

7. can upload

8.  don't have to/don't need to label

9. to catch up

Extra verbs:

To Envisage /ɪnˈvɪzɪdʒ/

to imagine what will happen in the future

•  envisage something What level of profit do you envisage?
•  envisage (somebody) doing something I can't envisage her coping with this job.
• I don’t envisage working with him again.
•  it is envisaged that… It is envisaged that the talks will take place in the spring.
•  envisage that… I envisage that the work will be completed next year.
•  envisage how, where, etc… It is difficult to envisage how people will react.

• Meaning: To contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future event (similar to visualize but more conceptual).

• Example: "I don't envisage any major delays, provided the weather conditions remain stable."

To Play Down 

Meaning: To try to make something seem less important or less serious than it actually is.

• Example: "The government tried to play down the severity of the economic downturn."

Ready for C1 p 175. Shopping and Consumerism. Speaking Interview. Cloze

 

Sample dialogue on online shopping:

Student A: I think online shopping has completely transformed my buying habits. The convenience is hard -1- resist - I can browse dozens -2- stores without leaving my couch! But I've noticed I definitely spend more money this way. Those personalized recommendations keep tempting me -3- things I didn't even know I wanted.

Student B: I agree -4- the convenience, but I've become more cautious about my online spending. Those flash sales and limited-time offers create this false sense of urgency -5- makes you buy things impulsively. I've started to resist those marketing tactics by keeping a wishlist instead -6- purchasing immediately.

Student A: That's smart. I'm terrible with impulse purchases, especially -7- I see free shipping offers. And those one-click ordering systems make it dangerously easy to spend money! I've actually had to unsubscribe from store emails -8- the constant promotional messages were too tempting.

Student B: Exactly! -9- have you noticed how physical stores are struggling to compete with online retailers? There's been a real decline in traditional shopping, which is sad in some ways. I miss the social aspect of going shopping -10- friends.

---

Answers:

1. to




2. of

3. with

4. about

5. that

6. of

7. when

8. because

9. And

10. with

____________________________________________________________

1. How has online shopping changed the way we buy things? Do you think it makes us spend more money than shopping in physical stores?

2. What influences your decision when buying clothes - brand names, price, quality, or current trends? How do advertisers try to persuade you to buy their products?

3. Have you noticed how some products don't seem to last as long as they used to? Why do you think companies might design things to break or become outdated quickly?

Alex: So, shall we start with how online shopping has changed the way we buy things?

Sam: Absolutely. To be honest, it’s revolutionised shopping for me. Not only is it more convenient, but it also gives you access to a wider variety of products. Never before have I been able to compare so many options so quickly.

Alex: I couldn’t agree more. Had it not been for online shopping, I would have spent countless hours in crowded shopping centres. But don’t you think it’s made us spend more, almost without realising it?

Sam: That’s a good point. Because everything is just a click away, it’s easy to lose track. Plus, when you’re not physically handing over money, it feels less like you’re actually spending.

Alex: Exactly! If we were forced to use cash, we’d probably think twice before buying things we don’t really need. Also, have you noticed how websites use flash sales and countdown timers?

Sam: Yes! That creates this sense of urgency. It’s clever, though somewhat manipulative. Were they not using these tactics, I doubt people would buy as impulsively.

Alex: True. Moving on, what usually influences your decisions when buying clothes?

Sam: For me, it’s mainly quality and comfort. I mean, what’s the point in buying something trendy if it feels like sandpaper?

Alex: Ha! I totally get that. Although I have to admit, I do sometimes get drawn in by brand names—probably more than I’d like to admit.

Sam: Same here. To be influenced by branding is something I try to avoid, but it’s everywhere. And the way advertisers work—honestly, it's fascinating. They don’t just sell a product; they sell a lifestyle.

Alex: Right? They use celebrities, catchy slogans, emotional appeals… Sometimes it feels like they know us better than we know ourselves.

Sam: Speaking of which, have you noticed how certain products just don’t last like they used to?

Alex: Definitely. My phone started acting up just after the warranty expired. Coincidence? I doubt it.

Sam: I think companies deliberately design products to become obsolete. It’s called planned obsolescence, isn’t it?

Alex: Yes! If things lasted forever, people wouldn’t need to replace them. However, it’s incredibly wasteful. Not only does it affect our wallets, but it also harms the environment.

Sam: Couldn’t agree more. If companies prioritised sustainability over profit, we’d all be better off.

Alex: Well said. Let’s hope more people start demanding change—otherwise, this cycle will never end.