Use of English

Level B2

Part 1 - Multiple Choice

Exercises Feed

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For Questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer best fits each gap.

Shared Spaces

Architecture does more than provide shelter; it can also shape the way a community sees itself. The design of streets, squares and public buildings often plays a key (0) ROLE in creating a sense of identity. In many towns, historic buildings are carefully protected because they are closely (1) .......... with local memories and traditions. At the same time, new architecture can bring fresh energy if it fits (2) .......... with the character of the area. When planners ignore local needs, however, residents may feel cut (3) .......... from the places around them. Large concrete blocks without shared spaces can discourage people from meeting, while parks, markets and libraries can help social life to (4) ........... In this way, architecture influences not only how a place looks, but also how people (5) .......... to it emotionally. Some modern projects aim to involve local people in the design process so that new buildings reflect the community rather than impose (6) .......... values on it. This can lead to a stronger feeling of pride and encourage residents to take (7) .......... in their surroundings. As a result, well-designed spaces may help a neighbourhood hold (8) .......... to its identity even as it changes over time.

What to do

In this part, you read a text with eight gaps and choose the best word from four options to fit each gap.

Nothing prepares you for this test better than reading.

Read a lot. Candidates who often read in English (for work, for fun) find this part of the test manageable, while those who never read tend to find it very hard.

If you are 100% sure that two of the 4 choices are completely identical, then neither can be the answer. There is always only one word that fits grammatically and has the right meaning.

Usually the correct option will be part of a fixed phrase or collocation, a phrasal verb, a connector or the only word that fits grammatically in the gap.

Strategy

  1. Read the title and the whole text quickly to understand its general meaning before you attempt the task.
  2. Check the words before and after the gap.
  3. Choose the best option.
  4. When you have finished, read the text again with the words inserted to check that it makes sense.

Instructions

For Questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer best fits each gap.

Exercise Details

Author

James Ford

@james-ford

User Prompt

"Create an exercise about the influence of architecture on community identity"

Tone: Standard
Level: B2

Created on:

Jun 14, 2026

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