English (Proficient/C1) test

Read the following passage and identify the sentence(s) that contains grammatical or vocabulary usage errors.

"The team of researchers have been working tirelessly on the project. They are confident that their findings will have a significant impact on the field. The lead researcher, Dr. Smith, said, 'We have literally left no stone unturned in our investigation.' However, some experts believe that the research methodology may not be as rigorous as it should be. Despite the criticism, the team remains optimistic and believes that the results speak for themselves."

A: The lead researcher, Dr. Smith, said, 'We have literally left no stone unturned in our investigation.'
B: They are confident that their findings will have a significant impact on the field.
C: The team of researchers have been working tirelessly on the project.
D: However, some experts believe that the research methodology may not be as rigorous as it should be.
E: Despite the criticism, the team remains optimistic and believes that the results speak for themselves.

Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?

A: Yesterday, I go to the store.
B: She is reading a book now.
C: They will played soccer tomorrow.
D: He have finished his work.
E: We ate dinner an hour ago.
F: I am study for the test last night.

In the following sentence, identify the option that provides the most appropriate definition of the highlighted idiom and correctly explains its role in conveying the sentence's meaning:

Sarah finally decided to  *bite the bullet* and confront her roommate about the constant late-night parties.

A: To eat quickly: Indicates Sarah's impatience to address the situation.
B: To cause discomfort: Suggests Sarah expects a difficult conversation.
C: To accept a challenging situation: Implies Sarah's resolve to deal with the issue.
D: To show aggression: Emphasizes Sarah's anger towards her roommate.
E: To endure pain: Highlights Sarah's ongoing frustration with the noise.
F: To make a bold move:  Underscores Sarah's newfound confidence.

Listen to the following audio:

You will hear a question or a statement. After you hear a question or a statement, choose the best response:

Listen to the following audio:

You will hear a short talk. After the talk, you will hear a question about the talk. Read the choices and choose the best answer to the question you have heard.

At DreamTeam conference, all participants answer any questions with two sentences, one of which is always true and the other is a lie.

I asked Andrew, Sid and Drew, "What is your favourite startup?" and got the following replies:

Andrew: Our favourite startup is SpeckX. We do not like playing baseball.
Sid: Our favourite startup is Cuber. We love playing baseball.
Drew: Our favourite startup is Drab. We love playing baseball.

1: The favourite startup of the participants of DreamTeam is SpeckX.
2: DreamTeam participants like playing baseball.
3: DreamTeam participants do not like playing baseball.
4: The favourite startup of the participants of DreamTeam is Cuber.
5: The favourite startup of the participants of DreamTeam is Drab.

Which of the following options is/are correct?

Two main axioms constitute the core principles of homeopathy. The "like cures like" principle holds that, if a substance causes a symptom (e.g. onion makes my nose run), then that substance can cure a disease that is characterised by a runny nose (e.g. hayfever or a common cold). The second principle assumes that the serial dilution process used for homeopathic remedies renders them not less but more potent (hence homeopaths call this process "potentiation").

Both of these axioms fly in the face of science. If they were true, much of what we learned in physics and chemistry would be wrong. If anyone shows the concepts of homeopathy to be correct, he or she becomes a serious contender for one or two Nobel prizes. Homeopaths often say that we simply have not yet discovered how homeopathy works. The truth is that we know there is no conceivable scientific explanation that could possibly explain it.

Which of the following options is not a possible conclusion based on the above passage?

Read the following passage and answer the question below:

Solar energy is a promising renewable energy source that harnesses the power of the sun to generate electricity. Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar thermal systems use the sun's heat to warm water or air. As solar technology continues to improve and become more affordable, it is increasingly being adopted worldwide to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy remains a challenge, requiring effective storage solutions and grid integration strategies.

According to the passage, what is one challenge associated with solar energy?

A: High cost of solar technology
B: Intermittent nature of solar energy
C: Limited worldwide adoption
D: Dependence on fossil fuels

Which of the following is a complete sentence?

A: Because the weather was nice.
B: The book on the table.
C: My friend and I went to the movies.
D: After finishing my homework.
E: The cat sleeping on the couch.
F: Whenever I go to the park.

Which sentence has correct subject-verb agreement?

A: The dogs in the park barks loudly.
B: The cat and the mouse is playing together.
C: The flowers in the vase looks beautiful.
D: The teacher and the students are working on a project.
E: The car with the broken headlights are parked over there.
F: The books on the shelf is covered in dust.

Which sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement or pronoun usage?

A: The children played in the park while their parents watched them.
B: The committee has decided to postpone its decision until next week.
C: Neither the students nor the teacher are aware of the changes in the schedule.
D: The dog chased its tail and barked at its own reflection in the mirror.
E: The book on the shelf belongs to my sister, who is an avid reader.

One sunny afternoon, Po, the legendary Kung Fu Panda, decided to take a break from his martial arts training and visit the bustling village market. He had a craving for his favorite dumplings and was eager to find the tastiest ones. As Po strolled through the market, his enthusiasm drew the attention of curious onlookers. They giggled and whispered as the giant panda, clad in his iconic Kung Fu attire, carefully examined fruits and vegetables, hunting for the freshest ingredients. At the dumpling stall, Po's excitement peaked, and he accidentally knocked over a tower of bamboo steamers. The vendor, surprisingly unflustered, smiled and said, "Ah, the great Dragon Warrior! No need to worry, Po. A few fallen steamers are nothing compared to the joy you bring to our village." The crowd erupted in laughter as Po sheepishly grinned and picked up the steamers. He left the market with a basket full of delicious dumplings and a heart warmed by the villagers' affection. The day Po went shopping would be fondly remembered as a delightful and hilarious break from the ordinary.

Once upon a time, in a picturesque village nestled at the base of a majestic mountain range, there lived a talented blacksmith named Charles. Charles was renowned throughout the land for his incredible craftsmanship and the unmatched quality of his creations. People traveled great distances to purchase his fine swords, delicate jewelry, and durable tools. Charles felt immense pride in his work and was always eager to share his knowledge with anyone who showed a genuine interest in his craft. One sunny day, as Charles hammered away at his anvil, a young woman named Emily approached his workshop with a sense of wonder in her eyes. She marveled at the intricate designs and the gleaming metalwork that adorned the walls. Feeling a deep desire to learn the art of blacksmithing, Emily hesitantly asked Charles if he would be willing to teach her the secrets of his trade. Charles, a generous soul, agreed without hesitation, and so began Emily's apprenticeship. Each day, she absorbed the lessons of her mentor, gradually honing her skills and developing her unique style. As time passed, Emily's creations began to rival those of Charles, and together they forged a partnership that brought their village even greater fame and prosperity. One fateful evening, a fierce storm rolled in, bringing with it torrential rain and unrelenting winds. Lightning illuminated the sky, casting eerie shadows across the village. Suddenly, a massive bolt of lightning struck Charles and Emily's workshop, setting it ablaze. The villagers, working tirelessly to extinguish the flames, managed to save their beloved blacksmiths' lives, but the workshop and all their creations were lost to the fire. Undeterred, Charles and Emily decided to rebuild their workshop and continue their shared passion for blacksmithing. With the support of their community, they created a new, even grander workshop, and their artistry continued to flourish. The tale of their resilience and unwavering determination became a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.