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Somehow I got 100%, but the hardest question was the first one. I had to do the rest of the survey, see that stack of four answers in other contexts, then realize 'comeback' is the only one I never used. This leads me to two points: 1) The more likely term would be "blowback" rather than "comeback". I have never in 38 years used the latter term. Blowback comes from a specific real-world situation: it's the name for the air sucked out of a room by a fire that knocks a firefighter back into a fire. 2) There are certain parts of the test where the patterns of answers would give someone an easier chance at picking the right one. There should be slightly more mixing of answers. All of that aside, it's a good exercise. I can never remember the term "phrasal verbs" for the compound of a simple verb and one or more prepositions that has a very different meaning than the simple verb alone. We never study phrasal verbs in school, so we never learn the term. We just get told not to end sentences with prepositions when possible. Although the more important concern should be ending sentences with dative or instrumental prepositions (to, at; with) because that leaves dangling clauses. Most other prepositions act as their own reflexive objects. Then again we mostly teach kids to use a Latin verb instead, as if we outgrow Anglo-Saxon words. Is the point moot? ...and the neurosis kicks in. Native English speakers never learn meaningful grammar until we take a second language. Our vocabulary is our hard part. "Obdurate versus obstinate? Really?"
hi Lil, thank you very much for your nice corrections :) Unfortunately, I have a bit problem which is random position of the questions. When you say for example #18, actually the order of the questions (and the answers) are completely changed. So, I can not find the questions to correct them unless you give me an address based on the content. I know it is your kind to spend time on the tests and report the problems. However, It would be highly appreciated if address the questions again. Thanks you very much :)
Hi Galaxy Interesting test for second language students. Here's my reactions: #18 seemed a bit obscure to me. I suppose people say that. I haven't heard "comeback" used quite like that though. However, when people are resisting new ideas, there is an expression "pushback" that would fit here. I think pushback would be a better word. #15, I'd add an "s" to expenditure #20, is correct enough although people would more likely say "put off buying it" rather than "put back buying it" although "back" is used for scheduling as in "We'll have to move the meeting back as Tom is away till August." Overall though an interesting selection of English expressions with "back."