English C-Test C1: The decline of handwriting
An English C-Test at C1 level: academic style, abstract nouns and less common words.
Last checked:
25 gaps: 12 on grammar, 13 on vocabulary. Complete the second half of each word, then check; every answer with its explanation is under the text.
Answers and explanations: The decline of handwriting
- in Grammar
"in many countries"; "involved in" = taking part in.
- countries Grammar
Plural of "country": consonant + y becomes -ies.
- spend Vocabulary
"spend time on" = use time for.
- time Vocabulary
"time" (uncountable here).
- writing Vocabulary
"joined-up writing" = handwriting with connected letters.
- that Grammar
After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
- is Grammar
"typing is": a gerund subject takes a singular verb.
- more Grammar
"the more relevant skill": comparative, as two skills are compared; "the most relevant" is also possible.
Also correct: most
- skill Vocabulary
"skill" = an ability you learn.
- digital Vocabulary
"a digital economy" = an economy based on computers.
- Yet Grammar
"Yet" at the start of a sentence = however; it introduces a contrast.
- body Vocabulary
"a growing body of research" = more and more studies.
- research Vocabulary
"research" (uncountable, no -s).
- that Grammar
After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
- shift Vocabulary
"shift" = a change in direction.
- carry Vocabulary
"carry costs" = bring disadvantages; infinitive after "may".
- costs Vocabulary
"hidden costs" = disadvantages that are not obvious.
- typing Grammar
"Unlike typing": after the preposition "unlike", use the -ing form.
- letters Vocabulary
"letters" = the signs of the alphabet.
- hand Vocabulary
"by hand" = with a pen, not a keyboard.
- to Grammar
"appears to activate": "appear to" + infinitive.
- brain Vocabulary
"brain regions" = areas of the brain.
- that Grammar
After "arguing" and "suggests", "that" starts a that-clause; in "regions that are …" it is a relative pronoun.
- also Grammar
"also" goes between "are" and the participle "involved".
- in Grammar
"in many countries"; "involved in" = taking part in.
Tips for C1
- At C1 the gaps are often nominalisations and fixed phrases; read on until the meaning is clear.
- Only the exact word counts here: two letters swapped is marked wrong. So practise the spelling too.
- If you stay under 15 gaps here, practise B2 texts first; that is where most points are.
More practice texts
B1: The semester ticket · Volunteering in your free time · Food waste in the canteen
B2: How vaccines are tested · Citizen science · Artificial light at night
C1: The printing press · The economics of streaming
Three more texts (B1, B2, C1) on one page →