QUESTION 6-10: WORD CHOICE

PRIMALY ENGLISH OLYMPIAD 2 · 5 lessons

6. When hyenas are about to attack, they will make ________ sounds. Do not mistake them for wolves just because they sound similar!

  • howling
  • screaming
  • neighing
  • cackling
Why:

# Explanation

A. howling (CORRECT) — Hyenas produce howling sounds before attacks, which can resemble wolf howls. This is why the warning tells you not to confuse them with wolves based on sound alone.

B. screaming — While hyenas make various vocalizations, "screaming" isn't their characteristic pre-attack sound, and it wouldn't be confused with wolves.

C. neighing — This is a horse sound, completely unrelated to either hyenas or wolves.

D. cackling — Though hyenas do make cackling/laughing sounds (their nickname is "laughing hyena"), this isn't the sound associated with attacks, and it wouldn't be mistaken for a wolf.

7. The referee had to penalise them as they _______ so unfairly. At this rate, they are sure to lose the entire game.

  • played
  • competed
  • attacked
  • called
Why:

Why A is correct:
"Played" is the only verb that naturally pairs with "so unfairly" to describe general, improper behavior during a game. The sentence structure needs a past tense verb that works with the adverb "unfairly."

Why the others don't work:
- B (competed): While "competed unfairly" makes sense, it's less direct—the referee penalizes specific actions during play, not the act of competing itself.
- C (attacked): Too specific and narrow; "attacked unfairly" doesn't capture the broader rule-breaking implied by the penalty.
- D (called): Doesn't fit the context; "called so unfairly" would mean they made unfair decisions/calls, not that *they* were penalized for breaking rules.

8. One should always ________ the opportunity that comes along and ________ a difference in life. We only live once after all.

  • seize ... make
  • seize ... cause
  • take ... create
  • catch ... give
Why:

Correct Answer: A (seize ... make)

  • "Seize" is the most natural and idiomatic verb for grasping an opportunity—it conveys urgency and decisiveness.
  • "Make a difference" is a fixed, common expression meaning to have a positive impact.
  • B: While "cause" works grammatically, "cause a difference" is awkward and unnatural compared to "make a difference."
  • C: "Take an opportunity" is possible but less forceful than "seize"; "create a difference" is not standard phrasing.
  • D: "Catch an opportunity" is too informal/colloquial for this context; "give a difference" doesn't make sense.

9. It _______ no difference whether we eat this at the restaurant or at home! I'm fine as long as you're here.

  • makes
  • gives
  • causes
  • shows
Why:

Correct answer: A. makes

"Makes" is the only verb that works with "difference" in this common idiom. We say "make a/no difference" to mean something doesn't matter or won't change the outcome.

Why the others are wrong:
- B. gives – We don't say "gives a difference"; this isn't a natural English phrase
- C. causes – "Causes a difference" isn't idiomatic; we use "cause" for problems or effects, not preferences
- D. shows – "Shows a difference" means something is visible or obvious, not that something doesn't matter

10. My mother enjoys going to the ________ every weekend to find new potted plants she can add to her garden.

  • nursery
  • farm
  • orchard
  • boutique
Why:

A. Nursery ✓
A nursery is a place where plants and flowers are grown and sold—exactly what you need to buy potted plants for a garden.

B. Farm ✗
Farms grow crops for food, not ornamental potted plants for gardens.

C. Orchard ✗
An orchard is specifically for growing fruit or nut trees, not the variety of potted plants someone would shop for.

D. Boutique ✗
A boutique is a small shop for clothing or fashion items, not plants.

Practise any of these free

Make an account in under a minute, or try it as a guest first.

Start learning free