Everyday English

I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.

• To explain what caused the problem

• To stop doing something

• To find something by chance

• To have a tendency to do something

Answer explanation

Come across" means to encounter something unexpectedly

I had to call around to several stores to find out which one still had the new video game in stock.

• To verify a person or thing

• To clean an area

• To play several video games

• To contact a number of stores

Despite his annoying habits, she decided to put up with him because he was a good friend.

• To tolerate

• To bring up bring something nearer

• To disappoint somebody

• To serve to someone

Answer explanation

The phrase verb "put up with" means "to tolerate" because it refers to enduring something unpleasant or difficult without complaining. For example, "I put up with the noisy construction next door because I know it will end soon."

She came up with a brilliant solution to the problem.

• To think of and suggest an idea

• To continue solving problems

• To find by chance

• To be mentioned by

Answer explanation

Come up with" means to generate and propose an idea or plan.

The investor decided to back out of the deal at the last minute, leaving the project without crucial funding.

• 1. To decide to not do something you previously said you would

• 1. To have a tendency to do something

• 1. To do a task you have promised

• 1. To use information or data to make a statement about the future

Answer explanation

The phrasal verb "back out" means to decide not to do something that you previously agreed to do. In the sentence, the investor deciding to back out of the deal means they chose not to proceed with the investment, leaving the project without necessary funds.

The new sales representative was known for her gregarious nature, always engaging in friendly conversations with clients and colleagues.

• 1. The sales representative was known for her tendency to lose blood.

• The sales representative was known for being sociable and companionable.

• 1. The sales representative was known for being delightful and sugary.

• 1. The sales representative was known for being reserved and private.

Answer explanation

The word "gregarious" means sociable and enjoying the company of others. In the sentence, describing the sales representative as having a "gregarious nature" indicates that she is friendly and likes to engage in conversations with others, fitting the definition of being sociable and companionable.

The product launch turned into a fiasco because the software had many bugs and the promotional materials were not delivered on time.

• 1. The product launch was a success because everything went smoothly.

• 1. The product launch was moderately successful with a few minor issues.

• 1. The product launch was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

• 1. The product launch was a complete failure due to issues with the software and promotional materials.

Answer explanation

The word "fiasco" means a complete and utter failure, often in a public and humiliating way. In the sentence, describing the product launch as a "fiasco" indicates that it was severely unsuccessful, specifically due to numerous software bugs and the failure to deliver promotional materials on time.

During the construction work, the office was filled with a cacophony of drilling, hammering, and shouting.

• 1. An unpleasant noise was heard due to the speaker's wire connections.

• 1. It is easier to assimilate new information when it is presented visually.

• 1. To have a healthy mindset, you should not agonize over your decisions.

• 1. The boy heard his mother call him from the house.

Answer explanation

The word "cacophony" refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. In the sentence, describing the office as filled with a "cacophony of drilling, hammering, and shouting" indicates that the environment was noisy and unpleasant due to the various loud construction activities.

The manager took umbrage at the suggestion that the team's recent poor performance was due to her leadership, feeling both annoyed and offended by the implication.

• 1. The manager felt pleased with the suggestion about the team's performance.

• 1. The manager felt indifferent to the suggestion about the team's performance.

• The manager felt annoyed and offended by the suggestion about the team’s performance

• The manager felt confused by the suggestion about the team’s performance

The company's CEO was arrested for his nefarious scheme to embezzle millions of dollars from the firm's accounts.

• 1. Many people behave in a good way when they want something.

• 1. I was sensible enough to stop driving because I was tired.

• 1. Her dedication to become a doctor is admirable to her community.

• 1. There are a lot of criminal activity happening on the internet.

Answer explanation

The word "nefarious" means wicked or criminal. In the sentence, describing the CEO's scheme as "nefarious" indicates that it was evil and illegal, fitting the context of embezzling millions of dollars from the company's accounts.