UNIT 7 Gerunds and Infinitives

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

A Circle the correct answer.
1. Most people would rather living / live / to live in a city than a rural area.
2. It’s no use sitting / to sit / sit around all day if you want to get fit.
3. College students have volunteered cleaning / to be cleaned / to clean up the local park.
4. The firefighters tried to put / put / putting out the blaze, but failed.
5. When I got home, I found my friend Jill waiting / to wait / be waiting in front of my house.
6. The new recruits were made run / running / to run 10 km in the pouring rain.
7. The children haven’t had anything eating / to have eaten / to eat this morning.
8. Oliver convinced me take / to take / taking part in the chess tournament.
9. The staff in this company are motivated working / to be working / to work hard.
10. Do you remember to play / playing / to be playing on the beach when you were a child?
11. Only one of the players on the team has the talent become / to become / be becoming a professional.
12. Local people are opposed to the airport being built / be building / be built so close to their town.
13. Taking up a hobby like photography can mean to have / have / having to buy a lot of expensive equipment.
14. You’d better not hand / handing / to hand in your assignment without reading it over one more time.

B Choose the sentence which is closest in meaning to the one in bold.

1. Jake would sooner go by taxi than walk.
a. It would be quicker for Jake to go by taxi.
b. Jake would prefer to take a taxi.
2. Ellie stopped to read the report.
a. Ellie stopped what she was doing to read the report.
b. Ellie finished reading the report.
3. Would you mind my opening the window?
a. Is it OK if I open the window?
b. Could you open the window for me?
4. Simon has forgotten meeting that film producer.
a. Simon didn’t meet that film producer.
b. Simon met the film producer but can’t remember.
5. I regret telling you that I want to quit my job.
a. I am sorry to tell you that I want to quit my job.
b. I’m sorry that I told you I want to quit my job.
6. Professor Smith went on talking about evolutionary theory.
a. Professor Smith changed the subject and began
talking about evolutionary theory.
b. Professor Smith continued to talk about
evolutionary theory.

Score: ....... / 20

56
 UNIT 7 GRAMMAR

RULES

THE GERUND (For verbs and expressions followed by the gerund, see Grammar Appendix, page 216.)
Active voice Passive voice
Present (not) doing (not) being done
Perfect (not) having done (not) having been done
The gerund is used as a noun in the following cases:
• as subject or object of a verb Walking is good exercise, and I enjoy exercising.
Being fired must be a horrible experience.
• after certain verbs and expressions; and after I postponed taking the course for another year.
the verbs go / come (usually recreational activities) It’s no use complaining about your salary.
Will you come shopping with us?
• after prepositions I paid him for servicing the car.
• after sit / stand / lie + expression of place + verb-ing I stood there wondering what to do.
• with no to show prohibition or that something is impossible The rule is: No smoking.
There’s no arguing with the rule.
• after a verb + object pronoun / possessive determiner (more James appreciates me / my helping him with essays.
formal) I hope you don’t mind my having phoned Liam.
• after a verb + noun / possessive noun (more formal) I objected to Noah / Noah’s joining our team.
• to emphasize that one action happened before another (with I enjoyed meeting the staff before the term started.
gerund / perfect gerund there is little difference in meaning) I enjoyed having met the staff before the term started.

THE INFINITIVE (For words and expressions followed by the infinitive, see Grammar Appendix, pages 216-217.)
Active voice Passive voice
Present (not) to do (not) to be done
Present Continuous (not) to be doing –––
Perfect (not) to have done (not) to have been done
Perfect Continuous (not) to have been doing –––
The infinitive is used in the following cases:
• as the subject of a sentence To resign now would be a mistake.
• after certain verbs, phrasal verbs and expressions; and after The whole trip turned out to be a disappointment.
verb + object It is up to you to decide.
She told me (not) to send that email.
• after certain adjectives describing character, feelings, attitudes I’m delighted to have been nominated for an award.
and senses; and after It + be + adjective / noun It would be silly / a mistake to resign now.
• after certain nouns She has the ability to learn.
• with certain structures
too + adverb / adjective + infinitive She’s too young to drive.
so + adverb / adjective + as + infinitive Would you be so kind as to wait here, please?
adjective / adverb + enough + infinitive She spoke clearly enough to be heard.
enough + noun + infinitive He earns enough money to live on.
• after be to for instructions, plans (see Unit 1, page 9) No one is to leave the building.
• in a phrase that begins a sentence (To be honest, To be honest, I don’t like him at all.
To tell you the truth, …)
• after verbs such as know, decide, discover, find out, see, show, I didn’t know what to do.
understand, want to know + question word I wondered where to go for lunch.

57
• after something, anything, nothing, etc. I’m bored because there is nothing to do here.
• after only to show a surprising or disappointing result Sarah searched her bag only to find her purse was gone.
• to express purpose (= in order to) Dan contacted me to set up a meeting.
• After some verbs e.g. be, mean, would like to refer to unreal He was to have been team captain, but he got injured.
situations I would like to have seen that film when it was released.

Gerund or Infinitive?
• S ome verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive with little or no difference in meaning. (See Grammar Appendix,
pages 216-217.) They have started working / to work on the new airport.
• Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive with a difference in meaning.

remember + infinitive (= intention; remember to perform a Judy always remembers to lock the door.
duty, task or responsibility; remember is the earlier action)
remember + gerund (= remember a past action) Judy remembers visiting Paris.
forget + infinitive (= forget to fulfil a duty or responsibility) Jill forgot to lock the door.
forget + gerund (= forget an earlier action) Jill will never forget visiting Paris.
regret + infinitive (= announce bad news) I regret to tell you that we cannot offer you a job.
regret + gerund (= feel sorrow about the past) I regret telling her about the accident.
stop + infinitive (= finish one action in order to do another) John stopped to drink some coffee.
stop + gerund (= stop a habit / an activity) John stopped drinking coffee last year.
try + infinitive (= make an effort to do something difficult) I must try to improve my spoken English.
try + gerund (= experiment with a new or different approach) I tried using an app to improve my vocabulary.
mean + infinitive (= intend) I didn’t mean to interrupt you.
mean + gerund (= involves or will result in) Going by plane means paying a lot more to get there.
need + infinitive (= it is necessary) I need to borrow a pen.
need + gerund (= passive meaning – it needs to be done) The car needs servicing.
go on + infinitive (= change to another action) He talked about the project and went on to answer questions.
go on + gerund (= continue the same action) He went on lecturing after the bell rang.
allow, advise, permit, recommend + infinitive + object Ava allowed me to stay at her place.
allow, advise, permit, recommend + gerund (no object) Ava recommended staying at a hotel.

FULL OR BARE INFINITIVE? let, help, make, dare, would rather, had better, would sooner
let + pronoun / noun + bare infinitive I let the employees leave early.
help + pronoun + bare or full infinitive (same meaning) Will you help me do / to do an update?
make + pronoun / noun + bare infinitive He made us work late.
pronoun / noun + be made (passive) + full infinitive We were made to work late.
dare + bare or full infinitive (expressing courage) I don’t dare tell / to tell her about the accident.
dare + bare infinitive (a warning) Don’t you dare take my phone again!
had better / would rather / would sooner + bare infinitive I’d sooner stay home than go out tonight.
had better / would rather / would sooner + continuous You’d better not be chatting when the boss walks in.
or perfect infinitive We went to Spain although I’d sooner have gone to Paris.

VERBS OF PERCEPTION / SENSORY VERBS see, notice, watch, look at, observe, hear, listen to, feel, smell
verb + noun / pronoun + gerund for actions that are in I saw Helen running in the park. (while she was running)
progress or incomplete
verb + noun / pronoun + bare infinitive for single or I saw Helen sing in a concert last night.
complete actions

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 UNIT 7 GRAMMAR

PRACTICE
A Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs below.
buy • break • create • meet • have • read • offend • discover • lend • speak

1. I was thrilled to discover that I had won a scholarship.

2. The real estate agent advised us to buy a bigger property.
3. Tim pretended to have a headache as he didn’t want to take the test.
4. I really enjoyed meeting your family at the wedding.
5. This 3-D printer will enable you to create your own jewellery at home.
6. Jan lay by the pool reading a magazine.
7. Why don’t you let me lend you the money that you need?
8. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend anyone with my silly jokes.
9. The witness said she saw the man breaking the car window.
10. The customer wanted to know who to speak to about the faulty goods she had bought.

B Choose the correct answer.

1. I regretted more time preparing for that interview.
a. not having spent b. not to spend c. not to be spent
2. Harper didn’t expect for the Olympic team trials.
a. being chosen b. to be chosen c. to have chosen
3. That student is rumoured on his college application.
a. to be lying b. to have been lying c. to have lied
4. I always appreciated to museums as a child.
a. to be taken b. being taken c. to be taking
5. Sophie is lucky an internship at such a prestigious law firm.
a. to be giving b. having given c. to have been given

C Complete the pairs of sentences below, so that they have a similar meaning to the sentence given. Use a gerund in
one and an infinitive in the other.
a. Do you feel like taking a break now ?
1. How about we take a break now? b. Would you like to take a break now ?
a. Remember to put on sunscreen at the beach .
2. You should put on sunscreen at the beach. b. I recommend putting on sunscreen at the beach .
a. Organizing a barbecue is easy.
3. I can organize a barbecue easily.
b. It’s not difficult to organize a barbecue .
a. I don’t expect to go out if you’re tired.
4. We don’t have to go out if you’re tired.
b. I don’t mind not going out if you’re tired.
a. Is there any chance of us / our meeting tonight ?
5. Could we possibly meet tonight?
b. Could you perhaps manage to meet me tonight ?
a. I’m asking you not to waste paper , but consider recycling it .
6. Don’t waste paper, but recycle it.
b. Stop wasting paper and make an effort to recycle it .

D Complete the sentences with one suitable word.

1. My parents didn’t expect me to be working at age 13, but I sell video games online.
2. There’s no getting out of it. You’ll have to apologize.
3. The archaeologists carefully opened up the tomb, only to find that its contents had been stolen.
4. The play is thought to have been written by Shakespeare.
5. Lily hates being kept waiting – we’d better hurry up.
6. I am at a loss to explain Tom’s resignation.
7. Charlotte may not want to come, but there’s no harm in inviting her.
8. How much do you earn, if you don’t mind my asking?

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E Complete the text using the gerund or infinitive form of the following verbs.
say • welcome • attend • fill out • give • offer • join • learn • consult • pay

Congratulations! The committee has reviewed your application and we are pleased (1) to offer
you admission in the fall.
You are invited (2) to join us on 20th-22nd April for our Spring Hosting programme, where we offer
you the opportunity (3) to learn more about the university. You will also find enclosed a letter from our
Financial Aid office. (4) Paying for a college education is a major commitment; therefore, we
recommend (5) consulting with our financial aid staff who will advise you.
If you wish to accept this offer, please do so by (6) filling out the response card.
You should return it to us by 1st May.
Should you change your mind about (7) attending the university, please let us know so as to allow
another candidate (8) to be given the place. We regret (9) to say that once an offer has been
refused, the decision is final.
Once again, congratulations. We look forward to (10) welcoming you as a new student in the fall.
Yours sincerely,
Matthew K. Taylor
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

EXAM FOCUS

• Multiple choice grammar questions may test the word order of a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are made
up of a verb + particle. Some phrasal verbs do not take an object:
That colour really stands out.
• Others take an object and the particle can go before or after the noun object.
Can you switch the light off? Can you switch off the light?
• However, when the object is a pronoun, the particle can only go after it.
She switched it off. (not: She switched off it. ✗)
Look at the following example. What is the correct word order? What else does this question test?
Jack was out of the office but I finally the verb manage is followed by the infinitive;
managed before he flew to Chicago. word order: the object pronoun him comes
before the particle down
A. to track him down
B. his tracking down
C. tracking him down
D. to track down him

Choose the word or phrase that best completes the conversation or sentence.
1. Would you mind briefly to tell me if I’ve 3. Why don’t you just of your diet altogether
made any glaring errors? and take more exercise?
A. to look at my essay A. have cut sugar
B. looking my essay up B. cut sugar out
C. looking over my essay C. cutting sugar from
D. look on my essay D. to cut out sugar
2. Unfortunately, heavy rain of the stadium 4. When Madison didn’t return the jacket she
by at least three weeks. borrowed, I told her as soon as possible.
A. has set back construction A. give me back it
B. was set construction back B. to give back
C. had set off construction C. give it back me
D. is setting construction out D. to give me it back

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 UNIT 7 GRAMMAR

COHESION AND COHERENCE

COHESION AND COHERENCE determiners (the, this, these, that, those) and quantifiers (some, all, both, etc.)

• Determiners help us to identify exactly what is being talked about. This can refer back to a whole situation or idea,
not just one object.

 Currently, violent films can be shown at any time of day. This is unacceptable.
• The definite article can show that the writer is referring back to something that has already been mentioned.

The studio marketed the Annie remake heavily but the film did not live up to the hype.
• Quantifiers can refer back to a previous number or group.

Over 300 people were surveyed. Just over half were dissatisfied with the service. (Half refers back to the
300 people who were surveyed.)

1. Read the first paragraph of a newspaper article. What do the words in bold refer to?

OLD DOGS CAN LEARN NEW TRICKS

scientists
S cientists have found that they can halt the mental decline of elderly dogs by putting them on a vegetable-rich diet.
changed canine behaviour
As with humans, canine behaviour changes with old age. This can involve symptoms from reduced mobility due to
of canine behaviour change reduced mobility etc.
arthritis to losing interest in favourite toys. In some cases, diet can not only reverse these effects of ageing, but make
Scientists’ findings about ageing in dogs
dogs more intelligent than they were before. The findings are the result of a research project aimed at extending the
research on military dogs
working lives of military dogs. In the project, dogs were given a special diet and then put through a series of tests to
assess their ability to learn new tasks and solve problems.

2. 
Now read the next paragraph of the article. Complete the gaps using the words and phrases given.
the others • the dogs • this research • in this case • two • half • one • this

One experiment involved 48 beagles, who were divided into two groups. (1) Half were fed on dried food
and the rest were given regular dog food. Some of the dogs in both groups were given more walks and stimulation
than (2) the others . Then they were all put through the same tests. Professor Bill Milgram, a neuroscientist,
said that one of the tasks was called an oddity test. He went on to explain that (3) the dogs were shown
three objects. (4) Two were identical and one was clearly different. Food
was hidden under the odd (5) one and the researchers gauged how
long it took the dogs to learn (6) this .
Professor Milgram has been studying the mental ability of older dogs since 1990
as part of a wider study on the brain. He said that food containing antioxidants
combined with vitamins could help to sustain mental sharpness which,
(7) in this case , indicated that you can teach old dogs new tricks!
He believes (8) this research has applications for humans because like
us, dogs can eat all sorts of food and have similar nutritional needs.

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 EXAM PRACTICE

A KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words,
including the word given.
1. If you need any advice, you can always ask me. HESITATE
If you need any advice, please don’t hesitate to ask me.
2. Kindly wait please and I’ll call the manager. KIND
Would you be so kind as to wait while I call the manager.
3. An argument about the referee’s decision would be a waste of time. POINT
There’s no point (in) arguing / having an argument about the referee’s decision.
4. James doesn’t have the ability to memorize long poems. CAPABLE
James is not capable of memorizing long poems.
5. He doesn’t have the qualifications for the job of manager. ENOUGH

He is not qualified enough to be / doesn’t have enough qualifications to be a manager.
6. I hope you didn’t take my new sweatshirt! BETTER
You had better not have taken my new sweatshirt.

B Choose the word or phrase that best completes the conversation or sentence.
1. I will always regret the chance to travel. 6. We had no idea with us on the trip.
A. not to have A. to take how much money
B. to not have B. taking how much money
C. not having had C. how much money to take
D. having not D. how much money taking
2. Would the plan involve a great deal of money? 7. I thanked him for so generous with his time.
A. to be investing A. him being
B. our investing B. having been
C. us to invest C. to have been
D. we investing D. him to be
3. Weren’t you supposed your assignment with 8. I wish I didn’t have to attend that staff meeting.
you to yesterday’s seminar? I here and continue our conversation.
A. to have brought A. had better stay
B. to be brought B. prefer to have stayed
C. to have been brought C. would rather staying
D. have brought D. would sooner stay
4. Shelly is abroad on her own, so her dreams 9. I could check the figures again for accuracy,
of visiting Paris will have to wait a year or two. but I don’t think .
A. young enough for to travel A. it’s worth doing
B. enough young to have travelled B. it would be worth
C. too young by far for travel C. is worth to do
D. far too young to be travelling D. is worth doing it
5. Emma and Mia were careful while they 10. Today many senior citizens are concerned about
were chatting about promotions. their old age, so the demand for places in
A. to be not overheard gated communities is rising.
B. to not overhear A. caring during
C. not to be overheard B. to care for
D. not to be overhearing C. having cared for by
D. being cared for in

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 8
REMEMBER!

UNIT
Use your mini-companion
Travel and Tourism when working on this unit.

TOPIC VOCABULARY
A Match pictures 1-4 with the statements below. Pay attention to the words in colour.
1 2 3 4

LUCAS: As a student, backpacking was the best option. I could save money travelling by coach or sleeping on deck on

ferries at night. You have to travel light though, and use no-frills budget airlines, but I must admit the freedom
of trekking just with a backpack makes it a memorable experience. 3
ALICE: I took a week off to visit Yellowstone National Park. We stayed in a spacious, high-end cabin surrounded by

magnificent scenery. The amenities were first class and the staff were so hospitable! 1
JULIA: To catch the connecting flight to Paris, we had to go to a different terminal. Thanks to a delay, we had time

for duty-free shopping in departures and we got upgraded to business class. 2
SIMON: We wanted to take a break but couldn’t decide – should we go for an all-inclusive package at an upscale resort

or reserve a vacation rental in a picturesque village off the beaten track? 4
Who …
1. found a cheap form of transportation? Lucas
2. got something of a better standard? Julia
3. was pleased with the accommodations? Alice
4. considered visiting a luxury hotel Simon
5. liked the welcome they received? Alice
6. spent time in airport buildings? Julia
7. took minimal baggage? Lucas
8. considered an isolated destination? Simon
9. enjoyed hiking for pleasure? Lucas

B Read the advertisement, then choose the correct meaning for the words below.

Take a walk on the wild side! 10-18 day trekking holidays in Peru, Nepal or Africa
Join one of our expeditions to some of the more remote destinations on earth. Days are spent
trekking through some of the untouched ranges of the Himalayas or Andes or across the
awe-inspiring plains of Africa, escorted by local guides. The trails cross rough terrain,
but should pose no difficulty for a reasonably fit person. We guarantee our trips have minimal
environmental impact. We believe in sustainable travel so nights are spent in tents, wooden
huts or approved lodges for the more discerning traveller. There is also time to appreciate the
cultural heritage of local communities. Our itineraries offer an amazing combination of
adventure and luxury, for adventurous travellers who see themselves as pioneers and want to
explore far-off corners of the world.
1. untouched 4. guarantee 7. heritage
a. unspoiled a. protect a. ancestors
b. unknown b. make certain b. history and tradition
2. awe-inspiring 5. sustainable 8. itinerary
a. very impressive a. not harmful ecologically a. plan of a tour / journey
b. quite alarming b. continuous b. advertising material
3. terrain 6. discerning 9. pioneer
a. scenery a. relaxed or unconcerned a. the first to do something
b. type of land b. particular about quality b. tourist
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C Read the descriptions of two holiday destinations. Then replace the words in bold with the words given.

Get away from it all in Portugal! Great city breaks – Prague

retained • secluded • sheltered contemporary • sharp • quaint • thriving
timeless • unwind vibrant • hidden gems

thriving vibrant
Stroll down the cobbled streets past fishermen’s If you prefer a (6) prosperous city with (7) lively
secluded
houses to a (1) quiet beach. Salema has the nightlife, then Prague is the perfect destination.
timeless
(2) unchanging quality of villages that have Visit historical landmarks like Prague Castle, or
retained hidden gems
(3) continued to keep their charm by discover (8) less well-known special places like
maintaining a traditional way of life. This is the the Vrtba Garden. Take a selfie at Frank Gehry’s
unwind contemporary
place to (4) relax and just laze around. (9) modern “Dancing Building”, which stands in
Sheltered sharp quaint
(5) Protected from the strong currents of the (10) very clear contrast to the (11) old and
Atlantic Ocean, Salema is ideal for swimming attractive historic centre – a UNESCO world
and windsurfing. heritage site. And don’t forget to try the
pancakes! Delicious!

BOOST YOUR VOCABULARY

A COMPOUND NOUNS
Match to form sentences.
1. After a long-haul flight, I often feel exhausted 2 a. during peak season.
2. Hotels and attractions are crowded with tourists 5 b. via an airport shuttle.
3. People travelling a lot get seat upgrades and free flights 4 c. by paying attention to travel alerts.
4. Get the latest safety advice and global updates on countries 1 d. and need a few days to recover from jet lag.
5. Good hotels often offer transport for guests 3 e. in a frequent flyer programme.
6. The best deals on flights and hotels are usually offered 7 f. you take a domestic flight.
7. If you fly to another city within the same country 6 g. by a reliable online travel agency.

B NOUNS FORMED FROM PHRASAL VERBS

Complete the sentences using the nouns below.
stopover • outbreak • check-in • outset • getaway • outcome • mix-up

1. There was a mix-up with our tickets – we were charged for one-way tickets and not a round trip.
2. We didn’t fly directly to Australia – we had a one-night stopover in Singapore.
3. I wish I had known at the outset that the climb would be so difficult.
4. We’re planning a weekend getaway to Aspen, Colorado.
5. The hotel was closed after a sudden outbreak of food poisoning.
6. The likely outcome of our complaint is that the airline will refund us for our cancelled flight.
7. We arrived at check-in and handed over our luggage two hours before departure.

64
 UNIT 8 VOCABULARY

C EXPRESSIONS Binomials

Catchy and easy to remember, binomial expressions are common in English. The pairs of words are usually joined with
and, or, by. The order of the words is usually fixed. They typically consist of:
• synonyms: law and order • words beginning with the same letter: on and off
• antonyms: pros and cons • the same word: again and again, little by little
• rhyming words: meet and greet

1. Complete the expressions with the following words.

later • wide • step • dry • pieces • take • bustle • then • about • foremost

1. out and about travelling around

2. far and wide many places
3. sooner or later eventually
4. first and foremost more than anything else
5. step by step carefully, in sequence
6. hustle and bustle noise and activity
7. bits and pieces various small items
8. high and dry in a difficult situation
9. give or take approximately (= more or less)
10. now and then occasionally

2. Complete the email using the most suitable expressions from Exercise 1.

New message

Dear Oliver,
Hi from London! After a terrible flight – I’ll tell you about it later – we
finally arrived! (1) First and foremost , I just had to take a
cruise down the Thames to see landmarks like the Tower of London
and the Globe Theatre. It was great! Since then, we’ve been
(2) out and about sightseeing, walking around six miles
a day, (3) give or take a mile! And you know what, Tower of London
(4) step by step I’m getting to know London better.
But (5) sooner or later you want to explore less well-
known places, don’t you? So yesterday we took an app tour and
discovered “Little Venice” – a romantic area of canals, houseboats and
intimate pubs away from the (6) hustle and bustle of the
tourist traps – just lovely! For shopping, we hopped on the Tube to
Brixton Village market – popular with foodies and full of stores selling Globe Theatre
clothes, jewellery, art, and unusual gifts. I bought a few
(7) bits and pieces as gifts. It’s been great to get away –
we all need a change of scene (8) now and then ,
don’t we?
See you next week.
Love,
Lily Little Venice canals

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D WORD FORMATION

Some prefixes have specific meanings.

over = more than enough overestimate, overactive, overeat
under = not enough undervalue, underrate, underestimate
out = more or better than outlive, outvote, outweigh
multi = many multicoloured, multicultural, multistorey

Answer the following questions using a word formed with one of the prefixes above and the word in colour.
1. If you make something sound too simple, you oversimplify .
2. If a hotel doesn’t value its staff, they feel undervalued .
3. If a hotel has accepted bookings from more guests than it can accommodate, it is overbooked .
4. If there are twice the number of women than men, women outnumber men by two to one.
5. If a museum exhibit uses different mediums of expression, it’s a multimedia exhibit.
6. If a company is short of staff, it is understaffed . (opposite: overstaffed )
7. If a shop charges you too much, it overcharges you. (opposite: undercharges )
8. If a student isn’t achieving the grades he is capable of, he is underachieving .
9. If a material like plastic lasts longer than others, it outlasts them.
10. If a centre can be used for many purposes, it’s a multipurpose centre.
11. If a person lives longer than his friends, he outlives them.
12. If you speak many languages, you are multilingual .

E COLLOCATIONS

1. Choose the adjective that can come before all three nouns.
authentic • impressive • rugged • exotic • vibrant • pristine

culture display
1. vibrant personality 4. impressive performance
city collection

beach recipe
2. pristine forest 5. authentic experience
condition festival

animals terrain
3. exotic location 6. rugged scenery
flowers coastline

2. Complete the sentences with collocations from Exercise 1. Make any necessary changes.
1. We watched an impressive display of fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year.
2. We hiked across the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains in Montana.
3. Eating a meal with a local family in Costa Rica was an authentic experience .
4. The large numbers of artists and musicians living in the city contribute to its vibrant culture .
5. In Siena, Italy, the Palio horse race is an authentic festival dating back to the 14th century.
6. Fraser Island, Australia, is famous for its pristine beaches of pure white sand and coral reefs.
7. The James Bond 007 movies have been filmed in exotic locations like Morocco,
China and Mexico.
8. The castle and gardens are kept in pristine condition for visitors to enjoy.

66
 UNIT 8 VOCABULARY

F METAPHOR AND MEANING

We often talk about conversations as if they were journeys or as if they were moving.
For example, to cover a lot of ground means to travel a long distance. We can also say:
We covered a lot of ground in our discussion. (= We talked about a lot of subjects.)

A conversation can: A speaker can: A listener can:

• go round in circles • say something in a roundabout way • follow a conversation /
• drift / move from one topic to • go off track somebody’s train of thought
another • be on the wrong / right track • wonder where a conversation is
• take a sudden / unexpected • wander off the topic going / leading
turn • turn / steer / guide / lead / a conversation • wonder / ask what somebody is
• move in an unexpected round to / towards a certain topic / in a driving at / getting at
direction certain direction
• cover a lot of ground

Complete the sentences with one word. Use the expressions above.
1. Emily always seems to manage to steer the conversation round to her travels.
2. Our conversation took an unexpected turn and Ellie became angry.
3. As the guest complained about the hotel, I wondered where it was all leading.
4. James is on the right track to being more environmentally conscious when he chooses sustainable travel.
5. Sue was just going round in circles and wasn’t making any sense.
6. Tom threw out so many ideas that I couldn’t follow his train of thought.
7. I didn’t understand Sarah’s comment and asked her what she was driving at.
8. In a presentation, try not to wander off the topic and keep to the point.

G MULTIPLE MEANINGS: board / leave / land

 atch the words or phrases in colour to their meanings. Give the part of speech for board, leave or land
M
next to each sentence.
1. There was a two-hour delay before we could even 3 a. for everyone or everything
board the plane. verb 7 b. take a risk that can be avoided by
2. The board of directors meets once a month. noun planning
3. Tourism has had benefits across the board. noun 5 c. holiday

4. We need to get the staff on board with changes to the hotel. noun 10 d. country
5. How many days leave from work do you get a year? noun 6 e. bequeath in a will
6. How much money did your grandfather leave you? verb 4 f. involved, and in agreement
7. Let’s book our tickets – I don’t want to leave anything 9 g. find work
to chance. verb 1 h. get on
8. You can’t reach the beach by land because of the cliff. noun 2 i. group of people in charge of a business /
9. Dan was lucky to land a well-paid job. verb school
10. Australia is said to be a land of contrasts. noun 8 j. travelling by road, rail or on foot

H IN OTHER WORDS Match each formal sentence with its informal paraphrase.
1. I didn’t set foot in London until I was 20. 8 a. I did something before leaving.
2. I am prone to headaches during flights. 6 b. I discovered a place that everyone would like.
3. I was bound for Glasgow. 4 c. I was not allowed to go there.
4. I didn’t have access to that part of the airport. 9 d. I found a large amount of information.
5. I got to the port ahead of schedule. 2 e. I usually suffer from them.
6. I came across a resort that caters to all tastes. 5 f. I arrived earlier than I expected.
7. I crossed the South Pole in the footsteps of Scott. 10 g. I went everywhere in the nearby area.
8. I checked the jeep prior to departure from Cairo. 7 h. I took a route someone had taken before me.
9. I found a wealth of detail on the history of Paris. 3 i. I was heading there.
10. I visited all the museums in the vicinity. 1 j. I visited the city for the first time then.

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 EXAM PRACTICE
A MULTIPLE CHOICE CLOZE Read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
Freya Stark - passionate nomad
Freya Stark (1893-1993), described by one author as a passionate nomad, was
an extraordinary woman. She travelled into remote areas few Europeans,
particularly women, had ever (1) foot in at the time. For her, the love of
adventure (2) any risks involved in travelling without an escort, which
was considered (3) controversial then.
Born in Paris, raised in Italy, and educated in London, Stark was multilingual
even before learning Arabic and Persian in order to pursue her dream – of
(4) across the ancient lands of the Middle East. On her many (5) , she
captured the way of life, history and culture of remote regions in such detail that her books still inspire travellers today.
Following in the (6) of Alexander the Great, she travelled through Iraq and Iran, and even through the Valley of the
Assassins, famous not only for its (7) terrain but also for its murderous inhabitants. Though prone to illness, Stark
travelled extensively, produced maps, discovered lost cities, and even worked as a spy and propagandist. However,
it is (8) and foremost as a travel writer that she is best remembered. Her remarkable accounts earned her the title
“the poet of travel”.

1. A set B put C stepped D placed

2. A overestimated B outweighed C underrated D guaranteed
3. A deeply B fully C highly D utterly
4. A pioneering B discovering C exploring D trekking
5. A departures B destinations C expeditions D operations
6. A itinerary B directions C vicinity D footsteps
7. A rugged B vibrant C exotic D secluded
8. A prime B first C front D last

B WORD FORMATION Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a
word that fits in the gap in the same line.

Being a responsible tourist

More and more, people are becoming concerned about how tourism
affects the planet. Thanks to the increasing (1) availability of cheap AVAILABLE
flights on budget airlines, remote destinations, once considered too far off the
(2) beaten track for the average traveller, are fast becoming BEAT
(3) accessible to mass tourism. The construction of airports and resorts ACCESS
is harming ecosystems and traditional ways of life, but visitors should not
(4) underestimate their ability to make a positive contribution. ESTIMATE
The idea of (5) sustainable travel is to travel in a way that causes SUSTAIN
minimal environmental impact. By using greener modes of transport and
recycling, we help to maintain ecosystems. Shopping in markets that offer an
impressive (6) collection of handicrafts and products made by local artisans COLLECT
directly benefits the economy, as does staying in smaller guesthouses, where the
(7) hospitality of hosts can make the visit a more memorable and authentic HOSPITABLE
experience. Responsible travel allows us to continue exploring the planet while
preserving its (8) untouched beauty, healthy ecosystems and diverse TOUCH
communities.

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 REVIEW 4
A Choose the word or phrase that best completes the conversation or sentence.
GRAMMAR VOCABULARY
1. My doctor says he’s not sure what to do about my 9. This luxury resort offers all the amenities the more
asthma. So, I’m going to a specialist. traveler could wish for.
A. try consulting A. discerning
B. try to be consulting B. contemporary
C. try having consulted C. hospitable
D. try and consulting D. awe-inspiring
2. I didn’t so I was late arriving at my math class 10. A few directors on the board expressed reservations
this morning. about the plan, but the majority agreed that the
A. hear the alarm to ring benefits the disadvantages.
B. hear the alarm ring A. outvoted
C. hear the alarm having rung B. overestimated
D. hear ringing the alarm C. overstaffed
3. I’d a friend than talk to a college counselor D. outweighed
about my problems. 11. The buyers pulled out of the deal at the last minute,
A. better to confide with leaving us .
B. rather confiding to A. high and dry
C. better confiding on B. out and about
D. sooner confide in C. on and off
4.  over the last 12-month period, we have managed D. step by step
to expand into new markets. 12. It’s amazing how many English words are
A. By hard working from Greek and Latin.
B. To the hard work A. diminished
C. Having worked hard B. descended
D. Though working hard C. distracted
5. We can look at the sales figures again if you like, but D. derived
I don’t think in this product. 13. For our vacation, we rented a modern, penthouse
A. it’d be worth investment in the heart of Rome.
B. it’s worth investing A. secluded
C. is worth to invest B. spacious
D. is worth investing C. rugged
6. The new head of department of professional D. picturesque
training experience to the position. 14. Although it’s a little off the beaten , the town is well
A. brings the wealthy worth visiting for its museum and ancient castle.
B. brought wealth A. terrain
C. brings wealth B. itinerary
D. has brought a wealth C. way
7.  the conference would allow us to familiarize D. track
ourselves with the latest techniques. 15. I could see Amy was disappointed after the interview,
A. To be attending so I tried to the conversation around to her
B. To have attended upcoming vacation.
C. Having attended A. follow
D. Attending B. steer
8. No one the building until the firefighters say it is C. drive
safe to do so. D. drift
A. is to enter 16. People came from to take part in the
B. has to enter demonstration in Washington DC.
C. is entering to A. in the vicinity
D. enters to B. round in circles
C. across the board
D. far and wide

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REVIEW 4
B CLOZE Read each passage, then select the word or phrase that best fills the blank in both meaning and grammar.

This passage is about eco-tourism.

 Tourism is one of the world’s major industries and 1. A. a C. this
the main source of income in many countries. B. more D. their
Unfortunately, (1) development has come at a price. 2. A. departures C. expeditions
Increasing numbers of people are flying to far-off (2) , B. destinations D. getaways
which not only poses a threat to local ecosystems, but 3. A. despite C. whereas
results in huge amounts of carbon emissions that B. in contrast D. still
contribute to global warming. A domestic flight emits 4. A. alarmed C. unaware
over 100 grams of CO2 per passenger, (3) an intercity B. insensitive D. disinterested
train or a coach emits far less. The majority of tourists are
5. A. ones C. however
either (4) of, or not concerned about, such issues. But B. also D. those
fortunately there are (5) who prefer to travel with a clear
6. A. conscience C. permission
(6) . A growing number of tourists are shifting to “low
B. attitude D. posture
and slow” – traveling on (7) at a far more gentle pace
(8) carbon-neutral activities, such as walking, cycling 7. A. ground C. land
B. trail D. terrain
or coach travel. Others are using “carbon-offset” schemes,
where a person calculates the CO2 the trip produces and 8. A. and choice of C. but to choose
donates money to (9) initiatives and clean technologies B. by choosing D. hence chosen
to “offset” the emissions so that local communities 9. A. timeless C. peak
directly (10) from the donations. In this way, a B. sustainable D. vibrant
responsible traveler can try to ensure their flight is 10. A. retain C. expand
carbon-neutral. B. provide D. benefit


This passage is about travel in the US.
 In the 20th century, with the construction of a 11. A. means C. prospect
national highway system, movement in the US became B. option D. access
directly associated with the automobile. The resulting 12. A. would mean to take C. had meant taking
growth in car ownership gave millions of Americans (11) B. meant taking D. was meant to take
to personal transportation and the opportunity to travel. 13. A. tradition C. heritage
Increased mobility and a growing middle class (12) a B. location D. experience
vacation became an American tradition, and in doing so,
14. A. upscale C. pristine
children learned about their (13) by visiting historical B. domestic D. sheltered
sites and landmarks. National parks were also a favorite
15. A. contrast C. diversity
choice – the (14) beauty of nature providing a sharp
B. difference D. opposition
(15) to urban sprawl. The desire to explore their country
16. A. steered C. guided
(16) people to take a family road trip, which became part
B. landed D. led
of American culture.
17. A. were making C. to make
 One road came to symbolize the iconic American
B. make D. had made
road trip more than any other – Route 66. Stretching from
18. A. bound for C. on the right track
Chicago to California, it was known as the “mother road”
B. set foot in D. in the footsteps of
as it saw millions of people (17) their way across
America, all (18) the West. By connecting the main 19. A. renowned C. multi-purpose
B. thriving D. upright
streets of small towns, Route 66 helped transform the far
West from a rural frontier into a (19) metropolitan region. 20. A. leaves C. retains
However, with the advent of faster highways, Route 66 fell B. covers D. guarantees
out of use. Having featured in novels like Steinbeck’s The
Grapes of Wrath, as well as in films and music, Route 66
still (20) its place in the popular imagination. It remains a
symbol of the open road, freedom and opportunity.

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 REVIEW 4
C OPEN CLOZE Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap.

School sports days

School sports days are a controversial issue. Some students have memories of triumph as they crossed the finishing
line first. (1) Others remember the acute embarrassment of (2) being made to run a race they
had no chance of winning. Typically, sports days consist of a series of races. Students spend most of the day standing
around on the sidelines with (3) nothing to do except sit patiently until their event begins. There are those
who would (4) rather / sooner not be there at all, but for the (5) most part, students understand that
competitiveness in sports encourages respect for others, teamwork, and learning how to win fairly or lose with grace.
Recently, attempts have been made to cater (6) to / for the
less athletic students and make sports day more about
(7) taking part than winning. By including events such as the
tug of war, which requires cooperation, students less keen on sports can
contribute to the overall success of a team. Schools can also get such
students (8) on board by having them set up the events
and record the results. Participation in sports has benefits for physical
and mental health, therefore sports days will probably continue to play
an important role in schools.

D KEY WORD TRANSFORMATIONS Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words,
including the word given.
1. Guy made absolutely sure nothing would go wrong when he planned the expedition. CHANCE
Guy left nothing to chance when he planned the expedition.
2. Was the equipment checked before they started the experiment? PRIOR
Did anyone check the equipment prior to starting the experiment?
3. Paul was whispering so we could hardly hear him. ENOUGH
Paul wasn’t speaking / talking loudly enough to be heard.
4. Elle didn’t want me to invite Adam to the wedding. OBJECTED
Elle objected to my / me inviting Adam to the wedding.
5. Tom’s fear is that he could eventually be fired. SOONER

Tom is afraid that sooner or later he could / may / might lose his job.
6. I’m sorry – I had no intention of keeping you waiting. MEAN
I’m sorry – I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.

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