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EF p 190. Fancy a Down-to-Earth Holiday? Writing an Article. Verb Form Gap Fill
Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).
Verbs: picture, stumble across, work, always/fascinate, kowtow, give, curb, find, nod, tell, swap, finally/allow, clearly/wait, dig.
Task instructions: You have been asked to write an article describing your experience of an unusual type of holiday for a students’ magazine.
Fancy a Down-to-Earth Holiday?
Are you tired of doing the same thing every summer? (0) Picture this: you're sprawled on a beach towel, bored out of your mind, watching other tourists do exactly what you're doing – absolutely nothing. Sound familiar? If you (1) your head right now, it might be time to trade that sun lounger for something more memorable.
I (2) by history, but let's be honest – reading about ancient civilisations in dusty textbooks isn't exactly thrilling. So when I (3) an advertisement for an archaeology training holiday, I was intrigued. A week of hands-on historical detective work? Sign me up! My friends thought I'd lost my mind. "You're paying to dig holes in the dirt?" one asked. "You could do that in your garden for free!"
Our group was wonderfully eclectic. Eight of us gathered that first morning: a retired school teacher who (4) for years for this adventure, two enthusiastic American college students armed with expensive cameras (naturally), an out-of-work actor who (5) us dramatic readings of historical texts at every opportunity – including at breakfast – and a few others who, like me, were simply curious. We stayed in a converted farmhouse where the accommodation was refreshingly simple but comfortable, and the home-cooked meals were absolutely delicious. Proper food, not the usual holiday fare that makes you wonder which century it's from (though given our location, that might have been appropriate).
After some basic training in archaeological techniques – learning the difference between a significant find and a rock was harder than you'd think, and I'm still not entirely convinced about some of my "discoveries" – we (6) to join a real dig at a nearby archaeological site. Imagine carefully brushing away centuries of soil with what looks like a toothbrush, never quite knowing what might emerge. The tension, the concentration, the sheer excitement of it all! Also, the backache. Nobody mentions the backache.
Then it happened. As I (7) methodically through my assigned section, convinced I (8) nothing but more dirt, my trowel struck something hard. My heart raced as I gently uncovered a tiny fragment of pottery, its surface surprisingly smooth despite the passage of time. When our instructor examined it later that day, she confirmed it was Roman. "Beginner's luck!" she announced with a grin. Meanwhile, the retired teacher who (9) for three days had found precisely one modern bottle cap. I tried not to look too smug.
Would I recommend an educational holiday? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already planning my next one – mediaeval castle restoration, anyone? Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with traditional beach holidays if that's your thing. But personally, I can't think of anything more rewarding than learning a new skill, meeting fascinating people, and coming home with stories that are actually worth (10) at dinner parties.
Oh, and I still got a sun tan – just with considerably more dirt under my fingernails and a newfound appreciation for professional archaeologists who do this every day without complaining. So, what would your life be like if you (11) predictable for unforgettable this summer?
KEY
1. 're nodding
2. 've always been fascinated
3. stumbled across
4. 'd clearly been waiting
5. gave
6. were finally allowed
7. was working
8. 'd find
9. 'd been digging
10. telling
11. swapped
Extra verbs:
To Curb: To check or keep in check; to restrain. Sp. frenar, restringir.
"The government introduced new laws to curb inflation."
To Kowtow: To act in an excessively subservient manner.
“I refuse to kowtow to the demands of a bully.”
EF p 194. PROPOSAL FOR A MONTHLY INTERCULTURAL STREET FOOD MARKET. Writing. Verb Form Gap Fill
Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).
Verbs:
conclude, foster, outline, exacerbate, propose, feature, belong, ensure, adopt, acquiesce, request, launch, encourage, dine, establish, encompass, require, outline, promote, engage, fail, submit, lower.You have been asked by your local city council to suggest one cultural initiative intended to strengthen community life in urban areas, where many people report feeling increasingly isolated.
PROPOSAL FOR A MONTHLY INTERCULTURAL STREET FOOD MARKET
Submitted to: Hartfield City Council
Date: 16th January 2026
Introduction
As (0) requested, I (1) the following proposal in order to address the council's recent findings regarding social isolation amongst urban residents. The main purpose of this proposal is (2) a cultural initiative that would transform our underutilised Market Square into a vibrant community hub (3) cultural exchange and meaningful interaction.
Current Situation
It is clear from residents' feedback that opportunities (4) with one another across cultural boundaries remain severely limited. It is a fact that many adults report feeling disconnected from their neighbours, which means that our public spaces, whilst plentiful, (5) to function as genuine gathering points. In light of this year's community survey, a more dynamic approach is vital if we are (6) the sense of belonging our community desperately requires.
The Proposed Initiative
I strongly recommend (7) a monthly Intercultural Street Food Market operating on the last Saturday of each month. We propose that the market (8) food stalls run by local residents representing various cultural backgrounds. Crucially, this would not simply be a commercial venture. I therefore recommend that participants (9) to share the stories and traditions behind their dishes, with designated "cultural exchange zones" where cooking demonstrations and informal language practice sessions could take place.
(10) active participation rather than passive consumption, it would be advisable to incorporate communal seating areas designed to encourage strangers (11) together, alongside interactive activities such as collaborative cooking workshops and traditional music performances. We suggest (12) stall holders to work in pairs from different cultural backgrounds, ensuring that cross-cultural collaboration lies at the heart of the project.
Expected Benefits
The advantages of the approach proposed would be considerable. Food provides a universally accessible entry point for cultural dialogue, whilst the informal market atmosphere (13) barriers that might prevent engagement in more structured community events. If we were to celebrate our diversity as an asset, we could potentially reduce prejudice through positive personal encounters.
Furthermore, this course of action would be beneficial since it would increase footfall for local businesses and generate renewed civic pride. The short-term benefits include immediate opportunities for meaningful social connection, whilst the long-term advantages (14) enhanced community cohesion and a transformed town centre.
Conclusion
(15), the evidence points towards this initiative as an effective solution to urban isolation. In light of the above, I believe this proposal (16) with immediate approval of funding and commitment to (17) a pilot programme this spring. Our residents deserve genuine opportunities to connect and value one another.
I trust that the recommendations (18) in this proposal will receive your serious consideration. I feel certain that the course of action (19) above will answer the needs of our community and transform our town from a place where people merely coexist into one where they genuinely (20).
KEY
1. am submitting
2. to outline
3. promoting
4. to engage
5. have failed
6. to foster
7. establishing
8. (should) feature
9. (should) be encouraged
10. To ensure
11. to dine
12. requiring
13. would lower
14. would encompass
15. To conclude
16. should be adopted
17. to launching/ to launch
18. outlined
19. proposed
20. belong
Extra verbs:
To Acquiesce: to accept something reluctantly but without protest. Consent.
“Despite her initial reservations, she finally acquiesced to the board's demands.”
To Exacerbate: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. Worsen.
“Adding more tasks to his plate will only exacerbate his current stress levels.
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