One of the most simple types of exercises created using a word processor is probably a gap-fill exercise. Yet, even then there is quite a list of options there. I decided to go for the exercise I usually like the best myself - one word fits all sentences.
The sentences are chosen from the Brown corpus via Compleat Lexical Tutor v.8. The gaps are created with FIND and REPLACE.
The sentences are chosen from the Brown corpus via Compleat Lexical Tutor v.8. The gaps are created with FIND and REPLACE.
Exercise 1
Fill in the gaps! Only one word for each group.
I
II
III
I
- A monstrous shadow __________ across the illuminated wall, distorted and indefinable.
- He __________ into the habit of putting his clothes in drawers.
- His breakfast was tea; his dinner __________ anywhere from nine to noon; his supper was nothing.
- The blue-eyed Watson decided that he would dislike living in New York, and the deal __________ through.
- They neither gained nor __________ back.
II
- And if you __________ sick, ask the teacher to let you come home early.
- Nothing like the old days in the army, but I __________ by.
- If you must know, I don't __________ along with the landlord. He keeps riding me because I like to listen to the radio and sing while I'm taking a bath.
- The farmer must __________ up early, and, at times, work late at night.
- You may have to provide them yourself or __________ along without them.
III
- After a long, hot controversy, Miller County has a new school superintendent, elected, as a policeman __________ it, in the "coolest election I ever saw in this county".
- Most striking indeed is this beyond-normal ability to __________ a finger on "pre-conscious" moods and to clarify them.
- A storm did take place that night, and fortunately enough, it included a cloudburst that helped __________ out the flames.
- Well, he told himself, let's __________ the show on the road.
- He is a dreamer of the good society with a plan to __________ into effect, and he is an individual craftsman with something to make for himself and the people of his time.
The other exercise is for younger students and is based on a short story (fable) for children. The order of the sentences has been altered and the task is to restore the original story,
Exercise 2
What a mess! Please put the sentences in the right order.
The Greedy Mouse
The Greedy Mouse
- A greedy mouse saw a basket full of corn. He wanted to eat it. So he made a small hole in the basket. He squeezed in through the hole. He ate a lot of corn. He felt full. He was very happy.
- The mouse explained: “I made a small hole and came into the basket. Now I am not able to get out through that hole.”
- The mouse fell asleep in the basket. Next morning his belly had shrunk. But the mouse wanted to eat some corn. So he ate and ate. His belly was full once again. He thought: “Oh! Now I will go out tomorrow”.
- The rabbit said: “It is because you ate too much. Wait till your belly shrinks”. The rabbit laughed and went away.
- The mouse started crying. A rabbit was passing by. It heard the mouse’s cry and asked: “Why are you crying my friend?”
- Now he wanted to come out. He tried to come out through the small hole. He could not. His belly was full. He tried again. But it was of no use.