Feedback March-May Flashcards
1
Q
It’s not a very _ situation. (= частая)
A
It’s not a very frequent situation. (= частая)
frequent + noun;
This doesn’t happen very often. (**verb **+ often)
2
Q
[fix the issue]
It’s often that I felt that feeling that someone’s helping me.
A
[fix the issue]
It often happens that I felt that feeling that someone’s helping me.
бывает = happens (not just ‘is’)
3
Q
What’s the difference between
‘we decided to get married’ and ‘we decided to start a family’?
A
‘we decided to start a family’ = to have kids
‘we decided to get married’ = there’s not catch here
4
Q
[‘this’ or ‘that’?]
“My presentation was a disaster”.
“I’m sure it wasn’t _ bad”.
A
[‘this’ or ‘that’?]
“My presentation was a disaster”.
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad”.
5
Q
[‘this’ or ‘that’?]
“My presentation was a disaster. I think the customer is going to fire our company now, and I’m going to be fired too.”
“Come on, I’m sure it wasn’t _ bad”,
A
“My presentation was a disaster. I think the customer is going to fire our company now, and I’m going to be fired too.”
“Come on, I’m sure it wasn’t this bad”,
6
Q
[‘this’ or ‘that’?]
I was invited by my granny, so I wasn’t expecting the party to be _ wild. (= особо)
A
I was invited by my granny, so I wasn’t expecting the party to be that wild. (= особо)
7
Q
[‘this’ or ‘that’?]
I knew my granny always has fun parties, but I wasn’t expecting her party to be _ wild.
A
I knew my granny always has fun parties, but I wasn’t expecting her party to be this wild.
8
Q
I regretted _ (start) that job.
A
I regretted starting that job.
9
Q
I was expecting that job to be _ (намного более интересной).
A
I was expecting that job to be a lot more interesting.
10
Q
[what’s the difference in terms of the tone of the expression?]
I was expecting to be paid well.
I was expecting to be paid better.
A
I was expecting to be paid well. = a very unhappy statement, perhaps passive aggressive
I was expecting to be paid better. = a guarded, softened (and more culturally appropriate) statement
11
Q
I thought it _ a good idea to change jobs two years ago, but that was the wrong thing to do.
A
I thought it would be a good idea to change jobs two years ago, but that was the wrong thing to do.
12
Q
I thought it would be a good idea to change jobs two years ago, but that was the wrong thing to do. _ (мне нужно было take a break and get some rest).
A
I thought it would be a good idea to change jobs two years ago, but that was the wrong thing to do. I should’ve taken a break and got(ten) some rest).
13
Q
[reformulate with a better turn of phrase]
The second picture isn’t about me.
A
I can’t really relate to the second picture.
14
Q
[pronunciation] quarantine
A
/ˈkwɒrəntiːn/
15
Q
[pronunciation] where’s the stress?
Shakespeare
A
/’ʃeɪkspɪə/
16
Q
Irina wasn’t _ the quarantine to be a walk in the park.
I was _… Maybe we could buy a piano?
A
Irina wasn’t expecting the quarantine to be a walk in the park.
I was thinking… Maybe we could buy a piano?
17
Q
Zhenya wasn’t expecting me not be able to answer some of _ (this? these?) questions
A
Zhenya wasn’t expecting me not be able to answer some of these questions.
18
Q
[reformulate with a better turn of phrase]
I’m normally not in this condition to hug someone at the end of Friday. I’m absolutely exhausted.
A
I’m normally not in the right frame of mind to hug someone at the end of Friday. I’m absolutely exhausted.
19
Q
[pronunciation] has a mind of its own
A
avitsown (one word, with /v/ not /f/!)
20
Q
It gives me a peace of mind to have a fridge full of food, w_ w_ the inevitable alien invasion coming up. ;)
A
It gives me a peace of mind to have a fridge full of food, what with the inevitable alien invasion coming up. ;)
21
Q
[Add one word]
He was listening his favourite song
A
He was listening to his favourite song
22
Q
[irregular verbs]
There was a robbery of a barber shop, and the camera _ (shoot) that he first got a haircut and then…
A
There was a robbery of a barber shop, and the camera shot that he first got a haircut and then…
shoot-shot-shot
23
Q
[spelling]
I think that when the policeman arrived, he probably _ (panic»_space; past tense).
A
[spelling]
I think that when the policeman arrived, he probably panicked.
panic-panicked - panicking
24
Q
I think I’d consider _ (have) a conversation with my supervisor.
A
I think I’d consider having a conversation with my supervisor.
consider v-ing
25
[add one word]
I think his wife was cheating him.
[add one word]
I think his wife was **cheating on** him.
26
I started to work when I was 14 in a finance company and my whole life I \_ (work) in finance.
I started to work when I was 14 in a finance company and my whole life I**'ve been working** in finance.
27
I \_ (not have) a 'best' friends, just regular friends.
I **don't have** a 'best' friends, just regular friends.
only use 'haven't as part of **Present Perfect**!
28
[pronunciation] ballet
/ˈbæleɪ/
29
I should've gone to a technical university. Then I would \_ (have) more job opportunities. (= in the past)
I should've gone to a technical university. Then I **would've had** more job opportunities. (= in the past)
30
I think that even If I'd agreed to work with his hair, I wouldn't \_ (able) to do anything.
I think that even If I'd agreed to work with his hair, I **wouldn't have been able** to do anything.
(talking about the past => wouldn't have + V3)
31
[talking about an event in the past]
I think you **could \_ (offer)** the customer a number of options.
[talking about an event in the past]
I think you **could've offered** the customer a number of options.
32
[talking about an event in the past]
I think you could've offered the customer a number of options. Then we would \_ (make) a lot of money.
[talking about an event in the past]
I think you could've offered the customer a number of options. Then we **would've made** a lot of money.
33
soften the bold bit by removing the word 'you'
I see your point, but my feeling is **there's something else you could've done**.
soften the bold bit by removing the word 'you'
I see your point, but my feeling is there's something else **that** could've been done.
34
[in a confrontational discussion]
And I think you / also / forget something here.
And I think you're also forgetting something here.
35
At some point I went \_ maternity leave.
At some point I **went on maternity leave**.
('maternity' is stressed)
36
[pronunciation] internship
/ ˈɪntərnˌʃɪp/
37
[do you need an article here?]
In my experience, in IT, if it's a good company, they're gonna pay you even for an internship. So you have to trade your salary for **good experience**.
[do you need an article here?]
In my experience, in IT, if it's a good company, they're gonna pay you even for an internship. So you have to trade your salary for **good experience**.
no article as you're talking about **work experience** (uncountable), not having fun (a good experience)
38
[pronunciation] tourism (where's the **stress**?)
BrE /ˈtɔːrɪzəm/
AmE /ˈtʊrɪzəm/
39
She didn't pass the \_ (испытательный срок).
She didn't pass **the probation period**.
/ˈpɪriəd/
40
[pronunciation] negotiate (where's the **stress**?)
/nɪˈɡəʊʃieɪt/
41
I think there's a lot of people who have **an \_ (синдром самозванца)**.
I think there's a lot of people who have **an imposter syndrome**.
/ɪmˈpɒstə(r)/
42
I think this happens a lot in \_ (творческих) professions.
I think this happens a lot in **creative professions**.
43
restructure the sentence
**It doesn't matter**, **woman you are or a man.**
It doesn't matter **whether** you are a woman or a man.
44
The better education you have \_ (тем легче) it will be for you to find a job.
The better education you have, **the easier** it will be for you to find a job.
(no 'more')
45
[do you need an article here?]
In order to get a job, he needs **experience**, and in order to get **experience**, he needs to find a job.
no articles - 'experience' is uncountable when used in this sense
In order to get a job, he needs **experience**, and in order to get **experience**, he needs to find a job.
46
[do you need an article here?]
He has good salary.
[do you need an article here?]
He has a good **salary**.
47
[do you need an article here?]
There was crisis and she lost her job.
[do you need an article here?]
There was **a crisis** and she lost her job.
48
[find an fix a grammar issue]
I have **some problem** with my internet connection.
[find an fix a grammar issue]
I have **some kind of** problem with my internet connection.
some + plural / uncountable
какая-то - some kind of
49
'job' or 'work'?
I know some people whose motto is 'more money, less \_ (работы).
I know some people whose motto is 'more money, less **work**.
because 'work' is uncountable and 'job' is countable (so 'less job' doesn't work)
50
[do you need an article?]
I've worked with a coach, and I spent bloody fortune on that.
I've worked with a coach, and I spent **a bloody fortune** on that.
51
[do you need an article here?]
I'd never want to be a builder, because this is heavy physical **work**.
I'd never want to be a builder, because this is heavy physical **work**. - uncountable, no article
52
[do you need an article here?]
This was written before pandemic.
[do you need an article here?]
This was written before **the pandemic**.
('pandemic' is countable)
53
[which word is better?]
It's very common for small [business / businesses].
[which word is better?]
It's very common for small **businesses**
'business' in the meaning of 'company' is **countable**
54
[do you need an article here?]
It's not **discrimination**, it's **standard practice**.
no articles (the nouns are uncountable)
It's not **discrimination**, it's **standard practice**.
55
I was given carte blanche to decide whatever **strategy** I wanted to **\_**.
I was given carte blanche to decide whatever **strategy** I wanted to **adopt / pursue / use / employ**.
56
Sometimes I have no choice but to pull an all-nighter to **\_ things done**.
Sometimes I have no choice but to pull an all-nighter to **get things done**.
57
'Get away with murder' is not \_ about killing someone. (необязательно)
'Get away with murder' **is not necessarily** about killing someone.
58
Belarus or Belorussia?
Belarus **/ˌbɛləˈruːs/** is the current pronunciation
Maybe people are **offended** by 'Belorussia'
59
[pronunciation] Belarusian (the modern pronunciation)
beh·luh·ROO·see·uhn
/ˌbɛləˈruːsɪən/
60
[pronunciation] Those children are always getting into **mischief**.
/ˈmɪstʃɪf/
61
This was the first year when they'd **introduced the p\_** that nobody should smoke on campus.
This was the first year when they'd **introduced the policy** that nobody should smoke on campus.
62
What's the difference between
'I went home'
and 'I came home'
'I went home' = left the place
and 'I came home' = came to the place
63
Faster! **F\_** me some more water! (= go to the bathroom and bring...)
Faster! **Fetch** me some more water!
64
He completely **b\_ \_** the interview. (= f\*\*\* up)
He completely **botched up ** the interview. (= f\*\*\* up)
65
This happened in the same dorm that I was **k\_ \_ of**. (= выгнали)
This happened in the same dorm that I was **kicked out of**. (= выгнали)
66
[someone who came a bit late to the meeting] So, what are you doing?
We're revising the idioms. \_ (=Мы **только-только** начали.)
[someone who came a bit late to the meeting] So, what are you doing?
We're revising the idioms. **We've only just started** (=Мы только-только начали.)
67
I'm quite a soft person, and I have trouble **(lay down / law / anyone)**.
I'm quite a soft person, and I have trouble **laying down the law with** anyone.
(not 'laws' - this is a **fixed** idiom)
68
[do you need an article here?]
I can't think of particular person who does this, but I hate when people do that.
I can't think of **a particular person** who does this, but I hate when people do that.
69
[pronunciation] shovel
/ˈʃʌvl/
70
For me, it depends on what exactly no good thing this child is up to.
For me, it depends on **what exactly** this child is up to.
71
I'm g\_ th\_ a r\_ p\_. (= у меня чёрная полоса)
I'm going through a rough patch.
72
[pronunciation] If my memory serves me **correctly**
/kəˈrektli/
73
**Would you mind \_ (share)** the screen?
Would you mind **sharing** the screen?
74
[add a word to the sentence in bold]
Would you mind sharing the screen?
**I'd love, but I can't because I don't have the link.**
[add a word to the sentence in bold]
Would you mind sharing the screen?
**I'd love to**, but I can't because I don't have the link.
75
Let's watch Mario the movie!
But I thought you **\_ (hate)** cartoons.
Let's watch Mario the movie!
But I thought you **hated** cartoons.
76
Let's watch Mario the movie!
I didn't know you **\_ (like)** such childish stuff.
Let's watch Mario the movie!
I didn't know you **liked** such childish stuff.
77
What's the difference in meaning?
'I thought everyone played Mario.'
'I thought everyone had played Mario.'
What's the difference in meaning?
'I thought everyone played Mario.' = now
'I thought everyone had played Mario.' = in the past
78
Fix the bit in bold.
I didn't think you'd agree to watch Mario.
**Why wouldn't you think that?**
Why wouldn't I agree?
79
I was wondering if you could **come \_**? (= прийти к нам, прийти в гости)
I was wondering if you could **come over**? (= прийти к нам, прийти в гости)
80
We have a group of 10 [people? persons?]
We have a group of 10 **people**.
persons = used in some **formal** language
81
[**Tone down** the B's answer]
A: I know that it's Friday evening, but I was wondering if there's any chance you have a table for 10?
B: It's my pleasure to have an opportunity to help you.
[**Tone down** the B's answer]
A: I know that it's Friday evening, but I was wondering if there's any chance you have a table for 10?
B: I'm happy to help you / happy to be able to help you.
get rid of 'pleasure' and 'have an opportunity'
82
I was wondering if we were prepared to pay 10% higher for the meals, would you be able to cancel the other people's booking and reserve the table for us?
I'm afraid **\_ not an option**.
I was wondering if we were prepared to pay 10% higher for the meals, would you be able to cancel the other people's booking and reserve the table for us?
I'm afraid **that's not an option**.
83
Reformulate the reply in a more culturally appropriate way.
I'm afraid that the interpreter that was booked for your event is in hospital, so we have to cancel.
**Oh, that's very sad.**
Reformulate the reply.
I'm afraid that the interpreter that was booked for your event is in hospital, so we have to cancel.
**Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.**
84
Maybe we could **\_ roles**? (обменяться)
Maybe we could **swap roles**? (обменяться)
85
We have someone who can translate from Lao to Chinese, but they don't speak English.
OK, **I think \_ \_ \_ the trick**.
We have someone who can translate from Lao to Chinese, but they don't speak English.
OK, **I think that will do the trick**.
or: **might** do the trick / **would** do the trick
86
In Moscow, a lot of street art is **c\_** by the authorities. (= paid for)
In Moscow, a lot of street art is **commissioned** by the authorities. (= paid for)
87
I think for a lot of artists, street art festivals are a way to **g\_ e\_** (= make sure a lot of people have seen their work) and **a\_ new clients**.
I think for a lot of artists, street art festivals are a way to **gain exposure** (= make sure a lot of people have seen their work) and **attract new clients**.
88
What's this?
a mural
/ˈmjʊərəl/
89
The mural was **w\_** after only a day.
The mural was **whitewashed** after only a day.
/ ˈwaɪtˌwɒʃt/
90
[pronunciation] course
/kɔːs/
91
Olga is a **q\_ photographer** (= she has studied and obtained a certificate that she can do that).
Olga is a **qualified photographer** (= she has studied and obtained a certificate that she can do that).
/ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/
92
[pronunciation] ...I mean people are “woke” and **inclusive**...
/ ɪnˈkluːsɪv/
93
I live w\_ \_ five-minute \_ \_ the Kremlin.
I live **within a five-minute drive from** the Kremlin.
94
That **depends \_** the season.
**That depends on** the season.
95
He says, avoid overthinking or you'll \_ analysis paralysis.
He says, avoid overthinking or you'll **have** analysis paralysis.
96
[pronunciation] casual
/ˈkæʒuəl/
97
[pronunciation] urban
same vowel as in 'bird'
98
What's the word for a meal (or a picture) that makes you want to eat?
m\_-w\_
mouth-watering
/ˈmaʊθ wɔːtərɪŋ/
also, figurative, e.g. 'mouth-watering travel brochures'
99
Брейгель
Bruegel
/bru:/
100
I used to watch lots of movies, but recently I've became a lot more p\_ (= разборчивый).
I used to watch lots of movies, but recently I've became a lot more **picky** (= разборчивый).
101
After a day full of work and switching between languages and dealing with students I just need to w\_ d\_ (= relax).
After a day full of work and switching between languages and dealing with students I just need to **wind down** (= relax).
/waɪnd/
102
'catch' or 'get'?
'Why do people hire decluttering experts..' Hm, I don't \_ this idea.
'Why do people hire decluttering experts..' Hm, I don't **get** this idea.
didn't get = didn't understand
didn't catch = не расслышал
103
I try not to \_ (MANAGE>> word family) my son. (= not to tell him what to do all the time).
I try not to **micro-manage** my son. (= not to tell him what to do all the time).
104
Let's re\_ this material (= повторить).
Could you please re\_ this audio one more time? (= ещё раз проиграть)
Let's **revise** this material (= повторить).
Could you please **replay** this audio one more time? (= ещё раз проиграть)
repeat = **say** something again or repeat **an action** ('audio' is not anction)
105
[pronunciation] **iconically** American
/aɪˈkɑːnɪkli/
105
What drawings can do is they cannot only communicate images,
they can even \_ (EVOCATIVE >> word family) emotions.
What drawings can do is they cannot only communicate images,
they can even **evoke emotions**.
106
I \_ (was? have been?) to the desert a few times.
I **have been** to the desert a few times.
life experience
107
I was buying a card and I specifically asked \_ an automatic but then discovered I got a manual.
I was buying a card and I **specifically asked for** an automatic but then discovered I got a manual.
108
Moving is a good opportunity to \_ (CLUTTER >> word family)
Moving is a good opportunity to **declutter**. also: de-clutter /diːˈklʌtər/
109
[pronunciation] Moving is a good opportunity to **declutter**.
/diːˈklʌtər/
110
We **arrived \_ the station** five minutes before the train departed.
We **arrived at** the station five minutes before the train departed.
111
[pronunciation] consequences
CONsequences
/ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/
112
My son rarely gets punished because \_ (у него хорошо язык подвешен) = he can t\_ \_ w\_ o\_ \_ anything"?
My son rarely gets punished because **he can talk his way out of anything**.
113
[pronunciation] a blurred picture
the same vowel as 'bird'
/blɜː(r)d/
114
What's the difference in meaning?
I don't have the time to do this.
I don't have time for this.
I don't have time for this. = я не собираюсь этим заниматься
I don't have time to do this = neutral, no catch
115
I've been meaning to start revising the material we've studied on this course, but I haven't had the time \_ the willpower to do that.
I've been meaning to start revising the material we've studied on this course, but I have**n't** had the time **or** the willpower to do that.
116
I can't get round to \_ (wash) the windows.
I can't get round to wash**ing** the windows.
get round to v-ing
117
I've been meaning to lose weight, but I don't have the willpower to \_ a diet.
I've been meaning to lose weight, but I don't have the willpower to **go on a diet**.
118
Which option is better?
Could you let me know if you
(1) don't need the service anymore?
(2) still need the service?
Which option is better?
Could you let me know if you
(1) don't need the service anymore?
(2) **still need the service?** (a positive wording)
119
I remember a time when it was difficult for me to fit in in a new team, because my colleagues \_ (work together) before.
I remember a time when it was difficult for me to fit in in a new team, because my colleagues **had worked** together before.
120
Sorry to b\_ in, but ... (извините, что вклиниваюсь, но...)
Sorry to butt in, but...
121
[pronunciation] There's a bit of an **echo**.
/ˈekəʊ/
122
[pronunciation] I **won't** judge you.
/wəʊnt/
compare with 'want' /wɒnt/
123
[pronunciation] dishonest
/dɪS/ - not /z/
/dɪsˈɒnɪst/
124
[pronunciation] Facebook
/ˈfeɪsbʊk/
not /z/!
125
[pronunciation] she stared at me in **disbelief**
/dɪS/ - not /z/
/ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/
126
[pronunciation] playing **football**
/t/, not /d/!
/ˈfʊtbɔːl/
127
[preposition]
I have a deep distrust \_ ChatGPT.
I have a deep **distrust of** ChatGPT.
128
[pronunciation] cuisine
/kwɪˈziːn/
129
Most of the courses th\_ d\_ are online. (= nows)
Most of the courses **these days** are online.
130
Fix the issue with the **word in bold**.
[A: describes a party they went to 10 years ago]
B: Yeah, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing, so I'm not sure I **will** enjoy this type of party.
[A: describes a party they went to 10 years ago]
B: Yeah, I'm not a big fan of this kind of thing, so I'm not sure I **would** enjoy this type of party.
131
This was last year, \_ (a tag question).
This was last year, **wasn't it**?
132
goods that are bought and \_ (sell >> V3) by Ozon
goods that are bought and **sold** by Ozon
/səʊld/
133
You could revise vocabulary every day. \_ would help you put the new vocabulary into practice.
You could revise vocabulary every day. **That** would help you put the new vocabulary into practice.
134
[find and fix a grammar issue]
My son really wants to get a huge dog, and I'm afraid this dog ruins our garden.
[find and fix a grammar issue]
My son really wants to get a huge dog, and I'm afraid this dog **would ruin** our garden.
135
[pronunciation] he wants to **specify** that...
SPEcify
/ˈspesɪfaɪ/
notice, /s/ not ц, which doesn't exist in English
136
[pronunciation] disorder
/dɪsˈɔːdə(r)/
notice: /s/, not /z/!
137
[pronunciation] ] indecisive
/ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/
notice: /s/, not /z/!
138
[pronunciation] hypocrisy (ханжество)
/hɪˈpɒkrəsi/
139
[pronunciation] ten thousand rubles
/ˈruːbəlz/
140
You're being a bit more aggressive than I thought \_ (ты будешь).
You're being a bit more aggressive than I **thought** you **would** be.
