Reading C1 britishcouncil

Question 1

to speak to someone in private

zamienić z kimś słowo; porozmawiać z kimś

The teacher had a w____ with the student about his poor behavior in class.
The parent had a serious talk with the child about the consequences of lying.

Answer 1

to have a word with
someone

Question 2

the capacity of the living brain for continuous alteration of
the neural pathways in response to experience;
The ability of a material to change its shape or form easily, especially under the influence of heat or pressure.

plastyczność, podatność na odkształcenie

The brain has a remarkable p____, and it can adapt to new experiences and challenges.

Answer 2

plasticity

Question 3

to make something difficult or unpleasant sound more
attractive and acceptable (To make something seem better than it really is by using pleasant or flattering language.)

upiększać, lukrować, pokrywać cukrem; Owijać w bawełnę

The teacher s____ the exam results, telling the students that they had done better than they actually had.
The salesperson s____ the features of the new product, trying to convince the customer to buy it.

Answer 3

to sugarcoat
something

“The company sugarcoated their financial report, hiding the fact that they were losing money.”
“The politician sugarcoated his promises, knowing that he would never be able to keep them.”

Question 4

existing from birth and not learned or taught (natural or inherent.)

wrodzony

• The child had an i____ talent for music, and she began playing the piano at an early age.
• The teacher had an i____ ability to connect with students, and she was always able to motivate them to learn.

Answer 4

innate

The child’s innate curiosity led her to explore the world around her.

Question 5

to be particularly perceptive about something

Mieć oko do czegoś

• The chef has a k__ e__ for flavor, and her dishes are always delicious.
• The artist h___ an e____ for detail, even in the smallest brushstrokes.

Answer 5

to have an eye for
something

Question 6

to develop a skill or talent by working hard at it (become sharper or more skilled.)

udoskonalić (umiejętność), doprowadzić do perfekcji

The chef h____his skills by cooking in some of the best restaurants in the world.

Answer 6

to hone

Question 7

distrusting the motives and intentions of others; believing the worst of others

cyniczny (o osobie, postawie)

• The c____ lawyer always assumed that his clients were lying to him.
• The c____ businessman believed that the only way to succeed was to step on others.”

Answer 7

cynical

Question 8

to neutralise or reduce the bad effects of something by an opposite action (negate the effects of something.)

przeciwdziałać/niwelować efektom

The doctor prescribed medication to c____ the e____ of the virus.
The government took steps to c____ the e____ of the economic crisis by providing financial assistance to businesses and individuals.

Answer 8

to counter the effects