For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. Complete these sentences with can, could or the correct form of able to.
Buying things will not make you happy
The advertising industry and (0) economists ECONOMY may have us believe that we need to (1)
[blank_start]constantly[blank_end] CONSTANT consume in order to feel happy and good about ourselves. However, of course, this is not the case, and owning possessions does not bring you (2) [blank_start]happiness[blank_end].HAPPY
When first bought, the item might be at the (3) [blank_start]height[blank_end] HIGH of fashion, but it will soon be replaced by the latest model. Sometimes, it is also believed that friends and family will find our new purchases (4) [blank_start]impressive[blank_end]. IMPRESS.
However, this is (5) [blank_start]rarely[blank_end] RARE the case. Even people who can afford whatever they want are not always happy and this is proof that (6) [blank_start]satisfaction[blank_end]
SATISFY cannot be found through possessions. Mass buying also leads to (7) [blank_start]environmental[blank_end]
ENVIRONMENT problems and by buying too much our society is currently creating too much waste material such as packaging.
In order to feel happier and to help the environment, people need to place less (8) [blank_start]importance[blank_end] IMPORTANT on buying things and focus more on what really matters.
Answer
constantly
happiness
height
impressive
rarely
satisfaction
environmental
importance
Question 2
Question
1 He could / was able to buy what he wanted, because he had been saving for months.
2 If you [blank_start]can’t[blank_end] (not) get home, I will happily lend you money for the bus fare.
3 In order to [blank_start]be able to[blank_end] afford a new bike, I need to work every weekend.
4 You [blank_start]can[blank_end] earn quite a lot of money in this job, if you are willing to work weekends.
5 Last night, she [blank_start]was able to[blank_end] persuade her parents to increase her pocket money.
6 I [blank_start]could[blank_end] go shopping and not buy anything, but I wouldn’t enjoy it as much.
7 Her parents have taught her how to budget, so in the future she
[blank_start]can[blank_end] handle her money responsibly.
8 There is a prize for the team who [blank_start]can[blank_end] raise the most money for charity.
9 He doesn’t need much in life and [blank_start]is able to[blank_end] live on very little money.
10 She [blank_start]can’t[blank_end] (not) buy anything online, as she hasn’t had the internet for weeks.