C1 Advanced Multiple-choice Cloze – test 9. Text about minimalism as a lifestyle – its advantages and criticism. The test focuses on idioms and fixed expressions that at the C1 level need to be known in full, not word by word.
C1 Advanced Multiple-choice Cloze – minimalism and idioms
Idioms in Part 1 usually have one gap, and the remaining words suggest what expression is meant. In this text:
- at the drop of a hat – without hesitation, at any moment,
- strike a chord – touch a sensitive chord,
- a means to an end – a means to an end.
How to solve?
First, read the entire text to understand its overall meaning, and only then go back to the gaps. Watch out for words that semantically fit but require a different preposition or construction – this is a typical trap in Use of English Part 1 in the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam.
The penultimate test in the C1 Advanced Multiple-choice Cloze series – after this, the most difficult test 10 awaits you.
For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Less is more
For many people, minimalism began as a reaction (0) against the relentless consumerism of modern life. Its followers aim to (1) their possessions down to the bare essentials. Some take this to extremes, proudly announcing that they own no more than a hundred items, (2) clothes. Critics, however, argue that the movement has lost (3) of its original purpose.
Getting rid of possessions, they point out, is easy for those who can afford to replace anything at the (4) of a hat. Ironically, minimalism has itself become big (5), with books, courses and designer furniture. Nevertheless, the idea that less can be more clearly (6) a chord with many people.
Clearing out clutter can bring a genuine sense of relief and help people get their (7) straight. The key, perhaps, is to see minimalism as a means to an (8) rather than a goal in itself. After all, owning fewer things is of little value if it does not lead to a richer life.
Less is more
For many people, minimalism began as a reaction (0) against the relentless consumerism of modern life. Its followers aim to (1) their possessions down to the bare essentials. Some take this to extremes, proudly announcing that they own no more than a hundred items, (2) clothes. Critics, however, argue that the movement has lost (3) of its original purpose.
Getting rid of possessions, they point out, is easy for those who can afford to replace anything at the (4) of a hat. Ironically, minimalism has itself become big (5), with books, courses and designer furniture. Nevertheless, the idea that less can be more clearly (6) a chord with many people.
Clearing out clutter can bring a genuine sense of relief and help people get their (7) straight. The key, perhaps, is to see minimalism as a means to an (8) rather than a goal in itself. After all, owning fewer things is of little value if it does not lead to a richer life.