English Vocabulary and Word Formation Practice Exercises with Solutions

Part 1: Vocabulary, Idioms, and Sentence Transformations

Exercise 1: Vocabulary and Expressions Replacement

Replace the words in bold with the appropriate words and expressions below. (There are more words than you need: round the clock, every once in a while, no wonder, user-friendly, carry on, state of the art, come up with, out of date).

1. We are working all the time without a break. → Round the clock
2. I don’t often take a holiday, but occasionally I spend a day at the beach. → Every once in a while
3. It’s not surprising that you’re so tired! → No wonder
4. My new phone is so easy to use. → User-friendly
5. You should continue working on the project. → Carry on
6. I like to keep up with the latest technology. I always buy the most up-to-date electronic gadgets. → State of the art
7. I always think of great solutions to problems. → Come up with
8. My furniture is old-fashioned. It’s time to change it for something more modern. → Out of date

Exercise 2: Word Formation – Nouns

Complete the sentences by creating an appropriate noun from the words in bold. The second sentence should have the same meaning as the original sentence.

1. Very few people attended the lecture. → There was very low attendance at the lecture.
2. There is very little awareness of the problem.
3. The mayor believes in the importance of education.
4. Some people believe that computer games lead to violence.
5. Andrew has an addiction to computer games.
6. The doctor gave the patient an examination.
7. Has he got the ability to run a marathon?
8. Have you made a decision (about) which job you’re going to take?

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences with a suitable ending. Use 1–3 words. Pay attention to the words in bold.

1. Ron’s job is very demanding because he has to work at night.
2. It’s important not to delete any important notices.
3. He’s reliable, so you can tell him your secrets.
4. The crowd cheered when he showed them his magic trick.
5. Many teenagers worship horror movies.
6. When something goes viral, everybody talks about it.

Part 2: Sentence Matching, Suffixes, and Reading Comprehension

Exercise 1: Sentence Matching

Match column A to column B to form complete sentences. Pay attention to the words in bold.

1. Frank decided to buy a state-of-the-art computer – d
2. John was proud of his achievement – e
3. Ed’s job was very demanding – c
4. Mike deleted the e-mail – b
5. Mark’s father restricted his use of the computer – a
6. Alan didn’t buy the device – f

Exercise 2: Word Formation – Suffixes

Complete the sentences by adding a suffix to the base words.

1. I don’t agree with what you have chosen to do. I think you made the wrong decision.
2. We have to raise awareness of this problem so that people will start to deal with it.
3. I didn’t enjoy the film because there was too much violence.
4. The safety of our students is of great importance.
5. I think she’s got an addiction to computer games. She plays them for hours.
6. My greatest achievement was completing the Boston Marathon.
7. She has an amazing ability to make friends wherever she goes.

Exercise 3: Logical Responses

Answer the questions with a logical response. Pay attention to the words in bold.

1. Why does everyone think Paul is weird? → Sometimes he starts screaming by himself.
2. What are you downloading at the moment? → A car game.
3. Why are you charging your phone? → Because my battery is low.
4. Why was your day tough? → Because I missed the bus to school.
5. Why didn’t they agree to host the party? → Because the house was too small.
6. Why didn’t she carry on playing the game? → Because she had to study for tomorrow's exam.
7. How can you tell that this phone is out of date? → When you cannot update the software.
8. Why was everyone cheering? → Because the movie was amazing.

Part 3: Contextual Vocabulary, Prefixes, and Travel Terminology

Exercise 1: Correcting Mixed Words

The following sentences do not make sense. Correct them by replacing each word in bold with a bold word from a different sentence.

1. I traded the contract yesterday. → signed
2. Go overseas to some cake. → Help yourself
3. There was nothing unusual about the performance. It was very satisfying. → ordinary
4. Mike has been to many different countries. He has travelled nearby. → worldwide
5. I like to help yourself to remote places. → go overseas
6. The meal was very ordinary. I am full. → satisfying
7. My best friend lives worldwide, so I can walk to her house. → nearby
8. My friends and I signed clothes with each other. → traded

Exercise 2: Word Formation – Prefixes

Replace the words in bold by forming a new word with a prefix. Then add a sentence that reflects the meaning of the first sentence.

1. I think your idea is impossible. It doesn’t make sense.
2. I dislike this hotel. The location is not nice.
3. If you overeat, you will not feel well. Take your time.
4. I will reread the book. I really enjoyed it.
5. That child is misbehaving. She won’t stay in her seat.
6. This information is irrelevant to our situation. Let’s just read what can help us.
7. Mark gets along well with his co-workers. He is very friendly.

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion – Travel & Routine

Complete the sentences with a suitable ending. Use 1–3 words. Pay attention to the words in bold.

1. My plane was delayed, so I was late.
2. If you are staying overnight, you will need your pajamas.
3. The journey was very long, so we were tired from sitting around.
4. We can’t check in until 3:00, so we will have to walk around.
5. I didn’t like the accommodation because it was very noisy.

Part 4: Applied Vocabulary and Personal Expression

Exercise 1: Contextual Fill-in-the-Blank

Complete the sentences with a suitable word or expression.

1. The bus was very crowded. There weren’t enough seats for all the passengers.
2. My watch is waterproof, so I can go swimming with it.
3. I am staying overnight, so I’ve packed my toothbrush.
4. This singer is famous worldwide. She is an international celebrity.
5. We can’t afford to stay in a hotel, so we will stay at a youth hostel.
6. Why are you taking so much luggage? You have four suitcases!
7. I hope our flight hasn’t been delayed. It’s annoying to have to hang around at the airport.
8. We will get around the city by using public transport.

Exercise 2: Negative and Modifying Prefixes

Add a prefix to each of the root words below to complete the list and sentences.

1. Bob is a very independent child. He does everything for himself.
2. unlock
3. reread
4. overeat
5. misbehave
6. illegal
7. irrelevant

Exercise 3: Personal Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences so that they are true for you. Pay attention to the words or expressions in bold.

1. I would love to trade clothes with my best friend because I find it special.
2. It wasn’t a very satisfying championship because we did not manage to beat him.
3. I helped myself to another drink because I was sad.
4. No matter what I say to her, she’s always happy. I find it so focused on it that no one cares.
5. My dog is of sentimental value to me because whenever I am sick, he comes to sleep with me.