What our homes say about us

A home is more than a building. It’s a 0 _____ which both influences our identity and represents it. As children, our environment makes us who we are, or at 1 _____ contributes to it. For example, if we grow up in a crowded home, the thought of moving to a quiet home alone might never 2 _____ to us. Instead, we may prefer to live in a house full of people for the 3 _____ of our lives.

As adults, every object that 4 _____ to us tells a story about who we are and where we came from. In 5 _____, how we present those objects in our homes says something about how we want others to see us. If we identify ourselves with being creative, for example, we might put certain art work on 6 _____ for others to see. Or, if we believe that it’s more important for a home to be relaxing than fashionable, our home might 7 _____ of warm colours and comfortable furniture, in 8 _____ to stylish, modern but perhaps more uncomfortable pieces.

Part 2

For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0). In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example: THE

A cure for insomnia?

I’ve just read an article about blue light and I think I’ve discovered 0 _____ most likely reason for my recent restless nights! You see, blue light, emitted by sunshine, some types 9 _____ lighting and electronic device screens, has both benefits and dangers for us. It helps improve mood, memory and concentration, but if we 10 _____ a lot of time staring at screens, it can actually cause damage to our eyes. Interestingly, the article also points 11 _____ that blue light controls our body clocks and using electronic devices too much immediately 12 _____ going to bed can disrupt our sleep cycles. My nights have 13 _____ getting worse recently and I’m sure it’s because I 14 _____ just started reading on my tablet when I’m in bed. The experts’ advice 15 _____ to avoid using bright screens for about two to three hours before sleep, but I don’t think I can restrict myself quite that much. Maybe, I’ll switch 16 _____ reading a printed book and give social media a miss after nine o’clock!

Part 3

For questions 17-24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0). In the exam, write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example: FASHIONABLE

Getting the look

Click to download this FCE Reading and Use of English worksheet in PDF