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CAE Reading and Use of English Part 1

For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (А, В, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

I wish I’d known that before

I’ve always tried to be a supportive friend, 0 keeping my own counsel on my true opinions. I’ve lied to 1 rescuesaverecoverretain a friend’s face and gone to parties with people I couldn’t stand 2 instead ofin place ofin preference torather than upset them. But now I’m older I have realised that being permanently sympathetic is not the way to hold on to your integrity and well-being.

Armed with this understanding, I planned to 3 beginembarkcommenceengage on a policy of being totally honest at all times. I came across research that 4 backedsupportedheldtook me up, claiming that often people don’t actually want the truth and that being honest reduces the stress that inevitably accompanies 5 sayingspeakingrecountingtelling so-called white lies.

So I decided to 6 gomovegotpush ahead. Some people hated me, others were angry, but my real friends valued my honesty. 7 AlthoughObviouslyConverselyAt last , I was aware of the damage bluntness can do but I’ve learned that true friendship survives on sincerity and a few 8 househomebasefoundation truths won’t ruin it. I wish I’d known that before!

For this task: Answers with explanations :: Vocabulary