Around the Table

C1 Advanced · Open Cloze · Cambridge Ready original exercise

For questions 1–8, 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.

In many households, the family meal has become something (0) ___ a rarity. Parents work long hours, children have activities most evenings, and it is often easier for everyone to eat (1) ___ different times, or in front of the television (2) ___ than at the table. Yet there is more to sitting down together (3) ___ simply sharing food. Mealtimes give families a regular opportunity to catch (4) ___ on one another's news, to talk through problems and to laugh together. Some research suggests that children who often eat with adults are exposed (5) ___ a richer vocabulary and learn the art of conversation more naturally. The meal itself need not be elaborate. What matters is not (6) ___ ends up on the plate but the conversation around it. Nor does it have to happen every night. For busy families, even a couple of shared meals a week can go a long (7) ___ towards keeping everyone connected, provided the phones are put away and the television is switched (8) ___ .

Around the Table

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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