Sharing the Load

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.

Few subjects cause (0) ___ friction in a shared home than housework. In many couples where both partners work full-time, one of them, usually the woman, still ends up responsible (1) ___ most of the cooking and cleaning. Part of the problem is that much of the work is invisible. Someone has to remember that the milk is running out, that a relative's birthday is approaching and that the car needs servicing. Researchers refer (2) ___ this as the 'mental load', and it is all too easy for the partner who does not carry it to take it (3) ___ granted. Couples who divide the work fairly tend to be happier, (4) ___ in their relationship and in their lives generally. Experts recommend sitting down together and drawing (5) ___ a list of every task, (6) ___ matter how small, before dividing the jobs according (7) ___ preference and the time each person has available. It may sound unromantic, but it is far better (8) ___ letting resentment build up quietly over the years.

Sharing the Load

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