Hands Together

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 things make newcomers to classical concerts more anxious (0) ___ the question of when to clap. Applaud at the wrong moment, and you may find yourself on the receiving end (1) ___ disapproving looks from the regulars. The convention is that a symphony is heard (2) ___ silence from the first note to the last, with no applause between its movements. What many concert-goers do not realise is that this custom is (3) ___ from ancient. Audiences in earlier centuries thought nothing (4) ___ clapping between movements, or even cheering a passage that particularly pleased them. Composers, for their (5) ___ , seem generally to have welcomed such enthusiasm. It was not (6) ___ the twentieth century that silent listening became the norm. Some musicians now argue that the rule does more harm (7) ___ good, discouraging the very people orchestras most need to attract. Surely, they say, an audience that is enjoying itself should be allowed to show it. Others insist that silence is part (8) ___ parcel of listening properly.

Hands Together

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

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