Turn It Down

C1 Advanced · Word Formation · Cambridge Ready original exercise

For questions 1–8, 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).

LAST

COMBINE

ENTIRE

GRADUAL

FRUSTRATE

PREVENT

EXPOSE

SURROUND

Headphones have become an (0) ___ part of city life. Commuters use them to shut out the noise of traffic, and many people listen to music or podcasts for hours every day. Hearing specialists, however, warn that the habit may be causing (1) ___ damage. The danger lies in the (2) ___ of volume and time. Sound that seems (3) ___ comfortable can still harm the delicate cells of the inner ear if we are exposed to it for long enough, and once these cells are destroyed, they do not grow back. Because the damage builds up so (4) ___ , few people notice it until following a conversation in a noisy restaurant becomes (5) ___ . By then, little can be done. (6) ___ , on the other hand, is simple. Many phones can now warn users when their (7) ___ to loud sound goes beyond safe limits, and noise-cancelling headphones allow people to listen at lower volumes, since they no longer need to drown out their (8) ___ . Turning the volume down a notch costs nothing.

Turn It Down

ESCAPE

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

More C1 Advanced Word Formation practice · All C1 Advanced practice