Cambridge B2 First (FCE) — All Questions
5 questions
If I ___ you, I would apologize before it's too late.
- a.would be
- b.am
- c.had been
- d.were✓
The second conditional describes an unreal present situation and uses the past subjunctive 'were' for all persons: 'If I were you'. 'Would be' cannot go in the if-clause.
We regret to inform you that your application ___.
- a.has rejecting
- b.rejected
- c.has been rejected✓
- d.is rejecting
The application receives the action, so a passive is needed. 'Has been rejected' (present perfect passive) fits a recent decision with present relevance.
She finally admitted ___ the vase, though she blamed her brother at first.
- a.broke
- b.to break
- c.breaking✓
- d.break
The verb 'admit' is followed by the gerund: 'admit breaking'. It does not take the infinitive.
I wish I ___ more attention in class; now I don't understand this topic.
- a.would pay
- b.pay
- c.have paid
- d.had paid✓
'Wish' + past perfect ('had paid') expresses regret about a past action. The present result ('now I don't understand') confirms the regret is about earlier study.
That's the colleague ___ advice completely changed my career.
- a.which
- b.who
- c.whose✓
- d.that
'Whose' shows possession, linking the colleague to 'advice'. 'Who' would be the subject, and 'which' cannot refer to a person.