Cambridge B2 First (FCE) — All Questions

If I ___ you, I would apologise before it's too late.

• a.am
• b.were✓
• c.would be
• d.had been

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.rejected
• b.has rejecting
• c.is rejecting
• d.has been rejected✓

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.breaking✓
• b.to break
• c.break
• d.broke

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.pay
• b.have paid
• c.had paid✓
• d.would pay

'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.who
• b.whose✓
• c.which
• d.that

'Whose' shows possession, linking the colleague to 'advice'. 'Who' would be the subject, and 'which' cannot refer to a person.