EGEL Exam Preparation: Practice Questions
with Answers and Rationales
PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH (1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of total marks)
,The Reading and Use of English paper tests complex grammar, vocabulary, and reading
comprehension. The pass threshold is 60%, so efficient time management is essential.
Part 1: Multiple-Choice Cloze (Questions 1-20)
*For questions 1-20, read the text and choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) to fill each gap.*
**Text: The Nature of Creativity**
Creativity is often (1) ______ as a mysterious gift bestowed upon a lucky few. However, research
suggests that it is a skill that can be (2) ______ and developed. The creative process typically
involves a (3) ______ of divergent and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking allows us to (4)
______ a wide range of possibilities, while convergent thinking helps us (5) ______ in on the most
promising solution. One of the biggest (6) ______ to creativity is the fear of failure, which can (7)
______ even the most talented individuals from taking risks. A truly creative environment, on the
other hand, (8) ______ experimentation and views mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
1. A) viewed B) regarded C) perceived D) All of the above
,2. A) cultivated B) grown C) planted D) seeded
3. A) combination B) union C) blend D) synthesis
4. A) generate B) create C) produce D) invent
5. A) zero B) focus C) home D) centre
6. A) obstacles B) barriers C) hurdles D) impediments
7. A) deter B) prevent C) stop D) discourage
8. A) promotes B) encourages C) fosters D) All of the above
**Answers and Rationales:**
1. **D) All of the above** - "Viewed as," "regarded as," and "perceived as" are all correct
collocations meaning "considered to be."
2. **A) cultivated** - "Cultivated" means developed with care and effort, fitting the context of
developing a skill. While "grown" can be used metaphorically, "cultivated" is the most natural
choice here.
3. **C) blend** - "Blend" suggests a harmonious mixture. "Combination," "union," and "synthesis"
could work, but "blend" is most idiomatic with "of divergent and convergent thinking."
, 4. **A) generate** - "Generate" means to produce or create, and collocates with "a wide range of
possibilities."
5. **C) home** - "Home in on" is a phrasal verb meaning to focus on or direct attention towards
something.
6. **B) barriers** - "Barriers to creativity" is a common collocation. All options are synonyms, but
"barriers" is most frequently used in this context.
7. **A) deter** - "Deter from" means to discourage someone from doing something. "Prevent from"
would also work, but "deter" fits the meaning of "making someone less likely to take risks."
8. **D) All of the above** - "Promotes," "encourages," and "fosters" all collocate with
"experimentation" and fit the meaning.
**Text: The Rise of Digital Minimalism**
In an age of constant connectivity, a growing number of individuals are (9) ______ to digital
minimalism. This philosophy (10) ______ for a more intentional use of technology, (11) ______ the
mind from the constant barrage of notifications and information. Proponents argue that by (12)
______ the number of apps and platforms we use, we can (13) ______ our focus and improve our
overall well-being. This is not about (14) ______ technology entirely, but rather about (15) ______
a healthier relationship with it. The goal is to use technology as a tool to (16) ______ our lives,
with Answers and Rationales
PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH (1 hour 30 minutes, 40% of total marks)
,The Reading and Use of English paper tests complex grammar, vocabulary, and reading
comprehension. The pass threshold is 60%, so efficient time management is essential.
Part 1: Multiple-Choice Cloze (Questions 1-20)
*For questions 1-20, read the text and choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) to fill each gap.*
**Text: The Nature of Creativity**
Creativity is often (1) ______ as a mysterious gift bestowed upon a lucky few. However, research
suggests that it is a skill that can be (2) ______ and developed. The creative process typically
involves a (3) ______ of divergent and convergent thinking. Divergent thinking allows us to (4)
______ a wide range of possibilities, while convergent thinking helps us (5) ______ in on the most
promising solution. One of the biggest (6) ______ to creativity is the fear of failure, which can (7)
______ even the most talented individuals from taking risks. A truly creative environment, on the
other hand, (8) ______ experimentation and views mistakes as valuable learning opportunities.
1. A) viewed B) regarded C) perceived D) All of the above
,2. A) cultivated B) grown C) planted D) seeded
3. A) combination B) union C) blend D) synthesis
4. A) generate B) create C) produce D) invent
5. A) zero B) focus C) home D) centre
6. A) obstacles B) barriers C) hurdles D) impediments
7. A) deter B) prevent C) stop D) discourage
8. A) promotes B) encourages C) fosters D) All of the above
**Answers and Rationales:**
1. **D) All of the above** - "Viewed as," "regarded as," and "perceived as" are all correct
collocations meaning "considered to be."
2. **A) cultivated** - "Cultivated" means developed with care and effort, fitting the context of
developing a skill. While "grown" can be used metaphorically, "cultivated" is the most natural
choice here.
3. **C) blend** - "Blend" suggests a harmonious mixture. "Combination," "union," and "synthesis"
could work, but "blend" is most idiomatic with "of divergent and convergent thinking."
, 4. **A) generate** - "Generate" means to produce or create, and collocates with "a wide range of
possibilities."
5. **C) home** - "Home in on" is a phrasal verb meaning to focus on or direct attention towards
something.
6. **B) barriers** - "Barriers to creativity" is a common collocation. All options are synonyms, but
"barriers" is most frequently used in this context.
7. **A) deter** - "Deter from" means to discourage someone from doing something. "Prevent from"
would also work, but "deter" fits the meaning of "making someone less likely to take risks."
8. **D) All of the above** - "Promotes," "encourages," and "fosters" all collocate with
"experimentation" and fit the meaning.
**Text: The Rise of Digital Minimalism**
In an age of constant connectivity, a growing number of individuals are (9) ______ to digital
minimalism. This philosophy (10) ______ for a more intentional use of technology, (11) ______ the
mind from the constant barrage of notifications and information. Proponents argue that by (12)
______ the number of apps and platforms we use, we can (13) ______ our focus and improve our
overall well-being. This is not about (14) ______ technology entirely, but rather about (15) ______
a healthier relationship with it. The goal is to use technology as a tool to (16) ______ our lives,
