Problem Words

Instructions: Choose a word from the drop-down box that fits the meaning of the sentence. Click the 'See Answer' button to find out if you are correct.
Tip: You can check the definition, see examples and listen to the pronunciation from the links below the sentences.

  1. OUTLOOK / APPEARANCE
    1. To be a successful sales representative, a good  can be an added advantage.
    2. My illness in year one has had a profound effect on me; since then, I have developed a much more positive on life.

     

    Answers:

    1. appearance (how you appear to others; e.g. in your clothing)
    2. outlook (your attitude to life, are you a positive and optimistic person?)
      .
  2. MESSAGE/ MASSAGE
    1. Because life is so hectic in Hong Kong, I have developed an interest in and have found it a very satisfying pastime.
    2. In the past three years, I have worked hard at improving my English so that I can convey a clear to clients at all times.

     

    Answers:

    1. massage (pressing a person's body with your finger-tips to make them feel relaxed. [Pictures])
    2. message (a spoken or written type of communication)
      .
  3. COURSE / PROGRAMME
    1. The I took on critical thinking last semester has helped me to develop analytical skills.
    2. I would like to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration and am particularly interested in your  postgraduate .

     

    Answers:

    1. course (shorter than a programme, and maybe part of a programme)
    2. programme (longer than a course, and may contain several courses)
      .
  4. EQUIPMENT / FACILITIES
    1. My most successful project investigated ways of upgrading the at a three star hotel in Hong Kong.
    2. The laboratory sessions have helped me to become familiar with the use of the most up-to-date electronic.

     

    Answers:

    1. facilities (countable noun) (usually bigger than equipment, and not movable; e.g. a swimming pool)
    2. equipment (uncountable noun: 'equipments' is wrong!) (usually smaller than facilities, and often movable)
      .
  5. ECONOMY / ECONOMICS
    1. I have always been interested in commerce and have studied since Form 4.
    2. The theme of my final year project concerns striking a balance between liberalizing the in major cities in China while keeping tight central control on other policies.

     

    Answers:

    1. economics (an academic subject)
    2. economy (a business system)
      .
  6. COMMERCIAL / COMMERCIALS
    1. I understand that your company will soon launch a campaign of television and is looking for new creative people to join your staff.
    2. I would rather work for a radio and television station than one that is government-run.

     

    Answers:

    1. commercials (plural noun) (advertisements)
    2. commercial (adjective) (a business to make money)
      .
  7. PERSONAL / PERSONNEL
    1. My summer job at an international firm required a great deal of contact and attention to detail.
    2. My interpersonal skills and meticulous attention to detail will make me a good officer.

     

    Answers:

    1. personal (person-to-person)
    2. personnel ( = Human Resources, the people who work for an organisation)
      .
  8. ASPIRATION / INSPIRATION
    1. Travelling enables me to find for my designs from foreign cultures.
    2. It has always been my to be a high-achiever and I believe this attitude will prove to be one of my assets.

     

    Answers:

    1. inspiration (the cause of ideas)
    2. aspiration (hope, ambition)
      .
  9. COMPLEMENTARY / COMPLIMENTARY
    1. I received an A grade for my internship last year and received some very remarks from my supervisor.
    2. My interests are in medicinal herbalogy, which combines the treatment used by most Western paramedical staff with herbal therapies.

     

    Answers:

    1. complimentary (praising)
    2. complementary (free, or matching)
      .
  10. PRIZES / PRICES
    1. As a Portfolio Manager Trainee, I had to monitor share for a number of clients and give suitable advice on the timing of buying and selling.
    2. In the last few years, I have won numerous awards and , all of which are listed on my CV.

     

    Answers:

    1. prices (how much something costs: has an unvoiced /s/ sound in the middle)
    2. prizes (awards: has a voiced /z/ sound in the middle)

Your total score is:

 

Last updated on: Monday, July 29, 2019