Whitby – Axelsson Academy

Instructions

The text below has been divided into different parts. Choose the most suitable alternative for the missing word (underlined) of each part (A, B, C, or D). The word should make sense in the context and fit in grammatically and stylistically.

QUIZ

1. There is a seaside town in England that has a special place in my heart. The little town of Whitby, squeezed ____________________ the coast and the North Yorkshire Moors, may seem overshadowed in many ways by its larger and more affluent rival, Scarborough, a few miles further south. A) between B) from C) off D) through

2. However, for those who know ____________________ to look, Whitby’s majestic cliffs, post-card pretty harbour and gently curved beaches hold clues to the town’s unique past. A) what B) much C) where D) about

3. The cliffs ____________________ this part of the coastline are eroding and daily strew the beaches with rock debris, stones and pebbles. A) to B) by C) for D) on

4. In fact it is not advisable to stand too close to the foot of the cliffs ____________________ you want to risk having chunks of rock fall on your head. A) but B) unless C) since D) that

5. In the Lower Jurassic period around 200 million years ago, this part of Yorkshire along with most of Europe was covered by a shallow sea. But seas ____________________ come and gone and glaciers have shifted landmasses, providing perfect conditions for preserving fossils. A) would B) have C) will D) might

6. Dinosaur footprints have been ____________________ in the area as well as the petrified bones of an almost complete ancient crocodile, now on display at the local museum. A) discovered B) there C) often D) required

7. Whilst such spectacular finds are rare, at low tide it is by no means ____________________ to find rocks containing smaller fossils, for example of beautiful coil-shaped ammonites, or bullet-like belemnites. A) difficult B) there C) often D) required

8. Another ____________________ to visit Whitby is for its connection to Dracula. A) way B) chance C) time D) reason

9. In Bram Stoker’s classic Victorian Gothic horror story, Count Dracula’s coffin was ____________________ ashore in Whitby harbour after a shipwreck during a wild storm and a mysterious, dog-like animal was seen bounding up the 199 steps to the abbey ruins. A) told B) made C) washed D) terrified

10. The town is not ____________________ to take advantage of the Dracula story. A) keen B) slow C) able D) going

11. Bram Stoker stayed in a house on West Cliff in 1890 and found ____________________ for his novel in the windswept abbey ruins and dramatic coastal scenery. A) readers B) money C) inspiration D) feedback

12. Stoker set some of his most dramatic scenes in Whitby. Guided walks on the Dracula theme are well ____________________. The town’s connection with the story has also inspired the Whitby Goth Weekend which takes place twice a year as well as the annual Bram Stoker International Film Festival. A) done B) attended C) spotted D) worth

13. However, no trip to Whitby is complete without ____________________ a visit to the famous fish and chip shop by the harbour. A) paying B) buying C) getting D) having

14. It is said to sell the best fish and chips in the world, and ____________________ in a downpour there are usually queues outside the restaurant. A) like B) eaten C) even D) although

15. But, weather permitting, the most authentic way to eat your take-away haddock and chips is with your hands, standing outside, ____________________ plenty of salt and malt vinegar. These are just some of the reasons why Whitby is well worth a visit. A) really B) by C) some D) with

READING TIPS: MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Read all the texts before you attempt to answer any questions. An understanding of the broader context is often necessary to decide on the right word.
A key strategy is to look for clues around each gap. The word (or words) before or after the gap will often be part of a collocation (a set phrase). Once you have discovered the collocation, it will be easier to choose the correct alternative.
Check that your chosen option is correct by eliminating the options you know are wrong.