Question 3: Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. The London Marathon The London Marathon race is a long-running story. It was first held in 1981, 1. _____________ when more than half a million marathon runners of various shapes, sizes and abilities have completed the challenge of running the full 42 km of the course.
The London Marathon was the brainchild of Chris Brasher. The former Olympic champion brought the idea home to London 2. _____________completing the New York Marathon in 1979.
'Could London stage 3. _____________ an event?' wondered Brasher, answering his 4. _____________ question by organizing the first London Marathon on March 29 1981, 5. _____________ 6,255 runners completed the course.
The event has captured the public imagination and there are always 6. _____________ many people wanting to take part. Last year 7. _____________ amazing 98,500 people applied to run in it, although only 46,500 could be accepted.
For most of 8. _____________ thousands who do take part, the day is about fun, achievement and raising money for charity - with varying degrees of pain! It is the immense community spirit that 9. _____________ the race so special. Clubs, community groups and schools assist and entertain along the route as the runners - many of them in fancy dress - run through the streets raising money for charitable causes. The streets of London are turned 10. _____________ the longest street party in the world as crowds line the course to cheer the runners and enjoy the spectacle.
PART 4: WRITING Write a new sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the words given. 1. The other day I was fined for exceeding the speed limit. (beyond) ______________________________________________________________________
2. Who’s going to supervise our section? (in charge) ______________________________________________________________________
3. Patrick is not feeling healthy today. (colour) ______________________________________________________________________
4. Betty didn’t know Sony was Hanna’s boyfriend. (unaware) ______________________________________________________________________
5. Shannon doesn’t think much of the book. (low)
