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1. PTE Academic Reading Practice: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) – The Discovery of Penicillin | Advanced Interactive Tutorial & Exercises
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August 2, 2025
Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) Questions (PTE Academic Reading Tutorial – The Discovery of Penicillin)
What are Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) Questions?
In this PTE Academic Reading question type, you’ll see an academic passage about a real discovery, with several words or phrases missing. For each gap, you must choose the best answer from a dropdown menu, so the passage is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense. This question type tests your vocabulary, grammar, and logical reading skills—all crucial for academic English and the PTE exam.
In this PTE Academic Reading question type, you’ll see an academic passage about a real discovery, with several words or phrases missing. For each gap, you must choose the best answer from a dropdown menu, so the passage is grammatically correct and makes perfect sense. This question type tests your vocabulary, grammar, and logical reading skills—all crucial for academic English and the PTE exam.
How to Answer Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) – Step by Step
1
Read the Passage Completely Before Doing Anything:
Skim the entire passage from start to finish without worrying about the blanks. Focus on the general topic, who or what is involved (here, a scientific discovery), and the sequence of events. This helps you “see the big picture,” which is key for making the right choices later.
Skim the entire passage from start to finish without worrying about the blanks. Focus on the general topic, who or what is involved (here, a scientific discovery), and the sequence of events. This helps you “see the big picture,” which is key for making the right choices later.
2
Find the Context for Each Blank:
Look at the words and sentences just before and after each blank. Does the blank need a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or phrase? Understanding this “context window” will stop you from picking options that don’t fit grammatically.
Look at the words and sentences just before and after each blank. Does the blank need a noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or phrase? Understanding this “context window” will stop you from picking options that don’t fit grammatically.
3
Predict the Missing Word or Type:
Before opening any dropdown, try to “hear” the sentence in your head. Can you guess the kind of word (or specific word) that should go in the gap? This is a crucial skill for both PTE and real-life English, since it reduces “option blindness.”
Before opening any dropdown, try to “hear” the sentence in your head. Can you guess the kind of word (or specific word) that should go in the gap? This is a crucial skill for both PTE and real-life English, since it reduces “option blindness.”
4
Open the Dropdown Menu and Carefully Read All Choices:
Dropdowns often include “distractors”—words or phrases that are similar but incorrect. Check the grammar, meaning, and common usage for every option before you pick. Never rush!
Dropdowns often include “distractors”—words or phrases that are similar but incorrect. Check the grammar, meaning, and common usage for every option before you pick. Never rush!
5
Use Logic and Academic Knowledge:
In many scientific or academic texts, clues about the correct answer are in the ideas or facts given. Think: what would a historian or scientist say here? If a sentence describes a result, maybe a cause is needed in the blank; if a blank is before a noun, look for an adjective or article.
In many scientific or academic texts, clues about the correct answer are in the ideas or facts given. Think: what would a historian or scientist say here? If a sentence describes a result, maybe a cause is needed in the blank; if a blank is before a noun, look for an adjective or article.
6
Check for Collocations, Set Phrases, and Fixed Grammar Patterns:
Academic English often uses set phrases, such as “made a breakthrough,” “carried out an experiment,” or “discovery was accidental.” If you notice a part of a common expression, try to complete it using the right collocation.
Academic English often uses set phrases, such as “made a breakthrough,” “carried out an experiment,” or “discovery was accidental.” If you notice a part of a common expression, try to complete it using the right collocation.
7
Test Each Option by Reading the Whole Sentence Aloud:
Substitute each dropdown choice and read the sentence in your mind. Does it sound natural and logical? Are you sure about the grammar and meaning? This “test run” catches many common mistakes.
Substitute each dropdown choice and read the sentence in your mind. Does it sound natural and logical? Are you sure about the grammar and meaning? This “test run” catches many common mistakes.
8
Watch Out for Tricky Distractors:
The PTE Academic exam often gives you words that look or sound right but aren’t correct for the meaning or grammar of the sentence. Compare all options, especially when two or more look similar.
The PTE Academic exam often gives you words that look or sound right but aren’t correct for the meaning or grammar of the sentence. Compare all options, especially when two or more look similar.
9
Review Your Answers for Consistency and Flow:
After filling all blanks, re-read the passage from the top. Does the logic, sequence, and academic style make sense from beginning to end? If any part feels awkward, try other options.
After filling all blanks, re-read the passage from the top. Does the logic, sequence, and academic style make sense from beginning to end? If any part feels awkward, try other options.
10
Check for Academic Accuracy and Submit Confidently:
Make sure every blank is filled, each choice is grammatical, and the whole text matches academic style. Only then should you submit your answers—on the real PTE, there’s no second chance!
Make sure every blank is filled, each choice is grammatical, and the whole text matches academic style. Only then should you submit your answers—on the real PTE, there’s no second chance!
11
Review Feedback and Learn from Mistakes:
After checking the answer key and explanations, always understand *why* each correct answer fits—especially collocations, context clues, and grammar. Each mistake you review will make you stronger for the real test!
After checking the answer key and explanations, always understand *why* each correct answer fits—especially collocations, context clues, and grammar. Each mistake you review will make you stronger for the real test!
Example: Mini Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) Task
Passage:
The scientist accidentally a mold growing in the petri dish. This event changed medicine forever.
Options for blank 1: [discovered, replaced, explained]
Options for blank 2: [unexpected, similar, safe]
Correct Answers: (1) discovered, (2) unexpected
Why? “Discovered” fits the context of making a new finding; “unexpected” describes an event that was not planned or predicted.
The scientist accidentally a mold growing in the petri dish. This event changed medicine forever.
Options for blank 1: [discovered, replaced, explained]
Options for blank 2: [unexpected, similar, safe]
Correct Answers: (1) discovered, (2) unexpected
Why? “Discovered” fits the context of making a new finding; “unexpected” describes an event that was not planned or predicted.
Practice: Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) – The Discovery of Penicillin
Instructions: Read the academic passage below about The Discovery of Penicillin. Several words or phrases are missing.
For each blank, click the dropdown and select the best answer. Choose the option that makes the passage grammatically correct and logical.
Each word/phrase can only be used once. Not all options are needed.
For each blank, click the dropdown and select the best answer. Choose the option that makes the passage grammatically correct and logical.
Each word/phrase can only be used once. Not all options are needed.
Fill in the Blanks Passage:
The discovery of penicillin is widely considered one of the most events in medical history. In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a British bacteriologist, was conducting experiments with staphylococcus bacteria when he left a petri dish uncovered. Upon returning, he observed that a blue-green mold, later identified as , had inhibited the growth of the bacteria around it. Fleming’s keen led him to realize the mold produced a substance capable of killing bacteria.
Although the discovery was remarkable, Fleming initially faced many in isolating and purifying penicillin. It was not until a decade later, with the collaborative work of Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, that penicillin could be mass-produced. This antibiotic revolutionized medicine, providing doctors with an effective for bacterial infections that were often in the pre-antibiotic era.
The discovery of penicillin is a powerful example of in science—an accidental event that led to a breakthrough. Today, penicillin and other antibiotics remain medicines worldwide, saving countless lives and fundamentally changing the course of human health.
Although the discovery was remarkable, Fleming initially faced many in isolating and purifying penicillin. It was not until a decade later, with the collaborative work of Howard Florey and Ernst Chain, that penicillin could be mass-produced. This antibiotic revolutionized medicine, providing doctors with an effective for bacterial infections that were often in the pre-antibiotic era.
The discovery of penicillin is a powerful example of in science—an accidental event that led to a breakthrough. Today, penicillin and other antibiotics remain medicines worldwide, saving countless lives and fundamentally changing the course of human health.
transformative
accidentally
Penicillium notatum
observation
challenges
treatment
fatal
serendipity
essential
controversial
temporary
deliberately
rapidly
Aspergillus
Bacillus anthracis
superstition
prediction
applause
celebrations
diagnosis
prevention
minor
trivial
certainty
routine
obsolete
Answer Key & Step-by-Step Explanation
See exactly how to solve this PTE Academic Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown) passage. Read the detailed logic, vocabulary, grammar, and context clues for every blank. Deep explanations help you master academic strategies and word usage—just like on the real PTE exam.
1st Blank:
transformative (The discovery of penicillin is widely considered one of the most transformative events in medical history.)
The word “transformative” is an advanced academic adjective describing something that causes significant, lasting change. In this context, penicillin changed medicine forever, which is why it is “transformative.”
“Controversial” means causing argument or debate, and “temporary” means lasting only for a short time—neither fits the context of a breakthrough that permanently altered medical practice.
The grammar cue is “one of the most ___ events,” so only an adjective that describes the scope of the impact is logical here.
Academic passages frequently use “transformative” to highlight discoveries or innovations that fundamentally alter a field.
By using “transformative,” the passage emphasizes penicillin’s long-term effects, such as reducing mortality from bacterial infections and enabling new forms of treatment and surgery.
Distractors like “controversial” might tempt test-takers, but the surrounding text is positive and historical, not focused on debate.
Collocation tip: “transformative event/discovery/period” are common academic phrases.
2nd Blank:
accidentally (…was conducting experiments…when he accidentally left a petri dish uncovered.)
The key context clue is that Fleming’s leaving the petri dish open was not intentional. “Accidentally” (by chance, not on purpose) is the only logical adverb here.
“Deliberately” means with intention (the opposite), and “rapidly” means quickly, which does not fit with the idea of an unplanned action.
In real PTE Academic, spotting the contrast between intention and chance is crucial for choosing the right adverb.
The grammar structure is “he ___ left a petri dish…”—requiring an adverb describing how the action occurred.
The story of penicillin’s discovery is famous for being a “happy accident,” so “accidentally” matches the historical and scientific context.
Academic texts often use “accidentally” when explaining discoveries, mistakes, or unintended outcomes that led to breakthroughs.
Tip: When in doubt, think about whether the action was intended or not. Only “accidentally” fits here.
3rd Blank:
Penicillium notatum (…he observed that a blue-green mold, later identified as Penicillium notatum…)
The passage states that the mold inhibited bacterial growth. The correct scientific name for the mold that produces penicillin is “Penicillium notatum.”
“Aspergillus” and “Bacillus anthracis” are real organisms but unrelated: Aspergillus is a mold causing other diseases, and Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax.
This tests not just vocabulary but scientific literacy, a common feature in PTE Academic reading.
“Penicillium notatum” fits grammatically as a noun, and the capitalization (genus, species) matches scientific convention.
Academic and test passages use Latin names to ensure precision and to avoid confusion with common names.
Tip: If you don’t know the scientific term, use elimination—only one fits both science and context here.
4th Blank:
observation (Fleming’s keen observation led him to realize…)
The blank is about the quality that helped Fleming make the discovery. “Observation” (noticing and interpreting details) is the scientific skill that enabled him to see what others might have missed.
“Superstition” is about irrational belief; “prediction” is about guessing future events—neither is logical or academic here.
Academic English frequently credits discoveries to “careful observation.” This is a standard collocation.
The grammar structure “Fleming’s keen ___” requires a noun that describes a human quality. Only “observation” fits.
Good “observation” is essential in all scientific breakthroughs—it means noticing patterns and connections others ignore.
Tip: Watch for nouns following possessives (“Fleming’s ___”)—they usually describe skills or attributes.
5th Blank:
challenges (Fleming initially faced many challenges in isolating and purifying penicillin.)
The passage is describing obstacles, not praise. “Challenges” means problems or difficulties, which is exactly what Fleming encountered.
“Applause” and “celebrations” both mean positive recognition, but the context is about scientific barriers, not public approval.
Academic texts often highlight “challenges” before describing solutions or breakthroughs.
The plural noun “challenges” fits grammatically with “many ___ in isolating and purifying…”
This blank tests your ability to match positive/negative context and to understand typical sequences in academic storytelling (problem, then solution).
Tip: Look for logical flow in the passage—difficulty comes before solution.
6th Blank:
treatment (…providing doctors with an effective treatment for bacterial infections…)
Penicillin’s greatest contribution was as a “treatment”—a way to cure or manage diseases. That’s why “treatment” is correct.
“Diagnosis” means identifying a disease (not curing it); “prevention” means stopping it before it happens. Both are distractors in medical English.
The phrase “effective treatment for” is a common academic and clinical collocation.
The context describes the benefits of penicillin after its production, which is to treat infection.
Tip: In medical English, “treatment” = cure or management; “diagnosis” = finding out what’s wrong; “prevention” = stopping it from happening.
7th Blank:
fatal (…for bacterial infections that were often fatal in the pre-antibiotic era.)
The passage is describing why penicillin was so important—before its discovery, many infections led to death, so “fatal” (causing death) is the only correct choice.
“Minor” and “trivial” both mean not serious, so they do not fit a context describing the dangers of untreated bacterial infections.
Academic passages often use “fatal” when describing pre-modern medicine or the seriousness of untreated illness.
The collocation “often fatal” is standard in medical and academic writing.
Tip: Always check if the context is about danger/severity (“fatal”) or mildness (“minor/trivial”).
8th Blank:
serendipity (…is a powerful example of serendipity in science—an accidental event…)
“Serendipity” means a happy or beneficial accident. Fleming’s discovery was unplanned but had enormous positive impact, so “serendipity” is both contextually and grammatically perfect.
“Certainty” means complete confidence or sureness; “routine” means something done regularly. Neither fits the story of an accidental discovery.
Academic passages love “serendipity” when telling stories about discoveries made by accident.
The phrase “example of serendipity in science” is common in textbooks and scholarly articles.
Tip: Watch for context words like “accidental event” or “by chance”—these signal “serendipity.”
9th Blank:
essential (…penicillin and other antibiotics remain essential medicines worldwide…)
Penicillin is still considered “essential” (absolutely necessary, very important) for treating infections.
“Obsolete” means no longer used or useful; “controversial” means causing disagreement. Both are incorrect for penicillin, which is widely valued.
Academic and official medical documents often use “essential medicines” to describe critical drugs for health systems.
The context is positive, praising the ongoing value of penicillin and antibiotics.
Tip: “Essential” almost always describes things that are still vital and widely needed.
Key Strategies for Fill in the Blanks (Dropdown):
1. Predict grammar and meaning before checking dropdown options—use the context of the sentence.
2. Look for academic collocations, set phrases, and context clues in every sentence.
3. Distractors are often grammatically correct but do not fit the context or meaning—always read carefully.
4. Review each answer in context—does the whole passage make logical, academic sense?
5. Use answer explanations to understand “why” as well as “what.” Mastery comes from learning patterns and logic!
10 Hardest Words from the Passage & Questions
Master these advanced academic words from the “Discovery of Penicillin” passage! Each interactive card shows phonetics, parts of speech, word patterns, clear definitions, usage, synonyms, and typical learner mistakes.
(Hover over each card for a soft blue glow!)
(Hover over each card for a soft blue glow!)
transformative
/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (BrE), /trænsˈfɔrmətɪv/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
a transformative effect/role/discovery
Definition:
Causing a major change or improvement in someone or something.
Example:
Penicillin had a transformative effect on medicine. (It changed medicine dramatically.)
Synonym: revolutionary, groundbreaking
Common Mistake: Confusing "transformative" (brings big change) with "temporary" (only for a short time).
accidentally
/ˌæksɪˈdentəli/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adverb
Word Pattern:
do sth accidentally, be discovered accidentally
Definition:
Happening by chance, not on purpose or intentionally.
Example:
Fleming accidentally left the dish open. (He did not mean to leave it open.)
Synonym: by chance, unintentionally
Common Mistake: Using "accidentally" when "intentionally" is needed (opposite meaning).
Penicillium notatum
/ˌpɛnɪˈsɪliəm nəʊˈteɪtəm/ (BrE), /ˌpɛnɪˈsɪliəm noʊˈteɪtəm/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (scientific name)
Word Pattern:
the mold Penicillium notatum, identified as Penicillium notatum
Definition:
The species of mold that produces the antibiotic penicillin.
Example:
The growth of Penicillium notatum killed the bacteria in the dish. (The mold made penicillin.)
Synonym: (none; scientific term)
Common Mistake: Spelling or pronouncing "Penicillium" as "Penicillin" (the drug).
observation
/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/ (BrE), /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
make an observation, careful observation
Definition:
The act of noticing or watching something carefully.
Example:
Careful observation led to the discovery of penicillin. (Fleming noticed something important.)
Synonym: noticing, perception
Common Mistake: Using "observation" for opinions or guesses (it means seeing facts, not guessing).
challenges
/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (plural), verb (to challenge)
Word Pattern:
face challenges, overcome challenges
Definition:
Difficulties or problems that need effort to overcome.
Example:
Scientists faced many challenges in making penicillin available. (They had problems to solve.)
Synonym: obstacles, difficulties
Common Mistake: Using "challenges" to mean "celebrations" (they are opposite ideas).
treatment
/ˈtriːtmənt/ (BrE), /ˈtritmənt/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun
Word Pattern:
effective treatment for, undergo treatment
Definition:
The use of medicine or methods to cure or manage a disease or injury.
Example:
Penicillin became a standard treatment for infections. (It was used to cure people.)
Synonym: remedy, cure
Common Mistake: Confusing "treatment" (cure) with "diagnosis" (identification of disease).
fatal
/ˈfeɪtl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective
Word Pattern:
a fatal disease, prove fatal
Definition:
Causing death; deadly.
Example:
Before penicillin, even small infections could be fatal. (They could cause death.)
Synonym: deadly, lethal
Common Mistake: Using "fatal" to mean "serious" (it only means causing death).
serendipity
/ˌserənˈdɪpɪti/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
noun (uncountable)
Word Pattern:
by serendipity, an example of serendipity
Definition:
The occurrence of a valuable or pleasant event by chance.
Example:
Discovering penicillin was a case of scientific serendipity. (A lucky accident in science.)
Synonym: luck, coincidence
Common Mistake: Using "serendipity" for planned events (it always means unplanned).
essential
/ɪˈsenʃl/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun (rare)
Word Pattern:
an essential part/medicine, be essential for/to sth
Definition:
Absolutely necessary or extremely important.
Example:
Antibiotics are essential for treating many infections. (They are necessary.)
Synonym: vital, crucial
Common Mistake: Confusing "essential" (absolutely needed) with "optional" (not needed).
inhibited
/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/ (BrE & AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb (past participle), adjective
Word Pattern:
inhibit the growth of, growth is inhibited by
Definition:
Prevented or slowed down the progress of something.
Example:
The mold inhibited the growth of bacteria. (It stopped the bacteria from growing.)
Synonym: stopped, restricted
Common Mistake: Using "inhibit" to mean "help" (it means to prevent, not assist).
10 Hardest Phrases & Expressions from the Passage & Questions
Unlock the most challenging phrases and expressions! Each interactive card gives you phonetics, grammar, patterns, definition, usage, synonyms, and common mistakes.
(Hover over each card for a beautiful blue glow!)
(Hover over each card for a beautiful blue glow!)
transformative event
/trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪˈvent/ (BrE), /trænsˈfɔrmətɪv ɪˈvent/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun
Word Pattern:
a transformative event in/for [field]; one of the most transformative events
Definition:
An incident or discovery that completely changes a situation or field.
Example:
The discovery of penicillin was a transformative event in medical science. (It changed medicine permanently.)
Synonym: revolutionary breakthrough
Common Mistake: Using "transformative" for something only slightly changed.
left a petri dish uncovered
/left ə ˈpiːtri dɪʃ ʌnˈkʌvəd/ (BrE), /lɛft ə ˈpitri dɪʃ ʌnˈkʌvɚd/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb + noun + adjective
Word Pattern:
leave sth uncovered; left [object] uncovered
Definition:
Did not cover the petri dish, allowing it to be exposed to the air.
Example:
Fleming left a petri dish uncovered and made a historic discovery. (He forgot to put the lid on.)
Synonym: exposed, open
Common Mistake: Saying "opened a petri dish" instead of "left ... uncovered" (which means left it without a cover).
inhibited the growth
/ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd ðə ɡrəʊθ/ (BrE), /ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd ðə ɡroʊθ/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
verb + noun
Word Pattern:
inhibit the growth of [something]
Definition:
Prevented or slowed down the development or increase of something.
Example:
The mold inhibited the growth of bacteria. (Stopped the bacteria from spreading.)
Synonym: prevented growth
Common Mistake: Using "helped the growth" instead of "inhibited" (which means stopped, not helped).
keen observation
/kiːn ɒbzəˈveɪʃn/ (BrE), /kin ɑbzərˈveɪʃn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun
Word Pattern:
keen observation of [something]; show keen observation
Definition:
The ability to notice and understand important details very well.
Example:
His keen observation led to a scientific breakthrough. (He noticed things that others did not.)
Synonym: sharp attention
Common Mistake: Confusing "keen" (sharp, strong) with "keen on" (to like).
isolating and purifying penicillin
/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ ənd ˈpjʊərɪfaɪɪŋ ˌpenɪˈsɪlɪn/ (BrE), /ˈaɪsəleɪtɪŋ ənd ˈpjʊrəˌfaɪɪŋ ˌpenəˈsɪlɪn/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
gerund + gerund + noun
Word Pattern:
isolating and purifying [substance]
Definition:
Separating penicillin from other materials and making it clean for use.
Example:
Many challenges arose in isolating and purifying penicillin. (It was hard to separate and clean the drug.)
Synonym: extracting and refining
Common Mistake: Thinking "purifying" means making something holy (here it means making it pure for medicine).
mass-produced
/ˌmæs.prəˈdjuːst/ (BrE), /ˌmæs.prəˈdust/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective (past participle)
Word Pattern:
be mass-produced, mass-produced goods/drugs
Definition:
Made in large quantities, usually by machines.
Example:
Penicillin could finally be mass-produced after 1940. (Made in factories, not by hand.)
Synonym: manufactured in bulk
Common Mistake: Writing "massive produced" (incorrect phrase).
effective treatment for
/ɪˈfɛktɪv ˈtriːtmənt fə/ (BrE), /ɪˈfɛktɪv ˈtritmənt fər/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adjective + noun + preposition
Word Pattern:
an effective treatment for [disease]
Definition:
A method or medicine that works well to cure or manage a disease.
Example:
Penicillin is an effective treatment for many infections. (It cures the disease well.)
Synonym: successful cure for
Common Mistake: Missing "for"—never say "treatment to infection" (should be "for").
pre-antibiotic era
/priː ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk ˈɪərə/ (BrE), /pri ˌæntɪbaɪˈɑːtɪk ˈɛrə/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
prefix + adjective + noun
Word Pattern:
in the pre-antibiotic era, before the antibiotic era
Definition:
The period of history before antibiotics were available.
Example:
In the pre-antibiotic era, simple infections could be deadly. (Before antibiotics existed.)
Synonym: before antibiotics
Common Mistake: Writing "before antibiotic era" without the hyphen ("pre-antibiotic" is correct).
a powerful example of serendipity
/ə ˈpaʊəfʊl ɪɡˈzɑːmpl əv ˌserənˈdɪpɪti/ (BrE), /ə ˈpaʊɚfəl ɪɡˈzæmpəl əv ˌserənˈdɪpɪti/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
article + adjective + noun + preposition + noun
Word Pattern:
a(n) example of serendipity, a classic/powerful example of serendipity
Definition:
A very clear case of a fortunate or beneficial accident.
Example:
The discovery was a powerful example of serendipity in science. (A lucky discovery.)
Synonym: clear case of luck
Common Mistake: Using "serendipity" for anything planned or expected.
fundamentally changing the course
/ˌfʌndəˈmentəli ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ ðə kɔːs/ (BrE), /ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəli ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ ðə kɔrs/ (AmE)
Part of Speech:
adverb + verb-ing + noun
Word Pattern:
fundamentally changing the course of [sth]; change the course of history
Definition:
Making a basic, important difference in the direction or outcome of something.
Example:
Penicillin was responsible for fundamentally changing the course of medicine. (It deeply changed medicine’s future.)
Synonym: radically altering
Common Mistake: Writing "change the coarse" (incorrect spelling: "course" is correct).
Exercise 1: Practice the Hardest Words & Expressions (10 MCQs)
Test yourself on the most challenging academic vocabulary and phrases from the passage! For each question, select your answer and read the instant, detailed explanation.
(Questions and answer keys are fully interactive and responsive.)
Exercise 2: More Advanced Practice (10 MCQs)
Go deeper with these academic word and phrase questions! Each multiple-choice question covers a different aspect: context, synonyms, patterns, and common errors.
(Select an answer to view the detailed instant explanation.)
(Select an answer to view the detailed instant explanation.)
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