Write the Perfect Crime Novel
Most people are born with the natural ability to tell stories, but only a rare few have the determination to become professional authors, and even fewer have the joy of seeing their novels top the (1) ............ of bestselling books.
Some of the world's famous crime writers have achieved the (2) ............ success of all. Who can deny the appeal of famous detectives like Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot? Even if you haven't read the (3) ............ books you will have seen them in films or on the TV.
Exam Tips
When the day comes, give yourself plenty of time to do everything: have breakfast but don't drink
(4) ............ much; go to the toilet; arrive on time, but not too early or you will find yourself getting more and more nervous while you wait to start.
In the exam, calm (5) ............ down by breathing deeply and thinking positively. Read the exam questions carefully and underline all of the key instruction words (6) ............ indicate how the questions should be answered.
7) ‘Why don’t you come over for dinner at the weekend?’ he asked her.
SUGGESTED
He …………….................………………. for dinner at the weekend.
8) Although the weather was terrible we had a good time.
SPITE
We had a good time …………….................………………. the terrible weather.
9) I'd prefer not to cancel the meeting.
CALL
I'd rather …………….................………………. the meeting.
Miracle Fruit
Imagine drinking a glass of pure, freshly-squeezed lemon juice with nothing added. It’s enough to turn your stomach. (10) ............
I watch as one-by-one they down the drink, tentative at first, and then smiling broadly as they declare, “It tastes just like grandma’s lemonade.” Fifty or so people crowd around a table on the rooftop terrace of Larry’s small but swish apartment. I edge my way forward and arrive at the table that positively groans with the array of food piled high. (11) ............
My host appears at my shoulder, and says “Here, have this.” This turns out to be a small red berry about the size of a blueberry, but slightly elongated, the shape of a coffee bean.
He looks at the expression on my face. “It’s known as the miracle fruit. Just put it in your mouth,” he instructs, “and chew it slightly to separate the pulp from the seed.” (12) ............
I obey his command and then discreetly spit the remains into my handkerchief while his glance is averted.
A. These range from wedges of fruit, strong cheeses and pickles to plates of Brussel sprouts.
B. They first noticed its distinctive property when they saw local people chewing the berry before a meal.
C. According to scientists the result happens because of a protein called miraculin.
D. Yet that is what the guests of host, Larry Walters, are given on their arrival at one of his tasting parties in an upmarket district of New York.
E. Then push it around in your mouth like you’d do with a piece of gum for about sixty seconds.