Your taskFill in the gap in each sentence with the correct word or phrase.maderaisedreachedraisedposedmadesparkedconductedmadetooktooksignedforgemadehold0 / 15 answeredYour score0 / 150%Keep practising! Focus on the explanations below.1She a strong case for reforming the tax system during the conference.Correct answer: made▸ Why?"Make a case" is the fixed collocation meaning to present a set of arguments in support of something. The verb is always "make", not "do", "build", or "argue". Compare: make an argument, make a point.2The charity awareness of poverty-related issues through its annual fundraising campaign.Correct answer: raised▸ Why?"Raise awareness" is the standard collocation for increasing public understanding of an issue. "Promote awareness" is also possible; "make awareness" and "do awareness" are not standard English.3The delegates finally a consensus on the proposed amendments after three days of talks.Correct answer: reached▸ Why?"Reach a consensus" (or "achieve a consensus") means to arrive at general agreement after negotiation. "Reach" emphasises the process of getting there. "Make a consensus" is not standard.4The incident serious questions about the company's safety procedures.Correct answer: raised▸ Why?"Raise questions" is the natural collocation when an event causes people to question something. "Raise concerns" follows the same pattern. "Make questions" is not idiomatic; "pose questions" is more formal but equally correct.5His reckless investment strategy a significant risk to the company's finances.Correct answer: posed▸ Why?"Pose a risk" and "present a risk" are the formal collocations in this context. "Make a risk" and "do a risk" are not standard. "Create a risk" is also possible but less idiomatic in formal writing.6She considerable efforts to ensure the conference ran smoothly.Correct answer: made▸ Why?"Make efforts" is the fixed collocation — you make an effort, not "do" or "give" one. The pattern holds with all quantifiers: great efforts, every effort, little effort.7The announcement a great deal of public debate about the government's economic policy.Correct answer: sparked▸ Why?"Spark debate", "trigger debate", and "provoke debate" are all natural collocations. "Generate debate" and "cause debate" also work. "Make debate" is not standard in formal English.8The management team a thorough review of all internal processes before the system launch.Correct answer: conducted▸ Why?"Conduct a review" and "carry out a review" are the standard formal collocations. "Undertake a review" is also correct in formal writing. "Make a review" is non-standard; "do a review" is informal.9Their research has a lasting contribution to the study of marine ecosystems.Correct answer: made▸ Why?"Make a contribution" is the fixed collocation — always "make", never "give", "do", or "provide". The adjective "lasting" emphasises that the contribution has enduring value.10The recession a severe toll on the hospitality and tourism industries.Correct answer: took▸ Why?"Take a toll" is the fixed collocation meaning to have a damaging or wearing effect on something. "Toll" only collocates with "take" in this expression — "make a toll" or "cause a toll" are not possible.11She full advantage of the scholarship to study at one of Europe's leading universities.Correct answer: took▸ Why?"Take advantage of" is the fixed collocation meaning to make good use of an opportunity. "Make advantage" is not standard. Note: "use to one's advantage" is a different structure with the same meaning.12The two governments eventually a trade agreement that had been under negotiation for over two years.Correct answer: signed▸ Why?"Sign an agreement" is the standard collocation when two parties finalise a formal deal. "Conclude an agreement" is equally correct in diplomatic or formal language. "Make an agreement" is more informal.13The company plans to a partnership with a leading technology firm to expand its digital services.Correct answer: forge▸ Why?"Forge a partnership" is the most idiomatic B2+ collocation, suggesting the partnership was built through effort. "Form", "establish", and "build a partnership" are also standard. "Make a partnership" and "do a partnership" are not natural collocations.14After years of research, the scientists finally a breakthrough in the treatment of the disease.Correct answer: made▸ Why?"Make a breakthrough" is the standard collocation. "Achieve a breakthrough" is also correct and slightly more formal. "Do a breakthrough" and "have a breakthrough" are non-standard in written English.15The board meeting was called to a vote on the proposed merger.Correct answer: hold▸ Why?"Hold a vote" means to organise and conduct a formal vote. "Take a vote" is also natural in British English. Note: "cast a vote" refers to an individual's action, not the organising of a vote, so it does not fit here.Check AnswersPlease answer at least one question first.Found an error in this exercise? Let us know.