Grammar in context: Student profile

Reading the following story supply the correct form of the verb in

brackets.

“After I (equip – 1) myself with a Master of Science degree in Economics, I still felt that I (need – 2) to extend my business knowledge further. Since the company I worked for (operate – 3) throughout Europe and has several important connections in the UK, I (think – 4) I should look for an opportunity to improve my grasp of the English language. Studying for a Master of Business Administration degree was the obvious way to satisfy both needs. I previously (spend – 5) five months at a language school in London and after considering my options, I (find– 6) that the course offered by the London Institute of Technology and Research (meet – 7) my needs very closely.

The LITR provides two study options for an MBA degree – studying on campus or by distance learning. The course also (offer – passive – 8) on a full-time or part-time basis, which (mean– 9) that students have the option of combining study with employment and can finish the course at their own pace. I (opt – 10) to spend the first year on campus and then complete my dissertation at home in Russia during the second year.

When I first (come – 11) to the Institute I (find – 12) life very different from anything I (experience – 13) before. I (use – passive 14) to being one of 5,000 students back in my home country – it was odd to be attending classes comprising just two or three people! However, the advantages of studying in small groups quickly (become – 15) plain to me. You get excellent contact with your lecturers and individual help with problems (be – 16) readily available.

I very (concern – passive – 17) that my English (not to be– 18) up to the standard required to cope with the course. At the beginning the course did (present – 19) quite a challenge in this respect, although, as my understanding and fluency (improve – 20 ), life (get – 21) a lot easier.

The programme, which (teach – passive – 22) using theory and case studies, covers a number of core subjects. The range of courses available is huge, which (mean – 23) that students can tailor their MBA to meet their particular requirements. I was particularly interested in marketing and accounting. I already (spend – 24) two years studying the latter, but the Russian accounting system is very different from the systems used by the English and Americans and it (be – 25) interesting to compare them.

I shortly (return – 26) to Russia to begin work on my dissertation. The MBA programme already (broaden– 27) my perspective of the global business environment, as well as equipping me with new decision-making skills. It (be – 28) very hard work.

However, I think I (be – 29) pretty lucky. It isn’t easy to find an MBA programme which can offer the right combination to fulfill your individual requirements.

ANSWER KEY

1 – had equipped	11 – came	21 – got
2 – needed	12 – found	22 – is taught
3 – operates	13 – had experienced	23 – means
4 – thought	14 – was used	24 – had spent
5 – had spent	15 – became	25 – was
6 – found	16 – is	26 – am returning
7 – met	17 – was concerned	27 – has broadened
8 – is offered	18 – would not be	28 – has been
9 – means	19 – did present	29 – have been
10 – opted	20 – improved

READING