Learn the tricks, avoid the traps, and get ready to smash Part 4.
Mission: Complete the second sentence so it means the same as the first one.
Rule: Use the keyword. Don’t change it. Use 2 to 5 words.
Teen survival mode: don’t translate word by word. Think grammar + meaning + structure.
1. Understand what this exercise tests
2. Learn the most common patterns
3. Practise with self-check tasks
4. Feel ready for the full worksheet
Passive, reported speech, wishes, comparatives, modals, gerunds and infinitives.
Fixed phrases like in favour of, unlikely to, despite, call off.
You must keep the same meaning and build the exact new structure.
Everyone says that the band is planning a tour.
SAID
The band is said to be planning a tour.
He felt tired, but he kept running.
DESPITE
He kept running despite feeling tired.
Tip: if you can name the grammar point, you are already halfway there.
“Do you know...?” → asked if / whether...
Mary asked Sally if she knew the time the match started.
I’d prefer not to... → I’d rather not...
I’d rather not call off the meeting.
Use this for regrets about the past.
I wish I hadn’t forgotten your birthday.
has the talent to → is so talented that...
Arthur is so talented that he could become a concert pianist.
Changing the keyword
If the word is IDEA, you must use idea, not ideal or ideas.
Too many words
Cambridge counts carefully. Stay between 2 and 5 words.
Same grammar, wrong meaning
The sentence must mean the same thing, not just look similar.
Word-for-word translation
Transform the structure, don’t copy the original sentence blindly.
Quick check: before writing your final answer, ask yourself:
✅ Did I use the keyword exactly?
✅ Is the meaning the same?
✅ Is the grammar correct?
✅ Is it 2–5 words?
1. Tom was in favour of going by train.
IDEA
Tom thought it would be ________ by train.
2. “Do you know where Mia lives?” asked Ben.
IF
Ben asked ________ where Mia lived.
3. I’d prefer not to stay out late.
RATHER
I ________ out late.
1. She continued studying although she was tired.
DESPITE
She continued studying ________ tired.
2. People say that the actor is very generous.
SAID
The actor ________ very generous.
3. It’s a pity I didn’t call you.
WISH
I ________ you.
4. Sarah probably won’t join us.
UNLIKELY
Sarah ________ us.
1. Arthur has the talent to become a concert pianist.
THAT
Arthur is ________ could become a concert pianist.
2. I knocked for ages at Ruth’s door but I got no reply.
LONG
I had been knocking ________ at Ruth’s door but I got no reply.
3. I’d prefer not to cancel the meeting.
CALL
I’d rather ________ the meeting.
1. Joan was in favour of visiting the museum.
IDEA
Joan thought it would be ________ to visit the museum.
2. It’s a pity I forgot your birthday.
WISH
I wish I ________ your birthday.
3. How many pyramids did the Egyptians build?
BY
How many pyramids ________ the Egyptians?
Read the full sentence.
Spot the grammar pattern.
Use the keyword exactly.
Count the words.
Stay calm and think smart 😎
Get students to say the grammar point aloud first: “reported question”, “wish + past perfect”, “passive”, “despite + -ing”.
That makes them think before they guess.
Now go back to the worksheet and do the full 10-question exercise like a pro.