1. Negative prefixes.

Prefixes such as in-, un- and dis- can be added to some adjectives, adverbs, verbs and nouns to give them a negative meaning.
Improving your performance with drugs is unfair.
We're used to seeing athletes, cyclists and swimmers disqualified.

To some adjectives, adverbs and nouns, we can add in-: indirect, insincere.

The prefixes il-, im- and ir- can be used in this way:

  • il- before adjectives and adverbs that start with l: illegal
  • im- before adjectives and adverbs that start with b, m or p: impossible
  • ir- before adjectives and adverbs that start with r: irresponsible

Click on the words in the sentences below to rewrite them with the prefixes un-, dis-, in-, im-, il- or ir-.

For more information about negative prefixes see the Grammar Reference.

2. Rules and consequences.

Type in the missing words to complete the table.

3. Pronunciation.

Practise the different forms of these words. Listen to, repeat and record the words.

4. Rules and consequences.

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word in the brackets.

5. Drugs testing in sport.

Put the events in chronological order.

6. Drugs testing in sport.

Can you complete the text? Read the text below so you are familiar with it. When you are ready, click on "Start now". Some of the words will disappear, and a box will appear. You will have 10 minutes to reconstruct the text. Type each missing word in the box on the right and it will appear in the correct place.

7. Verbs expressing benefits.

Study how to use the verbs below.
  • obtain something you didn't have before: gain
  • become better: improve
  • make something better: improve, enhance
  • become larger in quantity or amount: increase, gain
  • make larger in number or amount: increase, boost, maximise
  • make stronger: strengthen

Choose the correct options to complete the text about steroids.

8. Compound adjectives.

Complete the phrases from the blog in READING with words from the box.

9. Compound adjectives.

Compound adjectives consist of two words, usually written with a hyphen between them.
A never-ending list of other sports also came under suspicion this year.

Complete the table of the most common word combinations with the examples in the box.

Word combinations    Examples

adjective/number + noun  
adjective/number + noun + -ed  
adjective/adverb/noun + past participle  
adjective/adverb/noun + -ing form  
noun + adjective  

 

For more information about compound adjectives see the Grammar Reference.

10. Compound adjectives.

Choose the correct words from the drop-down menus.