B2 Use of English Test 7 – Writing the missing word in gaps

For questions 1-9, read the text below and think of the word which best fits the gap. Use only one word in each gap.

Tree-climbing

Many people will look back on tree-climbing (1)…………… a simple childhood pleasure and a natural test of human strength, stamina and agility. But these days, it has turned (2)…………… a more serious activity and is (3)…………… of the fastest-growing adventure sports in the country.

(4)…………… the invention of expensive gyms with indoor climbing walls, tree-climbing was a cheap and simple way to get a similar type of exercise. These days, if you want to (5)…………… part in an organised tree-climbing activity, you (6)…………… to wear a helmet and attach yourself to ropes in (7)…………… you should lose your footing. But otherwise, tree-climbing is a very eco-friendly sport, involving minimum damage to trees or the environment.

Getting off the ground is perhaps the most challenging part of a climb. (8)…………… that, it’s about using your legs, (9)…………… are much stronger than your arms, to drive yourself up the tree. Reaching the top and then abseiling down again is a source of great satisfaction.