Have you ever dreamed of living in a top-floor flat? There are several pros and cons to think about before moving to a sky-high residence.

One scientifically proven advantage is that the top floor is warmer in winter. Heat rises, so if you're in a cold climate you'll probably pay less for the heating bills. Just turn down the thermostat and let the downstairs neighbours keep you warm. Also the higher up you live, the brighter it is, so apart from 1______ letting in the sunlight will help warm your flat and keep the heating bills even lower. Of course, an advantage in winter can become a disadvantage in summertime. Your place may feel like an oven, while those living on lower floors are feeling cool.


But there is another advantage. If you're looking for peace and quiet, a top-floor flat may be the best choice. At least 2______ stomping around over your head, or early risers falling out of bed at 5 a.m. The downside of this is that you have to be careful not to make much noise yourself. You'd be surprised what your downstairs neighbours can hear, 3_______ or hoovering the floors at a time when your neighbours may still be sound asleep.

One more plus of living high up is the fact that you are safer from break-ins. Most burglars are looking for a quick way in and out and 4_____ Living higher up can protect you from other dangers as well. For example, floods - which can definitely affect lower floors and sometimes cause extensive damage - will never reach your place. On the other hand, 5_____ it will probably be more difficult for you to escape, and rescuers may have a harder time getting to you.


There is one more thing to consider before deciding to live in a top-floor apartment. People who suffer from a fear of heights might not want to live too high up. You may think you'll get used to it, but there is some evidence that people who live in places 6____ tend to suffer more from anxiety than those on the lower floors. And what's the point of having a great view if you're unable to look out of your windows because of your nervousness?

Наиболее логичные варианты заполнения пропусков:

1. giving you a better view

2. you won’t have anyone

3. whether you’re walking around in high heels

4. are unlikely to climb all the way to the top floor

5. if there is a fire

6. that are very high above the ground

Полный текст с заполненными пропусками:

Have you ever dreamed of living in a top-floor flat? There are several pros and cons to think about before moving to a sky-high residence.

One scientifically proven advantage is that the top floor is warmer in winter. Heat rises, so if you're in a cold climate you'll probably pay less for the heating bills. Just turn down the thermostat and let the downstairs neighbours keep you warm. Also, the higher up you live, the brighter it is, so apart from giving you a better view, letting in the sunlight will help warm your flat and keep the heating bills even lower. Of course, an advantage in winter can become a disadvantage in summertime. Your place may feel like an oven, while those living on lower floors are feeling cool.

But there is another advantage. If you're looking for peace and quiet, a top-floor flat may be the best choice. At least you won’t have anyone stomping around over your head, or early risers falling out of bed at 5 a.m. The downside of this is that you have to be careful not to make much noise yourself. You'd be surprised what your downstairs neighbours can hear, whether you’re walking around in high heels or hoovering the floors at a time when your neighbours may still be sound asleep.

One more plus of living high up is the fact that you are safer from break-ins. Most burglars are looking for a quick way in and out and are unlikely to climb all the way to the top floor. Living higher up can protect you from other dangers as well. For example, floods — which can definitely affect lower floors and sometimes cause extensive damage — will never reach your place. On the other hand, if there is a fire, it will probably be more difficult for you to escape, and rescuers may have a harder time getting to you.

There is one more thing to consider before deciding to live in a top-floor apartment. People who suffer from a fear of heights might not want to live too high up. You may think you'll get used to it, but there is some evidence that people who live in places that are very high above the ground tend to suffer more from anxiety than those on the lower floors. And what's the point of having a great view if you're unable to look out of your windows because of your nervousness?

Объяснение:

1. После apart from требуется существительное или герундий — форма глагола с окончанием -ing. Выражение giving you a better view подходит и грамматически, и по смыслу.

2. На последнем этаже над жильцами никого нет, поэтому конструкция you won’t have anyone stomping around over your head означает «над вашей головой никто не будет топать».

3. Конструкция whether … or … используется, когда перечисляются две возможные ситуации: соседи могут услышать вас независимо от того, ходите ли вы на каблуках или пылесосите.

4. Здесь объясняется, почему верхние этажи реже выбирают грабители: им нужен быстрый путь для проникновения и побега, поэтому они вряд ли станут подниматься на самый верхний этаж.

5. Фраза if there is a fire логически противопоставляется преимуществу при наводнении. При пожаре с верхнего этажа сложнее выбраться.

6. После слова places требуется определительное придаточное предложение. Конструкция that are very high above the ground описывает места, расположенные высоко над землёй.