Gilbert was determined that his son Martin was not going to end up working on the shop-floor of a car factory for the rest of his life. He put in hours of overtime to earn enough money to [30] …..
that the boy could have extra tuition in maths, general science and English. He felt well [31] ……
when the boy passed his eleven-plus exam and won a place at Manchester Grammar school. That
pride didn’t falter when Martin went on to pass five O-levels and, [32]…. , two years later added
two A-levels. Gilbert tried not to show his disappointment when the boy informed him that he
didn’t want to go to university.
“What kind of career are you hoping to take up then, lad?” Gilbert enquired. “I have filled an
application form to join you on the shop-floor just as soon as I leave school. The point is, Dad, I
can’t be [33] to spend my life doing a job I don’t enjoy just to satisfy one of your fantasies.”
Gilbert promised that the application would be turned down in the morning. He [34] ….. uttered
another word to the boy before leaving for the factory. For over a week father and son didn’t speak
to each other. It was Martin’s mother who was left to come up with the compromise. She [35] …
that Martin should go to work thought hotel management seemed the least to this
to the hotel. He confided that he unattractive proposition he had considered so far. He reluctantly
[36] …… to this solution.
30 1) ensure 2) confirm 3) assure 4) convince
31 1) repaid 2) reclaimed 3) regained 4) rewarded
32 1) however 2) moreover 3) nevertheless 4) therefore
33 1) insisted 2) expected 3) persisted 4) promised
34 1) rarely 2) merely 3) hardly 4) nearly
35 1) submitted 2) offered 3) advocated 4) suggested
36 1) agreed 2) accepted 3) adopted 4) admitted

This passage tells the story of Gilbert and his son Martin, highlighting the generational and career aspirations conflict. Let's fill in the blanks:

30. The correct word here is "ensure." Gilbert worked overtime to ensure that Martin could receive extra tuition, meaning he wanted to make certain that this opportunity was available for his son.

31. The appropriate choice is "rewarded." Gilbert felt rewarded when Martin passed his exams and won a place at a prestigious school. This suggests a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction from his efforts and sacrifices.

32. "However" fits best in this context. Despite the successes Martin had with his O-levels and A-levels, the word "however" introduces the contrast that comes with Martin's decision not to attend university.

33. "Expected" is the most suitable choice. Martin tells his father that he can't be expected to spend his life in a job he doesn’t enjoy just to fulfill one of Gilbert’s fantasies. This implies that Gilbert had certain expectations for Martin's career, which Martin did not wish to meet.

34. "Hardly" is the correct word. Gilbert hardly uttered another word, indicating that he spoke very little or almost nothing before leaving for the factory, showing his disappointment and perhaps frustration.

35. "Suggested" is the best fit. Martin’s mother suggested a compromise. This implies that she proposed an idea or a solution to the conflict between Gilbert and Martin.

36. "Agreed" completes the sentence appropriately. Martin reluctantly agreed to the solution, meaning he accepted it but without enthusiasm or willingness.

So, the completed passage would read:

Gilbert was determined that his son Martin was not going to end up working on the shop-floor of a car factory for the rest of his life. He put in hours of overtime to ensure that the boy could have extra tuition in maths, general science, and English. He felt well rewarded when the boy passed his eleven-plus exam and won a place at Manchester Grammar school. That pride didn’t falter when Martin went on to pass five O-levels and, however, two years later added two A-levels. Gilbert tried not to show his disappointment when the boy informed him that he didn’t want to go to university. “What kind of career are you hoping to take up then, lad?” Gilbert enquired. “I have filled an application form to join you on the shop-floor just as soon as I leave school. The point is, Dad, I can’t be expected to spend my life doing a job I don’t enjoy just to satisfy one of your fantasies.” Gilbert promised that the application would be turned down in the morning. He hardly uttered another word to the boy before leaving for the factory. For over a week father and son didn’t speak to each other. It was Martin’s mother who was left to come up with the compromise. She suggested that Martin should go to work though hotel management seemed the least unattractive proposition he had considered so far. He reluctantly agreed to this solution.