Read the text and then choose the correct answer to fill the blanks. Be attentive to the coherence of the text and the prepositions you must use or omit before the phrases.

SPECIAL TALENTS AT THE NCO ACADEMY

Sergeant Major Gilson commands respect, standing ______ the door of the NCO Academy print workshop and ready to greet his comrades with a gentle smile. He always works diligently ______ his desk, with piles of paperwork and a strong cup of coffee. However, behind closed doors, behind that disciplined facade, there is a secret: a passion for art. His own masterpieces are hanging ______ the walls of his office, showing his remarkable talent as a painter.

In his quarters, Sergeant Major Gilson devotes all his spare time to painting. Paintbrushes and palettes lie meticulously arranged ______ a shelf. As people rarely see him out of uniform, he surprises everyone with his remarkable talent. When he is not in the barracks, Sergeant Gilson is pursuing a degree in Fine Arts ______ the local college, indulging his passion.

Late in the evening, after his long day, Sergeant Gilson finally gets ______ home, exhausted but content. He kicks off his boots, relaxes in his favourite chair, and dreams of the next stroke of his brush that will bring his vivid imagination to life.

If necessary, fill in the blanks with definite or indefinite articles to have a coherent text.

BRAZILIAN ARMY REPLACES FN FAL WITH IMBEL IA2

The IMBEL IA2 rifle is ____ versatile firearm in service in ____ Brazilian Army. The state-owned company IMBEL (Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil) manufactures the IA2 rifle. It has gradually replaced the outdated FN FAL rifle.

This modern assault rifle has gained ____ popularity among soldiers due to its exceptional accuracy, durability, and adaptability. The IA2 also offers quick barrel change for different mission requirements. Furthermore, the IA2 possesses tactical rails that enable the attachment of ____ additional accessories such as optics, lasers, and flashlights.

With its exceptional performance and adaptability, the IMBEL IA2 rifle has greatly improved the operational capabilities of the Brazilian Army, making it ____ useful weapon in the defence of ____ Brazil.

Choose the suitable adjectives to make the text coherent.

THE ROUTINE OF A MODEL PLATOON SERGEANT

The routine of a model platoon sergeant, a crucial figure in a military unit, is ____ of diverse responsibilities and challenges. While they may be ____ at maintaining discipline, they are never ____ with their subordinates. In fact, they understand the importance of being ____ to privates and corporals within the unit.

Platoon Sergeants are committed to the growth and well-being of their team. They are ____ in their soldiers' professional development, offering guidance and mentorship. They are also devoted to the mission of the unit.

Like anyone else, platoon sergeants sometimes feel ____ with the demands of their role. However, their commitment remains firm, as they are aware that their actions can influence the success or failure of a mission. If any mistakes occur, they are ____ about the consequences and take responsibility for leading their team to learn and improve.

The role of a platoon sergeant is ____ from other ranks, requiring strong leadership. While they have moments of fear or hesitation, they do not let it overcome them. They perform their duties with diligence, always aware of the impact on their unit's morale and performance.

Match the topics with the short texts describing the activities that the Brazilian Army carries out.

TOPICS

1. COMBAT OPERATIONS

2. HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

3. EDUCATION

4. HONOURING SERVICE

TEXTS

A. We conduct commemorative activities and recognise the value of veterans in a way that respects their service including with medallic recognition. We support state ceremonial activities and high-level official visits and undertake the researching and recording of the history of the Brazilian Army as part of the wider history of Brazil. ( )

B. We are ready to act decisively at war. To do this, we must use force and protect ourselves in environments where threats cause our nation harm. The work of maintaining readiness against enemy forces is at the heart of what we do as an organisation, giving us the skills and tools to respond to any situation. Fighting is our job and we train to be excellent at it. While we hope that fight never happens, we must be ready to do it – and prevail – when Brazil needs us. ( )

C. Our people are highly specialised. We master our profession and know how apply military skills as part of a team, operating in complex and uncertain environments. A new soldier’s training starts when they join the Army. They learn how to work as a team and follow detailed instructions. No one works alone. As a team, cadets, students, and recruits learn to work quickly to complete tasks. They learn basic skills like weapon handling, first aid and drill. This is all part of developing a culture of performing tasks in tough situations, under the direction of a leader and in a team. ( )

D. Our Army responds quickly to unfolding events. We train to operate in tough conditions and a variety of environments. We have vehicles and aircraft, as well as personnel trained to operate them, to quickly deploy to disaster sites. The Army maintains experts who can assess the scale of the disaster and determine what to do with the people and equipment we have available. ( )