3 Comedy is becoming more popular. F b Do the task. Use the Help notes for support with certain items.
For questions 1-8, read the text below and think of the word which best
fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the
beginning (O).

The Edinburgh Festival

If you are interested (0) in the arts, Edinburgh in August is the
place to be. Apart from the main International Festival, (1) __is
what is called 'The Fringe, offering 2,700 different shows in over
270 venues throughout the city, many of (2) ___ are free
Visitors are often surprised (3) _ the range of shows on offer.
This includes comedy, cutting-edge theatre, dance, children's
shows and music. As there is no selection committee, (4).
kind of event is possible and the quality varies.
While many high-profile performers take part, the vast majority
(5) a mixture of unknown professionals, actors and students,
who use the festival as a way of bringing their talents (6)
audience for the first time. Indeed, many well-known comics
first appeared there (7) _ student productions.
In recent years many new audiences have been drawn almost
exclusively to stand-up comics and some regular visitors are
disappointed (8)
this trend. However, as comedy is very
much in fashion, they will have to get used to it.
an