1. - The polices took intermediate action when they realized the situation was getting out of hand.
- Economic activity stagnated as the recession took hold.
Explanation: - action: a thing that sb does; the process of doing sth in order to make sth happen or deal with a situation
- activity: a situation in which sth is happening or a lot of things are being done
2. - Can you advise me on the best course of action to take?
- He offered me some excellent advice.
Explanation: - advise is a verb
- advice is a noun
3. Cuts in spending will have a serious effect on the National Health service.
The strike will seriously affect train services.
Explanation: - effect is a noun
- affect is a verb
4. - There is an appreciable difference between manslaughter and murder.
- She was very appreciative of our efforts to help
5. - They raised taxes on the assumption that it would help control spending.
- It's sheer presumption for the government to suggest things have improved since they came to power.
Explanation: - assumption: a belief or feeling that sth is true or that sth will happen, although there's no proof
- presumption: something that is thought to be true or probable
6. – Rapid government reforms managed to prevent a revolution taking place.
- He’s always trying to avoid taking a decision if he can help it.
Explanation: - prevent: to cause sth not to happen or sb not to do sth, especially by taking action before it happen
- avoid: to not go near a particular person, place, event or situation
7. – The office is just beside the railway station
- Besides their regular daytime job, many people do extra work in the evening.
Explanation: - beside (prep.): near, nearby, adjacent
- besides (adv): in addition, furthermore, moreover