Read the text below and select the correct word or phrase for each gap from the drop-down list.
Lost in the City
Justin had never seen the city so crowded. People moved in every direction, their footsteps quick and purposeful, as though each person had somewhere important to be. He tried to keep up with his older sister, Michelle, but in the confusion, he was suddenly from her and left standing alone on the pavement.
For a moment, he froze, unsure of what to do next. The noise of traffic and conversation seemed to close in around him, and he felt a rising sense of panic. He knew he had to keep his head and not let fear over. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself to think clearly.
Justin glanced around, hoping to catch sight of Michelle, but the crowd made it difficult to any familiar face. Everyone seemed to blur together, their movements blending into one continuous flow. Not wanting to stand out or draw attention to himself, he decided to move with the crowd rather than against it.
As he walked, he became more aware of his surroundings. Tall buildings loomed overhead, and unfamiliar street signs made it clear he was far from where he had started. He tried to his steps, but quickly realised he was going round in circles — he was completely
Determined not to panic, Justin remembered the plan they had agreed on earlier. If they became separated, they would meet at a spot near the train station. It wasn’t far, but finding it in the crowded streets would not be easy. Still, he knew he had to make his way there somehow.
The journey felt longer than it really was. At every corner, he hesitated, unsure which direction to take. More than once, he considered asking for help, but something held him back. He didn’t want to lost, even though that was exactly how he felt.
Eventually, he spotted a familiar landmark in the distance. Relief washed over him, and he quickened his pace, weaving through the crowd with renewed confidence. It wasn’t long before he reached the meeting point, where Michelle was already waiting, her expression a mixture of worry and frustration.
“You had me worried sick,” she said, though her voice softened with relief. Justin let out a breath he hadn’t realised he had been holding. At least now, he knew he could on himself when it mattered.
As they turned to leave, the city no longer seemed quite so overwhelming. Though the experience had shaken him, it had also given him a quiet sense of confidence — a feeling that he could handle more than he had first .