difference between "close by" and "near by"

[Chelsea]

English Error, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #11 "At the Finance Company", question 5

My workplace is very closely by so I can easily walk there. It takes about 20 minutes in all and it's good exercise for me as I try to walk as quickly as possible.

(a) closely
(b) easily
(c) quickly

English Error, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #11 "At the Finance Company", answer 5

My workplace is very close by so I can easily walk there. It takes about 20 minutes in all and it's good exercise for me as I try to walk as quickly as possible.

Correct entry: close
The error was: (a) closely

You have found the error but your entry is incorrect.
My workplace is very near by so I can easily walk there. It takes about 20 minutes in all and it's good exercise for me as I try to walk as quickly as possible.
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Is there is a big difference btw close by and near by?

Chelsea

[Mister Micawber]

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No, no real difference, but 'nearby' is one word.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's