Optional test question: container vs sack

[Nessie]

Hi,
please help me with these questions

1/ I can't ......... to understand why anyone would want to be cruel to animals
Choose one answer.
a. start
b. begin
=> I think this sentence sounds so awkward so I can't give a choice... +_+

2/ It will be a bit of a mixed ..........
Choose one answer.
a. container
b. sack
c. bag
d. holder

3/ It was ......... that the tortoise should choose the course and also the end of the race.
Choose one answer.
a. consented
b. permitted
c. agreed
=> what should we choose and why?

4/ - There's no fool like an ..old....... fool
- Sorry you can protest if you like but it doesn't cut any ice with me
=> what do these sentences mean?
_________________
:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

1.
"Can't (even) begin to understand" is a commonly used collocation.

2.
mixed bag

3.
c. agreed
Let me throw your question back at you. Why do you think consented or permitted might work/make sense in the sentence?

4.
- "There's no fool like an old fool."
- cut no ice with someone
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Torsten]

Hi Nessie,

What is an 'optional test question'?

TOEFL listening lectures: A university arts lecture on Greek drama

[Nessie]

To Torsten:
Hi Torsten,
I think it means a multiple choice question. Am I right or wrong? Or shouldn't I use that term?

To Amy:
Thanks for your clear explaination, Amy. I know C should be chosen for question C, but I can't understand the sentence, could you please clarify for me?
Thanks a lot
_________________
:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...