beginning vs opening

[Nessie]

Hi, please look at this sentence:
Most school-leavers experience the transition from school to work with a feeling of hope and worry. As for them, the ending of school means the ... of their new life
a. end
b. closing
c. beginning
d. opening

=> a and b are surely wrong, but I don't know which should be chosen here: c or d. Please help me!
_________________
:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

Could you tell me where you are getting these exercises from?

As for your question, I'd choose c. beginning. That works well in combination with the word 'ending' in the sentence. In addition, I don't think that 'open a new life' would be a normal collocation.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Nessie]

Hi Amy,
As I have told you, most of my questions are from exercise books (written by non-native speakers) for 12-graders. Some of them have quite a lot of mistakes, I know, but we still have to do (+_+) :D

QUOTE:
As for your question, I'd choose c. beginning. That works well in combination with the word 'ending' in the sentence.

=> Good explaination, Amy, but how about "open UP a new life"?

Many thanks
Nessie
_________________
:(... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know.. :(

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Yankee]

.
Hi Nessie

I don't think 'open up' would be terribly idiomatic in the context either. We generally 'start' or 'begin' a life.

The word 'open' would be more idiomatic with the word 'show', for example.
- He opened the show with a comedy routine.
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Amy

Since we're on about "open" :) , could you tell me what the most natural choice would be:
1. Open up your eyes
2. Open your eyes
?

Thanks !

[Yankee]

Hi Alex

To me, they both mean the same thing, but I'd say 'open up' sounds more informal.

Now, let's wait and see if Alan disagrees. :lol:
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln