PLACEMENT TEST
Credit: NY Times Crossword
Nancy Nicholson Joline  (adapted)

Do NOT fill in the blanks below. But what can you say about whatever word might be filled in? The answers have to do with where the word in the blank is situated - whatever that word happens to be. The answer in each clue plus the given word will form a familiar phrase. (Two of the clues have two words in the answer.)

1. NOTHING ___________
2. UP __________________
3. SHAVE_______________
4. _________________ LONG
5. _________________ TIME
6. _____________ ONESELF

Answers:

1. Next to nothing
2. Following up
3. After shave
4. Before long
5. Ahead of time
6. Beside oneself