I have … completed the task.

Analyze the question: This tests your knowledge of fixed expressions (idioms) in English. The sentence is "I have ____ completed the task," so we need the phrase that means "almost" or "nearly."

Explain the concept: "More or less" is a fixed idiomatic phrase meaning roughly, approximately, almost, or to a large extent. Idioms cannot be changed. Swapping "or" for "and," "than," or "but" destroys the meaning.

Solution:

• A. more and less: Not a standard idiom, so it makes no sense here.
• B. more or less: A correct idiom meaning "almost" or "pretty much." "I have more or less completed the task" means the task is nearly done.
• C. more than less: Not an idiom in English.
• D. more but less: Not an idiom in English, and it is illogical.

Answer: B. more or less

The sentence reads: I have more or less completed the task. (I have almost completed it.)

Exam tip: In "fill in the gap" questions testing idioms, look for the option that forms a phrase you have heard used as a unit. Other common pairs of this kind include "more or less," "sooner or later," "now and then," "by and large," and "odds and ends." If an option sounds strange when you say it aloud, it is probably wrong.