FCE / B2 First Word Formation Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is "interest" because it is the base form of the verb that refers to the action of attracting attention or concern. In English, the base form is used for the present simple tense (e.g., "I interest my students in science") and is also employed when giving commands (e.g., "Please interest yourself in the topic").

The other forms have different uses: "interested" is an adjective that describes a state or feeling (e.g., "I am interested in art"), while "interesting" is also an adjective describing something that captures attention (e.g., "This book is interesting"). "Interests" can function as both a plural noun and the third person singular present tense of the verb (e.g., "He interests his friends"). However, when specifically asked for the verb form, the base "interest" is the appropriate choice.