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Skimming and scanning quiz

Level A
Use this information for the Trenton bus company to answer the questions in level A:

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

1. What information does this timetable give you?
A)
B)
C)
D)

Buses: Monday to Friday

Buses: the whole week
Trains: Monday to Friday
Trains: the whole week

2. On Sundays the buses run ...

A)
B)
C)
D)

about every 10 minutes

about every half hour
about every hour
about every two hours

3. Trenton Hospital is ...

A) at the beginning of the route
B) at the end of the route
C) in the middle of the route
4. At what time does the 08.42 bus from Murrayfield Drive arrive at Trenton Hospital on a
Thursday?
A)
B)
C)
D)

08.59
09.02
09.22
11.02

5. If you need to be in the town centre by 11am on a Saturday morning, which bus do you need
to catch from Tilfield Park?
A)
B)
C)
D)

07.58
10.00
10.04
11.59

6. If you need to be in the town centre by 10.30am on a Wednesday morning, which bus do you
need to catch from Trenton Hospital?
A)
B)
C)
D)

08.02
08.10
9.02
11.02

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

7. If you miss the 17.00 bus from Tilfield Park on a Friday, what time is the next bus?
A)
B)
C)
D)

17.03
17.12
18.03
18.07

8. If you need to arrive at Trenton Hospital by 17.15 on a Sunday, which bus do you need to
catch from Murrayfield Drive?
A)
B)
C)
D)

13.41
15.43
16.43
17.02

9. How long does the 11.42 bus journey take from Murrayfield Drive to Trenton Hospital on a
Saturday?
A)
B)
C)
D)

19 minutes
20 minutes
21 minutes
22 minutes

10. If you need to be at Tilfield Park by 09.00 on a Thursday, which bus do you need to catch
from Trenton Parade?
A)
B)
C)
D)

07.48
08.42
08.49
08.55

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

Level B
Use this article about London congestion charging to answer the quiz questions:

London congestion charging

The charge was introduced on Monday 17 February 2003 to encourage people to leave
their cars behind and use public transport when travelling in central London. It was
introduced due to the high pollution levels and traffic congestion.
The Inner Ring Road forms the congestion zone boundary and includes roads such as
Marylebone Road, Euston Road, Park Lane and Edgware Road. Drivers can travel along
these roads without incurring the charge. Maps of this zone are published in the national
press and are available from a range of outlets as well as online.
Commuters have to pay 10 for each day they wish to travel through or within the charge
zone between the hours of 7.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday. Commuters have a
choice about how they pay the 10. They can pay online, via the Internet, phoning,
texting on their mobile phones and over the counter at petrol stations and convenience
stores.
Commuters also have a choice about how often they pay. They can pay daily, weekly,
monthly or annually.
Not everyone has to pay the 10. Those exempt include residents, emergency services,
registered-disabled drivers, taxis and those using alternative energy vehicles. These
people/organisations have to apply for exemption, which can be done online.
The London Congestion Charge works by using around 900 cameras at the boundary
and within the zone. The cameras read the registration plates and send the information to
a computer, which checks whether the owner has paid the charge and, if not, whether the
owner has claimed exemption. If drivers have not paid the charge by midnight the
following day (and are not exempt) a penalty notice is sent to his/her home address. The
longer that the penalty is not paid, the larger the fine is. Persistent offenders have their
vehicles clamped and removed.
For more information, call 0845 900 1234 or visit Transport for London's congestion
charge website at http://www.cclondon.com/.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

1. This article tells you about a charge that has been around since ...
A)
B)
C)
D)

January 2003
February 2003
March 2003
April 2003

2. The article doesnt give information about ...

A)
B)
C)
D)

people who are exempt from paying the charge

how Londons residents were consulted about the charge
the roads that form the boundaries of the zone
the process to check whether drivers have paid the congestion charge

3. Is there more than one way to pay the congestion charge?

A)
B)
C)
D)

Yes
No the method of payment depends on where you live.
No everyone has to pay online.
Yes but you cannot change your preferred method of payment once you have chosen.

4. Does the article inform the reader about why the charge was introduced?
A) Yes
B) No
5. This text is aimed at ...
A)
B)
C)
D)

businesses
students
London residents
everyone

6. You can pay the charge ...

A)
B)
C)
D)

every day you drive into London.

every week or every month.
through a season ticket for the year.
every day, week, month or year.

7. How does the text suggest that can you find out more about the London Congestion Charge?
A)
B)
C)
D)

Speak to your local MP.

Write a letter to Transport for London.
The text doesnt say.
Call their telephone number or visit the website.

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8. Can you find out about the different methods that are being used to check whether drivers
have paid the congestion charge?
A) no
B) yes
9. Are maps of the congestion zone available to the public?
A)
B)
C)
D)

Yes and this text tells you where you can get them.
Yes, but this text doesnt say where you can get them from.
No, maps arent available.
The text doesnt say.

10. This text gives information about:

A)
B)
C)
D)

the weather in London.

the days and times the Congestion Charge applies.
the number of drivers who evade paying the charge each day.
the names of shops where you can get Congestion Charge maps.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

Level C
Use this article about Botox to answer the questions in level C:

Beauty with Botox

Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. Celebrities like
Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Liz Hurley are rumoured to be keeping the wrinkles at bay this way.
Sir Cliff Richard admitted to having had the treatment and now it is an increasingly popular choice
for ordinary women looking for a quick way to look younger.
What is Botox?
Botox is made from botulinum toxin, a poison produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
This bacterium causes botulism - a severe form of food poisoning. In small quantities, however,
Botox merely interrupts nerve impulses to muscles in the face.
Botox first began to be used in 1980 to treat many muscle disorders such as lazy eye, eye ticks
and uncontrolled blinking. Cosmetic treatments were pioneered by dermatological surgeons in
1987. In small doses, Botox works by paralysing the muscles of the face which are used in
frowning and raising the eyebrows. When these muscles relax, the fine lines and wrinkles smooth
out. Unfortunately, when it is overdone, Botox treatment can leave the face with a lack of
expression. This is reputed to have caused a problem for some actors.
Armpit attack
Botox is reportedly a favourite with Oscar nominees who dont want to work up a sweat on the red
carpet. Some stars have injections in their armpits to paralyse the sweat glands there. This way
they can receive their awards knowing they dont have sweaty patches under their arms and hand
back their couture outfits unstained.
How long does it last?
Injections take effect about three to seven days after treatment and the effect lasts three or four
months. A treatment costs roughly 200. With repeated treatments, atrophy or thinning of the
muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results. Botox may be unsuitable for use around
the mouth as the muscles there are important for facial expressions and eating.
Side effects
Soreness or mild bruising can occur around the injection site. In rare instances patients may
experience a droopy eyebrow or eyelid. Headaches can also occur. Since it is still a relatively new
treatment, any possible side effects of long-term use are still unknown. Botox should only be
administered by experienced and well-trained doctors or nurses. A high dose could cause
poisoning, or an exaggerated effect.
Botox and Bollinger
Botox parties are causing concern amongst practitioners. People are receiving treatments whilst
sipping champagne. The American Academy of Dermatology has warned against this practice.
Alcohol and Botox do not mix well. Not only can alcohol intensify bruising but it can also wash the
toxin away from the target muscle.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

1. How do Botox injections in the armpits stop some celebrities from sweating at the Oscars?
A)
B)
C)
D)

The Botox causes the armpit muscles to relax.

The Botox develops into thin protective layers of gel.
The Botox paralyses the sweat glands.
The Botox tightens the skin in the armpits.

2. What is another phrase / word meaning thinning of the muscles?

A)
B)
C)
D)

Clostridium botulinum
atrophy
botulinum toxin
Bollinger

3. Which of the following is NOT a possible side effect of using Botox?

A)
B)
C)
D)

headaches
blurred vision
droopy eyebrow
mild bruising

4. Which medical body has warned people against mixing Botox with alcohol?
A)
B)
C)
D)

The American Medical Association

The American Institute of Cosmetic Surgery
The American and Canadian Joint Medical Council
The American Academy of Dermatology

5. What is botulism?
A)
B)
C)
D)

a severe form of food poisoning

a severe form of blood poisoning
a severe form of liver damage
a severe form of dermatitis

6. Which of the following is a condition NOT initially intended to be treated using Botox?
A)
B)
C)
D)

lazy eye
eye ticks
puffy eyes
uncontrolled blinking

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

7. According to the article, which of the following celebrities is rumoured to have used Botox?
A)
B)
C)
D)

Jerry Hall
Judy Finnigan
Liz Hurley
Barbara Windsor

8. Actors can have problems if they have used too much Botox because ...
A)
B)
C)
D)

Botox can leave the face with a lack of expression.

Botox can cause the mouth to droop.
Botox can lead to a speech impediment.
Botox can lead to a nervous tick.

9. For how long does the effect of using Botox last?

A)
B)
C)
D)

two to three months

three or four months
at least 6 months
nearly a year

10. Which bacterium produces the poison, botulinum toxin?

A)
B)
C)
D)

Clostridium botulinum
Clostride botulius
Botulinum clostridius
Botulinum clostridium

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

Answers
Level A

1. What information does this timetable give you?

The correct answer is: B. The information that this timetable gives you is about buses for the
whole week Monday to Friday and the weekend as well.

2. On Sundays the buses run ...

The correct answer is: D. On Sundays the buses run about every two hours.

3. Trenton Hospital is ...

The correct answer is: C. Trenton Hospital is in the middle of the route.

4. At what time does the 08.42 bus from Murrayfield Drive arrive at Trenton Hospital on a
Thursday?
The correct answer is: B. The bus arrives at Trenton Hospital at 09.02 on a Thursday.

5. If you need to be in the town centre by 11am on a Saturday morning, which bus do you need
to catch from Tilfield Park?
The correct answer is: B. You need to catch the 10.00 bus from Tilfield Park.

6. If you need to be in the town centre by 10.30am on a Wednesday morning, which bus do you
need to catch from Trenton Hospital?
The correct answer is: C. The answer is that you need to catch the 09.02 bus from Trenton
Hospital.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

7. If you miss the 17.00 bus from Tilfield Park on a Friday, what time is the next bus?
The correct answer is: C. The next bus is at 18.03.

8. If you need to arrive at Trenton Hospital by 17.15 on a Sunday, which bus do you need to
catch from Murrayfield Drive?
The correct answer is: B. The answer is that you need to catch the 15.43 bus from Murrayfield
Drive.

9. How long does the 11.42 bus journey take from Murrayfield Drive to Trenton Hospital on a
Saturday?
The correct answer is: C. The journey takes 21 minutes.

10. If you need to be at Tilfield Park by 09.00 on a Thursday, which bus do you need to catch
from Trenton Parade?
The correct answer is: C. You need to catch the 08.49 bus.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

Level B

1. This article tells you about a charge that has been around since:
The correct answer is: B. The London Congestion Charge was introduced in February 2003.
This is mentioned in the first paragraph.

2. The article doesnt give information about ...

The correct answer is: B. There isnt any information in this text about the consultation of
London residents.

3. Is there more than one way to pay the congestion charge?

The correct answer is: A. The answer is yes, there is more than one way. You can find the
various methods of payment in paragraph 3.

4. Does the article inform the reader about why the charge was introduced?
The correct answer is: A. The answer is that yes the article does inform the reader about why
the charge was introduced. It says that it was due to high pollution levels and traffic
congestion.

5. This text is aimed at ...

The correct answer is: D. The answer is everyone. The text is aimed at anyone who wants to
know more about the scheme.

6. You can pay the charge ...

The correct answer is: D. The answer is that you have a choice of paying every day, week,
month or year.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

7. How does the text suggest that can you find out more about the London Congestion Charge?
The correct answer is: D. The text says that you can find out more by calling 0845 900 1234
or by visiting the Transport for London website.

8. Can you find out about the different methods that are being used to check whether drivers
have paid the congestion charge?
The correct answer is: B. The answer is yes. In paragraph 6 you can read about how cameras
are being used to check that drivers have paid the charge.

9. Are maps of the congestion zone available to the public?

The correct answer is: A. The answer is that yes, maps are available AND this text tells you
where you can get them from. The text says maps of this zone are published in the national
press and are available from a range of outlets as well as online.

10. This text gives information about:

The correct answer is: B. The answer is the days and times the Congestion Charge applies.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

Level C

1. How do Botox injections in the armpits stop some celebrities from sweating at the Oscars?
The correct answer is: C. The answer is that the Botox paralyses the sweat glands.

2. What is another phrase / word meaning thinning of the muscles?

The correct answer is: B. Atrophy means thinning of the muscles.

3. Which of the following is NOT a possible side effect of using Botox?

The correct answer is: B. The answer is that blurred vision is not a possible side effect of
using Botox.

4. Which medical body has warned people against mixing Botox with alcohol?
The correct answer is: D. The answer is The American Academy of Dermatology.

5. What is botulism?
The correct answer is: A. Botulism is a severe form of food poisoning.

6. Which of the following is a condition NOT initially intended to be treated using Botox?
The correct answer is: C. The answer is puffy eyes.

7. According to the article, which of the following celebrities is rumoured to have used Botox?
The correct answer is: C. Liz Hurley is reported to have used Botox.

BBC 2011

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Skimming and scanning quiz

8. Actors can have problems if they have used too much Botox because:
The correct answer is: A. Botox can leave the face with a lack of expression.

9. For how long does the effect of using Botox last?

The correct answer is: B. The answer is three or four months.

10. Which bacterium produces the poison, botulinum toxin?

The correct answer is: A. The bacterium which produces botulinum toxin is Clostridium
botulinum.

BBC 2011