PRATICE TEST FOR PEC 8

A. LISTENING
I. Part 1: For question 1 to 5, you will hear an interview with a man who for many years worked as a
television newsreader. Choose the answer A, B, C, or D which fits best according to what you hear.
1. Why did John agree to extend his contract as a news reader?
A. Audiences had asked to have him back
B. Another channel was keen to appoint him
C. He thought he’d miss being in the public eye
D. His suggested replacement was unpopular
2. What does John say about the early days of news reading?
A. News programs occurred less frequently
B. A news reader’s job was more straightforward
C. Audiences focused on style and presentation
D. Mistakes were sometimes embarrassing
3. In John’s view, competition between news programs is something which
A. irritates the viewing public
B. affects their outward appearance
C. detract from the quality of the content
D. reinforces negative views about news programs
4. In considering how opinions are formed, John points out that
A. reporters may present a biased view
B. people sometimes misinterpret the facts
C. there are pros and cons to watching the news
D. television operates under certain constraints.
5. John implies that he finds the general public’s attitude towards the news
A. disheartening
B. enlightening
C. surprising
D. appreciative.
II. Part 2:
For question 6 to 10, you will hear part of an interview in which a professor of sociology is talking about the
subject of leisure in Britain. Decide which of the sentences are True (T) or False (F)
6. According to professor Marshall, leisure convinces people that they have freedom of choice
7. “Serious leisure” is an activity which is detrimental to someone’s work
8. People worry less about the rules as they become more involved in their leisure activity
9. Television provides useful basis for social interaction
10. Wearing special clothes in leisure activity may increase people’s self-esteem.
III. Part 3: For question 11-15, you will hear part of a lecture on the lost city of Machu Picchu. Answer the
following questions with NO MORE THAN FIVE WORDS.
11. According to Professor Harrington, what can the name Machu Picchu be translated as?
12. What did the Inca construct to cover the mountain’s slopes?
13. By which was the compounds of different shapes and sizes linked?
14. What was the Intihuatana used for?
15. What characteristics of the Incas does Machu Picchu stand testimony to?
IV. Part 4:
Part 4.1. For question 21-25, listen to a CNN news report and fill in the missing information. Write NO
MORE THAN FIVE WORDS for each answer in the space provided.
The Northeastern US has taken one punch from a powerful storm and it’s (16)………………………………
People in Virginia and Massachusetts are (17)…………………………… the damage of Nor’easter
Over the weekend, wind gusting over 90 miles per hour peeled (18) ………………………
A Nor’easter occurs within the (19)………………………………. of the United state, most common between
September and April.
Nor’easter are strongest around New England as well as (20)…………………………
Wind direction out of the Northeast defines Nor’easter. It’s going to cause beach erosion and (21)
………………………
Coastal community in Massachusetts was pounded by (22)………………………
In Quincy, residents had to be rescued by truck and (23)……..……………. by (24)……………………….
Near Portland, Maine, storm surge left the man’s home (25) …………………. on the edge of Atlantic ocean
Part 4.2: For question 21-25, listen to a radio news report on “10 Technology trends” and fill in the
missing information. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer in the space provided.
The top ten (21)___________________________ are key trends that the enterprise cannot afford to ignore.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning is a foundation component of all of the applications and services
and things in our world around us which lead us to the two (17)_________________________: Intelligent apps
and analytics and intelligent things.
Think of intelligent user interface with things like (18) ______________________
Think of intelligent actions so your applications themselves have (19) _________________ and look at how AI
improves the business intelligence and (20) ______________________ for end users
Think of that term AI not just as artificial intelligence and robotic things replacing people but think
(21)_______________________________ and assisting humans.
Multiple intelligent things: (22) _______, robots, __________________ working cooperatively together.
(23)___________________ are the digital representations of the real-world things
The next trend is cloud to the edge. Edge computing and using the processing power at the edge of these edge
devices can act as (24)_______________
We’ve got to think of this distributed computing environment and finally the last two trends are looking at
conversational systems and (25)____________________
B. LEXICO & GRAMMAR
I. Part 1. Choose a word or phrase that best completes each sentence.
1. The birds are notorious for investigating and, in the..............often destroying everything from rubbish bins to
windscreen wipers.
A. procedure B. process C. measure D. technique
2. By creating in improved smile, a dental surgeon can dramatically alter a person's whole .............of
themselves
A. perception B. observation C. discernment D. consciousness
3. Mr. Newrich invited his guests to an expensive restaurant. However, he felt ........at ease.
A. sick B. painful C. ill D. unwell
4. The Minister..................tribute to rescue workers for their '' courage in the face of adversity''
A. sold B. paid C. lent D. spent
5. The gift, together with the flowers, was a ..........of his gratitude and appreciation.
A. coupon B. memento C. remembrance D. token
6. If she doesn't get what she wants, she throws a.............., stamping her feet and screaming her head off.
A. outburst B. tantrum C. steam D. rage
7. The.......workers were expecting thousands of refugees to turn up at the camps over the next fell week.
A. social B. concern C. relief D. agency
8. The police have been ............the district for the murderer, leaving no stone unturned.
A. brainwashing B. penetrating C. ransacking D. scouring
9. Despite the fog, we were able to discern a ..............of cottages in the distance.
A. cluster B. clutter C. congregation D. constellation
10. I'm afraid we got our ................crossed. I thought my husband would be picking up the children and he
thought I was doing it.
A. minds B. purposes C. fingers D. wires
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

II. Part 2. Identify and correct 10 errors in the passage.

Help may be in hand for those of us who want to keep the wrinkles and grey hair at bay and slow down the
process of aging. New research suggests that eating green vegetables can ward off the signals of aging.
Researchers say that broccoli, cabbage and avocado in particular contain a compound that helps slow down the
rate at which we age. The key compound, present in green fruit and vegetables, is called NMN. It helps slow
down the physical signs of getting old. Scientists say NMN can also rejuvenate the metabolism. It helps
replenish degrees of energy production in our body that deteriorate as we age. It also helps reduce weight loss
and the deterioration of visibility.
The research was conducted by scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in the USA.
Researcher professor Shinichiro Imai said: "We have shown a way to slow the physiological decline that we see
in aging mice. This means older mice have metabolism and energy levels resembling those of younger mice."
Professor Imai said tests in mice showed that NMN reduced typical signs of aging, including a decline in the
strength of skeletal muscle, poor liver function, lower bones density and weakening eyesight. The reason our
metabolism changes over time and leads to reducing energy levels has baffled scientists for decades. This latest
research casts new lights on this mystery.
1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.

III. Part 3. Complete the sentences with a suitable preposition.

1. The end-of-semester marks in each year all count _____ your final degree.
2. Many collectors are willing to pay _____the odds for early examples of his work.
3. Her father laid ______her when she came home two hours late from a party.
4. She played _____ the fact that I'd enjoyed studying Shakespeare at school and suggested that I audition for a
part.
5. We are fighting to make peace in the Vietnam Waters, but negotiations are beset _____ difficulties.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
IV.Part 4. Complete the passage using the correct form of the words in the brackets.
Is hypnosis a (1. MYSTERY)………….. or an ideal way of treating many diseases? The fact that a hypnotized
individual will follow the hypnotist’s commands to perform even the most illogical actions has always excited
both the psychologists and their clients eager for getting rid of different ailments, be it mental or physical, be
means of responding to persuasive suggestions while in the (2. ALTERNATIVE) …………… state of
consciousness.
This trance may usually be evoked by repeating monotonous commands thus introducing an individual into a
(3. CONSCIOUSNESS) ………………sphere of his personality, which in the state of full (4. WAKE)
……………. May be suppressed or concealed. A hypnotized person appears to be more (5. RESPOND)
……………..to imposed orders and more motivated to (6. CLOSING)……………….his (7. ROOT)
…………….anxieties and worries. Controversial though this approach may seem to be, it does contribute to
curing people of their emotional (8.STRESSFUL)………………. in the manner of positive suggestions.
Hypnosis can facilitate establishing a more profound contact with a patient’s emotional life even reviving the
forgotten events from a remote past where the root cause of affliction may originate from.
It doesn’t necessary aim at confronting the psychological problems only. Hypnosis can also be of great
assistance the treating many addictions alleviating various kinds of pains or even fighting skin diseases.
Without fail, hypnosis is a most useful tool in the hands of physicians and faith (9. HEAL) …………….even
though the (10. ORDINARY)……………….phenomena that it induces cannot always be accounted for by any
scientific or logical means.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8, 9. 10.
C. READING
I. Part 1. Read the following passage and choose the words that best complete the sentences.

A worrying question which 1._______ global attention is severe overpopulation and its drastic effects in the
countries of theThird World. In regions where the birth rate is extremely high, poverty and starvation are 2.-
_______ . In India, there is a(n) 3.________of thirty five infants being born every minute, yet the most shocking
4._______ are those which 5.______the enormous number of the victims of famine in certain African
territories. Communities afflicted with acute destitution are additionally 6._______ with illiteracy, life in
appalling conditions and infectious diseases decimating the 7._______ populations. There is an urgent need for
these problems to be solved. Unless measures are taken to 8._____ the suffering of the impoverished
underdeveloped nations, desperate crowds of immigrants will 9._____ in flooding the richer states in 10._____
of a brighter future. It's the most challenging task for the international giants nowadays to help the poor
populations get out of the poverty snare.
1. A. insists               B. wishes               C. requires               D. asks
2. A. profuse             B. rife                     C. generous             D. predominant
3. A. ratio B. measure C. proportion D. average
4. A. figures B. digits C. scores D. totals
5. A. appear               B. refer                   C. indicate              D. comprise
6. A. conflicted B. confronted C.encountered D.inconvenienced
7. A. ingenious          B. insidious       C. indigenous         D. ingenuous
8. A. discard B. vanish C. evaporate D. ease
9. A. linger B. maintain C. persist D. remain
10. A. search B. chase C. lookout D. survey
II.Part 2.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Fill in each
blank with
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
ONE word
to make a
complete passage.

The paintings of Leonardo da Vinci have always attracted controversy. Only 14 works have 1._____ been
attributed to him and experts have wondered the authenticity of several. Not even the Mona Lisa is 2._____
question. The painting is neither signed nor dated and no bill of payment to Leonardo has ever been found.
3._____ to be the portrait of the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giaconda dating from 1502, it has
been on public exhibition in the Louvre since 1804. Now housed in a bullet-proof glass case, it has always been
surrounded by safe security.

Even so, on 24th August 1911, it was stolen. Initial leads came to nothing and no hints to the thief's motives or
the whereabouts of the picture materialized 4._____ 15 months. In November 1913, Florentine art dealer
Alfredo Geri 5._____ a letter from someone persuading they had the Mona Lisa and were prepared to sell it
6._____ to Italy for 500,000 lire. Geri contacted the director of the Uffizi museum who arranged a meeting with
the alleged vendor.

He 7._____ out to be an Italian carpenter Vincenzo peruggia, who made the painting's fake wooden box for the
Louvre and was 8._____ to steal it because he knew the museum's security so well. The Mona Lisa he produced
was proclaimed genuine by the Uffizi and sent back to Paris. 9._____ a British conman, Jack Dean, later
insisted that he had help Peruggia steal the painting but substituted a copy before Peruggia took it to Italy.
10._____ it be that the painting seen by thousands of visitors every day in the Louvre museum is a total
counterfeit ?

11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
III.Part 3. Read the text below and choose the best answer to each question.
Biological diversity has become widely recognized as a critical conservation issue only in the past two decades.
The rapid destruction of the tropical rain forests, which are the ecosystems with the highest known species
diversity on Earth, has awakened people to the importance and fragility of biological diversity. The high rate of
species extinctions in these environments is jolting, but it is important to recognize the significance of
biological diversity in all ecosystems. As the human population continues to expand, it will negatively affect
one after another of Earth's ecosystems. In terrestrial ecosystems and in fringe marine ecosystems (such as
wetlands), the most common problem is habitat destruction. In most situations, the result is irreversible. Now
humans are beginning to destroy marine ecosystems through other types of activities, such as disposal and
runoff of poisonous waste; in less than two centuries, by significantly reducing the variety of species on Earth,
they have irrevocably redirected the course of evolution.
Certainly, there have been periods in Earth's history when mass extinctions have occurred. The extinction of the
dinosaurs was caused by some physical event, either climatic or cosmic. There have also been less dramatic
extinctions, as when natural competition between species reached an extreme conclusion. Only 0.01 percent of
the species that have lived on Earth have survived to the present, and it was largely chance that determined
which species survived and which died out.
However, nothing has ever equaled the magnitude and speed with which the human species is altering the
physical and chemical world and demolishing the environment. In fact, there is wide agreement that it is the rate
of change humans are inflicting, even more than the changes themselves, that will lead to biological
devastation. Life on Earth has continually been in flux as slow physical and chemical changes have occurred on
Earth, but life needs time to adapt-time for migration and genetic adaptation within existing species and time for
the proliferation of new genetic material and new species that may be able to survive in new environments.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

A. The variety of species found in tropical rain forests
B. The cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs
C. The time required for species to adapt to new environments
D. The impact of human activities on Earth's ecosystems
2. The word "critical" is closest in meaning to
A. essential               B. negative               C. complicated            D. interesting
3. The word "jolting" is closest in meaning to
A. illuminating              B. unknown             C. shocking                D. predicted
4. The author mentions the reduction of the variety of species on Earth in line 7-8 to suggest that
A. humans are often made ill by polluted water
B. new habitats can be created for species
C. some species have been made extinct by human activity
D. understanding evolution can prevent certain species from disappearing
5. The author mentions all of the following as examples of the effect of humans on the world's
ecosystems EXCEPT
A. damage to marine ecosystems
B. habitat destruction in wetlands
C. the introduction of new varieties of plant species
D. destruction of the tropical rain forests
6. The author mentions the extinction of the dinosaurs in the 2nd paragraph to emphasize that
________________
A. not all mass extinctions have been caused by human activity
B. actions by humans could not stop the irreversible process of a species' extinction
C. Earth's climate has changed significantly since the dinosaurs' extinction
D. the cause of the dinosaurs' extinction is unknown
7. The word "magnitude" is closest in meaning to __________.
A. carelessness                B. extent             C. determination              D. concern
8. According to the passage, natural evolutionary change is different from changes caused by humans in that
changes caused by humans __________.
A. affect fewer ecosystems                        B. are occurring at a much faster rate
C. are reversible                                         D. are less devastating to most species
9. Which of the following can best replace "in flux" ?
A. breaking               B. producing             C. changing                       D. increasing
10.  With which of the following statements would the author be most likely to agree?
A. The extinction of a few species is an acceptable consequence of human progress.
B. Technology will provide solutions to problems caused by the destruction of ecosystems.
C. Human influence on ecosystems should not be a factor in determining public policy.
D. Humans  should be more conscious of the influence they have on ecosystems.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
IV.Part 4.
A. Question 1 – 7 
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of heading below.
Write the correct number,  i-viii, in boxes 41-47 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
i         How CSR may help one business to expand
ii        CSR in many aspects of a company’s business
iii       A CSR initiative without a financial gain
iv       Lack of action by the state of social issues
v        Drives or pressures motivate companies to address CSR
vi       The past illustrates business are responsible for future outcomes
vii      Companies applying CSR should be selective
viii     Reasons that business and society benefit each other
1. Paragraph A
2. Paragraph B
3. Paragraph C
4. Paragraph D
5. Paragraph E
6. Paragraph F
7. Paragraph G
 Corporate Social Responsibility 
Broadly speaking, proponents of CSR have used four arguments to make their case: moral obligation,
sustainability, license to operate, and reputation. The moral appeal – arguing that companies have a duty to be
good citizens and to “do the right thing” – is prominent in the goal of Business for Social Responsibility, the
leading nonprofit CSR business association in the United States. It asks that its members “achieve commercial
success in ways that honor ethical values and respect people, communities, and the natural environment.
“Sustainability emphasises environmental and community stewardship.
A. An excellent definition was developed in the 1980s by Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlen
Brundtland and used by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development: “Meeting the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Nowadays,
governments and companies need to account for the social consequences of their actions. As a result, corporate
social responsibility (CSR) has become a priority for business leaders around the world. When a well-run
business applies its vast resources and expertise to social problems that it understands and in which it has a
stake, it can have a greater impact than any other organization. The notion of license to operate derives from the
fact that every company needs tacit or explicit permission from governments, communities, and numerous other
stakeholders to justify CSR initiatives to improve a company’s image, strengthen its brand, enliven morale and
even raise the value of its stock.
B. To advance CSR. we must root it in a broad understanding of the interrelationship between a corporation and
society. Successful corporations need a healthy society. Education, health care, and equal opportunity are
essential lo a productive workforce. Safe products and working conditions not only attract customers but lower
the internal costs of accidents. Efficient utilization of land, water, energy, and other natural resources makes
business more productive. Good government, the rule of law, and property rights are essential for efficiency and
innovation. Strong regulatory standards protect both consumers and competitive companies from exploitation.
Ultimately, a healthy society creates expanding demand for business, as more human needs are met and
aspirations grow. Any business that pursues its ends at the expense of the society in which it operates will find
its success to be illusory and ultimately temporary. At the same time, a healthy society needs successful
companies. No social program can rival the business sector when it comes to creating the jobs, wealth, and
innovation that improve standards of living and social conditions over time.
C. A company’s impact on society also changes over time, as social standards evolve and science progresses.
Asbestos, now understood as a serious health risk was thought to be safe in the early 1900s, given the scientific
knowledge then available. Evidence of its risks gradually mounted for more than 50 years before any company
was held liable for the harms it can cause. Many firms that failed to anticipated the consequences of this
evolving body of research have been bankrupted by the results. No longer can companies be content to monitor
only the obvious social impacts of today. Without a careful process for identifying evolving social effects of
tomorrow, firms may risk their very survival.
D. No business can solve all of society’s problems or bear the cost of doing so. Instead, each company must
select issues that intersect with its particular business. Other social agendas are best left to those companies in
other industries, NGOs, or government institutions that are better positioned to address them. The essential test
that should guide CSR is not whether a cause is worthy but whether it presents an opportunity to create shared
value – that is, a meaningful benefit for society that is also valuable to the business. Each company can identify
the particular set of societal problems that it is best equipped to help resolve and from which it can gain the
greatest competitive benefit.
E. The best corporate citizenship initiatives involve far more than writing a check: They specify clear,
measurable goals and track results over time. A good example is General Electronics’s program to adopt
underperforming public high schools near several of its major U.S. facilities. The company contributes between
$250,000 and $1 million over a five-year period to each school and makes in-kind donations as well. GE
managers and employees take an active role by working with school administrators to assess needs and mentor
or tutor students. In an independent study of Ion schools in the program between 1989 and 1999, nearly all
showed significant improvement, while the graduation rate in four of the five worst performing schools doubled
from an average of 30% to 60%. Effective corporate citizenship initiatives such as this one create goodwill and
improve relations with local governments and other important constituencies. What’s more, GE’s employees
feel great pride in their participation. Their effect is inherently limited, however. No matter how beneficial (he
program is, it remains incidental to the company’s business, and the direct effect on GE’s recruiting and
retention is modest.
F. Microsoft s Working Connections partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges
(AACC. is a good example of a shared-value opportunity arising from investments in context. The shortage of
information technology workers is a significant constraint on Microsoft’s growth; currently, there are more than
450,000 unfilled IT positions in the United States alone. Community colleges, with an enrollment of 11.6
million students, representing 45% of all U.S. undergraduates, could be a major solution. Microsoft recognizes,
however, that community colleges face special challenges: IT curricula are not standardized, technology used in
classrooms is often outdated, and there are no systematic professional development programs to keep faculty up
to date. Microsoft’s $50 million five-year initiative was aimed at all three problems. In addition to contributing
money and products, Microsoft sent employee volunteers to colleges to assess needs, contribute to curriculum
development, and create faculty development institutes. Microsoft has achieved results that have benefited
many communities while having a direct-and potentially significant-impact on the company.
G. At the heart of any strategy is a unique value proposition: a set of needs a company can meet for its chosen
customers that others cannot. The most strategic CSR occurs when a company adds a social dimension to its
value proposition, making social impact integral to the overall strategy. Consider Whole Foods Market, whose
value proposition is to sell organic, natural, and healthy food products to customers who are passionate about
food and the environment. The company’s sourcing emphasises purchases from local farmers through each
store’s procurement process. Buyers screen out foods containing any of nearly 100 common ingredients that the
company considers unhealthy or environmentally damaging. The same standards apply to products made
internally. Whole Foods’ commitment to natural and environmentally friendly operating practices extends well
beyond sourcing. Stores are constructed using a minimum of virgin raw materials. Recently, the company
purchased renewable wind energy credits equal to 100% of its electricity use in all of its stores and facilities, the
only Fortune 500 company to offset its electricity consumption entirely. Spoiled produce and biodegradable
waste are trucked to regional centers for composting. Whole Foods’ vehicles are being converted to run on
biofuels. Even the cleaning products used in its stores are environmentally friendly. And through its
philanthropy, the company has created the Animal Compassion Foundation to develop more natural and
humane ways of raising farm animals. In short, nearly every aspect of the company’s value chain reinforces the
social dimensions of its value proposition, distinguishing Whole Foods from its competitors.
B. Question 8-10
Complete the summary below.
Choose  NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS  from the passage of each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 8-10 on your answer sheet.
The implement of CSR, HOW?
Promotion of CSR requires the understanding of interdependence between business and society. Corporations
workers’ productivity generally needs health care, education, and given 8________ . Restrictions imposed by
government and companies both protect consumers from being treated unfairly. Improvement of the safety
standard can reduce the 9________ of accidents in   the  workplace. Similarly society becomes a pool of more
human needs and 10_________.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

V.Part 5. You are going to read an article containing reviews of recently-published books. For questions
1-10, choose from reviews (A-F). The reviews may be chosen more than once.
Book Corner
A round-up of the latest fiction and non-fiction from Beth Young.
A Reading a new novelist is a bit like asking a stranger out on a date. You never quite know if this is the start of
a beautiful relationship. You check the blurbs, the publicity photograph, and flick through the book to look for
the two essentials: entertainment and substance. Beginner’s Greek by James Collins is certainly big on the
latter, weighing in at 400-plus pages. And the quotes on the back cover have the effect of a bunch of friends
saying to you, ‘Go on, you’ll get on brilliantly’. Early indications are that this blind date could lead to a deeper
relationship. Beginner’s Greek is described by The New York Times as a “great big sunny lemon chiffon pie of
a novel” about romantic love amongst the American middle classes. It is indeed delicious.

B In Manil Suri’s second outing The Age of Shiva we have a broad-sweeping, epic novel with an unforgettable
heroine so wilful yet flawed that it calls to mind that other famous leading lady, Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With
the Wind. The story begins at a firework party in Delhi where Meera falls disastrously in love. We follow her
journey to Bombay, marriage and obsessive motherhood, with occasional flashbacks to a childhood that was
marred by political turmoil. Mathematics professor, Suri, captures the fluidity of the role of women with a
beautiful kind of precision.

C Devotees of playwright David Mamet, whose screen work includes Wag The Dog and the award-winning
Glengarry Glen Ross may be less than enamoured of Ira Nadel’s new biography, David Mamet: A Life in the
Theatre. It may seem churlish to question the minutia of incidents that abound in this comprehensive tome, but
whilst Nadel is clearly striving for accuracy one feels there ought to have been more sifting, more mining for
the gold amongst the biographical trivia. In addition, Nadel’s tone is somewhat dry and academic and seems at
odds with the brilliance of David Mamet’s own writing. That said, the book offers a sound introduction to the
life and career of the man hailed as one of America’s most outstanding writers.

D Can any Mother help me? is the true story of a desperately lonely mother who, in 1935, appealed to other
women through the letters page of a women’s magazine. Writing under a pseudonym, the woman known as
Ubique (meaning ‘everywhere’) little realised that she would be the trigger for the launch of a new and private
magazine that would last for the next fifty years. The Cooperative Correspondence Club was formed to offer
comfort and support to wives, often well-educated women, who craved stimulation beyond the drudgery of
family life. Jenna Bailey has done a superb job of organising and editing this compendium, adding her own
insightful commentary.

E Subtitled, The Life and Times of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, Jessie Child’s debut historical biography,
Henry VIII's Last Victim, was the worthy winner of last year’s Elizabeth Longford Prize. Henry Howard’s
victim status is owing to the fact that he was the final person to be executed by King Henry VIII, a mere nine
days before the king himself expired. Although killed ostensibly for treason, the Earl of Surrey’s only real crime
it seems was leading an unsuccessful army campaign in France. Only 29, he was also a distinguished poet with
a fine literary voice, a persona which refutes his reputation as the spoilt son of the Duke of Norfolk.

F This is the 25th outing for T. Keneally but he’s lost none of his writing powers. The Widow and Her Hero
takes real life events during the Second World War as its inspiration and builds a tale of love and intrigue.
Grace looks back on her life to recall her courtship with the hero of the title, the handsome Captain Leo
Waterhouse. Leo is tragically killed whilst on a secret mission but it is many years before Grace discovers the
facts about his death. Keneally made fans galore when Schindler’s Ark was published and later made into the
award-winning Steven Spielberg film, Schindler’s List. The Widow and Her Hero will bring him even more
fans.

A story in which someone is unaware of the impact of their action. 1.__

A description of the opening scene. 2.__
An author who exemplifies source material with their own analysis. 3.__
A humorous comparison with a real-life situation. 4.__
A character who finds out the truth about a situation. 5.__
A hint that the author’s future writing career will be positive. 6.__
A book that would be appreciated by people without much previous knowledge of 7.__
the subject.
A book which has already won critical acclaim. 8.__
A book which includes too much factual detail. 9.__
A mention of the profession of the author. 10.__

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 0.
D. WRITING:
Part 1: Read the following extract and use your own words to summarize it. You MUST NOT copy or re-write
the original. Your summary should be about 140 words long.
No hugging
In countless ways social touch is being nudged from our lives. In the UK, doctors have been warned to avoid
comforting patients with hugs lest they provoke legal action, and a government report found that foster carers
were frightened to hug children in their care for the same reason. In the US the girl scouts caused a furore last
when it admonished parents for telling their daughters to hug relatives because “she doesn’t owe anyone a hug”.
And even teachers hesitate to touch pupils. 
According to Francis McGlone, we have demonized touch to a level at which it sparks off hysterical responses,
sparks off legislative processes, and this lack of touch is not good for mental health. Touch is commonly
thought of as a single sense, but it is much more complex than that. Some nerve endings recognise itch, others
vibration, pain, pressure and texture. And one exists solely to recognise a gentle stroking touch.
Humans love touch. But touching each other in an age of pervasive and historical sexual abuse and harassment
no longer feels safe. Touch – even the gentlest kind is never only about affection, warmth and care, but also
about power. The so-called “Midas touch” studies which have shown that diners gently touched on the arm by
their server will leave a generous tip, illustrate the power of touch to persuade. Touch can retract – as well as
confer – agency. It is not a universal good.
Source: The Guardian

Part 2: The line graphs below show the farm-level prices of corn, wheat and soybeans in the US from 1990 to
2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparison where
relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
Source:  “USDA Agricultural Projections to 2026.” Interagency Agricultural Projections Committee (February
2017).
Task 3:
1.As more companies adopt flexible policies, the working from home option is becoming increasingly viable.
However, some opposed that this would reduce productivity in the long run.
Give your opinion in an essay of about 350 words.

2.The Oscar Academy Awards features outrageous costumes worn by nominated celebrities every year. Some
said that this is a good way of encouraging self- expression, while others detest that these celebrities set a bad
example for young people.
Give your opinion in an essay of about 350 words.