UNIT 1 Skills Test Name: ....................................................

Mark: .....................

READING (20 points)

You are going to read a review of a book about dyslexia. Five sentences have been removed from the review.
Choose from sentences A-F the one which fits each gap (1-5). There is one extra sentence which you do not
need to use.

A Review of a Book about Dyslexia

When I first saw the cover of the book The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic
Brain by Brock L. Eide, M.D., M.A. and Fernette F. Eide, M.D., I admit I feared it was yet another one of those
superficial and increasingly popular books that claim learning difficulties are a gift. Like others who have
struggled with dyslexia or any other learning challenge, I can’t help but regard the term “gift” with scepticism.
Affecting an estimated 20% of the population, dyslexia is a learning difficulty related to the acquisition of basic
1
skills such as spelling, writing and, particularly, reading. Moreover, it is often accompanied by difficulties with
memorisation alongside other problems, such as weak organisational and motor skills. 2
However, in their book, the authors, prominent learning difficulties experts Drs Brock and Fernette Eide,
neither present dyslexia as a blessing nor do they focus on it as simply an obstacle to learning.                Based
on their clinical experience and combined expertise in neurology and education, they believe it is wrong to
compare the development of a dyslexic child to the development of other children. This comparison often
leads to the common view that dyslexic children are failing; the fact is that there is a conflict between what
dyslexic children can do well at particular ages and what they are being asked to do in the classroom.
3
According to the Eides, individuals with dyslexia have brains which develop and process information in a
different manner to other children – a way that involves great strengths in addition to the well-known
challenges. In their book, they explore four distinct areas where dyslexic people can have exceptional ability.
The first, they call spatial reasoning.                The second can be found in scientists and designers, and it is the
4
ability to make connections between ideas whether they are similar or different. The third is narrative ability,
which is common among most dyslexic individuals, and enables them to remember events as experiences,
examples or stories. This is often a strength possessed by dyslexic novelists and lawyers. Finally, there are
individuals who are able to predict what will happen in the future based on the events of the present. These
may be successful financial analysts or entrepreneurs.
The authors do not claim that these strengths are present in all individuals with dyslexia.                Furthermore,
they support their theory with illustrations and examples of adult individuals with dyslexia who have worked
with these unique talents and have achieved success. The Eides explain it most clearly with the following
5
metaphor: “Trying to understand what dyslexia is all about while overlooking the talents that mature
individuals with dyslexia characteristically display is like trying to understand what it is like to be a caterpillar
while ignoring the fact that caterpillars grow to be butterflies.” The Eides offer practical advice on how to
facilitate the transition from caterpillar to butterfly. In addition to tips on how to work with specific difficulties
in reading and writing, they also give their recommendations for achieving success in the workplace.
This book shows what can happen to an individual when dyslexia is properly understood, and his or her
particular strengths are recognised and nurtured. It also illustrates how damaging it can be when this does not
happen.               Although not light reading, this book is well worth the effort.

A Instead, they examine the differences between the brains of people with dyslexia and those without it.
B Well researched and filled with personal anecdotes and hard scientific facts, The Dyslexic Advantage will be of interest
to people with dyslexia, parents, educators and anyone who is fascinated by the human mind.
C For instance, because of the way their brain develops, it is more difficult for dyslexic individuals to learn reading at this
age than it is for other students.
D In short, an individual with dyslexia faces many challenges.
E However, they believe there is a connection between each of these abilities and brain characteristics often seen in
dyslexic individuals.

1
 UNIT 1 Skills Test
F Individuals with this ability are skilled at understanding three-dimensional and mechanical concepts and may excel in
fields like architecture or engineering.

2
 UNIT 1 Skills Test

WRITING (10 points)

Read the task below.
Your class has been discussing the effects that summer holidays have on students. Your teacher has asked you to write an
essay on the following topic.

Some experts say summer holidays are a waste of valuable learning time. Do you agree or disagree?

Write your essay in 180-220 words.

LISTENING (10 points)

1
02 You are going to hear two different extracts. Listen and choose the answer (A, B or C) which best fits according
to what you hear. There are two questions for Extract One and three questions for Extract Two.
Extract One
You hear two friends talking about an online
language course.
1. Why did the man choose the course?
A The course fees weren’t expensive.
B He wasn’t interested in an official certificate.
C He could check whether it suited him.
2. How did he feel about the course?
A He was satisfied with every aspect of it.
B He felt some areas could be improved.
C He was disappointed by the tests.
Extract Two
You hear part of a radio interview with a student
who took part in an exchange programme.
3. What did the student hope to achieve by
studying abroad?
A to learn another foreign language
B to spend time learning about another culture
C to improve her chances of getting a job
4. What do the interviewer and student agree on?
A Homesickness can be a problem.
B Using a foreign currency is difficult.
C Public transport is confusing.
5. What does the example of the café point out?
A The French have dinner at a different time than
the student is used to.
B The French eat different foods than the student
is used to.
C The French eat light meals when they go to
a café.

SPEAKING (10 points)

Choose one or more questions from the following categories and discuss with a partner.
Travel
What countries would you like to visit? Why?
What regions in your country would you recommend to tourists?
What kinds of activities do you enjoy doing when you’re on holiday?
Family
Do you get on well with all the members of your family?
Do you enjoy big family gatherings? Why / Why not?
Who in your family do you admire the most? Why?
Education and Career
What would you like to study at university? Why?
Which would you prefer – studying at a university close to home or studying abroad?
What kind of job do you dream of having?

3
UNIT 1 Skills Test