PART 3 – READING

Part I: Read the passage below and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space.

Passage 1
Studying abroad
More and more young people are taking the advantages of living in (1) country and are deciding
to study abroad. They realize it is the best way to learn about the customs and the way of life of other people.
Student exchanges give teenagers the (2) to live somewhere else for a school year. While they are
living abroad, they will eat new food, experience new traditions and learn the way people (3) own age
live from day to day.
Students stay with carefully chosen host families and attend a local school. (4) student on the exchange
programme has somebody who directly supports them the whole time they are abroad. To qualify as an
exchange student, you (5) be aged between 15 and
18 years and be good at a foreign language.

1. A. separate B. another C. different D. new

2. A. opportunity B. occasion C. reason D. cause
3. A. its B. her C. their D. our
4. A. Many B. Every C. All D. Both
5. A. must B. ought C. have D. need

Passage 2
Good walks
You’re rarely away from a good walk in Britain- (1) you live in the town or the country. From
mountains in the North to gentle hills in the South, you’re (2) to find some wide open spaces you will
like. People who live in the city can enjoy walks along canals and in the many beautiful parks to be found.
Walking give you the (3) of exercise and at the same time allows you to experience wonderful
scenery. You can also learn about local wildlife. On foot, in the countryside, you see much more than you’d
ever see from a car or on a bike.
However, if you are out and about in the countryside make sure you follow the rules. You mustn’t go anywhere
that’s private, you (4) stay on public footpaths and (5) _animals in fields!

1. A. whether B. while C. because D. although

2. A. confident B. sure C. definite D. clear
3. A. help B. benefit C. assistance D. allowance
4. A. could B. ought C. would D. should
5. A. stay B. avoid C. keep D. let

Passage 3
Body Language
Many people believe the way to really know somebody is to understand what they mean when they’re saying (1)
at all! This is the science of understanding body language. In fact, learning how to recognize body
language and how to use it to communicate your own message, is big business. (2) there are hundreds
of books written on the subject.
Experts are even going into companies to talk (3) employees about how to perform better. They
suggest that this can be done with a few changes in their body-talk. Welcoming body language, for example,
ought to include giving a friendly nod to say hello and learning forward slightly to show you want to listen. The
problem is, the more we understand body language, and the more able we are to change it if we want to. This
means that realizing when somebody is (4) a lie is more difficult than (15) used to be!

1. A. anything B. nothing C. something D. no one

2. A. Nowadays B. Daily C. Often D. Previously
3. A. at B. for C. to D. by
4. A. telling B. saying C. speaking D. talking
5. A. its B. it C. they D. them
Passage 4
Wool
Wool comes from sheep and certain other animals like goats and rabbits. Over a million tonnes of wool is
produced every year, of (1) 60% goes into clothes. The wool that is used mostly comes from
Australian Merio sheep. Their wool is good for baby clothes, as it is soft, keeps babies warm, and can protect
their bodies. When wool is first cut from the sheep, it (2) a high level of a valuable oil, so before the
wool is used, it must be cleaned. The simplest way to do this is by putting the wool in warm water. The
oil that is (3)
from the wool is widely used in products like hand creams.

Sheep were first used by humans several thousand years ago, (4) _it is believed that this was for meat
rather than wool. When people developed a way of cutting the wool from sheep it (5) a more
important material.

1. A. what B. whose C. which D. that

2. A. involves B. contains C. receives D. consists
3. A. carried B. passed C. removed D. divided
4. A. while B. but C. or D. because
5. A. arrived B. turned C. grew D. became

Passage 5
Finding Gold
Most people would agree that finding the perfect ring for your partner is difficult. However, John Greenwood, a
Scottish engineer, (1) himself an extra challenge. (2) of taking a trip to the jeweller’s, John
spent much of last year standing up to his knees in freezing water. He was looking for tiny pieces of gold
among the stones on the river beds in the Scottish Highlands.

Using very (3) equipment, John worked hard to collect enough gold to make not just an engagement
ring for his girlfriend, Morag, but also their wedding rings. “I was out there every weekend and in the evenings
before it got dark, in freezing cold water”, he said.

Experts think that John was amazingly lucky to find so much gold in such a (4) time. Many people
(5) for 30 years without getting anything.

1. A. did B. make C. gave D. had

2. A. Rather B. Besides C. Along D. Instead
3. A. easy B. plain C. necessary D. basic
4. A. little B. short C. quick D. small
5. A. rich B. follow C. search D. keep

Passage 6
Horses
Horses have been valuable to humans for thousands of years. Because there are several different (1) _ of
horses such as cold bloods, which are large but gentle, or hot bloods that are (2)
for their running ability, there are
horses for every purpose. We use them for transport as (3) as for physical work, for
example
(4) farm machinery. It’s now also very common to see horses used in sports.

Horses need food and water in large amounts. A horse can drink about twenty or forty litres of water a day, and
around a kilo of food for all fifty kilos of its body weight. Horses need to be out in the fields, as grass is part of
their diet.
They can live for (5) 25 years, so their owners need to give them full of love and attention- but
horses always give lots back.
 1. A. makes B. styles C. marks D. sorts
2. A. known B. noticed C. familiar D. realized
3. A. long B. far C. well D. soon
4. A. going B. pulling C. taking D. doing
5. A. after B. through C. over D. towards

Passage 7
Alpacas
Alpacas were first kept by the Inca people in the mountains of South America, more than six thousand years
ago. These animals (1) clothes, food and fuel for their owners. The softest wool was mainly worn by the
leaders of Incan society though.
When Spanish explorers (2) in the fifteenth century, sheep were introduced and these gradually
(3) alpacas in the region. It wasn’t until the middle of the 20 th century that both farmers and fashion
designers began to recognise the qualities of alpacas again.
They are easy to look (4) since they eat grass and are used to low temperatures. Their wool, which
comes in a range of natural colours from white to dark brown, is lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool and also
strong.
It is not surprising (5) that alpacas are becoming a familiar sight in the fields of North America,
Australia and the UK.

1. A. supported B. provided C. turned D. gained

2. A. reached B. delivered C. arrived D. transferred
3. A. retired B. removed C. returned D. replaced
4. A. at B. after C. for D. like
5. A. therefore B. already C. otherwise D. enough

Passage 8
Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell was born in Scotland in 1847. His father, an expert on speech, (1) a way of
teaching how words should be pronounced. He translated the sounds of words into straight or curvy lines.
Alexander educated to be a teacher and, when his mother went deaf, he started to be (2) in how deaf
people communicate. In 1870, because his children were in poor health, Alexander and his family moved to the
United States. He hoped that a warmer (3) would be better for the whole family. It was while he was
teaching deaf children there that he invented a new machine. It was very (4) to the human ear itself, and
Bell discovered it could carry human speech (5) a wire from one place to another. It was not long
before the telephone was a part of all our lives.

1. A. grew B. built C. developed D. worked

2. A. amazed B. interested C. surprised D. excited
3. A. geography B. season C. climate D. weather
4. A. likely B. similar C. same D. accurate
5. A. above B. about C. along D. around

Passage 9
THE ART OF DRAWING
Drawing has always been a very popular hobby. Young children draw with a pencil as (1) as they can
hold one. Drawing is often seen as a special skill, and it is true that some people seem to draw perfect pictures
without any effort, yet drawing, like writing, can be (2) : you can draw accurately if you work really
hard at it.
Drawing is first (3) all about looking carefully. It sounds easy to say that all you need to do is look at
things, but it really is that simple. The best way to draw a familiar (4) is to imagine that you are
looking at it for the first time.
Nowadays there are many courses and materials available than ever before, (5) means that you can
experiment to improve your skills. The only end is your imagination.
 1. A. fast B. immediately C. soon D. shortly
2. A. discovered B. made C. learnt D. reached
3. A. of B. in C. from D. for
4. A. topic B. subject C. area D. person
5. A. who B. what C. where D. which

Passage 10
Cave Paintings in Australia
A cave containing about 200 paintings was discovered in the Wollemi National Park, Australia, eight years ago.
Some of the paintings are (1) least 3,000 years old. What is even more surprising is that the cave was
found by chance by someone walking in the area. However, the site of the cave was so difficult to reach that it
(2) a long time before researchers could visit it.
The exact location of the site has to be remained secret. This is to prevent the cave from being visited by
sightseers who do not realize how easy it is to (3) the paintings.
The paintings show people and animals, including birds, lizards and other Australian animals that can
(4) be seen today. According to researchers, (5) its recent discovery, nobody had visited the
cave for around 200 years.
1. A. in B. of C. to D. at
2. A. lasted B. spent C. took D. finished
3. A. waste B. injure C. damage D. upset
4. A. yet B. already C. ever D. still
5. A. by B. after C. until D. on
Passage 11
The Driest Place on Earth
The Atacama Desert in Chile is known as the driest place on Earth. It is almost 1,000 kilometres
(1) length, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains. Under a centimeter of rain
(2) annually, and the center is so dry that scientists have never recorded no rain here.
Over a million people totally live in the Atacama today. Most live on the coast, which is also home to teams of
astronomers who are there to take advantage of the clear skies. In the north, farmers grow tomatoes with water
they have collected from underground rocks. However, for (3) who have their farms on higher ground,
the water comes from melting snow.
People generally seem to (4) knowledge about what the dessert has to offer, but in (5) , there
is plenty to do-from seeing the amazing natural sights to playing golf, one of the more recent activities
approaching to tourists to the region.
1. A. by B. at C. to D. in
2. A. pours B. falls C. sinks D. lowers
3. A. those B. these C. them D. they
4. A. fail B. lose C. miss D. lack
5. A. case B. turn C. fact D. time

Passage 12
Order
It is lucky to get enquiries from potential customers. They can ask everything related to your products and
company, which means that they are interested in your company and want to place an order. However, to get an
order from your customers is very difficult.
When customers put an order with the seller for the first time, they usually have a lot of questions. First, they
want to (1) prices. Of course, and they also want to know what (2) of discount the seller can
offer. Moreover, the customers also ask if the seller has the goods in (3) and if he or she can deliver on
time. Sometimes, customers have to pay a (4)_ to the seller (5) . To do it, both parties must
agree on the amount of deposit and when the remaining payment will be done after the delivery.
1. A. offer B. say C. compare D. pay
2. A. kind B. thing C. else D. mind
3. A. shop B. stock C. delivery D. time
4. A. cash B. deposit C. guarantee D. money
5. A. and B. they C. as well D. more
Part II: Read the passage below and choose the correct answer for each question.

Passage 1: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

'The best age to start learning the violin is between three and six,' says Margaret Porter, a
violinist and music teacher. 'It's the time when you are learning about the world.' Margaret, who
lives in London, prefers to take pupils at three and four, although she has made lots of
exceptions for keen five-year-olds. When she started teaching the violin in 1972, her first class
consisted of her children's five- year-old school friends.
Margaret's pupils have group lessons. Each group has about a dozen pupils and each lesson
lasts an hour, once a fortnight. In addition, each pupil has one individual lesson a week with
her. Parents also have to attend the classes. It is important that the parents take an active interest
in the lessons.
From the earliest lessons pupils learn to play by ear. They do not even try to read music until
they have been playing for several years, and for a long time there is a big difference between
their playing and reading of music. Margaret says that her method is not supposed to produce
great violinists, and always suggests that pupils who perform particularly well should leave and
study the violin using more traditional methods.

1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A. explain why Margaret likes teaching the violin.
B. describe a different way of learning the violin.
C. give advice on how to find a music teacher.
D. explain why Margaret has a lot of pupils.
2. What is the best age to start learning the violin?
A. between four and six.
B. only three.
C. between three and six.
D. between three and five.
3. How long does each group violin lesson last?
A. Each group violin lesson lasts one hour.
B. Each lesson lasts two hours.
C. Each lesson lasts an hour, once a fortnight.
D. Each lesson lasts once a week.
4. When Margaret started teaching the violin in 1972, her first class consisted of:
A. her children.
B. three- and four-year-olds.
C. her own friends.
D. her children's five- year-old school friends.
5. Which of the following would Margaret include in an advertisement for her classes?
A. Learn to play the violin with B. Watch your children learn to
your children -2 lessons a play the violin.
week.

C. Group violin lessons for D. We'll look after your children

children - no more than 5 per while you learn the violin.
group.
Passage 2: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

New TV Star
Caroline Benson talks about her first TV role
'I never expected to spend some of my first year at university filming The Finnegans. I'd
only ever acted at school, but I'd loved the book since I was eleven. My grandmother used to
say I was just like Polly Finnegan and I always imagined myself playing her.
I'd taken a year off to go travelling before university. While I was in Chile, my mother
emailed me to say there were plans to turn the book into a TV drama. I knew I had to go for
the part.
She was surprised at first, but sent my photograph to the director and persuaded him to
meet me. I flew back and got the part.
The outdoor filming started a week into term, so I got permission from the university to be
away for three weeks. Once I was back at university, I got up at 6.00 am to write the essays
I'd missed. I didn't tell my university friends, but they found out and thought it was great.
It was an amazing experience - I'm so lucky. After university, I definitely want to make acting
my career. I'm not from an acting family, though my grandfather was an opera singer. I've
tried for other TV parts but haven't received any offers yet.
I don't know how I managed it all, because I had a full social life too. When filming finished, I
hardly knew what to do. I've since appeared in two college plays. Unfortunately, I haven't
been home much and now my first year at university is over, I'm off to Greece for the summer

1. In this text, Caroline Benson is

A. advising students to finish studying before taking up acting.
B. describing how pleased she was about this opportunity to act.
C. warning other young people that acting is a difficult career.
D. explaining why she has always wanted to be an actor.
2. Why did Caroline decide to try for a part in The Finnegans?
A. She thought the book would make a great TV drama.
B. She agreed with her grandmother that she should apply.
C. She felt she was perfect for the part of Polly.
D. She was anxious about starting university.
3. What does Caroline say about her mother?
A. She encouraged Caroline to keep travelling.
B. She felt Caroline would be a good actor.
C. She was sorry she had emailed Caroline.
D. She helped Caroline to get the part.
4. How did Caroline manage to find time to do the filming?
A. She missed lectures and hoped nobody would notice.
B. She delayed going to university until filming was over.
C. She took time off and did her college work later.
D. She asked her friends to help with her essays.
5. Which of the following would Caroline write to a pen friend?
A. I'm going to continue with my B. Now I've finished both the
studies, but hope to have the filming and my first year at
opportunity to do another TV university, I plan to spend more
programme soon. time with my family.

C. I enjoyed filming the TV D. Acting is more difficult than I'd

drama but I've missed having a expected, but I've learned a lot
social life - I don't know what from other members of my family
to do at weekends. who work in the business.
Passage 3: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

Atlantic College
Last week I went to visit Atlantic College, an excellent private college in Wales. Unusually, it
gives young people much needed experience of life outside the classroom, as well as the
opportunity to study for their exams. The students, who are aged between 16 and 18 and come
from all over the world, spend the morning studying. In the afternoon they go out and do a
really useful activity, such as helping on the farm, looking after people with learning
difficulties, or checking for pollution in rivers.
One of the great things about Atlantic College students is that they come from many different
social backgrounds and countries. As few can afford the fees of £20,000 over two years, grants
are available. A quarter of the students are British, and many of those can only attend because
they receive government help.
'I really admire the college for trying to encourage international understanding among young
people', as Barbara Molenkamp, a student from the Netherlands, said. 'You learn to live with
people and respect them, even the ones you don't like. During the summer holidays my mother
couldn't believe how much less I argued with my sister.'
To sum up, Atlantic College gives its students an excellent education, using methods which
really seem to work.

1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A. give an opinion about a particular student.
B. give an opinion about a special type of education.
C. describe the activities the students do in their free time.
D. describe his own experience of education.
2. What can a reader find out from this text?
A. how to become a student at Atlantic College.
B. what kind of programme Atlantic College offers.
C. what the British education system is like.
D. how to get along better with other people.
3. What is the writer's opinion of Atlantic College?
A. It doesn't allow students enough study time.
B. Its students are taught to like each other.
C. It doesn't give good value for money.
D. Its way of teaching is successful.
4. Since being at Atlantic College, Barbara
A. has learnt a lot about other countries.
B. has become more confident than her sister.
C. finds it easier to get on with other people.
D. prefers her new friends to her family.
5. Which advertisement uses correct information about Atlantic College?

A. Study at Atlantic College. B. Study at Atlantic College.

Courses for 16-18 year olds. Courses for 16-18 year olds.
Lessons all morning, Morning lessons and afternoon
sport in the afternoon. activities.
Help with fees available.

C. Study at Atlantic College. D. Study at Atlantic College.

Classes on international topics. Learn English in a beautiful place.
Many free places available. Lots of weekend activities.
Students of all ages welcome. Help with fees available.
Passage 4: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D)

Maria Mutola
In 1988, Maria Mutola was playing football as the only girl in an all-boys team in a local
competition in Mozambique. 'We won,' she said. 'At first no one thought it was a problem that I
was a girl. But then the team we beat complained.'
The story appeared in a local newspaper and Jose Craveirinha, who had encouraged other
African athletes, learnt about Maria. He went to meet her and found her kicking a ball around
outside the football club. He realised immediately that she was fast. 'He talked to me about
athletics. I had no idea what he meant. The only sport I knew about was football. Then he
bought me running shoes and took me training. It was such hard work and my legs really
ached.' But Jose visited her parents and persuaded them she could be successful and this would
help end their poverty. They agreed to let him take her away to train.
In 1991, she finally accepted an invitation to train in the United States. She had refused
previously because she knew she would miss her family. Her background was unlike those
of the girls she met in the US. She explains, 'They were good athletes but, while I worried
about my parents having enough to eat, they worried about dresses and make-up. They knew
very little about me and even less about my problems. But I knew I was lucky to be there.
The trainers were brilliant and I learnt a lot.' Today, Maria still runs and for most of the year
she lives happily in South Africa with her mother.

1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A. persuade more Africans to take up athletics.
B. describe how Maria became a top athlete.
C. give information about Mozambique.
D. explain how Maria manages to stay fit.
2. Jose Craveirinha found out about Maria when
A. he went to watch a local football competition.
B. she was blamed for her team losing a football competition.
C. he saw an article about her role in a football match.
D. people complained about another member of her football team.
3. When Jose first introduced Maria to athletics, she
A. didn't know what was involved.
B. was worried about being injured.
C. was keen to learn everything he knew.
D. didn't think her family would approve.
4. What does Maria say about the girls she met in the United States?
A. They did not make full use of their abilities.
B. Their training programmes were less demanding than hers.
C. They did not show enough respect for the trainers.
D. Their experiences of life were very different from hers.
5. What would Maria say about her life?

A. Jose has made all my dreams B. My life hasn't always been easy
possible. From the first day we but I've had many opportunities.
met, I was certain I wanted to Running is important to me and
become a top athlete. so is my family.

C. I regret becoming involved in D. The US has some wonderful

athletics. It was horrible leaving training facilities, so I'm glad
Mozambique and my parents. I'd that I agreed to go when I was
like to go back to football. first offered the chance.
Passage 5: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

When I injured my back I had to take a break from my running career. I decided to
introduce more women to the sport, to show them how much fun it can be and to give them
the confidence to get out and run.
I decided to start a running club for women in my area because I was annoyed by the attitude
of many race organisers. They complain about the lack of women in the sport but also use this
as an excuse for not providing separate changing facilities.
I put up posters and 40 women, young and old, fit and unfit, joined. All of them were
attracted by the idea of losing weight but I don't think they had really thought about running
before.
When or if they did, they had a picture of painful training. They didn't think of chatting and
smiling while running in beautiful places, like by a river.
At first they ran for only a minute - now they can run for thirty minutes. They've (also
learned from other runners about diet and keeping fit in general.
I wanted to do something for women's running and I've had so much pleasure watching

1. What is the writer's main aim in writing the text?

A. to describe her own running career.
B. to complain about race organizers.
C. to talk about women runners.
D. to describe good running methods.
2. What would a reader find out from the text?
A. the best kinds of places for running.
B. how runners can avoid injuring themselves.
C. the progress made by the women in the club.
D. the teaching skills of the writer.
3. What is the writer's opinion of the runners she trained?
A. They were too serious.
B. They needed encouraging.
C. They couldn't develop their skills.
D. They were difficult to train.
4. The women joined the running club to
A. have a good time.
B. meet other people.
C. help them lose weight.
D. become top runners.

5. Which of the following would be the best title for the club poster?

A. Discover B. Riverside
the pleasures of Running Club
running for Women

C. Athletics competitions: D. Keep fit by training hard

how to win

Passage 6: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

Gareth Ellis, 13, is the youngest son of Alan, an engineer, and Kath, a nursery teacher. His older
brothers work in banking and computers, but Gareth's dream was always to become a clown.
Three years ago, Alan, Kath and Gareth joined the circus. 'People laugh when we tell them,' says
Kath. 'But it's true. Gareth has wanted to be a clown since we took him to the circus when he was
 When Alan lost his job, he and Kath decided to see if they could find full-time circus jobs. They
both got jobs with a famous circus and Gareth began training to become a clown. He calls himself
Bippo. They travel with the circus during the summer and return home for the winter. Gareth's
brothers are old enough to look after the house while they are away.
'I can't say it was easy,' says Kath. There was a lot to think about and organise. We only had a car
and a very small caravan to sleep in, and we were leaving behind our lovely house. The only thing
Gareth missed was his long, hot baths.'
'People ask about my education,' says Gareth, 'but from the beginning, wherever we go, someone
has always come to teach me. I follow the same books as everyone back at school and I've got a
computer. I've never fallen behind my classmates.'
And the future? 'It was a difficult decision,' says Kath, 'but there was no other way to teach Gareth
about being a clown. I'm happy to say it's working, and we're enjoying it.' And Gareth? 'I'm going
to be the main clown in a circus one day', he says, 'perhaps Bippo's circus.'

1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A. describe how one family changed their lives.
B. give details about how to join the circus.
C. talk about the best way to educate a child.
D. advise what to do when you lose your job
2. What would a reader learn about Gareth from the text?
A. He does not enjoy school work.
B. He has a definite aim in life.
C. He would like to be at home with his brothers.
D. He wants to be the same as other boys.
3. Alan and Kath joined the circus because
A. they wanted to spend time travelling in the summer.
B. they needed money in order to buy a bigger car.
C. their older sons needed their house for themselves.
D. their youngest son wanted to train as a performer.
4. When they first joined the circus, Kath
A. wanted to go back home.
B. did not have enough to do.
C. found things difficult.
D. was not able to sleep properly.
5. Which postcard did Gareth write just after he joined the circus?

A. We've just arrived and I love it B. I don't miss much from home.
already. There's lots of space I'm managing to do all my
for our things and I've even got school work. See you in the
my own computer. winter.

C. I really enjoyed meeting Bippo D. I'm learning all about the circus
the Clown today, but I'm and how to entertain people. I
missing my school friends, and also have a new school to go to.
I'd love a nice hot bath.

Passage 7: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

To: The Manager of Mezzo Mash Restaurant

Dear Sir,
Last Tuesday evening I went with two friends to your restaurant for my 18th birthday. I'd
booked the table for eight o'clock and we arrived about ten minutes late, but that was not
 problem. The waiter, who was very polite, showed us to our table and we studied the menu. I
ordered a fish pie and my friends ordered some salads. However, after about fifteen minutes, the
waiter informed us that there was no more fish pie. He apologised and suggested ordering
something else. I looked at the menu again and decided to have the same as my friends - a salad.
When the food came, it was very good. After we'd finished, we decided to order some desserts.
The waiter said that, unfortunately, it was too late. There wasn't enough time for us to order
desserts. He said he was very sorry but our table was reserved by another group at nine thirty
and we would have to leave.
We paid the bill and left feeling very disappointed. It spoilt my birthday. Nobody told us when
we arrived that there was a time limit. It was very unsatisfactory and I doubt that we'll go to
your restaurant again.
Yours
faithfully,

1. What is Martin Cary trying to do in the letter?

A. Make an enquiry.
B. Cancel a booking.
C. Make a complaint.
D. Offer a suggestion.
2. What will the restaurant manager discover from the letter?
A. One of his waiters behaved badly.
B. Some customers had a bad experience.
C. His food is unsatisfactory.
D. He charges too much for the meals.
3. What does Martin think about their experience?
A. They got to the restaurant too late.
B. There was not much choice on the menu.
C. They won't return to the restaurant.
D. The food took too long to arrive.
4. Martin and his friends couldn't have any dessert because
A. someone had booked their table.
B. they had to be home by 9.30.
C. it was too expensive.
D. there was none left.

5. What did Martin's friends say as they left the restaurant?

A. I didn’t like my salad. I wish I’d B. Never mind, let’s go and get
had fish pie like you. some ice cream at Rick’s.

C. I hope you didn’t leave the D. It’s a pity there wasn’t enough
waiter a tip – he was so birthday cake.
unfriendly.

Passage 8: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).
Little Chefs
For one group of children aged between ten and fifteen, Saturdays are spent learning the art of
serious cooking. Their weekly lessons in small classes are so popular that there is a waiting
list of 30 children who want to do the course. Parents pay £280 for the course where their
children can have fun and learn how to make good food.
Class member Bill, aged ten, says, 'I love my mum's cooking and now I can do it better than
her. The teachers make us laugh, especially when we sit down with them to share the food
we've made.' Flora is twelve, and she's having problems preparing onions. 'I love cooking. I did
a meal for ten friends which they really enjoyed. Then my mum suggested I take up a hobby,
 doing nothing at weekends. I was happy staying at home, so I wasn't too keen at first. I'm
really glad I decided to come, though.'
Their teacher, Philippe, says, 'It's great fun. Children pay attention and remember things
better than adults, although the kitchen isn't always as tidy when they're cooking! As adults,
we're always learning more about food. If parents interest their children in cooking while they
are young, they'll have enough skill to make food for themselves when they leave home.'

1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?

A. warn parents not to expect too much from their children.
B. advertise schools that teach people how to cook.
C. describe how some children spend their spare time.
D. explain why parents want to learn more about cooking.
2. What can a reader find out from this text?
A. which dishes students prefer to cook on the course.
B. why the classes are so successful.
C. how much one lesson costs.
D. when the next classes begin.
3. Why did Flora join the course?
A. Her friends persuaded her to do it.
B. She wanted to learn to cook a big meal.
C. She felt bored at weekends, with nothing to do.
D. Her mother wanted her to develop an interest.
4. What does Philippe say about his young students?
A. They will be confident about cooking in the future.
B. They have a good memory but don't always listen.
C. They keep the kitchen cleaner than adults do.
D. They teach their parents what they have learnt in class.
5. What would one of Philippe's students say to a friend?
We made onion soup B. I go every Saturday, as well
A. yesterday. The course is great, as my mum. I'm ten, and I'm
although there are 30 people in the oldest.
my class.
It's great. No one's over 15 and D. I was on a waiting list for
C. the food looks delicious. I just ages, but now I'm on the
wish we could eat it together course. Last week I cut up
instead of taking it home. some onions - it was hard!

Passage 9: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).
John Fisher, a builder, and his wife Elizabeth wanted more living space, so they left their small
flat for an old 40-metre-high castle tower. They have spent five years turning it into a beautiful
home with six floors, winning three architectural prizes.
'I love the space, and being private,' Elizabeth says. 'You feel separated from the world. If I'm
in the kitchen, which is 25 metres above the ground floor, and the doorbell rings, I don't have to
answer it because visitors can't see I'm in!'
'There are 142 steps to the top, so if I go up and down five or six times a day, it's very good
exercise! But having to carry heavy things to the top is terrible, so I never buy more than two
bags of shopping from the supermarket at a time. Apart from that, it's a brilliant place to live.'
'When we first saw the place, I asked my father's advice about buying it, because we couldn't
decide. After paying for it, we were a bit worried because it looked awful. But we really loved
it, and knew how we wanted it to look.'
'Living here can be difficult - yesterday I climbed a four-metre ladder to clean the windows.
But when you stand on the roof you can see all the way out to sea on a clear day, and that's a
wonderful experience. I'm really glad we moved.'
1. What is the writer trying to do in the text?
A. describe how to turn an old tower into a house.
B. recommend a particular builder.
C. describe what it is like to live in a tower.
D. explain how to win prizes for building work.
2. From this text, a reader can find out
A. why visitors are not welcome at John and Elizabeth's house.
B. why Elizabeth exercises every day.
C. why Elizabeth asked her father to buy the tower.
D. why John and Elizabeth left their flat.
3. Which of the following best describes Elizabeth's feelings about the tower?
A. She wanted it as soon as she saw it.
B. She likes most things about it.
C. She has been worried since they paid for it.
D. She finds it unsuitable to live in.
4. What problem does Elizabeth have with living in such a tall building?
A. Her visitors find it difficult to see if she is at home.
B. She feels separated from other people.
C. She cannot bring home lots of shopping at once.
D. It is impossible to clean any of the windows.
5. How will John and Elizabeth advertise their tower if they sell it?
FOR SALE B. FOR SALE
A. Tall building, formerly a castle. A house with a difference - a
High windows give a good castle tower, turned into a
view. Needs some lovely home.
improvement. Wonderful view.

FOR SALE D. FOR SALE

C. Prize-winning home, five years Castle tower, turned into six
old. Six rooms, all with sea small flats, close to
views. supermarket.
Passage 10: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

Rock Band
Two years ago, our 14-year-old son, Ben, asked us for a set of drums for his birthday. At first,
we were very much against the idea because of the noise. 'It's better than watching television or
playing computer games in my free time,' Ben argued, 'and it'll keep me out of trouble. ‘In the
end we gave in. 'All right,' we said, 'but you must consider the rest of the family and the
neighbors when you play.'
That was just the beginning. Because drums are not the easiest instruments to transport, the
other members of Ben's band started appearing at our home with their guitars and other
electrical equipment. And so, for several hours a week, the house shakes to the noise of their
instruments and their teenage singing.
At least Ben's hobby has been good for our health: whenever the band start practising, my
husband and I go out for a long walk. And I must admit that, although their music may sound a
little strange, they are a friendly and polite group of young men. I cannot judge their musical
skill
- after all I didn't expect my parents' generation to like the same music as I did when I was a
teenager - but they do play regularly in local clubs for young people.
Our main worry is that they won't spend enough time on their school work because of their
musical activities, though this hasn't happened yet. I am always stressing to Ben how important
his studies are. But one thing is certain - Ben was right: it has kept him out of trouble and he is
1. What is the writer trying to do in this text?
A. complain about her son's friends.
B. give advice to teenagers.
C. describe her son's hobby.
D. compare herself with her parents.
2. Why did the writer give Ben the present he wanted?
A. She wanted to reward him for working hard.
B. He already had too many computer games.
C. She knew he would use it sensibly.
D. He persuaded her it would be a good idea.
3. Why do the band always practise at Ben's house?
A. It is difficult for Ben to move his drums.
B. The neighbors don't mind the noise.
C. Ben's parents enjoy listening to them.
D. They can leave their equipment there.
4. What does the writer say about the band members?
A. Their influence on her son worries her.
B. Their taste in music is different from hers.
C. They play their instruments well.
D. They avoid any contact with her.
5. What might the writer say to her son?

A. Your teacher has just phoned. B. When are you playing at the
He wants to know why you club next? Dad and I would love
weren't at school today to come along again.

C. If you don't know what to do D. Are you sure you've finished

with yourself, there's a good your homework? It's more
programme on the television important than band practice.
in a few minutes.

Passage 11: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).

Doug Allan, Wildlife Cameraman

I recently spent two years in the Arctic filming the series Blue Planet. I love being in an environment that
hasn't changed for 20,000 years. Of course, it's freezing, but it must be a healthy place because you never catch
colds.
When I'm filming, I like to really feel how lonely the environment is. Filming underwater involves
cutting through thick ice and diving in tied to a line. The person at the other end has to be ready to pull you out
fast if necessary.
Originally, I was a research diver for the British Antarctic Survey project, but for me science lacked
excitement. I'd always enjoyed photography, and whenever camera teams passed through, they encouraged me
to watch and learn. I was then able to move into filming in 1985 and have concentrated on Arctic and Antarctic
wildlife ever since.
I prefer to be face to face with the animals I'm filming. I haven't got in the water with killer whales yet,
but I plan to. Of course, it's dangerous if you choose the wrong moment. They're big animals and can move
fast, so I'd be stupid to film them searching for food!
I've never had problems with polar bears, although once I was frightened when one tried to get into my
tent. Polar bears are bold, clever and dangerous. But I made this one see I wasn't about to attack it - I'm sure it
realized I wouldn't hurt it.
When I come back home from my trips, I work in the mornings and spend the afternoons swimming to keep fit.
Now I'm fifty, filming is harder. The challenge for me is to continue to deliver high-quality work.
1. In this text, Doug Allan is describing
A. the challenges of the environment he works in.
B. the career opportunities in TV camera work.
C. the difficulties of having to work alone.
D. the beautiful scenery of the Arctic.
2. What does Doug say about his early career?
A. He wasted the years he spent as a scientist.
B. It was a good chance to learn about filming.
C. He was bored by working only in the Antarctic.
D. It taught him how to become a skilled diver.
3. When talking about killer whales, Doug says that
A. he will only film them from a safe distance.
B. he has always been careful when diving with them.
C. he tries to avoid any danger by facing them.
D. he believes there are safe opportunities to film them.
4. How does Doug describe his experience with a polar bear?
A. The animal was much more afraid than Doug was.
B. Doug felt nervous that the bear might come back.
C. The bear seemed to know Doug wasn't a danger.
D. Doug realised he was wrong to trust polar bears.
5. What might Doug say about his job as a cameraman?
A. B.
Now I’ve reached fifty, I realise I’m glad I gave up working as a
the dangers involved in getting scientist because I'm now in a
the best pictures are too great. position to be able to retire early.
C. D.
Although I find the work more I’ve made wildlife films in every
difficult now I'm not as young. I country in the world, but I want to
still have other film projects I'm keep filming until I get too old.
keen to do.

Passage 12: Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the letter of the correct answer (A,
B, C or D).
Ainsley Harriott
I’ve always been a bit of an entertainer and played the funny man. I was a part-time comedian for years,
so I learned how to stand in front of audiences. It made me sure of myself, I like being liked and I love making
everyone smile.
I’ve lived in London all my life and have just moved to a larger house with my wife Clare and our two
children, Jimmy and Madeleine. We spend a lot of time just singing and dancing around the house. I grew up
with music because my dad is the pianist, Chester Harriott – who’s still playing, by the way. My working day is
divided between television and writing cook books, though TV takes most of my time. I spend about five days a
fortnight working on the cooking programmes I appear in. I eat all sorts of things at home but I only buy quality
food. When I’m cooking, I experiment with whatever is in the fridge – it’s good practice for my TV series.
I’m a football fan and enjoy going to matches, but I’m a home-loving person really. I don’t like going to
the pub but we do go out to eat about twice a month. There’s nothing better than a night at home playing with
the children. I rarely go to bed before midnight. Late evening is when fresh thoughts on cooking usually come
to me, so I often write or plan my programmes then. When I eventually get to bed, I have no trouble sleeping.

1. What is the writer's main purpose in writing the text?

A. to describe how he lives
B. to say what makes him laugh
C. to talk about his cooking ideas
D. to explain how he started in TV
2. What would a reader learn about Ainsley from the text?
A. He is a very good musician.
 B. He likes to plan the family meals.
C. He is nervous about performing on stage.
D. He enjoys spending time with his family.
3. What does the writer say about himself?
A. He loves going out and meeting people
B. He is very similar to his father.
C. He enjoys being popular.
D. He should go to bed earlier.
4. What does he say about his working life?
A. He would like to appear less on TV
B. He gets his best ideas at certain times.
C. He prefers being a comedian.
D. He should practise cooking more.
5. Which of the following is the best description of the writer?

A.
The popular TV comedian who
enjoys cooking, watching football,
and having a busy social life.
B.
The TV cook who loves making
people laugh, watching football
and, above all, having a happy
family life.

C
. The singing TV cook who likes
making jokes, playing with his
children, and having an early
night.
The cook and comedian who takes
D. great care about the way he cooks
his food and enjoys listening to
music more than anything.