Extra Practice Tests

Test 1

Reading Comprehension Read the text and then circle the letter of the correct answer – A, B or C.

Dear Liam, Hi! How are you? I really miss home and not being with the family, but I’m starting to

get used to things here in England. Apart from the food, that is! Never mind, it could be worse, and it won’t be long before I’m back anyway.

One thing I’m really enjoying at school at the moment is the project we’re doing on the environment this term. Every week we look at a different topic. First we have to find out as much information on the topic as we can. It’s really great because we get to use the Internet in the computer lab. Then we each have to write a composition using the facts we have found and tell the whole class about it.

This week the topic was to find out about saving energy in the home. It’s really interesting. Do you know how much energy you can save by just remembering to turn lights off when you leave a room? I hate to have to admit it, but Dad is right after all! Not only does it help to save the environment but it also saves a lot of money, too. I’ve learned about lots of other things you can do to save electricity and they are really easy to do. When I get home I’ll tell Dad all about them. I’m sure he’ll be really pleased.

I’m also really excited about a trip we are going to go on next week. Our topic is on plants so we are going to visit the Eden Project in Cornwall. It’s a really famous place that has been created to show people how important plants are in our lives. It has huge greenhouses in the shape of domes and they have thousands of plants from all over the world in them. One of the domes is like a rainforest and it’s full of tropical plants. Isn’t that wonderful? It will be like going to the Amazon without even having to leave the country! I really can’t wait to see it. I’m going to take lots of pictures while I’m there and I’ll send them to you.

Well, that’s all my news from here for the moment. Write back soon to let me know how everyone is and what you are all doing. Don’t forget to tell Dad that I’ve changed my ways now I know how wrong it is to waste electricity. Mrs Wells is calling me to go down for one of her strange meals now so I’d better go.

Lots of love to everyone,With a special hug for Grandma and Grandpa,Andy

1. Andy is planning to stay in England for a long time.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

2. Andy’s class study a different environmental subject each week. A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

3. Andy uses the Internet at school every day.A) TrueB) False

© Express Publishing PHOTOCOPIABLE 1

C) No information in the text

4. All the students write a composition on the same topic.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

5. Andy’s father disapproves of lights being left on.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

6. Andy thinks it is difficult to save energy.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

7. Not many people know about the Eden Project.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

8. All of the Eden Project greenhouses are very hot inside.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

9. Andy is an enthusiastic photographer.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

10. English food is different to what Andy is used to.A) TrueB) FalseC) No information in the text

Use of English

Multiple ChoiceCircle the letter of the correct answer – A, B, C or D.

1. Theirs was an extremely …… relationship at the best of times, but since they agreed to separate they have become remarkably good friends.


A) audaciousB) acrimoniousC) anomalousD) aggravating

2. Charles felt he was being …… into attending the training programme because of his recent poor performance on a similar course.A) compelledB) dragoonedC) drummedD) charged

3. With her husband away for much of the year and with three young children to look after, Mary felt she was rapidly reaching the end of her …… .A) tetherB) limitC) durationD) span 4. In times of recession, many people’s main concern is how far they can stretch their …… income.A) generalB) grossC) disposableD) stable 5. The sheep …… on the hills in the summer and are only brought down to the valley in the winter.A) grazeB) gorgeC) guzzleD) gulp 6. Although we had been provided with all the information we required, our conclusions were disastrously …… .A) wide of the markB) quick off the markC) up to the markD) below the mark

7. You will inevitably lose your job if you continue to …… your responsibilities.A) shirkB) shiftC) slogD) shamble 8. Derek reluctantly attended the ceremony, but as he had expected he felt like a …… among all the famous people who were present.A) kettle of fishB) horse’s mouth


C) dog with two tailsD) fish out of water

9. The children are very …… today. I just don’t know what to do to calm them down.A) bashfulB) boastfulC) biliousD) boisterous 10. You should take …… measures when you go climbing in the mountains.A) prejudicialB) preposterousC) precautionaryD) prescriptive 11. His evasive answers …… me until I eventually realised why he couldn’t be totally honest.A) embellishedB) baffledC) imploredD) clashed 12. The comedy on television last night was ……; we couldn’t stop laughing from beginning to end.A) ecstaticB) hilariousC) humorousD) whimsical

13. He’s such a ……; I don’t know why we ever invite him to parties.A) dead weightB) wet blanketC) dark horseD) wild card 14. To make sure that people understand you when speaking a foreign language, you should …… your words carefully.A) disciplineB) shoutC) spellD) enunciate 15. They went through a few …… years in their relationship, but still managed to stay together.A) precociousB) turbulentC) rockingD) relentless


Open ClozeCircle the letter of the correct answer – A, B, C or D. Tom had been working for the same company for nearly four years. He felt it was time to ask his boss for a pay rise, but when it came to the point he 1) …… his nerve and did not do it. Unfortunately, Tom had a tendency to bury his head in the 2) …… whenever he faced difficult situations. His wife, Jennifer, told him it was time to stop beating around the 3) …… and do it. She told him he had to start throwing his 4) …… around a little and demand respect. Besides, the pay rise Tom was asking for was nothing more than a drop in the 5) …… to his boss. The company was very successful and Tom’s boss was rolling in 6) ……. . Finally, Tom woke up one day, keen as 7) …… and told Jennifer that he would tell his boss that he wanted a pay rise or he would leave the company. He decided to throw all caution to the 8) …… and marched straight into his bosses’ office. “Good morning Tom, I see you got my message. Come and sit down, I want to talk to you about something,” said Tom’s boss. Tom got the shock of his 9) …… as he sat and listened to his boss explain to him that his work was excellent and that he was terribly sorry for not giving him a pay rise for such a long time. It all came completely out of the 10) …… .In the end, not only did Tom get the pay rise he deserved, but his boss gave him a bonus to make up for lost 11) …… . Tom was thrilled to 12) …… and called Jennifer straight away to give her the good news.

1. A) mislaid B) missed C) lost D) gave up2. A) sand B) dirt C) ground D) soil3. A) shrub B) tree C) hedge D) bush 4. A) tonnage B) weight C) mass D) heaviness 5. A) bucket B) pail C) vessel D) pan 6. A) currency B) dollars C) money D) wealth7. A) ketchup B) paste C) condiments D) mustard 8. A) wind B) breeze C) gust D) draught9. A) existence B) life C) being D) reality10. A) hat B) air C) blue D) back11. A) expenses B) time C) years D) space12. A) pieces B) chunks C) portions D) morsels

Sentence CompletionCircle the letter of the correct answer – A, B, C or D.

1. “What did you buy him?” “We all chipped in and bought him a(n) …… for his birthday.”A) bike with ten speeds of expensive aluminiumB) ten-speed aluminium expensive bikeC) expensive ten-speed aluminium bikeD) ten-speed expensive aluminium bike 2. Brian’s performance in maths would improve if he …… a tutor.


A) is to hireB) were to hireC) had been going to hireD) is going to hire.3. Neither he nor I …… easily frightened in normal circumstances, but the animal was so terrifying that we couldn’t help screaming.A) areB) isC) amD) are being 4. We could visit them on Saturday or Sunday, since …… day suits me.A) eitherB) bothC) neitherD) all 5. “Will you lend Bob the money he asked for?” “Certainly not, and …… .”A) nor you willB) neither should youC) you either shouldn’tD) you should neither 6. “How was the garage sale?” “After …… everything, I finally found something to buy.’A) picking through my wayB) picking my through wayC) having picked through my wayD) picking my way through 7. The aim of the award was to …… the label “environmentally friendly” as a sales gimmick.A) dissuade companies from using falselyB) dissuade companies to falsely useC) falsely using the dissuasion ofD) dissuade companies from falsely using 8. The nurse recommended that I …… my hearing tested as soon as possible.A) should have to getB) ought not to have gotC) had better not getD) should get

9. According to this article, the rate of cancer in children …… over the last 30 years.A) has been a steady increaseB) steadily has been increasingC) has steadily increasedD) steadily increased


10. She never went back to the town; … her humiliation.A) was soB) such wasC) so wasD) was such 11. As …… tickets had been sold in advance, the promoters cancelled the band’s worldwide tour.A) too fewB) hardly noC) basically noneD) very little 12. I haven’t been able to visit my nieces for weeks, …… one thing or another.A) what’s whatB) what withC) and what notD) but for 13. “Throw the milk away.” “Why? It doesn’t … .”A) smell so badlyB) smell badC) smell badlyD) bad smell 14. “This machine is making a strange noise.” “In that case …… has to be something wrong with it.”A) ThereB) ItC) ThatD) Here 15. “I can’t make cakes like yours. Mine turn out hard and crunchy.” “Try …… more milk.”A) addingB) to addC) that you addD) add

Sentence Transformations Paraphrase the sentences below using the words given.

1. Most scientists argue that it is preferable to use organic products.AVERSEMost scientists …………………………………………………… of organic products.

2. My husband and I had a row about buying a car.WORDS I ……………………………………………………………….… about buying a car.


3. Tom’s presence at parties adds to everyone’s enjoyment.SOULTom ……………………………………………………………….……... of any party.

4. Laurence’s car became his most prized possession when he bought it.JOYLaurence’s car became his ...………………………….……… when he bought it.

5. She isn’t experienced; nevertheless, she was hired by a multi-national company.FORShe was hired by a multinational company, ……………………………. experience.

Transform the following sentences keeping the original meaning.

6. David was more than enthusiastic about the proposal and accepted immediately.Such was …………………………………………………………………..…….. once.

7. The rain stopped and almost immediately the sun came out.Barely ...………………………………………………………………………………...

8. The reason why I was given promotion was that Laurence recommended me.But ……………………………………………………………………………………...

9. He realized how much he cared for her only when she had been away for a long time.It was her ……………………………. made …………………………………….. her.

10. He put on a mask because he did not want his wife to recognize him.He put on a mask to ………………………………...…………………………..… him.

Writing

.......You see the following announcement in a music magazine. “Music young people listen to today is a poor copy of music made twenty or thirty years ago.” Do you agree with this? What is your opinion? Describe the similarities and differences between today’s music and music of the past. One year free subscription for the best entry.

Write your competition entry in approximately 250-300 words.


Test 2

Reading Comprehension Read the article and circle the correct answer – A, B, C or D.

.......They were all there. Actors, musicians, writers, politicians, supermodels – anyone who was anyone, in fact, came to worship at the new altar of British cool: the Tate Modern’s opening party. The Tate’s new Bankside Gallery came into being after five frantic years of planning and mini crises which the organisers, to their credit, handled remarkably well. What they have achieved is a gallery that rivals the Pompidou in Paris and the MOMA in New York.

......After decades of scandal, contemporary art has shaken off its marginalised status and become part and parcel of Britain’s new self-consciously international image. One suspects that the Tate Modern will soon feature on every tourist’s list of things to see in London.

.......The gallery is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The building itself answers the imperatives of modern art; it’s big, bold and a little bit scary. The architects Herzog and Meuton have emphasised the building’s new function whilst respecting the existing architecture. The choice of building is a fitting tribute to the original architect, Scott, the man who also gave us the red telephone box. Scott’s building was an emblem of old British industrialism and Britain’s position in the world market. Now the old economy has given way to the new – Britain has turned from manufacturing to service industries, from heavy to light. The building reflects this. Instead of being discarded, it has been transformed into the new flagship of Britain. You can’t help but be struck be the irony of this as the original massive girders provide a backdrop to the delicate constructions of plastic on display.

......Such complexities are not confined to the four walls of the Tate Modern. It lies in the poverty-stricken borough of Southwark, yet is just across the river from the wealthiest square mile in Europe.

.............Its location on the south side of the River Thames will alter the mental geography of London. The area, which has historically been closed off to the buzz and energy of the capital, is definitely on the way up, with a sprinkling of cultural sites such as the Globe Theatre luring visitors over the Thames. Don’t be deceived though. A few minutes away are the bleak streets of Southwark, with its office blocks and run-down housing estates.

..........What is on offer inside is a break from the usual. Instead of presenting a chronological display, the curators have opted for four themed areas, each spanning the twentieth century. This is rooted in the genres of art which the French Academy established in the 1600s, namely: landscape, still life, the nude and history. This allows an often witty and stimulating juxtapositioning of pieces; thus a Mondrian gives way to the squares of Gilbert and George. This startling jumble is a welcome challenge, engaging the viewer both psychologically and physically. If you are willing, a trip to the Tate Modern can spark a range of emotions, from delight and self-recognition to mild discomfort.

. What is interesting about the art on show is that younger contemporary artists are displayed next to the established masters (or shamans, depending on your taste). The new horde of artists pouring out of art colleges can now reasonably hope that their work will make the big time while they are still in their 20s. In the past, space was reserved for people who had spent years struggling to reach notoriety through exhibitions in small, out of the way places. This will undoubtedly have a liberating


effect on young artists and perhaps ruffle the feathers of the older ones. The Tate Modern has had its critics and will inevitably continue to do so, but the staff’s confidence remains undented. The director’s vision and genius is understood and respected by them. What has been created here is a place that generates energy; in that sense, Scott’s Bankside remains a power station. 1. The Tate Modern’s opening party was well-attended because ……A) it had been well-planned.B) it had been highly publicised. C) it was a fashionable place to be seen in.D) the guests supported British art.

2. Contemporary art has become ……A) a recognised style in British art.B) more marginalised. C) more accessible for tourists. D) a symbol of British economic strength.

3. Herzog and Meuton designed …A) the original power station building.B) the red telephone box.C) the museum within the existing building.D) the borough of Southwark.

4. The former Bankside Power Station building ……A) provides a contrast to the art inside. B) has been completely refurbished.C) is located in a pocket of wealth.D) will open up a new area to tourism.

5. The area the museum lies in …A) is the most impressive in all of Europe.B) has a rich, cultural history.C) is full of energy and attracts many tourists.D) is gradually transforming itself.

6. A visitor to the Tate Museum must be …A) well rooted in the art world.B) prepared for the unexpected.C) willing to walk a lot.D) emotionally stable and witty.

7. The works on display ……A) are arranged according to era.B) cover the twentieth century.C) are a refreshing contrast to French Academy works.D) reflect a variety of emotions.

8. In order to have your work displayed at the Tate, you must …A) be a contemporary artist.


B) have graduated from an art college.C) have shown your work at previous exhibitions.D) catch the eye of the curator.

9. What can the Tate Museum offer young artists? A) a feeling of freedom to present their artB) a staff position at the Tate MuseumC) an opportunity to become an art criticD) a chance to upset some of the older artists

10. What does the writer suggest about well-known contemporary artists?A) Their work has only recently become popular.B) They have influenced the younger artists’ styles.C) They are fewer in number than younger artists.D) They may resent the success of younger artists.

Use of English


1. Modern electrical appliances considerably …… the amount of time needed to keep a household in order.A) reduceB) shortenC) shrinkD) cut back 2. The museum has a …… display of household objects which is popular with visitors of all ages.A) stableB) continualC) constantD) permanent

3. Who would have thought that we would be burgled in …… daylight?A) wideB) broadC) pureD) high

4. The sight of …… embers, just before the fire goes out, is very comforting.A) sparklingB) flashingC) shiningD) glowing 5. Turtles frequently fall prey to predators because, …… their assailants, they cannot move very fast.A) dissimilar


B) unlikeC) likeD) comparable 6. The increase in the cost of living has …… many stay-at-home mums to return to work.A) promptedB) elicitedC) provokedD) produced

7. Despite the well-known dangers, …… of nuclear energy point to its cost-effectiveness in their defence of its use.A) emissionsB) counterpartsC) adversariesD) advocates 8. The committee’s decision was …… and the policy was put into effect immediately.A) harmoniousB) unitedC) commonD) unanimous 9. With her new job, her son’s illness and her family problems, Meg was at the end of her …… .A) tetherB) ropeC) chainD) cord 10. The underground society held their …… meetings in different locations each week.A) concealedB) clandestineC) convertedD) conspicuous 11. The secret agent used a …… to prevent others from reading his messages.A) ciderB) cipherC) cycleD) cynic 12. The captain was not aware of the …… rocks and the ship was holed just above the waterline.A) projectingB) protrudingC) bulging


D) obtruding

13. His presentation on global warming was a …… confusing.A) tadB) padC) cadD) lad 14. This novel is boring because it is …… of any intrigue.A) defiantB) devoidC) destituteD) deprived 15. The former CEO was caught …… the company’s money.A) embezzlingB) cheatingC) wageringD) pilfering ClozeCircle the letter of the correct answer A, B, C or D.

From time to time, stories about the possible health hazards of mobile phones, including memory loss and brain tumours, (1) … in the media. As there are an estimated half a billion mobile phones in use throughout the world, it is perhaps not surprising that people find such concerns worrying, even if, so far, no concrete (2) … has come to light .

Very often, the media stories are based on very (3) … data. For example, one study by Dr. Alan Preece of Bristol University, involved just 38 volunteers who were (4) … to microwave radiation for up to thirty minutes and then (5) … to a number of tests. Results suggested that the radiation has no effect on (6) … short-term memory or attention span, but one unexpected (7) … was that the subjects actually performed better in a test measuring reaction times to visual (8) … . In his conclusion, Dr Preece tentatively suggested that the radiation was possibly disturbing the normal (9) … of the brain and that this might have serious long-term (10) … .

This small inconclusive study, along with other equally (11) … research, was picked up by the media and blown out of proportion. The subject was even dealt with on a (12) … current affairs television programme in which it was implied that mobile phone manufacturers were hiding the truth for the (13) … of profits.

Clearly, it is right for the public to be informed about concerns (14) … as the ones described here, but it is the media’s responsibility to present whatever evidence is available in a(n) (15) …, objective way.

1. A) emerge B) transpire C) arise D) occur 2. A) confirmation B) testimony C) indication D) evidence 3. A) confined B) restricted C) limited D) reduced 4. A) exposed B) revealed C) unconcealed D) divulged 5. A) submitted B) subjected C) proffered D) tendered 6. A) alternate B) every C) either D) each


7. A) outcome B) issue C) payoff D) sequence 8. A) encouragementB) inducement C) incentive D) stimuli 9. A) mission B) function C) reception D) labour10. A) developments B) consequences C) backlashes D) sequels11. A) hesitant B) indefinite C) tentative D) faltering12. A) creditable B) upright C) reputable D) exemplary 13. A) welfare B) objective C) motive D) sake14. A) something B) such C) for D) much15. A) unbiased B) disinterested C) equitable D) detached


1. There is no point in asking them for money. They …… everything by now.A) will have spentB) will be spendingC) will spendD) will have been spent

2. They suggested that the government should pay for the entire cost of the National Health Service, …… .A) that absolutely I found impracticableB) which I did absolutely find impracticableC) what I found impracticable absolutelyD) which I found absolutely impracticable 3. Hardly ……. his neighbour popped in for a chat.A) Harry had come back home thanB) had Harry come back home whenC) Harry had come back home whenD) had Harry come back home than

4. I doubt we’ll ever make a deal with that company, …… merge with it.A) apart fromB) besideC) let aloneD) except for

5. …… the deposit has been made, you will receive an email confirming the reservation.A) By the timeB) Not untilC) OnceD) Before 6. Despite the fact that it was the boss who put Lynn in charge of the Personnel Department, I don’t think that she’s …… the job.A) up withB) in forC) in to


D) up to 7. …… how to handle the situation, the teacher notified the head teacher.A) Not knowingB) Not to knowC) Not knownD) Who not knowing 8. If the government had taken the right precautions, the devastating economic consequences …… .A) must have avertedB) should avertC) could have been avertedD) had to be averted 9. All dissertations, …… next week, should be in CD-Rom format.A) submittingB) are submittedC) to be submittedD) will be submitted 10. Although there are many people seeking employment nowadays, suitably qualified individuals are few and …… .A) awayB) far wideC) far awayD) far between 11. I …… to meet a man who doesn’t leave the bathroom in a mess after he has had a shower!A) have yetB) have stillC) have alreadyD) haven’t yet 12. Well, this …… the last chance I have to get a tan this year, so I think I will stay on the beach a bit longer.A) could well beB) well could beC) may be just D) could as well be 13. …… the news of her husband’s accident she collapsed.A) By hearingB) On hearingC) Through hearingD) Since hearing

14. …… her, I disapprove of her teaching methods.A) I although like


B) No matter I like C) Despite I likeD) Much as I like 15. They are very wealthy. …… , they lead quite a modest life.A) All the sameB) On top of thatC) On the contraryD) Hence Sentence TransformationsTransform the following sentences keeping the original meaning.

1. He had just come home when he received an urgent call from his parents.No sooner ………………………………………………………………………………

2. It is known that the convict escaped despite being heavily shackled.The convict ……………………………………………………………………………..

3. No one in the village protested against the new regulations except Liz.With …………………………………………………………………………………….

4. While they were disarming the conspirators, one of them broke ranks and confessed.While the ……………………………………………………………………………….

5. It took me twenty minutes to realise who I had been talking to.Only …………………………………………………………………………………….

Paraphrase the sentences below using the words given.

6. The children were deceived by the nasty trick the nanny played on them.FORThe children ..………………………………………………………………........ the nasty trick the nanny played on them.

7. Fortunately, Dan discussed financial issues at the meeting and now we have no problems.UPIf Dan …………………………………………………………………………………... trouble now.

8. The parade was cancelled because of public protests.ACCOUNTThe parade was cancelled ……………………………………………………………… public protests.

9. Our immersion heater must be repaired urgently. SEEN


We must ………………………………………………………………………………... urgently.

10. When Rania stood next to the basketball players, she looked very small.DWARFEDRania …………………………………………………………….......... when she stood next to them.

Writing

Some elderly people are put in nursing homes because their children cannot or will not take care of them, while others whose spouses have passed away are left to fend for themselves. What is the best way to take care of the elderly, whose numbers continue to grow? Should they live at home with their children, be sent to nursing homes, or live on their own?

Write your point of view in approximately 250-300 words, giving reasons.


Test 3

Reading Comprehension Read the text and circle the letter of the correct answer – A, B, C or D.

At first sight a zebra may look like a quirk of nature, an unlikely survivor in an

environment of fierce predators. After all, what can be more definite, as a fashion statement, than black and white stripes, so totally unlike the brown, grey or khaki of creatures that blend with their background to escape being another animal’s next meal? The fact that the zebra hasn’t been wiped out means that such markings must give the animal some sort of advantage in the wild.

Although the earliest identifiable ancestor of the zebra appeared on earth about 54 million years ago, it took 52 million years for the equus genus, of which the modern zebra is a variety, to arrive. With environmental conditions changing as herds migrated, populations became separated from each other and gradually diversified into the distinct species we have today – horses, donkeys and zebras. Zebras themselves can be further subdivided into three groups: plains, mountain and Grevy’s.

............Experts have long puzzled over the purpose of a zebra’s stripes, posing explanations such as a need to keep parasites away or the white stripes being a cooling device to absorb less heat, despite the fact that there is no known correlation between the width of the white stripes and the local climate. We must, therefore, search elsewhere for reasons why the stripes evolved. Three credible explanations present themselves: camouflage, communication and courting.

.Once they become aware of an impeding attack, they do not make use of their markings as other camouflaged animals do – neither freezing nor attempting to blend in with their surroundings. Instead, they stay out in the open in large, brazen groups. Far from making them sitting ducks, this aids them in what is called disruptive coloration, where the outline of each individual animal is disrupted, bedazzling would-be predators with the combined effects of the herd’s stripes, as well as producing the illusion of greater size. Predators therefore find it difficult to either assess the herd’s number or the size of individual animals. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the stripes make it difficult to judge how far away and in which direction the zebras are travelling, effectively screening them from predators.

. .Unlike other equines, zebras live in an environment where it may be difficult to find other members of their species, so the stripes also serve as a communicative purpose. In fact, so attuned to identifying black and white objects are zebras that they will react to a stuffed toy zebra or a painting of a zebra as if it were a real live member of their own species. The recognition of black and white stripes also helps a group come together when under attack.

..It is not unknown for zebras to mate with other members of the equus family, producing such hybrids as a ‘zorse’ (zebra and horse) or a ‘zonkey’ (zebra and donkey). These are, however, exceptions and it would seem that, within the species, the stripes are a decisive factor in courting and mating. Indeed, any individual animal whose stripes are abnormal or incomplete is likely to be rejected by others in the herd and will probably not reproduce.

.Those specimens whose stripes have not formed properly may prove to be the key to a perennial question about zebras – are they black with white stripes or white with black stripes? It would appear that, because the imperfect markings are white dots, broken lines and blotches on a black background, zebras are black with white stripes rather than vice versa.


...So there you have it, a creature that, despite its pop art appearance, has stood the test of time and is in no immediate danger of disappearing. While the zebra might, on the surface, look like the laughing stock of Africa, its stripes are an effective visual clue that communicates to both the predator and other members of the group. It looks as if, like the leopard with its spots, the zebra is unlikely to change its stripes. 1. According to the writer, a zebra’s stripes ……A) are meant to blend in with its background.B) make a fashion statement. C) have survival value.D) have ensured that it hasn’t been wiped out.

2. According to the writer, the modern zebra ……A) is a migratory animal. B) lives separately from horses and donkeys.C) can only tolerate a specific climate.D) is of relatively recent origin.

3. What does the writer say about zebras as a species?A) They are exactly the same as horses. B) They comprise three subdivisions. C) They are completely unrelated to donkeys. D) They came into being 54 million years ago.

4. When confronted with danger, animals other than zebras ……A) become confused by their surroundings.B) remain completely still.C) intermingle with the rest of the herd.D) use their camouflage to create a disturbance.

5. It would seem that a zebra’s stripes serve to ……A) cool the animal down.B) discourage parasites. C) confuse possible predators. D) make the animal larger.

6. According to the writer, an important factor when hunting prey is the ability to ……A) run at high speeds.B) estimate distances correctly.C) single out an animal from a herd.D) choose a suitable location.

7. If zebras see a likeness of one of their species, they will ……A) mistake it for a real zebra.B) attack it.C) ignore it.D) make it part of their group.

8. Zebras will not mate with ……A) horses or donkeys.


B) zebras from other groups. C) hybrids. D) zebras with atypical stripes.

9. The skin of a zebra would appear to be ……A) white on black.B) able to change. C) black on white. D) spotted rather than striped.

10. What does the writer imply about the future of the zebra?A) It will be around for some time to come.B) It probably won’t evolve any further.C) It will become Africa’s least popular animal.D) It may soon join the ranks of protected animals.

Use of English


1. What began as a few flickers in the form of some regional strikes, quickly developed into a …… of national strikes that threatened to bring the entire country to a standstill. A) configuration B) concatenationC) conflagration D) constellation 2. The incumbent criticised his predecessor’s …… spending on advertising, claiming it was the sole cause of the company’s current financial woes. A) propagate B) promulgateC) precedent D) profligate

3. Scientists pin the blame for the catastrophe squarely on the state’s …… and unregulated chemical disposal industry. A) soaring B) burgeoning C) clambering D) budding 4. Resigned to the fact that they would soon be …… by the newcomers, they resolved to spend their remaining days at the top, fuelling controversy. A) wrestled B) infringedC) usurped D) encroached


5. Rumours are rife that the captain of the national team will soon be …… his trade overseas.A) pillaring B) plyingC) circulating D) staking 6. Oscar Wilde was a master of witty ……, among his most famous are ‘Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes’ and ‘It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors’.A) bywords B) canonsC) aphorisms D) avocations 7. Opting against outright slurs, the candidate chose instead to make a number of thinly …… references to his opponent’s age and inexperience. A) masked B) curtainedC) veiled D) shrouded 8. A deal was hurriedly brokered so as to soothe growing shareholder …... .A) saliency B) rancourC) gaudiness D) flagrancy 9. He garners praise from all he works with for being both the …… professional and a man with an unsurpassed knowledge of the law. A) consummate B) penultimateC) pejorative D) conclusive

10. The company spokesman justified the price increase saying the move was a necessary response to the “continued …… of industry price hikes that Goodright Oil are weathering”.A) onslaught B) assaultC) offensive D) escalating 11. The tension on the pitch was …… as the striker stepped up to the mark to take the penalty kick. A) ostentatious B) palpableC) audacious D) surged


12. The prime minister remained defiant over his refusal to ratify the treaty and confirmed that it was unlikely there would be a shift in the government’s …… anytime soon. A) stance B) frameC) bias D) platform 13. Today, British universities were warned that they may be in …… of human rights legislation if they apply positive discrimination to state school applicants. A) rupture B) infringeC) breach D) flout 14. Unfortunately, rather than the loans being allocated to spending which would have stimulated the region’s …… economy, they were instead used to prop up its currency. A) abating B) tapering B) flagging D) lurching 15. The impending credit crunch and spiralling fuel prices will undoubtedly force smaller airlines to adopt a slew of …… measures in order to stay afloat. A) clandestine B) austerityC) embellishing D) aesthetic Open ClozeFill in the blanks with ONE word only.

1. All employees are provided with a plastic card containing a magnetic strip with which they are to ………………… in when they report for work.2. According to clause 1.7 of the employment agreement, if an employee ………………… his contract, a penalty sum is paid to the employer.3. The expressed aim of the policy was to improve efficiency, but ministers ………………… to considerable lengths to ensure that private educational institutions would be able to compete on favourable terms.4. The flight attendant, who was very experienced and used to ………………… difficult situations, calmed the passengers down in no time.5. The head of the department was ………………… for words when he saw the annual report, and everyone knew that a price was going to have to be paid.6. I have never seen her so angry, though her anger is understandable when you ………………… the fact that two entire disks of invaluable information have been destroyed into consideration.7. At first there were fears that the girl would be left ………………… scarred as a result of the accident, but doctors were able to assure her parents that she would make a complete recovery.


8. The proposed agenda for the conference unfortunately does not meet our company’s requirements, ………………… is it in accordance with our general policy for such forums.9. Having reviewed all the material relevant to the complaint, I have ………………… to the conclusion that no one individual can be singled out as being responsible for the error.10. There were hopes that the company was on course to recover its position, but then matters took a dramatic ………………… for the worse when there was an unprecedented increase in the cost of raw materials.


1. Cloying though the sentiment may be, I regret not ...... before now.A) it being voicedB) having voiced itC) to be voicing itD) to voice it 2. Had I been invited to speak at the conference, I ...... to forgive my colleague his previous transgressions.A) would have been ableB) will be ableC) had been ableD) could be able

3. …… the many difficulties involved in the operation, which have seriously hampered efforts, significant goals have been achieved in their work with the famine victims.A) In spite ofB) AlthoughC) NeverthelessD) While 4. …… earlier than expected by any chance, please tell him to wait in my office.A) He should arriveB) If he had arrivedC) If he should have arrivedD) Should he arrive 5. If he is to have the least hope of survival then it is vital …… immediate surgery.A) him undergoingB) he will undergoC) that he is undergoingD) that he undergo 6. If you have any problems with this equipment ……, you should contact your nearest service engineer at the earliest opportunity.A) whichever


B) if everC) whatsoeverD) however 7. Her case study of malaria in Southeast Asia is very ……, and could well prove to be the seminal work on the subject.A) exhaustingB) exhaustedC) exhaustiveD) exhaustion 8. He is reported …… the accusation regarding involvement in the failed coup.A) he has deniedB) to have deniedC) as having been deniedD) to have been denied 9. I think you are making too much of the matter; he ...... to see the logic of your argument sooner or later. A) is boundB) has been boundC) would be boundD) had been bound 10. It was only after we ...... the system overhauled that we realised how inefficiently it had been operating.A) haveB) were havingC) have hadD) had had 11. Please ensure that students failing to comply with the new regulations ...... with a verbal warning prior to the consideration of further disciplinary action.A) have been issuedB) should be issuedC) are to be issuedD) are being issued 12. As of the end of March, you will be astonished to learn that I …… three months for an appointment with the specialist.A) will have been waitingB) am waitingC) will be waitingD) will wait 13. As the train slowly pulled out of the station, I could see …… goodbye to their loved ones.A) people who wavingB) people wavingC) people which waved


D) people who wave

14. In my opinion, she ...... to comply with the regulations regardless of her objections to them.A) had been madeB) was made C) should have been madeD) would have been made 15. The salesman was so persuasive that little ...... that his claims for the product were completely bogus.A) she suspectedB) was she suspectingC) had she suspectedD) did she suspect Sentence TransformationsParaphrase the sentences below using the words given.

1. The manager is convinced that the customer will not be satisfied unless she receives a full refund.LESSNothing ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………. the customer, according to the manager.

2. We regret the fact that you were not informed of the changes to the programme, but it appears the secretary assumed you already knew.GRANTEDUnfortunately, …………………………………………………………………………. that you already knew about the changes to the programme.

3. Although these tests are not compulsory, senior students are encouraged to take them. OBLIGATIONSenior students ………………………………………………………………………… these tests, although it is recommended that they do so.

4. I am of the opinion that you could do really well in your career if only you were to make the effort to succeed.MINDI think you could get right to the top of the professional ladder ……………………… ………………………………………………………… it.

5. Although he seemed to enjoy the publicity that came with his popularity as an actor, he privately hated the way the media scrutinized his personal life.WHICHAlthough he kept the fact to himself, the well-known actor hated the way ……….. ………………………………………………………………... by the media.



6. All things considered, I think I would have to say that I find the idea of teaching more attractive than working in an office.After careful thought, I’ve decided that I’d ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………….work in an office.

7. Please get in touch with us straight away if you feel that you need more information. Should …………………………………………………………………………………., …………………………………………………… please do not hesitate to contact us.

8. The noise on the factory floor was of such a level that, although he spoke loudly, he could not make himself heard.Loudly …………………………………………………………………………………, ……………….. he could not make himself heard above the noise on the factory floor.

9. I have known Mr Smith for a number of years and I am certain he is the best candidate for the job.Having been acquainted with Mr Smith for several years, I have no …………………. ……………………………him for the post as I have every confidence in his abilities.

10. It had been an exhausting day and he had just left the office when the phone rang.No ……………………………………………………………………………………… the phone rang.

Writing

..An international teenage magazine has asked its readers to send in reviews of their favourite film or book. The best reviews will be published.

Write your review in approximately 250-300 words.


Test 4

Reading Comprehension Read the text and answer the questions which follow it.

By 2020 whole business concerns will have been wiped out and new ones created by a new economy – an economy powered by technology, fuelled by information and driven by knowledge. So, what is in store?

A: Working from home..............The good news is that technology allows the worker to take the office

anywhere. The home office is already becoming common and will become more so in the future. Increasingly, workers are on the move keeping in touch with their offices via the Internet, pagers, laptop computers and mobile phones. Over the next 20 years there will be an enormous increase in the number of people working from home. British Gas moved 5,000 of their service engineers out of the office and into their homes some years ago. This enabled the company to close more than 400 offices and depots, resulting in a huge increase in efficiency.

..There is bad news, too. As the virtual office never closes, it opens the door to employer abuse if work is required outside normal working hours. It also means that because work will no longer be confined to one place, it will become more pervasive, encroaching on every aspect of the worker’s life.

B: The Self-Employed Worker....The traditional work arrangement – a full-time job with benefits – is already

giving away to something fundamentally different. By 2020 more than half of the workforce will be self-employed, running their own businesses or working on short-term contracts. Increasingly, workers will work through the Internet or sell their skills on the open market as independent contractors.

...............Workers will be attracted by the mobility and choice offered by such independent contracts. These arrangements will provide the flexibility needed to juggle employment and family commitments and as such represent the future of work. People working in call centres, sales departments, engineering, consultancy and computing will be freed from the constraints of time and location. They will have the flexibility to work where and when they please and be able to make their own contractual arrangements, filling gaps in the marketplace and selling their skills to the highest bidder.

C: Service Economy......At the end of the 19th century, 60% of jobs in the UK fell into one of three

categories, farming, manufacturing and mining. By the 1930s that figure had fallen to 40%, and by 2000, to less than 15%. Those who would previously have worked in the manufacturing sector are now joining the new service economy and the world of information technology.

...There will always be a need for the human touch. Even the most enthusiastic robotics engineers accept that the face of a caring robot does not have quite the same calming effect as the face of a caring nurse. In a world dominated by computers and television, people will be less proficient in inter-personal communications, so those skilled in dealing with other people will be preferred by employers. Care assistants, medical assistants, health aides, dental hygienists and residential counsellors can expect to find their skills in demand.

....It is estimated that by 2015 as many as 95% of jobs will require people with information technology skills. Database administrators, desktop publishing specialists


and systems analysts are just some of the fastest-growing information technology occupations for the future.

D: New Technology........The use of computers and the Internet in the workplace will become even

more common and the functions performed by computers will dramatically increase. As work skills change and are reorganised, the influence of technology will become greater and go far beyond what we know today.

.........As new technology increases rates of productivity, fewer workers will be needed on production lines. Robots are already starting to have a major impact on the workplace. The number of robots in Japan is predicted to nearly double and jobs involving repetitive work may disappear altogether in the future. Low-skilled jobs are becoming increasingly hard to find.

....At the other end of the scale, high-technology industries already account for almost 5% of new jobs created in the United States alone, while e-commerce is generating revenues approaching that of the automobile industry. New and better technology will also make life easier for the less able. From large screen monitors and voice recognition software to alternative keyboard and telecommunications systems, assistive technology is removing barriers for people with disabilities.

E: Adaptability is the KeyEducation will no longer end at 18 or 21, but will remain a constant part of our

lives as workers will have to continually retrain in order to remain employable. A new cradle-to-grave education system will emerge, perhaps with groups of adults being taught on the Internet or by digital television.

......The challenge will be for workers to be skilled but flexible. As technology creates more opportunities for those who have the required skills, the supply of jobs at the lower end of the scale will gradually disappear. All workers will have to be equipped with the tools not only to succeed but to ensure they will not become redundant in the new economy.

.These tools include knowledge and communication skills as well as education and job-specific skills. But changing technologies will mean that employers will need to play a greater role in providing workers with training and education opportunities throughout their working lives. One way to ensure your future success is to choose a career in an industry likely to boom. Biotechnology, bioengineering, entertainment, engineering, computer programming, information services and software production are all set to rocket. 1. Within the next few years, home offices will …A) be transportable.B) become more technological.C) be more widespread.D) improve business economies.

2. British Gas …A) forced 5000 workers to move out of their homes.B) moved workers into their bosses’ homes.C) allowed certain workers to work from their personal residence.D) closed over 400 offices that were not operating efficiently.

3. One negative aspect of a home office is …A) your business life may infringe upon your personal life.


B) you will be required to work longer hours.C) you may have to travel more often.D) your employer may come to your home.

4. In the future, a large portion of the workforce will …A) work full-time.B) work with computers.C) work independently. D) be their own boss.

5. Employment options will allow people to …A) manage their own schedules.B) work at various locations.C) gain further work skills.D) move around much easier.

6. The most prevalent careers in the future will involve …A) television and communication.B) health care.C) counselling and therapy.D) computers and technology.

7. New technology in the workplace is expected to …A) teach people new skills. B) replace workers with robots.C) have minimal effects on the workforce.D) reduce production line productivity.

8. How will new technology benefit people with disabilities in the workplace?A) they will have assistants to help them with tasksB) restrictive barriers will be removedC) they will be offered alternative work opportunitiesD) there will be various tools that offer them assistance

9. Education will be …A) ongoing throughout an individuals career.B) available to people between the ages of 18-21.C) offered to groups of workers that have lost their jobs.D) available to workers through digital TV.

10. The future workplace will require people to …A) know how to use various tools.B) be willing to change with the needs of the industry.C) start over and learn new career skills.D) acquire higher educations in computer technology.


Use of English


1. Huge ...... of the republican heartland are to be ignored by the candidates of both parties as they concentrate their efforts on the key swing states of the north and east.A) bevies B) swaths C) hordesD) swarms 2. Wishing to escape from the prying eyes of the world, she ...... herself in her tiny flat, finding the peace and solace she had been seeking for so long in her seclusion. A) wrought B) kneaded C) cloistered D) shrouded 3. The candidate has been scrupulous in ...... the gender card throughout this entire campaign, which makes these cries of misogyny not simply odious but deceitful.A) advancing B) sanctioning C) rejuvenatingD) eschewing

4. In Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, music becomes allied with the sublime, the infinite and the ......, stirring joys and sorrows in the heart so profound that they can only be felt, not expressed. A) extortionate B) exorbitant C) irascibleD) ineffable 5. I sincerely doubt that he and his …… will ever allow those two into the club, given their preoccupation with class. A) ilkB) huddle C) breedD) tilt 6. Make no mistake, he is motivated solely by ...... , not by principle or morals. A) prudence B) expediency C) proprietyD) discretion


7. This argument is based on entirely ...... reasoning and will definitely not hold up under scrutiny. A) orthodox B) uxorial C) bona fideD) specious 8. The rising cost of oil will lead to a sharp drop in profits for many businesses, which may prove fatal for many of the capital’s ...... enterprises.A) fledgling B) hatchling C) posturingD) charading

9. I suggest you do some more reading - the theory you are promoting was ...... quite some time ago. A) canonised B) stormed C) debunkedD) yielded 10. The vitriolic …… drew gasps from even the most hardened members of the audience, and it eventually resulted in his expulsion from the party. A) diatribe B) eulogising C) exaltationD) acclamation 11. One may well ask if the candidate’s decision to ignore prevailing wisdom and name this utterly inexperienced governor as his running mate is a sign that he wants to reclaim his reputation as a ...... .A) maverick B) subordinant C) hedonistD) ascetic 12. For me, that actor’s ...... is a significant barrier to his effective portrayal of a character; he really ought to consider spending some time away from the public’s eye. A) colloquiumB) notoriety C) sedulityD) loquacity 13. The panel informed the playwright that had it not been for his somewhat ...... dialogue, his play would have won first prize as his plot and character development was excellent.A) rousing B) anodyne C) kindred


D) tacit 14. The opposition yesterday accused the government of jailing one of their members on ...... fraud charges in a bid to bring down their party. A) put on B) trumped up C) fixed downD) set off

15. It is a stunning debut in which the author has managed to capture the poignancy of a life which reached the heights - and touched the depths - in the ...... of forbidden love. A) upshot B) vigil C) wrathD) wake Cloze TextCircle the letter of the correct answer – A, B, C or D.

.......For many inherited diseases, DNA testing provides the 1) …… diagnosis. DNA testing involves the direct examination of a DNA molecule for mutations that are 2) …… to a disease or disorder. Other genetic tests for inherited diseases include biochemical tests for a specific 3) …… of a gene (e.g. an enzyme), and microscopic examination of stained chromosomes. 4) …… tests for more than 1,000 diseases are currently available and they serve many 5) …… . For example, they are widely used to 6) …… newborn infants for disorders. They are used in pre-natal diagnostic testing, and they are used to estimate the risk of developing adult-onset diseases like Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s. It is in the testing for 7) …… to inherited diseases where much of the 8) …… surrounding gene testing 9) …… . Complex ethical, social, legal and economic issues surround genetic tests for adult-onset diseases - issues that society at large must urgently come to 10) …… with. Part of the reason for this is that such tests can only give a probability for developing a particular disease or disorder. In other words, healthy or ‘11) ……’ individuals who are tested, even if their DNA is found to 12) …… the disease-associated mutation, might never develop the disease. So what are the conceivable benefits of a test which can only 13) …… the fact that an individual has a significant probability of getting a disease, but that can not determine whether it is his or her 14) …… fate? Such tests can 15) …… profound psychological reactions in individuals, in particular because test information is not currently matched by state-of-the-art therapies. Without the ability of medicine to 16) …… or cure, knowledge of 17) …… can cast a(n) 18) …… over the lives of entire families. What is more, because such gene tests hold a 19) …… of information that insurance companies and employers would be interested in, confidentiality is a major concern. These and similar 20) …… surround gene testing.

1. A) unavoidable B) definitive C) inescapable D) obligatory2. A) bonded B) likened C) linked D) lodged3. A) product B) creation C) produce D) effect4. A) Scientific B) Clinical C) Quantifiable D) Irrefutable5. A) targets B) intents C) purposes D) principles


6. A) assail B) score C) vet D) screen7. A) accessibilities B) liabilities C) vulnerabilities D) immunities8. A) controversy B) inaptitude C) discrepancy D) ineptitude9. A) trends B) lies C) stomps D) breaks10. A) hangs B) clutch C) grips D) hold11. A) pre-symptomatic B) pre-positioned C) pre-indicative D) pre-warned 12. A) harbour B) refuge C) haven D) anchor13. A) controvert B) exhibit C) substantiate D) sanction14. A) waning B) ineluctable C) avertable D) reverential15. A) confirm B) flag C) trigger D) progress16. A) exacerbate B) alleviate C) detract D) dwindle17. A) susceptibility B) imperviability C) sensitivity D) liability18. A) eclipse B) doppelganger C) silhouette D) shadow19. A) surplus B) store C) dearth D) wealth20. A) altercations B) dilemmas C) impasses D) stand-offs


1. On behalf of the company, I am proud to announce that as of this time next month we …… in successful operation for a full decade. A) will beB) will have beenC) would be D) would have been 2. This is to inform you that, as John behaved atrociously throughout the lesson today, he …… behind after class tomorrow. A) was made to stayB) would be made to stayC) will be made to stayD) was being made to stay 3. In case of fire or other emergency, all passengers …… in the areas designated to them at the beginning of the cruise.A) would assembleB) are assemblingC) will be assemblingD) are to assemble 4. I overslept and was late for work again so I think it’s high time …… that clock of mine fixed; it hasn’t worked for over a week now.A) I haveB) I will haveC) I’d better haveD) I had 5. For the foreseeable future, Sally would prefer to continue pursuing her studies …… for employment.


A) rather than start lookingB) rather than start having lookedC) to start to lookD) than to start to look 6. The ruling party was adamantly opposed …… legislature that would upset the status quo of the country.A) to passB) by our passingC) to passingD) of passing 7. My colleague, James, got an unexpected raise yesterday and coincidentally …… .A) so did IB) so have IC) nor have ID) neither did I 8. Only after all the votes had been counted …… the volunteers to leave the polling station.A) had they allowedB) were they allowingC) did they allowD) will they be allowing 9. …… that the actions that he was about to take would place the vice president’s life in grave danger.A) Little knowingB) Knowing littleC) Little did he knowD) Little had he known 10. I would never have realised how much you can miss delicious home-cooked food …… away for so long.A) having not beenB) had I not beenC) were I not to beD) was it not to have been 11. If only we had approached the problem with a little more circumspection, I am firmly convinced we ...... the difficulties that are currently delaying progress.A) will not faceB) would have facedC) would not be facingD) are not to face 12. It pains me to say this, but …… him, I have to admit that Winston came up with some brilliant proposals at the meeting.A) much as I dislikeB) no matter that I like


C) notwithstanding my dislikeD) for all that you like

13. Always having completed the tasks she had been allocated to my complete satisfaction, I was astonished when Mary suddenly announced that ...... to leave the company.A) she will have intendedB) she would intend C) she has the intentionD) she was intending

14. To my utter humiliation I found that, ……. to programme the DVD recorder myself, I was forced to ask my young son to show me how to do it.A) not knowing the skills requiredB) being unable to work out howC) being able to show me howD) having become skilled enough 15. Despite her promises, she neither phoned me, ……, during the entire three months she spent travelling across Australia.A) not that she dropped me a lineB) nor did she drop me a lineC) and she also didn’t drop me a line D) as well as not dropping me a line Sentence TransformationsTransform the following sentences keeping the original meaning.

1. She waited until her brother had left for school before starting work on her English assignment as she wanted to be able to work without interruption.Not wishing ……………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………….. on her English assignment.

2. I agree that David’s irritability must seem inexcusable to you, but you have to bear in mind the fact that he slept for only an hour last night.David is irritable, I agree, but you must remember that ……………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………… sleep last night.

3. I understand that Peter doesn’t hold out much hope, but I think that it is very likely that he will win the championship.In my opinion, there is every …………………………………………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. There’s no way that I will allow the children to camp out in such inclement weather. It’s out …………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………... as bad as this.

5. The reason productivity is so low is that the workforce does not receive satisfactory remuneration.


The people who work for the company are ……………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………..... productivity is so low.

Paraphrase the sentences below using the words given.

6. Peter and David are very close friends, but they avoid discussing politics as they never see eye to eye on the subject.DISAGREEAlthough Peter and David are very close friends, they do not ………………………. ………………………………………………………………………….. on the subject.

7. Have you considered the possibility that she behaved so arrogantly yesterday because of her insecurity? MAYHave you given any thought to the possibility that her arrogant behaviour yesterday ………………………………………………………………………… insecure?

8. As far as he could remember, Simon had never met the woman.RECOLLECTIONSimon ………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………….. the woman.

9. They remain close friends, despite having had their ups and downs over the years.FALLENThey …………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………. over the years.

10. His protestations that he did not know anything about the loss did not fool me for a moment.TAKENNot ………………………………………………………………………………….......…………………… anything about the loss.

Writing

........................A large company is planning to build a shopping centre in your neighbourhood. You are worried about the effect that this might have on the surrounding natural environment. Write a letter to the company expressing your concern and suggesting ways that the shopping centre could be built without endangering the environment.

Write your letter in approximately 250-300 words.


Test 5

Reading ComprehensionRead the text and circle the letter of the correct answer – A, B or C.

Chill it: preserve it.

..........Food preservation technology is probably one of the oldest technologies practised by humans. All food by its very nature begins to spoil the moment it is harvested or slaughtered. Thus, because of the importance of securing an adequate food supply during times of scarcity, discovering ways to slow the spoilage process will, by necessity, have engaged man’s attention from the very beginning.

The earliest methods for slowing the rates at which foods perished would have been discovered by chance. They worked, but no one would have known why. The refrigerator, for example, may well be a recent invention, but humans have known about the preserving effects of cold temperatures for millennia. The ancient Egyptians even had an ingenious method for producing ice to cool food. They placed wide, shallow bowls filled with water outside during the night. The rapid vaporisation of any liquid requires a lot of heat - heat which is taken from the immediate environment. Thus, as the water began to quickly evaporate in the bowls, the heat which was extracted from the remaining water led to its quickly cooling, which resulted in ice formation.

. .With the invention of the microscope and, later, Louis Pasteur’s discovery of the relationship between micro-organisms and food spoilage and illness, the reason for the effectiveness of cold storage became clear. Food spoilage by and large results from the proliferation of bacteria, yeasts and mould, and such micro-organisms, while not killed by cold temperatures, can only reproduce very slowly in them.

Storing food in low-temperature environments is the perfect way to preserve it because cold temperatures affect neither a food’s nutritional value nor its flavour. Nonetheless, because low temperatures merely curb microbial growth, all food will eventually rot in a refrigerator given enough time. In order to prolong the storage life of refrigerated food, there are several things you can do. One tip is to ensure that the temperature inside your fridge remains strictly in the 0° C - 4° C range. This can be partly achieved by not overloading your fridge, as an excess of items prevents the cool air inside from circulating freely. This leads to the formation of warm air pockets which in turn encourages microbial growth.

....Microbial growth in a refrigerator is not simply an issue of quality (i.e. food spoilage), however. It is also an issue of safety (i.e. food poisoning). There are visual and olfactory clues when food spoilage microbes have proliferated on food. The only downside to such growth is that food has to be thrown away. Consuming food covered in food spoilage microbes is unlikely to result in anything more serious than a gagging reflex when swallowing is attempted. The growth of pathogenic microbes on food is a different story altogether. Such microbes usually do not betray their presence. A food’s shift in taste, smell and appearance is nominal. It is the growth of such microbes that one must be aware of.

...................Luckily, just as low temperatures inhibit microbial growth, so high temperatures kill microbes. Animal products are usually the prime sources of food poisoning outbreaks, so by simply ensuring meat and eggs are cooked thoroughly before consumption, one can avert most incidents.


1. In the past, ensuring an adequate food supply all year round was difficult.A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

2. Ancient civilisations in colder latitudes gave less thought to food preservation.A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

3. The ancient Egyptian method for making ice would not work in cold climates. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

4. A prototype of the modern refrigerator can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

5. Louis Pasteur demonstrated that microbes spoil food. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

6. Microbial action is the sole trigger of food deterioration.A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

7. Foods maintain their nutritional value better in a fridge than at room temperature. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

8. Too much food in a fridge leads to temperature variations inside it.A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

9. ‘Spoilage’ microbes seldom cause illness. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

10. Visual scrutinisation of food is the most effective way of preventing food poisoning. A) True


B) FalseC) Not stated in text

11. More often than not, benign microbes are more prevalent in fridges than pathogenic microbes. A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

12. There are fewer microbes in a freezer than a fridge.A) TrueB) FalseC) Not stated in text

Use of English


1. The committee is designed to offer …… within which those who are responsible for the successful resolution of the incident are able to work together.A) a constructionB) an edificeC) a frameworkD) a scaffold 2. The problems were …… due to the fact that bombs were set off in several locations simultaneously and media reports were heightening public panic.A) aggravatedB) exacerbatedC) cultivatedD) excavated

3. May I begin by saying that, worldwide, ethical investments do indeed span the whole …… of investment options.A) gamutB) seriesC) breadthD) scale 4. My overseas experience exposed me to a whole range of issues that wouldn’t normally come within my …… .A) orbitB) loopC) compassD) path 5. Despite serving two …… terms in office already, he is seeking re-election for a third.A) adjoining


B) borderingC) proximateD) contiguous

6. It is only the female mosquito that acts as a …… for the disease by transmitting the malaria parasite to humans.A) courierB) messengerC) envoyD) vector 7. The ingénue is being …… by critics as the next big thing.A) courtedB) presagedC) foreshadowedD) heralded 8. His account, while sketchy, was detailed enough to allow investigators to …… in on the offender.A) focusB) gatherC) home D) narrow 9. We will continue to …… the government until they retract their counterproductive bail-out plan.A) swayB) affectC) lobbyD) study 10. The research results must be …… as quickly as possible so that people can begin implementing suitable changes to their eating habits if they so desire.A) propagatedB) dispersedC) disseminatedD) proliferated 11. Before the …… of winter, many animals will have gathered enough food to last through the season.A) inceptionB) onsetC) inaugurationD) emergence 12. Despite giving impressions to the contrary, not all celebrities are happy to be constantly in the …… of publicity.A) glow B) stareC) glare


D) gaze

13. He wasn’t sure if he could …… himself from the situation without making it worse.A) releaseB) disconnectC) extricateD) wriggle 14. Despite several clinical trials, doctors are still uncertain about the …… effects of the new medication.A) opposingB) reversibleC) adverseD) contrary 15. Tracy has a habit of …… the truth when recounting tales of her youth.A) decoratingB) adorningC) beautifyingD) embellishing Word FormationComplete the following sentences with the correct form of the words in bold.

1. The book had such a .................................. plot that I lost track of who all the characters were. TORTURE2. The machinery in the factory was very .................................. and needed to be replaced. ANTIQUE3. They came to realise that their differences were .................................. and decided to separate. RECONCILE4. Fearing the negative effect it would have on the local economy, there was a public outcry when the company announced the .................................. of car production in the town. CONTINUE5. Despite having some serious .................................. about the project, the director finally decided that it should go ahead. GIVE6. It is .................................. true that the current recession is likely to affect unemployment rates. DOUBT7. The minister is in favour of a .................................. of the current law. SIMPLE8. She told him that she found his views quite .................................. and stormed out of the room. OBJECT9. Since the recent bill was declared .................................., it was revoked. CONSTITUTE10. The doctor assured the patient that no .................................. had been detected in the blood test. NORMAL



1. The universal remote controls now available are an improvement insofar as, unlike earlier models, …… easier to access multiple devices simultaneously.A) make itB) they make themC) they are making itD) they make it

2. Regrettably, the police …… to give further information concerning the incident at the current time because of ongoing enquiries.A) are unable B) were unable C) would have been unableD) had been unable

3. It is not really so surprising that she looked so tired when you saw her as she …… for over fourteen hours non-stop every day for the past week.A) is workingB) has been working C) was workingD) had worked 4. Although plans are still at an early stage, the company is thinking …… with another company in the same field.A) about being mergedB) of merging C) to be mergingD) on merging 5. The government has decided to review its proposed legislation …… pressure from the public.A) in the face ofB) in consideration ofC) as a result of D) in the view of 6. It was only after getting on the train that he …… he had left the document at home.A) would realise B) has realisedC) did realiseD) is to realise 7. In future, let it be known that poachers and trespassers on private property …… prosecuted to the full extent of the law.A) are being B) have beenC) are to be


D) will have been 8. With hindsight, I have no hesitation in saying that it was of the utmost importance that these measures …… to control risk and ensure safety.A) are takenB) be takenC) to be takenD) to have been taken

9. During the nineteenth century, …… .A) rarely working professionals were womenB) rarely were women working professionalsC) women were working professionals rarelyD) rarely women were working professionals 10. He decided it wasn’t worth giving the decision …… a second thought.A) as much as B) so many asC) as far asD) so long as 11. I suppose I …… it a lot earlier as it concerns you as well, but as of this Friday, I will be handing in my resignation.A) can’t mentionB) ought to have mentionedC) must mentionD) should be mentioning 12. We can assure you that the water system in the metropolitan area is in perfect condition, so nothing is likely …… the tap water.A) having contaminatedB) not to contaminateC) to have contaminatedD) that it won’t contaminate 13. According to the latest figures, …… is just one of a growing number of species threatened with extinction.A) the elephantB) elephantC) an elephantD) all the elephant 14. The country’s rapid economic growth …… an increasingly uneven distribution of wealth which led to civil unrest.A) resulting inB) as a resultC) with the resultD) resulted in


15. Were I to be asked …… another name for the product, I’d go with something catchy.A) to come up withB) to come in forC) to come out fromD) to come down on Sentence Transformations Paraphrase the sentences below using the words given.

1. Employees failing to conform to company regulations will have their contracts terminated with immediate effect.GIVENEmployees who break company rules ........................................................................ on the spot.

2. If you were to ask me, I’d say that computers are more trouble than they’re worth.HINDRANCEIn my opinion, ............................................................................................................. help.

3. As a result of a bad diagnosis, an ophthalmic surgeon was required to carry out a second operation on his eye.PERFORMHe had .......................................................................................................................... on his eye because the original diagnosis was incorrect.

4. His latest theory is a complete refutation of all his earlier work.FLIESHis latest theory ............................................................................................... all his previous arguments.

5. There can be no doubt that you will be compensated for the damage that he is responsible for.BOUNDHe ............................................................................................ to you for the damage he has done.


6. Her appointment is surprising because it was a foregone conclusion that Mark would get the job.To us, it went ..............................................................................................................., so we were surprised when it was given to someone else

7. There is little incentive for me to remain with this company apart from the pay.If it .................................................................................................................................. company.


8. Given our circumstances at the time, rejection of their offer would have been unwise.Not ................................................................................................................................ extremely imprudent in the situation we found ourselves in.

9. His phone call to the director this morning was totally unexpected.He .................................................................................................................................. blue this morning.

10. It is impossible for me to take on any extra work because I’m so busy at the moment.I currently .................................................................................. plate that accepting any extra work is out of the question.

Writing

..........You have been asked to write an article for your school magazine on the following topic: The pros and cons of studying abroad.

Write your article in approximately 250-300 words.


Key

Test 1

Reading Comprehension 1. B, 2. A, 3. C, 4. A, 5. A, 6. B, 7. B, 8. C, 9. C, 10. A

Multiple Choice1. B, 2. B, 3. A, 4. C, 5. A, 6. A, 7. A, 8. D, 9. D, 10. C, 11. B, 12. B, 13. B, 14. D, 15. B

Cloze1. C, 2. A, 3. D, 4. B, 5. A, 6. C, 7. D, 8. A, 9. B, 10. C, 11. B, 12.A

Sentence Completion1. C, 2. B, 3. A, 4. A, 5. B, 6. D, 7. D, 8. D, 9. C, 10. B, 11. A, 12. B, 13. B, 14. A, 15. A

Sentence Transformations 1. …… are not averse to the use ……, 2. …… had words with my husband ……, 3. …… is (always) the life and soul ……, 4. …… pride and joy ……, 5. …… for all her lack of ……, 6. …… David’s enthusiasm for the proposal that he accepted at ……, 7. …… had it stopped raining/had the rain stopped when the sun came out, 8. …… for a/the recommendation from Laurence,/...... for Laurence’s recommendation, I wouldn’t have been given promotion, 9. …… prolonged absence that …… him realize how much he cared for ……, 10. …… prevent his wife (from) recognizing

Test 2

Reading Comprehension1. C, 2. A, 3. C, 4. A, 5. D, 6. B, 7. B, 8. D, 9. A, 10. D

Use of English Multiple Choice1. A, 2. D, 3. B, 4. D, 5. B, 6. A, 7. D, 8. D, 9. A, 10. B, 11. B, 12. B, 13. A, 14. B, 15. A

Cloze1. A, 2. D, 3. C, 4. A, 5. B, 6. C, 7. A, 8. D, 9. B, 10. B, 11. C, 12. C, 13. B, 14 B, 15. A

Sentence Completion1. A, 2. D, 3. B, 4. C, 5. C, 6. D, 7. A, 8. C, 9. C, 10. D, 11. A, 12. A, 13. B, 14. D, 15. A

Sentence Transformations 1. …… had he come home than he received an urgent call from his parents, 2. …… is known to have escaped despite being heavily shackled, 3. …… the exception of Liz, no one in the village protested against the new regulations, 4. …… conspirators were being disarmed, one of them broke ranks and confessed, 5. …… after twenty minutes did I realise who I had been talking to, 6. fell for, 7. …… had not brought up (the subject/question of) financial issues at the meeting we would be in, 8. …… on account of, 9. …… have our immersion heater seen to, 10. …… was dwarfed by the basketball players

Test 3

Reading Comprehension 1. D, 2. D, 3. B, 4. B, 5. C, 6. C, 7. A, 8. D, 9. A, 10. A

Use of English Multiple Choice1. C, 2. D, 3. B, 4. C, 5. B, 6. C, 7. C, 8. B, 9. A, 10. A, 11. B, 12. A, 13. C, 14. B, 15. B

Open Cloze1. clock, 2. breaks/terminates, 3. went, 4. handling, 5. lost, 6. consider, 7. permanently, 8. neither/nor, 9. come, 10. turn

Sentence Completion1. B, 2. A, 3. A, 4. D, 5. D, 6. C, 7. C, 8. B, 9. A, 10. D, 11. A, 12. A, 13. B, 14. C, 15. D

Sentence Transformations

1. … less than a full refund will satisfy …, 2. … the secretary took it for granted …, 3. … are under no obligation to take …, 4. … if you put your mind to …, 5. … in which his personal life was scrutinised …, 6. … rather/sooner teach than …, 7. ... you feel (that) you need more information ..., 8. ... though/as he spoke ..., 9. ... hesitation in recommending ..., 10. … sooner had he left the office at the end of/after an exhausting day than ...

Test 4

Reading Comprehension 1. C, 2. C, 3. A, 4. D, 5. A, 6. D, 7. B, 8. D, 9. A, 10. B

Use of EnglishMultiple Choice1. B, 2. C, 3. D, 4. D, 5. A, 6.B, 7. D, 8. A, 9. C, 10. A, 11. A, 12. B, 13. B, 14. B, 15. D

Cloze Text1.B, 2.C, 3A, 4.B, 5.C, 6.D, 7.C, 8.A, 9.B, 10.C, 11.A, 12.A, 13.C, 14.B, 15.C, 16.B, 17.A, 18. D, 19. D, 20. B

Sentence Completion B, 2. C, 3. D, 4. D, 5. A, 6. C, 7. A, 8. C, 9. C, 10. B, 11. C, 12. A, 13. D, 14. B, 15. B

Sentence Transformations 1. ... to be interrupted, she waited until her brother had left for school before starting work ..., 2. ... he only had an hour’s ..., 3. ... chance that Peter will win the championship, 4. … of the question for the children to camp out in weather ..., 5. ... badly paid and that is/which is why ..., 6. ... discuss politics because/as they always disagree ..., 7. ... may have been because she feels ..., 8. … had no recollection of ever having met …, 9. … have not/never fallen out, despite having had their arguments/ups and downs ..., 10. … for a moment was I taken in by his protestations that he did not know ...

Test 5

Reading Comprehension1. C, 2. C, 3. A, 4. C, 5. A, 6. B, 7. A, 8. A, 9. A, 10. B, 11. C, 12. A

Use of EnglishMultiple Choice1. C, 2. B, 3. A, 4. A, 5. D, 6. D, 7. D, 8. C, 9. C, 10. C, 11. B, 12. C, 13. C, 14. C, 15. D

Word Formation1. tortuous, 2. antiquated, 3. irreconcilable, 4. discontinuation, 5. misgivings, 6. undoubtedly, 7. simplification, 8. objectionable, 9. unconstitutional, 10. abnormality

Sentence Completion1. D, 2. A, 3. B, 4. B, 5. C, 6. A, 7. C, 8. B, 9. B, 10. A, 11. B, 12. C, 13. A, 14. D, 15. A

Sentence Transformations1. ...will be given the sack …, 2. ... computers are more of a hindrance than a ..., 3. ... to have an ophthalmic surgeon perform a second operation ..., 4. ... flies in the face of ..., 5. ... is bound to pay compensation ..., 6. ... without saying that Mark would get the job ..., 7. ... weren’t for the pay, I would leave this ..., 8. ... to have accepted their offer would have been ..., 9. ... phoned the director completely out of the ..., 10. ... have so much on my ...

Extra Practice Tests

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Transcript of Extra Practice Tests