practice exam book 1

62 downloads 6293 Views 3MB Size Report
Certificate in English. Level B1. Practice Exam Book 1. Practice Examination Tests ... and by using realistic practice test material, such as shown in this book, not.
THE EUROPEAN LANGUAGE CERTIFICATES COMMUNICATION AND COMPENTENCE

TELC

PRACTICE EXAM BOOK 1 LEVEL B1 CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY SZABÓ SZILVIA AND MICHAEL G. COLLINS

The European Languages Certificates Certificate in English Level B1 Practice Exam Book 1 Practice Examination Tests 1-5

SZABÓ SZILVIA MICHAEL G. COLLINS 1

Szerzõk: Szabó Szilvia Nyelvtanár Michael G. Collins Anyanyelvi tanár Lektorálta Lapu Tamás Zsolt Nyelvtanár

© Szabó Szilvia - Michael G. Collins, 2004 2

TELC Practice Exam Book 1 Level B1 Certificate in English

Dunaújváros, 2004 3

Felelõs kiadó: Szabó Szilvia ügyvezetõ igazgató Kiadja: Szabó Nyelviskola Kft. ISBN 963 216 685 X Forgalmazó neve: Libro-Trade Kft. Címe: 1173 Budapest, Pesti út 237. Telefon: (1) 2540254 Fax: (1) 2577472 E-mail: [email protected] Nyomtatás: TEXT Nyomdaipari Kft, Dunaújváros Felelõs vezetõ: Knyihár Lajos 4

Table of Contents Preface Examination Information Practice Test 1 Practice Test 2 Practice Test 3 Practice Test 4 Practice Test 5 Answer Key 1 Answer Key 2 Answer Key 3 Answer Key 4 Answer Key 5 Examination Instructions Guide to Letter Writing

5

page 7 page 9 page 10 page 30 page 50 page 70 page 90 page 110 page 115 page 120 page 125 page 130 page 135 page 151

6

Preface Our teaching experience has shown that a very good understanding of the test, and by using realistic practice test material, such as shown in this book, not only greatly increases your chance of passing the test first time, but also passing it with very good grades. If you should have problems understanding the information shown in this book, your teacher/tutor will be only too pleased to help you. There are three ways of using these Practice Examinations: •

You can take each test as if it were a real examination



You can use the whole or parts of each test for practice purposes



You can acquire a general impression of the contents and procedures of the examination by studying the contents of each test

If you wish to work through the Practice Examinations as if it were a real test, you will find answer sheets for each practice exam. A complete answer key is provided, along with the tapescripts of the recordings. You will find it very useful to read these where you have answered questions incorrectly. However, you may need the help of a tutor/teacher to organise the test in the same way as a real examination is conducted. Above all, you should not read any of the answer sheets, pre-read any of the texts or look at any of the pictures before attempting a test. These practice tests are designed to allow you to experience an ELC Examination prior to actually sitting for the examination. Using this test material for practice purposes, we would recommend that you keep to the specified times for the individual parts of the test – as in a real examination – e.g. 90 minutes for Reading Comprehension and Language 7

Elements. In this way you will develop a feeling for the time allotted for the individual test items. You can practise the sub-tests Reading Comprehension, Language Elements, Listening Comprehension (with the help of the CD) and Letter Writing. The correct answers for the individual tests can be found starting on Page 110. Model answers for the letter tasks are given, but your letter should be marked by your teacher or a similarly qualified person. It is of course not possible for you to practise the oral test by yourself, but you will be able to familiarise yourself with the tasks and procedures as well as the assessment criteria. Thank you for purchasing this book. We hope that you will find these Practice Examinations interesting and that you will pass with flying colours! Szabó Szilvia and Michael G Collins

8

Examination Information For B1 Certificate in English Please read this page before starting to use the tests: Information for Learners The Structure of the Test Sub-Test Aim

Type of Test

Marks

Time in minutes

1 Reading Comprehension 1.1 Reading for Gist 1.2 Reading for Detail 1.3 Selective Reading

5 matching items 5 multiple-choice items 10 matching items

25 25 25

2 Language Elements 2.1 Part 1 2.2 Part 2

10 multiple-choice items 10 multiple matching items

15 15

5 true/false items 10 true/false items 5 true/false items

25 25 25

4 guiding points

15* 15* 15*

90

Break 20 3 Listening Comprehension 3.1 Listening for Gist 3.2 Listening for Detail 3.3 Selective Listening 4 Letter Writing 4.1 Content 4.2 Communicative Design 4.3 Language Oral Examination Part 1: Social Contacts Part 2: Topic-Based Conversation Part 3: Task

examination with two candidates, in exceptional cases with one candidate

75

max. 30

30

approx. 15

Information concerning the Answer Sheet: 1. 2. 3.

Always use a pencil on the answer sheet. Each item has only one correct answer. For example, if you think that “c” is the correct answer, mark your answer on the answer sheet in the following way:

9

Reading Comprehension Part 1

PRACTICE TEST 1

Read the five texts, items 1 – 5. Then read the headlines a – j. Decide which headline a – j goes best with which text. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 – 5. a.

Trains collide in heavy rain

b.

Petrol Price War at the Supermarket

c.

Rocks Derail Train

d.

The Cost of Car Repairs is increasing

e.

People are Buying More

f.

Tesco Labelled Unfair

g.

Retail Sales Heat Up

h.

Unleaded and Diesel at the same Price

i.

Car Repair Costs Rip Off

j.

Superstores Create more Jobs? 2. Some car dealerships are imposing labour charges almost three times the national average, it has been revealed. One BMW franchised dealer in central London has labour charges of £152.75 an hour, a survey by independent automotive warranty specialist Warranty Direct has shown. This compares with a combined franchised and independent garage average of £56.72 an hour nationwide. And compared with the previous 12 months, Warranty Direct registered a three-fold increase in the number of franchised dealers charging more than £100 an hour.

1. Boulders on the track have been blamed for the latest train crash in India which left 20 people dead and 100 injured. A passenger train plunged off a bridge in western India, leaving carriages hanging from the 27m high bridge. Reports indicated the accident was caused by boulders falling after heavy rains. But engineers conceded that steel nets erected across loose rocks alongside the tracks were inadequate.

10

3. The warm weather boosted UK retail sales to the fastest annual rate in two years in May, official figures show. Britons spent millions on snapping up clothing, sportswear and garden furniture - more evidence that higher interest rates have not curbed spending. The Office for National Statistics said sales gained 0.8% percent over the month, marking a full year of no monthly pull back in trade something which has not happened since comparable records began in 1986.

4. The environmental campaign group believes the way the UK’s biggest supermarket chain operates is damaging local communities, smaller retailers, suppliers and ultimately consumers. It has called for action in a number of areas to restrain Tesco and the other major supermarkets. In a briefing for MPs, Friends of the Earth said: “Tesco claims that it supports local communities and creates jobs for local people”. But it does not say how many other jobs in local communities may be lost as a result of its new superstores opening as local shops close down.

5. Supermarket chain Asda has sparked a fuel price war after slashing its forecourt prices by 2p a litre. Unleaded and diesel now cost 79.9p a litre at all of Asda’s 150 UK filling stations. The price of diesel has been reduced by 4p a litre, bringing it in line with unleaded petrol for the first time in three years. Other major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Safeway have since followed suit. Sainsbury’s is now claiming that 76.9p for a litre of unleaded at one of its garages in Thanet, Kent is the lowest price in the country.

11

Reading Comprehension – Part 2 Read the following text, and then choose answers to questions 6 – 10, (a. b. or c.) Natural medicines Natural medicines are substances used by tribal or cultural groups to treat injury and disease. Many are ancient, but only now are they beginning to be understood in the world of modern medicine. Since earliest days, humans have used some kinds of medicines. We know this because humans have survived. Ancient treatments for injury and disease were successful enough to keep humans from dying out completely. They were successful long before the time of modern medicine, before the time of doctors with white coats and shiny instruments, and before the time of big hospitals with strange and wonderful equipment. Many parts of the world still do not have university-educated doctors. Nor do they have costly hospitals. Yet injuries are treated, and diseases are often cured. How? By ancient methods. By medicines that might seem mysterious, even magical. Traditional medicines are neither mysterious nor magical, however. Throughout the centuries, tribal medicine-men experimented with plants. They found many useful chemicals in the plants. Scientist believe many of these traditional medicines may provide the cure for some of today’s most serious diseases. Experts say almost 80 percent of people in the World use plants for health care. These natural medicines are used not just because people have no other form of treatment. They are used because people trust them. In developed areas, few people think about the source of medicines they buy in a store. Yet many widelyused medicines are from ancient sources, especially plants. Some experts say more than 25 percent of modern medicines come, in one way or another, from nature.

12

Answer the following questions from information given in the text. 6.

7.

8.

9.

What are Natural Medicines? a. they are modern medicines b.

they are made by drug companies

c.

they are very old traditional medicines

Natural Medicines are successful? a. only when used by doctors in hospitals b.

yes, becaue people have used them for years and they have cured illness and diseases

c.

no, they have not been very successful

How are they made? a. originally, tribes used plants b.

from chemicals found in plants

c.

by drug companies

What do scientists believe today? a. they are of little use today b.

they are not at all useful

c.

they could provide a cure for serious diseases

10. Why do people use them? a. because there is no other form of medicine available b.

because people have confidence in them

c.

they don’t, people only buy medicines from a chemists

13

READING COMPREHENSION PART 3 Read questions 11 - 20 and then look at the next pages and read the advertisements a – l. In which of the advertisements can you find what you are looking for? For each of the items 11 - 20, decide which advertisement goes with the situation described. 11.

You would like to book a cruise for 2005 – to enjoy big savings you must book early.

12.

You are travelling to Spain by car and decide it would be best to be across the Channel by early morning.

13.

You would like to spend a week on an island holiday.

14.

You would like to go to Italy for a long-weekend.

15.

You would like to go on holiday to Germany by car.

16.

You would like to take your partner to Paris for a weekend city break.

17.

You would like to travel to France and return 10 days later.

18.

You would like to have a holiday in Ireland this summer.

19.

You are not married and your friend cannot travel with you. However, you would like to go on holiday with a group.

20.

You would like to have a golfing holiday in England.

14

A

D

SAIL AWAY TO HOLLAND and GERMANY

Borgo di Colleoli. Try it for three days. Treasure it for a lifetime. £399 for two for three nights inc. flights

WITH YOUR CAR FROM £60

Visit our fully restored 13th Century Italian holiday village and see it for yourself.

DFDS SEAWAYS

Call 0870 243 0314 for full details of these holiday homes.

E

The Alaska Experience Small Ship Cruising Naturally

B SLEEP ACROSS TO FRANCE

Safe, spectacular, up close exploration Maximum 114 passengers Relaxed, informal and unpretentious

FROM PORTSMOUTH TO CAEN OR ST MALO

North American Highways

BRITTANY FERRIES

F You’ll get more for your money with Lunn Poly

C FREE FIRST CLASS UPGRADES SAVE UP TO £90pp

Save up to 50% On hundreds of P&O cruises holidays in 2005 7 night cruises 14 night cruises from £599 from £1139

BRUSSELS LILLE PARIS 2 NIGHTS IN PARIS FROM £125pp call Eurostar today 0870 908 9587

HURRY, OFFER MUST END 31ST AUGUST 2004

15

G

J Ireland by car this summer from £58 Book online to Ireland before 30th June and the kids go for £1! With an unrivalled choice of routes and fast ferries it’s time to take your car hassle free to Ireland with Stena Line. Book now on stenaline.co.uk Call 08705 70 70 70 Or see your travel agent

Megadeals

Barbados

£479 7 nights 14-23 June 2004 3* Silver Sands Grenada £749 7 nights 21-28 June 2004 4* Rex Generation St Lucia £779 7 nights 15-29 June 2004 BOOK ON-LINE VIRGIN.COM/HOLIDAYS

H

K

Best Ferry Prices Widest Choice

Worldwide Holidays for Single Travellers www.travelsphere.co.uk

Calais

5 day return from £99 Holland 5 day return from £129 Dieppe 5 day return from £119 Le Havre 10 day return £240

call us FREE NOW for your brochure

0800 19 14 18

Book by 18th June 2004

Ferrysavers.com

L EASTBOURNE AFTERNOON TEE-OFF

I TOP SKI DEALS

The best of British Holiday Resorts for all the Family. Championship class golf course.

Book Early 2004/5 Don’t lose out

Call Thomson Winter Holidays 0820 756 3952

change your view www.eastbourne.com 01323 411400

16

Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 – 30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. HOT COFFEE VICTIM GETS $3M A woman has been ………….. (21) a total of almost 3 million dollars in damages, after claiming that the coffee she was served at a US fast food restaurant and then ……….. (22) on herself was too hot. The woman was in the passenger seat of her grandson’s car when she was served a cup of coffee at the drive-………… (23) window of a local fast food outlet. According to reports, after receiving the food order, the grandson moved his car forward and stopped for a moment …………. (24) his grandmother could add cream and sugar to her coffee. She placed the cup between her knees and tried to remove the plastic ………… (25) from the cup. As she did so, the …………. (26) contents of the cup spilled onto her lap, leaving her severely burned and needing hospital treatment. A company representative explained that coffee is kept at a …………… (27) temperature because customers naturally want their coffee served hot. He pointed ….……. (28) that customers buy coffee on their way to work or home, …………….. (29) to consume it there, not ……………. (30) in the car.

21.

a) rewarded b) awarded c) won

25.

a) lid b) cover c) cap

29.

a) indenting b) intending c) so

22.

a) spoiled b) dropped c) spilled

26.

a) all b) entire c) every

30.

a) while b) during c) when

23.

a) over b) across c) through

27.

a) concrete b) hot c) particular

24.

a) in order to b) so that c) that

28.

a) out b) at c) on

17

Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a – o is missing in items 31 – 40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.

FARMING AND FISHING Before British farmers decide what to plant or what animals to keep, they must think about the weather, the kind of …………. (31) and whether it is flat or hilly, and how much money they can make. Some farmers have only crops plants grown for ………… (32) - or animals - like cows and sheep - but many have mixed farms. …………….. (33) Britain is mild, the weather does differ from one part of the country to another; the east for example, is drier and the west is wetter. Different fruit and vegetables grow well in different areas. Because of this, there are many ……….… (34) where you can pick your own fruit and vegetables. This is often much cheaper ……….….. (35) buying from a supermarket. Fishing is also very ……………. (36) in Britain, …………. (37) over-fishing and pollution have made life ………….. (38). There are not enough fish for everyone, so fishermen have to think about the present and the future: they need to earn money today, but they also need to …………. (39) their families tomorrow. Although there are many types of fish in British waters, in many seaside towns the tourist business now …………… (40) in more money than fishing.

a. e. i. m.

farms brings because food

b. f. j. n.

than land eat difficult

18

c. g. k. o.

although important as but

d. h. l.

feed earns place

Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You are going to hear 5 people talking about “Choice” when shopping. You will hear each statement only once. After you have listened to a person’s statement you decide what the opinion of that person is and mark on the answer sheet true (+) or not true (–). Now you will have about half a minute to read the five sentences. 41.

The first speaker thinks that shopping in a supermarket gives you a very wide range of choice.

42.

The second speaker thinks that “more choice” has made things cheaper.

43.

The third speaker says that “Customer Choice” increased sales overall.

44.

The fourth speaker thinks that being able to choose a school will lead to some schools having too many students and some having too few.

45.

The fifth speaker thinks that it is up to the consumer to choose what he pays for his services.

19

Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You are going to hear a report about the recycling of computers and software. First read the sentences on the question paper. You will have two minutes for this. Then listen to the report. While you listen mark whether the sentences are true (+) or not true (–) on the answer sheet. After that, you will hear the report again. Now read the sentences 46 to 55. 46.

The programme was started in 1997 by a computer company.

47.

The programme arranges for computers to be given to schools.

48.

Up to the year 2000, more than a quarter of a million had been handed over to schools and libraries.

49. The programme also distributes obsolete software programs. 50. Only one organisation is involved in the programme. 51.

The main purpose of the programme – to give computers to people who cannot afford to buy them.

52.

Pollution caused by old computers is a big problem.

53.

The Canadian government thinks that the dangers of pollution will be quickly overcome .

54.

The speaker urges you to think about the old one before you buy a new one.

55. Old computers should be taken to a special dump for disposal.

20

Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear five short texts. Read the question, listen to the recording, and then decide whether the answer is yes (+) or no (–) and mark the correct box on your answer sheet. You will hear each text twice.

56.

You answer an advertisement about a house. On the telephone the owner says: The rent is £117 per month.

57.

You are listening to a news programme Can you wash your car?

58.

You would like to book tickets for the theatre, so you phone an information line to find out what seats are available. For this information you are told to press 0 on your handset.

59.

You live in the Lloyd Park area of Croydon and would like to go shopping in the town centre; you would like to travel by tram. Is the tram link service operating?

60.

You are waiting to travel to Birmingham when you hear a station announcement. Do you have to change platforms?

21

LETTER WRITING You have read the following advertisement in a newspaper: HOME SWEET HOME ESTATE AGENCY Are you looking for the home of your life? A house with a swimming pool, perhaps? Or a bigger flat? Or just looking for digs? If so, contact us, and our experts will help you in every way possible - and all this for a modest fee! Contact us at:

Home Sweet Home Estate Agency 22 Accacia Avenue London SE1 8DG As you are looking for a house, you decide to write to the Agency. Your letter should be a formal one, include the following points: 1. Say where you heard about the Agency. 2. Describe in detail the kind of house you are looking for. 3. State the maximum price you would like to pay for a house. 4. Inform the Agency about the payment conditions you can meet.

22

MOCK ORAL EXAM 1. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s • • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS WHAT HIS/HER HOBBY/INTEREST IS WHY HE/SHE LIKES IT/THEM HAS HE/SHE EVER BEEN TO OTHER COUNTRIES DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2:

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION A) Read the following statement:

“Personally, I like eating very much. Actually, I don’t have enough time to cook at home. For lunch I always eat junk food, like hamburger or chips. I hate them, but it only takes me 15 minutes to eat it. Every evening I’m very tired and hungry so I eat a lot for dinner. I’d like to go on a slimming diet because I’m getting fat”. (Judy Taylor, 36 years old, manager) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which picture would be best for her and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which picture you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best picture, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

23

24

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Discussion: In this part of the test you will have a discussion with your partner about smoking. Here are some ideas on this topic: 1.

Smoking is only a bad habit, so quitting it should not be that difficult.

2.

Those who smoke die earlier than those who do not.

3.

Passive smoking causes just as much damage to your health as actual smoking does.

4.

It is right that some laws have been introduced, banning smoking in certain places.

5.

Smoking a pipe or a cigar is less harmful to health than smoking a cigarette.

6.

More restrictions should be applied on smokers.

7.

Teenagers think that smoking makes them look cool.

8.

Smoking can damage your health in a number of ways (name some of its harmful effects).

25

MOCK ORAL EXAM 1. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s

• • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS WHAT HIS/HER HOBBY/INTEREST IS WHY HE/SHE LIKES IT/THEM HAS HE/SHE EVER BEEN TO OTHER COUNTRIES DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2:

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION A) Read the following statement:

“Well, I prefer cooking at home to going to restaurants - it’s just wasting time and money. Sometimes it’s a little bit boring but I can’t afford to go to restaurants. Personally, I like Mediterranean foods very much, but unfortunately my family doesn’t. Sometimes I buy a half-frozen meal, but it isn’t very tasty”. (Helen Smith, 40 years old, infant teacher) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which picture would be best for her and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which picture you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best picture, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons. 26

27

Part 3:

TASK

Candidate A/B Discussion: In this part of the test you will have a discussion with your partner about smoking. Here are some ideas on this topic: 1.

Smoking is only a bad habit, so quitting it should not be that difficult.

2.

Those who smoke die earlier than those who do not.

3.

Passive smoking causes just as much damage to your health as actual smoking does.

4.

It is right that some laws have been introduced, banning smoking in certain places.

5.

Smoking a pipe or a cigar is less harmful to health than smoking a cigarette.

6.

More restrictions should be applied on smokers.

7.

Teenagers think that smoking makes them look cool.

8.

Smoking can damage your health in a number of ways (name some of its harmful effects).

28

29

Reading Comprehension Part 1

PRACTICE TEST 2

Read the five texts, items 1 – 5. Then read the headlines a – j. Decide which headline a – j goes best with which text. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 – 5.

A

Man injured at Airport

B

Beach Lovers Welcomed

C

Red Letter Day

D

Man dies in Airport Fight

E

Paradise Found

F

More People Walk to Work

G

An early death

H

A Teacher Says Sorry

I

Book of the Year

J

Thousands will Walk to Work

1. Cigarette smokers die on average 10 years earlier than non-smokers, one of the most extensive study shows. But those who kick the habit, even at 50 years, can halve the risk. If they quit at 30 smokers can avoid nearly all the risk of dying early, the report adds. The findings are from a 50-year study into the dangers of smoking carried out by the man who jointly discovered the link between cancer and smoking, Oxford University Professor Richard Doll.

30

2. Kos is an island of majestic beauty, lying in the centre of the Dodecanese chain in the Aegean Sea. Lying north-west of Rhodes and south-east of continental Greece, Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese - 12 islands in Greek - after Rhodes and Karpathos. Today, Byzantine and Hellenistic ruins, wonderful beaches and natural beauty make this island a favourite of anyone who visits. The sights can be seen in about two days, but if you are a beach lover, you could easily stay a week.

3. A Japanese schoolboy has been forced to write an apology to his teacher in blood. The 17-year-old was forced to cut his finger with a box-cutter and carry out the tough punishment. He had been taken to the staff room after being caught dozing during class at the school in Fukuoka City, southern Japan. School head Hiroaki Dan said other teachers in the room had not noticed what the boy was doing. His 40year-old teacher later went to the head of the school to confess what he had ordered the teenager to do.

4. Thousands of Network Rail and London Underground workers are to carry out a joint 24-hour strike next week. The strike had been postponed to avoid a clash with the London Mayoral election earlier this month. The RMT Union said its dispute is over pay and pensions. The strike will start at 6.30pm next Tuesday, raising the prospect of cancellations of rail services across the country and threatening to bring London Underground to a virtual halt. Commuters face the prospect of having to walk to work. The RMT accused Network Rail of refusing to negotiate on pensions after the company announced it was closing its final salary scheme to new entrants.

5. A 29-year-old man is in a “serious” condition after being stabbed at an airport. The man, who has not been named, suffered cuts to his throat and head during the incident in the passenger terminal at Stansted Airport near Chelmsford, Essex. A police spokesman said a man had been arrested following the incident, near the check-in zones E and F. He is being treated for cuts to his hands. The injured man is being treated at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.

31

Reading Comprehension Part 2 Read the following text, then choose the answers to questions 6 – 10 and mark your answer – a, b, or c – on the answer sheet.

World’s aging population challenges societies WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of people aged 65 and older more than tripled over the past half-century to a record 420 million worldwide. In general, seniors are better educated, retiring earlier and living longer. Vast differences in quality of life exist between older people living in the United States and Japan, for example, and those in Malaysia, Costa Rica and other developing countries where the biggest increases in this population are expected. The U.S. government study being released on Thursday also shows the predicted increase will test governments’ability to address health care, retirement benefits and other issues that affect seniors, experts say. In the United States, the 2000 census showed about 12%, or 35 million of the nation’s 281.4 million people, were at least 65. That compares with 13% of the country’s 248.7 million people a decade ago. By 2030, one in every five American will be 65 as the baby boom generation ages, the study projects. Demographers say that the main reason for this increase, is that better health care means people are living longer. The old are accounting for a larger percentage of

the population in most developed countries, said John Haaga, an analyst with the Population Reference Bureau, a research organization.

32

Answer the following questions from information given in the text. 6. The number of People over 65 is a.

2 times more than 50 years ago

b.

3 times more than 50 years ago

c.

4 times more than 50 years ago

7. The biggest rise in numbers is expected in a.

Japan

b.

the USA

c.

other developing countries

8. In the year 2000 there were a.

32 million people aged over 65

b.

35 million people aged over 65

c.

50 million people aged over 65

9. By the year 2030 the percentage of the population over 65 will be a. 12%

b. 13%

c. 20%

10. The reason for this increase is that: a.

fewer babies are being born

b.

better health care means that people are living longer

c.

there are more old people 33

Reading Comprehension Part 3 Read questions 1 - 20 and then look at the next pages and read the advertisements a – l. In which of the advertisements can you find what you are looking for? For each of the items 11 - 20, decide which advertisement goes with the situation described.

11.

Designer lighting

12.

You set the table with these.

13.

They will set-up your entertainment systems.

14.

Extra space when you need it – easy to store.

15.

Solid walnut replica dining room furniture.

16.

You need a wall unit.

17.

Controlled bottle storage.

18.

This is a bright idea – cherry wood dining room suite.

19.

Big or small – just for your books.

20.

Previously used in-store, end of range oak furniture.

34

A

D

Bookcases Little and

Looking for the best HiFi, Home Cinema or Custom Installation Dealers?

Large

Visit: www.top20uk.info

B

BRITISH ANTIQUE REPLICAS

Made to measure bookcases at a price you can afford. Available in Mahogany, Yew, Cherry, Teak and oak. Call for brochure and price list. Tel. 01491 410408

Fine Classical English furniture In Solid Mahogany, Walnut and Yew we have a full range of Dining Room suites on display in our showroom at Burgess Hill.

E Massive Savings on Quality Teak Garden Furniture Save up to 60% Freephone: 0800 328 8924

Fine English Replica Furniture Queen Elizabeth Ave., Burgess Hill West Sussex. 08444 245572

Lifestyle Products Direct Osbournby Lincs

F

JACUZZI POOL SPAS

C Jim Lawrence Traditional Ironwork

The genuine brand Everything else is just a hot tub

Specialists in traditional wall lighting in a variety of finishes. Call for brochure: 01206 262166 or visit our Web-site:

Alone or with the whole family, everyone will enjoy the Jacuzzi experience.

Tel: 0670 330 7220 www.jacuzzipool-spas.co.uk

www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

35

G

J NEED AN EXTRA ROOM?

BRIGHTS UNREPEATABLE STOCK OFFER

THE LONDON WALL BED COMPANY

Chippendale style dining room furniture in solid cherry.

A UNIQUE IDEA. BEDS FOLD AWAY IN TO THE WARDROBE. CALL FOR FULL DETAILS: 020 8742 8200 www.wallbed.co.uk

A complete set for only £1950.

Nettlebed of Oxon Tel. 01491 641115 www.brightsofnettlebed.com

H GLAZEBROOK AND CO

K BRIGHTS STOCK OFFERS OBSOLETE EX-DISPLAY

Finest British Stainless Steel Cutlery at Exceptional Value. Mail order catalogue and free sample service.

SOLID OAK DINNING ROOM FURNITURE AT MASSIVE SAVINGS

Tel: 020 7731 7135 Fax: 020 7371 5434 www.glazebrook.com

www.brightsofnettleford.com

I THE HUNGERFORD BOOKCASE COMPANY Made to measure or free standing bookcases, wall units, TV and video units and much more. Craftsman made in the finest solid woods.

L Wine Storage Cabinets Temperature and humidity controlled wine storage cabinets. Full installation service available.

Telephone for our brochure and price list: 01486 1262 or www.hungerford.co.uk

VIN Garde Ltd. 0208 398 9300 www.vin-garde.co.uk 36

Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following letter and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 –30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. Dear Mary, Thank you for your letter ………… (21) I have just received. As you are coming to Hungary soon I won’t delay in writing to you. It seems to me that you’re a bit ……………(22) about the food here, so let me tell you about Hungarian food in detail. Did you know that Hungarian people eat more pork than Western Europeans. Unfortunately, we eat too ……………(23) spicy food. Speaking about food, I think you ……………(24) really try our soups, like fish and goulash. There are other traditional dishes, ……………(25) stuffed cabbage, “pörkölt”, a dish made from meat cubes cooked in a rich gravy, seasoned with paprika, and ……………(26) with noodles. All of them are very delicious. Does ……………(27) sound too daring for you? Don’t worry. If you’re vegetarian, there are places where you can get salad dishes. You can also try international cuisine in Budapest if you want . There are also fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King etc. Now I have to finish because I’m running …………… (28) of my time. I’m looking forward to …………… (29) you. Take care and don’t leave it too …………… (30) before you reply. Best wishes, Peter 21.

a) it b) which/that c) what

24.

a) would b) could c) should

27.

a) food b) they c) that

22.

a) worried b) worrying c) worry

25.

a) like b) alike c) example

28.

a) out b) at c) on

23.

a) many b) much c) more

26.

a) served b) serving c) to serve

29.

a) seeing b) to see c) see

30.

a) long b) much c) far

37

Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a – o is missing in items 31 –40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. CASABLANCA Casablanca is a thriller and a love story ………. (31) Humphrey Bogart and Igrid Bergman. The film takes ………. (32) during the Second World War in Casablanca, a city in Morocco. Rick Blaine, played ………. (33) Humphrey Bogart, owns Rick’s café, ………. (34) is a centre for war refugees who are waiting for visas to escape to America. Rick discovers that his former love, Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, is now married to a Resistance worker, Victor Laszlo, ………. (35) he is helping to escape. With the enemy on ………. (36) trail, Ilsa comes to Casablanca to collect the visas which will allow Laszlo to escape and continue his fight ………. (37) freedom. To her surprise, she finds Rick there. Rick is still in love with Ilsa, but he decides to help the couple escape. It’s full ………. (38) romance, intrigue, and suspense and it’s wellfilmed. My favourite scene is ………. (39) the end of the film, at the airport, where Rick and Ilsa have to say goodbye and she leaves with her husband on a plane just ………. (40) the enemy arrives. a. e. i. m.

whom before at for

b. f. j. n.

by which however when

38

c. g. k. o.

of their after although

d. h. l.

with place who

Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You are going to hear 5 people talking about their experiences sailing on the ship called “Spirit”. You will hear each statement only once. After you have listened to a person’s statement you decide what the opinion of that person is and mark on the answer sheet true (+) or not true (–). Now you will have about half a minute to read the five sentences. 41.

The first speaker thinks that his experience has changed his life completely.

42.

The second speaker thinks that you have so many chances in life.

43.

The third speaker thinks that the experience really changes the way the young people think.

44.

The fourth speaker has not enjoyed the trip.

45.

The fifth speaker thinks that the programme does not help many people.

39

Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You are going to hear a person talking about the effects of Global Warming. First read the sentences on the question paper. You will have two minutes for this. Then listen to the report. While you listen mark whether the sentences are true (+) or not true (–) on the answer sheet. After that, you will hear the report again. Now read the sentences 46 to 55. 46.

There are only three effects to the planet through Global Warming.

47.

Rising sea levels have been recorded for 100 years.

48.

By the next century many islands and cities could be under water.

49.

Global Warming does not significantly change weather patterns.

50.

Global warming does affect agriculture because the soil dries out.

51.

There are many more disease carrying insects.

52.

This increase in insects is because they can now survive in cold climates.

53.

A larger percentage of the world’s population is now at danger from infection.

54.

Another reason for this is that more people are living in affected areas.

55.

Global Warming and El Nino are the same conditions affecting the World.

40

Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear five short texts. Read the question, listen to the text, and then decide whether the answer is yes (+) or no (–) and mark the correct box on your answer sheet. You will hear each text twice. 56.

You hear the weather report on the radio. Is it a good idea to take your baby out to the park?

57. You are listening to the financial news Will the cost of your mortgage increase? 58.

You are thinking of going shopping in central London today. Will you need to take your umbrella with you?

59.

You are at the airport waiting for your flight Will you be able to fly to Atlanta today?

60.

You phone the Castle Hill Hotel and hear a recorded message Will you be able to book a room for tomorrow night?

41

LETTER WRITING You have read the following advertisement in a newspaper: SureToBurn Bank Loans Have you found the home of your dreams, but have no money to buy it? We’re here to help you! A wide range of credits and loans, swift administration, guaranteed payment! Ask for details at: SureToBurn Creditors 15 Black Lane Manchester MA1 35Z You want to buy a house and so decide to ask for more information. Write a formal letter to SureToBurn Creditors, including the following: 1.

Ask about the conditions for getting a loan.

2.

Say what you need the loan for.

3.

Ask about repayment (duration, monthly amount, etc.)

4.

Enquire about bank guarantee and what fees are payable.

42

MOCK ORAL EXAM 2. Part 1

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN WORKING IN HIS/HER PRESENT JOB DETAILS OF HIS/HER JOB/WORK DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2:

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION

A) Read the following statement: ”Personally, I like to spend my time in a luxury hotel with my family because everything we need can be found there. We don’t have enough time to arrange holidays, that’s why we always book through a travel agency. I think it’s all the conveniences, and the many sport facilities, like swimming, tennis and squash, that really make a holiday. We prefer staying in Mediterranean style hotels rather than a high-rise-building hotel”. (John White, 38, CEO) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which place would be best for him and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which place you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best place, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

43

44

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of arranging a birthday party for your friend. You have to decide •

What kind of party you would choose (home, restaurant, garden)



How many people you would arrange it for



What kind of present you would buy



What kind of food and drinks you would buy/order



How much money you can spend on it



How you would decorate the place

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a right place that both of you would like.

45

MOCK ORAL EXAM 2. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s

• • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN WORKING IN HIS/ HER PRESENT JOB DETAILS OF HIS/HER JOB/WORK DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2: A)

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“Personally, I like travelling with my family very much, but unfortunately we don’t have enough money to spend on it. When I used to be a child, I travelled a lot with my parents. This summer a ‘travel voucher’ was given to me by my company, and that’s why we can go on holiday somewhere in England. We prefer staying at the seaside to staying in the city centre because we would like to swim in the sea”. (Mike James, 40, bus driver) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which place would be best for him and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which place you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best place, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

46

47

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of arranging a birthday party for your friend. You have to decide •

What kind of party you would choose (home, restaurant, garden)



How many people you would arrange it for



What kind of present you would buy



What kind of food and drinks you would buy/order



How much money you can spend on it



How you would decorate the place

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a right place that both of you would like.

48

49

Reading Comprehension Part 1

PRACTICE TEST 3

Read the five texts, items 1 – 5. Then read the headlines a – j. Decide which headline a – j goes best with which text. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 – 5. A

CAR ACCIDENT SCARE

B

PRESIDENT’S LIFE STORY

C

A CULTURAL PARADISE

D

QUICK REPONSE TO RACE CRASH

E

AT LAST, THE REBUILDING IS COMPLETE

F

THIS IS MY STORY

G

HEAVY RAIN CAUSES CHAOS ON ROADS

H

THE CITY OF LIGHTS

I

GRAND PRIX CRASH

J

THE LAST PART IS BRITISH!

1. Bill Clinton’s much-vaunted autobiography - touted as the international literary event of the year - has gone on sale. Bookstores in some American cities opened at midnight to sell My Life, for which the ex-president has been paid a $5m advance. The book is expected to become an instant hit with the public because of Mr Clinton’s account of how he confessed to the Monica Lewinsky affair. Mr Clinton attended a gala launch party for 1,000 invited guests at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Monday night.

50

2. Paris is perhaps, the most glamorous and romantic city in Europe. Instant pleasure can be had walking along the grand avenues that radiate from the Arc de Triomphe, or exploring the narrow lanes of the Latin Quarter. During February, the climate can be pretty chilly there, with average temperatures of just 7C and only three hours of sunshine daily. Few cities can compete with the thousands of cafes, bars and restaurants that line every street and boulevard. Paris is a city of food. Paris is a dynamic city and a cultural paradise.

3. Formula One’s governing body says it is satisfied with the emergency response to Ralf Schumacher’s accident at last weekend’s US Grand Prix at Indianapolis. The Williams driver crashed heavily at the end of the 10th lap and remained in his car for more than 10 minutes as the safety car led the rest of the field past the scene of the accident. However, emergency medical teams were on the scene within two minutes, and an FIA spokesman insisted there was no reason to stop the race, he was responding to criticism that Schumacher had been left in the car for too long.

4. Greasy roads contributed to the collision with the another car. “I always have my seatbelt on and it definitely saved me”, Johnson said. “Everyone’s all right. No-one was injured, so no drama”. He was on the way to the King Country town of Te Kuiti, the home town of former All Black Colin Meads, for a speaking engagement on Monday night when the accident happened.

5. The reconstruction of Dresden’s famous cathedral is set to be crowned on Tuesday by a British-built cross. The 21ft (6.4m) gold cross sat uneasily in bright morning sunshine on the pavement alongside the Frauenkirche cathedral in central Dresden. Nearby, a huge crane waited to lift it into place on top of the church dome, for the crowning moment of a reconciliation process that has lasted nearly 60 years - and is not entirely over yet. The Frauenkirche is the symbol of the bombing of Dresden, a huge British attack in 1945 that killed 35,000 people in a ferocious firestorm. It was the most controversial raid of the war in Europe, with critics claiming the city had no military significance and some even saying it was a war crime.

51

Reading Comprehension Part 2 Read the following text, then choose the answers to questions 6 – 10 and mark your answer – a, b, or c – on the answer sheet. A Delightfully Stodgy People The British people will go about their lives as normal in 2005 regardless of the war on terrorism and the repercussions it may have at home. Tony Blair will not need to instruct them to. They would never think of doing anything else. Doggedness, patience and certain stoicism remain British virtues. Like everyone else in the civilized world, Britons during 2004 will be apprehensive. The British government’s unqualified support for America’s war against terrorism makes Britain an obvious target. Britons will fear attacks on Canary Wharf and Big Ben like those on the Pentagon and the World Trade Centre. They will be aware of the ever-present threats of biological or chemical attack. But they will keep their fears to themselves. Already in 2004, while American airports and airplanes were half empty, Britons caught the shuttles to London and Edinburgh, kept their business appointments in Milan and Düsseldorf and flew on holiday to Las Palmas and Tenerife. Budget airlines reported increased traffic. There was no boom in the sale of gas masks. Part of the explanation lies in “Been there, done that”. Folk memories of the 1940s Blitz are only now beginning to fade. More recently, repeated acts of IRA terrorism launched against civilian targets in Britain - including Canary Wharf - have inured the British to random deaths, disrupted communications and police cordons. Polls show that most Britons make no distinction between the IRA and al-Qaeda. Green terrorism is no better than crescent-shaped. Britain’s national self-image will also play a part. To feel fear is one thing, to show it another. Not good form, un-British. Churchill remarked during the war that the British were the only people who liked to be told how bad things were - to be told the worst. Nothing has changed. Britain’s stiff upper lip in 2004 will still refuse to quiver.

52

Answer the following questions from information given in the text. 6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

In 2005 British people will be a.

living life normally

b.

worrying about terrorist attacks

c.

thinking about the war

The British government expects attacks at a.

The World Trade Centre

b.

Big Ben

c.

a London airport

Britons and flying a.

they still fly everywhere

b.

they have stopped taking flights

c.

there has been less air traffic movements

The sale of gas masks has a.

increased

b.

decreased

c.

little difference in sales

According to Churchill, Britons like to be told about a.

how good everything is

b.

the worst things

c.

only about the best things 53

Reading Comprehension Part 3 Read questions 11 - 20 and then look at the next pages and read the advertisements a – l. In which of the advertisements can you find what you are looking for? For each of the items 11 - 20, decide which advertisement goes with the situation described. 11.

Friendly Hotel – lots of sheep perhaps!

12.

The National Trust owns the surrounding land.

13.

Situated close to a port.

14.

Overlooking the river.

15.

Lakes and mountains.

16.

Fitness centre and golf hotel.

17.

Family-owned and run - good sea views.

18.

A special discount is available if you quote this newspaper advertisement.

19.

Good personal service on the seafront.

20.

Special offer by the river.

54

A

HIGHBULLEN HOTEL - GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Spectacular scenery with sporting. golf and leisure facilities. State of the art “Life Fitness” Gym, Health and Beauty suite with Sauna. Offering excellent cuisine and all within easy reach of the M5. 01769 540561 www.highbullen.co.uk

B

The Berry Head Hotel - Brixham South Devon Steeped in history, nestling on the waters edge - near picturesque fishing port. Suburb location for walking, sailing and fishing. Brochure Tele: 01803 8532225 www.berryheadhotel.com

C

THE FAT LAMB COUNTRY INN - RAVENSDALE CUMBRIA Award winning hotel situated in magnificent scenery between Lakes and Dales. Informal, warm and comfortable. SPECIAL TELEGRAPH SUMMER BREAKS AVAILABLE BROCHURE - 015396 23242 www.fatlamb.co.uk

D

ROYAL YORK FAULKNER HOTEL - SIDMOUTH Charming, well run promenade regency hotel. All amenities, excellent leisure facilities and renowned personal service. FREEPHONE: 0800 220714 www.royalyorkhotel.net

E

BLAKENEY HOTEL - BLAKENEY, NORFOLK traditional privately owned friendly hotel overlooking the estuary. Ideal to explore Norfolk coast and countryside. Tel: 01263 740797 www.blakenly-hotel.co.uk

F

The Cottage Hotel - Hope Cove, Salcombe, Devon AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER AVAILABILITY Family run for 30 successful years. First class service. www.hopecove.com Tel: 01548 561555

55

G

NORTH WALES - Enjoy the break of a lifetime any 3 nights for the price of 2 Just 20 minutes from Chester yet surrounded by 4000 acres of Welsh countryside. Award winning team of chefs. Log fires. Peace. Tel: 08707 292 292 www.bodidrishall.com

H

BATH - OLD MILL HOTEL AND LODGE SPECIAL OFFER SHORT BREAKS - 2 NIGHTS £82pp DBB ETC ***** and silver award for quality. FREE car parking www.oldmillbath.co.uk Tel: 01225 858476

I

POLURRIAN HOTEL - MULLION, LIZARD PENINSULAR Overlooking sandy cove and surrounded by N.T. Coastline. Sea and Fresh Cornish air. Exceptional leisure facilities. Tel: 01326 240421 www.polurrianhotel.com

J

There’s more to the Lake District than majestic mountains... Discover Langdale and Cumbria’s lakes, crags and coast. Glorious Lake District estate with luxury accommodation. For Prices Visit: www.langdale.co.uk or Freephone: 0500 051197

K

BLACKBULL INN at NATEBY Cosy village inn recently renovated provides high standard of accommodation. SPECIAL 10% TELEGRAPH DISCOUNT

brochure - 017683 71588

L

The Keswick Country House Hotel - Cumbria With 74 bedrooms set within 4 acres of tended gardens. Only 5 minutes from town centre. Magnificent scenery. PRICES FROM £49 pp DBB Reservations: 0845 458 4333 www.thekeswickhotel.co.uk AA *** RAC 56

Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following letter and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 –30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. Dear Susan, Many thanks for your letter. Perhaps you ……………(21) be interested to know that we managed to move to another house with a garden. My family is very happy about ……………(22), because it’s more comfortable and bigger than the old one. Our children enjoy playing in the garden. People are more friendlier ……………(23) in cities. Well, I’d like to ……………(24) our house. When you enter the house, there is a small hall. Then there is Steve’s and Mary’s room and our bedroom is …………… (25) to them. Our kitchen is opposite our living room. I won’t tell you everything about it. There’s a lot to ……………(26) done to the outside of the house. At the back of the garden we have a small ……………(27), which could be turned into a garage later. Anyway, we have …………… (28) of spare room, so why don’t you and Steve come to stay with us for a couple of weeks? I…………… (29) say good-bye now because I still have some things to …………… (30) in our bedroom. I’m really dying to hear from you. I hope you’ll write to me soon. Best wishes, Joanne 21.

a) would b) should c) are

24.

a) introduce b) describe c) show

27.

a) building b) build c) outbuilding

22.

a) that b) it c) this

25.

a) near b) next c) by

28.

a) plenty b) lot c) much

23.

a) than b) as c) like

26.

a) have b) be c) being

29.

a) should b) must c) would

30.

a) fix b) finish c) make

57

Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a – o is missing in items 31 –40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. VIRGIN AIRWAYS Virgin Airways is becoming frustrated ………. (31) it awaits crucial and overdue decisions affecting its future in the United States. ………. (32) the US transport authorities continue to withhold approval ………. (33) its $100 million commercial deal with Delta languished in stalled talks ………. (34) the UK and the US. A Delta spokesman said that if the tieup was not approved in the next fortnight, it ………. (35) be more difficult for the two carriers to promote their partnership in time for the winter. The deal would give Virgin ………. (36) access to 200 cities in the US. ………. (37) while the UK Department of Transport has approved the deal, it has fallen foul of political inertia in Washington D.C. as US transportation secretary Fred Pena comes under ………. (38) pressure from different US airlines to either block or permit the partnership as a means of ………. (39) the British to grant fresh traffic rights for all. Virgin confesses it is ………. (40). It claims to be less impatient about the outcome of the latest round in the “dirty tricks” battle against BA – although the issue is more explosive, with reputations and more than £500 million in potential fines at stake. a. e. i. m.

forcing frustrated for should

b. f. j. n.

while but among during

c. g. k. o.

58

when d. so h. would l. improved

between conflicting as

Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You are going to hear people talking about using 4x4 vehicles on the road. You will hear each statement only once. After you have listened to a person’s statement you decide what the opinion of that person is and mark on the answer sheet true (+) or not true (–). Now you will have about half a minute to read the five sentences. 41.

It is women who want to drive 4x4’s

42.

Because drivers feel safer in 4x4’s they drive faster

43.

Driving a 4x4 is just like driving a normal car

44.

Less pollution is caused by most 4x4’s

45.

Most people think 4x4’s are not environmentally friendly

59

Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You are going to hear a person talking about Diving First read the sentences on the question paper. You will have two minutes for this. Then listen to the report. While you listen mark whether the sentences are true (+) or not true (–) on the answer sheet. After that, you will hear the report again. Now read the sentences 46 to 55. 46.

The speaker started diving when he was 12 years old.

47.

He took his diving certification course when he was 12.

48.

The speaker has always liked the sea

49.

As a child he lived on the coast

50.

He once got a job with Jacques Cousteau

51.

He always liked to read the National Geographic magazine

52.

He stared diving mainly because his father was a diver

53.

He finds it easy to explain what diving has taught him

54.

He thinks that it could be a small thing you do wrong that could end up with your death.

55. He is still surprised that sometimes he is afraid when diving.

60

Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear five short texts. Read the question, listen to the text, and then decide whether the answer is yes (+) or no (–) and mark the correct box on your answer sheet. You will hear each text twice. 56.

You have an appointment at the local hospital today - you hear the news report - will the hospital be open?

57.

You live in a village outside of Oxton - you hear the weather report - will you be able to send your child to school today?

58.

The underground railway union has accepted a pay rise for it’s members

59.

You need to attend a meeting in North London - driving on the North Circular Road - will you need to allow extra time for the journey?

60.

Is the person calling about the house interested in renting it?

61

LETTER WRITING You have read the following advertisement in a newspaper: Love at First Date Feeling lonely and miserable? Are you a single man or woman looking for a partner? Or just want to have a friend to talk to? If so, write to us and we will enter you in our computerised database and send you the details of people who might be looking for ONLY YOU! Write now to:

First Date 65 Wellington Road London SE3 6ZQ

You are looking for a partner and decide to write to the dating agency. Write a formal letter, including the following points: 1. Describe your situation. 2. Describe yourself. 3. Say something about your free-time interests and activities. 4. Ask them to put you on their singles’ list.

62

MOCK ORAL EXAM 3. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s

• • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING ENGLISH WHY HE/SHE IS LEARNING IT ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE OF LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2: A)

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“My son is 10 years old and he is interested in pets. When he was 5 years old, I bought him a tortoise, but unfortunately it died because he didn’t take care of it. His classmate has got a dog, and he is very jealous of him. I’d rather buy something which would teach him how to take care of animals. He is a typical boy, but he doesn’t like getting up early in the morning.” (Joanne Henley, 38, teacher) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which pet would be best for him and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which pet you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best pet, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

63

64

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of taking part in a language course to improve your English. You have to decide •

Which country you would like to go to (England, Scotland or the USA)



Method of transport (by train, by air or by coach)



Which course you wish to participate in (normal, intensive)



What kind of course you would prefer (full time or part time, grammar or communication course)



How long (2 weeks or more, for the whole summer holiday)



How much money you can afford to spend on the course



Departure time or time of arrival in your selected country

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a suitable place and course that both of you would like.

65

MOCK ORAL EXAM 3. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s

• • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING ENGLISH WHY HE/SHE IS LEARNING IT ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE OF LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2: A)

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“My daughter is 12 years old and she has been dreaming about having a pet. My neighbour Kate has a dog, and my daughter often walks and runs with it in the park. She would like to get one for her birthday. I’m a little bit worried about it because she does a lot of swimming, and she wouldn’t have enough time to take care of it. Unfortunately, I’m usually too tired so would not be able to help her with it”. (Joanne Black, 42, financial director) B)

Look at the following pictures and decide which pet would be best for her and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which pet you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best pet, and which pet you would choose. Give reasons.

66

67

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of taking part in a language course to improve your English. You have to decide •

Which country you would like to go to (England, Scotland or the USA)



Method of transport (by train, by air or by coach)



Which course you wish to participate in (normal, intensive)



What kind of course you would prefer (full time or part time, grammar or communication course)



How long (2 weeks or more, for the whole summer holiday)



How much money you can afford spend on the course



Departure time or time of arrival in your selected country

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a suitable place and course that both of you would like.

68

69

READING COMPREHENSION

PRACTICE TEST 4

Read the five texts, items 1 – 5. Then read the headlines a – j. Decide which headline a – j goes best with which text. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 – 5. A

POLICE ENCOURAGE USE OF TAXIS

B

TRIMMING THE FAT

C

DO YOU WANT TO WORK LONGER?

D

MONEY LENDER WOUNDED IN SHOOTING

E

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

F

CHINATOWN LINKS IN SHOOTING

G

WE WORK TOO MANY HOURS

H

PRESIDENTIAL AMBITIONS

I

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE SAYS POLICE

J

LOTTO MADNESS

1. The 35-hour week is putting a huge strain on the French economy, Finance Minister Nicolas Sarkozy has said. In an interview with newspapers Les Echos and the FT, Mr Sarkozy blamed tight restrictions on working hours for France’s budgetary problems. The policy directly costs the French Government and firms 16bn euros (£10.6bn; $19bn) a year, Mr Sarkozy said. And by restricting companies, the rule has left the French economy far less flexible than its competitors. “We simply have to accept that those who want to work longer to earn more should be allowed to do it,” he said. 70

2. Mr Sarkozy, who makes no secret of his political ambitions, used the interview to lay out his economic and political manifesto. His most urgent problem is French state finances, which are currently in breach of Euro zone criteria after repeated failures to curb spending. Mr Sarkozy gave no immediate counter-proposal for working-time rules, but reiterated his commitment to trimming budgetary fat. In particular, he said it should be possible to force people to pay more for healthcare. The government is considering introducing a flat excess payment, under which patients pay part of the cost of treatment up to a certain limit. He also strayed into foreign policy, arguing that France had recently become too exclusively friendly to Germany.

3. A simple belief drives hundreds of millions of people around the world to buy lottery tickets every week. So if an e-mail arrives announcing that a “European lottery” has selected you as the lucky winner of half a million euros, it is all too easy to believe. You never bought a ticket? No matter - your e-mail address was selected randomly. Does the e-mail - usually purporting to come from Spain or the Netherlands - have a few spelling and grammar errors? Well, they’re not native English speakers, are they? Everyone makes mistakes.

4. Private firms are offering Russian motorists the chance to avoid driving while drunk. Among the options on offer is a special “evacuation service”, with pick-up trucks available for hire to tow drivers home in their cars after a heavy night of drinking. The service does not come cheap, but customers are choosing to fork out rather than risk breaking the law. As Russia’s NTV channel reported, last year saw over 35,000 people die on Russia’s roads. Around 70% of accidents were caused by motorists who were often found to be over the limit. And in Moscow alone, traffic police are still stopping up to 400 drunk drivers every day and are encouraging drivers to use other forms of transport.

5. A man shot dead while drinking at a bar in London’s Chinatown district may have been killed because of his work as a money lender, an inquest has heard. The coroner found You Yi He, 36, was unlawfully killed at the BRB bar in Gerard Street on 3 June 2004. At the time of his death he was being investigated over possible links to international people smuggling. Detective Chief Inspector Ken Bell said: “We are still investigating links to Snakehead gangs”. Mr He was shot in the hand and chest at about 1700 BST by two men. Originally from the Fujian province of south-west China, the married father-oftwo left his family behind to come to Britain in 1997. He is thought to have been an illegal immigrant.

71

Reading Comprehension Part 2 Read the following text, then choose the answers to questions 6 – 10 and mark your answer – a, b, or c – on the answer sheet. Market Place The fragmentation of the EU marketplace is reflected in its prices, and prices can vary hugely across the EU. One study of 53 products revealed an average price differential of 24%, with an average variation of 80% between a companies’ highest and lowest price points. In Portugal, normally one of Europe’s cheapest countries, researchers found the price of salt to be 12 times higher than in Italy. The euro was meant to change this. In reality it is more complicated. Yes, the euro removes one difficulty in crosscountry comparisons. But plenty of others remain. For many products, purely local brands dominate: a pan-European T-shirt, for example, barely exists. One problem is that manufacturers change product specifications from country to country. Bicycles with the same model number use different components. The “same” Adidas trainer may turn out to be a slightly different version, with subtle alterations of tread, shape or composition. For many products, the sheer variety of models complicates comparisons. Take the humble fishing reel. A single manufacturer, Abu-Garcia, makes 53 models of just one type of reel. Southern Europeans tend to have narrower feet than Northerners, so shoes have to be tailored accordingly. Spaniards are used to washing machines with lower spin speeds than elsewhere in Europe. Germans like built-in fridge-freezers, whereas Britons prefer freestanding models with the freezer at the bottom. From kettles to cookers it’s the same. Second, the distribution channels can change the picture. In France, for example, the main channel for sales of audio products, televisions and videos is hypermarkets, whereas in Germany sales are mainly through specialist stores. If all this was not complicated enough, there are still many other fiddly factors that influence prices: different seasons between north and south, different tax rates, the timing of sales and stock-clearance, the distance from manufacturer to retailer. Europeanisation, let alone globalization, has a long way to go yet.

72

Answer the following questions from information given in the text.

6.

Prices in the EU are a. b. c.

7.

Are there problems in setting an EU price a. b. c.

8.

true not true only in Germany and France

Every country demands what suits them a. b. c.

10.

none some problems there are many problems

The products sold in different countries are the same a. b. c.

9.

the same everywhere different in most countries an average price is set

true not true little difference in most countries

In the EU the same product is sold in similar types of stores a. b. c.

true not true only in France and Germany

73

Reading Comprehension Part 3 Read questions 11- 20 and then look at the next pages and read the advertisements a – l. In which of the advertisements can you find what you are looking for? For each of the items 11 - 20, decide which advertisement goes with the situation described. 11.

Looking for a beach home? – this is it.

12.

A fully serviced retirement home.

13.

This home will be an Eastern love affair.

14.

A Victorian beauty – close to the tube.

15.

From this villa, a good view of the boats.

16.

The buyer becomes a member on this site.

17.

Set in fields - an old cottage home.

18.

Houses near water and trees.

19.

Luxury Spanish beach villa.

20.

Escape to Lincolnshire.

74

A

D

SHEPHERD’S BUSH NO CHAIN £699,950 Recently refurbished 5 bedroom Victorian 3 storey, bay fronted house finished to an exceptional standard. 5 mins to underground. Viewing highly recommended. Contact: 07802 23577

HOMES TO LOVE ALL OVER LINCOLNSHIRE Wide open spaces, beautiful countryside and charming villages 2-6 bedroom houses available £108,000 to £225,000 Isn’t it time you escaped to Lincolnshire Sales Office: 01775 710600

B

E

desert springs

Excelsior Mills Superb apartments in an historic county mill!

SPAIN’S ONLY DESERT GOLF RESORT - WHERE OWNERSHIP MEANS MEMBERSHIP. Apartments Townhouses Villas CONTACT:

Only a few apartments remain in this unique conversion of an historic country mill. Retaining many original features and are individually designed. BRITANNIADEVELOPMENTS Sales Office: 01422 825672 www.britannia-developments.co.uk

£137,000 £198,000 £200,000 01242 680116

C Assisted Living offers more than just a new home!

F LAKE DISTRICT

Enjoy a lifestyle suitable to both your current and future needs. Care, Catering and Housekeeping services incl.

COUNTRY RESIDENCE/ B&B Set in 19 acres, 10 letting bedrooms plus 2 bed Granny flat annex. Beautiful views, peaceful environment. Freehold. Price Guide: £375,000 For Details Contact 01478 524116 www.planit.co.uk

Two-bedroom apartments and houses from £250,000

BROAD OAK MANOR CARE CENTRE 01992 558 669 75

J

G

HOMES TO LOVE IN THE EAST

BEACHSIDE HOLIDAY HOMES CARLYON BAY SOUTH CORNWALL

Tudor Homes is one of the most exciting property developers in the Eastern region. Our individually designed homes are available from just £171,950.

Luxury Holiday Homes at “The beach” Sea view apartments on this south-facing beach a few miles from Fowey and the Eden Project. Available off-plan on 999 year leases. Live & Let scheme available. Call our Sales Team today: 0870 850 58 58

New homes now available in: Holbeach, Moulton Seas End, Chatteris and Wisbech Call our Sales Line today 01775 715550 www.tudorhomes.com

H

K

Marina View Sandbank - Dunoon, Argyll ...the home of your dreams overlooking the new Marina on the Holy Loch from £162,500 COWAL ESTATE AGENTS 01369 707770

I

simply stunning belvederecreek.com

Playa marques luxury villas on the Almanzora coast of south east Spain Driest and sunniest area of Spain. Relaxing tranquil environment. High quality specification. Townhouse from: £203,000 Villas from: £340,000

Contact:

01242 680116

www.almanzora.com L Williams Parry Richards

River Oaks Homes

SOUTH HEREFORDSHIRE Character old cottage with 4 bedrooms, study/TV room, utility in idyllic setting surrounded by fields. 2 detached stone barns. Superb landscaped gardens, orchard and duck pond.

These stunning new homes are available at our riverside development, Belvedere Creek, in the heart of Faversham, Kent or the tranquil woodland setting of Beauport Park.

Offers around £650,000

From: £149,500 for more details: 01424 855078 www.riveroakshomes.co.uk

ROSS-on-WYE 01989 768484 www.wpr-property.co.uk

76

Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 –30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. USING MY UK CAR I’m moving to Budapest from Wales to be with my girlfriend. I’m bringing my car ……………(21) with me, will I need to take another driving test, and can I insure the car with an Hungarian company? If you stay in Hungary for more than 90 days you will be ……………(22) to obtain a residence permit. As British citizens have an absolute right of entry, all you’ll need to qualify is proof of sufficient funds ……………(23) yourself during the first year. You’ll also need proof of private health insurance. Hopefully you’ll find a job by the end of the first year and can get a subsequent residence permit on the basis of your work. With ……………(24) to your driving license, if you have the modern plastic card license then you should be okay. At present you ……………(25) change your British license for a Hungarian one once you’ve been resident for a year. However, this is scheduled to change, and from 2005 any modern, credit card type EU license will be valid in Hungary without the need ……………(26) it. If you bring a car to Hungary you …………(27) it around for 180 days as a tourist. After that you …………… (28) expected to register the car into the Hungarian system. Some have in the past chosen to just keep …………… (29) their cars on British plates but that, of course, has its own difficulties. Apart from …………… (30) to the police, you won’t be able to get insurance in Hungary so you will have to have your insurance, plus a green card issued in the UK. This means you’ll have to return once a year for the MOT test, not something many enjoy doing. 21.

a) over b) up c) down

24.

a) regarding b) regard c) regards

27.

a) drive b) must drive c) may drive

22.

a) expecting b) expect c) expected

25.

a) would b) need to c) should

28.

a) would be b) may be c) must be

23.

a) to support b) supporting c) support

26.

a) change b) changing c) to change

29.

a) to drive b) driving c) drive

30.

a) explaining b) to explain c) explain

77

Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a – o is missing in items 31 –40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. DEVELOPING MALLS At the same time, ………. (31) suppliers and logistics groups are happy to work with “big” brand retailers John explained that Hungarian suppliers are more than happy with major ………. (32) and chains as they see guaranteed payments, even though contracts may be drawn up with delayed payment agreements. GKI’s Sulok said that with the ………. (33) of hypermarkets, and the way they are building on each other’s doorsteps, there is an increasing struggle and ………. (34) to attract the “small pocket” of Hungarian consumers. “The only way they can really compete is by ………. (35) their client’s added values and services” he said. Sulok said that no matter how strong the hypermarkets are, they are ………. (36) to compete with the cheap goods imported from China by the local Chinese markets. “Why ………. (37) anyone buy articles elsewhere when the Chinese market sells them for a fifth of the shop price” he said. ………. (38) he added that big companies like Tesco and Auchan will be able to compete with the Chinese markets as long as they provide quality products and improved customer and sales services. Sulok also explained that several small shops are ……......…. (39) to realize that unity means strength, and are themselves joining bigger brands, such as Real. “A perfect example of this is the expansion of retailer chain CBA where smaller shops can join in a franchise system and reap the benefits of having suppliers dealt with ………. (40) one ‘retail’ hat”. a. d. g. j. m.

beginning under however would having

b. e. h. k. n.

offering increase many outlets rising 78

c. f. i. l. o.

starting although price war should lots of

Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You are going to hear 5 people talking about British roads. You will hear each statement only once. After you have listened to a person’s statement you decide what the opinion of that person is and mark on the answer sheet true (+) or not true (–). Now you will have about half a minute to read the five sentences. 41.

The first speaker thinks that British roads are not big enough.

42.

The second speaker’s first thoughts were that it would be better to use the train.

43.

The third speaker’s opinion is that traffic jams cost his business money.

44.

The fourth speaker questions the British “working culture”.

45.

The fifth speaker supports taking children to school by car.

79

Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You are going to hear a report about Rock Climbing. First read the sentences on the question paper. You will have two minutes for this. Then listen to the report. While you listen mark whether the sentences are true (+) or not true (–) on the answer sheet. After that, you will hear the report again. Now read the sentences 46 to 55.

46.

The speaker likes to spend his time out of the city.

47.

He liked rock climbing from day one.

48.

It was the excitement of rock climbing that made him continue doing it.

49.

He thinks that rock climbing is a dangerous sport.

50.

He states that when climbing - you need to keep concentrating on what you are doing.

51.

The best rock climbers tend to be quite tall

52.

You need to be very strong.

53.

Women usually make good rock climbers.

54.

Once a climb is graded - it remains at that grade.

55.

The speaker thinks that different climbs suit different people.

80

Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear five short texts. Read the question, listen to the text, and then decide whether the answer is yes (+) or no (–) and mark the correct box on your answer sheet. You will hear each text twice.

56.

You are booked on the 1800 hours flight from Stansted to Budapest this evening. Will your flight be okay?

57.

You are listening to the news and would like to go to the Flower Show today. Is it on today?

58.

You live in Oxton. You hear on the news that all football matches have been cancelled because of the bad weather.

59.

A number of people are talking about going out tonight. They decide to go to a concert.

60.

You are listening to a radio programme announcement - will you be able to listen to “You and Yours” this evening?

81

LETTER WRITING You have found the following leaflet in you letter-box: FRIENDS OF THE FOREST Join our club for a weekend trip into the forest and the hills surrounding our city! Take some exercise and marvel at the wonders of the countryside. To join one of our excursions, write to: FRIENDS OF THE FOREST 31 Oakwood Road LONDON W1 8TJ You decide to write to this club and ask for more information. Write a formal letter including the following points:

1.

Ask for details about the trip (place, duration, etc.).

2.

Enquire what equipment is necessary.

3.

Ask whether previous experience is required.

4.

Ask about club membership (fees, duration, rules, etc).

82

MOCK ORAL EXAM 4. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s • • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS WHAT HIS/HER HOBBY/INTEREST IS WHY HE/SHE LIKES IT/THEM HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING ENGLISH DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2: A)

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“My 10-year-old daughter has been dreaming of having the latest model of Barbie doll. Her classmate has got one and she’s very sad that she has not. I think that it’s both expensive and unnecessary because she has plenty of them. I prefer buying her something that she can learn from or helps to improve her artistic skills. Unfortunately, she is not interested in Lego-kits or computers”. (Kate Tailor, 40 years old, interpreter)

B) C) D)

Look at the following pictures and decide which toy would be best for her and why. Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which toy you have chosen and why. Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best toy, and which toy you would choose. Give reasons.

83

84

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Discussion: In this part of the test you will have a discussion with your partner about watching TV. Here are some ideas on this topic: 1.

Watching TV is a better free-time activity than reading.

2.

There is no point in going to the cinema, for you can always see the latest movies on TV a few months later.

3.

Watching too much violence on TV can have an adverse effect on children.

4.

The standard of TV programmes today is not what it used to be.

5.

Reality shows on TV are very popular because they present real life situations.

6.

There are numerous TV channels available which provide a wide variety of programmes.

7.

There should be several TV sets in every household, so as to avoid quarrels over what to watch.

8.

People tend to watch soap operas, reality shows and quiz programmes on TV because they cannot find anything better to do.

85

MOCK ORAL EXAM 4. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s • • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM WHAT HIS/HER JOB/WORK IS WHAT HIS/HER HOBBY/INTEREST IS WHY HE/SHE LIKES IT/THEM HOW LONG HE/SHE HAS BEEN LEARNING ENGLISH DETAILS OF HIS/HER FAMILY

Only ask for information you do not already know In addition, the examiner will have one or more topic for you to ask about Part 2: A)

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“My 10-year-old son has been dreaming of having a battery-operated railway set. I think that it’s both very expensive, and as he doesn’t like to sit in one place for a long time, buying one is just wasting money. He is really a wriggling child. When he wants to put his models together my husband always has to help him with it. I’d rather buy something he can assemble alone because we don’t have enough time to play with him all the time”. (Margaret Smith, 36 years old, marketing manager)

B) C) D)

Look at the following pictures and decide which toy would be best for him and why. Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which toy you have chosen and why. Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best toy, and which toy you would choose. Give reasons. 86

87

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Discussion: In this part of the test you will have a discussion with your partner about watching TV. Here are some ideas on this topic: 1.

Watching TV is a better free-time activity than reading.

2.

There is no point in going to the cinema, for you can always see the latest movies on TV a few months later.

3.

Watching too much violence on TV can have an adverse effect on children.

4.

The standard of TV programmes today is not what it used to be.

5.

Reality shows on TV are very popular because they present real life situations.

6.

There are numerous TV channels available which provide a wide variety of programmes.

7.

There should be several TV sets in every household, so as to avoid quarrels over what to watch.

8.

People tend to watch soap operas, reality shows and quiz programmes on TV because they cannot find anything better to do.

88

89

Reading Comprehension Part 1

PRACTICE TEST 5

Read the five texts, items 1 – 5. Then read the headlines a – j. Decide which headline a – j goes best with which text. Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 – 5. A

FROM WARSHIP TO REEF

B

ACTRESS SAVES MAN’S LIFE

C

TOURIST VANISHES

D

WARSHIP SANK IN STORM

E

STORM CHAOS

F

SPIDER SENSATION

G

MOTORWAY PILE-UP

H

GRAPE EATING SPIDER SCARE

I

FRENCH TOURIST VERY ILL IN LONDON

J

TV TACTICS SAVE LIFE

1. Police are searching for a 66-year-old French tourist who went missing in central London two weeks ago. Charles Souqes, who speaks no English, was on a day trip when he disappeared 30 minutes before his party was picked up in Hanover Square on 9 June. He was waiting for the bus at 1530 BST when he went to sit on the green, saying he felt unwell. But it was only after it left that the party noticed Mr Souqes, a diabetic who needs medication, was not on board.

90

3.

2. Supermarket bosses are urgently trying to find out whether a spider found in a bag of grapes by a nineyear-old girl was a black widow. Tarnia Howe, of Newbury, Berkshire, spotted the spider amongst grapes that she and her two sisters had been eating. The schoolgirl called her father, who felt he recognised a red marking as similar to that on a black widow. Sainsbury’s chiefs have apologised for the shock discovery and have sent the spider to a laboratory for tests.

Severe weather has caused major problems for emergency services across Devon and Cornwall. Trees were uprooted and a giant marquee from the Royal Cornwall Showground at Wadebridge was blown onto the A39, blocking the road. There were several accidents on the M5 motorway, caused by standing water and debris blown from lorries. Devon and Cornwall Police described conditions across the two counties on Tuesday evening as “treacherous”, a very dangerous night.

4. Hundreds of divers have visited the wreck of a Royal Navy warship since it was sunk off Cornwall last March. Diving activity in Whitsand Bay has trebled following the scuttling of HMS Scylla to create Europe’s first artificial diving reef. About 530 dive boats travelled to the site in April and May - more than the total for a six-month period last year. Experts at Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium say the vessel has already become home to a variety of sea life. Non-divers will soon be able to visit HMS Scylla when the aquarium launches a six-person research and tourist submarine next month. The NMA plans to run regular one-hour submarine tours of the wreck for £150 per person.

5. A woman who helped save a man’s life when he collapsed in front of her said “she just followed what she had seen on the TV programme Casualty”. Gaye Knight was working in a shop in Tunbridge Wells when Richard Jarvis had a diabetic fit and stopped breathing. He had no pulse and had effectively died but Miss Knight resuscitated him and gave him heart massage which paramedics said kept Mr Jarvis alive. She said “she remembered the techniques from a Casualty episode about diabetes”. Miss Knight said “she has spent hours glued to Casualty” - the story of a fictional hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

91

Reading Comprehension Part 2 Read the following text, then choose the answers to questions 6 – 10 and mark your answer – a, b, or c – on the answer sheet. Getting fatter Expect your neighbour to get fatter. Obesity is on the rise everywhere. In America and Britain a full 30% of adults in 2004 will qualify as obese, 50% will be merely overweight. The causes in the great majority of cases, not all, are twofold: too much food and too little exercise. Personal unhappiness, often springing from the belief that people have lost control of their lives, is also a trigger. Obesity is concentrated among the poor and minorities: the inactive. In 2004, there will be the first attempts to nail the blame for obesity - and the medical problems that attend it - not on personal responsibility but on the food companies, notably those such as McDonald’s, that serve good cheap but highly calorific food in huge quantities. Expect much absurdity in the American courts as sets of suing lawyers see the prospect of large, punitive damages awards. This will help lawyers but do nothing to prevent obesity. It is certain that this is a long-term problem that will only get worse over the coming years. The proportion of obese school children has doubled in America in the past 15 years. Why? One reason is that schools, bowing to pressure from the teachers’ unions, have steadily reduced the amount of sports and physical activity during the school day. And once a child is seriously overweight, the overwhelming likelihood is that he or she will remain that way throughout life, with all the attendant problems of heart disease, diabetes, immobility and premature death. It is an interesting paradox that those societies that will have the highest rates of obesity will also be those that take exercise most seriously. It is not the obese, of course, who will be exercising. One imbalance gives birth to another. In the United States 13% of the population will belong to a gym and will have regular work-out sessions. In less obese Britain the figure is 7%. In slimmer France and Italy just 4% feel the need for vigorous exercise in an artificial climate. Yet these societies, on balance, will stay healthier.

92

Answer the following questions from information given in the text.

6.

There are more people who are a. b. c.

7.

People are getting fatter because a. b. c.

8.

less sports lessons the same number of sports lessons more sports lessons

Obesity will a. b. c.

10.

people are happy eating fast food people are eating too much food people are eating the wrong type of food

Schools are doing a. b. c.

9.

fat overweight no differences between most people

mean you die earlier make no difference to your life-cycle eventually cause serious diseases

Britain has less obesity than a. b. c.

France the USA Italy

93

Reading Comprehension Part 3 Read questions 11 - 20 and then look at the next pages and read the advertisements a – l. In which of the advertisements can you find what you are looking for? For each of the items 11 - 20, decide which advertisement goes with the situation described.

11.

Children can stay at the school before they join

12.

Language study in France for young children

13.

A lot of children join this school after the age of 11

14.

You would like to send your son to a mixed sex school

15.

This company will help you to choose an independent school

16.

This school is suitable for those good at sports

17.

This is a good guide to schools and colleges

18.

This school says “you will get results here”

19.

Students have priority at this school

20.

Learn a language in your ‘year out’

94

A

D

STUDY LANGUAGES IN EUROPE Language courses abroad for business or pleasure, all ages including FRENCH FOR JUNIORS IN MONPELLIER We can help you find the course to meet your personal requirements SIBS Ltd. [email protected] www.sibs.co.uk

B

WICKEDLY

WONDERFUL kids summer camping Treat your child to camp this summer ... Beach Children aged 8 to 13 Sailing Camping Horse Riding Making new Friends Boosting Self Confidence Many more exciting activities

Have the time of their lives on the South Coast www.WickedlyWonderful.com

E

S.Anselm’s

Choosing an independent school?

One of the very best prep schools in England * Happy Family Atmosphere * 40 extracurricular activities * 2/3 Full Boarding * Outstanding academic record * Beautiful Peak District setting * Excellent Sport, Music, Drama, Art

Contact Gabbitas for independent personal advice on the right school for your child or buy the Gabbitas guide.

S. ANSELM’S PREP SCHOOL Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1DP 01629 812734

Call:

020 7734 0161 www.gabbitas.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

F C

Prior’s Field School

COTTESMORE SCHOOL

Godalming Surrey GU7 2RH

The only full co-educational boarding prep school in England

Independent Boarding School and Day School for girls aged 11 - 18 years

* supportive, caring , happy environment * * * * *

small classes, big opportunities easy access to London and its airports superb facilities in parkland setting excellent extra curricular provision impressive record at Scholarship and Common Entrance “Cottesmore is not a school where children live, it’s a home where they learn”

OPEN MORNING AND TASTER BOARDING WEEKEND ON 9TH OCTOBER 2004 10.00am - 1.00pm Tel: 01483 810551 email: [email protected]

www.cottesmoreschool.com

95

J

G

CIFE colleges

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools Getting Results

Where students come first Students come to CIFE colleges because:

With a dedicated professional staff and superb facilities, the Schools are confident they can develop your child’s talents.

• they want to be taught in small groups

• they want to receive more individual attention want a wider choice of subjects they want to study in a mature, supportive and focused environment

• they

Highly competitive fees, with full boarding fees around £5,000 per term.



To find out more or to arrange a visit call: 01600 71104/710433 www.habs-monmouth.org

020 8787 8666 www.cife.org.uk K

H

THE ORATORY SCHOOL

CRANLEIGH PREPARATORY SCHOOL A boarding and day school for 7-13 year olds 11+ a popular entry point Please call Fiona Bundock on 01483 542051 for further details or to arrange a visit.

Good at Sports? Sports Scholarships available Tel: 01491 683500 Email: [email protected] web: www.oratory.co.uk

L I

Language courses abroad: holidays, revision courses, gap year and more programmes.

Guide to Boarding Schools & Colleges 2004

The authoritative guide to boarding education. only £14.95 + £3 p+p

Fantastic Summer offers available Call or Email for a FREE brochure Tel: 08707 200735 Web: www.ef.com Email: [email protected]

John Catt Educational Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1728 663666 www.schoolsearch.co.uk/bookshop

96

Language Elements (Part 1) Read the following letter and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 –30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. Dear Sir, I am writing to complain about the ……………(21) standard of service I received yesterday at the Hero’s Coffee Shop. On ……………(22) the self-service restaurant at three o’clock my friend and I found a very long queue. We had to reject two trays before ……………(23) a clean one. Once at the counter, we found most of the food had gone expect for four, old man-handled open sandwiches. There was no one ……………(24) us – a girl came only when a young man started to help himself to soup. I think the girl had had none or very little training. The two girls at the drinks counter were also slow and sloppy. I had .……………(25) fifteen minutes for a coffee that was half spilt across my tray. I was also disgusted to find that the cutlery was ……………(26) with dried water drops of food and grease. The table we occupied was dirty, and finally the soup was heavy and salty. I regret …………(27) that I was sick in the afternoon and I could not continue my programme with my friend. None of this is an exaggeration. I cannot believe that such terrible service could exist in a world famous place. I was …………… (28) and furious, not only for myself but on behalf of all the visitors who come to this …………… (29) beautiful country. I work as a manager in the travel industry, and as such, in a position to recommend that visitors boycott this restaurant, and will do so unless I receive a letter indicating what measures you intend …………… (30) to improve the level of service. Yours sincerely, Judy Black

21.

a) appalling b) appal c) appallingly

24.

a) serving b) serve c) to serve

27.

a) saying b) to say c) say

22.

a) enter b) entering c) going in

25.

a) waits b) to wait c) waiting

28.

a) embarrassed b) embarrass c) embarrassing

23.

a) to find b) finding c) find

26.

a) covered b) covers c) to cover

29.

a) obviously b) otherwise c) apparently

30.

a) taking b) take c) to take

97

Language Elements (Part 2) Read the following text and decide which word or phrase a – o is missing in items 31 –40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet. AT THE TEA SHOP A close friend of my mother lives in the country in Yorkshire, and she often goes to the beautiful town ………. (31) Harrogate to do her shopping. After ………. (32) her shopping, she usually has tea in a small tea shop. One afternoon she was looking forward to ………. (33) tea and she went to her usual tea shop, but it was ………. (34) with people from the antiques fair. The waitress was rather embarrassed that there was no room for a regular customer, but she offered her a place at a small table, ………. (35) it with a middle-aged man. The lady was disappointed but wanted a cup of tea very much, so she agreed. The waitress showed her to a table ………. (36) the front window, where the man was sitting. The man smiled politely ……………(37) returned to his paperback book. After a few minutes, he got up and left. The lady was drinking her tea when she noticed that there was a slice of fruit cake …………… (38) the man’s plate. She looked around ………. (39) but there was no sign of him. She was feeling extremely hungry and it seemed a ………….. (40) shame to waste it, so she picked it up and ate it. Just as she was finishing the cake, the man reappeared and returned to the table.

a. d. g. j. m.

carefully having doing then on

b. e. h. k. n.

in by after disposal forbidding

98

c. f. i. l. o.

of into crowded dreadful sharing

Listening Comprehension (Part 1) You are going to hear 5 people talking about the British Government’s future plans. You will hear each statement only once. After you have listened to a person’s statement you decide what the opinion of that person is and mark on the answer sheet true (+) or not true (–). Now you will have about half a minute to read the five sentences.

41. The first speaker supports the outlined plans 42. The second speaker thinks that their will be little effect on voting levels 43. The third speaker seems happy that education is a priority 44. The fourth speaker thinks that the civil service must use more computers 45. The fifth speaker thinks that there are sufficient teachers in primary schools

99

Listening Comprehension (Part 2) You are going to hear a report about a dancer First read the sentences on the question paper. You will have two minutes for this. Then listen to the report. While you listen mark whether the sentences are true (+) or not true (–) on the answer sheet. After that, you will hear the report again. Now read the sentences 46 to 55.

46.

The dancer was born in Hungary

47.

She left Hungary when she was twenty-two years old

48.

She was born in a Budapest hospital

49.

She was born on the 21st of April 1913

50.

Her father taught at the university

51.

He was a famous professor

52.

She was attracted to music at school

53.

She studied in Budapest

54.

She moved to America – where she got married

55.

She has been married twice

100

Listening Comprehension (Part 3) You will hear five short texts. Read the question, listen to the text, and then decide whether the answer is yes (+) or no (–) and mark the correct box on your answer sheet. You will hear each text twice.

56.

You live in Clapham – will you be able to use the train today?

57.

You are listening to the local weather forecast - do they advise you that it’s okay to drive into the town centre?

58.

You hear on the Sports News that the Arsenal mid-fielder is leaving the club.

59.

The caller is asking about the public transport services from the centre of Cardiff.

60.

You are going to travel on the M4 to Heathrow Airport today. Your route is via the M25 to the M4/M25 junction, and then Westbound to Heathrow Airport, you expect no delays on this route.

101

LETTER WRITING You have received the following invitation from one of your friends: Edward & Susan Are happy to invite you to their house-warming party. We are planning a joyful event with eating, drinking, dancing, playing games and lots of fun! We would be glad to see you there as well! Come to our party on 3rd Feb at 8.00 p.m. Unfortunately, you cannot attend this party, but decide to write your friends a letter nonetheless, including the following points: 1.

Thank them for their invitation.

2.

Say why you cannot go and apologise.

3.

Ask about details of their new flat.

4.

Ask for news about them.

102

MOCK ORAL EXAM 5. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s

• • • • • • •

NAME WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM HOW HE/SHE CELEBRATES EASTER WHAT HIS/HER HOBBIES ARE WHY HE/SHE LIKES THEM ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE OF HIS/HER HOBBIES DESCRIBE YOUR HOME

Only ask for information you do not already know Extra question Part 2: A)

Candidate A: Do you do any sports regularly? Candidate B: Can you name some ball games?

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“Personally, I’d always prefer to travel by air because I’ve been working as a businesswoman at a big company and I always have to travel abroad a lot . My parents company is in the USA, that’s why I always fly - it takes about 10 hours. If I have the opportunity, I choose business class because it’s more comfortable. When I was a child I was afraid of flying. I often go on holiday abroad by air. I’m not satisfied with MALÉV (Hungarian airline) that’s why I usually choose another airline”. (Jackie White, 39)

B)

Look at the following pictures on the sheet and decide which picture would be best for her and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which picture you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best picture, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

103

104

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of arranging a New Year’s Eve party. You have to decide •

Where you would like to arrange it (at home, in a hotel,in a restaurant, in a pub or abroad)



Method of transport if you go somewhere (on foot, by car, coach, train or by air)



How many people will be invited



Drink, food (preparing, ordering or nothing)



Music



Collecting money or paying for oneself



Arranging accommodation if it is necessary



How many nights



Leaving and arriving date if it is necessary

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a place that both of you would like.

105

MOCK ORAL EXAM 5. Part 1:

SOCIAL PART

Candidate A/B: In this first part you will be asked to find out as much information as you can about your partner’s • NAME • WHERE HE/SHE COMES FROM • HOW HE/SHE CELEBRATES EASTER • WHAT HIS/HER HOBBIES ARE • WHY HE/SHE LIKES IT/THEM • ADVANTAGE OR DISADVANTAGE OF HIS/HER HOBBIES • DESCRIBE YOUR HOME Only ask for information you do not already know Extra question

Part 2: A)

Candidate A: Do you do any sports regularly? Candidate B: Can you name some ball games?

TOPIC-BASED CONVERSATION Read the following statement:

“Personally, I’d always prefer to travel by car because I’ve been working as a businessman at a big company in Budapest for 10 years, and I always have to travel a lot. I’ve got a company car and an AGIP petrol card so I don’t have to spend my money on petrol. When I was a child, I always wanted to travel by air, and wanted to become a pilot. When I’m on holiday, I often go by car because it’s fast, comfortable and cheap. I like driving very much”. (John Black, 41)

B)

Look at the following pictures on the sheet and decide which picture would be best for him and why.

C)

Prepare to tell your partner about this person’s opinion and which picture you have chosen and why.

D)

Finally, tell your partner about your own opinion of the best picture, and which picture you would choose. Give reasons.

106

107

Part 3: TASK Candidate A/B Situation: You and your partner are thinking of arranging a New Year’s Eve party. You have to decide •

Where you would like to arrange it (at home, in a hotel, in a restaurant, in a pub or abroad)



Method of transport if you go somewhere (on foot, by car, coach, train or by air)



How many people will be invited



Drink, food (preparing, ordering or nothing)



Music



Collecting money or paying for oneself



Arranging accommodation if it is necessary



How many nights



Leaving and arriving date if it is necessary

First decide what you would like and why. Then prepare to tell your partner your ideas and give reasons. Then listen to your partner’s ideas and reasons. Try to agree on a place that both of you would like.

108

109

ANSWER KEYS TESTS 1-5 PRACTICE EXAM 1 1.

2.

READING COMPREHENSION Part 1

1. C 2. I

Part 2

6. C 7. B 8. A 9. C 10. B

Part 3

11F 12B 13G 14A 15D 16C 17H 18J 19K 20L

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS 21. 27. 33. 39.

3.

3. E 4. F 5. B

B C C D

22. 28. 34. 40.

C A A E

23. 29. 35.

C B B

24. 30. 36.

B C G

25. 31. 37.

A F O

26. 32. 38.

B M N

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Part 1 Speaker 41. Speaker 1 Not True

Tapescript

Well it’s really quite bewildering and the time consuming even when you’re choosing the basics. You’ve only got to go into a supermarket and you see yards of shelve space devoted to a confusing array of shampoo and all its variations. It just goes on and on, and do we really need so much choice! 42. Speaker 2

True

Well I think the issue is more choice means better value. But consumers have to work a little harder in order to take advantage of it. And the competition and the choice have brought down prices for the consumer significantly.

110

43. Speaker 3

Not True

Well I worked in the home shopping industry for over 30 years, and we did a lot of analysis of sales and we found that where we offered customers a lot of choice, we sold a lot more, but we got a lot more back and our net sales didn’t improve. 44. Speaker 4

True

I don’t think the system of choosing a school can possibly work properly because every year schools publish their results widely in the newspapers and all the parents, here in Norwich for example, would upped for the school which gives the best results so one school is going to be inundated with applications and the other schools are going to have vacant places. 45. Speaker 5

True

And for example, if a customer wants a simple internet tariff or a simple phone tariff, they do exist. But the simple tariffs are not necessary the cheapest tariffs. And customers have got to choose. And I think it’s great that they have that choice. They can either take the simple option or they can do a little more work and invest a little more time exploring their choices and they can end up with better value. Part 2 Tapescript Let’s consider the case of Canada. In March 1995 the Canadian minister of education and Training announced that all surplus old computers would be donated to schools. The Computer for Schools programme co-ordinates, repairs and then delivers donated computers to Canadian elementary and secondary schools for student use. In 1995, in just the first 2 days of the programme, more than 7,000 computers were donated to schools across Canada. By 1997, more than 35,000 computers and 50,000 pieces of software had been given to schools. And by the year 2000, the Computers for Schools programme had donated close to 225,000, that’s a quarter of a million old computers to schools and libraries across Canada. All of these agencies work to restore and renew old computers so that they can be used by people who otherwise couldn’t 111

afford to have one. So, although environmental pollution from discarded computers will not disappear, there are countries, such as Canada, where people are working hard to reduce this danger. But the next time you’re thinking about buying a new computer - why not give some thought to what you’ll do with your old one, don’t just take it to the dump. 46 47 48 49 50

Not True True Not True True Not True

51 52 53 54 55

True True Not True True Not True

Part 3 56

No

744 987 – Err, I’m ringing about the advertisement for the house, err, could you tell me how much it is - how much the rent is - (yes it’s a £170) - £170, that’s per month (that’s right, yes - per month) - err okay. 57

No

The hot weather is still causing problems. It hasn’t rained for 6 weeks and the water supply is at crisis level. The police have asked local people not to water their gardens more than once a week during this emergency period. The washing of cars is completely banned. 58

Yes

Welcome to The Royal Shakespeare Theatre recorded information line. The box office telephone number is 01 789 295 623. For credit card bookings and reservations lines are open Monday - Friday 9am-8pm. Booking is now open for performances up to 27th January. For information on ticket availability please press 0. Thank you for calling The Royal Shakespeare Theatre recorded information line.

112

59

No

Now, after yesterday’s high winds knocked a fair few trees down – one of them is still in situ for South Croydon - it’s on Gravel Hill closing it both ways from Shelsdon Park to Shirley Hills road. And that’s causing some really quite horrendous local queues and also effecting tram link services which aren’t running between Lloyd Park and New Addington. 60

Yes

Attention passengers waiting for Virgins Rail’s 16.30 train to Birmingham. Please be advised that this train has a technical problem and will now leave from platform 9 at approximately 17.30. Please go to platform 9 for the Virgin Rail train to Birmingham.

113

Model 1 107 Kingswood Road Shirley Croydon Surrey CR0 9HW Home Sweet Home Estate Agency 22 Accacia Avenue London SE1 8DG

5th June 2004

Dear Sir or Madam, With reference to your recent advertisement in “Modern Home” regarding your house finding services. I am looking for a 3-bed semi-detached house in southwest London. It should be larger than average with decent-sized rooms, a separate dinning room along with an office/study - as I often work at home. It should be within easy walking distance from public transport as I work in Central London. The maximum that I could afford to pay is approximately £170,000. I have a pre-arranged mortgage offer from Abbey National for a repayment mortgage over 25 years. I would appreciate an early reply as to what properties you are currently offering and an overview of your services and fees. I thank you in advance for your help in this matter. Yours faithfully, M.S. Fish

114

PRACTICE EXAM 2 1.

2.

READING COMPREHENSION Part 1

1. G

2. B

3. C

4. J

5. A

Part 2

6. C

7. B

8. B

9. C

10. B

Part 3

11C 12H 13A 14J 15B 16I

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS 21. B 27. C 33. B 39. I

3.

17L 18G 19D 20K

22. A 28. A 34. F 40. E

23. B 29. A 35. A

24. C. 30. A 36. G

25. A 31. D 37. M

26. A 32. H 38. C

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Part 1 41. Speaker 1

Speaker True

Tapescript

My name’s Jody, I’ve come from the bottom of the barrel. I used to drink a lot and all kinds of other stuff - I used to do shop lifting and that to provide my habit and stuff. And well I was getting into trouble with the police for it and all kinds of stuff. Now I’m totally reformed. My experience has just been amazing - involved with Fairbridge. Because I’ve done this – done the Spirit twice and err I started off as a client and now for two months and they took me on as a volunteer. I’ve got a purpose in life now where back then I didn’t have nothing. 42. Speaker 2

Not True

I’ve just come off a residential and I met the boat yesterday - an experience of a lifetime really. It’s like you can’t explain it to people what’s it all about once you get on the boat - and well. Just take your chance when you got it because otherwise these chances don’t come round very often. It’s given me more confidence. It’s made me think don’t take things for granted and just get on with it basically. 115

43. Speaker 3 True When young people come on “Spirit” it’s sometimes the first time they’ve left their inner city, and they will travel hundreds of miles - maybe for the first time. And meet a bunch of other young people from all across the UK. And then they get on this ship since it’s a completely different environment. And then working as a team with other young people for a week in a really intensive kind of environment – it’s really mind blowing for them and it broadens their horizons. Might be the first time they’ve seen wildlife or been out of the city and one of the big things we try and do is to try to get them to apply that to their home life - and say look at all the things you’ve done this week that you’ve never done before. 44. Speaker 4

Not True

My name is Natalie. I travelled from Cardiff to Bristol on the “Spirit” and I’ve been steering the boat. Watching for buoys and rocks and other boats and stuff. It wasn’t too bad because there was only about 5 of us sleeping and I’ve made new friends. 45. Speaker 5

Not True

I suppose being the outreach worker I’m quite lucky. I see them right at the start when they first come in. There’s no communication skills there’s no confidence. There’s no self-esteem. There’s not a lot really. So yeah, I see them from the beginning and as they go through the programme the changes are just amazing. And I say one way that it improves people is that, you know, the fact that so many of our young people have gone on to be volunteers and then gone on to be staff members, have gone on to run their own companies. Have become business people, have become teachers. From, you know, from small kinds of little acorns there grow these amazing trees. Our young people - we’re so proud of them.

Part 2

116

Tapescript – Global Warming What then are the effects of Global warming? Well, first a rise in sea levels. Second, an increase in severe weather conditions, and third, an increase in the frequency of outbreaks of infectious diseases - such as malaria and dengue fever. These are considered to be the main effects, although there are many, many others. Looking at the rise in sea levels - we know for certain that over the past 100 years - sea levels have globally risen by over a foot and continue to rise at an alarming rate. If global warming is not slowed down some cities and coastal areas and indeed whole island nations will be completely covered in water by the next century. Global warming also leads to extreme weather patterns such as El Nino - we’ve seen on the TV news the heavy storms, droughts and floods caused by these weather patterns and the terrible destruction and devastating effects on agriculture. As mentioned before, insects that carry infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are now on the increase. This is due in part, to their ability to survive in places that were previously too cold or too hot for them. This has lead to an increase in the percentage of the world’s population exposed to these diseases from 45 to 65%. This increase, is also in part, due to the rising global population itself.

46 47 48 49 50

Not True True True Not True True

51 52 53 54 55

117

True Not True True True Not True

Part 3 56

No

The temperature at 2pm yesterday was a record 32 degrees and hospitals have reported a large number of cases of heat exhaustion. Old people and babies are most at risk. Unfortunately, the weather forecast says that the hot dry weather will continue for three or four more days. Who says it always rains in England. 57

No

Well staying with finance and the Bank of England has decided to leave interest rates unchanged this month at 4.5%. The base rate has risen by a quarter of one percent in each of the last two months amid concerns about unsustainable house prices and record levels of consumer debt and rising inflation. 58

Yes

Well more bad weather rather is heading our way today. It’s already pouring here at Marylebone High Street - so do expect some nasty driving conditions and there’ll be a fair few rather large puddle to watch out for as well. Public transport disruptions for south eastern Tonbridge to Hastings. For the Tubes delays on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. 59

Yes

Hello. Passengers of flight 17 bound for Caracas, with stops in Atlanta and Miami. The departure gate has been changed to 30B. Also, there will be a slight departure delay due to inclement weather outside. The ground crew is in the process of de-icing the wings in preparation for departure. We should be boarding about a quarter to the hour. Thank you for your patience. 60

No

This is the Castle Hill Hotel. We are sorry to inform callers that the hotel will be closed for refurbishment and repairs following a small fire for the next two weeks. If your wish to make a booking for a later period please call 020 198 645. Thank you. 118

Model 2 36 North End Road Streatham London SW19 4BW SureToBurn Creditors 15 Black Lane Manchester MA1 35Z

26th May 2004

Dear Sir, With reference to your recent advertisement in The Times which offered a mortgage loan finding service. I am currently looking for a new house in Southwest London at approximately £170,000 and would be grateful if you could assist me in obtaining the necessary financing for this purchase. I would be most grateful if you could advise me on the following points: •

The normal conditions for obtaining a loan, and the maximum amount that I could borrow.



What would the monthly repayments be on a loan of this amount, and the length of the repayment term?



Would the lender require a bank guarantee policy - if so, what is the cost of this?



The amount of fees payable to your company for this service.

I await your reply with much interest. Yours faithfully, M.G. Jones 119

PRACTICE EXAM 3 1.

2.

READING COMPREHENSION Part 1

1. B

2. C

3. D

4. A

5. J

Part 2

6. A

7. B

8. A

9. C

10. B

Part 3

11. C 16. A

12. I 17. F

13. B 18. K

14. E 19. D

15. J 20. H

24. B 30. A 36. O

25. B 31. L 37. F

26. B 32. B 38. H

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS 21. A 27. C 33. I 39. A

3.

22. B 28. A 34. D 40. E

23. A 29. B 35. K

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Part 1 Speaker 41. Speaker 1

Tapescript

Not True

It’s the more affluent, self-employed business type of person who wants his wife and children to be in these things. If they can’t drive, you know, no disrespect to these civilian drivers, I think there’re very good drivers, but those forced to go in these cars by their husbands and who think I suppose, they will be a lot safer and have more room. 42. Speaker 1

True

As you have less fear, you have less attention. You have less physiological arousal. And we all like to keep some kind of balance of that arousal somewhere between heart stopping fear and mind sort of numbing complete tranquillity. So as things get, or we perceive them to be safer - we tend to pull up our level of arousal - perhaps by driving faster or what have you. 120

43. Speaker 1

Not True

Well straight away you can see that we have an enhanced driving position in the Range Rover. We’re higher up than you would be in an ordinary car. In fact, this Range Rover has got a suspension lift of a couple of inches to help it cross-country. So what you have is, you have a vehicle that is definitely less stable on the road than a car would be. So the trouble is I think unless you have driven a vehicle like this off-road for a little while you don’t understand how it works and how different it is from an ordinary car. 44. Speaker 1

Not True

The average 4x4 emits about 240 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide emissions. Now if you compare that to the average across all segments which is about 170 to 175 it’s certainly higher. But there are some very good examples of 4x4 vehicles that are low CO2 emitters - the Toyota RAV4 for example - 175 per km - now that’s absolutely bang on the average. 45. Speaker 1

True

I think it’s possibly easy to scapegoat a 4x4 because, you know, until now there’s always been problems with 4x4s being used off-road. And on-the-road I think people consider them to be much larger, smokier and just less environmentally friendly. Part 2 46 47 48 49 50

Not True True True True Not True

51 52 53 54 55

121

Not True True Not True True True

Tapescript:

Scuba Diving

Then you started scuba diving when you were pretty young? Yeah, I started - well actually started the course to get certified when I was I think 12 years old. But I’d - actually I had been diving for a little bit before that. I’d been snorkelling for a long time - I don’t remember when I started snorkelling - when I learnt how to swim probably. But I started diving a little bit - but not without the certification - when I was probably 8 or 9 with my brother and my father. But then I did the course when I was 12 because that was when you could do the course - and I could. What got you started? Well I mean Seattle is a port city. Living on an island and being round the sea and all of that. I always really liked the water and I was always in it and snorkelled and wrote letters to Jacques Cousteau asking for jobs and things like that when I was really young. I even wrote a letter to National Geographic asking them if they would pay for me to sail around the world - I must have been about 9 years old or something but .. Did they write back? No - neither of them. I met Jacques Cousteau once but didn’t ask him then for a job. I was always really, really attracted to the ocean a lot and I think part of that’s my dad liked to go out on the boats - he was a diver and I think that’s how I actually got into diving because he had equipment and I just started using it - getting in the water. What do you think it’s taught you as a sport? May be partly what it’s taught me more is the kinds of things you learn from anything when you get involved with something that’s dangerous I think. It’s hard to put a finger on what that actually teaches you. But actually I’m thinking more when I’ve been diving really, really deep and what it teaches you about that. There are very stereotypical things that you know, just like one small thing that you can do wrong that you’ll end up dying and may be one thing I learned recently was that something I was very surprised by, because I always felt comfortable in the water, is that I can get to places where I feel really, really scared and that teaches you something. I’m not sure actually what it is - but if you’re terrified you feel like you’re learning something about yourself, because it’s not that often you feel that way I think.

122

Part3 56

Yes

There has been a small fire at Oxton General Hospital. More than 20 patients were evacuated from part of the building - as firemen fought the blaze. The fire was not serious. The firemen extinguished the blaze in a couple of minutes and everything is now back to normal. 57

No

As a result of the bad weather some schools in country areas outside town have closed - as several children and teachers have not been able to get to school. In Oxton itself however, schools are open as usual. Bad news for many, although I expect the kids will be happy. 58

No

A week after the most recent tube strike London underground bosses are meeting the RMT union later to try to prevent any more stoppages. Last week thousands of underground workers caused chaos by boycotting the tube for 24 hours. The union has warned of further walk-outs after London underground offered a three-and-a-half percent pay rise. 59

Yes

And more problems on the eastern side of town. You’ve got lane 1 blocked eastbound with a smash on the Angel Road stretch of the North Circular, that’s the Hall Lane junction. Southend Road which is also the North Circular eastbound. A vehicle has lost it’s wheel there and that’s causing some problems as well, it’s effecting the Cooks Barrier Inter-change. 60

Yes

I’m ringing about the advertisement for the house. Oh, yes. Could you tell me something about it? Yes certainly, what would you like to know? Could you tell me something about the house, you know sort of what it comprises of? Rooms you mean? Yeah, Yeah rooms Well downstairs there’s the kitchen – quite a big kitchen and there’s a combined sitting room and dining room and then upstairs two bedrooms and a bathroom. Lovely, well that sounds fine, when can I come and see it? Well any time really, I’m at work until five ……..

123

Model 3 67 Hope Lane Chertsey Surrey SW7 8JN First Date 65 Wellington Road London SE3 6ZQ

7th May 2004

Dear Sir or Madam, I refer to your advertisement which appeared in The Daily Telegraph regarding your partner finding services. I am 35 years old, of average height with brown hair and grey eyes. I enjoy playing tennis and keeping fit. Normally, my summer holidays are in the “sun”, and in winter I always go skiing. I am employed by a large multi-national company as a computer network specialist. I live in southwest London and own my own house. Finding it difficult to meet a suitable partner, I believe that a service such as yours could be successful. I would be grateful if you could enter my details onto your

database and send me details of women looking for a friend/partner that I may be interested in meeting. Thank you for your help in this matter. I look forward to an early reply, full details of your service and details of possible partners from your database. Yours faithfully, P. George

124

PRACTICE EXAM 4 1.

2.

READING COMPREHENSION Part 1

1. C

2. B

3. E

4. A

5. F

Part 2

6. B

7. C

8. B

9. A

10. B

Part 3

11. G 16. B

12. C 17. L

13. J 18. I

14. A 19. K

15. H 20. D

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS 21. 26. 31. 36.

3.

A C H M

22. 27. 32. 37.

C C K L

23. 28. 33. 38.

A A E G

24. 29. 34. 39.

B B I A

25. 30. 35. 40.

B A B D

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Part 1 41. Speaker 1

Speaker True

Tapescript

Well, we need to use the money from the road tax and the fuel duty exactly for what it’s for - to put on the roads. You’ve got road planners today who have learnt nothing. They’re still building motorways today as they did 45-50 years ago when the M1 opened. We’ve got 3 lanes up and three lanes down. Not enough capacity I’m afraid. 42. Speaker 2

Not True

Well I was travelling back from London on Saturday. I decided to take the car rather than the train because I had several items that were going to be quite heavy. I had no intention of struggling along to the train station and try and pack them safely in the carriage. So I took the car. No problems going up to London, but coming back I was held up for 2 hours at the junction of the A2-M25. 125

43. Speaker 3

True

And you’ll find the motorway here resembles a national car park. A hot-dog vendor would do an absolutely roaring trade. It’s 3 lanes of solid traffic right back and beyond junction 38 and we’re just south of junction 41 at the moment. So if you can image that it’s probably round about 6-7 miles of tailback every morning - every day of the week Monday-Friday. The truck that I’ve got stood - I’m losing round about 20% efficiency on my trucks at £30 per hour. So work it out for yourself on a 10 hour normal working day what it’s costing me each day for each truck stood in congestion. 44. Speaker 4

True

I think we can improve the situation I think. It’s a case of really radically looking at the way we work and live. In the UK - you know - for example, I don’t deny the fact that we have pressure points that build-up our traffic between say 7 in the morning and 9 in the morning and 4 and 6 in the afternoon. And yes that’s partly due to the school run, but it’s also due to this really ancient culture of working from 9-5. There’s so many new technologies out there that does allow us to work 24 hours a day. And I really think we need to look at that and why does everyone need to be at work at 9 and stop at 5. 45. Speaker 5

Not True

When I was a kid, I never went to school by car. I lived 3 miles away from the school and I had to ride a push-bike or get on the bus. There are alternatives. For these women to say I’ve got to take my little baby to school by car - they should be banned. The lot of them. If I go down the street with the school runs on - I’m stuck. It’s murder. Part 2 46 47 48 49 50

True Not True True Not True True

51 52 53 54 55

126

Not True Not True True Not True True

Tapescript - Rock Climbing Fifty per cent of the reason for rock climbing is to be out in the bush. And the same reason for fishing is to be in a nice, nice environment. So I was drawn towards rock climbing because of my love for the natural world. The first time I went I actually hated it. I thought it was dreadful. I found it scary and it hurt my fingers and I think initially - thanks to the thrill effects - it’s quite exciting. And that kept me coming back. But it’s something I’ve done over the course of a number of years quite a bit of and have climbed in lots of different places in Australia, and love being in the bush. Rock climbing is very interesting because it’s technically demanding and it’s also very intense. And you have to take it seriously because there’s potential risk. Although the dangers - objective dangers - are pretty small. Never-the-less they’re real and you have to take them seriously. So it is incredibly absorbing when you do it. It really focuses the mind and you don’t tend to think about much else when you’re rock climbing other than what you’re doing right there and then. What makes a good rock climber? They tend to be fairly short and wiry and they tend to have good flexibility and enormous finger strength. In America quite a few ex-gymnasts are good rock climbers, although it’s a different activity. But you need a good strength-to-weight ratio. And for that you need to be generally speaking small. And if you’re shorter it’s easier to have good balance. Of course, it you’re taller then you have a reach advantage - so some advantage in being tall. But tall people tend to be heavier and so then reduces your strength - your relative strength and therefore the best climbers in the world tend to be pretty small, wiry. And women often tend to be very good at rock climbing because they often are light have good balance, have good flexibility and they often have good strong fingers. Even though they might not be very muscular in their upper body. They might not be able to do so many chin-ups or push-ups. They often have very strong fingers relative to their body weight and so that’s more important than big bulging biceps. Do you have a rating? The Australian system is different to the European and American system and so my better climbing, I suppose, is in the low twenties in the Australian system. Is that you that’s graded or is that the climb itself? That’s the climb. So climbs are graded according to their degree of difficulty. So the first person who ever climbs that particular route up a cliff has the right to name the climb and he or she will normally allocate a grade. However, that grade doesn’t necessary stay. Over a period of time, as people climb it, consensus might change it up or down. And so when people come to write guide books, usually they’ll ask as many people as they can, who have done their climbs, what do they think it is. Then they make their judgement. So there is controversy occasionally people will say the climb is under-graded or over-graded and also an issue is that some people are better at some sorts of climbs and some people are better at others - so ......

127

Part 3 56

No

There has been a serious accident at Stansted Airport. Passengers booked on afternoon flights today should get in touch with their travel agent as soon as possible for details of new flight arrangements as there will be no flights until late this evening. Passengers for flights after 7 o’clock need not make any special arrangements and can turn up at the airport as normal. Thank you. 57

Yes

Now the Hampton Court Flower Show. Hopefully there’ll be a better day for it today. But that’s on at the moment - which means extra traffic for the A308 and A309. At the moment the M3 is very slow heading up on to the A308 junction 1. You’ve got queues for Staines Road east towards Hampton Court. That’s from Station Approach up to Church Street and some queues at the Kempton Avenue junction as well - delays there back to Sunbury Cross. 58

No

Many of today’s football matches in England and Scotland have been cancelled because of the snow. But local football fans will be happy to know that Oxton United will play a very important match against Milltown tomorrow as planned. That’s thanks to United’s special underground heating. 59

Yes

Let’s go out this evening. Okay where shall we go? What about the cinema. No, you know I went to the cinema last night. No let’s go somewhere else - anywhere. A theatre. A restaurant anywhere but not the cinema. Why don’t we go to a disco? No I don’t like discos. Well there’s a concert on. Yes, let’s go to a concert. That’s a good idea. Okay. 60

No

Well it’s nearly time for Michael Fish and his weather report. But before that I’ll just outline the rest of tonight’s listening. At 8 o’clock there’s World news. After that,

approximately 8.15, a change to our normal Wednesday evening programme instead of “You and Yours” we are going live to the England and Germany football match. Now here’s Michael Fish with the weather report.

128

Model 4 44 Love Lane Twickenham Surrey SW2 7HJ Friends of The Forest 31 Oakwood Road London W1 8TJ

4th June 2004

Dear Sir or Madam, With reference to your recent advertisement leaflet, outlining organised weekend excursions into the countryside, which I would be interested in joining. I would be most grateful if you could send me further information about your club and its activities. First of all, what is the cost of membership, and how long is it valid for? Secondly, I was also wondering if there are any special rules that I need to be aware of. Also any advice about what equipment is necessary, and if any experience is needed would be useful. Please also include your programme for this summer - such as dates and places to visit. I thank you for your help in this matter and look forward to receiving your earliest reply. Yours faithfully, P.J. Jones

129

PRACTICE EXAM 5 1.

2.

READING COMPREHENSION Part 1

1. C

2. H

3. E

4. A

5. J

Part 2

6. B

7. B

8. A

9. A

10. B

Part 3

11. F 16. K

12. A 17. I

13. H 18. G

14. C 19. J

15. E 20. L

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS 21. 27. 33. 39.

3.

A B D A

22. 28. 34. 40.

B A I L

23. 29. 35.

B B O

24. 30. 36.

C C E

25. 31. 37.

B C J

26. 32. 38.

A G M

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

Part 1 41. Speaker 1

Speaker Not True

Tapescript

So it just didn’t seem to make sense that you can operate these services efficiently. Put this money from some part and put it into the front line something’s going to lose out. The benefit systems going to be losing out or it’s going to privatise certain things. But you see and when I’ve listened to him in Parliament they’re never clear of how these savings are going to be made. So they don’t think this can be possible at all - without it drastically effecting our services. 42. Speaker 2

Not True

You know his ability to just cut a fifth of the work force in the civil service. Good Lord. We’ve an election coming up before these cuts are implemented. I mean the individuals who feel they’re going to be vulnerable - their families. These are vote losers as far as Labour is concerned. To me it just feels it’s another bridge-too-far as far as Labour are concerned. I just think it’s a vote 130

loser. When he’s raising this money - where’s it going - this big black hole called the National Health Service. 43. Speaker 3

True

And we know there is a shortage of teachers. Particularly teachers in specialist subjects. And teachers of broken minority ethnic backgrounds - again there is a shortage of those teachers. So basically I’m encouraged that this is a priority. But in terms of spending money wisely - I do feel that they need to listen more to what the profession is saying. 44. Speaker 4

True

This is the age of the computer and whichever government happens to be in power at the time they have to restructure all their civil services. To take on all the benefits of the speed of computers and stuff like that. That’s one of the major costs of any government in this time. It has to happen. People get frustrated at the civil service working as slow as it does. They have to allow the transition so it may work quicker in the future because of computers. 45. Speaker 5

Not True

There is more pressure on teachers in primary schools in Salford. I don’t wonder at the quality of education that’s given to primary schools because primary school teachers are doing an absolutely fantastic job under the pressures that there are. Large class sizes. They can’t cover their own vacancies. They’re covering too many children to cover an occasional absence. Part 2 46 47 48 49 50

True True Not True Not True Not True

51 52 53 54 55

131

Not True Not True True True Not True

Tapescript Well first of all, tell me something about your early life. I believe you’re from Eastern Europe aren’t you. Yes, that’s right. I was born in Hungary and I lived there for all of my childhood. In fact I lived in Hungary for 22 years. I believe there’s a rather strange story that I’ve heard about your birth. Yes, in fact I was born on a boat. Because my mother needed to go to the hospital and we lived on a lake, and so she was on the boat going to the hospital. Yes on a beautiful spring day in fact. It was the 21st of April that I arrived in - well around 1930 I can tell you - but I won’t be more specific than that. Right, and parents. Yes, well my mother and father remained in Hungary. They didn’t come away with me. And my father was a history professor at the university. He wasn’t famous. But on the other hand my mother was quite famous. She was a pianist. She played lots of concerts in Hungary. She travelled around a lot. So music was, because your mother was a pianist, music was very important for you. Yes, in fact. You’re fun from very early. Yes, I danced when my mother played the piano. You wanted to dance - was it at school. Well I was very, very young and I did all of my studies in Budapest. And I started dancing there in Budapest with my family. And then I came to America and I got married when I was very, very young. I had an American husband and he died very young. And then I married another man from Canada. And then my third husband was French. 132

Part 3 56

Yes

There’s south public transport. There’s still these big problems for Sliverlink metro. They’re not running a service between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction after a freight train derailed. Now they do have a reduced service which runs every 20 minutes between Willesden Junction and North Woolwich via Croswell Oak. And that special service runs at 3 minutes, 23 and 43 minutes past the hour and 5 minutes, 25 and 45 minutes past the hour from North Woolwich. Now this suspension could last all day - so in the meantime buses, London Underground and South West trains will accept your tickets there. 57

No

The bad weather has again caused chaos in the Oxton area. The heavy snow which has been falling since yesterday afternoon has caused great difficulties for motorists. In the town centre an accident in Smith Square involving a bus and a number of cars has caused some traffic delays. If you must go into town - take a bus or a train, all public transport is working normally. 58

No

Patrick Vieri is staying at Arsenal according to manager Arsne Wenger. There’s been constant speculation recently that the French mid-fielder would be moving to Real Madrid. But Wenger told the club’s website that “if that was true it would have happened a long time ago”. 59

Yes

744 987 I’m ringing about the advertisement for the house Oh yes Could you tell me something about it? Yes certainly - what would you like to know Well, how far is it from the centre of Cardiff? I think about 6 miles more or less – yes 6 miles 6 miles Could you tell me something about the public transport? How can I get to the house from the centre? Well there’s - you can get a train I suppose from about 5 minutes walk away the station is. There’s a train I suppose every half hour. 60

No

The earlier serious accident for the M25 there’s no access on to the westbound M4 from the M25. So the clockwise and anti-clockwise slip roads are closed off. Traffic is diverting instead on to the eastbound M4 using the A4 - but massive queues in the area.

133

Model 5 4th June 2004 Dear Ed and Sue, Many thanks for your house-warming party invitation; unfortunately we will be unable to come as we have already arranged to be in Scotland that weekend. We haven’t met for a while so would love to know about your latest news, and of course details about the new flat. Richmond is such a nice area, we have often looked at it ourselves, perhaps one day we will be able to buy a house there. I will contact you when we get back from Scotland. Perhaps we can get together over lunch and catch-up on the gossip. Once again, sorry we can’t make your party. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love Julie

134

Exam Instructions and Marking Criteria Instructions for the ELC examination are shown in the next few pages. These instructions are in accordance with the examining bodies guidelines regarding the examination procedures and assessment of the candidates.They are reproduced here for the benefit of students practicing for the ELC examination without guidance from a teacher/tutor. Further information can be obtained from WBT (Weiterbildungs-Testsysteme) GmbH, the test publisher and examining body, by visiting their website at www.language-certificates.com Introduction These Practice Examination papers have been developed as supplementary material for learners preparing for The European Language Certificate examination, which corresponds to the level of language competence described in the Threshold Level (B1) definition issued by the Council of Europe. It enables learners to check, if possible with the help of their teacher/tutor, whether they have attained The European Language Certificate level of language competence. In addition, the Practice Examinations provides learners with authentic examples of test items for practice purposes. The material is presented in such a way as to allow the learners to become fully acquainted with the examination format, and to know exactly what is required of them in the actual test situation. If the instructions and the times allotted are strictly adhered to, these practice papers can be used to simulate an authentic examination situation. Procedure for Conducting the Mock Examination To simulate a real test situation, the following instructions should be observed: Instruction Phase

(about 30 minutes)

Hand out the test and the answer sheet, which you can remove or copy from the Practice Examination book in order to create a better simulation of a real test situation. Make sure that the learners know how to enter their answers on the answer sheet and that they can fill in the ellipses correctly (an example is given on page 9). Point out that answers to the test questions should only be entered 135

on the answer sheet, not in the test book. Make sure that they have pencils of the correct type (a 2B or soft-leaded pencil; in a real test, using any other type of pencil could affect the scanner that reads the answer sheets). Ask learners to enter their names etc. on the answer sheet. In a real test, you would also remind learners that they are not allowed to use any reference materials not provided by the examination centre. Invite the learners to ask any questions they may have before the test commences. Having completed all the formalities, tell the learners that they may start, and explain that they have a total of 90 minutes for the first two sections of the test (Reading Comprehension and Language Elements). Now start the clock. Test (90 minutes) Reading Comprehension and Language Elements After the 90 minutes have elapsed, ask the learners to stop writing. Tell them that there will be a break of 20 minutes, and that they will not be allowed to make any changes to the answers given in the Reading Comprehension and Language Elements sub-tests after the break. 20 minutes break When learners have returned to the examination room after the break, remind them once more that no changes can be made to the answers already entered on the answer sheet. Tell them that they will now have approximately 30 minutes to complete the Listening Comprehension test. Explain that in a real test, once the test is started the CD player you will not be stopped until the Listening Comprehension test has finished (as all pauses for writing are included as blank space on the CD). Then start the CD. Listening Comprehension The end of the Listening Comprehension test will be announced on the CD by a gong and the following text: “That is the end of the Listening Comprehension test”. Tell the learners that they should now start the Letter Writing Test. 136

Letter Writing Tell the learners that they now have 30 minutes to write the letter. Start the clock. After the 30 minutes have elapsed, ask the learners to stop writing and collect the answer sheets. The Oral Examination In the real test, two examiners will be present at each examination. For a mock examination, one examiner will be sufficient. The oral examination will normally take place with two candidates at a time, working in pairs. If, however, this is not possible because of exceptional circumstances, for example because there is an odd number of candidates, the oral examination can be conducted with just one candidate, the second examiner taking over the role of interlocutor. To simulate an examination in pairs, learners should divide up into twos before the oral examination starts. In the real test, candidates will be divided into pairs by the examination centre, who can take candidates’ wishes into consideration. Make a timetable, allowing twenty minutes for each test, as there is a preparation period of twenty minutes before each test. The first pair of candidates will require twenty minutes’ preparation time before the first test can take place. As the two learners are not allowed to communicate with each other during this time, a supervisor is required in the preparation room. Preparation Phase Twenty minutes before the first oral test, hand out copies of the four Candidates’ Sheets to each of the first two learners. Remind them that they should not communicate with each other. Explain that there are three sections: in the first section they will be required to ask each other questions in order to obtain certain information, in the second part they will be asked to report to each other about the information they have on their sheet and to give their own opinions on the specified topic, and in the final section they will have to solve a task together with their partner. They are not allowed to use a dictionary.

137

They can make notes on a piece of paper if they wish, but must not use these notes in the test (i.e. nothing should be written on the Candidates’ Sheets). Emphasize that they should talk to each other rather than to the examiner and that your role is simply to start them off on each of the three sections. Examination When the learners enter the examination room after the twenty minutes’ preparation time, ask them to sit down on the two chairs provided. A round table with the candidates sitting not too near to each other (as they would sit in real communication) is an ideal arrangement. The distance between learner/s and teacher/s should be such as to prevent the learners being distracted by the teacher/s marking their performance. If there is a second teacher in the room, introduce her/him to the candidates and move on to the first section as smoothly as possible. Address one of the learners by name and ask her/him to start. If you are conducting an examination with just one candidate, eliciting information about the second examiner will be part of the task. In this case, just ask the candidate to start. Do not interrupt or intervene unless one of the two learners is either dominating the interaction or not taking an active part in the task. If so, take appropriate action by addressing the less active candidate directly and suggest that he/she should ask the other candidate questions on one or more of the topics. Should communication break down due to misunderstandings or language problems, try and help out as briefly as possible. When the candidates have completed the task, add the extra topic by inviting one of the learners to put a question to the other candidate about this topic. Keep the marking criteria in mind while listening to the candidates and decide on a mark for each of the four criteria by the end of the section. When the first task has been completed or after approximately three to four minutes have elapsed, move smoothly on to the second task and set up the interaction by inviting one candidate to report to her/his fellow-candidate. Should this take too long or should the second candidate not enter the interaction with information from her/his sheet, intervene to make sure that each candidate has an opportunity to take an almost equal part in the task.

138

Ensure that candidates not only exchange the information on their sheets but also the opinions expressed on the Candidates’ Sheets. The candidates must also give their personal views. Keep an eye on the clock, as this section should not last more than five or six minutes. Again, keep the marking criteria in mind while listening to the candidates and decide on a mark for each of the four criteria by the end of the section. Move on to the third and final section and set up the task as briefly as possible. You should only invite one of the candidates to start if neither of them responds. As in Sections 1 and 2, only intervene if problems should occur. Keep an eye on the clock, as this section should also not last more than five or six minutes. Again, keep the marking criteria in mind while listening to the candidates and decide on a mark for each of the four criteria by the end of the section. When Section 3 has been completed, thank the candidates and tell them that the test is over. Examiners’ Discussion If you have a second examiner, compare marks. The final discussion between the examiners should not take longer than five minutes, so that the second pair of candidates can start the next examination on time. Agree on a mark for each of the four criteria per section. Written Examination Sub-Test 1: Reading Comprehension This sub-test consists of three parts, testing your skills in • Reading for Gist • Reading for Detail • Selective Reading This sub-test contains a total of 20 items. Each item has only one correct answer. 139

Sub-Test 2: Language Elements This sub-test consists of two parts:

• Part 1 • Part 2

This sub-test contains a total of 20 items. Each item has only one correct answer. Sub-Test 3: Listening Comprehension This sub-test consists of three parts, testing your skills in • Listening for Gist • Listening for Detail • Selective Listening Letter Writing You are allowed a total of 30 minutes for this sub-test. Oral Examination The Oral Examination consists of three parts: Part 1: Part 2: Part 3:

Social Contacts Topic-Based Conversation Task

Each oral examination normally takes place with two candidates. For each examination there are two examiners. In exceptional cases, e.g. when there is an odd number of candidates at your Examination Centre, you may be tested by yourself, in which case your partner will be one of the two examiners. The examination is intended to have the character of a conversation, not an interrogation. In the two-candidate format, the main task of the examiners is to supervise the conversation. They are instructed to say as little as possible. For the purpose of the test, it is more important for you to have an active conversation with your partner. It is better to sit in such a way that you are 140

looking in her/his direction, and to respond to what he/she says without trying to dominate the conversation. Both candidates are expected to involve themselves in the conversation so as to produce an interesting dialogue on a variety of topics. It will have a positive effect on your mark if you try to help your partner, should he/she at any time have problems trying to express what he/she would like to say. The oral examination will last no longer than 15 minutes. Before the examination starts, you will have twenty minutes to prepare for the test with the help of Candidate’s Sheets giving details of the tasks you will have to complete. During this preparation time, you will not be allowed to communicate with your partner. Oral Examination Part 1-3 (15 minutes) Part 1: Social Contacts The examiner will invite both of you to hold a conversation to enable you to get to know your partner or to find out more information about each other, as described in Part 1 on the Candidate’s Sheet. The aim is not to fire questions at each other or to go through the individual questions one by one, but to start an informal conversation on the basis of the given topics. For example, if you know your partner, there is no point in asking for her/his name. At the end of this short conversation, the examiner will suggest another topic, e.g. what foreign languages you have learned, that you will not find on the Candidate’s Sheet. You and your partner both have the same task description for Part 1. Part 2: Topic-Based Conversation In this part of the oral examination, you and your partner will have different information on your Candidate’s Sheets. The examiner will first ask you and your partner to report to each other briefly the opinions expressed on your sheets and to tell your partner which of the pictures shown on the sheet you think is best suited for the person’s stated opinion.Then exchange your own ideas on which picture you would choose and why. 141

Part 3: Task The examiner will ask you to discuss a situation with your partner as described on your Candidate’s Sheet. He/She will invite you to tell your partner your ideas and to listen to your partner’s ideas, to give reasons for your suggestions and to agree with your partner on the topic situation. You and your partner both have the same task description for Part 3. Marking, Points and Grades A maximum total of 300 points can be awarded for the whole examination. The sub-tests Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension and Oral Examination have an equal weighting with a possible maximum total of 75 points for each sub-test. A maximum total of 30 points can be awarded for the sub-test Language Elements and 45 points for the sub-test Letter Writing. For the Reading Comprehension, Language Elements and Listening Comprehension parts of the examination compare the learners’ answers with the answer keys. Award points as follows: Reading for Gist Items Reading for Detail Items Selective Reading Items Language Elements, Part 1 Language Elements, Part 2 Listening for Gist Listening for Detail Selective Listening

1– 5 6 – 10 11 – 20 Items 21 – 30 Items 31 – 40 Items 41 – 45 Items 46 – 55 Items 56 – 60

5 points each 5 points each 2.5 points each 1.5 points each 1.5 points each 5 points each 2.5 points each 5 points each

For the Letter Writing and Oral Examination, award points according to the Marking Criteria. Enter the points on the Marks Sheet. Add together separately the points for the written and for the oral part of the examination. 142

In order to pass the examination as a whole, the candidate must obtain at least 60% of the maximum possible total in the written as well as in the oral part of the examination. This corresponds to 135 points in the Written and 45 points in the Oral Examination. If the overall mark is more than the minimum number of points required to pass the examination, the number of points for the Written and for the Oral Examination should be added together and the grade awarded according to the following table: 180 – 209.5 points 210 – 239.5 points 240 – 269.5 points 270 – 300 points

Pass Satisfactory Good Very Good

(Grade 4) (Grade 3) (Grade 2) (Grade 1)

In a real examination, a candidate who has failed one part of the examination (either the written or the oral part), or who has attempted only one part, can retake that part during the calendar year in which the examination has been taken or the following calendar year. The entire examination can be retaken as many times as the candidate wishes. Marking Criteria:

Letter Writing

Each letter is marked by two examiners who try to reach a consensus on the mark to be awarded. A maximum total of 45 points may be awarded for this part. The letter is marked according to the following three criteria: • • •

Criterion 1: Content (Guiding Points) Criterion 2: Communicative Design Criterion 3: Language

A maximum of two further additional points may be awarded as follows: •

1 point for a wider than average range of vocabulary and structures (language).



1 point if the letter contains more than minimum information (content). 143

These additional points may not be given if the letter • has already been awarded the maximum total number of points • has been awarded a “C” (see below) in any one of the three criteria. If the mark given for Criterion 1 and/or Criterion 3 is “D”, the whole letter must be awarded zero points. The total number of points (all three criteria plus any possible additional points) is finally multiplied by 3. Criterion 1: Content (Guiding Points) Assessment is based on the number of guiding points that have been processed. A

5 points

All four guiding points have been processed in an appropriate way.

B

3 points

Three of the guiding points have been processed in an appropriate way.

C

1 point

Two of the guiding points have been processed in an appropriate way.

D

0 points

No more than one guiding point has been processed in an appropriate way.

Criterion 2: Communicative Design Assessment is based on: 1.

whether the guiding points have been processed in a logical sequence;

2.

the links between the sentences and between the guiding points;

3.

whether the language used is appropriate to the type of letter and to the person the letter is being sent to;

4.

the formal characteristics of the letter (date, salutation, closing formula). 144

The communicative design of the letter is A

5 points

appropriate in all respects.

B

3 points

appropriate in most respects.

C

1 point

mostly inappropriate.

D

0 points

completely inappropriate.

Criterion 3: Language Assessment is based on syntax, morphology and spelling. The letter contains A

5 points

no or only occasional errors.

B

3 points

a number of errors without impairing the reader’s understanding of the letter.

C

1 point

errors that considerably impair the reader’s under standing of the important parts of the letter.

D

0 points

so many errors that the text is (almost) impossible to understand.

Oral Examination The marking of the oral test is carried out during the examination by each of the two examiners individually. After the candidates have left the room, the examiners reach a consensus on the marks to be awarded for each candidate. A maximum total of 75 points may be awarded. The overall examination carries a maximum total of 300 points, giving the oral test a weighting of 25 per cent. Each of the three parts of the oral test is assessed separately in accordance with the same criteria. The marks for the three parts are based on a ratio of 1 : 2 : 2, corresponding to a points system of 15 points : 30 points : 30 points. 145

The candidates’ performance is assessed according to the following criteria: Criterion 1: Criterion 2: Criterion 3: Criterion 4:

Expression Task Management Language Pronunciation and Intonation

Part 1: Social Contacts A maximum of 15 points may be awarded as follows: Criterion

A

B

C

D

1 Expression 2 Task Management 3 Language 4 Pronunciation & Intonation

4 pts 4 pts 4 pts 3 pts

3 pts 3 pts 3 pts 2 pts

1 pt 1 pt 1 pt 1 pt

0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts

Part 2: Topic-Based Conversation and Part 3: Task In each part a maximum of 30 points may be awarded as follows: Criterion

A

B

C

D

1 Expression 2 Task Management 3 Language 4 Pronunciation & Intonation

8 pts 8 pts 8 pts 6 pts

6 pts 6 pts 6 pts 4 pts

2 pts 2 pts 2 pts 2 pts

0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts

Criterion 1: Expression Assessment is based on the extent to which the language used (vocabulary and functional exponents) is appropriate to the task and the role relationship between the two candidates.

146

Expression is: A

appropriate in all respects.

B

appropriate in most respects.

C

mostly inappropriate.

D

completely inappropriate.

Criterion 2: Task Management Assessment is based on 1.

the degree of active participation in the discourse;

2.

the use of strategies (discourse strategies and, where necessary, compensation strategies);

3.

fluency.

Task Management is A

appropriate in all respects.

B

appropriate in most respects.

C

mostly inappropriate.

D

completely inappropriate.

Assessment is made on the process of task management, not on the end-product.

147

Criterion 3: Language Assessment is based on syntax and morphology. The candidate makes: A

no or only occasional errors.

B

a number of errors without impairing communication.

C

errors that considerably impair communication.

D

so many errors that communication is (almost) impossible.

Criterion 4: Pronunciation and Intonation Assessment is based on pronunciation and intonation. Divergences from standard pronunciation and intonation A

do not impede comprehension.

B

may occasionally impede comprehension and require extra concentration on the part of the listener.

C

considerably impede comprehension.

D

make comprehension (almost) impossible.

For an overall pass in the whole examination, you must achieve at least 60% of the maximum possible total of points, both in the written and in the oral examination. This corresponds to a total of 135 points in the written examination and 45 points in the oral examination. If the pass mark is achieved for the examination as a whole, then the number of points awarded for the written examination will be added to the number of points awarded for the oral examination. The grade is then calculated according to the following table:

148

180 – 209.5 points

Pass

210 – 239.5 points

Satisfactory

240 – 269.5 points

Good

270 – 300 points

Very Good

If you fail or do not attempt one of the two parts (written or oral), you can retake that part of the test during the calendar year in which you took the examination or the following calendar year. The entire examination can be retaken as many times as you wish, e.g. in order to gain a better grade.

149

150

English Writing Skills A Guide to Good Sentences and Letter Writing

151

152

Contents Sentences

Page 154

Informal letters

Page 158

Useful Words for Informal Letters

Page 158

Formal Letters

Page 159

Examples of Formal Letter Layout

Page 160

Useful Words for Formal Letters

Page 161

Letter of Complaint – useful words and phrases

Page 162

Letter Asking for Information – useful words and phrases

Page 163

A Good Letter Checklist

Page 164

153

Writing Good Sentences The key to good letter writing is: • • • •

Brain-storming the key words that will clearly state your ideas Organising these words into an outline of the respective future paragraphs choosing the correct layout - formal or informal Writing the sentences

A sentence is a group of words that makes sense. Each sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop. e.g. Chorley is a market town. e.g. Leyland is a town near Preston. These examples sound complete and make sense. They are sentences. The order of words in English sentences is “fixed” by the rules of grammar and “use of English”. So English is known as a fixed order language: i.e. Subject Verb Object order. It is this structure, in an English sentence, which makes each sentence correct and sound complete. The minimum requirements of an English sentence are: • • •

A SUBJECT A VERB AN OBJECT

A cat sat on the mat

Obviously, this is a very simple sentence. A sentence usually needs to: • • • •

be in the right tense - the auxiliary (aux) and main verb describe things or people, adjectives, (adj) say how thing are done or how something is, adverbs, (adv) say when/where it was done

154

More complex sentences can be written by joining related actions together in one sentence. This is achieved using the words (conjunctions): • and • but • or • so • because and by using •

Relative clauses

who that

whose which

AND Sentence 1 The car stopped.

Sentence 2 The driver got out.

Because these are directly related actions the two sentences can be re-written as one: The car stopped and the driver got out. Example: Sentence 1 We stayed at home

Con and (we)*

Sentence 2 watched television.

*it is not necessary to repeat “we” “he” “I” etc. Comma (,) plus and More complex when many actions are related: I got home, had something to eat, sat down in an armchair and fell asleep. BUT An assumed action is not done or something is omitted from an idea. I brought a newspaper but I did not read it. (Assumed action – to read) It is a nice house but it has not got a garden. (Idea omitted from “nice house”) 155

OR

Links together options Asks is there a reason for not doing an action. Do you want to go to the cinema or the theatre? Do you want to go out or are you too tired?

SO

The result of something It was very hot so I opened the window

BECAUSE The reason for something I opened the window because it was very hot. Because it was very hot, I opened the window. Using more than one conjunction It was late and I was tired so I went to bed. I always enjoy visiting London, but I would not like to live there because it is too big. RELATIVE CLAUSES That/Which

for things

Sentence 1 An aeroplane is a machine.

Sentence 2 An aeroplane flies high in the sky.

An aeroplane is a machine which flies high in the sky. An aeroplane is a machine that flies high in the sky. WHO

for people

Sentence 1 A thief is a person.

Sentence 2 A thief steals things.

A thief is a person who steals things. 156

THAT

when the second sentence is linked to the object of the first sentence and is linked to the subject (person).

Subject

Verb

Object

Emma The house

lives in she lives in

a house. is 100 years old

Emma lives in a house that is 100 years old. An example of complex sentences using conjunctions: because, and plus the comma (,).

He checked into his hotel, helping himself to a pile of “Travel in Britain” and “Welcome to Britain” brochures while he waited. Then he went up to his room, opened his dent-resistant suitcase (because his mother had taught him that clothes, like humans, need air after a journey), laid on the bed without taking off the slippery cover, and slept. When he awoke, three hours later, he had a bad taste in his mouth and his head felt heavy. Outside he could hear the drone of the traffic. He rang for a Coke and bourbon, it appeared twenty-five minutes later, with no ice, but rather than complain, he drank it warm. Slowly, he felt better. He unpacked, showered, and changed. He slicked on hair grease, ran an orange stick round his nails and slapped his neck with after-shave called “Beast”. He’d had it sent, mail order, from Kentucky. Then he sat in the armchair reading his travelogues, waiting.

157

Informal Letters You write an informal letter to someone you know e.g. a friend or relative. The language is informal and it does not matter if you use contracted words: (i.e. it is - it’s). You use everyday vocabulary that is familiar to you both. *

You can write your address

*

You have to put the date under the address

*

You start the letter using a friendly term e.g. Dear Dave or Hello Lisa

*

You can use a nickname that is familiar to you both

*

Finish off the letter using a friendly ending e.g. Love Sue or See you soon, Paul or Write back soon, Best wishes Carol 21 Prince St Chorley Lancs. PR5 BGH 5th March 2004

Dear Karl, Thanks for your letter. It’s good to hear from you. The photographs you sent me of your holidays are brilliant! I like the one of you and me with the fish that we caught. Do you think you can get me a copy? I will … … … …… Let me know when you are coming up for the weekend. Write soon, Chris Useful Words for Informal Letters Dear/Hi See you soon Love to all Thank you

Write back soon Your loving friend Many thanks Kindest regards 158

Love from Best wishes Write soon Reply to me soonest

Formal Letters Formal letters are used for business matters. You write a formal letter to: •

Apply for a job



Ask for information



Make an enquiry



Order goods



Make a complaint

The language and style you use will depend on the reason for writing the letter. Formal letters should: •

Be precise



Have correct grammar



Have correct punctuation



Be set out correctly



Have a formal tone



Be clear and to the point

Paragraphs: 1.

The opening paragraph - explaining why you are writing.

2.

Main paragraphs - giving details of the problem and what you want done.

3.

Closing paragraph and phrases.

You will usually be writing to a company and to people you do not know. 159

The Layout of a Formal Letter (Example) 49 Lime Close Leyland Lancashire PR25 8TG 11th September 2004 The Ticket Office Opera House Manchester M23 8JK

Dear Sir, I should be grateful if you could send me four tickets for the evening performance of ‘Grease’, on Friday, 24 October. I enclose a cheque for £45 and would prefer front seat stalls, though if these seats are not available, any other seats would do. Please include details of your future programme and also your special party rates along with the tickets. Yours faithfully, Dean Scott

160

Useful Words for Formal Letters Yours faithfully

Yours sincerely

I look forward to hearing from you …. I enclose a stamped addressed envelope With reference to …. Please could you send me …. In reply to your letter I am writing to ask for Dear Sir Dear Miss

Dear Madam Dear Sir or Madam

Please could you send me I would like to request a ….. I would be grateful if …… I refer to your recent ……

161

Dear Ms

Letters of complaint These can be difficult to compose because there is a ‘fine line’ between being firm and insistent and being rude. If you use a sarcastic or angry tone you are less likely to encourage the person who receives your letter to deal with it quickly. t is often useful to write a letter of complaint if you have not had success by other means. Paragraphs: Paragraph 1



The reason you are complaining

Paragraph 2



Exact details about your complaint

Paragraph 3



Details of how you have been affected / what has happened

Paragraph 4



Details of what you think should happen next

Remember; letters of complaint should be clear, concise and courteous.

Some Useful Phrases:

I would like… There appears to have been a mistake… By return of post at your earliest convenience… Could you supply… Could you please give this matter your urgent attention…

162

Letter Asking for Information Letters asking for information should be clear, concise and courteous. If you are writing in response to an advertisement or article, state clearly where and when you saw it. You need to be clear about the information you require. Some Useful Phrases:

Please could you send me… I would be grateful if you would send me… I would like to get some information about …. As advertised in (name of newspaper / magazine) on (date) I am inquiring about …. I was interested in your advertisement for…..in (name of newspaper / magazine) of (date) and… I am particularly interested in… Please could you also let me know… Please could you send me… I enclose a cheque for (amount) I enclose a stamped addressed envelope I look forward to hearing from you

163

A Good Letter Checklist You may like to use this checklist to help you measure whether your letter will be effective. 1.

Is the layout correct? i.e. reference, date, address, beginning (salutation), heading, body, ending (complimentary close), and signature.

2.

Is the font the correct size?

3.

Is the handwriting neat?

4.

Does the layout look good? Is there enough ‘white space’, good margins, and clear paragraphs?

5.

Does the letter open with a short interesting / relevant paragraph? Does it put the reader in the picture?

6.

Does each paragraph contain one aspect of your subject? Are the paragraphs in a logical order?

7.

Is the letter easy to read? Does it avoid jargon, old-fashioned words and phrases?

8.

Is the spelling correct and is the text correctly punctuated?

9.

Is the tone appropriate, friendly, sincere, and courteous?

10.

Does the letter answer the reader’s needs?

11.

Is the letter complete - no unanswered questions?

12.

Does the letter say what it wants to say?

13.

Will the letter build and maintain goodwill?

14.

If you were the reader would you understand the letter?

164

TELC

PRACTICE EXAM BOOK 1 LEVEL B1 CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH Practice Examination Tests 1 - 5

• • • • •

Reading Comprehension Language Elements Listening Comprehension (complete with CD recordings) Letter Writing Oral Examination

There are three ways of using these Practice Examinations:



You can take each test as if it were a real examination



You can use the whole or parts of each test for practice purposes



By studying the contents of each test, you will become familiar with the contents and procedures of the examination

A complete answer key is provided, along with the tapescripts of the recordings, CD recordings feature native speakers. WRITTEN AND COMPILED BY SZABÓ SZILVIA AND MICHAEL G. COLLINS