Practice Tests Student’s Book - B1 & B2 English Exam Preparation

B THE B LEVEL (B1&B2) EXAM IN ENGLISH EXAM PREPARATION IN SCHOOL THE B LEVEL (B1&B2) EXAM IN ENGLISH STUDENT’S BOOK Practice Tests Student’s Book This is one of a series of three practice test books written and designed for EFL teachers preparing their students for the national f...

B THE B LEVEL (B1&B2) EXAM IN ENGLISH EXAM PREPARATION IN SCHOOL THE B LEVEL (B1&B2) EXAM IN ENGLISH STUDENT’S BOOK Practice Tests Student’s Book This is one of a series of three practice test books written and designed for EFL teachers preparing their students for the national foreign language exams in English, leading to the state certificate of language proficiency (KPG). Work for this series has been carried out within the framework of the project entitled “Differentiated and Graded National Foreign Language Exams” (Greek acronym DiaPEG), which is co-financed by the European Union and Greece, with the purpose to support and further develop the national foreign language exam system of Greece. More specifically, it has been carried out as a deliverable of subproject 10, entitled “Linking foreign language education in school with the national language exams,” on the basis of which a similar series will be produced for the German and Spanish exams. ISBN: 978-960-98961-5-3 © RCeL, 2012 Editors Bessie Dendrinos & Bessie Mitsikopoulou Test task writers Members of the RCeL test development team (with contributions from Antigone Bratsoli) General editorial assistants Athina Harami & Margarita Leonti Reading test editorial assistant Virginia Blani Writing test editorial assistants Margarita Leonti & Maria Stathopoulou Listening test editorial assistant Elisabeth Apostolou Audio text speakers Sophie Athanasiadis, Georgia Brazioti, Cindy Camatsos, Mary Drosou, Mark Hoy, Marcia Israilidis, Nadia Kougkli, Jane Mandalios, Susan Moutsouroufi, Luke Prodromou, Ian Robertson & Vasilios Zorbas Technical support Dimitris Paras Book cover design and interior layout Christina Frantzeskaki Practice tests design Christina Frantzeskaki & Anna Maragkoudaki Editors: Bessie Dendrinos & Bessie Mitsikopoulou EXAM PREPARATION IN SCHOOL THE B LEVEL (B1&B2) EXAM IN ENGLISH STUDENT’S BOOK Athens, RCeL publications This publication book was co-funded by the European Social Fund and the Greek National State – (NSRF), under the project of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens entitled “Differentiated and Graded National Foreign Language Exams”, MIS Code 299908 MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, CULTURE & SPORTS  Practice Tests Student’s Book Contents Practice Test 1 8 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 9 Module 2: Writing 17 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 19 Module 4: Speaking 22 Practice Test 2 26 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 27 Module 2: Writing 35 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 37 Module 4: Speaking 40 Practice Test 3 44 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 45 Module 2: Writing 52 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 54 Module 4: Speaking 57 Practice Test 4 61 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 62 Module 2: Writing 70 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 72 Module 4: Speaking 75 Practice Test 5 79 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 80 Module 2: Writing 88 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 90 Module 4: Speaking 93 B LEVEL - English in school 6  Practice Tests Student’s Book Practice Test 6 97 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 98 Module 2: Writing 105 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 107 Module 4: Speaking 110 Practice Test 7 115 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 116 Module 2: Writing 125 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 127 Module 4: Speaking 130 Practice Test 8 134 Module 1: Reading Comprehension 135 Module 2: Writing 142 Module 3: Listening Comprehension 144 Module 4: Speaking 147 B LEVEL - English in school 7 Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs English Language Certification Practice Test 1  Practice Test 1 Module 1 ACTIVITY 1 1.1 Read the text about the World’s Oldest Person and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for item 1. 1. The text is about someone who A. was the world’s oldest B. will be the world’s oldest C. may have been the world’s oldest person. person. person. Volume No. 1 Issue No. 36 - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 World's Oldest Person Turns 128 by Thomson Fontaine Dominicans yesterday celebrated the birthday of the World’s oldest living person Elizabeth (Ma Pampo) Israel who turned 128. Unfortunately, the Guinness Book of World Records has not officially recognized Ma Pampo since they are still checking the facts. A certificate has been issued by the Roman Catholic Church with her birth date stated as January 27, 1875, but since it is not an official record, it cannot be used to confirm the claim. The claim was further thrown into doubt when it was learned that at some point in her life she was called Minetta George. Guinness officials have said that it is important to clarify these issues before Ma Pampo can be given the title of the oldest person on earth. Born in Portsmouth, Dominica, and the daughter of slaves, she started working on a plantation at the age of 25 and retired 79 years later. Ma Pampo says the reason for her long life is her diet - including lots of dumplings (cooked food made from flour and water) and bush tea. She has survived her husband and two children. Dominica’s largely untouched and unspoilt environment, which is still unpolluted, has been given as the main reason for longevity on the Island. Editor's Note Since the publication of this article in January 2003 Ma Pampo died in October of that year without ever being recognised as the World's Oldest Person by the Guinness Book of World Records. Unfortunately, her death came before the scientific community could confirm her age. 1.2 Read the text again and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 2-6. 2. Who says Ma Pampo is the oldest person on earth? A. The Church. B. People in her country. C. The Guinness Book of Records. 3. What is the position of the Guinness Book of Records? A. They refuse to give Ma B. They want to check the C. They will give Ma Pampo the Pampo the title. facts. title. 4. What is Ma Pampo’s explanation for her long life? A. She worked hard all her life. B. She ate lots of cooked C. She ate the right kind of food. food. 5. Ma Pampo’s husband is A. still alive. B. younger than her. C. dead. 6. Why do people in Dominica live a long time? Because A. of the clean atmosphere. B. the country has a small C. the people live in a happy population. society. B LEVEL - English in school 9  Practice Test 1 Module 1 ACTIVITY 2 Match the underlined words in the text below (items 7-11) with a word that has a similar meaning in this context (options A-F). There is one option you do not need. A. purpose B. idea C. skills D. behaviour E. success F. poor performance Articles 36 School Reports ‘not tough enough’ - report. School reports are often not honest enough and give parents the wrong impression of their children’s (7) ability according to a study published in the journal Education Today. The authors of the study say teachers sometimes do not know how to write reports; they usually don’t understand the (8) aim of the report. School reports should help pupils improve their work but many teachers do not give a clear (9) picture of the pupil’s strengths and (10) weaknesses. ‘Many reports are too positive and pupils often think their grades are better than they really are’. There is a problem at both primary and secondary school where teachers need more support with how to write reports. Teachers discuss children’s marks with parents but it is difficult to be honest face-to-face. Some children not only fail to do well on tests but also have (11) discipline problems. ACTIVITY 3 Read the story below and for each gap (12-16) choose the best option (A-F). Use each option only once. There is one option you do not need. A. up B. away C. from D. by E. on F. round The farmer and the snake There was a farmer and his wife who had a son. They were very fond of their only child. ne day, the son trod on a snake s tail (12)______ accident. The snake, turned (13)______, bit him and he died. The father was very angry so he got his axe and cut off the snake s tail. The snake in revenge began stinging several of the farmer s cattle. Well, the farmer thought it best to make it (14)______ with the snake, and offered it food and honey to eat et s forget and forgive, said the farmer, perhaps you were right to punish my son, and take revenge (15)______ my cattle, but surely I was right in trying to take revenge for my child; now that we are both satisfied why should we not be friends again o, no, said the snake; take (16)______ your gifts; you can never forget the death of your son, nor I the loss of my tail. The moral: INJURIES MAY BE FORGIVEN, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. B LEVEL - English in school 10  Practice Test 1 Module 1 ACTIVITY 4 4.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for item 17. 17. The text was probably written to A. to give the reader more B. to give the scientists’ view of C. to persuade the reader to information about GM. GM. avoid GM food. GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD FAQs Q: What is genetically modified food? A: GM means scientists have changed the genetic structure of food in order to make it look nice, to help it fight disease and to give it a longer life. Q: How is GM food made? A: GM food is made by taking genes (DNA) from one organism and putting it into another. For example, natural potatoes are mixed with chicken genes or tomatoes are mixed with fish genes. Q: o what s the problem with GM? A: Many people feel we have not done enough research into GM; they say we need to know more because the food chain could be in danger. If we make a mistake, it could be bad for future generations. Q: What can we as consumers do about GM? A: If you grow your own food in your own garden, you are very lucky. But if, like most people, you buy your food in a supermarket, you should check the label. About 50% of the food we buy has soya in it. A lot of the soya in food is genetically modified. The problem is that the label does not always tell you exactly what the food contains. Q: Do people want GM food? A: 70% of people, when asked, usually say they do not want GM food. Why? Because they say no-one knows what the long-term effects of GM will be. We are creating a Frankenstein that we will not be able to control. B LEVEL - English in school 11  Practice Test 1 Module 1 4.2 Read the text again and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 18-20. 18. Why do scientists change the genetic structure of food? A. To make it taste more B. To make it taste nice. C. To make it last longer. natural. 19. GM food is made by A. mixing different vegetables. B. mixing genes and natural C. mixing fish and tomatoes. products. 20. What is one disadvantage of GM products? A. They have damaged the B. They can cause disease. C. We don’t know enough about food chain. them. 4.3 Read the text again and decide if the following statements are True (A) False (B) or Not Stated (C). STATEMENTS A: TRUE B: FALSE C: NOT STATED 21. Diseases do not affect GM food. 22. We need to do more research into GM food. 23. We do not yet know all the dangers of GM food. 24. The label on supermarket products is not easy to read. 25. Soya is often genetically modified. ACTIVITY 5 5.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 26-29. 26. One of the central issues in the text is A. Mexican-American family B. the difficulties in learning C. the language preference of traditions. Spanish. immigrant children. 27. A suitable title for this text is A. The Life of Immigrants B. Spanish Takes the Backseat C. The Story of Latino-Americans Today 28. The writer A. solves the problems Latino B. is against bilingual education C. discusses Latino-Americans’ immigrants face. in the USA. language preferences. 29. This article A. primarily interests linguists. B. is aimed only at politicians. C. concerns certain minorities. B LEVEL - English in school 12  Practice Test 1 Module 1 When I was growing up, there was an issue at home that made everyone uncomfortable. My Aunt Lola used to call it the shame of our family. It was a dark secret that my relatives didn't like to talk about, although it affected many Mexican-American families just like ours. The source of this embarrassment His comments are as offensive as they was the fact that my brothers and I didn't are misguiding. According to a 2006 survey speak Spanish. Worse, we didn't care by the Pew Center, 57% of Hispanics about speaking Spanish. believe that immigrants have to speak English to be part of American society, while 41% did not. Pew Centre also found that an overwhelming 92% of Latinos thought it was "very important" for the My older brother's interest in Spanish children of immigrants to be taught English. began and ended with curse words. I only When my grandpa arrived from Mexico learned enough to get good grades in my in 1914, he immediately set about learning high school courses, and my younger the English language so he could find work. brother didn't learn it at all. To this day, While my mother grew up in a bilingual I'm the only one who is proficient, not neighbourhood household, she and her fluent, en español. sisters preferred English. One generation As it turns out, most families who are later, my mom was suggesting that I watch descended from Latino immigrants share the Spanish-language news on TV, to our experience. A study published last broaden my vocabulary. Back then, I could year in the journal Population and not have cared less. It was only as an adult Development Review found that, within a that I came to appreciate the beauty of the few generations of families moving to the Spanish language. USA, Spanish dies out and English Gingrich should know better than to becomes the dominant language. Among demean the native tongue of Cervantes, third-generation Chicanos, 96% prefer to Lorca and Marquez. It isn't constructive to speak English in their homes. Even in promote English by insulting Spanish, for border areas, the study found, "Spanish one language does not have to come at the appears to be well on the way to a natural expense of the other. As millions of Latinos death by the third generation of already know, speaking Spanish has never U.S. residence." taken anything from our proud American Given this reality, it's xenophobic to experience. It has only enriched it. view the Spanish language as a threat to American society. Even so, just last weekend Newt Gingrich denounced bilingual education by saying, "People (should) learn the common language of the country … the language of prosperity, not the language of living in a ghetto." B LEVEL - English in school 13  Practice Test 1 Module 1 5.2 Read the text again carefully and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 30-35. 30. The family’s “dark secret” was the fact that the children A. could not learn Spanish. B. were indifferent to learning C. were not taught Spanish. Spanish. 31. Within the Latino-American community, Spanish A. is slowly replacing English. B. is the dominant language. C. is not widely spoken. 32. Newt Gingrich considers the Spanish language to be A. an important part of B. the language of prosperity of C. the language spoken in poor education in the USA. America. neighbourhoods. 33. The majority of Latino immigrants A. are equally comfortable B. understand the importance of C. believe that their children should speaking both languages. learning English. only learn Spanish. 34. The author A. was initially uninterested in B. was forced to speak Spanish C. wanted to learn Spanish from a learning Spanish. early in life. young age. 35. The author suggests that A. people should study B. Latinos should only speak C. bilinguals can benefit the Spanish literature. English. American society. ACTIVITY 6 Read the following extracts (36-41) and decide in which subject area you might see them. Use each of the options below (A-H) only once. There are two options you do not need. A. Maths B. Psychology C. History D. Astronomy E. Art F. Health G. Chemistry H. Computer Science 36. MENTAL disorders are marked by disordered thought and communication. An equation is a statement that two algebraic expressions are 37. equal. 38. Carbonates are the products formed when both protons are transferred. 39. The figure style of the Geometric vases reappears on many other objects. 40. Pope’s po e s e e e e o o o s es 41. Drugs are defined as chemicals intended to affect the structure or function of the body. B LEVEL - English in school 14  Practice Test 1 Module 1 ACTIVITY 7 7.1 Read the text and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 42-43. 42. The text is probably from a A. psychology journal. B. women’s magazine. C. school newspaper. 43. The purpose of this article is to help A. teenagers deal with the B. guys and girls understand C. parents see their children in a intolerance of their parents. each other. different light. Filling the generation gap by Rebecca Sandy Ever feel like your parents don’t understand you at all? I know it sounds horribly stereotypical but you can’t deny feeling misunderstood. This is common and it isn’t just our teen-angst making us feel like a NOFX song. Parents really just don’t understand us; it is as simple as that. This lapse of understanding is mainly due to the rather large generation gap between us and our parents. Times have changed, and for some reason they have a hard time understanding this at times. Back when they were growing up, things that we find socially acceptable were considered horribly inappropriate. For example, guys and girls just hanging out is a lot more common than in the 60’s and 70’s. And don’t even get me started on conduct at dances. Back then a guy politely asked a girl if she would like to dance. Now they just come up behind a girl, grab her and sweep her to the floor, and all this while the girl’s wondering, “Do I know him? Is he attractive or what?” In the older days, girls wouldn’t have to wildly signal to their friends to help them out of a dance. So considering we are a much more desensitized and open generation, it is only fair that people who grew up before us may have a hard time comprehending our actions. And, while I’m not trying to com- pletely justify their intolerance, we do have to understand that it’s just new to them. Try explaining what you are doing and remind them that times have changed; in the nicest way possible of course. 7.2 Read the text again and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 44-46. 44. According to the text, young people A. adopt stereotypical values B. believe they are mistreated C. feel their parents are intolerant about life. by others. towards them. 45. The generation gap is due to parents’ unwillingness to accept A. intimacy between the young. B. social change. C. their children’s maturity. 46. The way today’s teenage boys act at dances is A. no different than before. B. totally inappropriate. C. as though they won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. B LEVEL - English in school 15  Practice Test 1 Module 1 ACTIVITY 8 Complete sentences 47-50 with “play” and “stay” expressions (A-E). There is one option you do not need. A. stay over B. stay away C. stay up D. play with E. play around 47. I am planning to _________ a friend's 48. I had to _________ until very late last house tonight. night, just to finish this assignment. 49. She never allows her younger children 50. _________ from me! I don’t even want to to _________ the remote control. talk to you anymore after what you did. ACTIVITY 9 Change the words in column A (51-55) so that they can complete the sentences in Column B below. COLUMN A COLUMN B 51. centre This piece of evidence is to our case. 52. popular He has gained great over the years by working very hard. 53. admission You must to the fact that you were wrong. 54. value I am sure he learned a lesson that day. 55. information I enjoyed the book you gave me and actually found it very. ACTIVITY 10 Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word which begins with the given letter and satisfies the meaning of both sentences in every pair (56-60) below. a) Mary knows how to a_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a work of art. 56. b) I would a_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it if you came to work on time! a) I took a walk along the river b_ _ _ this morning and enjoyed the valley’s breathtaking view. 57. b) I am going to run to the b_ _ _ to check on my account. a) He did not show any i_ _ _ _ _ _ _ in this class. That is why he failed his exams. 58. b) Make sure you choose a bank which offers a loan with a low i_ _ _ _ _ _ _ rate. a) Maria is a very b_ _ _ _ _ student. She excelled in all her classes. 59. b) Many psychologists recommend working in a room with b_ _ _ _ _ colors. a) I heard so much about this youth c_ _ _ downtown. I am thinking about joining it. 60. b) A baseball bat can be equally as dangerous as a c_ _ _, so be very careful not to hurt anyone. B LEVEL - English in school 16  Practice Test 1 Module 2 ACTIVITY B1.1 Imagine you have been reading a blog where people write about their favourite forms of entertainment (shows, films, songs, books, etc.), and why they like them. Write what your favourite children’s story is about and why you like it (80 words). The model below will help you to write your own text. Monday, October 17, 2011 My favourite play is Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. It is about a young couple who fall in love and want to be together but their parents disagree. The play shows how their happiness is destroyed by their parents’ stupidity. I POSTED BY ALEX think the story is great and the language of AT 09:35 AM the play is very beautiful. It is a sad play but there are very beautiful moments in it, too, especially the scene where the two lovers meet. It’s a brilliant play. 0 COMMENTS ACTIVITY B2.1 Imagine that a famous author is coming to your town to promote his new children’s story book. Write an announcement (100 words) for your school newspaper informing your schoolmates about the event and urging them to go. The hints below will help you.  Where and when the author will appear HINTS  What the author will do at this event  What other activities will take place  What prizes will be given away B LEVEL - English in school 17  Practice Test 1 Module 2 ACTIVITY B1.2 Imagine that your Italian friend, Antonio, uses his mobile phone very frequently. Using information from the LEFT SIDE of the text below, send him an e-mail message (80 words) and give him tips about how he should use his mobile phone to avoid health problems. Do NOT use your real name. Sign as Nick or Nicky. Aς μη γίνει η ευχή κατάρα! Τα κινητά τηλέφωνα μπορεί να μας βοηθούν να διατηρούμε επαφή με την οικογένεια και τους φίλους μας, να σερφάρουμε στο διαδίκτυο Ελέγχετε το χρόνο που χρησιμοποιείτε το ή να ακούμε μουσική αλλά μπορεί κινητό σας. και να μας βλάψουν.... Κλείνετε το κινητό σας όταν βρίσκεστε με την οικογένεια και τους φίλους σας και χρησιμοποιήστε το μόνο για έκτακτες ανάγκες. Ελέγχετε τον τηλεφωνητή σας και τα μηνύματα Αποφεύγετε τη συνομιλία με το κινητό κολλημένο κειμένου μία φορά την ημέρα για να στο αυτί. απαντήσετε σε τυχόν σημαντικές κλήσεις. Προτιμήστε να επικοινωνείτε στέλνοντας μήνυμα Χρησιμοποιήστε το e-mail για να στείλετε αντί να μιλάτε. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο κρατάτε τη γρήγορα μηνύματα στους φίλους σας, αντί συσκευή μακριά από το κεφάλι σας, μειώνοντας γραπτά μηνύματα στο κινητό σας. Είναι τον κίνδυνο της ακτινοβολίας. ευκολότερο και πολύ πιο φτηνό να σας απαντήσει κάποιος στον υπολογιστή του από Χρησιμοποιείτε hands free ή blue tooth. Εκτιμάται το να σας παίρνει στο κινητό. ότι οι επιπτώσεις από την ακτινοβολία τους είναι Μην χρησιμοποιείτε το κινητό σας για να μειωμένες. παίξετε παιχνίδια και να κάνετε άλλες Προσέχετε πού και πώς τοποθετείτε το κινητό δραστηριότητες. Σκεφτείτε την ακτινοβολία! σας. Αποφεύγετε να το βάζετε στην τσέπη σας. Λάβετε δραστικά μέτρα, αν οι προσπάθειές σας αποβούν άκαρπες και έχετε κλήσεις όλη Μη χρησιμοποιείτε το κινητό σας ως ξυπνητήρι την ώρα. Για παράδειγμα, αλλάξτε τον αριθμό για να μην το έχετε πολύ κοντά στο κεφάλι σας τηλεφώνου σας και δώστε τον μόνο στα μέλη σε όλη τη διάρκεια της νύχτας. της οικογένειάς σας, στους συναδέλφους και τους κολλητούς σας για να το χρησιμοποιούν σε περίπτωση ανάγκης. ACTIVITY B2.2 Imagine that you used to be addicted to your mobile phone. Using information from the RIGHT SIDE of the text leaflet, write a message to post on your blog (100 words) explaining to your friends what you did in order to kick the habit. B LEVEL - English in school 18  Practice Test 1 Module 3 ACTIVITY 1 Listen to items 1-4 and choose the best photo (A-F). There are two photos you do not need. 1. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  2. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  3. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  4. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  A. Politician B. Civil engineer C. Car mechanic D. University student E. Civil servant F. Restaurant owner Listen again and check your answers. B LEVEL - English in school 19  Practice Test 1 Module 3 ACTIVITY 2 Read items 5-7. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 5. What does the traveller want the fisherman to do? A. To sell him fish. B. To give him money. C. To work harder. 6. How much food does the fisherman say that he needs? A. Enough to buy a boat. B. Enough to feed his family. C. Enough to get him through the winter. 7. The moral of this story is that people should work in order A. to buy more goods. B. to make a living. C. to get rich. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 3 Read items 8-10. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 8. The cultural news we’re listening to is about A. an art exhibition that will take place in Athens. B. a theatrical performance by the British director Peter Brook. C. an exhibition of theatre artefacts. 9. Listeners pose their questions for the radio show “Anything you ever wanted to know” A. by calling in during the show. B. by sending emails prior to the show. C. by sending their SMS before the show begins. 10. What we’re listening to is A. a radio programme about campaigns. B. a campaign by radio listeners. C. an invitation to listeners to take part in a campaign. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 4 Read items 11-15. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B or C) for each item. 11. The person interviewed is in the service business; he is a A. car salesman. B. financial advisor. C. waiter. 12. The specific job A. pays poorly but it has some B. has both advantages and C. attracts people who other advantages. disadvantages. are very professional. 13. Among the qualities one needs for this job is A. persistence. B. speed. C. empathy. B LEVEL - English in school 20  Practice Test 1 Module 3 14. What the speaker doesn’t like about his job is that customers A. become a bit difficult B. want you to be on your feet all C. often act irrationally. sometimes. day. 15. Actually, customers often A. ask for things that aren’t B. want things they can’t pay for. C. look down upon people offered. who serve them. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 5 Listen and fill in items 16-20 with the right word. QUESTIONS ANSWERS 16. What is the relationship between the speakers? They’re ______ an ______. 17. Where is the speaker? n _______ ________. 18. Is the speaker apologizing to the woman? o he’s asking for _____to______. 19. Why has Julian Ramon been invited to this event? To ______ _______ his antho ogy. 20. What is the man going to do before he meets Paul? He’s going to _______. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 6 Read items 21 and 22. Listen and fill in items with the right word. QUESTIONS ANSWERS 21. What led the director to make this film? He was _______by Carmelo. Does the character in the film symbolize There is _______ symbolic value to the character 22. anything in particular? of Carmelo. Listen again and check your answers. Read items 23 and 24. Listen and fill in items with the right word. QUESTIONS ANSWERS 23. Where is Carmelo when the film begins? He’s in ______ ______. 24. And where is he in the main part of the film? He’s returned home to be with his ______ ______. Listen again and check your answers. Read item 25. Listen and fill in item with the right word. QUESTIONS ANSWERS How do people watching the film feel about 25. They ______ ______. Carmelo? Listen again and check your answers. B LEVEL - English in school 21  Practice Test 1 Module 4 Activity 2 B LEVEL - English in school 22  Practice Test 1 Module 4 Activity 2 B LEVEL - English in school 23  Practice Test 1 Module 4 Activity 3 B LEVEL - English in school 24  Practice Test 1 Module 4 Activity 3 B LEVEL - English in school 25 Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs English Language Certification Practice Test 2  Practice Test 2 Module 1 ACTIVITY 1 1.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for item 1. 1. The text gives information about A. the most famous skyscrapers in B. the people who designed C. why skyscrapers were the world today. skyscrapers. needed. The first skyscrapers The term ‘skyscraper’ has been used in a number of ways over the years: an ornament on the top of a building, a high-flying bird, a very tall man and a sail at the top of a mast. At the end of the nineteenth century, the word was used to refer to buildings of ten storeys or more. Later, a lift was used to take people up to the higher floors, as in the most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building. During the middle ages, the people who lived in the cities of northern Europe began to build great cathedrals. Tall spires were added to make these churches higher and bring them closer to heaven. In the nineteenth century, as cities grew more crowded with people looking for work the value of land rose. New businesses were starting and in order to make room for offices on a small plot of land, it was necessary to build higher. But the problem was that to put up a stone building of such height, the walls on the ground floor would have to be more than two metres thick to hold the weight of the building. So another material was required to make skyscrapers possible. About this time, three buildings were put up that used iron or steel to support great weight with safety. They were the Crystal Palace in London, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. From then on, architects started to experiment with buildings that had steel frames. Today, the tallest skyscrapers are a hundred storeys or more, compared to the first 10 storeys skyscrapers, which seem tiny. 1.2 Read the text again and choose the best answers (A, B, or C) for items 2-6. 2. In the past, the word ‘skyscraper’ had A. only one meaning. B. different meanings. C. the same meaning as today. 3. In the middle ages, they built tall churches because A. they were more beautiful. B. it felt like approaching God. C. they took in more people. 4. Why were taller buildings necessary in the nineteenth century? Because A. they were cheaper. B. land was expensive. C. they made better offices. 5. In the nineteenth century, skyscrapers were needed A. for offices. B. as houses for the poor. C. for shops. 6. What was the problem with making tall buildings with stone? A. It was an expensive material. B. It was too heavy. C. It wasn’t strong enough. B LEVEL - English in school 27  Practice Test 2 Module 1 ACTIVITY 2 Match the underlined words in the text below (items 7-11) with a suitable definition. A. To spend time relaxing or sleeping B. To arrive somewhere C. To travel D. To become less bright E. To go from one side of something to another F. To have a small meal TRAVEL GUIDE The first swallow of summer During March and April, the first of our summer visitors (7) reach Greece. Arriving to feast on insects of summer, millions of birds cross the Mediterranean. One of the most familiar is the swallow. Let’s look at what these much-loved visitors have been doing since we last saw them in October. In comparison to other migrants, like swifts, swallows are relatively slow travellers. They (8) move by day and the fact that they catch their food in the air means they can (9) snack on the way. This is a great advantage over other migrants that have to reach rich feeding areas a long distance away before they can eat. I remember watching thousands of swallows coming in to (10) rest at Lake Koronia in northern Greece, one September. As the light faded the air was full of wheeling birds, all onto the reeds below. Normally, most birds will travel between 100 and 200 kilometres a day for a couple of months and more. But swallows travel south, (11) crossing the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert, in one flight. ACTIVITY 3 Read the story below and for each gap (12-16) choose the best option (A-F). There is one option you do not need. A. back B. across C. away D. up E. through F. off Greek Mythology Many years ago, Jason, the true King of Thessaly, returned to his kingdom only to find that his uncle, Pelius, had murdered his father and taken over the kingdom. Jason, still a child, had no army and no allies to help him get (12) ______ his kingdom. In order to protect Jason from his evil uncle, Jason’s mother decides to send him (13)_______ to live in the cave of Chiron the Centaur, where he is brought (14) _______. Having grown into a strong, brave man, Jason then set out for Iolcus to claim the throne from his uncle. On his way to Iolcus, he came (15) ______ the goddess Hera, dressed as an elderly woman, Hera begged Jason to help her cross a stream. He agreed and so took her on his back. As he was crossing the stream, he lost one sandal, thus fulfilling a prophecy that meant Pelius would die. Jason’s good-will impresses Hera, and she decided to help him (16) _____: she made sure he got back to Iolcus safely, where Pelius was waiting for him... B LEVEL - English in school 28  Practice Test 2 Module 1 ACTIVITY 4 4.1 Read the text below and choose the best answers (A, B, or C) for items 17-18. 17. In this text, the author describes A. a friend’s visit Marrakech. B. her past visit to Marrakech. C. the history of Marrakech. 18. What is the author’s opinion of Marrakech? A. It’s got many places to see. B. It is only worth a short visit. C. It is very expensive. A weekend in Marrakech The most popular city in Morocco built in an oasis which, once upon a time, offered shelter to the caravans of the desert... Day One Day Two Arriving at the international airport of Explore the old city, the famous Medina. The Marrakech, I enter an unknown world where old suuqs -or narrow alleyways - are perfect for even the cost of a taxi fare is not fixed. I stay in shopping. Necessary equipment: a good map, a traditional comfy shoes and strong bargaining ability. house in the old city. There are Marrakech reveals its secrets through the hundreds of aroma of spices and the voices of merchants these very selling herbs, pottery, leather garments and, of popular old course, carpets. Nearby, there are all kinds of houses, called shows: acrobats, musicians, fortune-tellers, riyads, that snake-charmers and exotic dancers. People say have been turned into charming guesthouses. Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s trademark, is A few visitors may prefer the luxury of a hotel impressive. However, entrance to it is only like the La Mamounia; this famous hotel, once allowed to Muslims, so I cheer myself up in Dar described by Winston Churchill as ‘the most Moha, Medina’s most famous restaurant. beautiful place on earth’, has recently re- opened its doors, after being closed for repairs. At night, all streets lead to Djemaa El Fna, the main square that, once the sun sets, becomes a huge restaurant. 4.2 Read the text again and choose the best answers (A, B, or C) for items 19-21. 19. Most visitors stay in A. expensive hotels. B. old houses. C. caravans. 20. The La Mamounia Hotel is A. new. B. popular. C. expensive. 21. One thing you cannot buy in the Marakkech market is A. food. B. ceramics. C. clothes. B LEVEL - English in school 29  Practice Test 2 Module 1 4.3 Read the text again and decide if the following statements (22-25) are True (A) False (B) or Not Stated (C). STATEMENTS A: TRUE B: FALSE C: NOT STATED 22. A ‘riyad’ is a hotel that local people used to live in. 23. There are not a lot of places to eat in the square. 24. It is easy to find your way around the suuqs. 25. The author enjoyed her visit to the famous Mosque. ACTIVITY 5 5.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 26-29. 26. This extract is probably taken from a novel about A. war in an African village. B. the life of a great warrior. C. everyday life in a small city. 27. The action takes place A. in a small town. B. in several locations. C. in neighbouring villages. 28. From this extract we get the impression that life for these people is A. a constant struggle. B. often harmonious. C. tragic but amusing. 29. What is the main point of this extract? A. To introduce the characters of B. To describe the setting of the C. To provide historical the story. story. background to the story. by Chinua Achebe Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen he had brought honour to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino. He was called the Cat because his back would never touch the earth. It was this man that Okonkwo threw in a fight which the old men agreed was one of the fiercest since the founder of their town engaged a spirit of the wild for seven days and seven nights. The drums beat and the flutes sang and the spectators held their breath. Amalinze was a wily craftsman, but Okonkwo was as slippery as a fish in water. Every nerve and every muscle stood out on their arms, on their backs and their thighs, and one almost heard them stretching to breaking point. In the end Okonkwo threw the Cat. That was many years ago, twenty years or more, and during this time Okonkwo's fame had grown like a bush-fire in the harmattan. He B LEVEL - English in school 30  Practice Test 2 Module 1 was tall and huge, and his bushy eyebrows and wide nose gave him a very severe look. He breathed heavily, and it was said that, when he slept, his wives and children in their out-houses could hear him breathe. When he walked, his heels hardly touched the ground and he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody. And he did pounce on people quite often. He had a slight stammer and whenever he was angry and could not get his words out quickly enough, he would use his fists. He had no patience with unsuccessful men. He had had no patience with his father. Unoka, for that was his father's name, had died ten years ago. In his day he was lazy and improvident and was quite incapable of thinking about tomorrow. If any money came his way, and it seldom did, he immediately bought gourds of palm-wine, called round his neighbours and made merry. He always said that whenever he saw a dead man's mouth he saw the folly of not eating what one had in one's lifetime. Unoka was, of course, a debtor and he owed every neighbour some money, from a few cowries to quite substantial amounts. He was tall but very thin and had a slight stoop. He wore a haggard and mournful look except when he was drinking and playing on his flute. He was very good on his flute and his happiest moments were the two or three moons after the harvest when the village musicians brought down their instruments, hung above the fireplace. Unoka would play with them his face beaming with blessedness and peace. Sometimes another village would ask Unoka's band and their dancing egwugwu to come and stay with them and teach them their tunes. They would go to such hosts for as long as three or four markets, making music and feasting. Unoka loved the good fare and the good fellowship, and he loved this season of the year, when the rains had stopped and the sun rose every morning with dazzling beauty. 5.2 Read the text again carefully and mark the best response (A, B, or C) for items 30-35. 30. How did his fellow-villagers feel about Okonkwo? A. They were proud of him. B. They envied his feats. C. They were afraid of him. 31. The founder of the town A. struggled with a great wrestler. B. was a greater fighter than C. fought with a mysterious Okonkwo. spirit. 32. Okonkwo is described as A. equally matched with his B. more cunning than his C. too clever for his opponent. opponent. opponent. 33. When Okonkwo couldn't express himself A. he used gestures. B. he became aggressive. C. he felt impatient. 34. Which saying sums up Unoka's attitude to life? A. Good fences make good B. Keep your friends close; keep C. Eat and drink, for tomorrow neighbours. your enemies closer. we die. 35. What did Unoka like about visiting other villages? A. The food and friendship. B. Playing music in the market. C. The good food and weather. B LEVEL - English in school 31  Practice Test 2 Module 1 ACTIVITY 6 Read items 36-41 below and decide which groups of people these notices might be aimed at. Use each of the options (A-H) below only once. There is one option you do not need. A. Theatre audience B. Consumers C. Train passengers D. Motorists E. Computer user F. Air passengers G. Radio audience H. Car passengers 36. 37. Smoking in no-smoking cars is an offence which carries a maximum penalty of 100 pounds. 38. 39. Buy now while stocks last 40. Sit as far back as possible from the air bag 41. Your safety belt is under your seat ACTIVITY 7 7.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 42-43. 42. This text was written for A. pupils. B. parents. C. teachers. 43. This text would mostly interest interactive whiteboard users A. who are experienced in this B. who are just starting off. C. who have problems with its technology. use. Interactive Whiteboards: a beginner’s guide TRY IT An interactive whiteboard is a board that is connected to a computer and OUT! projector. Everything on the computer screen can be seen on the interactive whiteboard. The teacher and learners can write on the interactive board using a pen or finger. The board is usually fixed to a wall. There is also a mobile whiteboard which you can move from classroom to classroom. Interactive whiteboards are used in classrooms at all levels of education, for sports coaching, business meetings, and more. The use of the computer and the interactive whiteboard makes teaching very enjoyable for students and much easier for teachers. Interactive whiteboards in schools in many countries have replaced traditional whiteboards. There are a lot of things interactive whiteboards can do to make your teaching better. Here are just a few of the ways teachers can use interactive whiteboards in the classroom. You can: record the lesson and keep the material for revision by students at a later time save lessons for students who were absent save lessons for future use or to be shared with other teachers. These examples give you an idea of how useful interactive whiteboards can be for students who happen to miss a class, for ‘slow’ learners and those students who need help with their revisions. B LEVEL - English in school 32  Practice Test 2 Module 1 7.2 Read the text again, and decide if statements 44-46 are True (A), False (B), or Not Stated (C). STATEMENTS A: TRUE B: FALSE C: NOT STATED 44. Υou can write without a pen οn interactive whiteboards. 45. Anyone who can use a computer can learn to use an interactive whiteboard. 46. Interactive whiteboards make tests much easier. ACTIVITY 8 Use the expressions with 'way' below' (A-E) to complete utterances 47-50 so that they make sense. Use each option only once. There is one option you do not need to use. A. All the way B. On the way C. Your separate ways D. No way E. Out of your way 47. 48. SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 If you want to That's really good We'll have to stop That's OK, there complain to the of you; thanks. for fuel __________ are plenty of petrol boss I'll support to the airport. stations before you __________. Heathrow. 49. 50. SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 SPEAKER 1 SPEAKER 2 Come on, lend me __________! If you two don’t get What about the the car, just for the You've got to be on together why don’t children? day. kidding. you just leave him and go___________? ACTIVITY 9 Change the words in Column A so that they can complete sentences 51-55 in Column B below. COLUMN A COLUMN B sail 51. He always wanted to be a and travel the world. high 52. I can never remember my exact. grow 53. up as an only child was difficult. possible 54. I can’t believe I got a grade A – it’s. weight 55. Can you tell me how much you ? B LEVEL - English in school 33  Practice Test 2 Module 1 ACTIVITY 10 The word missing in each pair of sentences below (56-60) is the same, even though it has a different meaning in each case. Find these words. Their first letter is given. Word puzzle I don't like politics and I've never been a member of a political __________. 56. It's Ann's birthday next week and she wants to invite Jason to her _________. I can’t accept this job if it __________ moving to another country. 57. If trains are on strike, you can use another____________ of transport. I would just like to __________ out that I was right all along. 58. I can't really see the __________ of getting a new bike – the one you have is fine. If we want to arrive by lunchtime, we ought to __________ off at about 10.30. 59. If you are thinking of buying a new TV __________, there’s a lot to consider these days. My friend went up to the __________ to order another drink. 60. There was a heavy metal __________ across the window that prevented it from opening. B LEVEL - English in school 34  Practice Test 2 Module 2 ACTIVITY B1.1 Imagine you are new at school and some of the older students are laughing at your clothing. You have just seen Unhappy 15’s message in the agony column of an international teen magazine. Using it as a model, write your own text to appear in the same agony column (80 words), explaining your problem, and asking for advice. Sign as Sad 16. Ask Jane Agony column Hi, Hi, I m 15 and the fattest in my class. I e tried I am new at school and some of the to lose weight by cutting down on sweets, older kids... but it didn t help much. he problem is I like _______________________________________ fast food and when my friends and I go out, _______________________________________ we go to fast food restaurants and I end up _______________________________________ eating hamburgers and chips. I can t dress _______________________________________ the way I want and all my girlfriends look so _______________________________________ much prettier. I feel awful! _______________________________________ _______________________________________ What can I do? Please, _______________________________________ help me! Sad 16 Unhappy 15 Teens MAG | 6 ACTIVITY B2.1 You are a journalist, responsible for the agony column of the teen magazine mentioned above.Your editor has asked you to write a report (100 words) presenting the most common problems teenagers refer to in your column. The hints on the right will help you.  School (boring classes, strict teachers) HINTS  Family (over-protective parents, fights with brother/sister)  Friends (jealousy, mistrust ) B LEVEL - English in school 35  Practice Test 2 Module 2 ACTIVITY B1.2 Your American friend, Cathy, who lives in Greece, is worried about her son who is going to school for the first time. Using ideas from the text below (the column on the left), write an email message to Cathy (80 words) advising her about what she can do to help her son. Sign as Alex (not with your real name). Πώς μπορώ να βοηθήσω το παιδί ΟΙ ΠΡΩΤΕΣ ΗΜΕΡΕΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ μου να προσαρμοστεί στο σχολείο; Όταν τις πρώτες μέρες, το παιδί ΠΡΟΕΤΟΙΜΑΣΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ξεκινάει για το σχολείο κλαίγοντας, ΠΡΩΤΗ ΗΜΕΡΑ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ καθησυχάστε το, διαβεβαιώστε το ότι το αγαπάτε και ότι θα επιστρέψετε να το πάρετε σύντομα, χωρίς να κάνετε θέμα το Μιλήστε του για την πρώτη μέρα στο γεγονός ότι κλαίει. Αποχαιρετίστε το με σχολείο και δημιουργήστε του θετικές αποφασιστικότητα, δείχνοντάς του ότι το προσδοκίες. Ενημερώστε το για τις εμπιστεύεστε να αντιμετωπίσει την δραστηριότητες που θα έχει εκεί, για το κατάσταση. Όταν το παιδί κλαίει πολύ, διάλειμμα, το παιχνίδι και πείτε του για τη καλό είναι να απομακρυνθείτε γιατί έτσι το δασκάλα και για τα άλλα παιδιά που θα πρόβλημα εντείνεται. βρίσκονται εκεί. Αν είναι δυνατό, επισκεφθείτε μαζί τον χώρο του σχολείου Όταν το παιδί πριν ξεκινήσει τη φοίτησή του, έτσι ώστε να διαμαρτύρεται για το βοηθήσετε να καταλάβει ότι το σχολείο σωματικούς πόνους, είναι ένας όμορφος χώρος, όπου θα μάθει ακούστε το με προσοχή, πολλά. Η δουλειά του παιδιού, άλλωστε, καθησυχάστε το, είναι να είναι μαθητής και των γονέων να μετριάστε την ανησυχία πηγαίνουν στην εργασία τους. του αλλά πείτε του ότι θα πάει στο σχολείο. Εγκαινιάστε μια ευχάριστη «ρουτίνα Τις πρώτες μέρες, όταν ξεκινάτε για το προετοιμασίας»: σχολείο, δώστε του χρόνο. Μπορεί να ψωνίστε μαζί το σχολικό χουζουρέψει στο κρεβάτι ή να φάει αργά το εξοπλισμό, ετοιμάστε πρωινό του. Πάντα, ειδικά στην αρχή, βάλτε μαζί τα πράγματα που θα το ξυπνητήρι λίγο πιο νωρίς. Εάν στην παίρνει στο σχολείο, πορεία δείτε ότι όλα γίνονται πιο γρήγορα, διαλέξτε τα ρούχα που μπορείτε να ξυπνήσετε λίγο πιο μετά! θα φορέσει, ενθαρρύνετέ το να παίρνει μαζί του Και μην ξεχνάτε να χαμογελάτε κάποιο αγαπημένο του αποχαιρετώντας το για να αρχίσει όμορφα αντικείμενο από το σπίτι. η μέρα του! ACTIVITY B2.2 Imagine you are a parent whose child recently went to school and had trouble adjusting. Using ideas from the text above (the column on the right), write a text to be posted on a blog (100 words), informing other worried parents about how you dealt with the problems your child faced during the first days of school. B LEVEL - English in school 36  Practice Test 2 Module 3 ACTIVITY 1 Listen to items 1-4 and choose the best photo (A-F). There are two photos you do not need. 1. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  2. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  3. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  4. A.  B.  C.  D.  E.  F.  A. B. Uncle James Me, right after graduation C. D. Grandad (Born: June 1914) Joan, at Dublin airport, 2007 E. F. Me and Danny with Kim, Ken, Ron (2004), when he left Socrates and Niki 2001 the company Listen again and check your answers. B LEVEL - English in school 37  Practice Test 2 Module 3 ACTIVITY 2 Read items 5-7. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 5. The woman speaking is probably A. a story teller. B. a nursery teacher. C. a nurse. 6. Where do you think the event is taking place? A. In a playground. B. In a kitchen. C. In a school gym. 7. The people playing the game must guess what A. other people feel. B. is in their mouth. C. is hidden behind them. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 3 Read items 8-10. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 8. Decide what kind of report you are listening to A. News report. B. Weather report. C. Sports report. 9. The speaker is probably A. an airline representative. B. a travel agent. C. a flight attendant. 10.This radio announcement informs us about A. a concert in Thessaloniki. B. a song contest in C. an international Arts festival in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 4 Read items 11-12. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 11. What information do the interactive maps and tables give us? A. They give us the linguistic composition of each language. B. They tell us where dialects of English are spoken. C. They tell us precisely where each language is spoken. 12. These interactive maps and tables A. can only be used by academics. B. are only useful to government agencies. C. can be used by the general public. Listen again and check your answers. Read items 13-15. Listen and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each item. 13. Why might the Department of Justice use the map? A. To locate people who have broken the law. B. To offer people who don’t speak English yet information in their language. C. To provide free legal advice to all citizens. B LEVEL - English in school 38  Practice Test 2 Module 3 14. The map can also help people to find a place A. to learn English. B. to improve their language skills. C. to study abroad. 15. The speaker ends by saying that A. there is language diversity in the USA. B. some languages will eventually die out. C. English may become a minority language in the USA. Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 5 Listen and fill in items 16-20 with the right word. QUESTIONS ANSWERS 16. What’s unusual about the main speaker? That she’s Greek but looks ________. 17. Does the speaker live in Greece? Actually, she was ________ here. 18. Does she ever go to England? Yes, quite ________ in fact, to visit her relatives. 19. Does she attend university right now? No, she has ________. What does she like about Greece, besides the 20. The ________ - ________way of life. weather? Listen again and check your answers. ACTIVITY 6 Listen and fill in items 21-25 with the right word. 21. The story we’re listening to is not a children’s story; it’s a ______. 22. The story is about two vices: ______ and envy. 23. The first man in the story wanted to become ______. 24. The second man in the story wanted his neighbour to lose both his ______. 25. The moral of the story is that our own vices can ______ us. Listen again and check your answers. B LEVEL - English in school 39  Practice Test 2 Module 4 Activity 2 B LEVEL - English in school 40  Practice Test 2 Module 4 Activity 2 B LEVEL - English in school 41  Practice Test 2 Module 4 Activity 3 B LEVEL - English in school 42  Practice Test 2 Module 4 Activity 3 B LEVEL - English in school 43 Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs English Language Certification Practice Test 3  Practice Test 3 Module 1 ACTIVITY 1 1.1 Read the text below and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for item 1. 1. This text focuses on A. places in Helsinki worth B. Historic buildings all over C. Finnish architecture. visiting. Finland. Escape to Helsinki six reasons to go Introduction The Finnish capital is a strange and beautiful city where office workers relax in company saunas and locals say that swimming in frozen lakes is good for you. The cityscape blends centuries of Swedish and Russian influence with the Finns own wonderful gift for design. A. Senate Square D. Uspensky Cathedral The heart of Helsinki is centred around Finland is where East meets West Senate Square where the pale green and the best illustration of this is and white cathedral towers over the this Orthodox cathedral whose rooftops. It is a square rich in history onion-shaped domes add an exotic and is sometimes used for public element to the skyline. events such as concerts, open markets and parades. The Russian-style square E. Yrjőnkatu Swimming Hall was designed by Carl Engel in the mid- A good steam bath is a national passion, with one 1800s when Finland was still part of the sauna for every three Finns. The magnificent Russia Empire. architecture of the baths dates back from the 1920s. Swimming costumes are optional. B. Museum of Contemporary Art Finland is a powerhouse of art and design and this museum houses a fantastic collection of Finnish and F. WIN A HOLIDAY WITH QUICKJET international works. Go to timeout.com/quickJet C. Soumenlinna fortress A short bus ride beyond the docks stands Answer the question: Name the island fortress this mighty island fortress which has which guards Helsinki harbour and you could guarded Helsinki harbour since the 18th win return flights to Helsinki, for you and friend. century. There are historic buildings and QuickJet winter schedules on sale now! museums to visit. 1.2 Read the text again and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 2-3. 2. The architecture in Finland A. is a mixture of styles. B. is the work of foreigners. C. has influenced other countries. 3. What is the purpose of Soumenlinna fortress today? A. It protects the country from B. It is an art gallery. C. It is a tourist attraction. attack. B LEVEL - English in school 45  Practice Test 3 Module 1 1.3 There are five sentences (12-16) missing from the text above. Match each sentence with the correct paragraph (A-F). 4. The inside of the church is just as atmospheric, filled with icons and Byzantine style paintings of the saints. 5. There are separate times for women bathers. 6. You will also get the chance to stroll the now peaceful castle walls, and watch the beautiful sunset. ACTIVITY 2 Match the underlined words in the text below (items 7-11) with a word that has a similar meaning in this context (options A-G). There are two options you do not need. A. lasts B. continues with C. pass D. go to E. wish F. take G. search British Education: a quick guide Primary education begins in the UK at the age of five and continues until age 11. These schools are mixed – girls and boys (7) attend the same school. Secondary school lasts for five years (from age 11 to 16). Between the age of 11 and 14 students do not (8) sit for any public examinations. These schools may be either single-sex (just boys or girls) or mixed (both boys and girls). A student automatically progresses to the next level or year and does not repeat the year even if the student has failed his or her examinations. When students complete their secondary education they can choose further education or they can leave school and (9) look for a job. Further education means students prepare for their A-Level exams. These are qualifications for students who (10) plan to go to college or University. A British bachelors degree normally (11) takes three years to complete and most are awarded at honours level. Examples of first degrees are: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), and BSc (Bachelor of Science). B LEVEL - English in school 46  Practice Test 3 Module 1 ACTIVITY 3 Read the text and for each gap (12-16) choose the best option (A-F). Use each option once only. There is one option you do not need. A. contains B. causes C. tastes D. does E. helps F. avoids Sweet News for Chocoholics Good news for chocoholics. The treat loved by millions not only (12)_______ delicious but, according to the latest research findings, it also (13)______ you good. The reason for this is that chocolate (14)_______certain substances such as flavonoids that are good for your heart; they also help to cut down blood clotting which (15)_______heart attacks. ‘Research indicates that eating chocolate can have a positive effect on health’, said Dr. Carl Ritter of the University of New York. ‘Research shows that cocoa is a bit like aspirin: it (16)_____ reduce heart attacks’. The Conference on diet and health begins this Saturday in New York at the Rockefeller Center. ACTIVITY 4 Read the text below about food and decide if each statement below (items 17-24) is True (A) False (B) or Not Stated (C). People do not just eat to survive. Meals bring people together. There is one essential nutrient. Water keeps body temperature down. Dietary fibre is found in water and plants. Dietary fibre lowers your blood pressure. We should eat different kinds of food. We should all eat less. Everybody has to eat and drink. But for most people food isn’t just a matter of survival. Sharing food brings friends, family and colleagues- closer. One way or another, food is an important part of our lifestyle. Food contains five groups of nutrients – proteins, fats, carbohydrates (starches and sugars), vitamins and minerals. Each of them is essential. The body uses the nutrients to provide itself with energy, to help it grow, to help digestion and control body temperature. WHY FOOD? Water and dietary fibre are also important. Water is essential for health. But what is dietary fibre? It is a mixture of substances found only in plants. Some types help food pass more quickly through the intestines, some may help to lower blood cholesterol. You need nutrients in the right amounts to grow and enjoy good health. The best way to balance your diet is to eat a wide variety of foods. What you eat and when is part of your way of life. Most people in western Europe have enough to eat and drink. Some people even eat too much. Others have ‘unbalanced’ diets, which often means too much fat and sugar or too little fresh fruit and vegetables. B LEVEL - English in school 47  Practice Test 3 Module 1 ACTIVITY 5 5.1 Read the text below quickly and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 25-26. 25. This aim of this text is to A. persuade. B. inform. C. entertain. 26. The most suitable heading for this extract would be A. English Spelling. B. The Development of Printing. C. British and American English. 3 Both native English speakers and non-native speakers find the spelling of English one of its most difficult characteristics. The English spelling system is not based on a phonetic link between sounds and letters, as is the spelling of Spanish and certain other languages. Instead, English spelling is affected by the historical development of the language. Some words are pronounced in several different ways; similarly, different combinations of letters can produce the same pronunciation. The six different pronunciations of ough provide an outstanding example of the differences between spelling and pronunciation, as in bough, cough, thorough, thought, through, and rough. The spellings come from a time when gh represented a sound that was pronounced. Another difference is the many different spellings of the sh sound, as for example in anxious, fission, fuchsia, and ocean. The link between sound and spelling in English is not phonetically exact for two main reasons. First, spelling changes did not keep pace with changes in the sound system after the development of printing and of conventions for spelling. For example, the k in knife and the gh in right come from the Middle English period (from about 1100 to about 1500), when they were pronounced as separate sounds. Second, there are some spelling conventions that are based on other languages. For example, during the 16th century the 'b' was inserted into the word doubt (formerly spelled doute). This reflected the Latin word, dubitare, even though the 'b' was not pronounced in English. Two further influences contributed to the illogical system of spelling. When books began to be printed in England, the newly invented spelling system was undermined because nearly all the early London printers were foreign. They were usually paid by the line and often inserted additional letters into words to earn more. They regularly also added extra letters to the last word of a line to make the whole text look neater. Many of their spelling errors eventually became accepted English spellings. When Samuel Johnson wrote the first English dictionary in 1755, he did not try to reform the system or make it simpler. Instead, he based it on the printed material that was available at the time. As a result, most of the errors that were common at the time became accepted as correct. There have been many attempts to reform English spelling. The author and playwright George Bernard Shaw proposed a completely new alphabet, but this had very limited success. American English has developed some of its own spelling conventions, largely as a result of the work of spelling reformer Noah Webster. Webster attempted to remove some of the irregularities from the English spelling system and distance American English from British English. Nevertheless, the system as a whole remains particularly complex, and English is widely regarded as having the worst spelling of any language in the world. B LEVEL - English in school 48  Practice Test 3 Module 1 5.2 Read the text again and choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for items 27-34. 27. What has made English spelling so complicated? A. It has more letters than sounds. B. Its history. C. Its similarities with Spanish. 28. The example of the words ending in ‘-ough’ is given to show that A. spelling is less difficult than it B. there is no reason for C. the same letters can be appears. unusual spellings. pronounced in different ways. 29. After the Middle English period A. English pronunciation began to B. Latin became less C. spelling began to reflect the change.