CHARACTERS LARGER THAN LIFE

I. Reading

Read the text given below. For questions (1–6), choose from the places mentioned in the tour (A–D) as in the example. The places may be chosen more than once.

The Pacific Paradise Tour took us to California, on the west coast of the United States, and to the Hawaiian islands in the Pacific Ocean. With beautiful countryside, exciting cities and fantastic beaches, this holiday had everything.

The first place we stopped at was San Francisco, in northern California. This city is famous for its cable cars – and it certainly needs them because San Francisco is extremely hilly and has some very steep roads! By the sea, next to the fishing boats, there are the fish restaurants. Here we enjoyed watching the street actors and musicians as we ate delicious fresh fish. One thing we’ll never forget is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is very big and beautiful.

The next city on the tour was Los Angeles. This city is very exciting and has some very famous attractions. The nearby beaches are long and sandy and the mountains outside the city are high and dry. We visited the beach where they were filming Baywatch. We also went to Disneyland where we saw E.T. and shook hands with Mickey Mouse. After that they took us to Hollywood to see the houses of the stars who have made a lot of films – and a lot of money!

The last place we visited in California was San Diego, a city with sun, sand, sea and all kinds of watersports. We went to the San Diego Zoo which is one of the world’s largest zoos. We also visited Mexico, which is only a short drive away from San Diego.

Finally, we went to Hawaii. It’s paradise! We sat on golden beaches with green palm trees and watched amazing red sunsets. We also saw colourful fish at Sea Life Park and went snorkelling in Hanauma Bay. In the evenings we enjoyed the lively clubs, bars and ice-cream parlours. Best of all, we ate fantastic Hawaiian food while watching Hawaiian people performing traditional Polynesian dances.

This holiday was fantastic. So when you have time, get on the first plane to the west coast of The United States and have the time of your life!

Which sentences refer to which place(s)?

ASan Francisco

BLos Angeles

CSan Diego

DHawaii

0.The city is built on hills.

1.There is a famous theme park.

2.It is very close to another country.

3.The local food is delicious.

4.Entertainers perform as you eat.

5.You can see the homes of famous people.

6.You can see interesting creatures under the sea.

II. Writing

Choose the correct item to complete the sentence.

1. That monument on the top of the hill ..... hundreds of years ago.

 Awas building  Bhad built  Cwas built  Dhave been built

2. They got to the airport on time ..... leaving home later than they had planned.

 A despite  B in spite  C despite that  D in spite of that

3. Do you know where the ceremony is .....?

 A to hold  B been held  C being held  D holding

4. They ..... the new building by October.

 A have finished

 B will have finished

 C are finished

 D are finishing

5. I can’t find my umbrella. I ..... it in Joe’s car.

 A must have left

 B shouldn’t have left

 C had to leave

 D should leave

6. He earns a lot of money. ..... , he cannot afford to buy a new car.

 A Although  B However  C But  D Whereas

You’ve received a letter from your English pen-friend in which he asks you what you

would like to achieve after you leave school. Write him / her a reply letter (50–60 words)

answering his / her questions:

• Is success important to you? Why? / Why not?

• Does success mean the same as happiness? Why? / Why not?

III. Speaking

When you were at the English courses in Wales last year your teacher asked you to

prepare the report about tourism “Living with tourism”. Include the following:

• What ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ things about tourism are there for people who live

there?

• Does tourism really help local people with jobs?

• What benefits from tourism does the country have?

Examination Card #6 (3)

I. Reading

Read the text given below. For questions (1–4), choose the best answer (A, B, C or D).

Once upon a time a famous art museum searched the world over for the best paintings it could find. After a long search, the museum found a beautiful Old Master painting depicting youths and maidens dancing in a wood. The directors were only too glad to pay millions for this painting because they were captivated by its beauty and elegance. How delightfully the maidens’ hair and mouths were drawn, how perfectly the hands and arms of the youths were depicted, how lifelike the bare feet on the forest floor were. But the curator of the museum was the happiest one of all, for he had now become the guardian and protector of a famous work by a famous painter. “Every time I look at that painting,” he would say, “I see new beauties and excellences. Just look at these leaves here, the sweep of the branches from this tree, capturing just the hint of a breeze and seeming to vibrate with the music from the dance of the youths and maidens in the clearing. My very soul resonates with the greatness of it all.”

Needless to say, this wonderful painting was the most popular exhibit at the museum, providing instruction and delight for thousands of visitors. Everyone, from the young child who could barely walk to the old man who could barely walk, enjoyed its beauty frankly and openly or profited from studying its colour and arrangement.

One day a horrible discovery was made: the painting was not a genuine Old Master after all. In fact it had been painted within the last ten years. The museum directors and the curator were horrified and consumed with shame. Immediately the painting was relegated to a basement storeroom. “We regret such an unfortunate imposition,” the curator told the museum’s patrons. “This painting is not art; it is a tawdry fake. This painting is a lie.”

At first the public was saddened to lose sight of such a popular painting, and a few mild protests were raised, but eventually concern for the painting was pushed aside by other more pressing concerns, it was forgotten and life continued.

Only the museum curator and an occasional junior staff member ever saw the painting now, hanging in the dim light of the basement well away from public view. All that was heard of it was the curator’s occasional disparaging comment. “Every day I see new defects and ugliness in this fraudulent outrage,” he would say. “Just look how false the sun on the leaves looks, how phony is the wisp of that girl’s hair, how ugly the clouds are there, and how awkward that boy’s position in the dance is. How we were ever taken in by this obvious cheat is beyond me.”

1.Which of the following statements best expresses the overall theme of the passage?

 A Knowledge can alter one’s perceptions.

 B Art is impossible to understand.

 C Experts should be the ultimate judges of value.

 D Public popularity is a poor measure of value.

2. It can be inferred that the author would most likely agree that

 A people should never pay millions of dollars for a painting

 B most people, including experts, do not know much about art

 C the person who sold the forgery to the museum should be imprisoned

 D the value of art is determined by people, not by the art itself

3. The museum curator can be described as all of the following except

 A passionate  B ashamed  C unwavering  D inconsistent

4. As used in the final paragraph, which is the best antonym for disparaging?

 A unreliable  B fortunate  C neutral  D complimentary

II. Writing

Put the verbs into the correct tense (present perfect simple or present perfect continuous).

1. A: (you / take) .................................... the dog for a walk yet?

2. B: I (work) .................................... all day. I (come / just) ..................... .............. home from work and I (have / not) .................................... the time yet to walk the dog.

3. A: How long (the dog / be) .................................... home alone?

4. B: For about 6 hours. You (walk / not) .................................... the dog for a long time. Don’t you want to go?

5. A: Well, I (laze / not) ................................. about all day either, you know.

I have a very important meeting tomorrow and I still (finish / not) ............. ................... my presentation.

6. B: Okay, I will go then. Where (you / put) .................................... collar and leash?

You’ve got an email from your English-speaking friend in which he / she asks you about your favourite school subject. Write a reply of 50–60 words including the following information:

What is your favourite subject? Why?

How will the knowledge of this subject influence your future?

III. Speaking

Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

What role does food play in your life?

What role does food play in culture?

Would you rather cook by yourself or eat out? Why?

Examination Card #9 (4)

I. Reading Read the text given below. For questions (1–4), choose the best answer (A, B, C or D).

CHARACTERS LARGER THAN LIFE

In any book, cartoon or film we all love to see the heroes defeat the villains*, save the world, win the girl and live happily ever after. But just between you and me, don’t we feel a little bit sorry for the villains as well?

Saruman, from The Lord of the Rings, is an all-time favourite villain, the type of villain I like. He is a tall wizard with a long white beard and cold dark eyes. He wears a long white robe and carries a magic staff. Once he was a good wizard but the power of a magic ring has made him evil and greedy and now he wants to rule the world. Only Frodo, the small ring bearer, can stop him.

Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit, is small, brave and honest, with bright eyes, curly brown hair and very large hairy feet! His mission is to take the magic ring to Mordor where it will be destroyed. He travels with some friends and together they have to face many dangers. Gandalf a wise wizard, protects them and shows them the way.

Another of my favourite heroes is Peter Pan, a mischievous, daring boy with pointed ears who can fly and never grows older. Peter and his friends, the Lost Boys, have a dangerous enemy called Captain Hook.

With his black moustache, cruel laugh and a sharp metal hook instead of a hand, the cunning Captain Hook is a perfect villain. He always wears a broad-brimmed hat and fine clothes. He lives with a band of pirates on his ship, the Jolly Roger, making plans to kidnap the Lost Boys and capture the boy he hates.

Not all villains are men. The Wicked Queen in Snow White is one of the most coldhearted villains ever. Beautiful but vain, the queen asks her mirror every day, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” The answer always pleases her, until one day the mirror replies that kind and caring Snow White is even prettier than her. The jealous queen is so angry that she dresses up as an old woman and gives Snow White a poisoned apple.

Whether heroes or villains, these are the characters I admire the most. I love to watch the heroes fight the villains and eventually see good win over evil. I also can’t help feeling for the villains and their weaknesses; I just love to hate them! These stories are timeless and the characters are definitely larger than life.

* a villain – the main bad character in a film, play, or story.

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

 A to describe how heroes catch villains

 B to describe some wellknown

heroes and villains

 C to tell some wellknown

cartoon stories

 D to tell some wellknown

fairy tales

2. What does the writer say about Saruman?

 A He was not always evil.

 B He is the writer’s favourite character.

 C Frodo wants to destroy him.

 D He has lost a valuable ring.

3. Which of the statements is true of Captain Hook?

 A He works on his own.

 B He has a partner called Jolly Roger.

 C He has a black beard.

 D He takes care of his appearance.

4. What is the writer’s opinion of villains?

 A They are more important than the heroes.

 B He likes them more than the heroes.

 C He is happy to see them lose.

 D They are just as important as the heroes.

II. Writing

Choose the correct item to complete the sentence.

1. The ..... erupted, destroying the nearby villages.

 A earthquake  B volcano  C explosion  D flooding

2. The children were looking at ..... in the mirror.

 A itself  B himself  C themselves  D yourselves

3. He ..... on his family for help whenever he had problems.

 A joined  B involved  C depended  D explained

4. No one knew the spy’s ..... as he was carrying a false passport.

 A identity  B mission  C experience  D element

5. The fire quickly ..... to the nearby buildings.

 A pulled  B sank  C dragged  D spread

6. Quick ..... had to be taken to avoid further damage.

 A charge  B action  C significance  D intelligence

You have been invited by your friend to spend the weekend in his grandfather’s house in the village. Write a letter accepting this invitation. Include the following:

thank for the invitation and accept it;

ask about the region where the village is situated;

ask about the activities you are going to do.

III. Speaking

The Olympic Games are the holiday of sport and talents.

How do the Olympic Games differ from other sporting events?

Talk about the famous Ukrainian sportsmen.

Say what people should do to become the Olympic champions.

Examination Card #10 (5)

I. Reading

Read the text given below. For questions (1–6), choose from the places (A–C).

PLACES TO VISIT

A York

The history of York stretches back to Roman times. Few cities look as completely medieval as York as many buildings have remained more or less unchanged for centuries. With its ancient wooden houses and narrow winding streets, the whole city gives off an atmosphere of history. Today, these streets contain a fascinating variety of shops. York has been called “the City of churches” for there are no fewer than 17 pre-Reformation churches within the city walls. The pride of York is the huge and magnificent Minster which towers over the whole city. It is thought to contain the largest area of medieval coloured glass in the world. If you don’t want to join a group tour, there are cassettes – complete with Sony Walkman – which will tell you all about the city.

B Dover

The white cliffs of Dover are familiar to millions of travellers. Dover, the gateway to Britain, is the busiest ferry port in Europe. In times gone by, the town has been host to kings, armies, pilgrims and all kinds of travellers. Ancient monuments and ruins testify to Dover’s long and fascinating history and today the town offers a great deal to interest visitors all the year round. On a fine day, the harbour itself offers excellent walks. Particularly recommended is the Prince of Wales Pier at the end of which you will find a viewing place with a splendid outlook over the entire port, the white cliffs and Dover Castle. With two direct trains each hour from London Victoria and London Charing Cross, Dover is ideal for a daytrip from the capital.

C Llangolen

For six days every July, Llangollen becomes the cultural centre of the world, attracting choirs, musicians, folk singers and dancers from all continents. Over 40 different countries are represented with colourful national costumes, taking part in daily competitions and performing in evening concerts. But if you are more of the outdoor type, why not try riding the rapids? Experience the excitement of white water rapids on the River Wild. All equipment can be hired. Llangollen is also a centre for outdoor clothing and equipment for climbing, walking, mountain biking and camping. From Llangollen wharf you can embark on a 45minute horsedrawn boat trip along the river or, on certain days, you can go for a longer journey on the Thomas Telford, which has refreshments on board to add to your enjoyment.

Which town would you recommend to someone who:

would like to attend an international festival? (1) .....

likes shopping? (2) .....

wants to buy sporting equipment? (3) .....

likes to be given information as they tour? (4) .....

wants a day out while staying in London? (5) .....

enjoys outdoor activities? (6) .....

II. Writing

For questions 1–8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits

each gap.

Like tens of thousands of other people, I use public transport every day either to get

to and from work or to go from one place to another. So I can (1) ...... myself as a

frequent user of the transport system, and to be (2) ...... sometimes I’d (3) ...... I wasn’t.

I have to admit that there are times when it can be a very tiring and frustrating

experience, (4) ...... because of the way the other passengers behave. Some push and

shove to squeeze in while others try to make their way to the doors in order to get off.

And there I am, in a confined (5) ...... with lots of frantic people around me, having

difficulty breathing.

Isn’t it (6) ...... the law to fill up buses with so many people? I believe that there

should be (7) ...... laws as to how many passengers should be allowed on a bus. This may

sound a little unrealistic, but I have been on buses in potentially dangerous situations,

where people have fallen on each other because they didn’t have anything to hold (8) ...... .

You have invited your English-speaking friend to spend Christmas holidays with you in Ukraine. Write an email of 50–60 words including the following points:

weather in December and January;

Ukrainian Christmas traditions.

III. Speaking

Talk about the climate in Ukraine and in the UK. Inform about the following:

the type of climate in both countries;

the variations of climate in different parts of the country;

the things that affect the climate and make it changeable.

Examination Card #11 (6)

I. Reading

Read the text given below. For questions (1–4), choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) to complete the sentences. HAND-ON SCIENCE DOWN UNDER

Scienceworks is a museum with a difference. It’s an educational, adventure playground that aims to explain to visitors the workings of science and technology by allowing them to look, touch, and play with the exhibits.

One of the main differences between Scienceworks and other museums, is its location. While most museums are generally located in the city amongst modern office blocks, this one is in a working class suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Factories surround the museum like an industrial theme park. There’s even a disused sewerage processing plant within the Scienceworks complex.

The museum is home to both temporary and permanent exhibitions. The four permanent exhibitions are called Inventions, Energy, Travel and Materials. The displays in each section are accompanied by information about how the technology works, the story behind its invention and the ways in which it has affected people’s daily lives both at home and at work. The museum’s curator, Richard Gillespie, believes the museum works because its exhibits are well-chosen examples of technology that are familiar to visitors. “Having this kind of connection with exhibits, helps simplify science instead of complicating it like so many other science museums do,” says Richard.

Scienceworks also encourages its visitors to interact with the exhibits. The Inventions exhibition is real ‘hands-on’ stuff. You can press buttons, pull levers and watch in amazement as engines start and models come to life. The Energy exhibition challenges you to provide the energy for a hand-powered washing machine and an old-fashioned hand saw. If that doesn’t tire you out, move on to Sports Works where you can have your physical fitness levels tested while racing a virtual Olympic sprinter.

When your body wants a rest, but your mind’s hungry for more, head to the Scienceworks Planetarium. A unique digital computer and projection system takes you on a journey through space and time. From the comfort of a reclining chair you will travel to the moon and stars and beyond to other galaxies and the dawn of the universe. The planetarium also hosts a special sleepover package for kids during school holidays where they get to go on a scary ghost tour and observe the stars through telescopes.

Whether you’re five or ninety-five, a visit to Scienceworks is definitely a must. It’s fun, it’s informative, and everyone should go!

1. The museum’s location is unusual because…

 A it is inside a factory.

 C it is not in the city centre.

 B it is surrounded by office blocks.

 D it is next to a sewerage plant.

2. The curator believes the museum is popular because…

 A the exhibitions change often.

 B the exhibits were invented by ordinary people.

 C visitors understand how the technologies work.

 D other science museums are boring.

3. At the Sports exhibition visitors can…

 A have a rest.  C get some exercise.

 B do their washing.  D touch the exhibits.

4. If you get tired, the writer recommends…

 A going home and sitting in a comfortable chair.

 B taking a virtual tour of the galaxy.

 C eating something at the Planetarium café.

 D leaving your children overnight at the museum.

II. Writing

Read the text and choose the best answer for each gap.

The Vikings were Scandinavian warriors from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. These tall, fair-haired people colonised many (1)...... of Europe between the 9th and 11th centuries. They were excellent sailors who (2)...... in long wooden (3)...... with many oars and large rectangular sails. Erik the Red was one of the (4)...... famous Vikings. He (5)...... Greenland and set up a colony there in 982 AD. Leif Erikson, his son, was the (6)...... Europeanto set foot on the North American continent.

Imagine that you are learning English at the language course in Great Britain and are living in a host family. Write a short letter of 50–60 words home. Tell your parents about:

your accommodations;

your host family members and their interests;

your leisure time activities.

III. Speaking

Talk about friendship in your life. Include the following:

How do you choose friends? Describe the appearance and character of your friend. Is it important to be a friend to others?

Examination Card #16 (7)

I. Reading

Match the headings (A–E) with the paragraphs (1–4). There is one heading you will not use.

AIt’s time to act.

BBees are losing their way

CFour years in a scientist’s life

DNo bees – no food

EA strange idea

(1) .....

Mobile phones are one of the most useful inventions of the last 50 years, but not everything that is said about them is good. Mobiles are frequently blamed for a number of things, from thumb injuries and headaches to house fires. One theory even blames mobile phones for the disappearance of bees!

(2) .....

The theory is that the bees’ navigation systems are damaged by the radiation that is given off by mobile phones. Bees have a built-in system a bit like GPS and this helps them find their way back to their hive. But recently, thousands of bees have failed to find their way home. It is believed they are dying far from their hives.

(3) .....

The problem was first noticed by beekeepers in America and is a lot more complicated than it at first seems. The important thing about bees is that most of the crops in many countries of the world are pollinated by them. Without bees, the crops can’t continue to grow. Many beekeepers in America and Europe have reported losing between 50 and 70 percent of their bees. Jim Piper, a London beekeeper, was recently asked how the problem was affecting him. “My business has been ruined by this”, he explained. “Twenty-nine of my forty hives are now empty”.

(4) .....

Nobody has proved that this theory is true but it’s a fact that bees are disappearing in very large numbers. And we can’t manage without them. Einstein said that if all our bees disappeared, man would only live for four more years! The situation needs to be evaluated by the world’s best scientists. If the mobile phone theory is correct, we need to do something about immediately – before it’s too late.

II. Writing

Read the text given below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap (1–6).

TIPS FOR FLYING

The number and length of flights has increased sharply in the past few years and the number of passengers on long distance flights is also higher. As the human body was not designed for flying, people can (1)..... if they are on an aeroplane for a long time. Therefore, it is important to (2)..... certain measures to increase your comfort. A longdistance journey often (3)..... travellers feeling stiff, because they have been sitting in one (4)..... for several hours.

In order to reduce the (5)..... of this happening to you, there are some exercises you can do while you are flying. (6)..... this, a hot shower taken after the flight can be an effective way of minimising stiffness. If you wear loose clothing made from natural

materials, such as cotton, you will feel more comfortable as your skin will be able to

breathe more easily.

You have taken part in an English language course at the summer camp. Tomorrow is your Farewell party. Write a ‘thank you’ postcard (50–60 words) to your teacher. Include the following:

your opinion about the course;

say that you’d like to take part in a similar course again;

say ‘thank you’ for his/her work.

III. Speaking

English has become an international language. Talk about the importance of learning a foreign language. Use the questions to help you.

What do you consider to be the most important aspects of learning English?

What are the best ways to practise it?

Say if you’d like to learn a few foreign languages and why.

Examination Card #17 (8)

I. Reading

Read the text and write if the statements (1–6) are true (T) or false (F).

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 4622