READINGS PARA B1.

Yolanda Velasco Rodríguez

Read this extract from a job application form.

I am interested in this job because I am currently looking for an opportunity to use the skills I learnt in my
college. I have recently completed a 16-week part-time accounting course (AAT Level 2 Certificate). The
course covered book-keeping, recording income and receipts and basic costing. We used a wide range of
computer packages, and I picked up the accounting skills easily. I was able to work alone with very little
extra help. I passed the course with merit. I believe my success was due to my thorough work, my numeracy
skills and my attention to detail. During the course, I had experience of working to deadlines and working
under pressure. Although this was sometimes stressful, I always completed my work on time.
Unfortunately, the course did not include a work placement, so I have not practised my skills in a business
setting, and I am now looking for an opportunity to do so. I am particularly looking for a job in a small
company such as yours, as I believe I will be able to interact with a wider range of people, and as a result,
learn more skills. I would like to progress within a company and gain more responsibilities over the years.
Although I do not have work experience in finance, I have experience in working in an office environment.
Before starting the accounting course, I worked for 6 months in a recruitment office as a receptionist. My
duties involved meeting and greeting clients and visitors, taking phone calls, audio and copy typing and
checking stock. I also had to keep the petty cash and mail records. Through this work, I developed my
verbal and written communication skills. I had to speak confidently to strangers and deliver clear messages.
I enjoyed working in a team environment. I believe the office appreciated my friendly manner and efficient
work.
1. Are the following statements true or false? Choose 'not in text' if the information is not there.

The candidate has a qualification in accounting.

NEW VOCABULARY:
2. The candidate has a university degree in accounting.
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3. The candidate has worked as an accountant before.
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4. The candidate worked with an accounting firm as a receptionist.
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5. The candidate is familiar with some accounting software.
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6. The candidate has worked as part of a team in an office environment.
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7. The candidate has experience of record-keeping.
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8. The candidate wants to learn on the job.

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9. The candidate has a maths qualification.

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10. The candidate can work by herself.

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11. The candidate intends to study a further accounting course.

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12. The candidate believes herself to be a careful worker.

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13. Deadlines do not stress the candidate.

14. The candidate is applying for a job in a large firm.

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B1 Reading: Education
You’re 16 and finally you can leave school! By now, you’re probably sick of teachers, desks, tests and exams. But don’t just run for the
exit. You need to think carefully about what to do next.
If you want a professional career, you will need to go to university and get a degree. To do that, you need to stay at high school for another
two years. But you needn’t stay at the same place. There are several options in the district of Northacre.
St. Leopold’s School has the best pass rate of all the high schools in the district. It offers a wide range of subjects in the humanities and
sciences. St Leopold’s is, of course, a private school, so may be too expensive for you. But don’t worry, there are several other options if
you want to follow the academic route. Knowle Grammar School is a state school, so there are no fees, and it has excellent tuition and
facilities. It is a boys’ school from the ages of 11-16, but from 16-18 it is co-educational. But it is selective, so you’ll have to pass an exam
to get in. If you’re interested in going into Business, check out Wyle River Academy. This school specialises in subjects like Business
Studies, Management and Economics. If you prefer the arts, look at the courses on offer at Northacre College. Here you can study
woodwork, art, textiles and much more.
Northacre College also offers a wide range of vocational qualifications. You can do a 1-year certificate or a 2-year diploma in subjects like
electrics, plumbing, roofing and hairdressing. If you’d prefer to work outdoors, look at Milldown College, where there are courses in Farm
Mechanics, Land Management, Animal Management and much more.
A final option is to get an apprenticeship with a local or national company. You will get on-the-job training, gain certificates or diplomas and
start earning straight away. But be warned - places are limited! Find out more at the Jobs Fair on 26th May at Northacre College.

Principio del formulario

8 Kevin wants to be a fashion designer. Where is the best place for
1 The aim of the article is to… him
to study?
advise young people about how to get to university.
Wyle River Academy
tell young people about the options available.
Northacre College
advise young people to stay in education.
Milldown College
2 The article advises readers who want a professional career to…
9 Caroline wants to run her own company. Where is the best place
go to university immediately. for her to study?

stay at the same school for two more years. Wyle River Academy

go to high school for two more years, then get a degree. Northacre College

3 St Leopold’s is the best school for… Milldown College

10 What is the problem with apprenticeships?
good exam results.
There are few available.
humanities and sciences.
They are expensive.
facilities.
4 You can only attend St Leopold’s school if you… They don’t give you any qualifications.

pay tuition fees. NEW VOCABULARY

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pass an exam.
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study both humanities and sciences. -
5 You can only attend Knowle Grammar School if you…
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pass an exam. -
are a boy.
-
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can afford the tuition fees. -
6 Anna wants to work with horses. Where is the best place for her to study?
-
Wyle River Academy -
Northacre College -
-
Milldown College
7 Harry wants to be a builder. Where is the best place for him -
to study? -
Wyle River Academy -
Northacre College

Milldown College
B1 Reading: Education 2 - Moocs
Choose the correct location in the text for the following sentences. (COLOCA ESTAS FRASES EN EL TEXTO
CORRECTAMENTE)

1. We have local apocalypses in our world today, in the form of earthquakes, hurricanes and terrorist attacks.
2. TV shows have long launched spin-off products in the form of merchandise and video games.
3. If successful, the edutainment experiment could spawn a huge range of other TV show/university hybrid courses.
4. Part of this experiment is to find out whether the power of television can reduce the high drop-out rate characteristic
of MOOCS.
5. Until now, online learning experiences have been able to deliver great videos and quizzes, but student interaction
was minimal and the experience for learners has been impersonal.
6. Experts from the Centre for Education and Employment have reservations about the value of such online courses
where there is no formal assessment or contact between the students and those delivering the courses.
7. The course will consist of eight modules including a physics module on ‘the science of decay’, a public health
module on the study of epidemics and a mathematics module on population dynamics.
8. The University of California, which has a huge reputation to uphold, said that there had been no dumbing down in
the design of the course.
9. Millions of students sign up for online education courses each year.

The boundaries between education and entertainment are beginning to blur, and a new type of learning, in which

education merges with entertainment, is emerging – ‘edutainment’. But now US television

company AMC has teamed up with the University of California to produce an online course based on the TV
show, The Walking Dead, which features apost-apocalyptic world ridden with zombies.
With an audience of 10 million, student numbers for the course are expected to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Academics from the University of California say that the online course will be a ‘legitimate educational experience’ and

tackle serious issues from the fields of science, public health, nutrition, psychology and sociology.
However, students will gain no formal qualifications or credits on successful completion of the course.

It insisted that all modules had been made as academically rigorous as those taught on the
university grounds. One lecturer in social science stated that the university already used contemporary media
examples to make theories more relevant to students, and this course was merely taking this concept one step further.
‘The curriculum is very real,’ says Josh Coates, head of Infrastructure and designer of the online

platform. ‘The fact that the context is this fictional world of an apocalypse is incidental. This course
gives us the opportunity to educate people about the science of disasters.’

The market for massive open online courses, or MOOCs, is rapidly expanding. However, millions

fail to complete the courses, suggesting that they pose a real challenge to online learners.

The university is taking this opportunity to hone the way it delivers online courses. With the
increasing demand for online courses, these are issues that universities looking to invest in online learning are
increasingly having to face.

They believe that TV shows may serve to attract students, but the academic element still needs to
outweigh the entertainment value for a university course to be officially recognised and respected.

NEW VOCABULARY
 B1
Reading: Accommodation
Read 4 reviews for a hotel.

The Coach Hotel

Rating: ★★★☆☆ 164 reviews

Patsy190 writes:
6 of us stayed here for the weekend. The first thing we noticed on entering our room was how small it was. Our rooms were clean, but the bed cover was stained. The
furniture was really outdated, especially the bathroom, which had an old pink suite and linoleum on the floor. The ‘shower’ was a hose that you fit onto the taps. The sink
was in the bedroom, right next to the television sockets which seems pretty unsafe to me. We had dinner there, and it was well-cooked, but we were still hungry
afterwards because the servings were so tiny. The drinks prices were extortionate - £5 for a small glass of wine. My friend ordered a brandy and coke, but the waitress
brought him whisky and coke. When we complained, she just walked off! Not impressed. I would like to say it was cheap and cheerful but at £120 a night, it was neither
- overpriced and depressing more like.

MellowBunny writes:
Just returned from a 3 day break here, and thought that the Coach Hotel was very good value for money. I had requested a quiet room and this was noted at reception. I
got a great room - large, comfortable and clean, with a seating area overlooking the racecourse. The only disappointing thing was that there were no tea/coffee facilities
in the room - not even a kettle. The furniture and decor was not particularly up-to-date, but that’s what you would expect from an old hotel. There was a wide selection of
well-cooked food on offer. At breakfast I had poached eggs, and they were done to perfection. In the evening, I had a delicious three-course meal, and I wasn’t kept
waiting for ages between courses, which is definitely a plus when you’re dining alone. I found the staff friendly and always willing to help.

TomWheeler writes:
The hotel’s is just 200 metres walk away from the racecourse, so it’s really convenient. There’s plenty of space to park. The bed was comfortable with clean cotton
sheets. Good power shower. I would agree with some of the less favourable reviews on the site too, though. The room definitely needed some attention – it smelt musty
and the furniture was old, cheap and battered. The bin hadn't been emptied from previous guests, and there was other rubbish on the floor. The fan in the bathroom was
very loud, and the plumbing made strange noises in the night. The walls were thin too. Breakfast was okay, but there wasn’t much of it.

JadeUnicorn writes:
Don’t be fooled by the pictures online. What you see is definitely NOT what you get! First, it’s not close to the city centre – it’s at least a 35 minute walk. Furniture was
old and dated, although the bed was comfortable. Tiny bathroom, with an absurdly loud extractor fan. No lock on the bathroom door and no toiletries, not even soap.
There were cobwebs all over the hotel. The dining room is dark and uninviting, with no windows except one tiny one. The food simply was the type that gives Britain a
bad name. Instant coffee and cheap sausages. Service was poor, with staff clearing the table while we were still eating.

Which reviewer says the following? Choose ‘two reviewers’ when two reviewers agree, and ‘all reviewers’ if all
reviewers agree. (elige cual de los “críticos” dice lo siquiente, pueden ser uno, dos o todos)

1. The hotel was too expensive.

New vocabulary
2. The decor was old-fashioned.

3. The service was poor.

4. The service was good.

5. The bed clothes were dirty.

6. The room was dirty.

7. The room was big.

8. The location was bad.

9. The shower was inadequate.

10. The food was bad quality.

11. The food was good.

12. The food portions were small.

13. The room did not have everything the reviewer expected.

14. The room wasn’t quiet.

 Make the Most of your Free Time
(elige un título para cada párrafo)
- WHY IS SO HARD - MAKE A DIFFERENCE
- GET CREATIVE -GUARD YOUR TIME
- DO WHAT YOU WANT –CHANGE YOUR LIFE
- SET A DATE

1.
Studies say that people nowadays have more free time than ever before. Then why doesn’t it feel that way? These
days, our free time is usually spent watching television, using computers or communicating on our phones. Images
and information are constantly flashing into our brains, so it’s no wonder we don’t feel as if we have really switched
off. To really wind down and help us regain our energy levels, it is important to use our free time wisely.

2.
Think about what you want to achieve in your free time. Do you want to get fit, get creative or simply relax? Don’t
worry about what you ought to be doing, just think about what will make you feel more content.

3.
Plan when you are going to enjoy your free time, and treat it in the same way as anything else on your calendar. If
something else more important comes along, you can choose whether or not to postpone it, but never cancel it!

4.
Make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your free time in advance. If you’re looking forward to a nice long
bath, buy in bath oil and candles. If you want to get out in the countryside, get your boots and map ready, and don’t
forget to check the weather forecast.

5.
Don’t let anything else encroach on your free time. Ignore the washing up and the vacuuming. Don’t check your
inbox for messages and turn off your mobile phone. Otherwise, the lines between free time and everyday live will
begin to blur, and you won’t feel refreshed.

6.
In many free time activities, we take the role of consumer. When we watch TV, play video games or read, we are only
passively involved. Take on the role of producer for a change. Build a model, write a blog or make an animation film.
You will use a different part of your brains and will feel more energised as a result.

7.
But don’t go overboard. Many people worry too much about their free time activities. They want to do things that will
impress their friends, look good on their résumés or help them get a better job. But free time isn’t about that. It is
about doing an activity for enjoyment’s sake, so don’t let outside pressures influence your choice.

8.
Take the opportunity to expand your social circle. Everyone has different interests, so don’t expect your mates to be
into the same things you are. Give them a break for a while, join a club and get to know people with the same
interests as you. You can never have too many friends!

9.
You’ll really know you’re using your time wisely if what you’re doing helps other people. So find out what’s going on in
the community and lend a hand. Visit the elderly or help out in a children’s club. If socialising’s not your thing, why
not volunteer for a wildlife organisation?

10.
Once you’re relaxed and energised, you can think about what you’d like to improve in your life. Want to get fit? Learn
a skill? Improve your job prospects? There are plenty of groups, clubs and classes you can join that will set you on a
completely new life path. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy yourself!

NEW VOCABULARY
 B1 Reading: Travel
Read the text and answer the questions.

Memorandum

To all staff

The hospital is always trying to cut its carbon footprint, and to do this, we want to encourage staff, visitors and patients to use environmentally-friendly forms of transport
to and from the hospital. Therefore, we are making the following changes, which will come into effect from 1st April:

Car Park A will stay as a staff car park, but, to encourage car sharing, it will only be available to cars containing 3 passengers or more. This rule will be in place between
7am and 6pm. A car park attendant will monitor users. Note that cars do not have to leave the car park with three passengers. The parking fee will remain at the
current price of £1 an hour up to a maximum of £5 per day. If you are interested in car sharing and wish to find members of staff who live in your area or along your
route, please click on the link on the human resources page of the hospital website. Car Park C, previously a staff-only car-park, will now be open to visitors at the
increased cost of £2/hour up to 5 hours, and £1 an hour after that. These new rates will also apply to staff/visitor Car Park E. Car Park B will only be open to blue card
holders. Only senior and emergency staff are eligible for this card.

Car park D will no longer be in use, as it will make way for an improved bus park. The current bus service (Service 56D) from the city centre will be replaced by two
services. The service will be available to staff, patients and visitors alike.

Service 57A will run from: Hebdon Town centre, Hebden Station, Critchley Park and Ride, Grafton Street Train Station, Portchester City Centre (Bus Stop D on Mill
Yard) to the hospital. The service will run 24 hours a day every 20 minutes between 7am and 7pm and once an hour during the night.

Service 62A will run from Oldgrave Town Centre, Kings Wood Park and Ride and Polegate Park and Ride to the hospital every 15 minutes between 7.30 am and 7.00
pm and once every 30 minutes thereafter.

The buses will have a flat rate of £1 per journey. Staff will be able to buy a bus pass valid for 20 trips for just £15. These can be purchased on the bus.

Staff can also purchase a Go! pass from the human resources website. The Go! pass costs £45 and entitles users to park at any of the city’s park and ride services for
just £2 a day. It is valid for one year.

There will also be an improved lock-up shed for bicycles and motorcycles in the former car park D. Hospital staff may wish to take advantage of the voucher giving 50%
off all cycles and cycle accessories bought from Perkin’s Wheels, which is downloadable from the Human Resources website. Note that you will have to show your staff
ID card at the store when making purchases. There will be a fix-it session once a fortnight in car park D on Fridays at 2pm- 5pm. At this time, bicycle mechanics
from Perkins Wheels will give advice on bicycle upkeep and make minor bicycle repairs free of charge.
We hope you will take advantages of these schemes.

8 A member of staff who does not have a blue card can park in...

1 Under the rules, staff can only park in car park A at noon if... a. car parks A, C & E.

a) they hold a blue card. b. car parks C, D & E.

b) there are three people in the car. c. car parks A, C & D.

9 Joe comes into Portchester by rail. Which bus service should he use to get to the hospital?
c) they stay for a maximum of 5hours.

2 The cost to park in Car Park A for 4 hours will be... a. 56D

b. 57A
3 Staff should _____ to find people to share a car with them.
c. 62A
a. go online
10 Joe sometimes works the night shift. What is the maximum time he may have to wait for a
b. visit the human resources department bus from the hospital to the station?

c. speak to their departmental manager

a. 59 minutes
4 After April 1st, Car Park C will be for...
b. 14 minutes
a. staff only
c. 29 minutes
b. visitors only
11 Jane has to make 8 return trips to the hospital from Oldgrave Town Centre for treatment.

c. staff and visitors How much money will she save by buying a bus pass?
5 The cost to park in Car Park C for 8 hours will be...
a. £1

6 The cost to park in Cark Park E for 4 hours will be... b. £4

c. £7
12 Sheila has a Go! pass, but she doesn’t have a bus pass. Every day she parks at Kings
7 The cost to park in Car Park B is ...
Wood Park and Ride and uses the bus service to get to the hospital and back. How much
does this cost her per day?
a. the same as car parks C & E.

b. the same as car park A a. £2

c. not given in the text. b. £3

c. £4