Reading

Task 1

Read the texts below. Match choices (A-H) to (1-5). There are three choices you do not need to use.

You’re Amazing, So Make Sure People Know It

When it comes to telling the world how wonderful you are, there’s a fine line between having other
people think, “Wow! She’s got so much more about her than I thought” and “Blimey! I wish she’d shut
up about herself”. It’s easy enough to let everyone around you know you’re something special – the trick
is doing it without trying too hard or looking like an attention seeker. So here’s how to get the attention
you deserve without screaming, “Look at me!”

1. ________

Being loud isn’t a good way to get noticed. Quietness and a smile can be more interesting than someone
who blurts everything out constantly. Be cool instead, and show people what you’re really about, rather
than shouting it in their faces.

2. ________

It may be tempting to try to bluff your way through a conversation. But if you don’t know much about
the subject being discussed, you’ll get more kudos if you shut up and listen. You can’t lose – get your
facts right and people will respect your wisdom, or stay quiet if you’re unsure and people will appreciate
your honesty.

3.________

Toning down your gossip factor will show there’s much more to you than people may think. Your mates
will trust you and your reputation will sky-rocket. Gossiping gives negative vibes to other people.
4.________

Choose things to do that you love doing and not because everyone else is doing them. If you are
passionate about something, and enjoying it, you’ll have more energy and people will be attracted to
you – and you might even be the person who starts a new trend.

5.________

We may not be superhuman beings, but remember, each and every one of us has something going on
that’s worth shouting about. It’s a fact – everyone is an individual and that’s what makes you who you
are. Be proud of why you’re different. If you love who you are, people are more likely to love you too.
A We are talented!

B Accept yourself for what you are.

C Don’t pretend you know everything.

D Idle talk is a bad habit.

E Try to act in good faith.

G Keep your voice down.

H Be original.

Task 2

Read the text below. For questions (6–11) choose the correct answer (A, B, C, D).

10 Ways to Improve Your Memory

A good memory is often seen as something that comes naturally, and a bad memory as something that
cannot be changed, but actually there is a lot that you can do to improve your memory. However, it does
mean taking responsibility and making an effort. Here are the experts’ top tips.

1. We all remember the things we are interested in and forget the ones that bore us. This no doubt
explains the reason why schoolboys remember football results effortlessly but struggle with dates from
their history lessons! Take an active interest in what you want to remember, and focus on it consciously.
One way to make yourself more interested is to ask questions – the more the better.

2. Repeating things is the best way to remember things for a short time, e.g. remembering a phone
number for a few seconds. ‘Chunking’ or grouping numbers would be impossible for most of us to
remember: 1492178919318483. But look at them in ‘chunks’, and it becomes much easier: 1492 1789
1931 8483.

3. Another way to make something more memorable is to think about something visual associated with
it. Design a mental picture and the stranger the picture the better you will remember it! If an English
person studying Spanish wanted to remember the Spanish word for duck, ‘pato’, he\she could associate
it with the English verb ‘to pat’ and imagine a picture of someone patting a duck on the head.

4. To remember long lists, try inventing a story which includes all the items you want to remember. In
experiments, people were asked to remember up to 120 words using this technique and when they were
tested afterwards, on average they could remember ninety percent of them.

5. If we organize what we know in a logical way then when we learn more about that subject we
understand that better, and so add to our knowledge more easily. Make wellorganised notes. Be sure
things are clear in your mind. If not, ask questions until you understand!

6. Many experts believe that listening to classical music, especially Mozart, helps people to organize their
ideas more clearly and so improves their memory. Sadly, rock music does not have the same effect.

7. If you do not want to lose your memory as you get older you need to keep your brain fit, just like your
body: ‘use it or lose it’ is the experts’ advice. Logic puzzles, crosswords and mental arithmetic are all
good ‘mental aerobics’.

8. Physical exercise is also important for your memory, because it increases your heart rate and sends
more oxygen to your brain, and that makes your memory work better. Exercise also reduces stress, which
is very bad for the memory.
9. The old saying that ‘eating fish makes you brainy’ may be true after all. Scientists have discovered that
the fats found in fish like tuna, sardines and salmon – as well as in olive oil – help to improve the
memory. Vitamins C and E (found in fruits like oranges, strawberries and red grapes) and vitamin B
(found in lean meat and green vegetables) are all good ‘brain food’, too.

10. Caffeine may not be too good for you, but like exercise, it increases your heart rate and sends more
oxygen to your brain. A cup of coffee really does help you concentrate when you sit down and study. And
if you don't like coffee, don’t worry – experts believe that chewing gum has the same effect!

6. According to the first paragraph a good memory is ________.

A a “gift” of nature at birth

B something inherently invariable

C a result of your self-perfection

D something that changes from time to time

7. What does the author mean by saying that “you need to keep your brain fit” (line 31)?

A You need to attend a gym.

B You need to go on a special diet.

C You need to undergo special medical treatment.

D You need to exercise your mind regularly.

8. Which of the following can be inferred from the text?

A To be in good shape means to have a good memory.

B For improving your memory you need to make some efforts.

C You have to follow the experts’ ten tips to improve your memory.

D Listening to any kind of music helps you to improve your memory.

9. According to the text, which of the following is true of ways to improve your memory?

A There are only ten ways to improve your memory.

B You need to use special associations to improve your memory.

C You can follow your own program to improve your memory.

10. When discussing the ways of improving the memory, the author mentions all of the following
EXCEPT ________.

A Eating high-calorie food makes your memory better.

B An excellent memory is not a God-given talent, it’s hard work.

C You can choose the most suitable way to improve your memory.

D Brainwork and physical exercise are both important for improving the memory.

11. According to the text, which of the following statements is true?

A To help your memory eating tuna is better than eating tomatoes.

B Chewing gum is not advisable if you want to improve your memory.

C Fatty meat is a good ‘brain food’ as it sends oxygen to your brain.

D Reducing stress is very bad for the memory.

Task 3

Read the texts below. Match choices (A-H) to (12-16). There are three choices you do not need to use.

12. Watching the Detectives Columbo (1968-2003)

The untidy American detective, played by Peter Falk, first appeared in a TV movie before the first series
of Columbo began in 1971. His apparent absent-mindedness and shambolic style lulled his suspects into
a false sense of security, but he was always quick to guess who the culprit was. With each episode
unfolding from the criminal’s point of view, we saw them trying to cover their tracks as the net closed in
on them. Columbo was a huge success and a host of famous names appeared in cameo roles, including
Janet Leigh, Faye Dunaway, Dick Van Dyke and Johnny Cash, while Steven Spielberg directed an episode
of the first series.

13. Hercule Poirot (1989-present)

This fussy Belgian sleuth first appeared in Agatha Christie’s novel The Mysterious Affair At Styles in 1920.
Christie didn’t like her character, describing him as an “egocentric little creep”, but when Dave Suchet
brought him to life in TV’s Poirot, the detective found a whole new audience and gained fans across the
world. Starting life as policeman, Poirot retired and became a private investigator in England, where he
met Hastings, who narrated his most successful cases, the most famous being Murder On The Orient
Express. Although Christie “killed” Poirot his popularity outlived him and he returned to our TV screens
14. Miss Marple (1984-1992)

Jane Marple was an elderly spinster and amateur detective in the village of St. Mary Mead. An Agatha
Christie creation, she appeared in 12 novels, starting with Murder in The Vicarage. Although Margaret
Rutherford made her famous on the cinema screen during the 1950s and 60s, it is Joan Hickson’s
portrayal of her in the classic 1980s BBC series that is closest to the books. Though she often seemed to
be nothing more than a gossipy old woman, Miss Marple was quicker to get information out of suspects
than local copper inspector Slack, and her willingness to put herself in dangerous situations meant that
she always caught the criminal.

15. Kojak (1973-1978)

This sleuth is famous for his love for sweeties and his catchphrase, “Who loves you baby?” Kojak starred
Telly Savalas as the bald-headed, lollipop-sucking New York City policeman Lieutenant Theo Kojak. The
reason that Kojak loved lollipops was because Savalas was a heavy smoker, and in the face of growing
anti-smoking feeling in the USA he decided to suck on a lollipop instead. This became his trademark and,
along with charisma and humour, it lightened the gritty storylines. The show was a huge worldwide hit
and featured unknown actors who later found fame, including Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere.

16. Jane Tennison, Prime Suspect (1991-2006)

Created by TV dramatist Lynda La Plante, Jane Tennison first appeared in Prime Suspect as a detective
Chief Inspector surviving in a male world. Played by Helen Mirrem, Tennison was as far away from cuddly
Miss Marple as it was possible to get. Obsessive and determined to succeed, Tennison battled gender
bias, alcohol and men whilst tracking down muggers and fighting off serial killers. Dark and hard-hitting,
Prime Suspect was an instant success. Last year’s Prime Suspect 7 was Tennison’s final case and it saw
her hunting a killer and fighting for her career. She’ll be remembered for breaking the mould of female
detectives.

The main hero of this detective series ________.

A can currently be seen in new TV episodes

B was an unpleasant person and asked strange questions

C appeared to be inexperienced and inattentive

D had an innocent appearance but always got to the bottom of things

E tried to solve the problem of women’s occupational discrimination

F fights against criminals and against gender stereotypes

G developed a characteristic new habit while giving up an old one

H was famous for always putting work before personal life

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (17–22). There are two
choices you do not need to use.

100 Years Old and Still Doing Her Bit for Others 100-year-old woman who is still an active volunteer at
her local hospital has vowed to keep going.

Betty Lowe, (17) ________, was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire. 8 years ago for
her contribution to the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, a charity that provides a range of services for
vulnerable people who might otherwise feel lonely. She still helps out at her local WRVS shop at Hope
Hospital, Salford, (18) ________ so that it can offer services from meals on wheels for elderly people to
welfare centres for soldiers in the Army.

The active lady, (19) ________ and had to attend an open-air school, is also still involved with the Girl
Guides, 89 years after she first joined. Miss Lowe said: “I’ve been in the guides since I was 11. I was very
interested in it and I used to go camping and walking. I was a bit of an outdoor girl when I was younger.”
She progressed to being a guide leader, a role in which she introduced hundreds of teenage girls to the
organisation, running annual camping trips, and is still a member of the Trefoil Guild, an organisation of
more than 20,000 members (20) ________.

She said: “I’ve been involved with the WRVS for 34 years and I still do half a day a week.” She never
married or had children, but her nephew Peter Lowe says (21) ________ and bakes dozens of cakes for
relatives. Mr. Lowe said: “She has a massive circle of friends and we all think she is marvellous. I think
she loves being active. She doesn’t like sitting around doing nothing.”

Miss Lowe had a run of accidents before her birthday, spending a week in hospital after a fall at home
and suffering whiplash in a car accident while being driven to her nephew’s house. But (22) ________
and more than 100 friends and relatives turned up to congratulate her on her centenary. She said: “I
think it’s very good to be 100. I’ve enjoyed all my life.”

A which raises money for the charity

B she had a party to celebrate

C she always liked children very much

D who has spent her life volunteering

E who was considered a sickly child

F who is known for her delicious cakes

G who have been involved with the Guides or Scouts

H she spends lots of time with the family

Task 5

Read the texts below. For questions (23-46) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Match Made It in Heaven

As I sat sipping a cup of tea at my sister Doris’ house, my husband, Brian, (23) ________ my eye and
flashed me a wide smile. Brian’s eyes had lit up when he saw Michael, our nephew, playing with a pile of
craft matchsticks, attempting to make a house. “How about a (24) ________?” he said to Michael. “You
make a house and I’ll make a little boat”. In a couple of hours the pair had cut, crafted and glued the
matchsticks together and the task was complete. “I’m going to call the boat Hazel,” Brian said proudly.

That was when his (25) ________ really started. We found a hobby shop that sold modelling matchsticks,
and we soon became their best customers. “I’m going to get bags of them,” Brian said. “I’ll start a new
project when I get home.” He got to work on a larger boat, swiftly followed by an (26) ______ copy of a
Second World War torpedo boat.

Brian was never happier than when he was sat in front of the TV with his matchsticks and PVA glue. It
was a great way to keep his mind (27) ________ as he’d retired from his refrigerator factory job years
before with health problems, so I was pleased he’d found a hobby he loved.

Soon he decided to build a giant grandmother clock. The project was (28) ________ well; it just would
have been nice to clear up my living room floor occasionally. Brian would make sections of the clock and
then he’d (29) ________ it together. It took around seven years and 210,000 matchsticks to complete the
grandmother clock. It now has pride of place in our living room, and chimes to the tune of Big Ben every
15 minutes. As the pieces (30) ________ up, the space in our house disappeared.

“We’re going to have to find new homes for some of your models,” I said to Brian one day. The loft was
crammed full of pieces and I hadn’t seen the coffee table in years. He’d made a beautiful rocking horse,
complete (31) ________ a saddle made from one of my old bags, which we gave to Brian’s sister. He’d
also built a huge windmill that played Tulips from Amsterdam, which we (32) ________ to his aunt.

The craziest idea Brian ever had was to row from Dover to Calais in a giant boat made of matchsticks. He
actually got as far as constructing the 5ft (33) ________. It took nearly a month and 216,000 matchsticks
to build, but thankfully that idea was shelved. Instead, he contented himself with making yet another old
wartime boat. There were working lights, tiny lifeboats and even the propellers worked. But hopefully
the latest boat won’t be here for much longer.

“Do you think the maritime museum would (34) ________ the boat?” Brian asked recently. “That’s a
lovely idea,” I said. It would be great if they did – then at least I might get my living room back.

23 A detected B held C caught D captured

24 A challenge B strife C rivalry D wager

25 A entertainment B amusement C pastime D diversion

26 A clear B exact C strict D plain

28 A developing B making C designing D unrolling

29 A use B cling C fasten D piece

30 A grew B formed C mounted D ascended

31 A with B in C by D of

32 A favoured B conferred C bestowed D donated

33 A rack B stamina C grate D frame

34 A admit B accept C appropriate D seize

How Pigeons Really Get Home

Homing pigeons (35) ________ for their uncanny internal compass, yet a new study reveals that
sometimes the birds get home the same way we do: They follow the roads.

Tim Guilford and Dora Biro at (36) ________ Oxford University followed pigeons in Oxford over a three-
year period, using tiny tracking devices equipped with global positioning system technology (37)
________ by Swiss and Italian colleagues. What they discovered was surprising. Within ten kilometers of
home, the pigeons relied less on their well-known talents for decoding the sun’s position or deciphering
the Earth’s magnetic field (38) ________ them navigate. Instead they opted for a habitual route that
followed linear features in the landscape, such as roads, rivers, railways, and hedge lines – even when it
wasn't the most direct way home.

“It was almost comical,” says Guilford. “One pigeon followed a road to a roundabout, then exited onto a
major road that led to a second roundabout. Others flew down the River Thames, only to make a (39)
________ turn at a bridge.” Guilford suggests that sticking to a (40) ________, linear route may actually
make homing more reliable – and easier. “It made me smile to see it,” says Guilford. “You can imagine
yourself flying along a road doing the same thing.”

35 A were known B known C are known D knowing

36 A England’s B the England’s C the England D England

37 A developing B is developed C developed D was developed

38 A helping B to help C helps D helped

39 A distinct B distinction C distinctly D distinctive

40 A memories B memorably C memorial D memorized

Why Does Red Mean Stop?

The 19th-century Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson, who was active in designing early lighthouses,
(41) ________ for an alternative colour to white – most lighthouses had a white beacon – when he built
a lighthouse near to one that already existed, because he was afraid ships (42) ________ be able to tell
which was which. Of the light sources and (43) ________ glasses available at the time, he found that red
was a particularly intense light, meaning it (44) ________ from the greatest distance.

So in maritime signalling red became an alternative to white, and was later adopted by the Admiralty in
1852 (45) ________ the port-side on steam vessels. Green was adopted for the starboard-side, and
vessels seeing the green light on other ships had the right of way. When train tracks were developed,
engineers adopted this system as (46) ________ stop and go – and the same system continued with cars.

41 A has looked B looked C looks D looking

42 A haven’t B won’t C hadn’t D wouldn’t

43 A colourful B colours C colourfully D coloured

44 A could see B being seen C could be seen D can see

45 A to mark B marked C mark D was marked

46 A means B meaning C meant D to mean