THE EUROPEAN LANGUAGECERTIFICATES

COMMUNICATION AND COMPETENCE

PRACTICE EXAM BOOK 1

LEVEL B2 adVantageCERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH

B2adVantage NEW seriesWRITTEN AND COMPILED BY SZAB SZILVIA AND MICHAEL G. COLLINS

The EuropeanLanguage CertificatesCertificate in English

Level B2 adVantagePractice Exam Book 1

Practice Examination Tests 1-5

SZAB SZILVIAMICHAEL G. COLLINS

Szerzk:

Szab SzilviaNyelvtanr

Michael G. CollinsAnyanyelvi tanr

LektorltaLapu TamsNyelvtanr

Szab Szilvia - Michael G. Collins, 2005

TELCPractice Exam Book 1

Level B2 adVantageCertificate in English

Dunajvros, 2005

Felels kiad: Szab Szilvia gyvezet igazgat

Kiad neve: Szab Nyelviskola Kft.Cme: 2400 Dunajvros, Bercsnyi utca 7.

Tel/Fax: (25) 408741E-mail: szabonyelviskola@yahoo.com

ISBN 963 218 990 6

Forgalmaz neve: Libro-Trade Kft.Cme: 1173 Budapest, Pesti t 237.

Telefon: (1) 2540254Fax: (1) 2577472E-mail: books@librotrade.hu

Nyomtats: TEXT Nyomdaipari Kft, DunajvrosFelels vezet: Knyihr Lajos

Table of ContentsPreface page 7

Practice Test 1 page 10Practice Test 2 page 34Practice Test 3 page 58Practice Test 4 page 82Practice Test 5 page 106Answer Key 1 page 130Answer Key 2 page 140Answer Key 3 page 146Answer Key 4 page 152Answer Key 5 page 158Examination Instructions page 165Advanced English in Use page 182

Examination Information page 9

PrefaceOur teaching experience has shown that a very good understanding of the test,and by using realistic practice test material, such as shown in this book, notonly greatly increases your chance of passing the test first time, but alsopassing it with very good grades.

If you should have problems understanding the information shown in this book,then your teacher/tutor will be only too pleased to help you.

There are three ways of using these Practice Examinations:

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

You can use the whole or parts of each test for practicepurposes

You can acquire a general impression of the contents andprocedures of the examination by studying the contents of eachtest

If you wish to work through the Practice Examinations as if it were a real test,you will find answer sheets for each practice exam. A complete answer key isprovided, along with the tapescripts of the recordings. You will find it veryuseful to read these where you have answered questions incorrectly.

However, you may need the help of a tutor/teacher to organise the test in thesame way as a real examination is conducted.

Above all, you should not read any of the answer sheets, pre-read any of thetexts or look at any of the pictures before attempting a test. These practice testsare designed to allow you to experience an ELC Examination prior to actuallysitting for the examination.

Using this test material for practice purposes, we would recommend that youkeep to the specified times for the individual parts of the test as in a realexamination e.g. 90 minutes for Reading Comprehension and Language

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Elements. In this way you will develop a feeling for the time allotted for theindividual test items. You can practice the sub-tests Reading Comprehension,Language Elements, Listening Comprehension (with the help of the CD) and LetterWriting.

The correct answers for the individual tests can be found starting on Page 133.

Model answers for the letter tasks are given, but your letter should be marked by yourteacher or a similarly qualified person. It is of course not possible for you to practisethe oral test by yourself, but you will be able to familiarise yourself with the tasks andprocedures as well as the assessment criteria.

In this book you will find A Guide to Using Advanced English, starting on Page180. This focuses on problems that students often come up against in writing andspeaking. Whilst all of these problems apply to all students, some typical problemsthat Hungarian learners find difficult are also discussed. In all cases, we have tried toexplain the correct usage in a simplified way, which we hope will help you toremember and use British English correctly.

Thank you for purchasing this book. We hope that you will find these PracticeExaminations interesting and that you will pass with flying colours!

Szab Szilvia and Michael G. Collins

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Examination Information for the B2 adVantage Certificate in EnglishPlease read this page before starting to use the tests.Information for Learners

The Structure of the Test

Sub-Test Aim Type of Test Marks Timein minutes

1 Reading Comprehension1.1 Reading for Gist 5 matching items 251.2 Reading for Detail 5 multiple-choice items 25 901.3 Selective Reading 10 matching items 25

2 Language Elements2.1 Part 1 10 multiple-choice items 152.2 Part 2 10 multiple matching items 15

Break 20

3 Listening Comprehension3.1 Listening for Gist 5 true/false items 253.2 Listening for Detail 10 true/false items 25 approx. 203.3 Selective Listening 5 true/false items 25

4 Letter Writinga (semi) formal letter choice of two tasks 45 30

Oral ExaminationPart 1: PresentationPart 2: Discussion two candidates or three

approx. 15

Information concerning the Answer Sheet:

1. Always use a pencil on the answer sheet.2. Each item has only one correct answer.3. For example, if you think that c is the correct answer, mark your answer on the

answer sheet in the following way:

Part 3: Task candidates 75

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Reading Comprehension Part 1

First, read the ten headlines (a j). Then read the five texts (1 5) and decide whichtext goes best with which headline.

Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 5.

a. Mars Lander Seen on Surface

b. Genetic Engineering - Prolongs Life

c. Battle of the Sexes

d. Ice Cream Link to Pleasure

e. British Success in Space

f. NASA Loses Second Satellite

g. fMRI Proves Ice Cream Theory

h. Intelligent Washing Machine

i. Scientists Study The Theory of Ageing

1. A scientist believes he has spotted what could be the wreckage of NASAs Mars PolarLander, which disappeared almost six years ago.

Images taken of the surface of the Red Planet after it vanished show a white patch which couldbe a parachute. Scientists also found a dark area a few hundred metres away with a tiny whitedot in the centre which could be the spacecraft. NASA lost communication with the craft inDecember 1999 as it was poised to enter the atmosphere of the planet. The lander was de-signed to study Martian weather and seek evidence of long-term climate change. ScientistMichael Malin wrote in the upcoming issue of Sky & Telescope magazine: MPLs descentproceeded more or less successfully through the atmospheric entry and parachute jettison. Itwas only a few short moments before touchdown that disaster struck. A spokesman for NASAsJet Propulsion Laboratory said the apparent picture of the polar landers wreckage was not yeta definitive finding. NASA was criticised for the loss of the Mars lander, its second failedmission to that planet in 1999. In September of that year, the Mars Climate Observer was lostdue to human error as it approached Mars.

PRACTICE TEST 1

j. End of an Era

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2.Scientists have used genetic engineering to create mice which are healthier and live dramatically longer. The research could pave the way for treatments that may extend the lifespan of humans, and combat the diseases of old age. The findings lend support to the free radical theory of ageing, which says the harmful effects of old age are largely due to highly reactive, destructive molecules.

When these free radicals attack other molecules, they can have a serious impact at the cellular level, damaging cell components and DNA. Many free radicals involve oxygen species and are neutralised by antioxidants. In the new study, researchers led by Professor Peter Rabinovitch, from the University of Washington in the US, boosted levels of an antioxidant, the catalase, in the bodies of the mice.

Catalase is an enzyme in the body that helps convert hydrogen peroxide, one of the waste products of metabolism, into water and oxygen. Mice with higher catalase levels in the mitochondria, small structures resembling coffee beans, had their lifespans increased by an average of 20%. They also had healthier heart muscle, indicating that the enzyme helped to protect against age-related heart problems.

Prof Rabinovitch said: What were realising now is that by intervening in the underlying ageing process, we may be able to produce very significant increases in health-span, or healthy lifespan.

3.A high-tech washing machine called Your Turn could soon mean the end of the battle of the sexes over who cleans the clothes in every British household. Pep Torres, a Spanish designer, has exploited fingerprint recognition technology to ensure that men take their turn loading the washer. The new washer could soon be on sale in the UK. His new washing machine is programmed to prevent the same person using it twice in a row to try to ensure that men do their share of domestic chores.

For Your Turn to function as a regulator of domestic harmony, both partners must register their fingerprints on the scanner. Mr Torres said: I thought it would be good to finish with macho man from the ice age who doesnt do anything around the house except drink beers."

Spain is changing a lot, and I wanted to come up with an invention to enable men to do more around the home.

Torres was originally approached by a white goods manufacturer and asked to design an innovative Fathers Day present. He added: It was a tongue-in-cheek idea which seemed to catch the imagination. The man can leave his finger at home ... we have 10 fingers, so he wont miss one - well, you dont use the little finger a lot. Spanish men suffer from a traditional macho culture where the vast majority of men rarely take part in domestic chores. Forty percent of men in Spain reportedly do no housework at all.

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5. A 50-year-old British space programme has come to an end with the final launch of the Skylark rocket. The UK-designed craft took off from northern Sweden the day after its scheduled launch on Sunday. It is the 441st time the rocket has been sent into space and is taking five experiments into space.

They will study the effects of micro-gravity, including a biological investigation of the muscle protein actin and a study of turbulence in evaporating liquids.

While in space, the tests experienced weightlessness allowing scientists to observe the physical processes that occur when gravity is absent. Hugh Whitfield, of Skylark operators Sounding Rocket Services, said: Skylark is one of the most successful rocket programmes of all time, but this British achievement is largely unknown. We should be immensely proud of the contribution to science that Skylark has made and it is a testament to the skill of British engineers that the programme has lasted nearly half a century.

The vehicle, which first flew in 1957 at the start of the British programme, became a relatively inexpensive but highly efficient way of carrying scientific experiments into sub-orbital space. A whole range of experiments have been carried out aboard Skylarks, from X-ray astronomy to a study of how frogs eggs are fertilised. Despite its success, the Government ended public funding of the programme in 1977.

4.Scientific research has apparently confirmed what many ice cream lovers have always known - eating the frozen stuff makes you happy.It lights up the brains pleasure zones, according to Unilever, owner of Walls ice cream, which conducted research at the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, London.

Participants in the Unilever study had their brains scanned using functional magnetic resonance imaging - fMRI - a non-invasive technique which allowed researchers to see which areas of the brain were activated when participants ate Vanilla Carte DOr ice cream.

The results showed that eating the ice cream had an immediate effect on parts of the brain that previous research has shown are activated when someone is really enjoying themselves - the pleasure areas - which include a major processing area at the front of the brain, the orbitofrontal cortex.

Don Darling, Unilever Ice Cream Europe vice president development, said: This is the first time weve been able to show that ice cream makes you happy.

Just one spoonful lights up the happy zones of the brain in clinical trials.

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Reading Comprehension Part 2

Read the following text, and then choose answers to questions 6 10.

London heads the UK wages league

Residents of the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea enjoy the UKs highest averageweekly earnings, a Halifax bank survey suggests.

Average earnings in the Borough are 1,252, more than four times the wages in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the local authority with the lowest incomes. Overall, the survey underlines theexistence of a north/south wage divide. Nearly all of the 50 local authorities with the highestaverage earnings are in southern England. Out of the 50 highest earning local authorities, 15were in London, 21 in the south east and 10 in the east of England. Earnings are highest inLondon and the south east while the lowest earnings are in the north of England and the southwest, Tim Crawford, Halifax group economist, said.

Among the fifty local authorities with the lowest incomes, more than half were in the north east,north west and Wales. However, Halifax said that smaller wage packets were partly offset bylower living costs. While there are clear areas of below-average earnings, the cost of living inthese places is often lower. In fact, housing affordability was 30% better in the lowest-paid areasrelative to the highest-paid areas, Mr Crawford added.

Britains highest earners live in Londons Kensington and Chelsea, earning more than fourtimes as much as those in the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, a report revealedyesterday. Research by the Halifax based on earnings data from the Office for NationalStatistics showed that workers living in Kensington and Chelsea made a gross average of 1,252a week compared with gross average weekly earnings of 302 in Berwick-upon- Tweed. Acrossthe whole of Great Britain the majority of high earners were based in southern England. Forty-six of the 50 local authorities with highest full-time earnings were either in Greater London, thesouth east or east England. The East and West Midlands and the north west were the only otherregions in the top 50.

But although those who live in Berwick-upon-Tweed make considerably less than workers inKensington and Chelsea, property prices are commensurately lower. The ratio of house pricesto earnings in the 50 areas with the lowest earnings was 5.6 times; 32% lower than the average8.4 times in the top 50 areas. The top three authorities with the highest paid full-time workerswere in Greater London. After Kensington and Chelsea, the second highest earners were in theCity of London, at 1,107 a week, followed by Westminster, at 934 a week. Outside GreaterLondon, pay was highest for people living in Elmbridge, in Surrey, at 906 a week.

London has its poor areas; monthly labour market statistics from the ONS show the city hashigh levels of poverty and unemployment in boroughs such as Tower Hamlets. At the other endof the scale, eight of the bottom 50 local authorities were in the north east, with another eight inthe south west and seven in the north west and Wales. In each region of Britain there is at leastone local authority where full-time workers earn 20% more than the average regional grossweekly full-time pay. There is also one authority where workers earn 15% less than the averageregional weekly pay. Part-time earnings were highest in the south east, with people inRichmond-upon-Thames making the most, at 330 a week, followed by Elmbridge at 288. Onan hourly basis, part-time pay rates were also best for people living in Richmond, at 15.40 anhour. The lowest part-time earnings per hour were in Ceredigion in Wales at 5.90 an hour - less than 40% of the rate in Richmond.

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Now decide which is the correct answer (a, b or c) to items 6-10and mark your answers on the answer sheet.

6. Workers in the London borough of Kensington and Chelseaa. have the highest income per week in the UK.

b. have a high income per week.

c. have an average weekly income.

7. Average weekly incomes in England area. higher in southern England only.

b. higher in London only.

c. higher in London, the south east and in east England.

8. It would be easier for a worker to buy a home ina. London.

b. the richest areas.

c. the lower paid areas.

9. In the areas with the lowest earnings, the ratio to houseprices:salaries area. lower than other areas.

b. the same as other areas.

c. higher than other areas.

10. Most workers in the Regions earna. 20% more than the average weekly pay.

b. 15% less than the average weekly pay.

c. the average Regional weekly pay.

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Reading Comprehension Part 3

First read the ten situations (11 - 20) and then read the twelve texts a l.Decide which text goes best with which situation.Each text can be used only once.Mark your answers on the answer sheet (11 - 20).

11. You are looking for something special that you and a friend cando together.

12. Your brother is thinking about buying some new furniture. Youthink that this advice would be useful for him.

13. You would like to buy a present for your friend. This is truly aunique gift.

14. This gift would be ideal for your friend who is mad ongardening.

15. You are looking for some ideas on children's bedroom furniture.

16. Perhaps an ideal Sunday morning walk - followed by lunch.

17. If you bought this suite separately, it would cost more.

18. You would like to buy something special for your sister- perhaps with her name on it!

19. The reviewer thinks that you could take your children to thiscomedy.

20. You would like a weekend city break and you are looking for avery comfortable, older style place to stay at.

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A Moon EstatesYou could be the proud owner of aplot of land on the moon. Perfect for arelaxing break. Heres your chance to own1 acre of the Moon, and have thecertificate to prove it. You will be the envyof your friends with this unique and novelproperty.

If you are a first time buyer, this is alsothe ideal way to get on to the propertyladder! The recipient will receive aLunar Deed and a registration documentfor one acre of the moon.

A Lunar site map which pinpoints whereon the moon the purchasers property islocated. The Lunar constitution and billof rights that details the Lunar Laws andthe purchasers rights. A transcript of thedeclaration of ownership. A documentconfirming the purchasers Mineral Rightsto their land.

C Hydro Zorbing ExperienceA cross between a roller coaster and awaterfall! Genuine Zorbing in thebeautiful Dorset countryside.

The only water sport on land! TwoZorbonauts and 25 litres (2 buckets) ofwater inside the Zorb, you are sitting ina position looking down the 300m hill,you slide from side to side, forwardsand backwards while the Zorb revolvesaround you gaining speed with everyrevolution. A unique, exhilarating andrefreshing experience.

Speeds of up to 60kms per hour can bereached and thats enough to putanyones head in a spin!! The priceincludes the total cost for you and afriend. The Zorb rides take place onselected dates between April andOctober in Swanage (Dorset).

B Explore Underwater VolcanoesUnknown until 1493 when ChristopherColumbus arrived in the Azores, nowyou too can be an explorer!Near the Azores, 7,875 feet (2,400m)below the ocean surface, lie theRainbow Vents - a field of tall sedimentchimneys in constant eruption mode.Like smokestacks, these billowing blacksmokers blast minerals several feet upinto the cool Atlantic waters. Beyond itsgeological significance, the site is abiological wonderland of alien marinelife. Vast colonies of white crabs, blindshrimp, mussels, clams, ribbony fishand tubeworms populate the deep-oceanEcosystem. Here are some of the oldestlife forms on Earth unknown to man,only a few select scientists have everwitnessed the beauty and mystery ofthese deep-sea geysers up close.

DThe Westwood corner sofa has afabulous Art Deco shape and willinstantly add a touch of retro-glamourto any room as well as providingan abundance of seating. Whether yourliving room has a traditional orcontemporary feel, this sofa, with itscurved arms and sumptuous cushions,will be a welcome addition. The choiceof colours and fabrics allows you tocreate a stylish seating area that will besleek and subtle or bold andbeautiful. Either way, it is sure to beinviting and comfortable, thanks to thesuperb Westwood corner sofa.

Finish: Chenille or Cord upholstery

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G Every Guys SofaWhile there are many terrific black leather sofas on the market, this poster child of testosterone isnt the only choice for masculine style. Consider the following for tough but luxurious designs.

For a casual, rugged look, choose a leather sofa in bomber jacket brown.

Traditional types should look for upholstered pieces that resemble ties; think pinstripes, paisley and silk.

For a contemporary spin, consider distressed velvet thatsmore masculine than youd expect, especially in mahogany or burgundy.

If modern is more your style, look for sleek designs accented with chrome legs.

And dont be afraid of country. Plaids and denims are true Old West rustics.

E Kids' BedroomsBunk beds and lofts are obvious choices for maximising floor space and todaysstyles are often packed with built-in storage for clothes and toys. Thedownside of these space savers is thetwin size mattress, which is only about three feet wide. A full size mattress will be more comfortable for an older child and helpful to have if the room occasionally serves as a guest-room.While larger beds have advantages, larger dressers sometimes do not. Childrens dressers tend to be narrow,with drawer pulls that are close together to fit the proportions of small hands and shorter arm spans. Drawers that are easy to open can promote confidence in increasingly independent children. Later, when the dresser isoutgrown, it can move into a closetfor extra storage.

FThe Jimbaran Extension Table is asubstantial dining platform.Unextended, the tabletop measuresapproximately 43" wide by 71"long. Slide the two main sectionsapart to reveal a clever butterfly extension leaf that folds into place to create a 94" long surface. We pair ithere with 10 Classic Highback Folding Chairs - choose Side Chairs, Armchairs or a 8+2 mix. All at substantial discounts over purchasing the pieces separately.Double-piped, Sunbrella 3" seat cushions are available in Claret, Khaki, Dark Olive, or our signature Navy with Khaki piping. The JimbaranExtension Table ships knocked-down and requires a hammer and afew minutes for assembly. Simple, illustrated instructions are included.

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I If you choose Budapest as adestination of your journey, please stay with us in The Cotton House, which is located in the heart of the city centre. On the corner of Jkai and Weiner Leo Street, in The CottonHouse we bring you back the atmosphere of the good old days.

Our air-conditioned rooms reflect the style of the twenties and thirties andare furnished with period furniture,providing all inclusive convenience.

The Cotton Aqua Fitness room offers physical facilities for recreation. You cant help recalling the old times in the Cotton Club Restaurant; when inthe Orpheum hall; or when using theCigarhall. Every evening from 7.00oclock live music is performed in theRestaurant. The Cotton House awaits you!

H

Handmade in sumptuous classicEnglish Bridle & Croc Calf Leather or gorgeous chic contemporaryJewel Calf, these gorgeous cosmetic bags are both practical and a treat to own and use. The insides are lined in Aspinal signature eye popping, luxurious, contrasting soft-suede and a removable washable plastic lining with pockets. You can use with or without the lining. Alsotucked inside is a handy mirrorframed in leather. Closes with aquality gold or silver Swiss made zip. We are unable to personalise these items.

J Dont wait up to 3 weeks for delivery! All our Trees, Shrubs & Gifts can be delivered the next working day if ordered before 12 noon

(Mon-Fri). Most Friday orders also arrive on Saturday.

If youre looking to send a tree or a shrub as a gift, click on our Gifts page. If youre looking to buy trees or shrubs for your own garden and you require different quantities, click on our trees or shrubs page.

Silver Birch Tree 20-40cm (Betula pendula) 17.00 Native to much of England, Scotland and Wales; the Silver Birch is a popular tree growing to 40ft in 20 years. Particularly hardy in damp areas. Fine silvery bark, catkins in Spring, fine green leaves in Summer, turning a pretty yellow in Autumn. This sapling is delivered in a box with tree food, a supportive stake, tree tag and a protector tube. If sent as a gift, please enter a message in the special instructions box at checkout.

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L SOUTH DOWNS

East SussexThe 226ft Long Man of Wilmington would probably be our most celebrated chalk giant if it werent for the one at Cerne Abbas with a more eye-catching line in weapons. The new access law opens up a thrilling new way to approach him.

Walk north from Jevington village, joining the Wealdway trail towards Folkington. After 15 minutes you can strike out left across the open downs (grid reference TQ561029), climbing onto panorama-packed Folkington Hill and rippling westward to Wilmington Hill, where the Long Man reclines right at your feet. Bear left here; on to Windover Hill (TQ541031), more new access land, and track south to meet a path (TQ535019) into Lullington Heath Nature Reserve. Chomped by ponies and aflutter with butterflies, this is a remnant of Bronze Age England much as the Man himself might remember it. Aim east back to Jevington, where the Hungry Monk lays on one of Sussexs more famous Sunday lunches (01323 482178; 26.95).

Details: six miles, Ordnance Survey Explorer map 123.

K After a hilarious Broadway-style opening segment with dancing dolphins, this movie becomes an odd mixture of Monty Python humour and Star Wars effects. Leaning heavily on Britishhumour, and somewhat true to the essence of the book by the samename. By the way, I havent read the book, nor have I read any of the works of Douglas Adams (except for some wacky chapters aboutdogs that my wife has shared with me), but my wife, whos readpretty much the entire Library of Congress, has read all of his stuff, and she felt that the movie stayed pretty true to the essence of the book. She said its not as gross in its portrayal of the weird creaturesthat are in the book, and the movie makes no reference to any of thesexual situations that are in the book. Yes, theres a love connection, but everythings above board, so to speak.The movie is surprisingly clean, with little to push it beyond a G, much less a PG, rating. Theres very little off-colour language and noinappropriate sexual situations that I can think of.

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Language Elements (Part 1)Read the following letter and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is21 30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.

Dear Mrs Henley,

Thank your for your recent letter asking for information about travelling to Australia.

Firstly, let me reassure you that flying is a very safe form of (21), and statistically is safer than any other form of transport. Our fleet of airplanes are very modern; our pilots and cabin staff are exceptionally well trained; (22) which ensure that our passengers enjoy a safe and comfortable flight.

The flight to Australia is a long one, taking some 14 hours, so it is important (23) about your comfort during this time. You will notice on your booking confirmation instructions that you are asked to check-in 2 hours prior to your scheduled take-off time. It is recommended that you check-in early; as this will enable you (24) a seat which suits you. For instance, seats by the emergency exits have more leg room; sitting well forward in the non-smoking area of the plane will ensure that you are not bothered by cigarette smoke. The check-in staff will try to meet your requirements and thus ensure that you are

Regarding what to wear whilst travelling. You should try to wear clothes that are loose fitting. Preferably wear a cardigan, which can be easily removed if you get too warm or put on if you feel chilly. Shoes should be light, loose fitting and comfortable, as some passengers do experience a slight swelling of their feet - which makes a more tight-fitting shoe uncomfortable.

Some passengers do experience a feeling of their ears blocking-up. This is caused by the changes in pressure that occur (26) take-off and landing. This can be overcome by sucking sweets, which the cabin staff will offer you prior to these phases. Opening your mouth and (27) hard or pinching your nose and then attempting to blow out through your nose can also help. You will then hear your ears pop and the pressure relieved.

Throughout the flight, the cabin staff will (28) that you are comfortable. They will serve you refreshments and meals, (if you do have special requirements, ie vegetarian, please mention it when checking-in). Entertainment is readily available on all flights, and includes radio, video and music. Likewise, the aircraft carries a wide selection of reading material. Blankets and pillows are available from the cabin staff for your (29) comfort when sleeping.

We (30) that this information will assist you to plan for your flight, make the flight more comfortable and enjoyable. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and flying to Australia with TWA.

Yours faithfully,

Janet Seymour

(25)seated.

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Language Elements (Part 1) - continued 21 a) to travelling b) to travel c) travel 22 a) both of b) all of c) most of 23 a) thinks b) to think c) thinking 24 a) to request b) requesting c) requests 25 a) comfort b) comfortably c) comfortable 26 a) while b) during c) when 27 a) swallow b) swallowing c) swallows 28 a) ensure b) to ensure c) ensuring 29 a) sleeping b) sleeps c) sleep 30 a) trusting b) trust c) trusts

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Language Elements (Part 2)

Read the following text and decide which words or phrases a o are missing in items 31 40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.

a) technique b) around c) resort d) melting e) due to

f) common g) global h) project i) rebuild j) buildingk) practice l) because m) damage n) totally o) plainly

a) technique b) remake c) practice d) project e) damagef) common g) resort h) global i) rebuild j) becausek) totally l) due to m) in n) around o) usual

Cloak protects glacier from sun

Workers at a Swiss ski (31) have wrapped part of a retreating glacier in reflective sheeting to protect it, they say, from (32) warming. The Gurschen glacier, nearly 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level, is melting like many others worldwide, with the worst (33) done in summer.The thin protective layer of foil covers an area of 3-4,000 sq m (about 43,000 sq ft).

Officials at the Gemsstock resort think others may follow their lead. Wethink it will become (34) practice to cover parts of the glaciers, said Urs Elmiger of Andermatt Gotthard Sportbahnen, the cable car operator carrying out the (35). The Gurschen glacier has sunk 20m (66 feet) in the last 15 years, making Andermatts ski slopes very inaccessible. The protection was laid over a ramp of snow that is built up at the beginning of each season but then melts again each summer. It needs a lot of work, energy and money to (36). And one day, if the melt increases, the cost of rebuilding the ramp will be very, very high, Mr Elmiger said.

Scientists said that while the (37) might help preserve snow cover in small areas, it would not address the problem of vanishing ice fields

(38) the world. It may be useful very locally, but it would be(39) infeasible - economically and ecologically - to cover

completely even a small glacier, geography Professor Wilfried Haeberli, of the University of Zurich, told Reuters. Researchers at the university say 70% of Switzerlands glaciers will disappear in the next 30 years, (40) the effects of global warming. Environmental groups protested as the glacier was covered, saying a fundamental change in climate policy - not short-term measures - was required. Martin Hiller, of the WWF International group, said: The solution is to switch to clean energy; we need to cut down on harmful pollutants, such as CO2.

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Listening Comprehension (Part 1)

You will hear a news programme. First, you will have half a minute to readthe items. Then you will hear the news. You will hear the news only once.Then you will have time to answer the questions.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true () andmark your answers on the answer sheet.

Now you will have about half a minute to read the items.

41. Many postal workers have won prizes in a prize draw.

42. There has been a serious train accident in Japan, leaving sixhundred passengers dead or injured.

43. Chinas expanding cities are threatening the giant pandas.

44. EU member countries must put picture warnings on cigarettepackets.

45. There is concern about obesity as Americans are getting fatter.

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Listening Comprehension (Part 2)

You are going to hear a radio interview. First, you will have one minute to read the introduction and the items. Then you will hear the interview. Youwill hear the interview only once. Then you will have time to answer the questions.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true (-) and mark your answers on the answer sheet.

Now you will have one minute to read the items.

46. The speaker thinks it is now common to see people smokingoutdoors.

47. The speaker is sympathetic towards them.

48. She thinks that people in Europe smoke more than Americans.

49. She thinks that all smokers set a bad example to children.

50. The speaker was shocked to see a person smoking at the food counter in a restaurant.

51. The opinion of the speaker is that English people accept smoking in restaurants.

52. The incident in the restaurant changed her attitude towards smokers in her own country.

53. It is the speaker's opinion that American smokers believe they have the right to smoke and have little consideration for others.

54. She thinks that on the other hand, English smokers are more polite to others regarding smoking.

55. The speaker thinks that most people do not object to smoking, providing smokers observe any restrictions placed on them.

24

Listening Comprehension (Part 3)

You will hear five short texts. You will hear the texts only once. Then youwill have time to answer the question for each text.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true () andmark your answers on the answer sheet.

56. The first speaker invites you to enter a competition.

57. For flight information, you should press 1.

58. This product is especially good for printing photographs.

59. You will be able travel with P&O Ferries today.

60. The service from Faversham will arrive at Victoria at3.15pm.

25

Letter Writing 1

You have two different tasks to choose from. Decide quickly which letteryou are going to write as you have a total of 30 minutes to complete thetask. Please write 150 - 200 words.

Either:

1. A letter requesting work experience with a company

or:

2. A formal letter of complaint.

26

Letter Writing 1

Situation: You work at a partner firm of a big company. Annually, as a premium, the company gives the best employees an opportunity to work at their headquarters abroad. You may choose from among the following companies:

WORLDWIDE AND U.S. HQLevi Strauss & Co. 1155 Battery StreetSan Francisco, CA 94111U.S.A.

Rolls-Royce International Ltd 65 Buckingham Gate LondonSW1E 6AT

The Coca-Cola Company P.O. Box 1734 Atlanta, GA, USA 30301

Oxford University Press Walton Street, Oxford OX2 6DP England

Write a letter of application to one of the firms above for a period of work. At least two of the following points should be mentioned in your letter plus one other aspect.

x The type of job you are seeking x Your experience with this sort of work x Your interestsx The circumstances of your application (your premium) x The reason for wanting to work at that certain firm

You decide to write for more information. Write the letter using a suitable greeting and a suitable closing formula.

Before starting the letter, decide on the order in which you think the four points should be included as well as an appropriate introduction and close. Include youraddress and the address of the company, also the reference line, date, salutationand closing formula.

You have 30 minutes in which to write the letter. Please write 150-200 words.

27

Letter Writing 2

You receive the following e-mail from a lady in the parents' association at your sons school.

Dear Laura,

Sorry for bothering you with this, but my Billy and some other kids from the class have been complaining a lot about their new maths teacher. I know your boy is a genius at maths and a good kid, so no wonder if you havent heard of how this guy treats them. There isnt going to be a parents meeting very soon, so I think we should write a letter to the headmaster.

I was shocked to hear that the new teacher immediately started showing favouritism towards the talented ones. He simply ignores those who need a little bit more encouragement and doesnt help them at all. He says theres no time for fallback. Also, he never lets them correct their bad marks. And whats even more outrageous is that he often uses swear words in front of the kids when theyre being a little noisy! Can a teacher do such a thing? Isnt that against the regulations?

Yeah, and one more. They say he gives them a 1 when they are fooling around and dont listen for a moment. Theres an act in the law against that, right?

Some of us have tried to contact the teacher several times but he either didnt reply or evaded the questions. I thought itd be a good idea if you wrote a letter to the headmaster, since youre the mother of the best student in class.

Thanks in advance, and see you soon! Oh yes, and write back when youve got time!

Love,

Anita

You decide to undertake the task to write to the headmaster of your sons school.

Write a formal letter to the headmaster Mr Foley expressing your concerns about this problematic case. Your letter should contain at least two of the following points:

x Some of the problems the children mentioned x Suggestions and/or requests to settle the matter x What an ideal teacher should be like x Referring to such cases treated in other schools

Before starting the letter, decide on the order in which you think the four points should be included as well as an appropriate introduction and close. Include your address and the address of the school, also the reference line, date, salutation and closing formula.

You have 30 minutes in which to write the letter. Please write 150-200 words.

28

Mock Oral Exam 1.

Introduction: Social Contacts 0

Introduce yourself to your partner if you do not already know each other.You can talk about, for example, why you are learning English, what yourhobbies and leisure interests are or how you prepared for this examination.

This part of the examination will not be marked.

29

Part 1: Presentation

You are expected to give a short presentation to your partner(s) on one of the following topics. (The prompts in brackets may help you). Your presentation should take about 90 seconds and you should answer your partners questions afterwards.

While your partner is giving his/her presentation, listen and think of the questions you would like to ask.

You should not interrupt your partner during his/her presentation.

x The latest film you enjoyed (topic and plot, actors, your opinion, etc.)

or

x Your favourite magazine, daily or weekly (articles, authors, columns, etc.)

or

x The worst vacation you have ever had (location, weather, accommodation, hosts, etc.)

or

x A sport you like (role models, athletes, the basics of the game, events, etc.)

or

x A competition you won (the circumstances, the exact field, opponents, etc.)

Candidate A/B/(C) 1

30

Candidate A/B/(C) 2Read the following text from a magazine. Discuss the content of the text with your partner. Tell him/her your opinions; give reasons and personal examples to support your ideas. Talk about your own experience regarding the problems mentioned and possible solutions.

The issue of unequal employment distribution is social, not something based purely on competence. Traditionally, many jobs required manual and/or physical skills and as men were usually stronger, they were sometimes better suited to these. Women were traditionally employed in the home. As society has changed, many types of employment have also changed. Many important jobs require people with excellent communication and teamwork skills. Men still tend to hold the positions of power, but this does not necessarily mean they are the best suited to them.

Added to this, many women have now either chosen to work outside the home, or have to for financial reasons. There are larger numbers of qualified, skilled women vying for highly paid, responsible positions; and many hit what is referred to as a glass ceiling. Women can only get promoted to a certain level and cannot gain a higher position. There are frequent reports of this happening in the banking and finance industries where management is male dominated. Having children and leaving the workforce for periods of time can also disadvantage women; as women may not be offered the same opportunities to gain valuable experience. If there were a government quota or positive discrimination for the hiring of women in high-level positions, the situation could be improved.

Also, the problem of sexism at work could be worsened. People may question whether a woman was capable of or deserved her job. Women may also resent the fact that their job may have been awarded as a matter of statistics, as opposed to being earned. Others also feel strongly that setting jobs aside for people based on anything but skill and performance is wrong and unfair. They say someone should only get a job if they have the necessary qualifications, experience or skill set.

Many high-paying, demanding jobs carrying a lot of responsibility are often held by men. I do not feel this situation has come about because women are incapable of doing this high-level work, but rather because of tradition. To alter this balance, I think the government should reserve a percentage of these jobs for women.

Sexism in the workplace will not vanish overnight but quotas may help men and women work toward accepting the equal sharing of power and responsibility.

Part 2: Discussion

31

Part 3: Task

Candidate A/B/(C) 3

You and your partner want to convince John, a mutual friend, that the lifestyle

he leads is fairly unhealthy. Before the two of you speak with him, you and

your partner try to do some brainstorming on what advice you should give

him.

First decide on your ideas.

Tell your partner your ideas and try to agree on the details and the way you

would present your advice to John.

32

33

Reading Comprehension Part 1

First, read the ten headlines (a j). Then read the five texts (1 5) and decide which text goes best with which headline.

Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 5.

a. EU Population Increased by 75 Million

b. Dog Ensures Pensioner is Warm and Safe

c. New X-Ray Machine - Medical Breakthrough

d. Jumper Gets MBE From Queen

e. Union Activists March in London

f. Wider Choice and Lower Prices

g. Grey Generation Skydiving

h. Pensioner Falls and Breaks Hip

i. Higher Radiation Than CAT Scanner

j. Government Must Protect Pensions Demand

1. An exciting new dimension has been added for travellers in Europe with 10 countries from central, eastern and southern Europe having joined the European Union. The external borders of the EU have stretched eastwards to include the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary,Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia and southward to embrace Malta and Cyprus. This has increased the land area by over 23% and the population by 75 million and has added a rich mixture of history and culture. Europes natural beauty is a great attraction for travellers, from mountain grandeur to rocky coastlines and sandy beaches, from lush green pastures to arid plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra. The wealth of Europeshistoric heritage is evident everywhere: prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and Roman antiquities, Viking and Moorish influences, medieval fortresses, renaissance palaces and baroque churches, and much, much more. There are winter and summer sports to be tried, vibrant modern cities to be explored, art and music to be enjoyed, all complemented by fine food, wine and beer. Travelling around the EU has become progressively easier over the years with the removal of most passport and baggage formalities and with the introduction of the euro in 12 EU countries. This makes life much easier for travellers who can now compare prices directly; and no longer have the cost and inconvenience of exchanging money within the euro zone. The expansion of the EUs single market with the arrival of the 10 new countries will bring even wider choice and lower prices for all of us.

PRACTICE TEST 2

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2. Pet dogs vigil for injured ownerThe husband of a pensioner whose border collie stayed with her for 18 hours after she fell andbroke her hip has said the dog saved her life. Maureen Porter, 69, was at home alone in Cenarth,Ceredigion, when she slipped and - with husband Eric in London - could not call anyone for help.But her dog Pedro heard her and stayed with Mrs Porter throughout the night. She was foundafter Mr Porter asked a neighbour to pop round because there was no answer on their phone. Thespot where Mrs Porter had fallen in her cottage garden was too far from neighbours homes forthem to hear her calling. Fifteen-year-old Pedro stayed by her side to keep her warm overnightand was still there when village shopkeeper Pat Milner found Mrs Porter lying on the ground thenext morning.

Mrs Milner said: I had trouble pulling Pedro away from Maureen - he just didnt want to leaveher side. She was cold and unwell. I dread to think what would have happened but for that dog.Mrs Porter was taken to hospital and is now waiting for an operation on her injured hip. Herhusband, Eric, said: Maureen was hoarse from calling for help and had dirt under her finger nailsfrom trying to move. It was very dark and cold throughout the night and she could hear owls andfoxes nearby. But Pedro made sure she was safe and warm.

He is a brilliant dog and very loyal Mr Porter added. We got him from a rescue centre 10 yearsago and he follows Maureen everywhere. It would have been a different story if Pedro hadntbeen there. He saved her life.

3. Mabel Swift made her first parachute jump when she was 79. It was fantastic. Ive got agood head for heights and to look down from that angle was wonderful. Mabel, who has 21great-grandchildren, has done seven more jumps, the most recent a month ago at 84. Soon after,she was at Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE from the Queen. She said: I hear youve donea parachute jump. I said eight. She said: Oh, my goodness. The monarch may have been takenaback, but the sight of the elderly hurling themselves from aircraft is becoming less and lessexceptional. Last week Frank Moody, a 101-year-old Australian, became the firstcentenarian skydiver when he jumped in tandem from 9,900ft.In Britain, too, the average age of skydivers is increasing, partly because a hard core ofenthusiasts are getting older, but also because longer and healthier lifestyles have been matchedby improvements in parachute safety and comfort. As long as they have a doctors medicalcertificate, pensioners launch into an activity more usually associated with daredevil twenty-some-things on holiday. A typical tandem jump costs 200 to 220. Mabel, from Bridlington,East Yorkshire, is motivated by charity and has raised thousands of pounds. At first I said it as ajoke at a committee meeting. The local committee were looking for novel ways of funding. I said,How about a parachute jump, and they took me up on it. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it. Ivedone a double roll and looked back at the plane. Ive landed on my feet every time. When I feellike I cant do it, thats when Ill stop. But when youre fit and able, why not?' Anotherparachuting pensioner is Pete Best, who turns 84 next week. He began jumping when he was 54and has skydived all over the world, but a fast spin over Oxfordshire caused a stroke that left himparalysed down his left side. Thirteen years later, eight days after his 80th birthday, the paralysishad worn off and he jumped again from 10,000ft - without a tandem partner to cling to. Therewas no worry at all, said the former industrial radiologist from Slough. After the stroke, mydoctor wouldnt give me a medical certificate. So I changed doctor and talked him into letting medo it.

35

4.A revolutionary new X-ray machine which takes 3D pictures of patients is makingdiagnosis easier and cutting waiting lists.

The half-a-million-pound scanner has been unveiled at a hospital in Hastings.

The machine is being hailed as a medical breakthrough and is much faster than normalCAT scanners.

It takes 64 slices of X-rays of half a millimetre width to build a 3D picture of the body.

Radiographer Chris Brandt said: Its better because we have a lot more informationand can look from front to back, side to side and from top to bottom without loss ofresolution.

The scanning process takes only 11 seconds, which means patients undergo less trauma.

However, patients are still exposed to radiation doses, which can be higher than withCAT scans. In addition to making diagnosis easier for doctors, the new scanner is alsocutting waiting lists as the hospital is able to carry out 50% more scans.

5.On his first day as Work and Pensions Secretary, David Blunkett has met union activistsprotesting over pensions.

The activists marched to Downing Street to support workers who have lost their pensionsafter their employers went bust. They are also calling for the link between the statepension and average earnings to be restored.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Blunkett admitted some companies had actedinappropriately in the past and said he was committed to addressing the issue.

This is a critical moment, he said. It is a challenge for the nation and we will notdodge it.

As well as pensions, Mr Blunkett said he would be examining incapacity benefit and the12.3bn which is spent annually on housing benefit.

Jack Dromey, deputy general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said:In Labours historic third term, the Government must now act to honour their manifestopledges to protect pensions.

He said they needed to convince the electorate that pensions are safe in Labours hands.

36

Reading Comprehension Part 2Read the following text, and then choose answers to questions 6 10.

Enlarged EU mulls future challenge

Last May, 10 flags were raised in the spring sunshine in Dublins Phoenix Park. From Vilniusto Valletta, 75m people were coming back home after the Cold War. One year on, thepresident of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, described the anniversary asa forceful reminder that openness towards others - and not isolationism - is what drives theEuropean Union and yields results.

Enlargement, he said, had helped consolidate political and economic stability, democracy andhuman rights, and had strengthened the EUs international position. But he admitted it hadalso prompted questions about the EUs identity, its borders and how it should function inthe future. Ominously called the Big Bang, last years expansion embraced an unprecedentednumber of poor newcomers. But few of the fears associated with it materialised, either in theEast or the West.

Although some prices in Eastern Europe went up, exports and foreign investments rose evenmore. Poland, the biggest newcomer, now exports one-third more food to Germany and otherEU countries than before. Polish farmers received 1.5bn euros worth of subsidies, turningthem from the EUs most vocal opponents into its most enthusiastic supporters.

Across Eastern Europe, economic growth soared to 5% last year, double the EU average,with the Baltic countries and Slovakia performing even better. Six of the 10 newcomers havealready taken decisive steps towards adopting the euro as their currency in the next fewyears. They are also top of the class in adopting EU laws. A recent study showed thatLithuania had implemented all but 1% of EU directives, compared to an average of 3.6 %among all 25 member states.

But not everyone welcomes the success of these small, open economies, fuelled by radicalreforms such as flat tax rates.

Heavyweights France and Germany are complaining about unfair tax competition and socialdumping, even though there is little evidence of large numbers of jobs or companies shiftingto Eastern Europe.

Fears of migrant hordes moving west have also proved largely unfounded, although thepicture is mixed in the three countries that decided to fully open their labour markets a yearago. While Sweden registered 4,000 immigrants from the new member states, no less than75,000 people applied for work permits in tiny Ireland. In the UK it was 130,000 - 10 timesmore than originally estimated. However, according to the Home Office, only 800 applied forbenefits and most of them - 97 % - were refused.Employment agencies claim that Polish plumbers, Hungarian doctors and Latvian drivershave simply filled the skill gaps in the British labour market. Politically, the newcomers havefirmed up the EUs stance towards Russia and championed democratic changes in Ukraineand other parts of the former Soviet empire. Poland and Lithuania want the EU to gofurther, by offering Ukraine a clear prospect of membership. However, few WesternEuropeans share their appetite for more expansion. One year since the Big Bang, the EU issuffering from what some call enlargement blues. Nowhere is it so loud or so plaintive as inFrance, where many seem to think that their country, once the engine of Europeanintegration, has been pushed to the margins by a gang of ultra-liberal, pro-Americanupstarts.

37

Now decide which is the correct answer (a, b or c) to items 6-10 and mark your answers on the answer sheet.

6. The enlargement of the EU is seen asa. the end of the cold war.

b. an extra 75 million people joining to the EU.

c. the bringing together of 75 million people separated by the cold war.

7. EU enlargement has raised questions abouta. the EUs international position.

b. the EUs identity.

c. the poorer countries which have joined.

8. Economic growth has beena. on par with the EU average.

b. highest in the Baltic countries and Slovakia.

c. less than the EU average.

9. France and Germany complain ofa. lots of workers moving to their countries.

b. the large number of companies moving/investing in Eastern Europe.

c. unfair business taxation and social pressures.

10. One year on, France isa. happy with the enlargement..

b. would welcome even greater enlargement.

c. feels politically challenged by the new member states.

38

Reading Comprehension Part 3

First read the ten situations (11 - 20) and then read the twelve texts a l.Decide which text goes best with which situation.Each text can be used only once.Mark your answers on the answer sheet (11 - 20).

11. This furniture would be ideal for your patio or garden.

12. You are enjoying your night out, and just as the review says, theaudience are really reacting to it.

13. Your friend is mad about them. They are fast and expensive -now a chance for him to experience them.

14. You like rambling. This is an historic way, just a little windy.

15. This would be great for all the family - fun, history andadventure, all in one package.

16. You would like to spend the weekend away - this sounds ideal -an old but modern hideaway.

17. You would like to buy a special gift for a special friend. Thisname your gift package sounds ideal.

18. You would like to get away for a few days. Your family andfriends like to do different things, but this venue offers lots todo so everyone should be happy.

19. This will make your gift even more memorable.

20. Your friend is an interior designer - you think that this wouldbe an ideal birthday present for her.

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B Ferrari and LamborghiniExperience

Drive these two Italian beauties at yourchoice of either an Oxfordshire orLeicestershire venue.

Experience the kind of dilemmareserved for footballers and playboys,do you prefer the LamborghiniGallardo (120,000) or the Ferrari 360or 355 (130,000)? Mere mortalsrarely drive over quarter of a millionpounds worth of car, and now you cando just that in a morning! With acourse mapped out on our airfield testcircuit, youll blast round the cornersand into the straights while an expertinstructor sits by your side to make themost of the incredible pace andhandling of these supercars.

CWith an introduction by H.M.Queen Elizabeth The QueenMother, this illustratedintroduction to classical furniture -written from the viewpoint of amodern master of the style - is asuperb study of a vital tradition indesign. Mr. Linley surveysclassicism from its origins inancient Greece, through its 18thcentury golden age, and beyond.Architects Kent, Holland and Adamare discussed, and designersChippendale, Hepplewhite andSheraton are celebrated.A directory of furniture patternsshowcasing the evolution ofdifferent styles is included, as aremany imaginative ways to link oldand new design in present dayinteriors.

A Name a Star Package

An original and symbolic gift. Present that someone special with a star in theirname. Astronomers divided the sky into areas, as perceived from earth, so as tocreate a consistent spherical map, rather like the markings on a football. In thisway, 88 areas or constellations were formed. Only a handful of stars bear names,arising from Arabic, Greek and Roman mythology. The vast majority of stars arereferred to only by their astronomical co-ordinates or catalogue numbers, theyare unnamed and there are millions and millions of them. So why not name oneafter someone special...?As well as receiving your gift set, your chosen star name is registered and copy-righted in A Personal Guide to the Universe, the listing of new star names andtheir telescopic co-ordinates. The book is published, and as a publication, isdeposited with the legal deposit libraries. Present and future generations maytherefore look up the star name in the register and using binoculars or atelescope, locate the star in the sky. The Certificate of Registration is not astandard size - the frame compliments and fits the certificate beautifully,turning your order into a stylish and classic gift. Quality diffused glass - no lightreflected off glass.

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E Arts and Crafts style developed in England in the late 1800s as a reaction againstfussy Victorian design, but when the style migrated to the US, it was transformed intothe more austere American Mission style. Today the two terms are often used inter-changeably - probably because both were based on honest craftsmanship and good,simple design. Despite its title, In the Arts and Crafts Style leans toward theAmerican Mission version. In the spirit of its subject matter, the book is simplywritten, but beautiful. Over 150 exquisite photos capture the rich wood, glowing lampsand subtle-hued colours and accents that define the era. Intensive views into the homesof Arts and Crafts collectors, a wonderful bibliography and lengthy resource list adddepth to this study of American arts and crafts style. This book is a terrific resource forboth novice and experienced fans of the style.

D The Family WorkspaceIf youre like many families, everyone has a private workspace but the kitchen tableis often used for homework and paying bills. Is this because everyone is craving asocial atmosphere or is something else going on?For your kids, the reason might be a need for more space to spread out textbooksand binders. If their rooms wont accommodate large desks, consider making acommon workspace in a corner of the kitchen or family room. A shared space forstudying, email and paperwork is an integral part of any busy home. Plus, todaysworkstations for the home are offered in many warm styles and finishes that easilyblend with your dcor.

F Smart, Beautiful Eucalyptus FurnitureWe developed and designed our exclusiveeucalyptus furniture for superior comfort anddurability. And you wont believe thedifference - the generously proportioned, deepseats are so luxuriously comfortable, youllwant to sink in and relax for hours. Both theChair and Love Seat include plush, all-weather deluxe cushions in your choice ofthree great fabrics, so theyre easy tocoordinate with existing furniture. All piecesare crafted of solid eucalyptus, a renewable,sustainable hardwood that wears like teakwithout the extravagant cost. Extra-wide armsand arched back for real kick-back-and-relax comfort. Oiled finish; rust-resistant,stainless steel hardware used throughout.

G Chessington World ofAdventures offers a great dayout annual ticket. Valid for 12months from date of issue,entry to top Tussauds Groupattractions including MadameTussauds London, WarwickCastle, Alton Towers,Chessington World OfAdventures and Thorpe Park.2005 is the year to party on thepark, with our jam-packedcalendar of events featuringfavourite childrens characters.90% of the Parks rides andattractions are suitable forchildren under 12.

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IFor teens and adults, its a fun movie that Id rate a 4 out of 5. However, if you take younger kids to see it, make sure you discuss those eternal questions with them afterwards, and give them the true Biblical perspective regarding those questions of life. Actually, it presents a great opportunity to share Gods eternal truths with any non-believer who sees the movie.And dont be surprised if folks show up with towels at the theatre. Like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this movie lends itself to that type of wacky interaction with the audience. And according to The Hitchhikers Guide, a towel is the most important possession in the universe.

J Aspinal Signature Gift Presentation is simply inspired, leaving no expense spared with our materials and properly befitting a gift of this quality.It begins with encasing each photo album, book or leather accessory in AspinalSignature Blue Tartan paper, which is then sealed with the exquisite Aspinal gold foil label. A stunning gold embossed Aspinal gift card, handwritten with your message provides the personal touch to create the ultimate effect and pleasure for those receiving a beautiful quality handmade leather gift. The Aspinal of London Gift Box is handmade from high-density very thick board. It is available in many sizes designed to accommodate perfectly almost all our photo albums, leather goods, journals & books. The lid features the elegant Aspinal signature colours of cream, red, royal blue trim and Aspinal shield logo in gold foil - set off by a royal blue base. The base of all Deluxe Gift Boxes are lined in a stunning Red moir silk, whilst the 11 x 9" Baby Book Deluxe Gift Box is lined in a beautiful Ivory moire silk. This is not an ordinary box but a beautifully made very special archival box that will present your gift perfectly and will always be a beautiful keepsake box.

HThis hotel was opened to the public as amember of the Austrian Rogner chain of hotels on September 1, 1996. The 5-storey building was built near the lake of Hviz, in the middle of a park of 16 hectares. Smoothly fittinginto its natural environment, the hotel ac-commodates guests with elegance and allpossible comfort. In addition to traditionaltreatments called hvizi, a beauty farm and hair-dresser provide their rejuvenating services to clients, Hotel guests preferringsport and fitness can choose from a golf course offering a complete programme (6-hole Pitch& Putt Fun Course, Driving Range, PuttingGreen, Pitching Green), tennis courts, riding facilities and archery. The LotusTherme is located just 600m away from the largest thermal lake in Europe. The leadingWellness and Beauty Hotel with a healthcentre is 6km away from Lake Balaton. Wehave the original Hvizer t reatments , mudand massages , a l so Ayurveda, Shiatsu,Yomeiho and Lomi Lom Nui.

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L VALE OF PEWSEY

WiltshireNot far south of Avebury is a piece of prehistoric Wiltshire thats less well troddenby walkers. You get there from a place of still gentility: Alton Priors, with its prettychurch marooned in meadows. Pick up the Ridgeway trail north, cross theMarlborough road (SU112629), and youre free to romp out among the enigmatichumps and hollows of a Neolithic necropolis. Ahead is Adams Grave long barrow,while to the east stands Knap Hill, whose Stone Age encampment is stashed (sothey say) with subterranean treasure.

The views up here are huge; and the wind can blow the bags right out from underyour eyes. Scarper west along the escarpment to the Alton Barnes white horse, withits spindly, knotted-cotton legs, then gallop down off the ridge to join a path intoStanton St Bernard (SU096636) and back along the Kennet & Avon Canal. TheSeven Stars (01672 851325), at Woodborough, is the top choice for lunch.

Details: six miles; OS Explorer 157.

KCaptains Quarters, Whitby, North Yorkshire

With its commanding view of the harbour, its no surprise that this three-level,four-bedroom spread once found favour among salty sea dogs who would keep akeen eye on seafront comings and goings from the living room window.

Built in 1760, the skippers old place is neatly tucked away on an elegant stretch ofHenrietta Street. Its gleaming cobblestones are immaculate, as though buffed toperfection by a dedicated team of elves every night. Hard to believe that this wasonce Whitbys red light district. But while the setting may be old, the interior iscertainly not. Modern luxuries including a widescreen TV, dishwasher, microwaveand washing machine, make the cottage, which sleeps eight, a comfortableweekend hideaway.

The fish n chips is among the UKs best, with Hadley's offering particularlyscrumptious servings. There are also trendy and stylish restaurants springing upsuch as Greens, which attracts a young, arty-crafty clientele.

Captains Quarters is available from Shoreline Cottages (0113 2448410,www.shoreline-cottages.com) at 770 for a week until April 2

43

Language Elements (Part 1)

Read the following fax and decide which word or phrase a, b, or c is missing in items 21 30. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.

To: info@ASA.co.uk

From: frankw@frebe.co.uk

Date: 15th August 2005

Re: Advertisement complaint against Kelloggs

Dear Sirs,

I am writing to express my distaste at a recent Kelloggs advertisement which suggests

that eating cornflakes might help (21) children being bullied at school.

The primary cause of bullying is an aggressive dysfunctional child who lacks social,

behavioural and communication (22) and who compensates with

aggression and violence. The bully has never learnt to accept responsibility for the

(23) of their behaviour on others, and depends on a lack of skill and will by

those in authority to (24) and deal with bullying. When challenged, the

child (25) with instinctive denial followed by a distorted or fabricated

counter-claim; (26) this is insufficient to divert attention and avoid

accountability, the bully then feigns victim-hood, usually by bursting into tears.

The bully targets a child for any specious (27): being fat, thin, tall, short,

their hair or skin colour, (28) different culture, having different likes or

dislikes, their unwillingness to use strength to defend themselves, or any perceived or

fabricated "excuse".

I ask you to (29) Kelloggs for their cynical and irresponsible advertisement;

perhaps by way of recompense; they might sponsor some of the excellent organisations

that really help children (e.g. Kidscape and ChildLine) and who do so (30)

thought of profit for themselves.

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Language Elements (Part 1) continued

21 a) prevent b) prevented c) preventing 22 a) skilled b) skills c) skill 23 a) affect b) effect c) effects 24 a) outlaws b) outlawed c) outlaw 25 a) responds b) responding c) responded 26 a) as b) also c) if 27 a) reason b) reasoned c) reasoning 28 a) is of b) being of c) having 29 a) censure b) tell off c) told off 30 a) none b) no c) without

45

Language Elements (Part 2)Read the following text and decide which words or phrases a o are missingin items 31 40. Mark your answers on the answer sheet.

a) compensation b) mature c) the number of d) on average

e) reports that f) an average g) because h) to provide

i) so j) avoid k) told that l) grow upm) a number of n) rates o) inhabits

Fish is shortest-lived vertebrate

A tiny coral reef-dwelling fish called the pygmy goby has taken the record as theshortest-lived vertebrate. The pygmy goby lives (31) of 59 days, beatingthe previous record holder, an African fish which lives for just over two-and-a-halfmonths. A team from James Cook University in Australia (32) the tinycoral reef goby lives a frantic existence to (33) becoming extinct.

Details appear in the latest issue of the science journal Current Biology. Not only arethey constrained by their life-span, but the tiny size of the coral reef pygmy goby(Eviota sigillata ) limits (34) eggs a female can produce. As a result, the fishlives fast and dies young. Female pygmy goby fish can lay a maximum of threeclutches - about 400 eggs in total. The males stay guard and fan the eggs (35) them with more oxygen. After hatching, the tiny goby larvae remain in the openocean for about three weeks before settling on a coral reef, where they (36)for at least 10 days before they can mate and start the whole process off again.

The rapid growth and maturation of the fish comes as (37) for theirreduced life-span. The studys authors, Martial Depczynski and David Bellwood ofJames Cook, point out that the smallest and fastest maturing vertebrates are alsocoral reef fish. This could be (38) reefs provide relatively stabletemperatures and habitats over long periods, or because of high predation

(39).

The previous holder of the title of shortest-lived vertebrate was the turquoisekillifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), which (40) seasonal rain pools inequatorial Africa and must complete its life cycle before the pools disappear.Some think that studying fish like the pygmy goby could help scientists unravel thesecrets of ageing.

46

Listening Comprehension (Part 1)

You will hear a news programme. First you will have half a minute to readthe items. Then you will hear the news. You will hear the news only once.Then you will have time to answer the questions.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true () andmark your answers on the answer sheet.

Now you will have about half a minute to read the items.

41. The UN General Secretary has demanded that action be taken tohelp those in dire need.

42. The debt repayments of under-developed countries have beenfrozen.

43. The smoking ban will come into force as there is great concernover passive smoking.

44. An English woman sails solo around the world and breaks record.

45. There has been a serious forest fire in south eastern Australia inwhich many fire fighters were killed.

47

Listening Comprehension (Part 2)

You are going to hear a radio interview. First, you will have one minute toread the introduction and the items. Then you will hear the interview. Youwill hear the interview only once. Then you will have time to answer thequestions.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true (-) andmark your answers on the answer sheet.

Now you will have one minute to read the items.

46. The speaker thinks that there is great misunderstanding betweenthe Aborigines and Europeans.

47. Even today, the speaker thinks that Aborigines are still angry aboutwhat happened in their country, historically.

48. The Aborigines of European descent planned a big party.

49. The Aborigines consider themselves to be a strong, proud racein touch with the natural world.

50. A young man wanted to cause an explosion because of the anger hefelt towards the Europeans.

51. The older man thought that this was a good plan.

52. The younger man thinks that the reason the Europeans did what theydid was because of the Aborigines opposition towards them.

53. The older Aborigine says that non-violence is the essence ofAborigine culture.

54. The speakers opinion is that the book was quite emotional.

55. In the speakers opinion, violence only begets violence.

48

Listening Comprehension (Part 3)

You will hear five short texts. You will hear the texts only once. Then youwill have time to answer the question for each text.

Decide if the statement for each of the items is true (+) or not true () andmark your answers on the answer sheet.

56. The speaker thinks that the HSBC savings plan has lots ofcaveats.

57. You can call for information about Virgin Airways flightson 1 800 862 860 21.

58. Will you need to book immediately to travel on the 1800hrsailing?

59. You want to travel to Canterbury East this evening - canyou catch the 6.05 train from Victoria as planned?

60. The weather forecast says that tomorrow will start with afresh wind in the morning, with sunshine later in the day.

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Letter Writing 2

You have two different tasks to choose from. Decide quickly which letteryou are going to write as you have a total of 30 minutes to complete thetask. Please write 150 - 200 words.

Either:

1. An e-mail requesting further information

or:

2. A formal letter of enquiry.

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Letter Writing 1

Situation: You want to travel to the United States for a vacation. Your friend lives in Little Rock, Arkansas and it has always been your dream to visit her. Now you have the opportunity to fly over. You can fly with the following airways:

LufthansaLufthansa Budapest Vrosi IrodaBudapest, 1052 Vci u. 19-21. e-mail: fly@lufthansa.hu

Budapest FrankfurtWashington-Little Rock

KLM

East West Business Centre H-1088 Budapest, Rakoczi ut 1-3 Telephone: 36 1 3737737 Fax: 36 1 3737795e-mail:

reservations.hungary@klm.com

Budapest Amsterdam Little Rock

CONTINENTALContinental Airlines, Inc. P.O. Box 4607 Houston, TX 77210-4607e-mail: info@coair.com

Budapest RomeWashington Little Rock

BRITISH AIRWAYS CranebankPO Box 59 Heathrow Airport Hounslow Middlesex TW6 2SL e-mail:britishairways.comBudapest London Little Rock

Write an e-mail asking for more information about the trip to Little Rock, Arkansas. Your letter should include two of the following points plus one other aspect:x A day of sightseeing you would like to do by interrupting the trip x Help needed because a friend travelling with you has a leg in plaster x The cheapest way of travelling are any special offers available x Hotel facilities at the airports

Write the letter using a suitable greeting and a suitable closing formula.

You have 30 minutes in which to write the letter. Please write 150-200 words.

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Letter Writing 2

You read the following advertisement in the local daily newspaper. You are really interested in losing weight so you decide to reply to the address supplied in the ad.

SUPER SLIM UNIT 9000 the ultimate fat buster! Just fasten it on and youll get slim in 30 days!

Fred Touton, world champion, the best baseball player of season 98: I never dreamed that I could lose 40 pounds so easily and so quickly! The Super Slim Unit 9000 has given me a new beginning.

ORDER the SUPER SLIM BELT and its accessories for ONLY 23 and youll get a trendy dial-scale FOR FREE!!!

The SUPER SLIM UNIT 9000 is available ONLY from our London office at the following address:

SUPER SLIM UNIT Ltd. 303 Thermal Avenue, LONDON SW4 5DC

Write a letter to SUPER SLIM UNIT asking for more information about their product. At least two of the following points should be mentioned in your letter plus one other aspect:

x Asking about its usability x Some special health problem that would hinder its usage x The method of payment x The ways that you have tried to lose weight so far

Write the letter using a suitable greeting and a suitable closing formula.

Before starting the letter, decide on the order in which you think the four points should be included as well as an appropriate introduction and close. Include your address and the address of the company, also the reference line, date, salutation and closing formula.

You have 30 minutes in which to write the letter. Please write 150-200 words.

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Mock Oral Exam 2

Introduction: Social Contacts 0

Introduce yourself to your partner if you do not already know each other.You can talk about, for example, why you are learning English, what yourhobbies and leisure interests are or how you prepared for this examination.

This part of the examination will not be marked.

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Part 1: Presentation

Candidate A/B/(C)

1

You are expected to give a short presentation to your partner(s) on one of the following topics. (The prompts in brackets may help you). Your presentation should take about 90 seconds and you should answer your partners questions afterwards.

While your partner is giving his/her presentation, listen and think of the questions you would like to ask.

You should not interrupt your partner during his/her presentation.

x Your favourite place in Hungary (nature, culture, sights, etc.)

or

x Finding a job as a graduate (the difficulties based on the type of the degree, the lack of experience, etc.)

or

x The Internet (advantages, disadvantages, what you use it for,etc.)

or

x Your preference: living in the country or in the city (traffic, fresh air, neighbours, services, entertainment facilities, etc.)

or

x The schools you attend(ed) (your major and/or minor, the structure of the university, college, high school, graduate school, etc., facilities, experience)

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Part 2: Discussion

Candidate A/B/(C) 2

Read the following text from a magazine. Discuss the content of the textwith your partner. Tell him/her your opinions, give reasons and personalexamples to support your ideas. Talk about your own experience with theproblems mentioned and possible solutions.

Poverty is one of the main global issues facing individuals, families, societies andgovernments across the world. According to the UN, 1.2 billion people in the world livein extreme poverty. Poverty is measured in different ways but one of the most commonmeasurements is the World Banks definition of 'a dollar a day' - this means thatanyone who lives on less than the equivalent of one US dollar (about 54p) a day isconsidered to be living in extreme poverty. Another definition of poverty is not havingthe money to buy adequate food or to satisfy other basic needs like shelter. Poverty haswidely been regarded as characterising the developing world. However, some peoplein developed countries may also be described as living in poverty. Poverty and beingpoor doesnt just mean that you do not have much money. In many places in the world,poverty means being homeless or living in slum conditions. Being poor is linked tounemployment. Although many of those who are extremely poor do work, they earnvery little and do not have job security. Poverty does not mean being unemployed butit can mean be poorly paid or underemployed. Poverty links to many other socialissues. If you are poor, you may be hungry and/or on a poor diet that affects yourhealth and abilities. If you are poor, your choices of where you can afford to live may belimited and mean living in areas where environmental issues like pollution cause healthproblems. A poor country may not provide clean water for all of its citizens (forexample, only a quarter of the population in Ethiopia has access to clean water). Insome countries, people have to pay fees for education, even the basics of learning toread and write, and pay for any medical services. That means that very poor familiesmay not have access to these services. In turn, these social issues link back intopoverty. A higher incidence of illness and a lessened ability to obtain treatment forillness may mean a family member is unable to get a better job or provide for theirfamily. A lack of education can also hamper the ability of a person to get a decent job.The Facts More than one billion people in the world live on less than one US dollar aday. In the developing world, more than 10 million children die a year one child in 11dies before its fifth birthday. According to most aid agencies and the World Bank, thevast majority (of deaths) are from causes preventable through a combination of goodcare, nutrition and medical treatment. Over two million children die each year fromdiseases that could be prevented if they had access to vaccines. Two hundred millionchildren under the age of five suffer from malnutrition. In rich countries, less than5%of all children are malnourished, in poor countries as many as 50% aremalnourished. Life expectancy in Japan is 81.6 years, in Zambia, Africa it is 36.9 years.

55

Part 3: Task

Candidate A/B/(C) 3

You and your partner intend to organise the New Years Eve party for your

department. The party will be held in your companys social club.

First decide on your ideas regarding the details.

Tell your partner your ideas and try to agree on how to host the party so that it

will be highly enjoyable for most of the staff.

56

57

Reading Comprehension Part 1

First, read the ten headlines (a j). Then read the five texts (1 5) and decidewhich text goes best with which headline.

Mark your answers on the answer sheet in the boxes 1 5.

a. Hospitals Packaged Food - Unhealthy

b. Charities' Money Secure With Polar Victory

c. More Cars on British Roads Causing Accidents

d. Fuel Cell Technology 30 Years old

e. If High Inflation Continues

f. Polar Challenge Victory

g. Accidents Go Unreported

h. Olivers Magic Needed in Hospitals

i. A Power Generator of The Future

j. 50 Times More in 50 Years

1. Poor standards in the food given to hospital patients have been condemned by junior doctors.The British Medical Association said people in many parts of the UK were not getting the nutrition theyneeded to help them recover. Junior doctors at their annual conference in London were urging celebritychef Jamie Oliver to work his same magic on hospital food as he had with school dinners. In March,Olivers campaign to increase the amount spent on school dinners saw the Government pledge an extra280 million to improve meals for children. Speaking at the conference, Eleanor Draeger, a juniordoctor in south-east London, said that they wanted Oliver to do a similar expose on hospital food.Food and nutrition are essential for health and healing, and without good nutrition we are not givingour patients the best chance of getting better, she said.

All the drugs in the world will not help patients if they are not eating properly.

She said they also wanted fresh food to be prepared on-site, rather than packaged and delivered tohospitals. The food loses all its goodness once it has been processed and moved about. It would bemuch better to invest in having meals prepared on site, with more fruit and veg, she said. LoydGrossman has already attempted a makeover of hospital food to improve choice for patients.

But Dr Draeger, 30, said that in most hospitals this had not been taken on board.

PRACTICE TEST 3

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2.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Britains roads has fallen. Figures fromthe Office for National Statistics show the toll fell by 7% to 34,500 last year.

Accidents causing slight injuries also fell by 2% to 247,390.

This was despite a 2% increase in the amount of traffic on Britains roads in 2004.

However, research by insurance company Privilege shows nearly a quarter of motorists donot report accidents to police or their insurance companies.

The company said these included accidents when cars were written off or people wereinjured.

Director Ian Parker said: Our research paints a worrying picture of accidents involvingBritains vehicles, where minor accidents and incidents are viewed by drivers as tooinsignificant to report.

3. A trio of British women have become the first female team to complete a race acrossthe Arctic Ocean. The team, known as The Pink Lady Polecats, came in sixth out of 16 teamsracing to the 1996 position of the North Magnetic Pole.

The poles current position is in the ocean.

Sam Eve, 26, from Suffolk, Tori James, 23, from Pembrokeshire, and 27-year-old FelicityAston, from Kent, completed the 360-mile Scott Dunn Polar Challenge to raise funds forBreakthrough Breast Cancer and The British Schools Exploring Society.

Ms Aston said: Our first emotion is relief that we havent let any of our many supportersback home down, relief that all the money pledged for charity will be safely in the bank andrelief that after a year of training and preparations we have made it - all three of us.

Tori, the youngest woman to complete the challenge, said: Celebrations will start with ahot shower and a fresh set of clothes followed by a delicious meal.

The trio have so far raised more than 15,000 for the two charities.

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5. IMAGINE yourself at the checkout at your local Tescos. After scanning the weeklygroceries - including your 6 pin