Genealogy is a (0) ........ of history. It concerns family history, (1) ........

than the national or

world history studied at school. It doesn't merely involve drawing a family tree, however -
tracing your family history can also (2) ........ in learning about your roots and identity. The
Internet enables millions of people worldwide to (3) ........ information about their family
history, without great (4) ........ .

People who research their family history often (5) ........ that it's a fascinating hobby
which (6) ........ a lot about where they come from and whether they have famous ancestors.
According to a survey involving 900 people who had researched their family history, the
chances of discovering a celebrity in your past are one in ten. The survey also concluded
that the (7) ........ back you follow your family line, the more likely you are to find a relation
who was much wealthier than you are. However, the vast majority of people who (8) ........ in
the survey discovered they were better off than their ancestors.

Questions
1. Gap 1

A. ? instead

B. ? rather

C. ? except

D. ? sooner

Gap 2

A. ? cause

B. ? mean

C. ? result

D. ? lead

Gap 3

? accomplish

? access

? approach

? admit

Gap 4

? fee
 ? price

? charge

? expense

Gap 5

? describe

? define

? remark

? regard

Gap 6

? reveals

? opens

? begins

? arises

Gap 7

? older

? greater

? higher

? further

Gap 8

? attended

? participated

? included

? associated

I work (0) ... a motorbike stunt rider - that is, I do tricks on my motorbike at shows. The Le
Mans racetrack in France was (1)........ I first saw some guys doing motorbike stunts. I'd
never seen anyone riding a motorbike using just the back wheel before and I was (2) ........
impressed I went straight home and taught (3) ........ to do the same. It wasn't very long
before I began to earn my living at shows performing my own motorbike stunts.

I have a degree (4) ........ mechanical engineering; this helps me to look at the
physics (5) ........ lies behind each stunt. In addition to being responsible for design changes
to the motorbike, I have to work (6) ........ every stunt I do. People often think that my work is
very dangerous, but, apart (7)........ some minor mechanical problem happening occasionally
during a stunt, nothing ever goes wrong. I never feel in (8) ........ kind of danger because I'm
very experienced.
Garlic, a member of the Lilliaceae family which also includes onions, is (0) ........ (COMMON)
used in cooking all around the world. China is currently the largest (1) ........ (PRODUCT) of
garlic, which is particularly associated with the dishes of northern Africa and southern
Europe. It is native to central Asia and has long had a history as a health-giving food, used
both to prevent and cure (2) ......... (ILL) In ancient Egypt, workers building the pyramids
were given garlic to keep them strong, while Olympic athletes in Greece ate it to increase
their resistance to infection. The forefather of antibiotic medicine, Louis Pasteur, claimed
garlic was as (3)........ (EFFECT) as penicillin in treating infections. Modern-day (4) ........
(SCIENCE) have proved that garlic can indeed kill bacteria and even some viruses, so it can
be very useful for people who have coughs and colds. In (5) ........ (ADD), some doctors
believe that garlic can reduce blood (6) ........ (PRESS) The only (7) ........ (ADVANTAGE) to
this truly amazing food is that the strong and rather (8) ........ (SPICE) smell of garlic is not
the most pleasant!

) Joan was in favour of visiting the museum.

IDEA

Joan thought it would be .................................. to the museum.

a good IDEA to go

2) Arthur has the talent to become a concert pianist.

THAT

Arthur is so .................................. could become a concert pianist.

talented THAT he

3) ''Do you know when the match starts, Sally?'' asked Mary.

IF

Mary asked Sally ................... time the match started.

IF he knew what

4) I knocked for ages at Ruth's door but I got no reply.

LONG

I .................... knocking at Ruth's door but I got no reply.

was a LONG time

5) Everyone says that the band is planning to go on a world tour next year.

SAID

The band ............................. planning to go on a world tour next year.

are SAID to be

6) I'd prefer not to cancel the meeting.

CALL

I'd rather ..................................... the meeting.

not CALL of

arth is the only (0) ........ we know of in the universe that can support human life. (1) ........ human
activities are making the planet less fit to live on. As the western world (2) ........ on consuming two-
thirds of the world's resources while half of the world's population do so (3) ........ to stay alive we are
rapidly destroying the very resource we have by which all people can survive and prosper.
Everywhere fertile soil is (4) ........ built on or washed into the sea. Renewable resources are exploited
so much that they will never be able to recover completely. We discharge pollutants into the
atmosphere without any thought of the consequences. As a (5) ........ the planet's ability to support
people is being reduced at the very time when rising human numbers and consumption are (6) ........
increasingly heavy demands on it. The Earth's natural resources are there for us to use. We need
food, water, air, energy, medicines, warmth, shelter and minerals to (7) ........ us fed, comfortable,
healthy and active. If we are sensible in how we use the resources they will (8) ........ indefinitely. But
if we use them wastefully and excessively they will soon run out and everyone will sufer.

uestions

Gap 1

? Although

? Still

? Yet

? Despite

Gap 2

? continues

? repeats

? carries

? follows

Gap 3

? already

? just

? for

? entirely

Gap 4

? sooner
 ? neither

? either

? rather

Gap 5

? development

? result

? reaction

? product

Gap 6

? doing

? having

? taking

? making

Gap 7

? hold

? maintain

? stay

? keep

Gap 8

? last

? stand

? go

? remain

When the day comes give yourself plenty of time (0) ........ do everything: have breakfast but don't
drink (1) ........ much; go to the toilet; arrive on time, but not too early or you will find yourself getting
more and more nervous while you wait to start.

In the exam, calm (2) ........ down by breathing deeply and thinking positively. Read the exam
questions carefully and underline all of the key instruction words (3) ........ indicate how the questions
should be answered. If possible start with the ones (4) ........ can do easily to give you confidence.
Remember what you've learnt from practising questions and doing mock exams previously and plan
your use of time. Don't panic (5) ........ everyone around you seems to start writing furiously straight
away and don't be tempted to follow their example.
Finally, after the exam, don't join in a discussion about (6) ........ everyone else did, (7) ........ you want
to frighten yourself, and drain your self-confidence for the next exam. Above (8) ........, remember
that exams are not designed to catch you out, but to find out what you know, what you understand
and what you can do.

In the not-too-distant past farm animals were able to live (0) ........ (NATURE) lives in what we
would now term 'free-range' conditions. Such farming methods however, were not able to
supply the rapidly growing (1) ........ (POPULATE) of the world and the increasing demands on food
(2) ........ (CONSUME) In order to cope with this rising demand, factory farming methods were
introduced along with the (3) ........ (DEVELOP) of genetically engineered (4) ........ (GROW) hormones,
which resulted in a massive increase in food production. However, these developments in the use of
factory farming and drug (5) ........ (TREAT) have led to a widespread feeling that animals are
being caused a lot of distress and that the quality of the food itself sufers as a consequence.
Certainly, many people (6) ........ (AGREE) with the idea of keeping animals in one building for their
entire (7) ........ (EXIST) and argue that more emphasis should be given to (8) ........ (ALTERNATE)
farming methods.

A very friendly taxi driver drove us into town.

DRIVEN

We ..................................... a very friendly taxi driver.

Answer: WERE DRIVEN INTO TOWN BY

1) "Have you been on holiday recently, Jane?" asked Tony.

BEEN

Tony asked Jane ........................................ on holiday recently.

CheckHintShow answer

2) I was too tired to go to the party.

THAT

I was ........................................ I couldn't go to the party.

CheckHintShow answer

3) There's no point asking Lynda to help as she's really busy.

WASTE

It's ........................................ asking Lynda to help as she's really busy.

CheckHintShow answer

4) I'm sure it was Ana I saw in town as I recognised her coat.

MUST

It ........................................ Ana I saw in town as I recognised her coat.

CheckHintShow answer

5) We demanded to see the hotel manager to make our complaint.

SEEING

We ........................................ the hotel manager to make our complaint.

CheckHintShow answer

6) The boss wouldn't object to you going early today.

OBJECTION

The boss would not ........................................ you going early today.

Most people are born with the natural ability to (0) ... stories, but only a rare few have
the determination to become professional authors, and even fewer have the joy of
seeing their novels top the (1) ... of bestselling books. Some of the world's famous
crime writers have achieved the (2) ... success of all. Who can deny the appeal of
famous detectives like Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot? Even if you
haven't read the (3) ... books you will have seen them in films or on the TV.
If you have an ambition to become the next Agatha Christie what should you do? The
best starting (4) ... is to read lots of examples of crime fiction written by good authors.
You will need a notebook to carry around with you or, even better, some loose (5) ... of
paper that you can (6) ... notes on and then file into a folder. After all, the most
everyday situation - for example, watching a woman get (7) ... a train - may be the
inspiration for your first bestseller.
Like any good recipe you have to know the main (8) ... of a successful novel. These are:
an original story, strong characters and a memorable setting.

1 A queue B list C row D line

2 A largest B greatest C highest D prime
3 A first B initial C early D original
4 A spot B tip C point D mark
5 A strips B sheets C layers D pieces
6 A complete B do C fill D make
7 A out B down C off D from
8 A parts B ingredients C pieces D sections

Too Good to be True

Some say you can do it in seven days, others promise success in 24 hours, or you may
prefer to take (0) ... time and do it in 5 weeks. What are we talking about? Believe
it (1)... not, these periods (2) ... time refer to language learning courses that promise
excellent results in less time (3) ... it takes to say 'Bonjour'!
However, the advertisements of these companies are not necessarily the best guide and
if you don't know what to look for in a good course you could be left with little (4) ...
than a large bill.
A complaint was recently made to a consumer rights group against WhizzLearn Systems,
a language school chain, and the company has been forced to remove its claim that its
technique is ten times better than any (5) ... method. The Managing Director of
WhizzLearn Systems said (6) "... we still believe our claim is true, we are willing to
change our advert. But the fact remains, if you spend 3 hours per day for 5 weeks on
our language course you will soon be speaking the language. What we (7) ... have done
was to make (8) ... clearer in the advert.

For questions 1-6, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar
meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word
given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.

Example:
I haven't seen you for years.
ages
It's (been ages since I) saw you.

1. Because it snowed heavily during the night the motorway is closed.

due
The motorway is closed ........................................ that there was heavy snow the
night before.

2. Did you manage to get in contact with the boss today?

getting
Did you ........................................ in contact with the boss today?

3. I don’t care what you do.

concerned
As ........................................ you can do what you like.

4. The meal we had in the restaurant was so nice.

such
It ........................................ meal in the restaurant.
5. Do you and your brother have the same looks?
like
Does ........................................ you?

6. That’s the garage where I left my car last week.

repaired
That’s where I went ........................................ last week.

Part One: Multiple Choice Cloze

For Questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer A, B, C or D
best fits each space.

Example: (0) A with B for C at D in

No More Classes

The use of computers has meant students can study language programmes (0) ... their
own speed when and for how long they want. What's more, in the virtual classrooms of
the future the student will (1) ... on their headset, and be transported into an imaginary
school, choose their class, take the books they need off the shelf and (2) ...
conversations with other computerised students.
They might (3) ... choose to pay a visit to the supermarket or the train station, the
bank or the restaurant. At the (4) ... of a button they would be transported to (5) ...
realistic settings where they could practice their English, maybe getting a hand from a
virtual English companion. All this perhaps, at the computer, from the comfort of their
home: no (6) ... to catch the bus to college, or a plane to England.
Exciting? Certainly, and an interesting alternative to traditional classroom lessons. But
would it ever (7) ... the classroom? Hopefully not. Surely the need to relate to real
people talking about real issues and generally learning a little more about others will
always lead language learners to (8) ... at least a little of their time with real people.

1 A place B put C set D get

2 A take B do C catch D hold
3 A although B preferably C instead D contrary
4 A force B hit C depress D push
5 A so B such C like D alike
6 A role B duty C obligation D need
7 A replace B restore C succeed D recover
8 A spend B make C have D do
Part Two: Open Cloze
For Questions 1-8, read the text below and think of the word which best fits
each space. Use only one word in each space.

Example: 0 - the
Camping Holidays

Although it has a reputation for being rather basic in terms of home comforts, the
modern material used in (0) ... manufacture of tents means camping is at least
a (1) ... less hard work. Nowadays tents are (2) ... lightweight that you hardly notice
you're carrying them. They're easy to put up yet still a cheaper alternative to hotel
accommodation.
Talk to an expert first before spending a lot of money (3) ... a tent. Different tents suit
different needs and there's no point (4) ... buying a mountaineering tent (5) ... you're
planning to camp in these conditions. Don't be tempted to splash out on all the latest
equipment either. Most of the fun of camping lies in the chance to get back to nature.
There's no need to take anything more (6) ... the basics.
Always try to plan your arrival at the site long before it gets dark. You will want to
see (7)... you're doing when you try to erect your tent. Don't forget to ask for
permission if you're not camping on a registered site, and remember to take a supply of
food and drink with you in (8) ... the local shops are closed when you arrive. You can
then enjoy your first meal under the stars and begin to appreciate the joys of camping.
Part Four: 'Key' Word Transformation
For Questions 1-6, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar
meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word
given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.

Example:
I haven't seen you for years.
ages
It's (been ages since I) saw you.

1. 'Why don't you come over for dinner at the weekend?' he asked her.
suggested
He .................................. for dinner at the weekend.

2. The school I studied at last year was better than this one.
good
This school ................... my last one.

3. Although the weather was terrible we had a good time.

spite
We had a good time .................... the terrible weather.

4. Being rude is inexcusable.

excuse
There is ............................. rude

5. I regret taking up smoking.

wish
I ..................................... up smoking.

6. The police are interviewing the suspects.

interviewed
The suspects ..................................... by the police.

Part Five: Multiple Choice (Page 1, 2)

Instructions
You are going to read an extract from a writer's journal. For Questions 1-6,
choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Extract
Six months ago I made a rash promise. The leader of the youth club in our village had
rung me in March saying, "We're thinking of running a children's playscheme for a day
in October half-term. Would you be prepared to help?" My response was "Sure, why
not?" In truth I was a little flattered to be asked, even though working as a care
assistant with old people hardly qualified me for the role. Still, I duly put the date in my
diary and of course I forgot all about it. I don't know if you've noticed this but time has
a habit of speeding along faster than a police car chasing a robber and, before I knew
it, the dreaded day was dawning.

I arrived at the youth centre that morning feeling full of trepidation. There was a gang
of 12 helpers including me, split into pairs, and each pair had been allocated a
particular age group. Mine was the 10 to 11 year olds. Even with the planning meeting I
had attended the week before, I worried about whether I was up to the task. Why
hadn't I read through the copious lesson plans we were given beforehand? And wasn't
the average 10-year-old more interested in the latest electronic game than making
things with paper and glue?

All too quickly the children began arriving. The look of relief on parents' faces as they
handed their offspring over to us was almost comical. A handful of the children were
already members of the club but the other forty five or so were from the local primary
schools. One or two looked tearful but the rest were in high spirits. Again I asked
myself why I had elected to spend a day with all these 'little monsters' especially when
I have two all of my own to contend with! I needn't have worried of course as it turned
out to be a marvellous day. We watched entertaining dvd clips, learned 'action' songs,
made clay pyramids, kneaded bread, decorated biscuits, played memory games and
spent some time in quiet reflection. I say 'we' because I rediscovered my inner child
and joined in all the activities with glee.

The particular highlight for me was a rousing rendition of "He's got the whole world in
his hands" in the closing part of the day. The children already knew the words and
actions off by heart and sang so loudly it was almost enough to bring the roof down. It's
difficult to explain those moments; only that the body tingles with the pleasure of
having witnessed something so magical.

Of course there were also moments of great poignancy. I found it difficult to stop
thinking of one little girl, who mentioned oh-so-casually that her mum was in hospital
and would be there for a long time. It's easy for us adults to idealise childhood and
forget that some children have their own burden of anxieties and concerns. When I got
home utterly exhausted, still with modelling clay under my fingernails, I reflected on
what a privilege it had been.

There was one disappointment for the children and that was that the playscheme was
only running for a day, and not the whole week. As I said farewell to my group, one of
the children turned and said, "Can we do it again in the next holiday, Miss?" My
response was, "Sure, why not?"

1. When the first day of the job arrived the writer was surprised
A. that the day had come round so quickly.
B. because she'd forgotten to write down the date.
C. because she witnessed a car chase on the way.
D. that she woke up at dawn.

2. When the writer arrived to start her job she

A. put the children into pairs.
B. realised she should have done more preparation.
C. felt confident she could deal with 10 and 11 year olds.
D. saw the children had brought their own electronic games to play with.

3. According to the writer, the parents were

A. happy to stay with their children all day.
B. worried about children from the other schools.
C. nervous that their children might not behave themselves.
D. glad to leave their children.

4. The writer's best moment

A. occurred in the middle of the day.
B. took her by surprise.
C. was hard to put into words.
D. was when the day was over.

5. According to the writer, adults

A. think that being a child is a privilege.
B. sometimes forget that children have worries too.
C. are usually exhausted by bringing up their children.
D. don't have a stressful life.
6. What is the writer's attitude by the end of the day?
A. She could imagine doing the job again next time.
B. She was sad to say good bye to the chidlren.
C. She was disappointed with the experience.
D. She hopes the playscheme will be longer in future.

Part Six: Gapped Text

Instructions
You are going to read a magazine article about John Prince, a dancer, dance
teacher and choreographer. Six sentences have been removed from the article
on the left. Choose the most suitable sentence from the list A-G on the right for
each part (1-6) of the article. There is one extra sentence which you do not
need to use.
Career success in the arts

John Prince, famous dancer and choreographer, gives advice on how to succeed in a
career in the arts.

I asked John how he got started and what requirements there are. "Well, to be a
professional dancer it's useful to have had acting lessons or some background in
drama. If you want to succeed in musical theatre you have to have a good singing
voice as well. When you approach an agent you should take a portfolio with your CV,
your statistics sheet and some good photos and reviews of past performances. You'll
need dance clothes, ballet shoes, tap shoes, and even roller skates depending on what
kind of show you are going to go for."
1

"Of course, you need to be extremely fit if you want to be a professional dancer. I
dance or move about for about six hours a day. There are great health benefits to
being a dancer. I can eat a lot of pasta without gaining weight because dancing
increases your metabolism so much."
2

John has a very busy schedule in the next few months. He took time out to speak to
me today from the making of a pop video to promote N-ergy's latest record. "I
choreographed the dance routine for the boys and they only had 2 days in which to
learn it! I am going to be working on a video for another well known band - but that's
top secret. Next month I'll be touring Spain in a production of a musical that was
written by a friend of mine, Michaela Evans.
3
As for the future, I've come to realise that I would never be content to be just a chorus
dancer - I'm too much of an individual for that. Like all artists I'd love to become a
household name by writing and choreographing my own musicals."

John was born in Jamaica to a Jamaican father and a Scottish mother but the family
emigrated to England 20 years ago. "I have a little sister I adore, who is also training
to be a dancer." How does it feel to have someone else following in your footsteps?
4

Has he much more to learn, I wondered. "I've spent an incredible amount of my life
training to get where I am. I went to college for two years in England, I trained for six
months in Paris and about eight months in America. But you never really stop training
or learning your art."
5

So, would you say it's been plain sailing? "I feel I've been lucky to a degree; many
people hit problems breaking into the arts. It can be a vicious circle really. You can't
become a member of Equity, which is the actors' and dancers' union, without good
contracts and you can't get good contracts without being a member of Equity. My
advice to people who want to get into the arts would be to go out into the world, and
try everything else first.
6

What has a dance career done for you as a person? "Thanks to dancing, I've visited and
performed in 23 countries so far. This has opened my eyes to the world, and I've been
able to understand issues like racism and inequality from a wider perspective.
Hopefully this has enabled me to become a better and more tolerant person as a
result."So all in all I'm really happy to be a dancer!"

A It's fine, but I try not to give out too much advice as it gets irritating!

B And if nothing you like comes out of it, then come back and be an actor or dancer.

C Without a strict daily timetable like this you find yourself wasting too much time.

D After that it's back to England to start a new term of dance classes.

E When it comes to coping with stress, I find that exercise helps me to cope with my
problems, so I stay in good shape mentally as well.

F Like any profession where you're always travelling, you tend to acquire something
new almost every day.

G Being fully equipped with all this stuff beforehand makes it easier when you go for
auditions.

Part Seven: Multiple Matching (Page 1, 2)

You are going to read a selection of letters from a driving magazine. For
questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-E). The people may be chosen
more than once.

Your Letters

This month we feature your early driving experiences:

A
I'd been taking lessons for a year before I passed my driving test at the age of eighteen,
but my dad never gave me any help. Even after I'd passed he never let me use the car.
So I used to take my dad's keys before leaving the apartment block where we lived and
would run round to the car park at the back where my father left the car at night. He
hardly ever used the car after getting in from work. I used to go and see my girlfriend or
just drive around and then come back and leave the car in exactly the same place. One
night though, I got back at around ten thirty only to find there were no parking spaces
left. I suppose because I went in and told my dad the truth straight away he was quite
good about it. Although he did stop my allowance for four weeks.
Terry

B
My most unfortunate driving experience happened ages ago, before I'd actually passed
my driving test. My girlfriend's father used to let her borrow his car whenever we were
going to the cinema or something. Anyway, I'd been thinking about learning to drive and
I persuaded her to let me have a go. We took the car down to the beach on the sand
where no one could see us and she let me take the wheel. We were having such fun that
we didn't notice the tide was coming in until the car was actually swimming in the water.
We had to leave the car where it was and catch the bus back to tell her dad. By the time
the three of us returned, the car was almost covered in water. Needless to say, her
father wasn't too pleased. The funny thing is her dad ended up selling me the car after I
passed my test.
Carl

C
I was teaching my mum to drive and we were coming down a rather narrow road which
had cars parked on both sides. Suddenly, from nowhere there was a young man on a
bike coming towards us. Mum slammed the brakes on but he crashed into us, landed on
the car and then rolled off. My mother and I both jumped out of the car to see if he was
all right. Fortunately, he stood up and said he was OK, just a little shaken. My mum
offered to give him some money for the repair of the bike, and then an old lady came
along. When she saw what had happened, she began shouting at my mother, saying she
must have been driving too fast and that it was a bad example to set her young
daughter. Poor old mum didn't say a word and I had to explain that she was still
learning to drive.
Sarah

D
My advice about learning to drive would be to have proper lessons from a qualified
instructor and never to let a friend or family member try to teach you. It's a guaranteed
way to spoil a good relationship. Every Sunday, when the traffic was quieter, my father
would pick me up and take me for a drive along the streets of our hometown and give
me a lecture on how to drive, explaining everything he was doing and why. Eventually it
was my turn to have a go. My dad was so nervous that he panicked before I'd even
started up the engine. He used to shout at the slightest mistake, and when the lesson
was finally over he'd come home and have a large glass of whisky to calm down.
Karen

E
I didn't start learning to drive until I was twenty one. I'd spent lots of money on lessons
but I was a terrible driver, I must admit. The first time I took my driving test nobody
expected me to pass. But after failing another four times the pressure was really on. I
took my test for a sixth time and failed yet again, but I was too embarrassed to admit it
to my family, so I just pretended that I'd passed after all. My family were delighted and
my father went out and bought me a car the next day. I didn't know what to do so I just
got in and drove. I continued to drive - illegally - for three months. Fortunately I was
never stopped by the police and the next time I took my driving test I passed.
Mike

Which person('s)

1) father was accused of driving dangerously?

2) bought a car?

3) drove his girlfriend’s dad’s car?

4) drove alone without a license?

5) had to defend one of their parents?

6) drove their father’s car without permission?

7) used to make their father nervous?

8) paid for driving lessons?

9) had no driving instruction from their father?

10) was given driving lessons by an older member of their family?

Part Five: Multiple Choice (Page 1, 2)

You are going to read an article about online safety. For questions 1-6, choose the answer
(A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

BE WEB WISE

Protect your computer, by all means, but don't forget to protect yourself, advises web safety
expert, Amanda Knox.

We're always being urged to stay safe online. But in an era where the internet is part of our
everyday lives - for work, fun, study, shopping, even managing finances - it's not always
easy to spot the dangers. Web safety expert, Amanda Knox, explores some of the issues
lurking in cyberspace.

Her first piece of advice is to install software and a firewall to protect your computer from
viruses, hackers and criminals who want to steal your data or financial information. "Think
of these as your first line of defence," says Amanda.

So much for protecting yourself against intruders, but what about other problems? Say
you've accidentally deleted an important file or you've been at the mercy of a natural
disaster. Katy Marsh runs an online photography business from home and when a fire
destroyed part of her house it could easily have spelled ruin for her business too. "Luckily I
keep a regular back-up of my data so it wasn't a catastrophe." Amanda advises that while
back-ups are good to have we must ensure we protect our computers to start with.

Whilst most of us are aware of the need to protect our computers, it seems we're more lax
when it comes to looking out for ourselves, at least according to a recent web awareness
survey. Web safety specialists say better personal awareness is needed and this is due in part
to the rise of 'Social Networking' sites like 'Facebook' or 'Twitter', which allow us to connect
with people around the world with similar interests and professional backgrounds. Chris
Simpson, a computer programmer, learnt the hard way. "I joined a free online networking
group in the hope of making some professional contacts to help me find a new job. After a
month, one of my online contacts invited me to take out a subscription to a club that
promised access to a network of job recruiters. It turned out to be a waste of money. I ended
up a laughing stock with my mates - they couldn't believe that someone in my job could get
taken in so easily." No wonder then that Amanda warns, "It's easy to get complacent and let
our guard down when we meet someone with the same interests online."

This brings us to other potential pitfalls. Are the people you meet online who they really
claim to be? Can you be sure the person you're chatting with is in fact a 22-year-old Maths
undergraduate from London and not someone merely masquerading as a student to win your
trust? Khaled, a postgrad from Manchester University, quickly realised that it was unwise of
him to post his phone number and email address in the public forum of an online academic
discussion group. He was soon bombarded with unwanted emails and nuisance phone calls.
Yet, it's astonishing how many highly educated people do this without considering the
consequences that anyone in the world could use the information to make (unwanted)
contact.

When networking and joining online communities it's better to be cautious about the amount
of personal information you share. For example, it isn't always necessary to use your real
name as a username when registering for a service. You could instead use a pseudonym, or a
name that doesn't give away your real identity to other users. And is it really important to
tell the world details about your school, college or any local clubs you're a member of?
Sometimes it pays to be a little vague and simply say something like 'I'm studying at college
in Madrid at the moment and I'm a member of a local tennis club'.

If you do experience problems from another user be prepared to report them for misusing
the service. You'll be doing other users a favour too. And if all else fails, check to see if it is
easy to delete your account and leave the service if you choose to and that you have the
option to delete all your details. A general rule of thumb is not to post any information about
yourself that you would not be happy for the world to know - not just now but in years to
come. This includes photographs of yourself, particularly embarrassing shots of you at that
party which you may later regret! It's not always easy to remove information after it's been
posted so you - not to mention your future employer - may have an unpleasant surprise a
few years down the line.

1. In the second paragraph the phrase 'first line of defence' suggests

something
is the only option.
offers protection.
is an instruction.
shows weakness.

2. The effect of the fire was

worse for Katy's business than her home.
to ruin Katy's business.
not as serious for Katy's business as it could have been.
to make Katy start to back up her data.

3. According to the web awareness survey, our attitude to our personal safety
is rather
relaxed.
concerned.
positive.
uncertain.

4. Regarding Khaled's experience, the writer is surprised that

people telephone complete strangers.
people don't think of the results of their actions online.
university students take part in online discussions.
people sent emails to Khaled without asking permission.

5. What tip does the writer give for joining an online community?
Always use a false name.
Make sure you are properly registered.
Limit the information you give to others.
Tell other users where you're studying.

6. In the final paragraph, the writer advises people

not to put photos online.
to apply for a job online.
not to have any personal information online.
to consider what may cause problems in the future.

Part Six: Gapped Text

Instructions
You are going to read a magazine article about a type of fruit. Six sentences have been
removed from the article on the left. Choose the most suitable sentence from the list A-G on
the right for each part (1-6) of the article. There is one extra sentence which you do not need
to use.

Tongue Trickster

Never mind the tongue twister – here’s the tongue trickster Frank Parsons reports on the
craze for a strange type of fruit.

Imagine drinking a glass of pure, freshly-squeezed lemon juice with nothing added. It’s
enough to turn your stomach.
1
I watch as one-by-one they down the drink, tentative at first, and then smiling broadly as
they declare, “It tastes just like grandma’s lemonade.”

Fifty or so people crowd around a table on the rooftop terrace of Larry’s small but swish
apartment. I edge my way forward and arrive at the table that positively groans with the
array of food piled high.
2
My host appears at my shoulder, and says, “Here, have this.” This turns out to be a small red
berry about the size of a blueberry, but slightly elongated, the shape of a coffee bean.

He looks at the expression on my face. “It’s known as the miracle fruit. Just put it in your
mouth,” he instructs, “and chew it slightly to separate the pulp from its seed.
3
I obey his command and then discreetly spit the remains into my handkerchief while his
glance is averted.

“Done?” he asks, turning back to me. I nod. He grabs a glass of the lemon juice from a
passing waiter and offers it to me. “Now drink.” I take a small sip, and close my eyes. The
guests are right.
4

My host states knowingly I have experienced first-hand the phenomenon of the Synsepalum
Dulcificum, or the Miracle Fruit. This small berry has the amazing effect of causing bitter or
sour foods to taste as sweet as sugar candy.
5
When it comes into contact with acidic foods, like vinegar, it starts to behave like a
sweetener.

A native fruit of West Africa, the fruit was discovered by western explorers around 1725.
6
Left uncultivated, the miracle fruit grows in bushes reaching six metres in height. It
produces crops twice yearly, usually after the rainy season, and has attractive white flowers.

Despite being around for centuries it is only in recent years that the miracle fruit has been
cultivated as a potential sweetener.
There has been some albeit limited interest from the diet food industy.Not only that – the
fruit can aid patients receiving medical treatment that may leave an unpleasant taste in the
mouth.
A. These range from wedges of fruit, strong cheeses and pickles to plates of Brussel sprouts.

B. It’s like I’ve been transported back to childhood, sitting on the porch with Grandma and
her delicious homemade pop.

C. According to scientists the result happens because of a protein called miraculin.

D. Then push it around your mouth like you’d do with a piece of gum for about sixty
seconds.

E. Yet that is what the guests of host, Larry Walters, are given on their arrival at one of his
tasting parties in an upmarket district of New York.

F. Not everyone is a fan of the berry’s strange effect, however.

G. They first noticed its distinctive property when they saw local people chewing the berry
before a meal.
Part Seven: Multiple Matching (Page 1, 2)

You are going to read a selection of letters from a problem page in an International English
Language magazine. For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-H). The people may be
chosen more than once.

This Month's Letters

See this month's problems and questions submitted to us by learners of English:

A
I study English for 6 hours per week in secondary school. For 1 hour each week we have
conversation classes with a native speaker of English where we talk about topics such as
drugs, politics and culture. I know it's a really good opportunity to practise my spoken
English, but I never make a contribution to the discussion. It's not that I don't have an
opinion, or that I'm shy, but more that I don't have the vocabulary to express my views. I
feel really frustrated at the end of the lesson. Nobody else in the group seems to have the
same problem.
Katalin

B
I'm a 24-year-old business student from Malaysia and I've been attending English classes at
night school for the past 5 years. Up to now I've considered myself to be a good student.
Last month I went to Britain to visit my relatives over there and it was awful. People found
my pronunciation difficult to follow and I couldn't understand them either. What went
wrong? My English teacher is very good and I always score the highest in grammar tests.
Fazlinda

C
I'm writing to ask your opinion on a matter which is really annoying me. My English
teacher never corrects my mistakes when I am speaking. Isn't that her job? How am I going
to improve otherwise? Also she's always telling me that now I'm an advanced student, I
should forget all the rules of grammar that I learnt when I was younger.
Gunther

D
Can you help me? I really want to speak English the right way, with the correct accent. Do
you have any good ideas? I have a particular problem with sounds like 's'. I plan to work in
the UK in the future and nobody will take me seriously if my English pronunciation is
anything short of excellent.
Jose

E
I am working as an au pair in London looking after 2 small children. I love my job but the
way that English people speak is a little puzzling. For example, I often hear them say things
like 'more friendlier', whereas I thought it should be 'more friendly'. It also seems to be
common for them to say 'we was' instead of 'we were'. Can you explain this? Would it be
impolite of me to correct them?
Lana
F
I am an intermediate student of English (I have been studying it for 3 years). I'm quite good
at reading and writing but listening is very difficult for me. My teacher suggested that I
listen to the BBC World Service every day in order to improve my listening. The problem is
that it's hard for me to understand every word. Do you have any ideas about how to make
listening to the radio less difficult? I like listening to the news and knowing what's going on
in the world.
Yuki

G
I have studied English for 5 years at school but for the past 6 months I have been doing self-
study using the Internet and books to improve. There are lots of materials to choose but I'm
not sure what is best for me and how I should use them. I really would like to take the FCE
examination but don't know how to study on my own. Should I take a course in my local
school - which is a little expensive for me now - or is it possible to prepare for the exam
doing self-study?
Paula

H
Could you please give me some advice on a problem I have at the moment with my English
studies. I decided to go to the UK to improve my English but the college I am studying in at
present is full of people from my own country. Although the teachers tell us we should only
try to speak in English with each other, it is very difficult to do this, especially in our free
time when we go out together. I am worried that my speaking will not improve.
Maria

Which person:

1) would appear not to have an English teacher?

2) doesn't like studying with people from their own country?
3) has a job in the UK?
4) enjoys keeping up with current affairs?
5) feels that the teacher isn't doing their job properly?
6) uses English speaking radio stations to practise English?
7) had a shock when they visited Britain?
8) wants to avoid speaking their own language?
9) wants to speak English like a native speaker?
10) feels they are the only person with their difficulty?

Part Five: Multiple Choice (Page 1, 2)

Instructions
You are going to read a magazine article about crime prevention. For Questions
1-6, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.
A recent survey of crime statistics shows that we are all more likely to be burgled now
than 20 years ago and the police advise everyone to take a few simple precautions to
protect their homes.

The first fact is that burglars and other intruders prefer easy opportunities, like a house
which is very obviously empty. This is much less of a challenge than an occupied house,
and one which is well-protected. A burglar will wonder if it is worth the bother.

There are some general tips on how to avoid your home becoming another crime
statistic. Avoid leaving signs that your house is empty. When you have to go out, leave
at least one light on as well as a radio or television, and do not leave any curtains wide
open. The sight of your latest music centre or computer is enough to tempt any burglar.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place. The first place a burglar will look
is under the doormat or in a flower pot and even somewhere more 'imaginative' could
soon be uncovered by the intruder. It is much safer to leave a key with a neighbour you
can trust. But if your house is in a quiet, desolate area be aware that this will be a
burglar's dream, so deter any potential criminal from approaching your house by fitting
security lights to the outside of your house.

But what could happen if, in spite of the aforementioned precautions, a burglar or
intruder has decided to target your home? Windows are usually the first point of entry
for many intruders. Downstairs windows provide easy access while upstairs windows can
be reached with a ladder or by climbing up the drainpipe. Before going to bed you
should double-check that all windows and shutters are locked. No matter how small
your windows may be, it is surprising what a narrow gap a determined burglar can
manage to get through. For extra security, fit window locks to the inside of the window.

What about entry via doors? Your back door and patio doors, which are easily forced
open, should have top quality security locks fitted. Even though this is expensive it will
be money well spent. Install a burglar alarm if you can afford it as another line of
defence against intruders.

A sobering fact is that not all intruders have to break and enter into a property. Why go
to the trouble of breaking in if you can just knock and be invited in? Beware of bogus
officials or workmen and, particularly if you are elderly, fit a chain and an eye hole so
you can scrutinise callers at your leisure. When you do have callers never let anybody
into your home unless you are absolutely sure they are genuine. Ask to see an identity
card, for example.

If you are in the frightening position of waking in the middle of the night and think you
can hear an intruder, then on no account should you approach the intruder. Far better
to telephone the police and wait for help.

1 A well-protected house:
A is less likely to be burgled.
B is regarded as a challenge by most criminals.
C is a lot of bother to maintain.
D is very unlikely to be burgled.

2 According to the writer, we should:

A avoid leaving our house empty.
B only go out when we have to.
C always keep the curtains closed.
D give the impression that our house is occupied when we go out.

3 The writer thinks that hiding a key under a doormat or flower pot:
A is a predictable place to hide it.
B is a useful place to hide it.
C is imaginative.
D is where you always find a spare key.

4 Gaining entry to a house through a small window:

A is surprisingly difficult.
B is not as difficult as people think.
C is less likely to happen than gaining entry through a door.
D is tried only by very determined burglars.

5 According to the writer, window locks, security locks and burglar alarms:
A cost a lot of money but are worth it.
B are good value for money.
C are luxury items.
D are absolutely essential items.

6 The writer argues that fitting a chain and an eye hole:

A will prevent your home being burgled.
B avoids you having to invite people into your home.
C is only necessary for elderly people.
D gives you time to check if the visitor is genuine.

Part Six: Gapped Text

Instructions
You are going to read a magazine article about Sarah Bryant, an acupuncturist.
Six sentences have been removed from the article on the left. Choose the most
suitable sentence from the list A-G on the right for each part (1-6) of the
article. There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

This month in lifestyles we feature Sarah a practising acupuncturist.

I’ve done a lot of travelling in Europe and Asia throughout my adult life and it was whilst
I was teaching in China that I became interested in acupuncture. It is common for
people there to have acupuncture treatment, not only if they’re ill but also to prevent
the onset of diseases. It was after returning from China and witnessing how successful it
had been that I reached the decision to become an acupuncturist myself. I was lucky to
discover that the town where I lived had a famous and well-reputed college of
traditional acupuncture.
Alternative medicine is particularly important for me because I firmly believe that it
works on the level of body, mind and spirit.

Of course this medicine is very powerful and can consequently have powerful side
effects. Alternative medicine like acupuncture on the other hand is aimed at treating the
person as a whole. When a person’s ill, there’s something in their life which is putting
their energy levels out of balance. What alternative therapies try to do is help to
gradually push that energy back into balance. The result is that any disease present
might naturally disappear as it cannot survive when energies are balanced.

The treatments consist largely of balancing the energy between the different meridians
of a person’s body.

Treatment aims to free blocks of energy in these meridians which may be causing ill
health and which may have been there for many years.

It would be an odd state of affairs if a practising alternative therapist had not had
treatment themselves and this is certainly not the case for myself.

I’ve never suffered particularly from physical problems but treatment for my mental and
spiritual wellbeing has been very successful.

I’ve treated a wide range of people for various conditions, for example people suffering
from stress and anxiety and helped them to cope with stressful situations in their lives.

There’s another woman who suffers from arthritis of the hip and at the moment I’m
treating an old lady who has several health problems, one of them being Parkinson’s
Disease. All these people have found that acupuncture has made them feel more
balanced in themselves and they have certainly benefited from the treatment.

To date I currently own the Licentiate in Acupuncture. This course lasted three years
and I had to go to the college about one weekend in three.

I had a large amount of homework to do and practical work, which I did two or three
evenings a week. This entailed locating points on different people. As you can imagine,
this isn’t straightforward as people are different sizes and have different shaped bodies.
In the future I hope to set up an alternative health clinic which will involve myself as an
acupuncturist but perhaps other people as well.

I’d like to set this up somewhere in a rural setting, where people could enjoy coming not
only for the treatment but where they would be able to sit and enjoy the scenery, go for
walks and basically feel free from the stresses of life.

Part Seven: Multiple Matching (Page 1, 2)

Instructions

You are going to read a magazine article about various local campaigns. For Questions 1-10,
choose from the people (A-D).

A Homes For All

Organisations that help the homeless are warning that people will face even greater hardship
this winter unless urgent action is taken to offer shelter to those without a home. This
warning follows publication of figures showing an increase in the number of homeless
people. Susan Evans of the organisation 'Homes for All' said: "With a shortage of
accommodation, more people than ever before - young and old - are having to sleep rough. A
cold winter is predicted this year which means that these people will have to put up with sub-
zero temperatures. Action must be taken urgently to offer these people shelter." A nationwide
demonstration to raise awareness of the problem will take place this weekend. Supporters
welcome.

B Village Protest

Residents of local village, Shilden, are preparing for a night of protest to save their village
from Government planners. Proposals for a new motorway to be built that will run within 2
kilometres of Shilden have caused uproar amongst residents. They claim that they were
given insufficient time to respond to the proposal. Tony Fellows, spokesperson for the
'Village Protest' campaign explains: "The planned route cuts across some of the most
picturesque countryside in the region. Shilden welcomes thousands of tourists each year.
Many of the shopkeepers depend on this trade and would almost certainly face ruin if tourists
were put off coming by the damage this road is likely to cause". The all-night protest will
take place in the fields where the building work is likely to begin.
C New Youth Club

Youngsters in the city-centre will lose out on a much-loved project if substantial funds are
not found this year. The 'New Youth Club', which is open to young people from the ages of
10 to 17, is being threatened with closure by Health and Safety officials who claim the
building is unsafe. The club, built 30 years ago, was badly damaged by heavy storms last
year and city engineers estimate that one hundred thousand pounds in needed to repair
structural damage. With only limited funds at their disposal, managers fear the club will have
to close. Youngsters from the club have organised an Open Day on Tuesday in an effort to
raise some of the money needed to enable the repairs to be undertaken. "This alone won't be
enough, however" warned Adam Ross, Youth Leader.

D Save lea Valley

A rare species of butterfly and many native plants face extinction if the 'Lea Valley office
complex' project goes ahead. This is the claim made by local environmentalists involved in
the 'Save Lea Valley' campaign. They argue that the proposed development, to be built on the
site of woodland dating back hundreds of years, will rob the country of several rare species
of wildlife. 'Local people would be horrified if they knew of the consequences of this
project,' claimed environmentalist Ian Wilson yesterday. "We need to instigate a local
campaign to alert everyone to the dangers. We are starting by writing letters to everyone in
the area asking for their support. The office complex developers must not be allowed to do
this.".

1 Local businesses could be badly affected.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

2 People in the area are not aware of the problem.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

3 There are plans to build a brand new building.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

4 The campaign do not have to meet together.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

5 The problem affects all age groups.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

6 The problem was caused by bad weather.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

7 If the plan goes ahead it will spoil the look of the area.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

8 The campaign cannot raise enough money on its own.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

9 The problem was announced shortly after a report was published.

A Homes For All

B Village Protest

C New Youth Club

D Save Lea Valley

 A These are twelve acupuncture
channels along which energy travels
10 in the human body.
Young
people B Also on a physical level I’ve treated
are in a woman for problems with eczema.
danger.
C I'd like to work with practitioners of
homeopathy, reflexology,
A aromatherapy and perhaps
Homes counselling.
For All
D There was a lot more to it than that
B though.
Village
Protest E Contrary to popular belief, having
the needles placed in your body is
quite painless.
C New
Youth
F I’ve had a lot of acupuncture
Club treatment and found it particularly
useful.
D Save
Lea G This is very different from Western
Valley medicine which is supposed to work
solely on the body.