FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH for Schools

Reading and Use of English

Sample Test 1

Time 1 hour 15 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so.
Write your name, centre number and candidate number on your answer sheet if they are not already there.
Read the instructions for each part of the paper carefully.
Answer all the questions.
Read the instructions on the answer sheet.
Write your answers on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.
You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.
At the end of the test, hand in both this question paper and your answer sheet.

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

There are 52 questions in this paper.
Questions 1 – 24 and 43 – 52 carry one mark.
Questions 25 – 30 carry up to two marks.
Questions 31 – 42 carry two marks.
B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

For questions
Part 1

1 – 8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an
example at the beginning (0).
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.
Example:
0 A extent B measure C length D range

0 C

Example:

Stretch like a cat

Watch a cat – domestic or wild – for any (0) C - length of time, and you’ll notice how often it stretches. Watch

humans for a similar amount of time and you’ll realise we don’t stretch (1)C-anywhere near as much. Why?

The reason is that cats sleep roughly twice as much as we do, and during this time, their muscles are (2)A-

inactive .

This prevents ‘sleepwalking’ while dreaming and (3)B-keeps both animals and humans out of danger.

As soon as a cat wakes up, it stretches, and this (4)D-enables a variety of functions to occur within its body.

Blood pressure, which drops during sleep, (5)C-rises again on stretching, allowing blood to flow around the

body and (6)A-supply the brain and muscles with much-needed oxygen. Toxins are removed and the cat

becomes more (7)D-aware of its surroundings. As a predator, being ready to spring into (8)B-action is

especially important – without the ability to move suddenly and quickly, a vital meal might get away!

1 A nowhere B wherever C anywhere D somewhere

2 A inactive B lazy C unenergetic D stopped

3 A remains B keeps C stays D maintains

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4 A entitles B provides C lets D enables

5 A adds B gains C rises D lifts

6 A supply B offer C give D deliver

7 A alive B awake C alert D aware

8 A response B action C operation D activity

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B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

For questions
Part 2

9 – 16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in
each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).

Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.

0 SINCE

Example:

A lake on Mars
It is around thirty years (0) SINCE scientists suggested that there might be water underneath the polar ice

caps on Mars. Water vapour is certainly present in (9) THE atmosphere, and it is possible that small amounts

of moving water are found there, too. Now, scientists using radar (10) ON the surface of the planet have

discovered a lake situated 1.5 kilometres under the ice, which they believe could be (11) AS wide as 20

kilometres.

Scientists estimate that the temperature under the ice on Mars is around -68°C. So, (12) HOW can there

possibly be liquid there? The explanation (13) IS that it contains salts, including sodium, magnesium, and

calcium, (14) THAT are in liquid form themselves. The presence of these salts means that the water freezes at

(15)A much lower temperature than fresh water – just like the sea. Such lakes are also found in Antarctica,

and although this is (16) SO far the only lake discovered on Mars, scientists believe that it may not be the only

one.

Part 3

For questions 17 – 24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to
form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.

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 B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1
0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Example:

Junk food can actually be good for us

The (0) RECOMMENDATIONS of health experts lead us to believe that junk food is bad RECOMMEND

and should be avoided at all costs. It does, however, depend (17) ENTIRELY on which ENTIRE

‘junk’ foods you choose to eat. Putting cheeseburgers and fries (18) ASIDE, snacks which SIDE

contain good amounts of antioxidants could be (19) BENEFICIAL for us because these BENEFIT

substances remove damaging chemicals from our bodies. This is, of course, (20) PROVIDE

PROVIDED that they are consumed in small quantities.

So, what are these foods? Dark chocolate is not only high in antioxidants but

it can also (21) LOWER the risk of heart disease; and if you LOW

(22) SIMPLY cannot resist crisps, you can reach for baked ones without oil. And what SIMPLE
about popcorn? This isn’t just the perfect (23) ACCOMPANIMENT to a movie: it also
reduces hunger and contains few calories. The one drawback, to ensure it isn’t covered ACCOMPANY
in fat or sugar, is that it should be homemade – which could be rather (24)
INCONVENIENT at the

CONVENIENCE
cinema!

Part 4

25 – 30, 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. Here is an example (0).

Example:
0 I’m not very interested in watching sci-fi films.

MUCH

I don’t HAVE MUCH INTEREST in watching sci-fi films.

The gap can be filled by the words ‘have much interest’, so you write:

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B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

For questions
0 HAVE MUCH INTEREST
Example:

Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.

25 Despite being older than me, my sister isn’t as good at tennis as I am.

EVEN

My sister isn’t as good at tennis as I am, EVEN THOUGH SHE’S older than me.

26 I’m not allowed to go out after dark by my parents.

ALLOW

My parents DON’T ALLOW ME to go out after dark.

27 ‘I admit it was me who ate the last piece of chocolate cake,’ said Zara.

ADMITTED

Zara ADMITTED eaten the last piece of chocolate cake.

28 They are building the new school sports hall at the moment.

BEING

The new school sports hall at the moment.

29 It’s possible that it was your cousin I was talking to at the party.

MIGHT

It your cousin I was talking to at the party.

30 ‘If you don’t hurry up, we’ll miss the beginning of the film!’ said Dad.

HURRIED

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 B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1
Dad said that up, we would miss the beginning of the film.

7 © Cambridge University Press and UCLES 2019

B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

Part 5

You are going to read an article about outdoor swimming. For questions 31 – 36, choose the answer (A, B, C or
D) which you think fits best according to the text.

Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

Taking part in an open water swimming race

by Matthew Mulgrew
I love swimming, but when my school sports expected to stay dry inside it, and when it first
teacher suggested our class take part in an open filled with water, I couldn’t help gasping in shock.
water swimming challenge, I didn’t immediately But I didn’t doubt I was dressed appropriately,
jump at the chance. Getting into open water and it didn’t take long moving around in the
where I live – at a nearby lake – means getting water to start to feel warmer.
cold, something I would ordinarily choose to
avoid. I’d experienced it once before, believing it Eventually, the race day dawned and, together
would be a great place to do my preferred activity with my class, I took my position at the start. I
one summer. Had the challenge been going for a should have been thinking about the race, but
quick swim, I might have been tempted, but it there was just so much to look at. There were
also involved racing against other schools to win a people in support boats, officials who would time
prize. I’m not into inter-schools sports events, the race, and lots of spectators – though not my
and not being competitive either, there was little parents, fortunately. Everyone looked the same in
to make me sign up. their wetsuits and brightly coloured swimming
hats, and it was difficult to pick my friends’ faces
My classmates started training, and over the 16 out of the crowd. It wasn’t a cause for concern.
following week, they urged me to have a go, too. It Once we were in the water everyone would do
was fun, they said. They also insisted that if I left it their own thing, although it wasn’t an individual
much longer to make up my mind, it would be too competition; everyone’s times would be
late – I’d be too far behind in training for the 2- combined to find the winning team, and no one
kilometre race. They made sessions at the local pool wanted to let their side down!
sound like the best laugh they’d had in ages and after
giving it some thought, I went ahead and signed up. What immediately became obvious was how tricky it
was to see ahead in the water. Swimming pools are
I couldn’t help feeling my friends had over generally calm, but with the windy weather
estimated how enjoyable the training was, and conditions and the number of other swimmers
although I definitely started to make progress, I splashing about, even small waves made it
wasn’t in the best physical condition compared to challenging to get to grips with the direction I was
some of those who raced regularly. The instructor travelling in. Even the flags marking the route
was patient and encouraging, though, pushing us seemed to disappear. All I could do was keep an eye
to swim a little further each day. He suggested on the rest of them and follow. Half an hour 51 into
techniques for keeping going should tiredness set the race, I was feeling tired and reached for some
in during the race, and I unexpectedly discovered water from volunteers in support boats. Thankfully,
a side of myself that wanted to win – and badly! all the training we’d done paid off and I remembered
our instructor’s words telling me to breathe calmly
As the day of the race drew near, we spent time and have a rest before carrying on.
at the lake, getting used to the water
temperature. Wearing a wetsuit for the first time Our school didn’t win the race, but our sense of
was an unusual experience. Although its name achievement was more fulfilling than any prize
should have given me a clue, for some reason I’d would have been. We’d done something different

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 B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

and lived to tell the tale! I know I would have regretted it if I hadn’t taken part.

31 Matthew was not initially keen to take part in the race because

A he was not confident in his own abilities.

B he had never swum in open water before.

C he was worried about the physical conditions.

D he had previously lost against one of the competitors.

32 What does urged mean in line 16?

A warned

B encouraged

C forced

D instructed

33 What surprised Matthew once he started training?

A how easy he found it

B how much fun he had

C how exhausting it could be

D how ambitious he became

34 How did Matthew feel about wearing a wetsuit for the first time?

A satisfied that it was the best choice

B confused about the name it was given

C surprised by how quickly it warmed him up

D concerned about its ability to protect him fully

35 At the beginning of the race, Matthew

A was bothered about not being able to find his friends.

B wondered how well he would do once it began.

C wished his family had come along to watch.

D was interested to see what was happening.

36 What does the rest of them refer to in line 51?

A the waves

B the volunteers

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B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

C the other swimmers

D the flags marking the route

Part 6

You are going to read an article about an animal called the Amur Leopard. Six sentences have been removed
from the article. Choose from the sentences A – G the one which fits each gap (37 – 42). There is one extra
sentence which you do not need to use.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

The Amur Leopard

The Amur Leopard is one of the most beautiful big These are not traps in a sense that they physically
cats in the world. It is also one of the most capture the animals, but they are triggered to start
endangered creatures on Earth, and conservationists recording when one walks by. 40 F
are fighting hard to protect it. Through employing such techniques,
84 adult cats and 19 youngsters were spotted during
This rare subspecies of leopard lives, not in Africa, the latest count. This is a significant increase since
but in the far east of Russia. 37 C But like the count carried out in the year 2000 when just 30
them, it lives a solitary existence, cats were recorded, though in 2015, after the park
wandering through its territory alone. This was created, the number rose to 70.
magnificent creature, which looks much like its
cousins in Africa, has adapted to life in cooler Together with recent figures, this data indicates an
climates and is known by several names, including increasing leopard population. It certainly seems that
the Far East, Manchurian, or Korean leopard. Strong through conservationists’ efforts, the new park is
and athletic, the cat can take huge leaps and reach making a difference to the wildlife within it.
speeds of around 59 kilometres an hour. 41 B They believe that there are more cats
outside the park, and aim to collect
So, why have its numbers declined? Part of the further data from China, where cameras are already
reason is the destruction of habitat. 38 G being set up.
They have also reduced logging – the
cutting down of trees for sale as building materials or 42 D However, such protection programmes
for paper – and are involved in promoting require funds, and that’s where we can
responsible forest management. ‘Why does it matter help to make a difference. Adopting a leopard from
whether we protect the species or not?’, many ask. the comfort of our own homes means helping to
The Amur Leopard is important for local ecosystems, make sure the species will still be around in the
and by protecting its habitat, other species in the future. While adopters may never get to the see their
area benefit, too. leopard up close, by donating to the cause they will
receive photos and information about their adoptee,
Fortunately for the species, its numbers are growing. and stay in touch with progress in conservation work.
Conservationists have been carefully observing the This means the beautiful Amur Leopard should be
population in the Land of the Leopard National Park around for generations to come.
in 39 A Russia. By positioning 400
camera traps around the park, the
conservationists have been able to keep an eye on
the wildlife there, including the Amur Leopard.

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 B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

A Established in 2012, this is now the principal E Despite this, it is not as easy as it might seem to
territory of the species and provides the make sure these beautiful creatures stay out of
animals with protection and prey. danger.

B Their work is far from done, however. F Conservationists are able to identify individual
cats in the images by their coat patterns.
C It is geographically isolated from other species
of leopard. G Consequently, conservation organisations in
Russia and China, where the leopard also
D It’s easy to think that because conservationists lives, have been protecting areas of land
are already doing lots to help save the Amur where the leopard makes its home.
Leopard from extinction, we needn’t do
anything ourselves.

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B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

Part 7

You are going to read an article about four young people who enjoy making things as a hobby. For questions
43 – 52, choose from the people (A – D). The people may be chosen more than once.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

Which person

has already decided what kind of products they would particularly like to sell? believe their work 43 D

has not yet reached a particularly high standard? has received praise for their work? 44 B

says they make an effort to produce work which is different to other people’s? is gently teased by others
45 C
46 A

about what they do? admires what someone they know used to do? is fascinated by how it is 47

possible to create something beautiful from ordinary items? 48

does an activity that reminds them of their childhood? spent time learning how to do a specific part49
of what
50

they make? was grateful to have been forgiven for a mistake they made? 51

Getting creative 52

Four teenagers talk about making things as a hobby

A Jennifer guess you could say. I’ve done stuff for all my
I customise clothing, which basically means I take friends and so far the feedback’s been positive!
something pretty plain, like a white T-shirt or The only drawback is the cost of materials, like
whatever, and add things to it – decorate it, I fabric paints. I do jobs around the house and

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 B2 First for Schools Reading and Use of English Sample Test 1

earn them that way from my parents. Some of resources online – beads, metal and so on – but
my early attempts were unsuccessful and I they aren’t exactly cheap and I have to rely on
ended up ruining a friend’s top which she had my parents to order them for me. So I use what
to throw away. It was an old one but I was still I call ‘found’ materials instead, which can be
relieved when she let me off! Everyone reckons anything from old string to stones I’ve picked
I’m going to be a fashion designer when I leave up on the beach. It’s amazing what you can turn
school. I’ve got other ideas, though, and want everyday stuff into. People say I should sell my
to train as a doctor eventually. As for my pieces online. I wouldn’t enjoy the pressure – if
clothes, I’ll probably always ‘improve’ them – I was successful, I’d be spending every bit of
though I’ll leave my doctor’s coat out of it! free time making things and I’ve got other
interests I like to spend my time on. Who
B Fabio knows, maybe in the future it would be a good
The smell of wood takes me right back to my way to make money. I’ll see how things go.
granddad’s workshop where I used to spend
time with him as a little kid. He was a carpenter D Jon
and made chairs and tables for a living. The I’ve always been known among my friends as ‘Mr
brilliant thing about it was that he used Shoelace’ because I always wear bright laces in
reclaimed wood – old pieces of furniture that my shoes. One of my mates suggested making
he re-used parts from. He’s passed on the love my own and I decided to give it a go. My mum
of creating things to me and now I make my gave me a ton of old sewing thread which she
own stuff out of wood. I’m still building my no longer needed and I learned how to knit
skills and hope to do a course at some point in them together to create patterns. It’s crucial to
the future, so a lot of my current creations are get them strong enough and it took a while to
fairly straightforward – shelves and simple figure that out. I wouldn’t mind setting up an
benches. My parents’ garage is getting a bit full online shop at some point but for the moment I
now so I’m going to have to pass some of my need to focus on my schoolwork and football
stuff on, give it away or whatever. I’m not sure training. My ambition’s to bring out a range of
it’s good enough to sell but I wouldn’t mind laces for football boots, so I’ve started asking
earning money this way eventually. teammates what designs they’d like, and then
making the laces for them to match the colours
C Margareta of their boots. They joke about my hobby a bit,
I’ve been making jewellery for friends and family for but none of them turns free stuff down!
as long as I can remember. It’s a popular
interest for people my age so I aim to create
‘statement’ pieces which are bold and unusual,
so that they stand out. There are loads of

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