Comprehension 1 The Tower of London ‘The Tower of London remains the most perfectly preserved fortress in Britain. It was first constructed during the reign of William I and added to by successive monarchs, The Tower has served as a palace, place of execution and a prison, It has also housed the Royal Mint, where the nation’s coins were manufactured. Thirty-seven Yeoman Warders ~ commonly known as Beefeaters ~ act as guards and the 5 Tower istheir permanent homeall year round. ‘The Tower of London houses the priceless Crown Jewels which are used in coronations and other grand state occasions. They comprise crowns, sceptres, orbs and swords and were first created in 1661, when Charles II was crowned. The original medieval jewels ~ which dated from the time of Edward the Confessor ~ were all destroyed after the execution of Charles I in 1649, Coronation ceremonies of a new 10 king or queen are steeped in history and begin with him or her proceeding to Westminster Abbey to be anointed with holy oil. They are then invested with royal robes and the Royal Sword. Then, the Crown of St Edward is placed on the new sovercign’s head, trumpets begin to sound and guns at the Tower are fired and heard all over London. The last coronation was that of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953. One of the Tower's darkest mysteries concerns two boy princes ~ the sons and heirs of Edward IV — 15 Edward and Richard. The king died suddenly in 1483 and his son Edward came to London to be prepared to be crowned. His ambitious uncle, Richard of Gloucester, met Edward and had him lodged ar the Tower. He then persuaded the queen to allow her younger son to be sent to the Tower as company for Edward. However, during the ensuing summer, the young princes were seen less and less until one day they simply vanished and were never scen again. Uncle Richard became Richard III later chat same year. Much later, in 20 1674, when Charles I was king, two skeletons were found hidden under the staircase leading into St John’s Chapel in the Tower of London. At the time, it was widely believed thae their uncle had them murdered ‘The exchange of exotic animals was customary between medieval monarchs and, upon receipt of three lions sa gift from Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Il in che year 1235, King Henty III established a Royal Menagerie at the Tower. In 1252, a polar bear arrived asa gift from the King of Norway. Tigers, monkeys, 25 elephants, snakes and even alligators followed and the menagerie proved to be a hugely popular attraction. Ultimately, however, the workers at the Tower lacked the skills to be able to control the animals properly and appreciate how dangerous they were. In 1821, after yet another attack on a staff member ~ who was ‘mauled and then killed by a lion ~ the Duke of Wellington ordered that the menagerie be closed. The animals were all taken to The Regent's Park which became the location of the present London Zoo. 30 An ‘unkindness' of ravens are the traditional guardians of the Tower of London. Legend has it that should the ravens ever leave, the White Tower would crumble and a great disaster would befall England. There is a Raven Master who knows each bied by name ~ they are called Hardey, Thor, Odin, Gwyllum, Cedtic, Hugine and Munin ~ and who feeds them raw meat twice a day, plus bird biscuits soaked in blood and the occasional rat. To prevent the ravens from flying away, they have part of their wings clipped on the right 35. side. This procedure does not hurt the birds, but just unbalances their flight and ensures thae they stay safe and don’t stray too far from the Tower. The ravens are very clever and they will happily play together and steal and hoard shiny objects like pieces of metal and small stones to impress each other.Carefully read through the passage on the previous page and circle the correct answers below. HEB Whar is the nickname of the warders who guard the Tower of London? A. Raven Masters B. Beofeaters C. Mudlarks D. Costermongers gu In which year were the Crown Jewels made? A. 1649 B. 1625 €. 1661 D. 1483 HEB which monarch did Richard of Gloucester become? A. Richard | B. Richard the Lionheart C. Richard Il! D. Richard II HEED How cid Henry Ill come to own a great white bear? ‘A. He brought it back with him from a royal visit to Iceland. B. He was gifted it by another king C. He rented it from London Zoo. D. His wife, the queen, bought it for him as a gift. 14HIER How mony years after the young princes’ disappearance were the two skeletons found? A. About 190 years B. About 290 years C. About 240 years D. About 170 years HEI Wht makes the ravens’ biscuits moist? A. They are dipped in milk, B. They are coated with olive oil €. They are dipped in the finest Ceylon tea, D. They are soaked in blood. HEAL whet relation was the young Prince Edward to Richard of Gloucester? ‘A. He was his uncle. B. He was his nephew. €. He was his brother. D. He was his cousin. HEI How does the Raven Master make certain that his birds don't fly far away from the Tower? A. He ties heavy weights to their feet so they can't take off. B. He keeps them locked up in a large cage. C. He straps their wings together so that they can’t fly, D. He has their wings trimmed on one side so that it makes it difficult for them to fly. 4HEM which of the following statements is true? Option 1 More than three dozen Yeoman Worders guard the Tower of London Option 2 Henry Vill established the Royal Menagerie when he acquired three lions Option 3. Royal coronations traditionally take place at Buckingham Palace. Option 4 The skeletons were discovered in one of the chapels in the Tower. A. Option 1 only B. Options 2 and 3 €. Options 2, 3 and 4 D. Options 1, 2, and 4 HI which of the following statements is not true? Option 1 Charles | was beheaded in 1661. Option 2. There ore six ravens who quard the Tower. Option 3. Coins were once made in the Tower of London at the Royal Mint. Option 4 Edward IV's death was sudden and unexpected. A. Option 1 only B. Options 1 and 2 €. Options 1 and 3 D. Options 3 and 4 What is the collective noun for a group of ravens? ‘A. An unkindness B.A colony C.A group D. A parliament parliamen BlHEED why was the Royal Menagerie closed? ‘A. The animals became too expensive to keep. B. The queen needed extra space to accommodate her racehorses C. There was an outbreak of rabies D. The animals were too dangerous and kept attacking people. HEED How much are the Crown Jewels worth? A. In excess of £3 billion B. Approximately one milion pounds C. They are priceless D. It is a closely guarded secret and only the queen knows the value of the jewels. Under whose reign was the first set of crown jewels created? A. Charles Il B. Edward the Confessor C. Henry Il D. William | HEED Where in the city was London's first zoo located? A. Green Park B. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew C. The Regent's Park D. Hampstead Heath 4Comprehension 2 5 20 25 30 35 Nellie Bly Nei Bly was born in America in 1864. She was the third youngest and 13th child of Michael and Mary Cochran and from an early age was fiercely ambitious; her goal was to become a teacher ata time when it was ‘most unusual for women to pursue a career. In 1885, Nellie read an article in the Pittsburgh Dispatch newspaper that criticised women for aspiring to gain an education and forge a career. Nellie was so incensed by the piece that she communicated her wrath in a leteerto the editor, George Madden, Madden was so impressed with the letter that he offered Bly ajob as a journalist. By 1887, Nellie had established herself as a pioneer in the field of investigative journalism and had ‘written several influential articles which had led to a wave of reforms to women’s rights, By 1888, Bly was a senior journalist atthe powerful newspaper the New York World. In 1889, after reading Around the World in Eighty Days — by Jules Verne - Nellie was inspired to attempt the very same feat and try to beat the time taken by the book's central character, Phileas Fogg. Nellie approached her editor at the newspaper, John Cockerill, who swiftly agreed to sponsor Nellie’s ambitious venture. She meticulously planned her route and decided to travel west to cast, boarding the steamer Augusta Victoria on 14 November 1889, bound for England. Upon her arrival in Southampton, Bly was met by the New York World's London correspondent, who had exciting news: Jules Verne himself had heard of Nelle’ quese and ‘wanted to meet her in France. This was a bitter sweee development for Nellie; it would be an honour to meet the author, but it would mean that she would have to deviate from her route and forsake precious time, Nellie dined with Verne at his home and then set off to catch a train to connect her to a steamer sailing to Ceylon — now Sri Lanka ~ arriving on 8 December 1889. Nellie then boarded the Oriental for the 3500-mile crossing to Hong Kong, En route, the ship stopped in Singapore to refuel and it was here that the intrepid journalist, acquired a travelling companion: a fez-wearing miniature monkey whom she named McGinty. During the crossing, Nellie had to endure a violent cyclone storm and then some most unwelcome news when, she arrived: she learned thata rival publication, The Cosmopolitan, had sent one of theit best journalists, Elizabeth Bisland, to try to beat Bly's time. Bisland had left America within six hours of Bly setting out and was travelling east to west, ‘The world was gripped by the contest and newspapers reported daily on the race between the two women. Upon her arrival in Hong Kong - on 25 December 1889 ~ Bly was dismayed to learn that Bisland had passed through the British colony several days earlier. Undeterred, Nellie pressed on and set sail on 7 January 1890 for San Francisco, arriving back on American soil a fortnight later ~ a whole day ahead of schedule, Bly was delighted, but her mood soon changed; heavy snowstorms had resulted in public train services being cancelled and she still had a 2500-mile train journey to make it co the finish line in New York. However, unbeknown to Bly, her riva’s luck had also just run out. Back in England, Bisland was frustrated co learn that the high-speed German steamer Ems, due to take her from Southampton to New York, had been cancelled, She was forced to divere to Ireland and board the much slower ship, the Bothnia, Meanwhile, the New York World's owner, Joseph Pulitzer, sent a private train to bring Nellie home to New York and she finally arrived to the applause of thousands of well-wishers on 25 January 1890, at 35pm — 72 days, 6 hours, 11 minutes and 14 seconds after leaving, Bly had bettered Phileas Fogg’ fictional journey time by over seven days. Elizabeth Bisland arrived five days later.Carefully read through the passage on the previous page and circle the correct answers below. HE How many siblings did Nellie Bly have? A. Thirteen B. Eleven C. Fourteen D. Fifteen gu What was the name of the first newspaper that Nellie worked for? A. The New York World B. The Pennsylvania Herald C. The Pittsburgh Dispatch D. Around the World in Eighty Days HEB Who met Nellie when she first disembarked from the Augusta Victoria in England? ‘A. The London correspondent of the newspaper that Nellie worked for B. Jules Verne’s representative in England C. Jules Verne D. Elizabeth Bisland HEAL which of the following statements is not true? A. Nellie felt privileged to have been invited to meet Jules Verne B. Nellie was anxious not to waste any time during her world record attempt. C. Nellie was inspired by the novel Around the World in Eighty Days. D. Nellie's epic journey took her around the world from east to west. 4HE whet kind of human clothing did Nellie's miniature monkey favour? A.A miniature coat B. A little hat C. A small waistcoat D.A tiny scarf HEA why aia the oriental stop in Singapore? A. To allow some passengers to disembark B. To pick up extra crew C. To take on extra fuel D. To replenish food supplies HEAL on which sea crossing did Nellie experience a violent cyclone? A. America to England B, Sri Lanka to Hong Kong C. France to Ceylon D. Hong Kong to Son Francisco HEBD For which publication did Nelli’s rival adventurer work? A. The New York World B. The Hong Kong Morning Post C. The Pittsburgh Dispatch D. The Cosmopolitan I4HE Which of the following statements is not true? Option 1 Nellie Bly was working as a journalist at the time of her 18th birthday Option 2 Bly and Bisland set off on their record attempts at exactly the same time. Option 3. Nellie travelled by rail to board the ship that would take her to Ceylon. Option 4 Nellie Bly or inally aspired to follow a career in teaching. A. Options 1 and 2 B. Options 2 and 3 C. Options 1 and 4 D. Options 1, 2, 3 and 4 HID Which of the following statements is true? Option 1 Nellie Bly arrived back in America on 21 January 1890. Option 2 Nellie Bly was a staunch advocate for women's rights. Option 3. George Madden was the editor of the New York World. Option 4 Elizabeth Bisland arrived back in New York on 30 January 1890. A. Options 1, 2 and 4 B. Options 1 and 3 C. Options 2 ond 4 D. Option 2 only PEER Who type of state was Hong Kong in 18892 A. An independent country B.A h colony C. A French colony D.A Chinese province BHEL From which country did Elizabeth Bisland eventually sal back to America? A. Germany B. England C. Ireland D. Iceland HED which of the following statements is not true? A. Nellie’s rival, Elizabeth Bisland, left New York in November 1889. B, Nellie soiled from Sri Lanka on the Oriental, C. Jules Verne resided in France. D. Nellie was furious when she read a critical article in the New York World, Where in the world did Nellie celebrate Christmas 1889? A. Hong Kong B. Singapore €. England D. Sri Lanka What was the name of Jules Verne’s fictional world-circumnavigator? A. John Cockerill B. McGinty C. Joseph Pulitzer D. Phileas Fogg 14)Comprehension 3 The Cotswolds “The Cotswolds are a range of limestone hills running over in a north-easterly direction from Bach. There are hhundzeds of villages in the area that are made entirely out of Cotswold stone, making them very attractive and popular with tourists. Acone time, there were dozens of quarries mining the stone; Taynton quarry, near Burford, was the source of the stone used in the building of the Oxford University colleges. Due to the strict building regulations in a conservation area, there are still a good number of quarries in the region, extracting the stone For repairs and for the construction of sone walls and new buildings. ‘A charming small town, Burford is a mere 20 zailes west of Oxford. The town is home to many individual shops and also the oldese pharmacy in England ~ Reavley’s ~ which dates back to 1734. Burford is hugely popular wich visitors for its beauty, history and shopping, especially antiques. During the English Civil War, there was a group of activists known as Levellers who challenged the authority of Parliament and it was in 1649 the cown of Burford that they were rounded up and imprisoned by Cromwell. Three of them were executed in the churchyard and the bullet holes from that siege can still be seen to this day. ‘On the Saturday closest to 18 May every yea, this event is marked by celebrating ‘Levellers’ Day’ with a carnival. Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds because of the five bridges crossing over the River Windrush that flows through its centre, Iv is also the most visited village of the Cotswolds, as there are many attractions to see, The queen of erime, author Agatha Cheistie, is said to have stayed at the Mousetrap Inn in Bourton, while writing her successful stage play of the same name in 1952. The play has since become the longest running stage play ever and is still being performed at St Martin's Theatre in London's West End to this day. Bourton’s Cotswold Perfumery has made personalised fragrances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Il. “The pretty town of Nailsworth nestles in a wooded valley to the east of Stroud and is renowned for its selection of award-winning restaurants, pubs and cafes, The Sunday Times recently lisced Nailsworth as one of the top ten most desirable places co live in Britain, One of the town's deligheful quitks is ies town cries, who loudly announces events such as the ever-popular, bustling monehly farmers’ market and Nailsworth Festival of Arts each May. The town dates back to the 12th century and much of ts prosperity stems from the ills that line its rivers. Many have since been converted wo hotels or flats Right ac the top of Nailsworth is New Lawn, home of the town’s foorball club, Forest Green Rovers, Founded in 1889, the club reached new heights in 2017 by winning promotion to the English Football League for the first time in their history. ‘Nearby is the reputedly haunted Woodchester Mansion, Centred around the 15th-century Market Place, Northleach isa thriving Cotswold town and itis also the smallest town in England. It is said thata secret maze of stone-vaulted tunnels runs beneath the houses and streets of Northleach, Whether this was the result of mining or some more obscure activity remains unknown. Built in the 1790s, Northleach’s prison was the first detention centre ro segregate dangerous criminals from petty offenders. Northleach provided the seeting for the BBC production of JK Rowling’s novel The Casual Vacancy, with the charming Market Place being transformed into the pretty fictional cown of Pagford.Carefully read through the passage on the previous page and circle the correct answers below. HEBD Where is Bath situated in relation to the Cotswolds? A. Bath is to the north-east of the Cotswolds. B. Bath is to the south-west of the Cotswolds. C. Bath is to the north-west of the Cotswolds. D. Bath is to the south-east of the Cotswolds HE Which national newspaper has named one of the Cotswolds towns as one of the best places in the country to live? A. The Daily Express B. The Mail on Sunday €. The independent D. The Sunday Times HEM Which locotion in the Cotswolds attracts the most visitors? A. Bourton-on-the-Water B. Burford €. Northleach D. Nailsworth HB Why do you think that Nailsworth attracts so many lovers of good cuisine? A. Because there is a glut of cheap cafes in the town B. Because the town boasts numerous award-winning restaurants C. Because there is ample free car parking available D. Because there are three popular museums in Nailsworth 4What wos different about the prison in Northleach? A. It was the first prison where each prisoner had his or her own cell B. It was the first female-only detention centre C. It. was the first ‘open’ prison, where inmates could go home in the evenings. D. It pioneered the separation of petty villains from more dangerous prisoners. Near which Cotswold town is there said to be a house that is haunted? A. Burford B. Nailsworth C. Northleach D. Bourton-on-the-Water HEAL Which river runs through Bourton-on-the-Water? A. The River Thames B. The River Bourton . The River Windrush D. The River Dart HE How mony years did it take Forest Green Rovers to finally win promotion to the English Football League? A. 128 years B. 98 years €. 108 years D. 118 years 4TER Which of the following stotements is true? Option 1 Cotswold stone is still in demand for repairs and new building projects, Option 2 Burford celebrates Levellers’ Day every year in May, Option 3. Northleach’s Market Place is said to be haunted by ghosts of excprisoners. Option 4 Burford has its own town crier. A. Options 2 and 3 B. Options 3 and 4 €. Options 1 and 2 D. Options 1, 2 and 4 HD Which of the following statements is not true? Option 1 Oxford is situated to the west of Burford Option 2 The Queen hes had her own bespoke perfume made in Northleach. Option 3. Many of Noilsworth’s former mills have been redeveloped into homes Option 4 Some of the leaders of the Levellers were shot ‘A. Options 1 and 2 B. Options 2 and 3 €. Option 2 only D. Options 1 and 4 HEED which Cotswold town also has the accolade of being the country's smallest town? A. Bourton-on-the-Water B. Noilsworth C. Northleach D. Burford 13HEA What is the name of the country's oldest chemist’s shop? A. Reavley's B. Cheveley's C. Chesterton's D. Cromwell's HEED How often does the farmers’ market take place in Nailsworth? ‘A. Only on bank holidays B. Every fortnight C. Once a week, on a Friday D. About every four weeks Whereabouts in London will you find St Martin’s Theatre? A. In the East End B. In the West End C. In St John’s Wood D. In London next to The Shard HEED Which type of material is Cotswold stone? A. Slate B. Limestone ©. Sondstone D. Granite 4Comprehension 4 Gibraltar Gibraltar is located ae the southern tip of Spain, at che point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Its shoreline measures a mere 12 kilometres in total and there are two distinct sides to territory: the east side where Sandy Bay and Catalan Bay are located, and the west side, which is where the vast majority of the permanent population resides. 5. Gibraltar’s location and Mediterranean climate has led to it becoming home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Rare and exotic species of whales, fish and turtles inhabie the waters that surround the peninsula, Gibraltar is renowned for its everabundant population of wild but friendly dolphins, with more transient dolphins visiting the bay and Straits of Gibraltar for food, shelter and to breed in their thousands, The playfil cetaceans can be found in various haunts around the coast, where they feed on sardines, herring 10 and squid and have been known to dive to a depth of about 280 metres. Designing a fully functioning airport into an area of land that measures just 2.3 square miles was never going to be an easy mission, but Gibraltarians solved the issue with a novel answer. The airport which serves this tiny British overseas territory has made full use of the minimal space and lack of flat land available by building its only runway through the heart of the peninsula's busiest road. Consequently, 15. several times a day, any cars travelling along Winston Churchill Avenue must stop to allow planes to rake off and land. Gibraltar’ airpore is also one of the world’s scariest for air passengers, as its location leaves it ‘exposed to high winds, making winter landings particularly bumpy. ‘The Gibraltar Barbary monkeys are undoubtedly the most popular visitor attraction in Gibraltar. These curious primates often will cravel in troops into the town centre where tourists are amazed to witness 20 them climbing up on to people's shoulders. Legend has ic that if the monkeys ever leave Gibraltar, the territory will cease to be in the hands of the British. “The 400-metre-tall limestone rock known as the Rock of Gibraltar always leaves a very powerful first impression on visitors to the peninsula, Whether approaching by land, sea or air, the lofty Rock looms pronounced and isolated as it towers over the region, The Rock is honeycombed on the inside with a 25. 32-mile-long network of once-seeret tunnels. In 1940, Britain was at war with Germany and Iealy and the Future looked bleak for Gibraltar as the enemy armies began to surround it. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his military leaders believed that an attack on Gibralear was imminent and decided thar the best solution was to evacuate all women and children and to create an impenetrable fortress within the Rock, capable of housing many thousands of men and soldiers with sufficient 30 provisions co withstand a prolonged siege. St Michael's Cave has interested visitors to Gibraltar ever since Roman times. Legend has it that the cave was bottomless, resulting in the belief that Gibraltar was linked to the north of Africa by a secret subterranean passage over 24.5km in length. During World War II, a makeshift emergency hospital was built in the cave, but ultimately it wasn't necessary to be utilised as such. Later that same year, 35. while excavators were blasting an alternative entrance to the cave, a small lake was discovered in a lower chamber and christened Lower St Michael’s Cave,Carefully read through the passage on the previous page and circle the correct answers below. HEED Where do most of the inhabitants of Gibraltar live? A. East Gibraltar B. Sandy Bay C. West Gibraltar D. Cotalon Bay HEA to which country does Gibraltar belong? ‘A. None, it's is an independent country, B. Spain €. Britain D. Italy HEB whotis o group of monkeys known as? A.A primate B. Aherd C.A flock D.A troop What species of mammol is the dolphin? A. Crustacean B. Cetacean C. Marsupial D. Primate 4Which thoroughfare has the heaviest traffic in Gibraltar? A. Eastern Avenue B. Southern Avenue C. North-South Street D. Winston Churchill Avenue What do Gibraltarians believe may happen if the monkeys ever abandon Gibraltar? A. Gibraltar will no longer be British. B. The Spanish will invade the Gibraltar. C. They will be beset with bad luck for ten years. D. The tourism industry in Gibraltar will collapse. What is hidden inside the Rock of Gibraltar? A.A secret hospital used during World War | B. Caves containing weapons left over from World War Il €. Lookout points to monitor possible invasions from Italy D.A myriad of secret passageways When can landing at Gibraltar airport be particularly uncomfortable? ‘A. March to May B. June to August C. September to November D. December to February 14TE which of the following statements is not true? Option 1 The dolphin population in Gibraltar is buoyed every year by migrating dolphins. Option 2 Gibraltar has two small airports, one on the east side of the territory, the other on the west side of the territory, Option 3. The monkeys are mostly friendly and relate very well to humans. Option 4 Winston Churchill was a prominent world leader in 1940, A. Option 1 only B. Option 2 only €. Options 2 and 3 D. Options 1 and 4 HD which of the following statements is not true? Option 1 Gibraltar’s shoreline is less than ten kilometres long. Option 2 The Gibraltar dolphins feed on squid and other fish Option 3. Dolphins have been known to dive down more than 250 metres. Option 4 St Michael's Cave wos used as an emergency hospital during World War II A. Option 1 only B. Options 1 and 2 €. Options 1 and 4 D. Options 3 and 4 What attracts most visitors in Gibraltar? A. The wild and playful dolphins B. The inquisitive monkeys €. The spectacular Rock of Gibraltar D. The wide variety of birds 3HEED 1 which group of mammals do the Gibraltar monkeys belong? A. Amphibians B. Marsupials C. Primates D. Cetaceans HEED What happened to the Gibraltarian women and children during World War II? A. The children were evacuated and the women worked in the hospital B. They were transported to other countries for their own safety. C. They moved into the newly built fortress in the Rock. D. They stayed in their homes to support the men in the war effort. HEA When was Lower St Michael's Cave discovered? A. When workers were using excavator to create another route into St Michael's Cave, B. A team of archaeologists discovered it while digging for clues to establish the age of St Michael's Cave. C. When it was bombed during World War Il D. When its use was changed to an emergency hospital. HEI in folklore, how was Gibraltar once joined to Africa? ‘A. By an underwater road B. By o secret underwater bridge C. By a coral reef D. By a secret underground tunnel 4