B1 Reading Exam
Part one: Read the following text, then choose one of the sentences A-H to fill in the
gaps 1-6
Baking and Me
I've always been keen on cooking and you'd often find me in the kitchen preparing the
evening meal. […….1] It started because of my young children, who were always ready
to bake and loved the chance to make cakes at the weekend. I never realised at the time
how important it would become in my life. What started as a way of entertaining the kids
became a passion for me and one that I love to pass on to others. [……. 2] To begin with
there's the preparation. Unlike normal cooking, baking requires a great deal of care.
[…….. 3] Cooking a spaghetti or a curry does not require the same degree of attention. I
find this interesting as being careful like this is not something that I have ever been strong
at. Baking gives me the opportunity to challenge myself to get things right. Then there's
baking itself. Whether it's a [………4] of bread or some of my favourite cakes, for
around 30 minutes my attention is on the oven. I love going back into the kitchen every
so often to check to see if the cake or loaf is rising as it should do, and my eyes are
always on the clock to make sure I don't leave it in too long. […………5] This is why
people selling a house or flat are often advised to have a loaf baking in the oven when
buyers arrive! And finally, there's the chance to eat what you've made. [……….. 6] But
cutting a slice and discovering it's just right inside as well is always extremely pleasing.
After testing to see if it's OK, I love calling the family out to the kitchen to invite the mall
to try a piece. So yes, it's a hobby I think will stay with me for life, despite the fact that it
might mean I put on weight!
Sentences:
A - The smell of freshly baked bread makes a house feel like home .
B - On one occasion, my baking was not successful.
C - So, what is it that makes baking such an enjoyable experience?
D - The cake or loaf might look perfectly cooked from outside.
E - However, the children always agreed to clear up the mess in the kitchen.
F - But my love of baking only began a few years ago.
G - Most of these problems have been due to the oven.
H - Ingredients need to be measured out exactly.
Part 2 : For each gap, choose one word.
The Black Mamba
A bite from the Black Mamba is (1) ............... 'the kiss of death' in
South Africa and it is (2) .............. a very dangerous snake.
The venom can kill a person within 30 minutes to a few hours
(3) ......... ..... medical help. It is one of the world·s fastest snakes as
well and can travel at up to 16 kilometres an hour, though it uses
this speed to (4) .............. danger rather than to attack. In fact, the
Black Mamba is a rather (5) ............... creature and will avoid people
if possible. It can measure anywhere between two and four metres
long and, (6) .............. on the area where it lives, can be a different
colour, from brown to green to grey. It gets its name from the inside
of its mouth, which is ink black.
1- A Said B Made C called D titled
2- A certainly B exactly C just D fairly
3 - A outside B besides C away D without
4- A break B escape C lose D run
5 - A shy B brave C afraid D soft
6 - A relying B choosing C depending D taking
Part 3: Read the following signs/texts, then choose the best fitting answer.
