Professional Documents
Culture Documents
For multiple choice items, if a student does not know the answer, have them choose the same
answer every time. This way they will have a better chance of randomly choosing the correct
answer. The same for True/False: if the student does not know the answer, have them choose the
same answer every time.
If the student does not know the answer, have them look for the answers they know are
incorrect. It is better to choose between three possible answers than between four.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION
PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS
Read through the answers with the students and have them determine why the false answers
are false, and why they were chosen as distractors. Are they based on students mishearing
information, misunderstanding, or hearing in the wrong place?
Have students discuss why they know an answer is correct, or even why they know an answer
is incorrect. Understanding why an answer is wrong can be just as valuable as understanding why an
answer is correct.
One source of new listening materials is on the internet: podcasts. These are audio files you
download from the Internet. After you download it, you can listen to it on your computer or on an
MP3/portable music player, such as an iPod. You can even subscribe to them, as you would a
magazine or newspaper and have them automatically downloaded onto your computer. Podcasts are
available in every subject imaginable: religious sermons, the news, sports, medicine, and even
grammar!
Searching for podcasts for your students is easy! Simply go to www.google.com and type in:
Podcast ESL. You will find many links available free! Here are some good ones:
www.betteratenglish.com
Here, there are natural dialogues between native
speakers, one from England and one from America.
www.eslpod.com
These are podcasts which cover a range of topics and
slang and are intended for non-native speakers, so they arent spoken as fast as
most native speakers talk.
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ This is not for ESL speakers, but the woman
who does this uses a very clear voice and explains grammar points that most
native English speakers get confused.
If youd like more suggestions for Podcasts, either for you or your students, please contact me, Julia
Johansen, at julia.johansen@gmail.com
Listening Comprehension 9th Form
The Heron
Half a mile from home, at the far edge of the woods where the land was highest, a great pine
tree stood. The top of this ancient tree towered above all the others and made it visible for miles and
miles. Sylvia had always believed that whoever climbed to the top of it could see the ocean. Now
she thought of the tree with a new excitement. Why, if she climbed at dawn, would she not be able
to see the whole world, and discover where the white heron flew, and find its hidden nest?
What an adventure! As she lay awake in her bed, she thought of the glory and triumph of
telling everyone the secret of where the heron hid. Sylvia knew her mother and her guest were fast
asleep, so she crept out of the house and followed the path through the woods. The air was filled
with the sleepy songs of half-awakened birds.
There was the huge tree, seeming to sleep in the fading moonlight. Sylvia bravely began to
climb, the blood racing through her veins, her bare hands and feet gripping the bark. First she had to
climb the oak tree that grew alongside. Sylvia felt her way easily. She had often climbed there
before, and knew that higher up one of the oaks upper branches rubbed against the pine trunk.
When she had reached it, the way was harder than she had thought. The sharp twigs scratched her,
and the sticky pine sap made her little fingers clumsy and stiff.
The tree seemed to grow taller as she climbed, and she began to doubt if she could reach her
goal before dawn. But Sylvia passed the last thorny branch, her face shining with triumph as she
stood at the very top, weak and shaking with exhaustion.
There was the sea, dazzling in the first morning light. Two hawks flew east, so far below her
she felt she, too, might fly away among the clouds. The birds sang louder and louder until the sun
came up.
This beauty almost overwhelmed little Sylvia, but she did not forget her mission. Where was
the white heron? She looked down to the green marsh where she had seen him before. There he
was, rising and sweeping towards the great pine tree. He landed, and Sylvia froze as she watched the
heron, perched two branches below, calling to his mate, cleaning his feathers for the new day.
Test 1: True/False
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
a. her mother
b. her mother and her father
c. her mother and a guest
d. her mother and her brother
When did Sylvia climb the pine tree?
a. at night
b. in the morning
c. in the afternoon
d. at sunset
How did she feel while climbing the pine tree?
a. She thought she might never make it in time.
b. She thought of giving up because she was hurt.
c. She felt disgusted because of the sap.
d. She was terrified of falling.
How did she feel when she reached the top?
a. She was so frightened of falling that her body shook.
b. She was delighted but felt very tired.
c. She was delighted, but disappointed that the birds nest was not there.
d. She was so delighted that she did not feel tired.
What did the bird do when he reached the tree?
a. He sat down next to her.
b. He shouted for help.
c. He settled on a lower branch.
d. He flew past her.
After the bird reached the tree, what happened to Sylvia?
a. She got very cold.
b. She stopped moving.
c. She called to him.
d. She smiled.
ANSWER KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
False
True
False
True
False
True
True
True
False
False
C
C
D
B
C
A
A
B
C
B
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. False
11. B
12. B
13. A
14. C
15. B
16. A
17. C
18. B
19. C
20. D
Listening Comprehension 10th Form
Sweet-Chestnut Fair
A rainy day can be a blessing in disguise was the judgment of one of the organizers of this
years sweet-chestnut fair in the tiny French village where I live. Because of almost uninterrupted
rain, only about 10,000 people turned up. Had it been sunny, there would have been total traffic
chaos.
Some visitors came out of curiosity the fair is only five years old. For others, it has become
an annual journey down memory lane; until fairly recently, the chestnut was a central part of the diet
here in Chataigneraire (literally, the chestnut grove).
The air was fragrant with the smell of roasting chestnuts at least until the downpour soaked
the grill. There were stands selling cakes made with chestnut flour and open sandwiches of mashed
chestnuts, cheese and bacon. There were also articles made of chestnuts wood, such as baskets,
furniture and walking sticks.
One of the highlights of the fair was a cookery competition for original recipes incorporating
chestnuts. The president of the panel of judges was the chef Michel Bras, who owns the best
restaurant in the region. Bras has written a massive cookbook of inventive recipes, many of which
call for the wild plants and mushrooms he comes across as he goes on his daily jog.
People packed into the village hall as the competition started, partly because they wanted to
see the famous Bras, and partly because it was pouring down outside.
The crowd watched calmly as the judges sampled mouthfuls of seven dishes and gave them
marks for appearance, taste, balance, and so on. The winning recipe was a delicious charlotte of
chestnut puree and cream, served with a bitter orange sauce.
At that point the audience, already deeply frustrated at not being allowed to taste the dishes
themselves, stared in amazement as Bras made a harsh summing-up speech. I couldnt find the
taste or texture of the chestnuts of my youth, he said, before running off to his car.
There was a jollier atmosphere at the aligot evening. Aligot is a local dish consisting of
cheese, mashed potatoes, cream, butter and garlic. A huge iron pot of the kind used for cooking pig
food was carried in it. Three well-built young men stirred the mixture vigorously with what looked
like canoe paddles, then, to cheers from the 340 diners, they announced it was ready.
An hour later, after everyone had eaten their aligot (made from 145 kg of potatoes, 42 kg of
cheese, 12 liters of cream and 4 kg of butter) the waltzing began. It was a proper village dance
where anyone was free to invite anyone else for a spin around the floor.
Test 1: True/False
1. There was total chaotic traffic during the sweet-chestnut fair.
2. The fair is only nine years old.
3. The chestnut is the main part of the diet in Chataigneraire.
4. Michel Bras has the best restaurant in that area in France.
5. The crowd sampled the recipes.
6. Michel Bras ran to his car.
7. The recipe that won contained mashed potatoes.
8. People were happier at the aligot evening.
9. The aligot was stirred with canoe paddles.
10. During the waltz, anyone could ask anyone else to dance.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
11. Why was the rainy day a blessing in disguise?
a. It allowed them to have a sweet-chestnut fair.
b. The rain kept people from interrupting the fair.
c. Fewer people came to the fair.
d. They wanted to make themselves feel better.
12. Some visitors came out of curiosity while others came because
a. they enjoyed the trip through the country roads.
b. the chestnut fair brought back memories of the past.
c. they wanted to go on a diet.
d. chestnuts are healthy.
13. Why did the smell of roasting chestnuts disappear?
a. There were no chestnuts left.
b. People were selling other things.
c. The heavy rainfall put the fires out.
d. It was late in the day.
14. The cookery competition was for recipes which
a. Michel Bras had written in his book.
b. were very old.
c. included chestnuts.
d. were used in the best restaurants.
15. Michel Bras
a. finds ingredients for his recipes when he goes out running.
b. uses only chestnuts in his recipes.
c. looks for chestnuts when he goes out running.
d. invented the idea of cooking with chestnuts.
16. The village hall was packed because some people wanted to see Bras and some wanted to
a. take shelter from the rain.
b. have a rest.
c. learn the recipes.
d. cook chestnuts.
17. Which did the judges NOT give marks for?
a. How the food looked.
b. How the food tasted.
c. How the flavors were balanced.
passengers were expected to stay in or by their cars. He told me the shuttle employed several female
drivers. The most important requirement for the job is that they know about computers and learn
French, especially the numbers. They practice by playing bingo.
Then we started. We slid into the tunnel and hit our traveling speed of 80 mph. The ride was
so smooth, one was barely aware of any movement. It was, predictably, about as interesting as a ride
round the London underground. Somewhere to sit and have a coffee would have been welcome, but
a crew member said: With the numbers we expect to carry, it just wouldnt be practical.
After half an hour we shot back into the French daylight, had lunch, then came back. The
return trip, however, did not go so smoothly. Halfway across, a fire alarm went off. We were all
moved to a neighboring carriage. Moments later, a young man appeared and said calmly: Just
practicing. You can all go back.
Then without warning, the train stopped. We found out that a lorry had fallen over during
boarding. After half an hour we were still waiting. People were becoming mildly irritated, and the
only person still smiling worked for a cross-channel ferry company.
Then, all at once, we moved off. Disembarking was swift and easy and within minutes, we
were driving on the left again through a wet English night. It had been an interesting day. I had
enjoyed the experience of what will undoubtedly become routine in the 21st century; but for me, the
attractions of the sea and the cry of gulls will always win in the end.
Test 1: True/False
1. There is more than one shuttle to France.
2. Cars must stop at two points.
3. The carriages have three levels.
4. The shuttle has a cook.
5. The crew members need to know how to use a computer.
6. The author thinks the London underground is interesting.
7. People were very angry for waiting.
8. The ride back took about an hour.
9. It was simple to leave the ferry.
10. The author enjoys the sea.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
11. Why did the writer make the trip?
a. Because he was given the opportunity.
b. Because he wanted to go to France.
c. Because he had an important date.
d. Because it was the only method available.
12. What is the English Channel train entrance like?
a. badly constructed
b. large and ugly
c. small and quiet
d. bright and cheerful
13. Why is the French Immigration office in England?
a. So passengers can get straight on to the train in England.
b. So passengers can drive off the train as soon as they get to France.
c. So non-European citizens can be separated from Europeans.
d. So French citizens dont have to show their passports.
14. The channel crew
a. were expected to stay by their cars.
b. were walking and talking.
c. needed to speak in French.
20. D
Listening Comprehension 11th Form
Paul Cezanne
There are few visitors to the countryside around Aix-en-Provence who do not see its dramatic
forms through the eyes of its most famous inhabitant, Paul Czanne. Day after day for the last 20
years of his life the artist set up his easel to paint Mont Sainte-Victoire and the surrounding
countryside.
Sadly, Czannes efforts frequently left him dissatisfied as he felt he was not achieving the
high artistic goals which he had set himself. Nor was his dedication appreciated by the townspeople
of Aix, where Czanne had been born in 1839. The painter was very much disliked, and lived alone
and isolated a classic case of misunderstood, awkward and unconventional genius.
He had retired to Aix partly because he had not done well in the artistic world of Paris. His
work took much longer to gain acceptance than that of the Impressionists an injustice for which
Czanne bitterly resented his former artistic colleagues.
Czanne had first gone to Paris in 1861. He met Camille Pissaro at the Acadmie Suisse, and
the violent subject of his early work gave way to the subjects and style of Impressionism. But he
soon felt the need to go beyond this, to make of Impressionism something solid and lasting, like the
art of the museums. He wanted to add intellect to the sensations that lay behind the work of artists
like Monet.
Like the Impressionists, Czanne was part of a movement away from the museums as a
source of artistic inspiration and towards the direct observation of nature. One must make a vision
for oneself, he wrote. One must see nature as no one has seen it before.
Czannes efforts lasted a lifetime. I must carry on I simply must paint from nature, he
wrote in 1906. By this time, his work was beginning to be recognized. He had had his first
successful exhibition in 1895, and was beginning to attract a few young followers. Despite this, his
death certificate identifies him as a man of private means and not as an artist.
His works were not shown in the town museum until some years after his death. Aix is now
embarrassed by this late acceptance of its artistic son, and today one can get a map which leads one
to Czannes favorite places for painting. Although much has changed, you can still see landscapes
which are very much the same as those seen in the paintings. You can also visit Czannes studio,
where objects made famous in Czannes still lifes are on display.
Test 1: True/False
1. Not very many people visit Aix-en-Provence.
2. People in Paris did not like Czannes paintings.
3. Czanne visited Paris in 1851.
4. Czannes early paintings were very violent.
5. Czanne and the Impressionists stopped going to museums.
6. Czanne continued painting until he died.
7. By the time he died, Czanne had become popular.
8. Czannes death certificate did not say he was an artist.
9. Czannes works are now shown in the town museum.
10. The landscapes in Aix are similar to when Czanne lived there.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
11. Most people who visit the countryside around Aix-en-Provence
a. do not believe it is dramatic.
b. compare it to Czannes artwork.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True
10. True
11. B
12. C
13. D
14. C
15. B
16. A
17. B
18. C
19. D
20. C
8.
9.
10.
The introduction of the railway system meant thatching became more popular.
Thatching is still practiced nowadays.
Thatched roofs are in many paintings from the late 18th century.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
b. persuasive.
c. descriptive.
d. comparative.
ANSWER KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
False
True
True
False
False
False
False
False
True
True
C
B
A
D
A
B
C
B
D
A
Listening Comprehension Additional Text 2
Hands-On Science Down Under
When your body wants a rest, but your minds hungry for more, head to the Scienceworks
Planetarium. A unique digital computer and projection system takes you on a journey through space
and time. From the comfort of a reclining chair you will travel to the moon and stars and beyond to
the other galaxies and the dawn of the universe. The planetarium also hosts a special sleepover
package for kids during school holidays where they get to go on a scary ghost tour and observe the
stars through telescopes.
Whether youre five or ninety-five, a visit to Scienceworks is definitely a must. Its fun, its
informative, and everyone should go!
Test 1: True/False
1. Scienceworks is surrounded by an industrial theme park.
2. None of the exhibits at the museum change.
3. Scienceworks wants people to touch things.
4. Children can stay overnight.
5. Richard Gillespie created the museum.
6. Scienceworks has telescope.
7. Scienceworks has a gymnasium.
8. The museum has mail for children.
9. The computer shows the beginning of the Universe.
10. The museum is located under Melbourne, Australia.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
11. The museums location is unusual because
a. it is inside a factory.
b. it is surrounded by office blocks.
c. it is not in the city center.
d. it is next to a sewerage plant.
12. The curator believes the museum is popular because
a. the exhibitions change often.
b. the exhibits were invented by ordinary people.
c. visitors understand how the technologies work.
d. other science museums are boring.
13. Most of the exhibits are
a. things people see every day
b. things people never see
c. simple
d. complicated
14. Most other museums make science
a. difficult
b. simple
c. connected
d. different
15. At the Energy exhibition visitors can
a. do chores
b. touch the exhibits
c. have a rest
d. challenge someone
16. At the Sports exhibit visitors can
a. have a rest.
b. do their washing.
c. get some exercise.
False
False
True
True
False
True
False
False
True
False
C
C
A
A
B
C
B
D
C
C
Listening Comprehension Additional Text 3
TV Broadcast
Then straight after that at 8:00pm an earlier time than usual you can see what happens to
a family who decide to move to Sweden in Get a New Life. Trevor and Cathy Muir think theyve
found the ideal place to bring up their children in a small Swedish town, but is it too small for them
to find work, even with some help?
Next, over on BBC1 at 8:30, you can see the award-winning documentary series Massive
Nature. This weeks episode is called The Falls. Every year 300 million salmon migrate up rivers
across Alaska, but theyre swimming into a trap. At waterfalls upstream, the fish are attacked by
bears and bald eagles.
Tonights film is U-571 [2000] at 9 oclock on Channel 4. This is a wartime action drama
starring Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi. An American submarine crew are on a mission to seize an
Enigma machine and manage to take over the enemys boat. The film continues after News at Ten.
Or if youd rather watch a comedy, Channel 5 is showing Meet the Parents [2000] at 9:45,
starring Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. Greg is about to spend his first weekend with his
girlfriends parents and hes pretty nervous about it. Although he tries very hard to please her
difficult dad, his attempts result in very comic situations.
Thats all from me for today. Ill be back tomorrow at the slightly later time of 6:45 so that
cricket fans dont miss the last half hour of the test match.
Test 1: True/False
1. Malcolm in the Middle is on BBC2.
2. Get a New Life is usually shown at 8pm.
3. In Get a New Life, the town is too small for them to find work.
4. Massive Nature has won awards
5. Massive Nature is a comedy.
6. The Falls is a television series.
7. The Falls is set in Alaska.
8. Meet the Parents stars Jon Bon Jovi.
9. In Meet the Parents, Greg is meeting his wifes parents.
10. There is a cricket game the next day.
Test 2: Multiple Choice
11. Malcolm in the Middle is on at:
a. 7
b. 7:10
c. 10
d. 17
12. Which character is not mentioned in Malcolm in the Middle:
a. Hal
b. Malcolm
c. Joan
d. Lois
13. In Get a Life, the family wants to move to:
a. Switzerland
b. Sweden
c. Spain
d. Singapore
14. Every year _____ salmon migrate up rivers:
a. 3 hundred
b. 300 thousand
c. 3 million
d. 300 million
True
False
False
True
False
False
True
False
False
True
B
C
B
D
D
B
C
B
B
C
a. First, insert the phone card, then listen for a dial tone, then dial the number.
b. First, listen for a dial tone, then dial the number, then insert the phone card.
c. First, listen for a dial tone, then insert the phone card, then dial the number.
d. First, insert the phone card, then dial the number, then listen for the dial tone.
15. To find out how much money is on your card:
a. dial the operator
b. look at the screen
c. dial the number
d. ask the newsagent
16. For us the code is:
a. 3
b. 13
c. 30
d. 33
17. The number for the international operator is:
a. 515
b. 551
c. 115
d. 155
18. The speaker does NOT tell you:
a. how to add money to your phone card
b. how to make a phone call
c. where to buy a phonecard
d. how to use a public phone
19. The speaker most likely:
a. works for the phone company
b. works for the government
c. works for a travel agency
d. works as a teacher
20. If you have trouble making a phone call, you should:
a. call the operator.
b. change phones
c. buy a new phonecard
d. hang up and try again
ANSWER KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
True
False
True
True
False
False
False
True
False
True
A
D
B
C
B
C
17.
18.
19.
20.
D
A
D
A
READING COMPREHENSION
PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS
Students should skim through the entire text. Then, read the questions and search for those
answers. Answer the simplest ones first, and the harder ones last, which will ensure they get credit
for the answers they know, even if time runs out.
Text 1
Sport is Big Business
A. George Harris, ex-footballer
Football has become an international marketplace. Players are being bought and sold for
enormous sums of money otherwise known as transfer fees. Players come from and go to overseas
clubs, attracted by higher salaries and their share of the transfer fee. Directors will sell any player
but only for the right price. The more well known and talented a player is, the more expensive the
price tag is likely to be. There is no club loyalty anymore and serving a full contract or even a
season is becoming increasingly rare. People like me used to play for love of the game, but now I
feel it is the love of money which is more important.
B. John Perry, amateur tennis player
There has been much reaction to the fact that some lower ranked tennis players earn more
from their sponsorship deals than they do playing on the court. It seems unimportant that players
who earn a high income from deals with leading companies have never actually won a tournament.
The names of such players appear more on front page headlines than on the sports pages. Even top
ranking players at the height of their careers dont get as much attention from the media as those
below them. Its all about being seen in the newspapers and on television wearing a smile and the
right logo. Skill and athletic ability are not essential anymore to be a success on the tennis court.
C. Steve Daley, magazine editor
There was a time when sport celebrities used to advertise food and drinks, like milk and
cereals for example, that would help us to become fit and strong. This s not the case anymore, and
sports stars nowadays also appear in adverts for footwear and shampoo. What is worst of all, though,
is that sport celebrities appear in adverts that suggest that we should eat snacks or drink fizzy drinks.
It doesnt seem to matter whether these products are healthy or unhealthy for young people! To me,
its not right that sports celebrities suggest that we buy or consume products that are not good for us.
Perhaps sports stars do not follow such a healthy diet as we believe.
D. Jack Murray, sports commentator
It is certain that snooker players have to spend hours and hours practicing in order to be good
enough to take part in competitions. There is no guarantee of success and any injury to either hand
or arm could mean the end of a career. What is hard to believe though, is the amount of prize money
that is offered for winning a major snooker competition. A good player can easily earn 500,000 a
year. There is no need to win a trophy to earn money either, thanks to the media. The player that
makes the highest break (the score made from one turn in a snooker game) while the games are being
recorded, gets a prize of up to 20,000, but if the break is not televised, the amount drops to around
2,500. Its not just winning that counts, its what players do in front of a TV camera.
1. Which person states that awards are not only given for first place?
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which people state that money can be earned without appearing in a game? Choose 2
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which people state that business deals are more important than playing the game? Choose 2
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which people state that athletes benefit from promoting products? Choose 2
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which person states that sports people are not concerned about their influence on others?
George Harris
a. John Perry
b. Steve Daley
c. Jack Murray
Which person states that champions do not always earn the highest salaries?
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which person states that talent does not guarantee success?
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which person states that nutrition may be ignored by some sports people?
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
Which person states that journalists are not always interested in winners?
a. George Harris
b. John Perry
c. Steve Daley
d. Jack Murray
ANSWER KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
D
B, D
A, B
B, C
C
B
7.
8.
9.
B
C
B
Text 2
Transylvania Tours
Almost everyone has read, seen or heard the story of Count Dracula, but have you ever
wanted to visit The Land of the Vampire? Transylvania has always been a mysterious country,
hidden by the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps. In recent years, however, tourists
have been traveling to Transylvania, hoping to find out more about the countrys most famous
resident.
Transylvania Tours have become the most popular way to see Draculas country, as we offer
an all-inclusive package, complete with a tour guide who can provide any information you may need.
What could be more relaxing than knowing that an experienced tour director has planned all the
details of your trip for you, and all you have to do is sit back and relax?
With Transylvania Tours you can visit Bran Castle, tour the old towns of Brasnov and Tirgu
Mures, stay in the Dracula Castle Hotel, have lunch in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born
and much, much more. There are many wonderful activities included in the trip. Transylvania Tours
have been touring Dracula country for years, so you can be sure that we have thought of everything!
Transylvania Tours are extremely popular with people who have always wanted to have a
holiday which is truly out of the ordinary. The tours are greatly enjoyed by those who love history,
literature, or great scenery. For those of you who are looking for a thrill, our tour director has
arranged a few surprises which might make your hair stand on end! In fact, we guarantee that
Transylvania Tours offer something for everyone.
To book an 8-day Transylvania Tour, call 0271 302 1783 or e-mail us at
info@transtours.com. If youve been searching for a holiday with a difference, this could be just the
break you have been looking for.
1. Transylvania is surrounded by
a. vampires.
b. mountains.
c. castles.
d. residents.
2. With Transylvania Tours
a. the details are unplanned.
b. tourists receive a parcel.
c. tour guides arent always experienced.
d. everything is included in the price.
3. Transylvania Tours
a. know how to help you relax.
b. let you plan your own holiday.
c. have little experience in arranging trips.
d. need to know information about you.
4. With Transylvania Tours you will
a. visit many old castles.
b. stay in Draculas castle.
c. visit Vlad the Impalers birthplace.
d. tour several old towns.
5. Transylvania Tours are suitable for people who
a.
enjoy fairly average holidays.
b.
like reading books and exploring the past.
c.
hate excitement or mysteries.
d.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
B
D
A
C
B
Text 3
Pescas face and manner, on the evening when we met each other at my mothers gate, were
more than enough to inform me that something extraordinary had happened. However, it was useless
to ask him for an immediate explanation. I could only guess, while he was pulling me inside by both
hands, that (knowing my habits) he had come to the house to make sure of meeting me that night,
and that he had some news to tell me that was particularly good.
We both bounced into the lounge in a very rude and undignified manner. My mother sat by
the open window laughing. Pesca was one of her special favourites, and his strangest behaviour was
always forgivable in her eyes. Poor dear woman! From the first moment when she found out that
the little Professor was deeply and gratefully attached to her son, she opened her heart to him, and
took all this puzzling foreign peculiarities for granted, without even trying to understand them.
My sister Sarah, with all the advantages of youth, was, strangely enough, less tolerant. She
admitted that Pesca had a good heart; but she could not accept him, as my mother accepted him, for
my sake. Her narrow ideas about what was proper contracted sharply with Pescas natural lack of
respect for appearances; and she was always openly astonished at her mothers familiarity with the
eccentric little foreigner. I have noticed, not only in my sisters case, but in others as well, that we of
the younger generation are not nearly so cheerful and so impulsive as some of our elders. I often see
old people get wide-eyed and excited at the promise of some anticipated pleasure which totally fails
to upset the calm of their grandchildren. Are we, I wonder, such genuine boys and girls as our
seniors were when they were young? Have we been, in these modern days, just a little too well
brought up?
Without trying to answer these questions, I can at least say that I never saw my mother and
my sister in the company of Pesca, without finding my mother much the younger woman of the two.
On this occasion, for example, while the old lady was laughing at the boyish way we stumbled into
the room, Sarah was anxiously picking up the broken pieces of a teacup which the Professor had
knocked off when running to meet me at the door.
1. How did the author know that he was going to receive good news?
a. His friend had come to meet him.
b. His friend told him immediately.
c. It was obvious by the way his friend held his hands.
d. The way his friend looked and acted made it clear.
2. Pesca knew the author would be at his mothers house that night because
a. he knew the authors routine.
b. the authors mother had told him.
c. the author went there every night.
d. they had arranged to meet at the gate.
3. How did the two boys enter the lounge?
a. Calmly and discreetly.
b. Unhappily.
c. Loudly and clumsily.
d. In a calm and stately manner.
4. For what reason did the authors mother like Pesca so much?
5.
6.
7.
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
D
A
C
B
A
D
A
D
Text 4
I crept to the door and listened; they were snoring, so I tiptoed along and got down the stairs
safely. I couldnt hear a sound. I looked through a crack in the dining room door and saw that the
men who were watching the body were all asleep in their chairs. The door of the parlour, where te
corpse was lying, was open, and there was a candle in each room. I went past, but the front door was
locked and the key was missing.
Just then I heard footsteps on the stairs behind me. I silently ran into the parlour and cast my
eyes about the room. The only place I could see to hide the bag was in the coffin. The lid was
pushed along, showing the dead mans face with a wet cloth over it. I tucked the money-bag in
under the lid, just below where his hands were crossed. That sent a shiver down my spine; his hands
were so cold. Then I ran back across the room and hid behind the door.
The person coming was Mary Jane. She went to the coffin, knelt down and looked in. Then
she put her handkerchief to her face and I sensed that she had started crying, although I couldnt hear
her and her back was turned. I slipped out. Looking back into the dining room, I saw that the
watchers were still all asleep and I hadnt been seen.
As I climbed back into bed, I was a little shaken after all the risks I had just taken. I thought
to myself it would be alright if I stayed where it was because when we had gone another hundred
miles or two down the river I could write to Mary Jane and she could dig him up and get it. But
thats not going to happen because theyll find the money when they screw the lid on. The king will
get it back and no one else will get their hands on it again. Of course, I wanted to sneak back down
and get it, but I didnt dare to try. Every minute it was getting later now. Soon some of the watchers
would start waking and I might get caughtcaught with six thousand dollars in my hands. How
could I explain that?
1. Why didnt the narrator leave the house?
a. He heard someone coming before he reached the door.
b. He wanted to hide the bag.
c. He was locked in.
d. He wanted to pay his respects to the dead man.
2. What was the first sound the narrator heard?
a. People talking quietly.
b. Someone walking down the stairs.
c. Mary Jane crying.
d. Sleeping people breathing noisily.
3. Where was the corpse?
a. Below the stairs.
b. In the parlour.
c. In the dining room.
d. In a morgue.
4. Who did the author hear on the stairs?
a. The dead man.
b. A watcher.
c. Mary Jane.
d. The king.
5. How did the author know Mary Jane was crying?
a. She dried her eyes.
b. He saw her tears.
c. He heard her crying.
d. Her back was shaking.
6. What is it in the phrase she could dig him up and get it?
a. The corpse.
b. The money.
c. The coffin.
d. The letter.
7. Who did the money belong to?
a. The author.
b. The watchers.
c. The king.
d. Mary Jane.
8. What time of day was it?
a. The early hours of the morning.
b. Mid-afternoon.
c. Late evening.
d. The middle of the night.
ANSWER KEY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
B
B
C
A
B
C
A
WRITING COMPREHENSION
PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS
Make sure students answer the question completely! It should be answered in the
introduction as well as restated in the conclusion. Any of the speaking situations can be adapted to a
writing situation.
Students should show a range of vocabulary. Instead of just saying cuisine three times,
they should say cuisine, food, or even name the type of cuisine.
A great way to include enough detail in your students writing is to teach them RENNS:
REASONS (why something happened)
EXAMPLES (show it!)
NAMES (of people, places, buildings, etc)
NUMBERS (instead of saying a lot or many include real numbers)
SENSES (describe something instead of just saying it was beautiful or delicious)
overall, though, make sure students include examplesreal life examples.
Writing Comprehension 9th Form
1) You are taking part in an exchange program. You will spend two weeks staying in the
house of an English student living in Chester. Write a letter to the English student describing
yourself and asking for details about his family and the town he lives in. Do not write any addresses.
2) An educational magazine has invited students to submit articles explaining why they
started learning English. Write a short article for the magazine.
3) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition describing two of your familys most
importation possessions and explaining why they are important to you. Write your composition.
Writing Comprehension 10th Form
1) An international young peoples magazine is investigating the question: Do young
people today use their free time wisely? Write a short article for the magazine on this topic based on
your own experience.
2) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition discussing the advantages and
disadvantages of keeping animals in zoos. Write a composition for your teacher.
3) Write a letter to a friend telling him or her about a party you have recently been to,
describing an interesting person that you met there. Do not write any addresses.
Writing Comprehension 11th Form
1) An international young peoples magazine is investigating the question: Would one
international language unite or divide us? Write a short article for the magazine on this topic.
2) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition discussing the question: Are
newspapers necessary nowadays? Write an essay on the topic.
3) You had an unpleasant experience while traveling abroad. Write a letter to a friend
describing your experience and explaining why you will think twice before going abroad alone
again. Do not write any addresses.
Additional Writing Tasks (taken from the TOEFL)
1)
It has been recently announced that a new restaurant may be built in your
neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to
support your answer.
2)
What are some important qualities of a good teacher? Use specific reasons and details
to explain why these qualities are important.
3)
In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this
is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.
4)
A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this
person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and
details to develop your essay.
5)
People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that
people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support
your answer.
6)
What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
7)
What do you want most in a friendsomeone who is intelligent, or someone who has
a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important
to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.
8)
If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use
specific reasons and examples to support your choice.
9)
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important
role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
10)
What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important?
Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.
11)
Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
12)
Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why
not? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
13)
People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music
important to many people? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
14)
Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries.
Why do some students study abroad? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
15)
Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation
different from your parents generation? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your
answer.
SPEAKING TASKS
PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS
Make sure students answer the question completely! It should be answered in the
introduction as well as restated in the conclusion. Any of the writing situations can be adapted to a
speaking situation.
Students should show a range of vocabulary. Instead of just saying cuisine three times,
they should say cuisine, food, or even name the type of cuisine.
A great way to include enough detail in your students writing is to teach them RENNS:
REASONS (why something happened)
EXAMPLES (show it!)
NAMES (of people, places, buildings, etc)
NUMBERS (instead of saying a lot or many include real numbers)
SENSES (describe something instead of just saying it was beautiful or delicious)
overall, though, make sure students include examplesreal life examples. Students are most
comfortable when they talk about things they are very familiar with.
Have students practice speaking about both sides of the situation. First have them argue one
side, then have them argue the other side. Have debates and have the students ask each other
questions.
Students should NOT prepare by memorizing large chunks of text. Doing so means they
will be less likely to handle variation and unable to answer questions. They are also more likely
not to answer the question they are given, and rather the question they think they have been given.
Plus, it doesnt sound natural!
Speaking Tasks 9th Form
1. Is it always best to tell the truth?
When is it important to tell the truth?
When is it better to tell a lie?
If your friend wrote a poem that wasnt very good, would you tell him/her?
2. Tell about someone you know.
Describe his/her character.
How has this person influenced you?
How would your life be different if you had never met him/her?
3. Your country wants a new holiday. You have been selected to design this holiday.
Describe this new holiday (the date, the reason for the holiday).
What will it be called and why?
How will people celebrate this holiday?
4. You live in a different country and have not seen your family in one year. You will be returning
home in one year. Your friend offers to buy you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world. Would
you visit your family or go on a vacation somewhere else?
Why did you make this choice?
What would make you change your mind?
If your family visited you would it change your answer?
5. Television is becoming more and more popular. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
How has television influenced people for good or bad?
How has television influenced society?
What would you change about television?
6. Would you rather: a) be very smart but look stupid b) be very stupid but look smart?
Which is more importantwhat people think or what you know?
How would people treat you differently?
What advantages and disadvantages would there be to both situations?
7. Your city, town, or village wants to make an improvement. They can improve their roads, build a
new library, or put in a beautiful new park. Which would you choose?
How would this improve where you live?
What do you think most people in your city/town/village would want?
If someone disagreed with your choice, what would you tell them?
8. Describe the perfect friend.
Tell about his/her character.
Talk about your friendship with this person.
In what ways are you or are you not like this perfect friend?
9. Would you ever consider living permanently in a different country?
Which country would you consider living in?
What would you miss most about Ukraine?
Would this decision be easier if there were a job or love taking you there?
10. You are famous. Tell why you are famous.
What do you do for fun? How do you spend your money?
What are some disadvantages of being famous?
What do you like best about being famous?
11. A time capsule is a box that is buried and intended to be opened many years later. In the box
are items that help give information about a country and people.
What three items would you choose to represent your country?
Do you feel these items represent you personally? Why or why not?
What do you imagine youd find in a time capsule from 100 years ago?
12. Think about a class you had where you had a good time and you learned a lot.
What activities did you do? What were you learning about?
Did other students have as good a time in the class as you? Why or why not?
What made this class different from your other classes? What did the teacher do
differently?
13. If you could be the best in the world at any one thing, what would it be?
What would you do with your ability?
Would you use it in your study? In your free time?
Could it be used to help people? How? Would you do it?
14. You just came back from a scientific trip. You discovered a new animal.
What is the name of your animal?
Describe your animal (appearance, habitat, food, habits)
Why had no one discovered it until now?
15. If you and a friend were going to a place very far away, what method of transportation would you
prefer?
Why do you prefer this way of travelling?
What are the disadvantages of this method?
If your friend didnt want to travel this way, how would you convince them to change
their mind?
16. What are the qualities of a good son or daughter?
Do you consider yourself a good son or daughter? Why or why not?
What kind of children would you like?
Has this changed since your parents or grandparents were young? Give examples.
17. Tell about your favourite room in your house.
Describe the room. Why do you like it?
What is your favourite thing to do in that room? Why?
If your parents let you change the room, how would you change it?
18. Imagine that next week you have an important exam. You dont know the materials very well.
Describe how you would prepare for this exam (when would you study, how would you
study).
If you were in a restaurant and your favourite celebrity were there, what would you do?
9. If you lost one of your senses (seeing, hearing, speaking), which would be the most difficult for
you? Why?
What would life be like for you?
How would your friends and family react?
What would you do differently in your life?
10. You work for a fitness company. Your job is to design the newest popular exercise.
Who would do your exercise? How would they do it?
Describe your exercise. Where would people do it?
What equipment would they need? How much would it cost? Would they need a
teacher?
11. You are given the ability to save one animal from extinction.
Which animal would you pick? Why?
How would you defend your choice against people who want to save a different animal?
If you had to spend a lot of your own money to save this animal, would you do it? How
much would you be willing to spend?
12. Imagine that you work for a television station. You must now think of an idea for a new
television show, popular with people your age.
What is the show about? When will it show? Which station?
Who will star in this show?
What will the first episode be about?
13. Your friend from America is coming to your country for one day. He or she asked you to plan
your day together. Your friend really wants to experience your culture.
Which foods would you have him or her try??
What would you show your friend? What would you both do that day?
Who would you introduce your friend to?
14. At most universities in America, every student is required to take the same basic classes, such as
science, art, psychology, and literature.
Would you want an education like this? Why or why not?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of every student having to take courses like
these?
Do you think this creates a well rounded student? Why or why not?
15. You were selected to go on the first trip to Mars. It will be safe, but the trip will take 50 years,
and when you get back, you will have aged only 5 years. You would spend the whole time in a
small spaceship with three other people.
Would you go? Why or why not?
What would be most difficult about the trip? Why?
What would be the best thing about the trip? Why?
16. How have Ukraine and Ukrainians changed in the past 20 years?
Tell about three things that have improved, and three things that were better 20 years ago.
Is it easier or harder to be a teenager in Ukraine now? Why?
What is something you hope never changes, and what is something you hope will change
very soon?
17. Recall a time when you had to overcome a difficulty.
Describe the situation.
How did you overcome it?
What did you learn from this? How did it help you become a better person?
18. If you had a superhuman ability, what would you want it to be?
Describe your powers. What would your weaknesses be?