Questions 1-4

Look at the five advertisements, A-E, on page 1.

Answer the questions below by writing the correct letters, A-E, in boxes 1-4 on your answer
sheet.

1) Which TWO advertisements mention entry requirements?

2) Which TWO advertisements say what you will have achieved by completing the course?

3) Which TWO advertisements mention being run by professionally trained teachers?

4) Which advertisement indicates that it doesn't matter how old you are?

Show Answers - Hide Answers

Questions 5-8

Classify the types of extinguishers which should be used on fires in the following situations.

Answer the questions below by writing the correct letters, A-E, in boxes 1-4 on your answer
sheet.

Write A if only cream or black should be used

B if only cream or red should be used

C if only blue or black should be used

D if only cream, red or blue should be used

E if only red or black should be used

Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 5-8 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once.

5) a plug in its socket

6) a large industrial oil spill

7) a frying pan of cooking oil on an electric cooker

8) the edge of a curtain

Questions 9-14

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1.

In boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement is true according to the passage

FALSE if the statement is false according to the passage

NOT
if the information is not given in the passage
GIVEN

9) Office managers must work from 8.30 am to 5 pm with one hour for lunch.

10) All employees must work between 9.30 am and 4 pm, except for lunch time.

11) The building shuts at 5 pm.

12) All employees who are not office managers are paid overtime if they work later than 5 pm.

13) Office managers are paid extra money for working at weekends.

14) It is possible to have a two-week holiday in summer and a two-week holiday in winter.
 Some places to visit
A. Beautiful Kingsley House was built in the 18th century, and all the rooms are
decorated and furnished in the style of the time. They include the dining room, study and
dressing room, which contains a display of 18th-century ladies’ clothing. Our volunteer
guides in each room bring the house to life with stories of the past.

B. The Africa Museum was founded 50 years ago, and to commemorate the event, we
have chosen 50 treasures from the permanent collection and put them together to tell the
fascinating story of that continent. This exhibition continues until the end of the year. The
Folk Art Gallery opens to the public next month, exhibiting traditional paintings and other
objects from all over Africa.

C. From the outside, 17 Mansfield Street may not look particularly exciting, but come
inside, and you'll find yourself in a historic building that started life as a theatre, before
becoming a bank and then a restaurant, which is still in operation. On Sundays and
Mondays, when the restaurant is closed, a guide is available to show you round the building
and its fascinating architectural features.

D. The Industrial Heritage Centre tells the fascinating story of a local family firm. Mr John
Carroll started his engineering business in this building exactly 150 years ago. The firm
closed in 1969, but the factory has been re-created, with machines like those that Mr Carroll
was familiar with. See what working life could be like in the 19th century, a life far removed
from the elegance of the wealthy.

E. The Fashion Museum has only just opened. It is home to an outstanding collection of
more than 30,000 objects worn by men, women and children, dating from the 17th century
to the present day. You'll see how people used to dress! As well as the permanent exhibits,
you can currently see Dressing the Stars, which displays original costumes worn by the
stars of many popular films.

F. Having spent the best part of two years being refurbished, the Mason Museum has
recently opened its doors again. It provides a magnificent setting for its art collection and for
the beautiful 18th-century furniture for which the Mason is famous. Open Mondays to
Fridays 10-4, and weekends 10-6.
Questions 1-8
The text above has six descriptions of places to visit in the same city, A-F.
Which description mentions the following information?

Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any answer more than once.

1) clothes that well-known people have worn

2) a display that cannot be seen yet
3) people who talk in an entertaining way
4) the museum having just reopened
5) a building that has changed its function several times
6) furniture of the same kind that was used when the building was new
7) being open for tours on certain days of the week
8) a special event to mark an anniversary
 How Babies Learn Language
During the first year of a child’s life, parents and carers are concerned with its physical
development; during the second year, they watch the baby’s language development very
carefully. It is interesting just how easily children learn language. Children who are just three
or four years old, who cannot yet tie their shoelaces, are able to speak in full sentences
without any specific language training.

The current view of child language development is that it is an instinct - something as

natural as eating or sleeping. According to experts in this area, this language instinct is
innate - something each of us is born with. But this prevailing view has not always enjoyed
widespread acceptance.

In the middle of last century, experts of the time, including a renowned professor at Harvard
University in the United States, regarded child language development as the process of
learning through mere repetition. Language “habits” developed as young children were
rewarded for repeating language correctly and ignored or punished when they used
incorrect forms of language. Over time, a child, according to this theory, would learn
language much like a dog might learn to behave properly through training.

Yet even though the modern view holds that language is instinctive, experts like Assistant
Professor Lise Eliot are convinced that the interaction a child has with its parents and
caregivers is crucial to its developments. The language of the parents and caregivers act as
models for the developing child. In fact, a baby’s day-to-day experience is so important that
the child will learn to speak in a manner very similar to the model speakers it hears.

Given that the models parents provide are so important, it is interesting to consider the role
of "baby talk" in the child’s language development. Baby talk is the language produced by
an adult speaker who is trying to exaggerate certain aspects of the language to capture the
attention of a young baby.

Dr Roberta Golinkoff believes that babies benefit from baby talk. Experiments show that
immediately after birth babies respond more to infant-directed talk than they do to adult-
directed talk. When using baby talk, people exaggerate their facial expressions, which helps
the baby to begin to understand what is being communicated. She also notes that the
exaggerated nature and repetition of baby talk helps infants to learn the difference between
sounds. Since babies have a great deal of information to process, baby talk helps. Although
there is concern that baby talk may persist too long, Dr Golinkoff says that it stops being
used as the child gets older, that is, when the child is better able to communicate with the
parents.

Professor Jusczyk has made a particular study of babies’ ability to recognise sounds, and
says they recognise the sound of their own names as early as four and a half months.
Babies know the meaning of Mummy and Daddy by about six months, which is earlier than
was previously believed. By about nine months, babies begin recognizing frequent patterns
in language. A baby will listen longer to the sounds that occur frequently, so it is good to
frequently call the infant by its name.
An experiment at Johns Hopkins University in USA, in which researchers went to the homes
of 16 nine-month-olds, confirms this view. The researchers arranged their visits for ten days
out of a two week period. During each visit the researcher played an audio tape that
included the same three stories. The stories included odd words such as “python” or
“hornbill”, words that were unlikely to be encountered in the babies’ everyday experience.
After a couple of weeks during which nothing was done, the babies were brought to the
research lab, where they listened to two recorded lists of words. The first list included words
heard in the story. The second included similar words, but not the exact ones that were
used in the stories.

Jusczyk found the babies listened longer to the words that had appeared in the stories,
which indicated that the babies had extracted individual words from the story. When a
control group of 16 nine-month-olds, who had not heard the stories, listened to the two
groups of words, they showed no preference for either list.

This does not mean that the babies actually understand the meanings of the words, just the
sound patterns. It supports the idea that people are born to speak, and have the capacity to
learn language from the day they are born. This ability is enhanced if they are involved in
conversation. And, significantly, Dr Eliot reminds parents that babies and toddlers need to
feel they are communicating. Clearly, sitting in front of the television is not enough; the baby
must be having an interaction with another speaker.
Questions 1-6
Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.

The study of (1) ............. in very young children has changed considerably in the last 50 years. It
has been established that children can speak independently at age (2) ............., and that this
ability is innate. The child will, in fact, follow the speech patterns and linguistic behaviour of its
carers and parents who act as (3) ..............

Babies actually benefit from “baby talk”, in which adults (4) ............. both sounds and facial
expressions. Babies' ability to (5) ............. sound patterns rather than words comes earlier than
was previously thought. It is very important that babies are included in (6) ..............

Questions 7-12
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the Reading Passage? Write:

YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer.

NO if the statement contradicts what the writer thinks.

NOT
if it is impossible to know what the writer's point of view is.
GIVEN

7) Children can learn their first language without being taught.

8) From the time of their birth, humans seem to have an ability to learn language.

9) According to experts in the 1950s and ‘60s, language learning is very similar to the training of
animals.

10) Repetition in language learning is important, according to Dr Eliot.

11) Dr Golinkoff is concerned that “baby talk” is spoken too much by some parents.

12) The first word a child learns to recognise is usually “Mummy” or “Daddy”.
 LearnEnglish courses
LearnEnglish courses are a great way to learn, because they’re so flexible. All our courses
are taken online using a computer, so you can work through the course at your own speed,
and go back to any session whenever you want to. For some courses there are workbooks,
in addition to the computer course, to provide extra written practice.

We offer hundreds of courses in a whole range of subjects from reading, writing and maths
to business and management. Many of these are specially designed for people whose first
language isn’t English.

Step one: have a chat with a friendly member of staff in one of our 1,500 LearnEnglish
centres around the country. They can advise you on the most suitable course. They’ll also
work out whether you qualify for funding, so that you won’t have to pay the full fee for the
course.

You might want to try a taster lesson first. This is a single computer session in any subject
of your choice, and it will show you what learning with LearnEnglish is like.

When you’ve made your final decision, step two is to register on your course. Once you’ve
done this, a staff member will show you how to get started, whether you’re using a
computer at home, at work or at a LearnEnglish centre.

That’s all you need to do! When you start your course, you can contact your LearnEnglish
centre by phone (we’re open during normal office hours) or email if you need help.
Questions 9-14

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?

In boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement is true according to the passage

FALSE if the statement is false according to the passage

NOT
if the information is not given in the passage
GIVEN

9) You can work through parts of a course more than once.

10) The number of courses offered by LearnEnglish has increased enormously.

11) Many staff members have worked through a LearnEnglish course themselves.

12) You may have to pay to take a LearnEnglish course.

13) Everybody takes the same taster lesson.

14) LearnEnglish centres are open seven days a week.

 Advice for Employees
Safe computer use

Most people suffer no ill-effects from using VDUs (Visual Display Units) as they don’t give
out harmful levels of radiation and rarely cause any kind of skin complaint. If you do suffer
ill-effects, it may be because of the way you’re using the computer and this can be avoided
by well-designed workstations. When working at a VDU, make sure you keep a good
posture and that your eyes are level with the screen.

Under health and safety regulations your employer should look at VDU workstations, and
reduce any risks by supplying any equipment considered necessary (e.g. a wrist rest). They
should also provide health and safety training. This also applies if you’re working at home
as an employee and using a VDU for a long period of time. There is no legal limit to how
long you should work at a VDU, but under health and safety regulations you have the right
to breaks from work using a VDU. This doesn’t have to be a rest break, just a different type
of work. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests it’s better to take
frequent short breaks but if your job means spending long periods at a VDU, for example as
in the case of data input, then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.

If you’re disabled, your employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments for you may mean
that they will provide you with special computer equipment. You can also get advice and
maybe help with paying for equipment from the local job centre. Studies haven’t shown a
link between VDU use and damage to eyesight, but if you feel that using a VDU screen is
making your eyes tired, tell your employee safety representative. You have the right to a
free eyesight test if you use a VDU a lot during work hours. If you’re prescribed glasses
your company must pay for them, provided they’re required in your job.

If you have any health problems you think may be caused by your VDU, contact your line
manager. He/she has a duty to consult you on health and safety issues that affect you, and
should welcome early reporting of any issue.
Questions 1-6

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.

1) It is unusual to get a .................... as a result of using computers.

2) Employers may be required to provide you with items such as a .................... to use while at work.

3) If your job involves tasks such as ...................., the advice from the HSE may not apply.

4) Financial assistance in the case of special requirements may be available from the .....................

5) The company is obliged to cover the cost of .................... if you need them while working.

6) Any concerns about the effect of using a VDU on your general well-being should be reported
to.....................
Domestic travel

Have you ever travelled to another part of your country and stayed for a few days? Travel
within one's own country is popular throughout the world. And, according to a survey carried
out in Australia in 2002, travellers are tending to spend more and more money on their
holidays.

The Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey showed that domestic travellers – those
travelling within the country – injected $23 billion into the Australian economy in 2002. As a
result, domestic tourism became the mainstay of the industry, accounting for 75 per cent of
total tourism expenditure in Australia. International tourism, on the other hand, added $7
billion to the economy. Overall, in present dollar terms, Australians spent $7 billion more on
domestic tourism in 2002 than they did when the first survey of tourist spending was
completed in 1991.

Thus, tourism has become one of Australia's largest industries. The combined tourist
industry now accounts for about 5 per cent of the nation's gross domestic product,
compared with agriculture at 4.3 per cent and manufacturing at 8 per cent. Tourism is
therefore an important earner for both companies and individuals in a wide range of
industries. For example, the transport industry benefits from the extra money poured into it.
Hotels spring up in resort areas to provide accommodation, and the catering industry gains
as tourists spend money in restaurants. The retail sector benefits as well, as many tourists
use their holidays to shop for clothes, accessories and souvenirs.

In most countries, the land is divided into different political areas. Australia is divided into six
states and two territories. Since people travel for different reasons, there are significant
differences in the length of time people stay in different locations and in the amount they
spend while there.

In 2002, Australian residents spent $8.4 billion on day trips and almost twice that amount on
trips involving at least one night away from home. In that year, a total of 45 million overnight
trips were made in Australia. Of these, 14.9 million were spent in New South Wales, 10.3
million were spent in Queensland, and 9.2 million were spent in Victoria. Fewer nights were
spent in the other states, with 3.7 million in South Australia, 1.5 million in Tasmania and 5
million in Western Australia. Despite the popularity of destinations such as Ayers Rock and
Kakadu National Park, only 0.4 million overnight stays were recorded in the Northern
Territory.
New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria attracted the greatest tourism revenue, with
$5.2 billion, $5.1 billion and $3.3 billion spent there respectively. The average expenditure
for trips was $395 per person, with accommodation the biggest expenditure, followed by
meals and fuel. The survey also showed that costs were higher for inter-state travellers,
who each spent an average of $812 per trip compared with $255 for those who travelled
within one state. Trips to the Northern Territory were the most expensive, followed by
Queensland, with South Australia and Victoria the least.

Comparing the costs of trips for different purposes, the survey found that business trips
were the most expensive because they were more likely to involve stays in commercial
accommodation. Trips taken for educational reasons – to visit universities, museums etc. –
were also expensive, especially as they usually required inter-state plane tickets. Family
holidays lay in the medium range, with transport and fares contributing to the cost, but
adventure parks the major expense. But while visits to friends and relatives were the least
expensive – due to lower accommodation, food and transport costs – these travellers spent
most on shopping.

The survey also estimates that Australians made 253 million day trips in 2002, visiting
parks, beaches and city attractions. The largest expenses were petrol costs (averaging $10
per day trip), followed by meals, souvenirs and entry fees. Day trips tended to cost the most
in the Northern Territory, while South Australia was the cheapest. Overall, the survey found
that men travelling alone spent more than any tourist group. In particular, men spent more
on transport and meals. Women travelling alone spent the most on clothes, while souvenirs
were bought more often by families than by other tourists.

The challenge for the tourism industry now is to encourage Australians to continue spending
money on travel and, if possible, to increase the amount they spend.
Questions 1-3

Complete the table below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

Industries that benefit from tourism

Transport

1) ....................

2) ....................

3) ....................

Questions 4-7

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 4-7 on your answer sheet..

4) The state or territory in which the highest number of overnight trips was made was .....................

5) The state or territory in which the lowest number of overnight trips was made was .....................

6) People travelling from state to state spent more than those travelling .....................

7) The TWO cheapest states or territories to travel to were .................... and .....................
Questions 8-11

Complete the table below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 8-11 on your answer sheet.

Major expenses for different trips

Purpose of trip Major expense

business accommodation

education 8) ....................

family holiday 9) ....................

visiting relatives 10) ....................

day trips 11) ....................

Questions 12 and 13

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 12 and 13 on your answer sheet..

12) The category of people who spent the most on travel in Australia in 2002 were .....................

13) The category who spent the most on souvenirs were .....................
 Careers with

Flight Attendants – Recruitment and Training Process

Recruitment

The position of Flight Attendant is one of prestige and immense responsibility. Recruitment is
conducted according to operational demands and there can be periods of up to 12 months where no
new intake is required. However, applications are always welcomed.

After you submit your initial application online, the Kiwi Air HR Services Team review the details you
have provided. Candidates whose details closely match the requirements of the position are then
contacted via email advising that their application has progressed to the next stage of the
recruitment process. Potential candidates are then asked to attend a Walk-In Day. This could occur
several weeks or months after the original application has been submitted depending on current
needs.

The Walk-In Day consists of a brief presentation about the role and a short interview. Candidates
who are successful on the Walk-In Day are notified within 10 days and invited to attend an
Assessment Centre. Please note that candidates are required to pass a swimming test before
attending the Assessment Centre. At the Assessment Centre, candidates attend an interview as well
as participating in a number of assessments. Verbal references are then requested, and candidates
attend a medical check.

At times, there may not be a need to recruit for Flight Attendant positions. However, the company
continuously maintains a ‘recruitment pool’ of those who have completed the Assessment Centre
stage. These candidates are contacted when a need for Flight Attendants is established, and attend
a full interview before a decision is made on whether to extend an offer of employment.

Due to the volume of applications received, Kiwi Air is not able to offer verbal feedback to candidates
at any stage of the recruitment process. Unsuccessful candidates may reapply at any time after 12
months from the date at which their applications are declined.

Training

Upon being offered a role as a trainee Flight Attendant, a 5-week training course is undertaken at
our Inflight Services Training Centre in Auckland. This covers emergency procedures, customer care
and service delivery, and equipment knowledge. To successfully complete the course, high
standards must be attained and maintained in all subjects.
Questions 7-13

Complete the table below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 7-13 on your answer sheet.

Candidates go online to complete their .....................

Suitable candidates are then invited to come to a .....................

After having satisfactorily completed a ...................., successful candidates will

then go to an Assessment Centre.

Kiwi Air then asks for .................... and candidates are required to undergo a
medical check.

If there is no immediate need for flight attendants, successful candidates are put
into a .....................

When the need arises, these candidates will then be given a ...................., after
which they may be offered a job.

On starting the job, a 5-week training programme is given which includes how to
look after passengers and what to do in an .....................
 The end of the silver screen?
Cinema technology has remained much the same for a century, so when will it go
digital? Kevin Hilton views the projections.

A. Cinema is full of contradictions. It is high-tech and old-fashioned at the same time.

Today's films are full of digital sound and computer-generated special effects. Yet they are
still stored on celluloid film, the basis of which is more than 100 years old. They are also
displayed with projectors and screens that seem to belong to our great grandparents'
generation.

B. Now that we are in the second century of cinema, there are moves to bring the medium
right up to date. This will involve revolutionising not just how films are made but also how
they are distributed and presented. The aim is not only to produce and prepare films
digitally, but to be able to send them to movie theatres by digital, electronic means. High-
resolution digital projectors would then show the film. Supporters say this will make
considerable savings at all stages of this chain, particularly for distribution.

C. With such a major technological revolution on the horizon, it seems strange that the
industry is still not sure what to call itself This may appear a minor point, but the choices,
'digital' cinema and 'electronic' cinema (e-cinema), suggest different approaches to, and
aspects of, the business. Digital cinema refers to the physical capture of images; e-cinema
covers the whole chain, from production through post-production (editing, addition of special
effects and construction of soundtrack) to distribution and projection.

D. And what about the effects of the new medium? The main selling point of digital cinema
is the high resolution and sharpness of the final image. But those who support the old-
fashioned approach to film point to the celluloid medium's quality of warmth. A recurring
criticism of video is that it may be too good: uncomfortably real, rather like looking through
an open window. In 1989, the director of the first full-length American digital high-definition
movie admitted that the picture had a 'stark, strange reality to it'.

E. Even the money-saving aspect of e-cinema is doubted. One expert says that existing
cinemas will have to show the new material and not all of them will readily or rapidly furnish
themselves with the right equipment. 'E-cinema is seen as a way of saving money, because
print costs a lot,' he says. Tut for that to work, cinemas have to be showing the films
because cinemas are the engine that drives the film industry.'

F. This view has prompted some pro-digital entrepreneurs to take a slightly different
approach. HD Thames is looking at reinventing the existing cinema market, moving towards
e-theatre, which would use digital video and projection to present plays, musicals and some
sporting events to the public. This is not that different from the large-screen TV system that
was set up in New York in 1930, and John Logie Baird's experiments with TV in the late
1920s and early 30s.
Questions 1-6

The Reading Passage has six paragraphs A–F.

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

List of Headings

i Indecision about a name

ii Current problems with distribution

iii Uncertainty about financial advantages

iv The contrasts of cinema today

v The history of cinema

vi Integrating other events into cinema

vii The plans for the future of films

viii An unexpected advantage

ix Too true to life?

1) Paragraph A

2) Paragraph B

3) Paragraph C

4) Paragraph D

5) Paragraph E

6) Paragraph F

Questions 7-11
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 7-11 on your answer sheet.

There are big changes ahead for cinema if digital production takes place and the industry no longer
uses (7) ............. and gets rid of the old-fashioned (8) ............. and used to show movies. The main
advantage is likely to be that the final image will be clearer. However, some people argue that the digital
picture will lack (9) .............. In addition, digital production will only reduce costs if cinemas are willing to
buy new (10) .............. As a result, experiments with what is called (11) '.............' may mark a change in the
whole entertainment industry.
 Employment in Japan
A. Every autumn, when recruitment of new graduates and school leavers begins, major
cities in Japan are flooded with students hunting for a job. Wearing suits for the first time,
they run from one interview to another. The season is crucial for many students, as their
whole lives may be determined during this period.
B. In Japan, lifetime employment is commonly practised by large companies. While people
working in small companies and those working for sub-contractors do not in general enjoy
the advantages conferred by the large companies, there is a general expectation that
employees will in fact remain more or less permanently in the same job.
C. Unlike in many Western countries where companies employ people whose skills can be
effective immediately, Japanese companies select applicants with potential who can be
trained to become suitable employees. For this reason, recruiting employees is an important
exercise for companies, as they invest a lot of time and money in training new staff. This is
basically true both for factory workers and for professionals. Professionals who have
studied subjects which are of immediate use in the workplace, such as industrial engineers,
are very often placed in factories and transferred from one section to another. By gaining
experience in several different areas and by working in close contact with workers, the
engineers are believed, in the long run, to become more effective members of the company.
Workers too feel more involved by working with professionals and by being allowed to voice
their opinions. Loyalty is believed to be cultivated in this type of egalitarian working
environment.
D. Because of this system of training employees to be all-rounders, mobility between
companies is low. Wages are set according to educational background or initial field of
employment, ordinary graduates being employed in administration, engineers in
engineering and design departments and so on. Both promotions and wage increases tend
to be tied to seniority, though some differences may arise later on as a result of ability and
business performance. Wages are paid monthly, and the net sum, after the deduction of
tax, is usually paid directly into a bank account. As well as salary, a bonus is usually paid
twice a year. This is a custom that dates back to the time when employers gave special
allowances so that employees could properly celebrate bon, a Buddhist festival held in mid-
July in Tokyo, but on other dates in other regions. The festival is held to appease the souls
of ancestors. The second bonus is distributed at New Year. Recently, bonuses have also
been offered as a way of allowing workers a share in the profits that their hard work has
gained.
E. Many female graduates complain that they are not given equal training and equal
opportunity in comparison to male graduates. Japanese companies generally believe that
female employees will eventually leave to get married and have children. It is also true that,
as well as the still-existing belief among women themselves that nothing should stand in the
way of child-rearing, the extended hours of work often do not allow women to continue their
careers after marriage.
F. Disappointed career-minded female graduates often opt to work for foreign firms. Since
most male graduates prefer to join Japanese firms with their guaranteed security, foreign
firms are often keen to employ female graduates as their potential tends to be greater than
that of male applicants.
G. Some men, however, do leave their companies in spite of future prospects, one reason
being to take over the family business. The eldest sons in families that own family
companies or businesses such as stores are normally expected to take over the business
when their parents retire. It is therefore quite common to see a businessman, on
succeeding to his parents' business, completely change his professional direction by
becoming, for example, a shopkeeper.
H. On the job, working relationships tend to be very close because of the long hours of
work and years of service in common. Social life in fact is frequently based on the
workplace. Restaurants and nomi-ya, "pubs", are always crowded at night with people
enjoying an evening out with their colleagues. Many companies organise trips and sports
days for their employees. Senior staff often play the role of mentor. This may mean
becoming involved in the lives of junior staff in such things as marriage and the children's
education.
I. The average age of retirement is between 55 and 60. For most Westerners, retirement
may be an eagerly awaited time to undertake such things as travel and hobbies. Many
Japanese, however, simply cannot get used to the freedom of retirement and they look for
ways of constructively using their time. Many look for new jobs, feeling that if they do not
work they will be abandoned by society. This has recently led to the development in some
municipalities of municipal job centres which advertise casual work such as cleaning and
lawn mowing. Given that Japan is facing the problem of an increasingly ageing society,
such activities may be vital in the future.
Questions 1-9

The Reading Passage has nine paragraphs A–I.

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.

List of Phrases

i how new employees are used in a company

ii women and Japanese companies

iii why men sometimes resign from Japanese companies

iv permanency in employment in Japan

v recruiting season: who, when and where

vi the social aspect of work

vii the salary structure

viii the recruitment strategy of foreign firms

ix Japanese people after retirement

1) Section A

2) Section B

3) Section C

4) Section D

5) Section E

6) Section F

7) Section G

8) Section H

9) Section I
Questions 10-12

Complete the sentences below with words taken from the reading passage. Use NO MORE THAN
THREE WORDS for each answer.

10) Japanese employers believe that moving professionals within companies and listening to workers'
views leads to ..............

11) Employees receive their wages monthly and a bonus ..............

12) Japanese workers often form close personal relationships and older staff may even become
a ............. to junior staff.

Questions 13-15

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

13) Company training in Japan

A is not important

B is for factory workers only

C is for professionals only

D is for all staff

14) Foreign firms are keen to employ Japanese women because

A the women are more intelligent than men

B the women that apply are more capable than the men that apply

C the women will be only short-term employees

D the women prefer guaranteed security

15) Japanese people continue to work after retirement because

A they need the income

B they miss working

C they assist in the family business

D they have no status outside employment

Test 1
Questions 1-5
Look at the information about Camberwell College's swimming pools. Then answer the
questions below.

Camberwell College Swimming Pools

Camberwell College has one 50m (Olympic sized) pool with a constant depth of 2m
throughout, and one 25m pool with a 1m shallow end and a 4m deep end. Both pools may
be used by the general public at certain times.

50m Pool

The pool is often used for classes, but the general public may use two lanes for lane
swimming at the following times.

Monday: 0630 -1130 and 1900 - 2100

Tuesday: 0630 -1130 and 1800 - 2100
Wednesday: 0630 -1330 and 1730 - 2130
Thursday: 0630 -1330
Friday: 0630 -1330
Weekends: 0900 - 1700

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please note that during College holidays, these times will vary. Contact the swimming pool
on 04837 393560 for up-to-date information.

25m Pool

The 25 metre pool is available for recreational (non-lane) swimming from 0700-0900 and
1230-1330 on weekdays, and 1000 – 1600 on Saturdays.

Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied.

We regret that the 25m pool will be closed for refurbishment between 21st July and 18th
August. The men's changing rooms will be closed for the week beginning 18th August, and
the women's changing rooms will be closed the following week. Alternative changing
facilities will be made available. We apologise for any disruption this may cause.

For questions 1-5 select:

True if the statement is true
False if the statement is false
Not Given if the information is not given in the passage

1. The general public can only use the 50m pool for lane swimming.
2. The general public cannot use the 50m pool on Sundays.
3. Men will be able to use the 25m pool on the 18th August.
4. The whole of the 25m pool is available to the public during recreational swimming hours.
Not Given

5. The 50m pool is open during college holidays.

Questions 14-21
Read the Information about Gateway Academy's Pre-Sessional Courses. Then complete
the sentences below.

Gateway Academy Pre-Sessional Courses

Our pre-sessional courses are ideal for students who have a conditional place at a British
university, but who need to achieve a certain level of English in order to be accepted. The
course aims to provide students with the English language and study skills that they need in
order to be successful at university or another academic establishment. It is important to
note that completion of the course does not guarantee students entrance into a
university. It is necessary for students to show during the course that they have understood
the information and skills that they have been taught, and can incorporate it into their work.

Pre-sessional students at Gateway Academy will benefit from:

 Small class sizes (no more than 10 students per class)

 Twenty three hours of tuition per week

 Individual support and tutorials

 Regular guest lecturers

 The use of the Academy's study and recreational facilities, including the Language
Library, the computer suite, and the academy's sports facilities.

 A varied social programme including evening entertainments and weekend

excursions to popular tourist attractions and cities such as Stonehenge, Oxford and
Stratford-on-Avon.

The course offers a holistic approach to learning, and covers reading, writing, speaking and
listening skills. During the course, students will receive instruction on important techniques
such as summary-writing, analysing essay titles, organising writing, note-taking in lectures,
giving seminars and making presentations. Students will gain experience in working both
individually and in groups. As part of the course, all students will work towards a 5000 word
project in their own field of study. Students will receive guidance from their tutors on how
best to conduct research and write it up effectively. Students will also work towards a
presentation on the same subject.

There is no final examination. Students are assessed continuously, taking into account
their attendance, successful completion of assignments and participation in class. Students
will be given a full report on their progress at the end of the course. Students need to be
aware that the course involves a great deal of coursework, which will require students to
manage their time effectively.
Gateway Academy offers three pre-sessional courses. A five-week course beginning in
August is available for advanced level students; a ten-week course beginning in July is
available for upper-intermediate students. Intermediate level students should take our
twenty week course beginning in May. Intermediate level students get a two-week break in
July.

For questions 14-21 Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

14. The Pre-Sessional course is suitable for students whose place at British university
is .

15. During the course, students needs to show that they can understand
and new skills.

16. Students will be able to use many of the Academy's while they are
studying.

17. Students will have the opportunity to visit on Saturdays and

Sundays.

18. Students will work both alone and .

19. Students will have to research and write up a related to their

subject area.

20. In order to successfully complete their assignments, students will have

to well.

21. students should start their course in July .

Questions 28-40
Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.

The Shock of the Truth

A Throughout history, there have been instances in which people have been unwilling to
accept new theories, despite startling evidence. This was certainly the case when
Copernicus published his theory - that the earth was not the centre of the universe.

B Until the early 16th century, western thinkers believed the theory put forward by Ptolemy,
an Egyptian living in Alexandria in about 150 A.D. His theory, which was formulated by
gathering and organizing the thoughts of the earlier thinkers, proposed that the universe
was a closed space bounded by a spherical envelope beyond which there was
nothing. The earth, according to Ptolemy, was a fixed and immobile mass, located at the
centre of the universe. The sun and the stars, revolved around it.

C The theory appealed to human nature. Someone making casual observations as they
looked into the sky might come to a similar conclusion. It also fed the human ego. Humans
could believe that they were at the centre of God's universe, and the sun and stars were
created for their benefit.

D Ptolemy's theory, was of course, incorrect, but at the time nobody contested it. European
astronomers were more inclined to save face. Instead of proposing new ideas, they
attempted to patch up and refine Ptolemy's flawed model. Students were taught using a
book called The Sphere which had been written two hundred years previously. In short,
astronomy failed to advance.

E In 1530, however, Mikolaj Kopernik, more commonly known as Copernicus, made an

assertion which shook the world. He proposed that the earth turned on its axis once per
day, and travelled around the sun once per year. Even when he made his discovery, he
was reluctant to make it public, knowing how much his shocking revelations would disturb
the church. However, George Rheticus, a German mathematics professor who had
become Copernicus's student, convinced Copernicus to publish his ideas, even though
Copernicus, a perfectionist, was never satisfied that his observations were complete.

F Copernicus's ideas went against all the political and religious beliefs of the time. Humans,
it was believed, were made in God's image, and were superior to all creatures. The natural
world had been created for humans to exploit. Copernicus's theories contradicted the ideas
of all the powerful churchmen of the time. Even the famous playwright William
Shakespeare feared the new theory, pronouncing that it would destroy social order and
bring chaos to the world. However, Copernicus never had to suffer at the hands of those
who disagreed with his theories. He died just after the work was published in 1543.

G However, the scientists who followed in Copernicus's footsteps bore the brunt of the
church's anger. Two other Italian scientists of the time, Galileo and Bruno, agreed
wholeheartedly with the Copernican theory. Bruno even dared to say that space was
endless and contained many other suns, each with its own planets. For this, Bruno was
sentenced to death by burning in 1600. Galileo, famous for his construction of the
telescope, was forced to deny his belief in the Copernican theories. He escaped capital
punishment, but was imprisoned for the rest of his life.

H In time however, Copernicus's work became more accepted. Subsequent scientists and
mathematicians such as Brahe, Kepler and Newton took Copernicus's work as a starting
point and used it to glean further truths about the laws of celestial mechanics.

I The most important aspect of Copernicus' work is that it forever changed the place of man
in the cosmos. With Copernicus' work, man could no longer take that premier position
which the theologians had immodestly assigned him. This was the first, but certainly not the
last time in which man would have to accept his position as a mere part of the universe, not
at the centre of it.

Questions 28 - 34
The text has nine paragraphs, A-I.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
28. the public's reaction to the new theory
29. an ancient belief about the position of the earth
30. Copernicus's legacy to the future of science
31. How academics built on Copernican ideas
32. An idea which is attractive to humans
33. Out-dated teaching and defective research
34. Scientists suffer for their beliefs
Test 2
Self-Catering Holiday Cottages in the Lake District National Park
At Lilliput Farm we have three cottages for rent as self-catering holiday accommodation.
We have been awarded 4 stars in the Holiday Accommodation Accreditation Service for
excellence in quality and service.

Dairymaid’s Loft is situated above the barn under the eaves. It is the largest of the
properties, having one double bedroom with en suite, a twin room and a single room. There
is also a sofa-bed in the living room. There is a large kitchen, a living room, dining room and
newly-fitted bathroom. Please note that, since the entire property is on the first floor, and the
stairs are steep, the accommodation is not suitable for the elderly, the infirm, pets and very
young children.

Shepherd’s Rest is suitable for up to four occupants. There is a double bedroom and a twin
room with bunk-beds. There is a small kitchen and a large living room. There is a shower
room with separate WC. The accommodation is spread over two floors. Pets are allowed,
but we request that they are kept downstairs.

Haymaker’s Den is a one-bedroom cottage at ground floor level. There is also a sofa bed in
the living room which can sleep two people. It has a large living area comprising a
kitchen/diner and living space. There is a ramp leading up to the property, and the large
bathroom is fitted so as to be suitable for wheelchair users and people who use walking
aids. We ask that pets are not brought into this property.

All the properties have: a television, CD player and DVD player. Dairymaid’s
Loft and Haymaker’s Den have Sky Television. Shepherd’s Rest has wi-fi access. Cots can
be provided to all properties, but please note that Dairymaid’s Loft may be unsuitable for
toddlers and crawling babies. All properties have a washing machine, fridge freezer and
microwave. Dairymaid’s Loft also has a dishwasher and a tumble drier.

The cottages share an outside area with swings, a patio and barbecue area. Outdoor
furniture is available in the barn.

All cottages have electric power. None are fitted with gas. Electricity is paid via a meter. You
will receive a £10 worth of electricity at the beginning of your stay with our compliments (£5
for short breaks). After that, you will need to add money to the meter. Shepherd’s Restalso
has a wood-burning stove. Guests will receive one complimentary basket of wood.
Subsequent baskets can be purchased for £2 each. Please help yourself to wood in the
barn and put money in the honesty box.

Cottages can be booked by the week or for short breaks. Short breaks are either Fridays –
Mondays (3 nights) or Mondays to Fridays (4 nights). Discounts are available in the low
season (October to March). Couples staying in Dairymaid’s Loft and Shepherd’s Rest can
also get a two-person discount. Week-long bookings are on a Saturday – Saturday basis.
We regret that it is not possible to accommodate arrivals on Fridays. We ask that guests
arrive after 3pm and vacate the property by 10.30 on their departure date, so allow us to
clean and prepare the properties for the next guests.

To make a booking, you will need to make a deposit of fifty percent up front. The remainder
is payable one month before your arrival. (If you make a booking less than a month in
advance, you must pay the entire amount up front). If you need to cancel your stay, you will
receive a complete refund if you contact us 30 days in advance of your booking.
Cancellations made two weeks in advance will receive a 60% discount. We regret that we
cannot give a discount for cancellations made less than two weeks in advance.

1. Which of the cottages is most suitable for the following guests?

An elderly couple, one of whom uses a walking frame?

2. A family of two adults and two children, the youngest being 3 years
old?

3. A group of six young adults.

4. Someone who wants to use the internet during their stay.

5. Someone who doesn’t want to wash up while on holiday.

6. A family with a dog.

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?

TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE - if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN - if there is no information on this

7. Guests have to pay extra for all the electricity they use.

8. Each property has its own garden.

9. Dairymaid’s Loft costs less to rent if only two people stay there in
December.

10. There are no electric heaters in Shepherd’s Rest.

Read the information about visas for entry into the UK and then answer the questions.

Border Regulations and Visa Applications

If you wish to come to the United Kingdom, either as a visitor or a student, you may need to
apply for a visa. Visas vary according to your age, the length of your stay and your level of
English study.

The following visa types are available:

 Child Student

 B. Child Visitor

 Adult Student

 D. Student Visitor

 E. Prospective Student

The UK operates a points-based system which will decide whether or not you can apply for
a visa. You need 40 points in order to apply for a visa. You will obtain 30 points if you have
confirmation from the college, university or school that you have been accepted on a
course. Your chosen place of studies must be registered on the UK Border Agency list of
sponsors. You can obtain a list by clicking on the link below.

You will need to earn a further 10 by demonstrating that you cover the cost of your study
fees and living costs. In doing so, you can rest assured that you will avoid financial
difficulties while you are studying.

If you wish to extend your study experience in the UK, you will need to pass a further points-
based assessment to ensure that you have been accepted on another course and that you
can afford to pay the fees and living costs.

To make your UK study experience even richer, you may be eligible for a work and study
visa. Getting a job while you are studying can improve your language skills and enhance
your CV by showing that you are flexible, team-oriented and well-organised. You will also
be able to get a reference from your employer which will help you gain employment in the
future. Before accepting a job, you must find out whether your visa allows you to work in the
UK, and the maximum number of hours you can work each week from the UK Border
Agency. Most UK places of study have a career service which will help you to access job
listings, write a CV or application form and prepare for a job interview.

To work in the UK you will need a National Insurance number. This number is used to
deduct money from your earnings to fund benefits for the unemployed, incapacitated and
retired. To obtain a national insurance number, you will need to attend an interview. You
can make an appointment for an interview by calling 0845 600 0643 during usual office
hours. You will need to take proof of identity, proof of your right to work in the UK and
written proof of your job offer. You may start work before your number is issued as long as
your employer deducts the appropriate national insurance contributions from your pay.

1.

Each of the short paragraphs below gives information about the five types of visa A-E. Read
each paragraph and choose which of the five links would contain this information. There is
one paragraph that you do not need.

paragraph i. If you have already completed a course of study in the UK and do not intend
to study further, you can apply for this visa to extend your stay. This visa allows you to work
in the UK for a further 6 months.

paragraph ii. If you are under the age of 17 and wish to study for less than six months, you
can apply for this visa. If you wish to extend your course of study, you may not swap to a
student visa while you are in the UK. You must return to your home country and do so
there.

paragraph iii. Students in post-16 education can apply for this visa. This visa is suitable for
students attending courses for over six months. Holders of this visa may be eligible to work
in the UK.

paragraph iv. Students over the age of 18 who wish to study for up to six months can apply
for this visa. This visa does not allow students to work in the UK. Students may only extend
their visa or switch to a student visa by returning to their home country.

paragraph v. You can apply for this visa if you are between the ages of 4 and 15 and
intend to attend a full-time, fee-paying independent school for a period of over six months or
more. 16 and 17 year olds may attend part-time, fee-paying establishments.

paragraph vi. If you want to come to the UK before choosing your course of study, you can
apply for this visa. You will need to start your course within 6 months of arrival. You may
switch to an adult or child student visa while in the UK without returning to your home
country.

1. A - Child Student

2. B - Child Visitor

3. C - Adult Student

4. D - Student Visitor

5. D - Prospective Student
Choose the correct answer.

6. You can obtain 30 points towards your visa if…

7. If you want to extend your study visa…

8. You can work in the UK if…

9. For advice on finding a job, the writer suggests that you contact…

Select
10. Your national insurance number will ensure that…

11. You can start work…

Read the text about long-haul flights and answer the questions.

Read the text and then answer questions 1-5.

Long-haul flights get longer

Long-haul flights have just got longer, with a non-stop flight from Singapore to New York
now in operation. But 18 hours in the air creates its own challenges. A lot of preparation
goes into the ultra long haul flight. The aircraft is specifically designed for the journey with
more space and extensive entertainment services. The flight crew are also specially trained.

The seasoned traveller is also more aware of the health risks associated with a flight that
covers as much as 16,600-kilometers (10,310-miles) in distance. Exposure to lower oxygen
levels for up to 18, maybe 20, hours is abnormal for the human body. With deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) the problem really starts occurring after 12 hours (in-flight). This could
lead to an increase in heart attacks.

Doctors believe prevention is better than cure when it comes to in-flight health. Passengers
on ultra long range flights need to be provided with flight socks and, if necessary, tablets for
thinning the blood. It is not just the health and vitality of the passenger that is at stake on a
flight of this length, but also that of the flight crew. "They give us training on fatigue
management and how to adjust to the local time in New York and to exercise, as well as
take care our diet and eat lightly in-flight," says Linda Wu, a stewardess on Singapore
Airlines.

However, passengers are trading in health concerns for convenience. An extra- long flight
means passengers do not need to break up their journey and change planes. "They like to
board once, de-plane once. It is saving time," says James Williams from Singapore Airlines.

"From Los Angeles to Singapore, passengers are saving two and a half hours. And to New
York passengers are saving up to four hours in flying time." Thai Airways is also launching a
non-stop service to New York from Bangkok next June to compete with Singapore Airlines.
It is planning a similar service to Chicago. Cathay Pacific, Continental, Qantas and Emirates
Airlines also offer flights that are more than 14 hours in duration. However, there is still a
question of whether longer non-stop flights will become popular. "They will certainly have a
role in the future of aviation, there is no doubt about it. People will prefer to fly non-stop if it
is available," says Chris Johnson, an airline analyst. "But we are reaching the limits. These
markets are at the very margin of aviation. Most airlines still fly in the eight to 12-hour
sector. This is still where the biggest volume in traffic is." Avery believes that geography will
determine the demand for the ultra long-haul flight and that worldwide appeal for this type of
flight is unlikely. "Asia is where the demand is for the ultra long-haul flight. They are
connecting Asian cities to the U.S. East Coast, which is the big market," he explains. "The
routes that connect most places that European business travellers go do not need a
capacity and endurance to fly 18-hours -- this is the same for U.S. carriers."
1

Why are longer flights potentially harmful to passengers and crew?

Because there isn't as much oxygen in the air.

People will get bored
long periods of inactivity will damage their bones

What are flight socks?

special socks to keep the plane free of harmful bacteria

one of the preventive measures planned by airlines
socks that stop your blood getting too thin

Which of the following methods of countering the health problems caused by long flights is
NOT mentioned?

how best to cope with jet lag

advice on food consumption during a flight
advice on drinking alchohol

What are the advantages of longer flights?

There are less problems with jet lag

passengers save time
passengers get a good break between flights

Where is the market for longer flights expected to develop?

between Europe and America
between Asia and America
between Asia and Europe
Test 3
Read about hospital security and answer the questions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF HOSPITALWATCH

 To create security awareness

 To remove or reduce the risk of crime

 To prevent criminal injury or distress to staff and patients

 To protect property against theft or criminal damage

 To maintain the working relationship between the hospital and the police.

SECURITY IN THE HOSPITAL

ASK strangers to identify themselves

ALL visitors to wards or departments should identify themselves and state the nature of
their business

DON’T allow the removal of ANY equipment without proper authorisation

KEEP offices, windows and storerooms locked outside normal working hours

CHECK that there is no-one left in the office or department

ENSURE that portable items are locked away when not in use. Make sure they cannot
be seen from outside the window

ENSURE that all equipment is security marked by the Estates Department

REPORT vandals immediately

DON’T remove NHS property from the hospital – this is theft

DO report anything suspicious.

REPORTING SECURITY INCIDENTS

All incidents/attempted incidents must be reported

When an incident has occurred a Trust Incident Report form must be completed

If you or a colleague are involved in a serious physical attack/threat and are requiring
immediate assistance, use the ‘panic attack’ alarm where fitted or ring Switchboard on 2222
 In the case of theft or other serious crime it is the responsibility of the individual involved
to report to the Police and then complete an Incident Report form

Minor incidents should be reported on an Incident form

In either case the Site Manager/Line Manager must be informed.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY

DON’T leave your handbag where it invites theft. Lock it away

DON’T leave your purse in a shopping basket, in an office or empty room. Lock it away

DON’T leave money or other valuables in your coat or jacket pocket.

If you take your jacket off, take your wallet with you

DO use clothes lockers in cloakrooms, where they are provided. Otherwise use a
lockable drawer or cupboard.

PROTECT YOURSELF

DO avoid ill-lit streets and car parks, wasteland and unoccupied compartments on trains

DO consider keeping a personal attack alarm in your hand or pocket

DON’T leave house or car keys in your handbag - put them in your pocket

DO check your car – an unnecessary breakdown could put you at risk.

YOUR CAR

DO make sure your car is locked, windows shut and valuables kept out of sight

DO remove the ignition key

DO display your permit/parking ticket in the windscreen

DON’T leave valuables in the car. Lock them in the boot.

SECURITY IN STAFF RESIDENCES

Watch out for prowlers

Inform the police immediately

Keep all ground floor windows closed or locke

1.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?
TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information FALSE - if the statement contradicts
the information NOT GIVEN - if there is no information on this

Select
1. One aim of hospital watch is to avoid patients feeling anxious.

2. Visitors are expected to state why they are in the hospital.

3. If you see a security incident, you should contact the switchboard

immediately.

4. It's advisable for women to keep an attack alarm in their handbags.

5. It's not a good idea to keep your keys on your person.

6. You shouldn't leave your parking ticket in the car.

7. There are policemen stationed in staff accommodation areas.

Read the article about housing benefit and answer the questions.

Housing Benefit
Who is eligible

You may get Housing Benefit if you pay rent and your income and capital (savings and
investments) are below a certain level. You could qualify if you are out of work, or in work
and earning a wage.
Use the online benefits adviser to get an estimate of the benefits, including Housing
Benefit, you may get.

Who isn't eligible

You can't usually get Housing Benefit if:

 you have savings of over £16,000, unless you are getting the 'guarantee credit' of
Pension Credit

 you live in the home of a close relative

 you're a full-time student (unless you're disabled or have children)

 you're an asylum seeker or are sponsored to be in the UK

Other restrictions

If you live with a partner or civil partner only one of you can get Housing Benefit.
If you're single and aged under 25 you can only get Housing Benefit for bed-sit
accommodation or one room in shared accommodation.

How to check eligibility

If you think you may be eligible for Housing Benefit, the following link will let you enter
details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can
find out more.

 Check your eligibility for Housing Benefit with your local councilOpens new window

Important changes for people receiving Child Benefit

Child Benefit is no longer counted as income when working out how much Housing Benefit
or Council Tax Benefit you can get.
This means that some people currently receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
payments will receive more benefit with which to pay their rent and council tax.
In addition, some low income families may now get Housing Benefit and Council Tax
Benefit as a result of this change. If you think you may now be entitled, contact your local
council.

How much do you get?

If you rent a property or room from a private landlord, your Housing Benefit will be
calculated with the Local Housing Allowance rules.

If you live in council accommodation or other social housing, the most Housing Benefit you
can get is the same as your 'eligible' rent.

What is 'eligible' rent?

Eligible rent includes:

 rent for the accommodation

 charges for some services, such as lifts, communal laundry facilities or play areas

Even if it's included in your rent, you won't get any Housing Benefit for:

 water charges

 charges for heating, hot water, lighting, or cooking

 payments for food or fuel in board and lodgings or hostels

How it's paid

If you are a council tenant, your council will pay any Housing Benefit straight into your rent
account.
If you're not a council tenant, your Housing Benefit will be paid:

 to you by cheque

 by Direct Payment into your bank or building society account

Contact your council if you're worried about how Housing Benefit is paid.

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS and/or a NUMBER from the text for each answer.

1 If your savings are more than £16,000, you receive Housing Benefit.
2 You may get Housing Benefit if you are a full-time student with .
3 When calculating Housing Benefit, Child Benefit is not any more.
4 The change to Child Benefits means that some families may get more
benefits.
5 Children's are included in 'eligible' rent.
6 Housing Benefit will be paid into your if you are a council tenant.
7 If you are not a council tenant, payments can be made by Direct Payment or
.
Travel for the Elderly
Whether you’re going abroad or staying in the UK, follow these simple tips so you can relax
on your holiday. We spoke to Emma O’Boyle from TripAdvisor and Gill Williams, editorial
head of greentravelguides.tv.

A. When to travel
You can save money by booking a holiday out of season, or booking well in advance.
Emma O’Boyle recommends, ‘Taking a holiday during ‘shoulder periods’ can be a good way
of saving money. Shoulder periods are the months either side of peak season. You can
avoid the uncomfortably hot weather, crowds and high prices, yet still enjoy some beautiful
temperatures.’

B. Guidebooks
Buying a guide book on where you’re going will give you loads of helpful information on
what sights to see, the best and cheapest places to eat, local transport and much more.
O’Boyle suggests ‘Ask friends for recommendations or use the internet to find a hotel that
matches your criteria. You can find honest reviews online from travelers in your age
bracket, looking for the same type of holiday, meaning you’re far less likely to end up at a
hotel full of rowdy teenagers. Choosing a hotel is very personal and what one person likes
another may hate so don’t always rely on the hotel’s own description.’

C. Research
Using the internet to check what the weather’s like before you leave means you can avoid
taking things you dont need. ‘Don’t over pack. Go online before you travel to check local
weather forecasts and conditions and pack appropriate clothing and footwear.’ Gill Williams
suggests.

D. Copy documents
Photocopy your passport and other important documents in case the original gets lost or
stolen and remember to take details of your travel insurance policy with you. You can find a
travel insurance broker from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.

E. Inform family
It’s a good idea to give close family or friends a list of your travel plans and any contact
details, in case of emergency.

F. Save space
A great way to save space is to take two or three items and roll them up tightly. Try putting
socks into shoes to save space and keep the shoes shape.

G. Luggage
Check restrictions with the airport before travelling to see what you can and can’t take in
your hand luggage - now most liquids have to be packed in a clear container. Pack anything
you’ll need in your hand luggage like a book, travel game or medicine, ‘If you are flying,
always carry essential medication in your carry-on hand luggage rather than the hold – just
in case the flight is delayed or the airline loses your suitcases.’ Says Williams.

H. Long flights
Let the airline know if you have any specific needs like a vegetarian or kosher meal. You
may want to ask for an aisle seat so you can get up easily when you want. ‘Let your airline
know well in advance if you need assistance at airports,’ advises Williams. ‘Corridors can be
long - up to 20 minutes walk at many international airports.’

I. Be active
On longer flights it’s important to have good circulation to reduce the risk of Deep Vein
Thrombosis (DVT), which is caused when poor circulation results in blood clots.

How to improve circulation while flying:

 Walk up and down the aisle every hour

 Point and flex your toes while sitting down

 Rotate your ankles clockwise and anticlockwise

 Wear compression socks

 Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water

‘On a long flight, be sure to wear support anti-DVT socks. You’d be amazed how many
airline pilots wear them secretly!’ – Gill Williams

1.

The text contains nine sections, A - I.

Which section contains the following information?

1. where to keep the medicine you need

2. how to avoid noisy people

3. how to keep your packing to a minimum

4. what to do if you need help at the airport

5. where to look for travel insurance

6. how to keep the main cost of your holiday down

7. how to save money when you're there