First For Schools 2015

Hunting for dinosaurs
Marge Baisch was riding on her parents farm in Montana in the USA when she noticed
what at first (0) .......... seemed to be the bone of a cow. In fact, it (1) .......... out to belong to a
dinosaur called a triceratops. About 65 million years ago, dinosaurs regularly (2) .......... near
huge rivers in this part of Montana. Luckily for modern day dinosaur enthusiasts, the (3) ..........
here were perfect for preserving those that died there. However, once prehistoric bones are
(4) .......... to the air, they can become fragile, so it is important to find and preserve them before
they disappear into the dust.
Since Marges discovery, her family have found the (5) .......... of hundreds of dinosaurs,
some of which they have (6).......... to museums. Many tourists visit the farm in the hope of
coming across something unusual. The tourists may not stand much (7) .......... of discovering an
entire skeleton, but they are still very enthusiastic! The Baische family often allow them to keep
whatever they find, although some scientists (8) .......... of this policy.
..
A History of surfing
The history of surfing undoubtedly goes (0) .......... a long way. It seems to (9) ..........
formed a central part of the culture of the Polynesian people, who were inhabitants of islands in
the Pacific Ocean (10) .......... as Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii. These people did not regard surfing
(11) .......... a mere recreational activity. For them, it was much (12) .......... of an art.
Although surfing disappeared from many parts of Polynesia in (13) .......... early twentieth
century, a small number of people in Hawaii kept the tradition alive. In 1912, it spread to the
east coast of the United States, and in particular to Virginia Beach, (14) .......... became an
important surfing centre.
Surfing developed quite rapidly from then on, and the design of surfboards became more
sophisticated. However, (15).......... was not until the 1960s that surfing came to be a truly global
phenomenon, boosted not only by the success of surfing films (16) .......... also by pop songs
about surfing culture.
..
A book of world records
One of the most fascinating (0) _reference_ books you can read is Guinness REFER
World Records. It contains a (17) .......... of facts and figures about incredible COLLECT
human achievement. It is also full of statistics concerning (18) .......... natural IMPRESS
features such as the worlds highest mountains. But it is more than just a RELY
(19) .......... source of amazing facts. The organisation that produces the book is TRUE
also now responsible for checking the (20) .......... and accuracy of every new
world record. ARGUE
It all started in 1951 when Hugh Beaver, the Managing Director of a large HELP
British company, got into an (21) .......... about which bird was the fastest in the COMMERCE
world, and found that none of the books in his library were (22) .......... in giving CONVENTIONA
him the answer. He hired researchers to produce a book that could answer L
such questions. It sold quickly and became a huge (23) .......... success.
In recent years, the book has increasingly focused on records set during
(24) .......... competitions, such as sword swallowing.
First for Schools 2015 Reading and Use of English sample paper 2
A The only problem is that users really do have to keep their minds focussed.
B As a result, they became easier to ride.
C Then, the board seems to take off of its own accord.
D However, it will always be an issue for most riders.
E Apart from that basic requirement, they just have to get their brainwaves and the computer software to work together.
F Its clear, however, that there could be other skaters thinking themselves to various destinations in no time at all.
G These were then converted into commands for the motor.
Young environmentalists
Four young people talk about their involvement in environmental projects
A] Lucy Walker- I won a national award for the work I did on a project to build an environmental
centre made entirely out of green materials. Its a 100% carbon neutral building, which means
that all the building materials were reused or recycled. The centre is somewhere kids can learn
how to take care of the environment, but I realised that not everyone would have the opportunity
to visit it. I therefore created an online curriculum guide, so kids could also learn about the
environment in their schools. I translated it into Spanish as well so that it could be available to
more people. All this took two years and I did it because I have a great love for the outdoors and
being in the midst of wildlife, I wanted other young people to be able to experience the same
passion that I feel.
B] Justin Day- While hiking near my home, I noticed a plant I didnt recognise growing along the
side of the trail.
My sister, a naturalist, told me the plant was an invasive, non-native plant that is toxic to local
wildlife. I then discovered that there are a number of different types of non-native plants in my
area. Some excrete poisons into the ground so nothing can grow there for many years. I had to
get permission from the local council to remove some of them, but I realised I couldnt do it
alone. So I set up an environmental organisation to recruit other teenagers to give me a hand.
We all learnt how to properly identify, remove and dispose of the invasive plants. Our focus has
mainly been on a plant called Dalmatian Toadflax, which is easier to pull up, so anyone can do it.
We also work on replanting areas with native grass and wildflower seeds.
C] Josh Benito- After seeing an article in the newspaper about an environmental competition, I
felt inspired to do something related to planting trees so I set up a project at my local primary
school. I gave a presentation to the kids teaching them about the importance of taking care of
the environment and how trees can help. Then, each of the 300 pupils was given two young
trees: one to take home and plant in their garden, and one to give to a neighbour or friend. I
think the project was an effective way of getting the message across to more people.
Attached to each tree was information about helping the environment and the name of the
project. This experience has taught me leadership skills and how to organise a large group. I
have also learned many things from having to meet and talk with many different individuals.
D] Erica Klek - When I was at primary school, my friend and I got really involved in aluminium
can recycling and we also did a project on the greenhouse effect. Later on at high school I helped
co-ordinate an environmental event because I wanted to make more people aware of important
issues. Its our generation thats going to make or break the environment. Some teenagers dont
know theyre doing the wrong things, and I want to help them understand. I recently prepared a
guide for students interested in organising similar activities in their own schools, which has been
distributed to most of the schools in my area. Ive also been helping to replant trees after they
were destroyed in a hurricane. Unfortunately, we lost a lot, both exotic and native species.
Which person
is trying to explain how some behaviour has harmful effects? 43 ____
followed up a talk by offering an opportunity for practical action? 44 ____
says they were motivated by a desire to share their enthusiasm? 45 ____
believes that an idea they came up with worked well? 46 ____
selected something because it was relatively straightforward to deal with? 47 ____
received public recognition for their environmental contribution? 48 ____
says the future of the environment depends on a particular group of people? 49 ____
mentions someone whose expert knowledge highlighted a problem? 50 ____
helped to create a place that reflected their values? 51 ____
mentions having to gain consent to start on a project? 52 ____
First for Schools 2015 Reading and Use of English sample paper 2

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Hunting for dinosaurs

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