New

Intermediate
OXFORD

EXA M
SUPPOR
T
O
XF
OR D

Tests

Lynda Edwards
with Kathy Gude 2
 Name:
Test 1
1 Class:

Reading Vocabulary
1 Read the text and match headings a–f to paragraphs 2 Underline the correct adjective in each sentence.
1–5. There is one heading you do not need.
1 If his young daughter watches too much television in the
a Silence preferred evening, she gets very outgoing / excitable and doesn’t
b A divided country want to go to bed.
c Living together 2 When he was younger he loved having conversations with
d A change of home anybody. He was very talkative / direct. Now it’s difficult
e Room for all the family to get him to say anything.
f A welcome for all 3 I like her honesty. She always says exactly what she
The north and south thinks! She’s so arrogant / direct.
1 4 Their dog tries to attack anyone who comes to the house.
Life in the north and south of England can be very I don’t know why he’s so aggressive / excitable.
different, not least because of the people who live there. 5 My father is very tolerant / traditional. He doesn’t like
Whether as a result of climatic, historical, geographical or new things.
economic reasons, or simply by chance, people from the 6 My sister’s lucky. She’s very outgoing / excitable and can
north and people from the south can be quite different speak easily to anyone.
from each other and this can be interesting for visitors to 7 I really dislike arrogant / direct people who think they
this country. know better than everyone else.
8 These days you need to be outgoing / tolerant. People
2
have so many different opinions.
The northerners have a reputation for being friendly,
9 Please be reserved / serious for just a moment. I know you
open and direct. They will not hesitate to start a
think this is funny, but it is important.
conversation with a stranger and it is said that their doors
10 My grandfather is quite reserved / serious. He doesn’t like
are always open. A northerner will tell you exactly what
to show his feelings very much.
he thinks, whether good or bad. However, in some areas, 10
the dialect or strength of accent sometimes makes
understanding difficult for people new to the region. 3 Fill in the gaps with up, in or up with.
3 1 He’s built a good relationship with the
On the other hand, southerners are known to be more neighbours over the last few months.
private people. They like their own space and are much 2 Teenagers make the majority of those
more reserved in general. It is true that you can travel on who go to fast food restaurants.
a crowded train in the south of England and not speak to 3 He put a lot of research before
one person for the whole journey. One theory is that the deciding where to open his new business.
people from the south are quite shy. Another is that they 4 Hotels bring a lot of money to the
are simply colder than their neighbours further north. local economy.
5 They had to put a great deal of noise
4 when they lived near the motorway.
Today, many people from the south are moving to the 5
north to benefit from lower house prices and a lower cost
4 Complete the sentences using these adjectives.
of living in general. It is also still possible to find unspoilt
areas to live in, in the beautiful moors and villages of the • easy-going • friendly • affectionate • sensitive • nervous
north, far from the overpopulated south. For the 1 Emma is a(n) child. She always kisses
northerners, the move south to find work in this area of her mother when she leaves for school.
greater opportunity is more difficult, but this is 2 I’m much too . I often cry when I watch
happening more and more often these days. sad films.
5 3 Jenny is a very person. She doesn’t like
An unwelcome result of this moving population is that to be in the house alone at night.
extended families can be separated. More positively, 4 Mr Brent is a(n) teacher. He doesn’t
however, southern and northern people are living side by mind if we give in our homework late.
side and perhaps the great historical divide will become 5 When I moved to my new house, the neighbours were
less obvious as the years pass. really and often asked me in for
5 coffee.
5

2 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 1

Grammar Speaking
5 Underline the correct form of the present tense in each Asking for and giving information
sentence. Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs.
1 They have / are having problems with their computer at Read the roles below. You have about 2 minutes for
the moment. your conversation.
2 Jenny is always borrowing / always borrows money from
me. I’m fed up with it. Student A
3 I am thinking / think that’s a great idea. Let’s do it!
You want to do some unpaid work helping elderly people
4 Who is Mike talk / is Mike talking to over there?
in your area. Your friend already does this work. Ask
5 Where’s Janet?
him / her:
She is playing / plays tennis.
6 My brother is working / works in New York for the • what sort of help is needed.
summer. • the qualities you should have to do this work.
7 I haven’t decided which university to apply for. • if you need your own transport.
I still think / am still thinking about it. You speak first.
8 What is that new ice cream tasting / does that new ice
cream taste like?
8 Student B
You do some unpaid work helping elderly people in your
6 Fill in the gaps with the correct form of these verbs.
area. Your friend wants to do the same. Answer his / her
• write • eat • want • own • work • travel • train questions giving the following information:
Anthony Masters is a famous British chef who • visit and talk to people in their own homes, e.g.
1 two restaurants in London. He regularly shopping, cleaning.
2
• a person should be caring, hard working, calm.
to different countries to find new
• need own transport as homes far apart.
recipes and appears on television every Saturday morning in
Wait for your partner to speak first.
his own cookery programme. Right now he
3 hard in New York, where he
4 some chefs for his new restaurant there.
He says that food is his life and he 5 (always)
! However, he 6 to lose
a little weight so he 7 a book of diet
recipes which will help him as well as others!
7

Writing
7 You are on a language course in another country. Write
a letter (120–150 words) to your brother / sister telling
him / her about a new friend you have met. Include
information about his / her:
• physical appearance.
• personality.
• interests.
• nationality and family.
10
Total 50

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 3

 Name:
Test 2 Class:

Reading 5 In the writer’s opinion,

1 Read the text and choose the best answer, a, b, c or d. a filmmakers don’t make very good films from books.
b our imaginations are better than a filmmaker’s.
Did you really? c sometimes we’re not certain if we’ve seen the film of a
How can we be sure that our memories are real? Some book.
experts say that memories that we think are real are, in d films can be very similar to our ideas from the book.
fact, sometimes not true at all. We all know that our 5
memories can play tricks on us. How many of us
remember the summer holidays of our childhood as Vocabulary
longer, hotter and sunnier than they really were? But how 2 Complete the sentences with these words.
can we invent a memory that never happened?
• meaning • brain • concentration • mind • remind
A man from Bristol remembered watching a fire at a • senses • memory • explanation • remember • observation
house in his street when he was five years old. He can
1 I’m afraid I can’t where I put your
describe the scene, the darkness, the flames and the fire
fighters. He can even remember the smell of the smoke book.
and the feeling of panic around him. Later in life he 2 For many children, at school is difficult
learned from his family that he didn’t see the fire at all. as they are always thinking of something else.
He was staying with his grandparents at the time. He had 3 Why is there water all over the floor? I’d like a(n)
been told about the fire and pictured it so clearly in his , please.
mind that he really believed he had been there. He
4 Could you tell me the of this word,
would have even passed a lie test!
please? I’ve forgotten my dictionary.
Something similar can happen to us quite often when we
5 Terry had to have an operation on his ,
read a book and our imagination creates pictures of the
but he’s fine now.
characters and scenes from the story. Later we can be
unsure whether we have seen the film that was made 6 There’s an interesting TV programme on tonight about
from the book or not. So, how reliable are our memories? the , especially sight and hearing.
Maybe they aren’t as reliable as we think. 7 is important for artists. They need to
look carefully at people and places to get ideas.
1 The writer of the article believes that sometimes
a we lie about the details in a past event. 8 I’ve made up my – I will go to the
b people trick us with their stories of the past. party!
c we think we remember an event someone told us 9 My grandfather has an excellent . He
about. often tells us stories about when he was a young child
d our minds invent memories to make our lives more and that’s 80 years ago!
interesting.
10 Please me to go to the bank later. I
2 According to the writer, mustn’t forget.
a we preferred life when we were children. 10
b childhood memories can sometimes be exaggerated.
3 Underline the correct word in each sentence.
c the summer weather was much better in the past.
d our memories of our childhood are very real. 1 The police have a suspect / witness for the murder, but
they don’t have enough evidence to arrest him yet.
3 According to the article, the man from Bristol
2 There is a ransom / reward for anyone who can give
a couldn’t see the fire because of the smoke.
information about the crime.
b panicked when he saw the flames.
3 Jessica was stopped for speeding / fraud in her new
c forgot everything about the fire.
Ferrari.
d didn’t see the fire.
4 The judge / witness decided there should be a new trial.
4 The man from Bristol learned the truth 5 Mike wasn’t punished for stealing the CDs, because it was
a from his grandparents. his first sentence / offence.
b when he was five. 5
c from a fire fighter.
d when he was older.

4 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 2

4 Complete the phrasal verbs by filling the gaps with up, Writing
off, or out. 7 A friend of yours from England is going on holiday to
1 Did you find the times of the trains? the same place that you went to last year. Write a letter
2 I’m really tired. We set at six this (120–150 words) to your friend giving him / her some
advice on these things.
morning.
3 He made the story of the fire. • the weather
• clothes to take
4 I won’t have to walk. My brother will drop me
• best places to visit during the day
on his way to work.
• best places to visit at night
5 Shall I buy the red or the blue shoes? I can’t make • transport and prices
my mind. 10
5
Total 50
Grammar Speaking
5 Underline the correct modal verb in each sentence. Asking for and giving information
1 You shouldn’t / don’t have to eat so much cake. It isn’t
Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs.
good for you.
2 We could / had to go to the bank yesterday. We needed a
loan! Student A
3 They can / should see Central Park from their hotel You are a police officer. Student B is a witness to a
window. burglary which happened at 8 Ash Road last night. Ask
4 You mustn’t / can’t write in that library book. him / her about the following:
5 I couldn’t / didn’t need to phone Carol. I found the • where he / she was and the time.
information on the internet. • what he / she saw.
6 Steve should / could go to the doctor. His back problem • what the burglar looked like and what he / she was
might be serious. wearing.
7 I need to / must use the computer this evening. Is that
You speak first.
OK?
8 I couldn’t / didn’t need to run very fast when I was a child
because I had weak ankles. Student B
9 Jake’s only two – please help him. He can’t / may not do You live at 9, Ash Road. You witnessed a burglary last
it on his own. night at number 8, the house opposite yours. Answer the
10 Silvia was such a clever baby. She could / had to speak police officer’s questions. Tell him / her:
when she was one!
10 • where you were when you saw the burglary.
• what time this was.
6 Complete the email with these modal verbs. • what the burglar did.
• can • mustn’t • had to • can’t • have to • what the burglar looked like and what he / she was
wearing.
Hi Susan
Wait for your partner to speak first.
We’re having a terrible holiday! The hotel is really awful. Our
room is on the tenth floor and we 1 use
the lift because it’s out of order. We 2
close the windows at night because of the noise from the
road and we 3 only get sandwiches in the
restaurant because the chef’s got food poisoning!
Robert got sunburnt yesterday so we 4
take him to the doctor. He 5 go on the
beach for three days or he’ll be very ill.
I hope you’re having a better week than we are!
Love
Patty
5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 5

 Name:
Test 3 Class:

Reading The body is quite wonderful in the way that it adapts to

1 Read the text and decide which sentence, a or b, best change and in the future perhaps we will have fewer
summarises paragraphs 1–5. teeth, a stronger backbone and less stored fat on our
bodies. I hope it’s soon.
1 a It takes a long time for changes to happen to the body.
5
b Changes to the body can cause us a lot of problems.
2 a Teeth problems today are often a result of changes in Vocabulary
eating habits.
2 Complete the sentences with these words.
b Our ancestors used their teeth for eating hard meat.
3 a Our backbones are still adapting to walking on two • descendants • average person • couch potato • mankind
legs. • height • staple diet • ancestors • hunter-gatherers
b We have problems with our backs because we don’t 1 My came from Africa.
walk properly. 2 Rice is an important part of the in
4 a Mankind is getting fatter because we do not hunt and Asia.
exercise like our ancestors. 3 I hope our will live in a more peaceful
b Our body system of storing fat needs to change. world.
5 a Health problems will become fewer in the future. 4 There is a minimum for some jobs;
b We will have stronger bodies in the future. police officers, for example.
Today’s problems, a result of the past? 5 The survival of may depend on how
well we protect our planet.
Many of the medical problems people have today are a
6 The sleeps for about eight hours a
direct result of how the body has changed and is still
night.
changing to suit different lifestyles. The changes in both
7 If you stay in and do no exercise, you’ll become a
the body and lifestyle happen extremely slowly and will
continue as long as mankind exists. Common medical .
problems today concern teeth, bones and weight. Many 8 Before agriculture was invented, ate a
of these have happened because of evolutionary changes lot of meat and different wild plants.
8
to the body, not because of bad diet or a lazy lifestyle, as
a lot of people think. 3 Complete the sentences with these verbs.
Millions of pounds are spent every year to help teenagers • put • fall • give • take • try • let
who have too many teeth in their mouths. In the past,
1 We were going to try the new restaurant but the high
our ancestors needed more teeth and large, strong jaw
bones so that they could tear the meat from animals’ prices us off.
bones. With our modern diet this is no longer necessary. 2 In Japan people usually off their shoes
Our jaw bones are getting smaller and unable to hold so when they enter a house.
many teeth and this produces overcrowding. The teeth 3 Our teacher will not up with Jenna’s
themselves are also changing. The teeth which we used rudeness for much longer.
for tearing are not as sharp as they were before.
4 Mike promised to help me with this work and now he
Another common medical problem today is back pain. says he won’t. He’s really me down.
The spine, the bones in our back, is still getting used to
5 Sarah might have to go to London on Friday. I hope our
the fact that humans walk on two legs. This was a new
plans to see a film in the evening don’t
way of moving. It is easy to damage the back, but this
important part of our skeleton is likely to become through.
stronger and stronger in the future. 6 You should up cycling. It’s a good way
It is a well-known fact that we are getting fatter but this is to exercise.
not only because we eat the wrong foods and do not get 7 Mum didn’t on the dress in the shop
enough exercise. When our ancestors lived by hunting and now she’s upset because it’s too tight.
and gathering food, there were times when there was 8 I must up cream cakes. I’m putting on
plenty to eat and times when there was very little. The too much weight.
body developed a system to store fat for the times when 8
there was no food. Our bodies are still storing fat which
we do not use because, in general, food is always
available. Now we try medicines, diets and even
operations to lose the unnecessary fat.

6 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 3

4 Complete the sentences with these nouns. Writing

• journey • trip • tour • voyage 7 You have been asked to write a short entry for a book
about historical buildings in your country. Choose an
1 When we went to Rome last year our friends took us on a
interesting old building in your area and write about it
of the city. (120–150 words). Include:
2 While you’re in England you must take a
to Oxford. It’s a lovely place to visit. • when and why it was built
3 That new film about the of a • a short description of the building
spaceship to another galaxy is really boring. • what life was like for the people who lived or worked in it
4 I love a long train . There’s time to • why it is interesting today
10
read, sleep and look out of the window.
4 Total 50

Grammar Speaking
5 Fill the gaps with the correct past form of the verbs in Photo discussion
brackets. In pairs, Student A look at photograph 1; Student B look
at photograph 2. Take it in turns to ask and answer about
1 I (meet) my fiancé while I
the photographs.
(live) in Italy last year.
2 Dawn (not speak) to her new boss
before. She (be) very nervous.
3 I (wait) to see the doctor, when Mark
and Julie (come) in.
4 Ken (have) an interview at 10 o’clock
this morning, and this afternoon they
(offer) him the job.
5 What (you do) at the office so late last
night? I (see) your car in the car park. 1
6 I (not want) to disturb my
grandmother because she (sleep).
7 The waiter (take) my plate before I
(finish).
8 The last time Jan (see) Ray he
(work) for a car company.
9 Carrie (see) the film before, but she
(go) with Phil to see it again last
weekend.
2
10 Peter (drive) to the airport when he
(hear) a strange noise at the back of
the car.
10 Student A: ask B
• what is in the photo.
6 Underline the correct past verb forms.
• why it was safe for these children to do this.
It 1 rained / was raining when I arrived in Paris. I 2 didn’t • where he / she liked to play when he / she was young.
bring / hadn’t brought an umbrella so I got very wet while I
3 was waiting / had waited for a taxi to take me to my hotel. Student B: ask A
The taxi driver was very friendly and 4 was driving / drove • what the photo shows.
me round the centre of the city to see the famous sights. • what he / she thinks it was like to buy things there.
I 5 never went / had never been to Paris before and I thought • where he / she likes to go shopping and why.
it was beautiful in spite of the rain.
5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 7

 Name:
Test 4 Class:

Reading Vocabulary
1 Decide which sentences a–f fit into gaps 1–5 in the 2 Complete the gaps in the text with these words.
article. There is one sentence you do not need.
• expand • fastest-growing • suit • talent • good
a This movement is also welcomed by many employers, • satisfaction • open up • demand • create • soar
who see it as a way of getting greater experience in the
workplace. Information technology is the 1 industry
b What is also important is choice, variety and job in the world today. As a result, there is a high
satisfaction. 2 in schools for teachers of this subject.
c To them it is an old idea which doesn’t fit the modern Experts say that many schools will 3 their
job market.
information and communication technology departments
d Such work offered a secure income, and jobs were
generally not something to be enjoyed. over the next few years and the government will have to
4 hundreds of new jobs for specialist
e Many teenagers today do not like long periods of training
and more and more are going straight into work after teachers. Job opportunities in computer technology continue
finishing school. to 5 and good qualifications in computer
f With an increasing number of new and exciting jobs skills will 6 a huge number of future
becoming available, and the possibility of retraining at
career possibilities. School students who are
any age, doors will always be open.
7 at languages often have a
A job for life 8 for computer programming. A job with
The idea of having one job for the whole of your life has computers will also 9 people who are
disappeared from the minds of the 21st century young logical thinkers. Working in this industry can bring a large
adults who are thinking about their futures. 1
amount of job 10 .
In the past, people were often proud to spend a lifetime 10
working for the same employer. They progressed within 3 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.
the company, retired with a gift for long service, and then
lived on their pensions. 2 • commercial • previous • complex • minimal • dramatic

Today’s young people do not see their working lives in the 1 Starting their own business will mean a
same way. It is now common to change jobs regularly. A change to Sharon’s and Jeff’s lifestyle.
survey has shown that in the USA the average male has 2 The owners of the shop sold fruit and
had nine jobs by the age of 32. 3 There are also
vegetables, but the new owners want to sell clothes.
fewer pressures on young people to choose their future
3 My parents are only going to make
careers at an early age, a choice they may be unhappy
with later. changes to their new house – it’s in very good condition.
4 They will have to pay special taxes because it’s a
Work today is not only about earning money to support
ourselves and our families. 4 It seems a healthy building.
step forward that a wrong decision taken as a school 5 We’re starting a new at school to make
leaver does not mean a lifetime of boring or unsuitable and sell healthy snacks.
work. 5 Job satisfaction is no longer at the bottom 5
of the list.
5

8 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 4

4 Replace the words in italics, with the correct phrasal Writing

verb. 7 Two months ago you ordered two CD-ROMs from English
• work out • come up against • count on • bring about Learning Publications to help you improve your English
• be up to vocabulary and grammar. Only the vocabulary CD has
arrived and it is not the level you ordered. Write a
1 She’s not feeling well enough for a long journey. She’s still
formal letter of complaint (120–150 words) to the
recovering. company. In your letter:
2 I know I can rely on Mark. He’s always there when I need
• confirm you have received the vocabulary CD.
him. • explain why you are writing.
3 When we moved house last year it was very simple. We • say how long you have waited.
didn’t have to deal with any problems. • say what you expect to be done.
4 Don’t worry. We’ll manage to find an answer to the • use a suitable ending.
10
problem.
Total 50
5 The internet will cause a lot of changes in education over
the next ten years.
5
Speaking
Photo discussion 1
Grammar In pairs, Student A
5 Underline the correct verb form in each sentence. look at photograph 1;
1 Pat works so hard she’ll pass / she’s passing the exam Student B look at
easily. photograph 2. Take it
2 If you want to get the bus, you’re having to go / you’ll in turns to ask and
have to go soon. answer about
3 The film starts / is going to start at 6.30. Don’t be late! the photographs.
4 I’m going to cook / I will cook a special meal for Frank’s
birthday tomorrow. He’s asked for a curry.
5 We can go out as soon as Katie will arrive / arrives.
6 Will you help / Are you going to help me with my project?
I’m afraid I’m not very good at using the computer.
7 I think they’ll win / they’re winning the next election with
a large majority.
8 Gordon will meet / is meeting his mother at the airport
2
this evening.
9 Have you heard the good news? Mandy will have / is going
to have a baby.
10 Anne’s sorry she can’t come to the theatre. She’s visiting /
She will visit her mother tonight.
10
6 Write the correct future form of the verbs in brackets to
complete the gaps.

The Oxford Summer School 1 _______ (open) this year on

the 6 July and will continue until 7 September.
This summer, students 2 _______ (able to) choose from
a wider range of courses than in previous years. There Student A: ask B
3 ________ (also be) the chance to do practical courses,
• what the photo shows.
such as photography and gardening, in addition to the • what the people are doing.
language and literature courses which are offered every • what effects this problem has on the environment.
year.
We also promise an exciting variety of social events. These Student B: ask A
4____ (start) with the party on the first evening and
• what is in the photo.
5_______ (include) outings to the theatre, sports, and trips • what the result of this problem is.
to places of interest. We look forward to seeing you in July. • what solutions are used to solve the problem.
5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 9

 Name:
Test 5 Class:

Reading Vocabulary
1 Read the text and match headings a–f to paragraphs 1–5. 2 Choose the best word, a or b, to complete the
There is one heading you do not need. sentences.
a They’ve got what they wanted 1 Kerry made a big when she gave up her job to
b Simply not true travel round the world with James.
c It’s not forever a humiliation b sacrifice
d Some sacrifices
e Always recognised 2 parents often make their children do things they
f The money’s good don’t really want to do.
a Pushy b Talented
‘It won’t change me!’ 3 My sister has been a(n) actress for years but she
1 wouldn’t like to do it as a job.
‘Fame won’t change me.’ How many times have new a amateur b professional
celebrities said these words? Young footballers, singers 4 He’s a(n) success now. His music is bought all
who have just won top TV competitions, actors appearing over the world.
in extremely successful films, and even young people who a top-ranked b international
have married into royalty. Do we believe them? Not for a
5 Tom is a child but he doesn’t want to be famous.
moment.
a pushy b talented
2
It is almost impossible not to be changed by fame. It is 6 The new soccer star doesn’t like being followed by
not like a coat that you can take off when you get home journalists. He likes his .
from work. It is also something that these people have a privacy b sacrifice
usually been actively hoping for, for a long time. They 7 I know Helen’ll get to the top. She’s and really
wanted it, they’ve got it and they’re going to enjoy it. wants to succeed.
3 a professional b ambitious
Being in the public eye is exciting. People stop celebrities 8 tennis players in the USA earn a lot of money but
everywhere they go, even in supermarkets, and ask for an they have to work hard.
autograph. For the rest of us the only time we sign our a International b Professional
names in shops is to pay the bill. Unlike them, we can’t 9 A well-known soap opera actress suffered public
get the best table in the best restaurant simply because of when she forgot her lines on live television.
who we are. We probably wouldn’t even be able to afford a humiliation b defeat
the bread there anyway! Of course the lives of people like
10 My nephew is a(n) swimmer, and will probably
this must change.
win the national competition.
4
a international b top-ranked
The price celebrities have to pay for this change in 10
lifestyle is significant. No more privacy, no more walking
down to the shops with no make-up or messy hair and no 3 Replace the verbs in italic with these verbs.
more quiet holidays on the beach. But, this is all part of • sum up • set up • hold • raise • pick
the job of being famous and whether it’s in a good way
or a bad way, one thing is certain … fame does change 1 If you want to start a business, you often need to borrow
a person. money from the bank.
5 2 We didn’t collect enough money to build a new
However, as we know, fame does not last forever unless swimming pool for the school.
you are like Marilyn Monroe. So, I suppose the stars have 3 They’re going to organise a memory competition next
to enjoy it while it lasts and then experience an even
week.
more difficult change when the recognition and money
stop. They say that in our lives we all have fifteen minutes 4 Can you choose a student to welcome our visitor, please?
of fame. I think I’d like to be famous for a little longer
than that – despite the problems! 5 At the end of the meeting, Mary will quickly summarise
5
the main points.
5

10 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 5

4 Complete the sentences with the correct form of these 3 The children enjoyed the day at the beach
phrasal verbs. it rained a lot.
• hang on to • put off • carry on • work out • go without 4 It can’t be cold outside everyone’s
wearing T-shirts.
1 Lucy cakes and biscuits this month to 5 They won’t choose Tony for the football team
lose some weight. he practises more.
2 The Morrisons wanted to live in Texas, but they 5
by the heat. Writing
3 Richard got very few interviews last year, but he 7 Write a composition (200–250 words) arguing for and
applying for jobs, and now he’s got against one of these titles:
just what he wanted.
If you want to be successful, it isn’t what you know but
4 Let’s how much the holiday would cost who you know that is important.
– I think we can afford it.
Success depends on being in the right place at the right
5 It’s difficult to your privacy when time.
you’re famous.
5 Remember to:
• explain the meaning of the title.
Grammar • write a paragraph ‘for’ the title.
5 Complete the sentences. Use must have, can’t have, • write a paragraph ‘against’ the title.
might have, or might not have and the correct form of • summarise your own views.
the verbs in brackets. • link your ideas appropriately.
1 Look how tanned James is. It (be) • use an appropriate style.
10
really hot on his holiday.
Total 50
2 Where was Lisa this morning? She
(know) about the meeting. I reminded her yesterday. Speaking
3 I’m not sure who translated the letter. It Negotiating and reaching a decision
(be) Pete. I think he can speak Spanish. Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs.
4 Charlie (eat) the whole cake. It was
Read the roles below. You have about 2 minutes for your
enormous!
conversation.
5 Clare (like) the meal I cooked her. She
asked for the recipe.
Student A
6 I’m not sure why Jane and John didn’t come to the party.
You are going to visit London for a weekend with your
They (realise) it was last night.
friend (Student B). You have some suggestions of what to
7 Dave (go) to the shopping centre. I do there. Persuade your partner to do one of these things
think he said something about needing to get someone a and agree to do one thing your partner suggests.
present. • see the sights
8 Sam (know) Carla was planning to • go shopping
leave her job. She hadn’t said anything about it to • visit an art gallery
anyone. You speak first.
9 Kate (be) tired. She slept till 11.30 this
morning. Student B
10 They (see) that film. It only came out You are going to visit London for a weekend with a friend
yesterday. (Student A). Here are your suggestions of what to do
10 there. Persuade your partner to do one of these things
and agree to do one thing your partner suggests.
6 Complete the sentences with these words.
• go to a show
• because • although • unless
• go to a famous restaurant
1 He must have lived in Italy he speaks • go on a river cruise
Italian so fluently. Wait for your partner to speak first.
2 You can’t travel to another country
you have a passport.

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 11

 Name:
Progress test 1 Class:

Reading Vocabulary
1 Read this article about memory and decide whether
2 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.
statements 1–5 are true or false according to the text.
Write T or F in each box. • sensitive • ambitious • excitable • affectionate • talented
• amateur • tolerant • minimal • commercial • easy-going
Use it or lose it
1 Little Harry is so . He always gives his
As people get older, they often begin to be aware of
problems with their memories. Sometimes, older people grandmother a kiss and a hug.
can remember every detail of their childhood but not 2 I have been very of your behaviour,
what happened last week or why they have gone into a but now this rudeness must stop.
particular room. This suggests that it is short-term not 3 John is going to teach his dog to be calmer. She’s very
long-term memory that is affected. Apparently, an eighty- and jumps up at people all the time.
year-old has only slightly fewer brain cells than a
4 This report is excellent. I’ll only have to make
teenager, so it is not that people lose memory but they
find it more difficult to recall things. changes.
5 A lot of successful people are also .
The way to help improving our memory is to keep using
6 Be careful how you tell Beth about what’s happened.
it. If we give ourselves memory tasks such as trying to
remember lists or telling someone the story of a book or She’s so and gets upset very easily.
film we have just read, we keep the brain active and 7 I had no special training and I don’t sell my paintings. I’m
remember more easily. If we want to fix something in our only a(n) .
memories, we must concentrate on it and want to 8 My son has a lovely singing voice. I don’t know why
remember it. We see and hear so much in our lives that because neither his father nor I are very
the brain cannot store everything for instant recall. For
at music.
example, if we find a phone number in the telephone
book we remember it for 10 seconds or long enough to 9 Nothing worries my father very much. He’s such a(n)
dial the number, but a few minutes later, it has gone. It is person.
still in our memory somewhere but is not easy to recall. 10 We will have to sell part of the business. I don’t want to
So, concentration and practice will keep our brains busy but it’s a(n) decision.
and keep our memories in better shape. 10

1 People often can’t remember what happened 3 Choose the best word, a or b, to complete the
a long time ago. sentences.
2 Young people have the same amount of 1 is very important if you want to be a scientist.
brain cells as their grandparents. You have to notice what is around you.
3 It is a good idea to memorise things for practice. a Observation b Concentration
4 We sometimes forget a phone number before
we can use it. 2 Mr Green has offered a to anyone who finds his
5 In our brains we have a memory of everything lost dog.
we experience. a ransom b reward

5 3 The injured man says the other driver caused the

accident, but the police can’t find a . No other
cars were involved.
a suspect b witness
4 Janine’s came from Norway. She looks quite
Scandinavian, doesn’t she?
a descendants b ancestors
5 The thief was of average , very thin and had long,
dark hair.
a height b weight

12 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Progress test 1

6 The to Rome was terrible. The rain was so heavy, 5 Look at the sky. It at any moment.
we had to drive really slowly. a is going to rain b will rain
a journey b trip 6 We’ve decided that we for the exam together. Do
7 Without better Paul won’t make any progress in you want to join us?
chess. He should think more carefully about each move. a will revise b are going to revise
a observation b concentration 7 They’ve got the tickets and they to New York on
8 There’s a(n) for cottages in the countryside Saturday.
because people who live in cities want holiday homes a will fly b are flying
there. 8 I football tonight because my ankle hurts.
a demand b order a don’t play b am not playing
9 They made a great for their daughter when they 9 I’m sure Tom the writing competition.
moved to a smaller house in order to pay for her to go to a is winning b will win
college.
a humiliation b sacrifice 10 Hurry up! You the bus.
a will miss b are missing
10 When you live in a village, it’s difficult to get much 10
. Everybody seems to know everything about each
other. 6 Complete the postcard using the verbs in brackets. Use
the present continuous, past simple, past continuous
a privacy b concentration
10 and past perfect tenses.

4 Make phrasal verbs and use them in the correct form to Hi

complete these sentences. We 1 (have) a great time skiing in
put off Switzerland. It 2 (snow) when we arrived
find on and the mountains looked just like this picture. Yesterday
count out Janet 3 (ski) down a slope when she
work up with 4 (fall) and hurt her ankle. I thought she
put out 5 (break) it, but she hasn’t.
1 My neighbours have parties every night. I can’t Love Katie
the noise for much longer. 5
2 I got all my bills together and exactly Listening
what I had spent on my flat – it was more than I thought. 7 Listen to a radio programme about animal
3 My parents wanted to stay at that lovely hotel by the river, communication and put the following statements in the
but the high price (them) . order you hear them in the recording.
4 I must what time Denise is arriving so a Chimps can make up signs for new words.
that I can meet her at the station. b Chimps can’t physically produce words as we do.
5 My brother’s doing the same maths course I did, so now c Professor Kelso has been doing research with chimps for
he me to help him with his homework. over two decades.
d One chimp invented a new sign for a fruit.
5
e Chimps want to communicate.
Grammar 5
5 Choose the correct future form, a or b, to complete the Total 50
sentences.
1 I Jane at 7.30 outside the cinema. We arranged it
this morning.
a will meet b am meeting
2 The train at 9.00, so please don’t be late.
a is leaving b leaves
3 I want to speak to Mrs Field as soon as she .
a arrives b will arrive
4 the new quiz programme on television tonight?
a Are you going to watch b Are you watching

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 13

 Name:
Test 6
1 Class:

Reading f Writing text messages can harm the fingers.

1 Read the text and circle five from statements a–i which g You have time to think about what you want to say in an
reflect the content of the text. email.
h It is useful to be able to keep phone messages.
The written word i There is a danger that people will forget how to
Given how much time we seem to spend talking to each communicate face to face.
other, it is surprising to learn that most of our 5
communication is not face to face, or even voice to voice.
It is done in writing. The method used is not pen and
Vocabulary
paper, but electronic. Texting on mobile phones and
2 Complete the sentences with these words.
sending emails are ways of communicating that were • dress rehearsal • frown • hand movements
unthought of twenty years ago, yet here at the beginning • body language • eye-contact • posture • clutched
of the twenty-first century they have become the most • facial expression • first impression • handshake
popular form of correspondence. Why is it that so many
1 If you don’t want to speak to someone, don’t make
people now prefer to send a text message or an email
than to use the telephone to speak to each other? .
2 Practise what you are going to say before an important
One reason is clarity. When texting or writing an email
you can ‘say’ exactly what you want to say and the other event by having a .
person has to ‘listen’. They cannot interrupt you or 3 Remember, your shows people how
distract you. You have time to organise your thoughts, you are feeling before you open your mouth to say
correct mistakes or change ideas. You can also get directly anything.
to the point without spending time on the social 4 Don’t . It makes you look angry.
formalities. 5 You could tell Emma Sharpe was nervous. She
her handbag on her knee throughout
A second reason is convenience. A written message can be
read when it is convenient for the reader, whereas a the interview.
phone call cannot always be answered or may interrupt 6 Jackie has very good and always holds
other activities. The written message can also be re-read her head high.
and easily stored if necessary. It is also convenient for the 7 When we first met, Mike made a good .
sender, who can even take part in a text conversation He seemed intelligent and confident.
while doing other things at the same time! 8 The interviewee tried to appear calm but his
Thirdly, of course, it is fun! Having a text conversation or said something different. He kept
chatting on the net involves finger skills, speed and the playing with his tie.
use of a specialised language which continues to change 9 You can learn a lot from a person’s .
and develop to allow speed to increase. The use of such a How they sit and move can tell you many things.
code has its attractions. 10 The interviewer had a very strong .
I couldn’t stop tears coming to my eyes.
What is a little frightening is that electronic 10
communication means that people have to leave their
houses or physically speak to others less and less often. 3 Underline the correct adjective in each sentence.
There is the chance that we might gradually lose the 1 Laura lay in bed listening to the footsteps getting closer.
social skills we need to talk to each other and become She was terrified / nervous.
more and more isolated in front of our computers with 2 The police were very cool / cautious about approaching
our mobile phones beside us. the escaped prisoner because he was holding a gun.
a We communicate with each other in writing more than 3 If I don’t have enough time to do my work, I get nervous /
any other form of communication. stressed.
b It is difficult to learn the special language used in text 4 I always get cautious / nervous before an exam but I think
messages. it helps me concentrate.
c Receiving a phone call can disturb what you are doing. 5 He’s so cool / relieved. Nothing worries him.
5
d The language of text messages is changing so that
messages can be written more quickly.
e The rise of electronic communication was predicted many
years ago.

14 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 6

4 Replace the words in italic with these adjectives. You Writing

may have to change the word order. 7 You have decided to buy a new laptop called the PZ61
• rare • confident • apprehensive • ridiculous • familiar from Comco. Before you buy one you want to find out
more about these items:
1 I was very worried about going back to work after the
accident. • screen size.
• weight.
2 Those birds are quite uncommon. You don’t see them
• software programs included.
very often. • cost.
3 That’s a crazy idea. Don’t even think about it.
Write a letter (120–150 words) to Comco to request more
information.
4 That man seems to have a face I’ve seen before. I wonder 10
where we met. Total 50
5 My boss is very sure of himself. He knows he’s a good
manager. Speaking
5 Giving a short presentation
Grammar You have about 2 minutes to present one of the following
5 Underline the correct verb form in the following topics to the class.
dialogue. 1 The advantages and disadvantages of using email.
1
2 Children should be taught computer skills from their first
Sue Did you tell / Have you told your parents our news?
year at school. Give your opinion.
Mike 2 I’ve phoned / I phoned them at about 10, but they

3 haven’t answered / didn’t answer. What about your

parents?
Sue 4 I’ve already spoken / I already spoke to them. They

5 haven’t been surprised / weren’t surprised, and

they’re very happy about our engagement.

5

6 Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets in

the present perfect simple or present perfect continuous
tense.
1 The engineer (try) to repair this
computer for an hour, but it still doesn’t work.
2 (you see) Ben today? I need to ask him
a couple of questions.
3 Jean (want) to learn to sing and now
she’s got the chance.
4 (we ask) Janine and Philip to the
party?
5 Do you know why Calvin (use) the
internet so much recently?
6 Patrick (not reply) to my email yet. I
think he’s still on holiday.
7 Jane (not talk) to Pat since they had an
arguement.
8 My cousin (learn) to drive for two
years! She still won’t drive in the city centre.
9 (you ever eat) snake? Some people say
it’s very good for you!
10 How long (Mr Smith be) a teacher?
He’s still very nervous.
10

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 15

 Name:
Test 7 Class:

Reading 4 The USA is the of many Australian film

1 Each of the sentences a–e fits into a gap in the extract stars.
from an article about Barbados. Decide where each 5 often work in dangerous conditions
sentence best fits. with very poor pay and without any official papers.
6 Thousands of came across the border
a These are actually long, hanging branches and leaves.
to escape the war in their country.
b The Barbadian dialect has been made the national
7 The of my street have complained
language and traditional festivals have been
about the noise from the new nightclub.
reintroduced.
8 The first in Barbados were farmers.
c Its history, however, has involved many different cultures.
9 While she was in hospital my grandmother had a lot of
d During that time the country became extremely
. Sometimes there were too many to sit
important for sugar production and slaves were brought
round the bed.
here from Africa to work in the sugar fields.
10 There are many British in France and
e These people were taken from the island as slaves by the
Spain because the weather and lifestyle are so good.
Spanish in the early sixteenth century.
10
A Caribbean island paradise?
3 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.
Barbados is an island in the Caribbean which has become
one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. • keen • unmistakeable • tough • uneventful • disturbing
Today it has its own special identity. 1 1 The story about the ghost kept me
Amerindians, Africans and Europeans have all left their awake all night.
mark on this tiny island. 2 Emma practises the guitar every evening – she’s very
It was first settled by Amerindians from Venezuela who .
farmed, fished and made pottery. 2 The island 3 Shakespeare’s style can’t possibly be
was rediscovered by the English 20 years later and named confused with any other writer.
‘Barbados’ probably because of the special trees which 4 When we moved to Spain, we found life difficult. It was
grow there and seem to have long ‘beards’. 3
really for the first year.
Barbados remained part of the British Empire for several 5 Nothing much happened during the journey – it was
hundred years until it achieved independence in 1966. rather .
4 . After slavery was abolished in 1834 the 5
Barbadians had a long fight for equality.
4 Complete the sentences with one of these verbs in the
They were finally given independence, and after a long correct form.
history of British influence, they have been trying to find
their own identity. 5 These feature local • get • keep • come
costumes, music, dance and food and drink. Today, 1 Jack up with an excellent idea at the
Barbados is well known for its tourism and its rum, a meeting yesterday.
drink which is exported all over the world. 2 You’re running too fast – I can’t up
5 with you.
3 When life gets stressful it’s good to
Vocabulary away for a few days.
2 Complete the sentences with these words.
4 Don’t worry about money. We can by
• visitors • homeland • settlers • adopted country on my salary for the next couple of months.
• asylum seekers • illegal immigrants • refugees • residents 5 Vince off the bus at the stop outside
• emigrants • inhabitants the library and walks to work from there every morning.
1 Although Ewa moved to Italy when she got married 50 5
years ago, she has never forgotten her .
2 Julia helps with their applications to
stay in this country. Many are in danger if they return to
their own countries.
3 The United Kingdom has about 59 million
.

16 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 7

Grammar Speaking
5 Put the verbs in brackets in the correct passive form. Asking for and giving information
Mark Have you heard that a painting 1
(steal) from the City Art Gallery last night? Student A
Hazel No! Which one? You are interested in buying a new electronic dictionary
Mark Your favourite – the Van Gogh. The alarms didn’t go called ‘English in your pocket.’ Ask the shop assistant
(Student B) some questions to find out the following
off because the wires 2 (cut).
information about the product.
Hazel What about the security cameras? Surely everything
• its purpose
3 (recorded) 24 hours a day?
• how it functions
Mark Well, apparently it 4 (discover) this • good points
morning, that no film 5 (put) in • its price
the security cameras, so there’s nothing to watch. You speak first.
5
6 Rewrite these sentences in the passive form. Student B
You are a sales assistant in a shop. A customer (Student A)
1 The interviewer was asking the Prime Minister an
asks you some questions about a new electronic
important question when the lights went out.
dictionary advertised as ‘English in your pocket’. This
The Prime Minister
information will help you answer the questions.
2 Someone had broken my kitchen window.
• new translating machine
My kitchen window
• speak into microphone, translation on screen
3 Someone stole my car from the car park.
• small, voice responsive, accurate
My car • £250
4 They’ve identified the murderer as Martin James.
Wait for your partner to speak first.
Martin James
5 Manet didn’t paint that picture.
That picture
6 Someone will find the missing report.
The missing report
7 They are going to hold the concert in the park.
The concert
8 Someone is meeting me at the airport.
I
9 They collect the rubbish every Monday morning.
The rubbish
10 They are repairing the television now.
The television
10

Writing
7 You read this in a magazine. ‘Have you ever had a really
interesting or strange experience while on holiday?
Write a story about it for our competition.’
You decide to enter the competition. Write your story in
about 200–250 words.
10
Total 50

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 17

 Name:
Test 8 Class:

Reading 4 It is possible to make a between predictions and

1 Read this extract from an article about risk takers and actual results.
decide whether statements 1–5 are true or false a comparison b scale
according to the text. Write T or F in each box. 5 The of becoming a millionaire are not very high.
a statistics b chances
Addicted to risk
For some people risk is essential to their lives. They like 6 Can you the height of these books to see if they’ll
uncertainty and excitement, whereas others are happy to fit in the bookshelf?
follow a known path, preferring security and safety to the a assess b measure
unexpected. For the risk takers, dangers and challenges 7 It’s that it will rain later today.
give them a feeling similar to that of drinking alcohol or a believable b likely
taking drugs. It can be said they have become addicted to
8 On a of 1–10, how good did you think the film
risk. They are prepared to risk their health, money and
was?
even their freedom.
a scale b measure
The search for more and more extreme sports continues
9 Is there any of receiving the money today?
and people are constantly trying to enter the record
a likelihood b certainty
books. How long can a person spend under water and
how deep can that person go? How many days can 10 The show that more people do extreme sports
someone live without food, or even water? There are today than ever before.
people who spend their lives trying to answer questions a consequences b statistics
10
like these.
Others risk what money they have to make more, either 3 Make expressions with words from each column and use
at the casino or in business. We often criticise the casino them to complete the sentences.
addicts for risking their money through gambling, but in top speed
praise the business risk takers for their courage. These make good shape
people cannot stop whatever they achieve because they on out
can always see the next goal to aim for. work a run for it
Risk taking can even attract people to crime. Getting away at top form
with a crime can become a way of life. The risk here is 1 When the police arrived the thieves had to
being caught and punished.
.
However, without risk takers our world would not be the 2 Our football team haven’t played so well for ages. They
same. It would be less exciting, less competitive and it were and won the match easily.
should be remembered that if pioneers, inventors and
3 The ambulance driver went all the way
explorers had not lived on the edge, life today would be
completely different. to the hospital.
4 If I don’t every day I put on weight.
1 Most people like to take risks.
5 Michelle’s been training regularly for six months and I
2 Taking a risk is not like taking drugs.
3 Some people risk their lives trying to break records. think she’s for the competition.
4 We often admire gamblers. 5
5 Some risk takers have done good things
4 Replace the words in italics with these expressions.
for the world.
5 • put you through to • call you back • get in • hang up
• held up
Vocabulary 1 Please don’t put the phone down, I need to ask you some
2 Choose the correct answer, a or b.
more questions.
1 Your teacher will your work at the end of term. 2 I shall connect you to Mr Parker. He’s responsible for that
a measure b assess
department.
2 The riskometer the risk of doing something. 3 If you’re delayed for any reason, please let us know.
a assesses b measures
3 We should always consider the of our actions.
a consequences b reasons

18 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 8

4 Mrs Atkinson will phone you as soon as she finishes her Writing
meeting. Thank you for calling. 7 You have decided to go on the holiday advertised below.
5 Does Steve ever arrive at work before 10 o’clock? Write a letter (120–150 words) to a friend telling them
about it.
5

Grammar MOUNTAIN BIKING IN PERU

5 Combine these pairs of sentences to make one sentence Experience adventure in the Andes mountains in
using either a defining or non-defining relative clause. Peru
1 Janet’s father works at the bank. He’s very clever. Join us for a 14-night camping trip in some of the most
Janet’s father challenging mountain conditions in South America.
2 That’s the restaurant. We had a meal there on my Bikes, tents and all food are included in the price.
birthday. Bring a sleeping bag and arrange your own flight to
That’s the restaurant Lima. We will collect you at the airport and drop you off
3 Ruth bought a new car last week. It’s broken down there at the end of the trip.
already.
The car 10
4 My best friend went to England last year. His name is
Total 50
Alex.
My best friend Speaking
5 We took a ferry to France. It had five restaurants. Asking for and giving information
The ferry
6 The hotel was very old and beautiful. It was by a lake.
Student A
The hotel
7 I spoke to a man on the phone. He told me to call back You would like to be a driving instructor. Your friend
later. (Student B) does this job and you ask him / her some
questions about it. Ask about the following:
The man
8 My grandmother took a trip on a helicopter. She is • good points about the job.
seventy-five. • bad points.
• dangers.
My grandmother
• qualities you need.
9 I wrote a story for the competition. It won first prize.
• how well paid.
The story
10 I chose a pair of trainers. They were the most expensive. You speak first.
I chose
10 Student B
You are a driving instructor and your friend (Student A) is
6 Fill the gaps with who, which, where, or 0 (to show no thinking about doing the same job. Answer his / her
relative pronoun is needed). questions using this information:
I read an article in the newspaper yesterday • meet a lot of people, like cars and driving, good when
1 was very interesting. It was about a people pass.
woman 2 had lost her memory for five • hard work, long hours.
• some people are dangerous drivers.
years. The woman, 3 loved dangerous
• must be patient, good driver, calm.
sports, had jumped with a parachute from a plane and had
• not very well paid but OK.
landed badly. Fortunately, the field 4 she
Wait for your partner to speak first.
landed in had long grass and she didn’t break any bones.
However, she hit her head 5 caused her to
lose her memory.
5

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 19

 Name:
Test 9 Class:

Reading Vocabulary
1 Read the following article about polar bears and decide 2 Complete the sentences with these words and phrases.
whether statements 1–5 are true or false. Write T or F in
each box. • in the wild • tranquillised • cages • jungle • conservation
• hunters • national parks • endangered species • trucks
Successful protection • natural disasters
The beautiful white polar bear, which lives in the cold
1 The giant panda is one of the best loved
arctic climate, is a relatively new species – only 150,000
– we must protect them.
years old. It is a descendant of the brown bear which
2 have killed enormous numbers of
moved north in its search for food. Over time the bear
elephants in Africa.
changed shape and developed different teeth and a white
3 Some animals can no longer be found
coat to adapt to life on the ice.
because they live in specially-protected areas.
Like many other beautiful animals it was hunted by man 4 Before moving heavy animals, they need to be
until the decreasing number of bears started to concern
first with a special gun.
the five countries they live in. Norway, Canada, the
United States, the Soviet Union and Denmark (Greenland 5 Many people believe it is cruel to keep animals in
is part of the Kingdom of Denmark) took action in the .
1960s to protect the polar bear. Thanks to their efforts, 6 There are many in the USA where
the polar bear population is firmly established again. animals can live freely but are still protected.
7 happen all over the world, but some
Norway and the Soviet Union made hunting completely
areas are at greater risk than others.
illegal. Canada regularly checks the number of bears and
8 Large animals can be transported in
limits the amount of hunting. The United States and
when they have to be moved.
Greenland both allow a certain number of bears to be
9 Countries often work together on
killed each year by people who are native to the areas
projects.
(such as Eskimos) and depend on the bear to support
10 Protecting animals in the can be a
their lives. Canada and Norway both have protected areas
problem because there are few paths or roads through it.
where the bears can live in safety from hunters. In 1973
the five countries signed an international protection 10
agreement. 3 Underline the correct word in each sentence.
Today there are new fears. Russia is worried about illegal 1 The forest fire was a disaster / accident in which hundreds
hunting and also believes that the bears are in danger of animals were killed.
from oil spills from ships in the rivers that lead to the 2 For many people in the poorer areas of the country it is a
Arctic Ocean. Poisons have been found in the bears. This struggle / training to live.
is possibly a result of water pollution which passes along 3 Luckily, no one was badly hurt in the car disaster /
the food chain, as animals hunt and are hunted by other accident.
animals. The poison gets stronger by the time it reaches 4 Did you consider / realise Dave was standing behind you
the bears. while you were talking about him?
The steps taken to protect these animals have, so far, 5 This bracelet is fabulous / precious to me. It was my
been successful and are a good example of how grandmother’s.
international concern and co-operation can prevent 5
species from becoming endangered. It is hoped that the 4 Replace the words in italics with one of these phrasal
new dangers the bears face can be dealt with as verbs in the correct form.
effectively.
• bring about • wake up • settle into • wear off
1 The brown bear is the ancestor of the polar bear. • come round
2 The number of polar bears today is increasing.
3 Some hunting is still legal. 1 I’ve been tired all morning. The sleeping tablet I took last
4 Water pollution is a danger because the bears night has taken a long time to lose its effect.
eat animals which are poisoned.
5 The polar bear is no longer endangered. 2 I open my eyes every morning at six o’clock exactly.
5

20 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 9

3 The film about the terrible life of bears in cages was Writing
responsible for a change in the law. 7 Write a composition of 200–250 words with the title:
4 When you get a new cat it can take several days for it to
If you had enough money to travel anywhere in the
become familiar with its new home.
world, which three places would you visit and why?
5 He became conscious two hours after the operation.
10
5
Total 50
Grammar Speaking
5 Complete the second sentence so that it means the
Stimulus-based discussion: crime today
same as the first sentence.
Preparation time: 1 minute. Work in pairs.
1 I’m not a teacher because I don’t have the qualifications.
If I You have 3–4 minutes to have a discussion based on these
2 I’m studying Maths because I like it. headlines, photographs and questions.
If I
3 Going for a walk depends on the rain stopping.
Violence on streets increasing
If the rain
4 Rita might lose her job because she doesn’t work very NEIGHBOURS JOIN TOGETHER
hard. TO FIGHT CRIME
If Rita
MORE POLICE ON OUR STREETS
5 I’d like to buy a big present for him but I haven’t got
enough money.
If I
Security cameras don’t stop the
6 Ben wants to go to the cinema but it depends on his thieves
girlfriend feeling well enough.
If Ben’s girlfriend
7 You must slow down. We might get a fine for speeding.
If you
8 I’d like to buy a new car, but I need to sell my old one.
If someone
9 I’m at work so I can’t sunbathe in the park.
If I
10 I can’t give you a lift because my car’s at the garage.
If my car
5
6 Complete the sentences using the verbs in the brackets
in the correct form and could or would when necessary.

1 Lucy’s parents are going to Spain on holiday, but she has

to go to school. She wishes she (go)
with them.
2 I’d love to buy that black dress. I wish I
(have) the money.
3 We need to leave now. I wish you
(hurry up).
4 Marcus always forgets things. He wishes he
(not have) such a bad memory.
5 Shona gets embarrassed when she’s in Nick’s yellow car.
She wishes it (not be) such a bright Questions
colour. 1 What do the photos show?
5
2 Why do you think people commit crimes like these?
3 Which crimes concern you most?
4 What can ordinary people to do stop crime?
5 What other ways are there to reduce the crime rate?

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 21

 Name:
Test 10 Class:

Reading 4 According to the writer, in today’s world

1 Read the text and circle the best answer, a, b, c or d. a we don’t have so much free time.
b train journeys are more interesting than before.
The speed of life c we don’t need to spend so much time in the office.
How much faster can life become? Will people be able to d we have more work to do.
cope, both physically and mentally? The original idea of 5 The writer concludes that in the future
time-saving devices is to make certain tasks and activities a we may see negative results from a faster pace of life.
quicker and easier, but over time, these devices have b we’ll never get used to the increased pace of life.
brought about dramatic changes to our lifestyle that are c it will be better to do things more quickly.
not necessarily good for us in the long term. d life will be very expensive.
5
We can see this particularly in the field of
communication. The mobile phone, one of the most Vocabulary
popular, affordable and available means of 2 Complete the text using these words.
communication has given us freedom and speed. We
have the freedom to phone when and from where we • acquire • calmly • idyllic • doze • hustle and bustle
like. Because of this, information passes between people My parents recently bought a(n) 1 cottage
without the need to meet face to face. in Spain. It has a balcony where they can 2

Mobile phones have also greatly increased the speed of in the afternoons. In the mornings they can watch the
life. We can communicate business ideas from a car park 3 of the local market while they sit
or even from the bath! Accidents can be reported 4 drinking their coffee. They managed to
immediately and getting injured people to a hospital
5 the cottage six months ago after
more quickly saves lives. Time is saved in so many ways,
some of them very simple. While waiting for someone in searching for two years. They love living in Spain.
a café – you can phone them from your table to give 5
them directions, again saving valuable time.
3 Complete the sentences with these adjectives.
However, in spite of increasing our freedom in many
ways, we are beginning to see a restriction of freedom in • appalling • optimistic • amazing • impressed • desirable
other ways. Business can now be conducted on the train 1 Did you hear that story about the cat
to work and this journey is no longer relaxing. It is the that travelled 200 miles to find its owner?
office. Business done here means more time for more 2 The apartment for sale near the river is in an extremely
business later on. In addition to this, we can now be
street. We’d never be able to afford it.
contacted even when we don’t want to be. Many people
3 The doctors are that our neighbour will
cannot bear to switch off the phone in case of emergency
make a full recovery.
and if you do switch it off, you’ll later be asked why!
4 It was a(n) film. I was so bored I left
Mobile phones are just one way we can see that faster is before the end.
not necessarily better, but life moves on and we shall 5 The judges were so by Peter’s
manage. The question is – what will be the eventual cost? performance that they awarded him first prize.
1 Time-saving devices have 5
a changed our lives for the better. 4 Complete the phrasal verbs with these words.
b not really changed our lives at all.
c changed our lives in both good and bad ways. • on • in • out • up • after
d changed how we think about tasks. 1 David refused to take part the race.
2 Mobile phones allow us to 2 The college takes extra teachers every
a have cheaper phone bills. summer.
b phone from anywhere we like. 3 People from all over the world have sent
c see and hear the person on the phone.
suggestions for the new TV series.
d send messages very quickly.
4 The hotel is losing money and unfortunately can’t keep
3 Because of mobile phones
a we can talk to our friends from the bath. all the waiters.
b business partners often meet in car parks. 5 I gave eating chocolate for two weeks.
c there are more accidents. 6 Clare wanted to rent a flat of her own but she ended
d we don’t waste so much time. living with her aunt.
7 When the children were young, Kim’s husband stayed at
home to look them.

22 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Test 10

8 Robert pulled the race at the last Writing

minute because he had hurt his ankle.
7 You see this job advertisement in the local newspaper.
9 Jo took her new job as assistant
Write a letter of application addressing the points
director on Monday.
mentioned in the advertisement. (120–150 words)
10 The robbers carried their plan and
stole two million pounds from the bank. Are you a caring person?
10 Malford West Centre for the homeless needs you
We are looking for an enthusiastic and caring young person
Grammar to join our team running the centre.
5 Rewrite the statements in reported speech using these • Do you get on well with people of all ages?
reporting verbs. • Do you have good organisational skills?
• Do you have any experience of looking after others?
• recommend • promise • complain • suggest • tell • agree • Are you responsible and reliable?
• admit • confess • add • explain If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, we would like to hear
from you.
1 ‘Both the meal and the service were appalling,’ she said.
She 10
2 ‘Meg, I’m going to a job interview today,’ said Susan. Total 50
Susan
3 ‘I would also like to say that I have never seen such good Speaking
work,’ said the Sales Director. Photo discussion
The Sales Director In pairs, Student A look at photographs 1, Student B look at
4 ‘Let’s go to the football match on Saturday,’ said Mike. photographs 2. Take it in turns to ask and answer questions
Mike about the photographs.
5 ‘Try the restaurant in Silver Street,’ said Jane.
Jane
6 ‘I think your conclusions are right John,’ said the teacher.
The teacher
7 ‘I stole the necklace,’ said the boy.
The boy
8 ‘Don’t worry Ben, I’ll definitely help you with the essay.’
said his brother. 1
Ben’s brother
9 ‘I’m late home because I went to the supermarket,’ said Pat. 2
Pat
10 ‘OK. You’re right. I was in the café at 8 o’clock,’ said Mark.
Mark
10
6 Change the following statements into reported
questions.
1 ‘What are you reading, Janet?’ asked Julian.
Student A: ask B
• what he / she can see in the photo.
2 ‘Do you often travel to London?’ the teacher asked the
• what issues are shown in the photo.
class.
• what action the government should take.
• how he / she copes in this situation.
3 ‘How many times have you been to Scotland?’ James
asked Bill. Student B: ask A
• what the photo shows.
4 ‘Have you ever been skiing?’ Ben asked his uncle. • what problem the photo shows.
• how the person could protect himself.
• how this situation could be avoided.
5 ‘Will you give me a lift tomorrow afternoon?’ Tom asked
his mother.

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 23

 Name:
Progress test 2 Class:

Reading 3 Replace the words and phrases in italics with the correct
1 Each of the sentences a–e fits into a gap in the text form of these phrasal verbs.
about body language at interviews. Decide where each
• pull out of • bring about • hold up • give up • wear off
sentence fits best.
• get by • work out • come up with • keep up with
a Another piece of advice is to develop a firm handshake – • take part in
weak handshakes never impress.
b These actions should be kept to a minimum during a job 1 I try to exercise five times a week.
interview. 2 My brother thought of a great idea for the party.
c It is simply unfortunate if the interviewer happens to be
left-handed. 3 Sandy walks too fast for me to go at the same speed as
d In general men have an advantage when it comes to her.
revealing nervousness through body language.
4 When you’re out of work you have to manage to live on a
e Keep your chin up and try to look either at the desk or at
smaller income.
the interviewer.
5 The car broke down in the city centre but luckily it was
Tips for body language during interviews
moved quickly so it didn’t delay the traffic.
There are several crucial points about body language to
be aware of. 1 They tend to sit still, whereas
6 The dentist gave me an injection so I didn’t feel anything,
women often move their arms a lot or cross their legs
and swing the top leg, or clutch at their handbags. but it lost effect quite quickly.
2 7 Great changes in communication have been made possible
by computers.
Keeping control of facial expressions is the most difficult
art to master. Try to nod occasionally when questions are 8 Kirsty couldn’t enter the marathon because she was ill.
being asked, but avoid looking like a toy dog with a
nodding head. 3 Never look at a point just above 9 Several countries have already left the international
the interviewer’s head – it will make him or her nervous. discussions about the environment.
4 But wait to have your hand shaken by the 10 You mustn’t stop trying. You’ll succeed in the end.
interviewer rather than making the first move. If you are
carrying a bag when you enter the room, it is very 10
important to keep it in the left hand to make 4 Underline the correct word in each sentence.
handshaking easier. 5
5 1 He never stops to consider the reasons / consequences of
his actions.
Vocabulary 2 I hope the new parking fees don’t upset the residents /
2 Complete the sentences with these adjectives. refugees in this area.
3 It is likely / believable that more endangered species will
• apprehensive • confident • unmistakeable be protected by government action.
• impressed • uneventful 4 The forest fires were a(n) accident / disaster for the
1 Our new Spanish teacher seemed very country.
by how much we had already learned. 5 Most staff have worked in this company for a long time,
2 Larry was about asking his boss for so I’d be nervous / cautious about introducing big
more time off. She hadn’t been very happy about it last changes, if I were you.
time. 5
3 I wasn’t looking forward to such a long plane journey
with my sister’s young children, but it was
and went very well.
4 Dave thought Sheila was away on holiday, but as he
entered the office he heard her voice.
5 Although Mary spoke quietly and was quite nervous
during the interview, she was about
her ability to do the job.
5

24 New Matrix Intermediate © Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE

 Progress test 2

Grammar 8 Rewrite this dialogue in reported speech.

5 Complete the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in Anne Do you like living in London?
brackets. Use the simple past or present perfect, in a Mark I preferred Paris. When are you going back to
passive form, if necessary. America?
Anne I’ll be moving back in six months. I’ve had a really
I1 (just read) the most fantastic book.
good time in England.
It 2 (write) by an American woman who
3 (spend) a year living in the Arctic.
I 4 (always want) to travel to colder
countries and I 5 (try) to find a good
travel book about the Arctic for ages.
5
6 Complete the sentences with who, which, where or 0
(if no relative pronoun is needed).
1 The letter, had already been opened, 5
was on the table.
2 The birthday present I sent to my sister
Listening
got lost in the post. 9 Listen to a radio programme about an author and
3 On Saturday, I met an interesting man choose the correct answer a, b or c.
had spent 10 years in Australia. 1 Today, the author, J.K.Rowling
4 They stayed at the hotel the story of a lives in Edinburgh.
‘Mungo’ was filmed. b writes fairytales.
5 I’m sorry, but the assistant I spoke to c has an expensive house.
gave me the wrong price.
5 2 Before she became famous she
a went to university abroad.
7 Complete the sentences using the verbs in brackets in b was an English teacher.
the correct form, and add could or would if necessary. c had two children.
1 I wish I (go) to Italy with you but I’ve 3 She wrote her first book
got to be at work that week. a while her daughter was still a baby.
2 If I (have) a newer car, I would drive it b using a computer.
through Europe on holiday. c while working in a café.
3 I wish you (see) me now! I’m lying on a
4 The Harry Potter books are so successful that they
beach in the sunshine.
a have won four awards.
4 If I finish my work in time, I (visit) you
b are sold in 30 countries.
on my way home.
c have been published in 33 languages.
5 If Martin did more exercise he (not be)
so overweight. 5 Her latest book is unusual because
5 a all the new copies of it were destroyed in a flood.
b so many people ordered it before it was published.
c booksellers sold more of it than any new book before.
5
Total 50

© Oxford University Press PHOTOCOPIABLE New Matrix Intermediate 25

New Matura

1
acknowledgements
The authors and publisher are very grateful to the many teachers and
Great Clarendon Street, Oxford ox2 6dp students who provided invaluable comment and feedback in the
production of the New Matrix series. With special thanks to Barbara
Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford.
Czarnecka-Cicha, Warszawa.
It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship,
and education by publishing worldwide in The publishers would like to thank the following for their kind permission to
reproduce photographs and other copyright material: Alamy Images pp 9 (factory
Oxford New York
chimneys/ Phototake Inc.), 9 (cleaning up a beach / Jonathan Plant),
Auckland Bangkok Buenos Aires Cape Town Chennai 21 (smashed phone box / Janine Wiedel Photo library), 23 (traffic jam on
Dar es Salaam Delhi Hong Kong Istanbul Karachi Kolkata M25 / Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd.), 23 (cyclist in London / Janine
Kuala Lumpur Madrid Melbourne Mexico City Mumbai Wiedel Photography); 21 (man breaking into a car / Digital Vision);
Nairobi São Paulo Shanghai Taipei Tokyo Toronto p7 photographs supplied by the author.
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Oxford University Press in the UK and in certain other countries

© Oxford University Press 2006

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