100-149 Bac 2010-2019

2010
I. a) Read the text attentively.

Specialist music schools
How to cope with a child who shows outstanding musical ability? It's not always clear how
best to develop and encourage their gift. Many parents may even fail to recognise and respond to
their child's need until frustration explodes into difficult or uncooperative behaviour. And while
most schools are equipped to deal with children who are especially able in academic subjects, the
musically gifted require special understanding which may not always be available in an ordinary
school -especially one where music is regarded as a secondary activity. Such children - as well as
those whose ability is actively encouraged by parents or teachers - may well benefit from the
education offered by a specialist music school.
The five music schools in Britain are a relatively recent introduction. They aim to provide a
sympathetic environment in which gifted children aged between seven and eighteen can develop
their skills to the full under the guidance of professional musicians.
Children at specialist music schools spend between one third and one half of an average day
on musical activities, for example, individual lessons (up to three hours a week on first and
second instruments), orchestras, chamber groups, voice training, conducting and theory. They
also spend several hours a day practising in properly equipped private rooms, sometimes with a
teacher. The rest of their time is taken up with a restricted academic programme, which tends to
concentrate on the essential subjects - English, maths, basic sciences and languages - although
provision can be made for students who wish to study a wider range of subjects. All five British
specialist schools are independent, classes are small by normal school standards, with a high
teacher/pupil ratio. Most children attending specialist schools tend to be boarders, leaving home
to live, eat and sleep full-time at school. This means they spend their formative years in the
company of others with similar aims and interests.
What are the disadvantages? An obvious problem is the cost; the fees are high. However, each
school will make every effort with scholarships and other forms of financial assistance, to help
parents of outstandingly gifted children to find the necessary fees. Secondly, not all parents want
to send their children to boarding school, especially at a very early age. Almost all the directors
of the specialist schools express doubts about the wisdom of admitting children as young as
seven into such an intense and disciplined environment. They stress, however, that their main
aim is to turn out 'rounded and well-balanced individuals'.
There is little doubt that setting musically gifted children apart from an early age can cause
stress. Early signs of musical ability may disappear in teenage years, while natural
competitiveness and the pressure to succeed can lead to a crushing sense of failure. But all
specialist schools do keep a close watch on the progress of individual pupils, and offer help and
advice if needed.
In addition, while most former pupils at music school feel that they benefited enormously
from the range of high-quality music teaching available, many express reservations about the
wisdom of restricting the academic programme, which definitely takes second place to musical
activities. Many musically gifted young people are also highly intelligent, well able to deal with
academic pressure, and feel frustrated if their intellectual needs are not met. For these reasons, it
may be better to wait until the child is old enough to be able to make his or her own decisions
before considering a specialist education.
Those who are equally gifted academically may do very well within a less specialised
environment; for instance, at a school with a first class music department, or else by combining a
normal school routine with musical training at one of the junior departments at the music
colleges. These colleges offer Saturday morning opportunities for individual lessons with fine
teachers, plus orchestral and chamber music experience. But this option is clearly not practicable
for families living out of reach of London or other major centres.
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Nr. Items results
I. b) Accomplish the tasks below, using the following instructions:
 tick the correct variant;
 answer the questions;
 match the words with their definitions;
 find synonyms;
 express your point of view;
 agree or disagree.
1. If a child’s musical ability is not recognized A A
 the ability may fade away. 0 0
 the child may misbehave. 1 1
 the parents may become anxious.
2. What problem may musically gifted children face in ordinary schools? A A
______________________________________________________________ 0 0
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3 3
3. What is the aim of specialist music schools? A A
______________________________________________________________ 0 0
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3 3
4. What do most school directors see as a possible disadvantage for pupils? A A

______________________________________________________________ 0 0
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4 4
5. What makes specialist music schools different from other schools? A A
______________________________________________________________ 0 0
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6. What does the expression “'rounded and well-balanced individuals'” A A
mean? 0 0
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7. Find synonyms for the following words in the text : A A
Talented -_____________________ 0 0
Accept- ______________________ 1 1
2 2
8. Match the definitions with the words given below:
1. succeed a) discouraged; A A
2. failure b) having ability 0 0
3. frustrated c)lack of success in doing something; 2 2
d) to achieve a desired aim 4 4
6 6
9. 1. Most former students think that they should have studied more subjects. A A
True False. 0 0
Because 2 2
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2. A good alternative to specialised music schools for gifted children would
be contacting a local orchestra.
True False.
Because
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10. Why are specialized schools important in the modern world? A A
0 0
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II. Letter writing. A A

Imagine that you are Ann/Nick. You live in Viishoara. 0 0
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enjoyed reading, pointing out the reasons why you like it so much. 1 1
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III. Outline in writing your opinion on the following topic: A A

How do you see yourself in 10 years? 0 0
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5
2011
I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.
Advertising strategies
Different creative strategies are used in advertising, in order to obtain
consumer’s attention and provoke shoppers to purchase or use a specific product.
Advertisers use different ways of thinking to create catchy slogans. Advertising
strategies can be classified according to their aims.
Informative advertising aims to create awareness and knowledge of new
products or new feature of advertising products. Persuasive advertising aims to create
liking, preferences, conviction and purchase of product. Reminder advertisement
strategy aims to stimulate repeat purchase of product. However, any advertising
strategy is emerged from analysis of market situation. For example, if the product
class is mature, the company is a market leader and brand usage is low there should
be a proper strategy to stimulate more usage. Advertising messages aren’t created on
a whim or by a quick flash of inspiration. Advertising is a disciplined art and involves
a lot of strategic thinking. Advertisers create messages to accomplish specific
objectives, a process called strategic planning. The most wide-spread advertising
strategies are Bandwagon and Card-Stacking. Bandwagon is a form of propaganda
that exploits the desire of most people to join the crowd or be on the winning side,
and avoid winding up the losing side. Few of us would want to wear nerdy cloths,
smell differently from everyone else, or be unpopular. The popularity of a product is
important to many people. Even if most of us say we make out own choice when
buying something we often choose well-advertised items- the popular ones.
Advertising copywriters must be careful with the bandwagon propaganda
technique because most of us see ourselves as individuals who think for themselves.
If Bandwagon commercial is too obvious, viewers may reject the product outright.
The propaganda technique of Card-Stacking is so widespread that we may not always
be aware of its presence in a commercial. Basically, Card-Stacking means stacking
the cards in favor of the product; advertisers stress is positive qualities and ignore
negative. For example, if a brand of snack food is loaded with sugar and calories, the
commercial may boast that the product is low in fat, which implies that it is also low
in calories. Card-Stacking is such a prevalent rational propaganda technique that
gives us only part of the picture. Therefore, many of the firms have their own
department of advertising whose aim is to advertise the company’s merchandise and
services to the potential buyers and make general consumers aware of different
aspects of their brand and make business more popular within the circle of potential
buyers.
Advertising, in a straight line, increases profit of the companies by escalating
its revenue. The expenditure made on advertisement can turn as good boost in
earnings.
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Nr Items Results
1. Answer the question. A A
What is the aim of advertising? 0 0
2 2
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How can advertising strategies be classified? 0 0
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3. Circle the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A
a) a) Advertising messages are created by a quick flash of inspiration. T F 0 0
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3 3
b) People don’t care about the popularity of a product. T F
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4. Match the parts together to get entire sentences. A A
0 0
1. Card-Stacking technique a. exploits the desire of most people to join the crowd. 3 3
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2. Bandwagon technique b. to accomplish specific objectives. 9 9
3. Advertisers create messages c. gives us only part of the picture.
d. think for themselves.
5. Comment on: Advertising increases profit of the companies by escalating its revenue. A A
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3 3
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II. Grammar. . Underline the correct variant using the words in bold, insert the article
where necessary. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense form. Fill in the
suitable prepositions to make the sentence complete. Complete the “wish” sentence.
Fill in the question tag.
1. I meant to buy, buying an evening paper but I didn’t see anyone selling, to sell A A
them. 0 0
1 1
2. The hall porter ______________(polish) the knockers of all the flats every day, 2 2
mine _____________________ (polish) for a week. 3 3
4 4
1. 3. The paraffin heater was perfectly safe. There _______________________(be) a fire 5 5
if the children ___________________ (knock) it over. 6 6
2. 7 7
4. He played the violin all night which, when ,what annoyed the neighbours. 8 8
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5. She is always __________ a bad temper ___________ breakfast time. 10 10
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6. I don’t know what _____ price the owners are asking. But Dry and Rot are ____ 12 12
agents. You could give them ______ ring and make them _____offer. 13 13
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7. When Sue woke up her watch had vanished. Someone ___________________ 15 15
(must ,steal) it while she slept. 16 16
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8. Ann promised she ______________ (look) for her skates when she _____________ 18 18
(get) home. 19 19
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9. It’s a pity we don’t know where we are. We wish we_________ ( know) where we
were.
10. She’d have enjoyed it,____________________________?
11. This clock is always slow/slowly; I put it forward/on ten minutes every morning.
III Civilization topic. Write some facts about the Higher Education Institutions in the A A
. USA. 0 0
(10-15 lines) 4 4
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IV Outline in writing your opinion on the subject: A A
. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are important in life. 0 0
(15-20 lines) 4 4
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9
2011
Dealing with climate change

Over the past fifteen years most scientists and many politicians have come to believe that mankind
is changing the world’s climate. This is often called global warming, and is blamed on carbon gases being
released into the air. These emissions take place when fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas are
burnt, for example by industry, vehicle engines, and power stations. Climate change is seen as a threat to
mankind because it is likely to involve more droughts, flooding and severe storms, as well as a rise in sea
level which will ruin the land on which many millions of people now live.
Regulations would involve bringing in new government rules which companies and families would
have to follow. For example, regulations could set new standards for vehicle fuel economy, so that
automobiles use less fuel to drive the same distance, and so release less carbon into the air. Regulations
could require companies and families to save energy by putting in green technologies, e.g. pollution
filters, solar panels, more efficient heating systems, low energy light-bulbs. Companies would be given
permits that allow them to release a certain amount of carbon into the air. They would be fined very
heavily if they went over their limit.
Another proposal is to put a price on carbon, so that it becomes expensive to release it into the air.
Therefore, pricing carbon would give people and companies a strong reason to find ways of reducing their
carbon emissions. This proposal is known to be a market mechanism. Market mechanisms are about
putting a cost on carbon emissions so that polluting becomes expensive. They will give a strong push to
business and families to be more careful in their use of energy. Bringing in new technology to cut the
amount of carbon, factories, vehicles and homes put out will reduce the negative effects of the global
warming even though it has become an inevitable process. Moreover, regulations and market mechanisms
are a way to allow companies to plan properly their affairs and will encourage research and development
in green technologies. Regulations are the best way to make every country play its part in tackling climate
change.
Nr Items Results

What is global warming? 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
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Why is climate change considered a threat to humanity? 0 0
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3. Identify the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A

a) Regulations could make companies and families save energy. T F 0 0
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b) Companies would be allowed to release a great deal of carbon into the air. T F 3 3
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1. Putting a price on carbon a. has become an inevitable process. 0 0
2. Regulations would involve b. would make companies reduce carbon 3 3
emissions. 6 6
3. Global warming c. will grow a number of factories. 9 9
d. bringing in new government rules.
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5. Comment on: Regulations are the best way to make every country play its part in A A
tackling climate change. 0 0
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5 5
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II. Grammar. Underline the correct variant using the words in bold, insert the article
where necessary. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense form. Fill in the
question tag. Fill in the gaps with suitable prepositions.
1. 1. The police now have/has/is having growing evidence that much of the money A A
goes/go/have gone into drug-dealing. 0 0
2. 2. She (be)___________________________ at the meeting last Friday if she 1 1
(tell)_________________________about it. 2 2
3. 3. My sister-in-law’s/ sister’s-in-law house is not far from the bridge. 3 3
4. 4. Nobody wants to look like that, __________________? 4 4
5. 5. _______Hotel Ascot is situated in_______ central London. 5 5
6. 6. I missed the film last night because I had to/ought to/must work late. 6 6
7. 7. “I (try)_______________________for years to set my friend free”, insisted Ernest. 7 7
8. 8. “I was lonely at first,” the old man admitted, “but after a time I got used to 8 8
(live)____________________ alone and even got ( like)_____________________it” 9 9
9. 9. Bill remarked that it (not be) ___________________ so foggy that day as it 10 10
(be)__________________________ the day before. 11 11
10. You look worried. Are you _______ some sort _______ trouble? 12 12
11. The book is worth (read) _________________. 13 13
12. The rocket (travel) _______________ for six month before it reaches its 14 14
destination. 15 15
13. There are three good films on at the cinema. We can go to whichever/whatever 16 16
you prefer. 17 17
14. My sister doesn’t drive, and her husband doesn’t drive also/neither/either/too. 18 18
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III Civilization topic. If you were offered to travel around the world, where would you go A A
. 0 0
and why? (10-15 lines)
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IV. Written production. Outline your opinion on the following subject: A A
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Bloom there where you were born. (15-20 lines)
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12
2012
I. Read the text and accomplish the post-reading tasks.
Who Is a Pretty Plant Then?
1. Plants are named after the great and the good, the worthy and the wealthy. Indeed, one of
the greatest honours that can be bestowed upon anyone is to have a plant named after
them. Sometimes a person is famous and the naming of a plant is the natural succession
to popularity and public acclaim. Actors, singers, dancers, royalty and latterly even a
television news-reader, have all been honoured by having a plant named after them. On
occasion, an individual has had no public profile, but the plant has become popular so
that we feel we know them. Few people are likely to recognize the name of Maria Ann
Smith, but most will have had of an apple named after her, the famous Granny Smith; a
case of the plant making the person famous.
2. In years gone by, it was not always easy to determine that a plant had been named in
honour of a person, because the name became Latinized. This was, however considered
to be very chic, but surely only a socialite or an academic would have known that the
Lilium mackliniae immortalized Jean Macklin, the wife of a famous botanist.
3. In recent times, this practice has died out and now when a plant is named after a person it
is clear for everyone to see. The beautiful patio rose Anna Ford, for example is a fitting
tribute to the broadcaster, while former Nottingham Forest football manager, Brian
Clough, is feted with a luminous salmon-orange exhibition sweet pea.
4. So who decides upon those who should be honoured in such a way? There are no hard
and fast rules. But for the most part, plants are named by their breeders or originators,
either as an honour to someone near and dear, or as a mark of respect for the famous. But
there are commercial undertones. If you can launch a new rose named after a really
popular celebrity at a flower show and get that person to attend, then the press coverage
received is enormous. On the other hand, if you decide to name your sweet pea after
Barry Dare, the former Managing Director of your company, as Unwins Seeds of
Cambridge did recently, then the commercial value is little. However, the honour for the
person concerned is great, recognizing as it does strong leadership, hard work and the
affection of the staff.
5. If nobody is interested in naming a plant after you, then it is always possible to buy a new
variety and have it named yourself. This is common practice amongst commercial
companies, especially with roses, where names like, “Typhoo Tea”, “Benson and Hedges
Gold” and “Yorkshire Bank” serve as good advertisements. If you can come up with the
cash, then you can buy the name rights to a new unnamed variety and name it after
yourself or a member of your family.
6. However, while some varieties like peony Sarah Bernhardt live on for a century or more
and seemed destined to last forever, others disappear within a couple of years, never to
be seen again even if they bear a famous name. If the plant proves inferior to those
already on the market, then it generally takes more than a famous name to save it.
13
Nr. Item Points
How can people immortalize themselves? 0 0
1 1
2 2

Why was it difficult to determine that a plant had been named after a person? 0 0
2 2
3 3
3. Find in the text the synonyms for the words given below. Make up two sentences A A
using the identified words. 0 0
1 1
Approval 2 2
Recently 3 3
1. 4 4
2.
4. Find in the text the antonyms for the words given below. A A
0 0
Superior –
1 1
Sell – 2 2
5. Circle the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A
1. Sometimes naming a plant after a celebrity can have a commercial 0 0
implication. T F 1 1
2 2
3 3
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2. If you have money, you can buy a new type of plant and name 5 5
it in your honour. T F 6 6
6. Entitle the paragraphs: A0 A0

Paragraph 1. 12 12
34 34
Paragraph 4.
7. Ask 2 questions to the text. A A
1. 0 0
1 1
2 2
2. 3 3
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8. In your own words, explain what the writer means by the sentence: A A
On occasion, an individual has had no public profile, 0 0
but the plant has become popular so that we feel we know them. 3 3
4 4
5 5
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II. Grammar. (20 points)
Underline the correct variant using the words in bold. Insert the articles and the suitable
preposition where necessary. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form. Choose the correct
words in brackets to make the sentences complete.
1. Something ___________________________ (go) wrong with our computer. A A
Customers _______________________________ (ring) up all morning complaining. 0 0
1 1
The mechanic is in the office and ___________________________ (work) on it. 2 2
I hope he will find out what is wrong. 3 3
2. __________ society which they set out to create was based on _________ mutual trust. 4 4
3. _______________ ordinary and white chocolate are made from cocoa butter. There are 5 5
6 6
very few people who like ________________ of them. I have no particular preference: 7 7
I eat ________________ (al1, whole, neither, none, both, either) 8 8
4. Nobody knows where the jewels have/has gone. They _______________________ 9 9
________________________ (might/have to/ought to/ steal). 10 10
11 11
5. The evacuation of the building/ The building's evacuation took only 10 minutes. 12 12
6. All of us were lucky. We _________________________________ (crash) if Jack 13 13
_________________________ (not/see) the rock in time. 14 14
7. What/How was the journey like? – It was wonderful! 15 15
16 16
8. The miners dug deep/deeply to find coal. 17 17
9. The first draft resolution _______________________________ (not discuss) 18 18
yesterday, it__________________________________ (withdraw) long before the 19 19
beginning of the meeting. 20 20
10. Do you know where was Shakespeare born/Shakespeare was born?
11. Get your children feel/felt/to feel responsible for their studies.
12. Her salary’s decreased ______________ two hundred dollars this year and she can’t
afford anything.
III. Civilization topic. (20 points)
How do changes in society influence people’s culture? What can slow down or speed up cultural
development? (15 lines)
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IV. Outline in writing your opinion on the subject: (30 points)
“Work keeps us from three great evils: boredom, vice and need”. Voltaire
(20 lines)
A A
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16
2013
HISTORY OF THE PULITZER PRIZES
In the latter years of the 19th century, Joseph Pulitzer stood out as the very embodiment of
American journalism. Hungarian-born, an intense indomitable figure, Pulitzer was the most skillful
of newspaper publishers, and a visionary who richly endowed his profession. His innovative New
York World and St. Louis Post-Dispatch reshaped newspaper journalism. Having himself struggled
as a young reporter, Pulitzer was the first to call for the training of journalists at university level.
In writing his 1904 will, Pulitzer left $2 million to Columbia University for the establishment
of a School of Journalism. He also made provision for the establishment of the Pulitzer Prizes,
specifying the number and types of awards, but giving the body which awarded the prizes, later
renamed the Pulitzer Prize Board, the power to increase the number of prizes and also to withhold
any award where entries fell below its standards of excellence. And indeed, over the years, the
board has increased the number of awards to 21, introducing prizes for poetry, music, and
photography.
In 1997 two fundamental adjustments were introduced. In recognition of the growing
importance of online journalism, the submission by newspapers of online presentations was
allowed. The other major change was in music, a category added in 1943. Until then, the prize had
always gone to composers of classical music. The Board decided to broaden the definition and entry
requirements to bring mainstream music into the process. Thus, in 1997 the prize went to Wynton
Marsalis's Blood on the Fields, which has strong jazz elements. The Board also acknowledged
previously overlooked George Gershwin and Duke Ellington.
Over the years the Pulitzer board has at times been targeted by critics as the prize was hardly
ever in tune with popular inclinations. Many, if not most, of the honored books have not been on
bestseller lists, and many of the winning plays have been staged off-Broadway or in regional
theaters. In journalism, the major newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street
Journal, and The Washington Post, have harvested many awards, but small, little-known papers
have also been recognized for exposing corruption.
Announced each April by the president of Columbia University, which Pulitzer established
as the seat of administration for board, the prizes are regarded as the highest national honor that can
be bestowed in newspaper journalism, literary achievement and musical composition. As such they
are perceived as a major encouragement for high-quality journalism and art, focusing worldwide
attention on American achievements in letters and music.
Nr Items Score
1.
1 Answer the question. A A
1 0 0
What power was the Pulitzer Prize Board given?
1 1 1
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Why were online presentations submitted to the list of awards?
1 1
2 2
3 3
17
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0 0
a) Pulitzer left $2 million to Columbia University only for the establishment of
1 1
a School of Journalism. T F 2 2
3 3
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________________________________________________________________ 5 5
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b) All honored books have been on bestseller lists. T F
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4. Express in your own words what this word combination means. A A
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worldwide attention
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3 3
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What was the major change in music category?
1 1
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4 4

0 0
Why is it an honour for a journalist or a composer to get the Pulitzer Prize?
1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
___________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
7. What is the message of the text? A A
0 0
___________________________________________________________________
1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
___________________________________________________________________
4 4
___________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
Total 30 p
II. Grammar. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
Fill in the gaps with the suitable articles, prepositions, and pronouns. Choose the
correct form of the words in brackets. Form an adjective. Put an appropriate
conjunction.
18
Our school always puts on _________end-of-year play, and this year it was A A
__________story of King Arthur. I have never acted in _________of these plays – I 0 0
( always, be)______________________ a prompter. It’s my job to remind the actors 1 1
2 2
when they forget their lines. It usually means that I know
3 3
(everybody’s/everybody)_____________________ lines by the end of 4 4
_______rehearsals. 5 5
But the day before the play, disaster (strike)_____________! The boy who 6 6
(play)_____________________ the wizard Merlin had fallen ill the night before. 7 7
The teacher asked me if I (could/might)_________ play Merlin because I was the 8 8
only person (who/which) knew the lines. I was absolutely 9 9
10 10
(horrified/horrifying)___________, but the teacher persuaded me (trying/to
11 11
try)___________________________ the costume on. Only then did I realize that no 12 12
one would recognize me, because Merlin wears a long hat ________a beard! So I 13 13
spent all that day rehearsing with the teacher until I felt a bit (more 14 14
confident/confident)____________________. 15 15
So nervous was I the following day that I couldn’t stop 16 16
(shaking/shake)______________. But when I started, I relaxed a bit, and after a 17 17
18 18
while, I even began to enjoy____________. It went very 19 19
(well/good)_________________. ____________the end of the play, I took off my 20 20
hat and beard to bow ___________ the audience. Everybody gasped and applauded
when they realized it was me. Never have I felt so (pride) ___________. Now I am
a lot less shy, and next year I will definitely be in the play again!
III. Civilization. How does art influence our everyday lives? (15 lines) A A
0 0
1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
___________________________________________________________________
4 4
___________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
___________________________________________________________________
7 7
___________________________________________________________________ 8 8
9 9
___________________________________________________________________
10 10
___________________________________________________________________ 11 11
12 12
___________________________________________________________________
13 13
___________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
___________________________________________________________________
16 16
___________________________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
___________________________________________________________________
19 19
___________________________________________________________________ 20 20
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
19
IV. Written production. Improvements in communications technology increasingly A A
mean that people are becoming isolated from one another. Explain how you think 0 0
this might be true and what could be done to deal with the problem. (25 lines) 1 1
Use the following plan: 2 2
- Make an introduction; 3 3
- Express your personal opinion and reasons for it; 4 4
- Draw a conclusion. 5 5
6 6
___________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
___________________________________________________________________
9 9
___________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
___________________________________________________________________
12 12
___________________________________________________________________ 13 13
14 14
___________________________________________________________________
15 15
___________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
___________________________________________________________________
18 18
___________________________________________________________________ 19 19
20 20
___________________________________________________________________
21 21
___________________________________________________________________ 22 22
23 23
___________________________________________________________________
24 24
___________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
___________________________________________________________________
27 27
___________________________________________________________________ 28 28
29 29
___________________________________________________________________
30 30
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
20
2013
Skills You Need for a Job
For many people today a career for life is no longer an option. Most people expect to
hold jobs with a variety of employers and move across different employment sectors through
their working life.
Employers are often looking for skills that go beyond qualifications and experience. While
your education and experience may make you eligible to apply for a job, to be successful at
the job you will need to exhibit a mix of skills, so called ‘employability skills’. They are the
skills and attitudes that enable employees to get along with their colleagues, to make critical
decisions, solve problems, develop respect and ultimately become strong ambassadors for the
organisation.
The latest QS (Quacquarelli Symonds LTD 2010) recruitment survey (2010) lists the four
most important skills sought by executive level recruiters as interpersonal skills,
communication skills, strategic thinking and leadership ability.
Interpersonal skills are vital when seeking employment and may be the single most
important factor for many recruiters. We use them to interact with other people. Good
interpersonal skills allow you to participate effectively as a member of a team, satisfy
customers and clients expectations, negotiate, make decisions, manage your time efficiently,
take responsibility, and work effectively with other employees.
If you are either applying for a job or looking for a promotion with your current employer,
you will need to demonstrate good communication skills. The ability to communicate both
verbally and in writing with a wide variety of people, maintain good eye contact, write clearly
and succinctly, demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor your language to your audience is
all essential skills that employers seek out. Good verbal and written communication means
you can get your messages across with less chance of misunderstanding.
The ability to be able to effectively plan and organise means that you, or your team, are
more likely to get the job done correctly the first time. These skills are beneficial to
employers as they save time and money. Creative thinkers are innovative and inventive and
are more likely to devise new ways of doing things that add value to the work environment,
making systems and procedures more efficient. Creative thinkers can offer new perspectives
about the job and the company.
Leadership is the ability to influence others toward the achievement of a goal. Leaders
either have, or are perceived to have, strong self-confidence and are team players, allowing
them to work in a group to achieve the best results for the employer. Leaders show social
skills by respecting the thoughts, opinions and ideas of others. Developing your leadership
skills can therefore not only help you to find a senior position, but may also help you to gain
promotion with your current employer.
Most jobs involve change, some more frequently than others, employers want people
who are adaptable, flexible, and patient, and respond well to change. The employee who is
open to learning and embraces change will be more successful than the person who is afraid
of learning and resistant to changes in the organisation. Lifelong learners are always valued
in organisations.
21
Nr Items Score
1
What
1 do many people expect through their working life? 0 0
1 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________
What do employers mean by ’employability skills’? 0 0
1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
1. According to the text an employee’s experience is enough to be 0 0
successful and valued in any organisation. T F 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2. Creative thinkers are more likely to devise new ways of doing things 4 4
that add value to the work environment. T F 5 5
___________________________________________________________________ 6 6
___________________________________________________________________
4. Express in your own words what this word combination means. A A
strong ambassadors 0 0
___________________________________________________________________ 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
What are the most important skills that are generic across all employment sectors 0 0
sought by executive level recruiters? 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
___________________________________________________________________ 4 4
Why do employees have to exhibit a mix of skills while applying for a job or looking 0 0
for promotion? 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
___________________________________________________________________ 4 4
___________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_ 6 6
7. What is the message of the text? A A
0 0
___________________________________________________________________ 1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
___________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
6 6
22
II. Grammar. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. Fill in
the gaps with the suitable articles and prepositions. Choose the correct form of the words in
brackets. Form a noun.
Providing (five-star, five-stars)___________ luxury in the middle of ______ treasured A A
wilderness without damaging the environment might not be easy, but it is far from 0 0
impossible. The King Pacific Lodge in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest proves 1 1
2 2
that if enough care and attention (take)____________, the task is within the reach of any
3 3
tourist provider. 4 4
5 5
Unlike many other hotel building projects no trees were cut down and no land was wasted
6 6
in order to build it. The Lodge does not have a permanent location but sits on a floating 7 7
barge (towed, tow)_________________ into the sea bay in May, where it anchors till 8 8
September. Those wishing to stay in one of its seventeen rooms must access it ________ 9 9
boat or seaplane. Each guest (staying, stay)______________ at the Lodge is charged 3% 10 10
conservation tax, but is rewarded by the chance to sight whales and bears. And since (these, 11 11
this) __________ are the main attractions of the area and of the Lodge, the management is 12 12
13 13
(well, good)__________ aware that in order to stay in business they must leave the area
14 14
untouched. In 2000, the Lodge management (sign)_________________ an agreement with 15 15
the native Gitga at people by (whom, who)__________ they were later adopted. Together 16 16
they work for ___________ benefit of the area. The Lodge (recognize)________________ 17 17
the native tribe as the owners of the land, pays the tribe for the use of their land and even 18 18
supports the native youth and employs the (tribe's, tribes’)_____________ people. They, 19 19
20 20
____________ turn, teach the newcomers about ____________ local culture.
The King Pacific Lodge is one of a growing number of tourism companies that go beyond
purely minimizing their environmental impact to win the (approve)_______________ of
the local community (where, when)______________ they establish their business. These
companies use eco-friendly solutions ______________ problems, and (be)______________
careful to restrict (their/its)__________________ use of resources and protect threatened
species. Realizing how destructive tourism can be, they want to avoid the love-it-to-death
effect of tourism and leave a lighter environmental footprint.
III. Civilization. What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?

A A
(15 lines) 0 0
1 1
_________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_________________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_________________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_________________________________________________________________________
6 6
_________________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_________________________________________________________________________ 8 8
_________________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_________________________________________________________________________ 10 10
_________________________________________________________________________ 11 11
_________________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
23
_________________________________________________________________________ 14 14
_________________________________________________________________________ 15 15
_________________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
_________________________________________________________________________
18 18
_________________________________________________________________________ 19 19
_________________________________________________________________________ 20 20
IV. Written production. (25 lines) A A
0 0
The twentieth century saw great change. In your opinion, what is one change that should be
1 1
remembered about the twentieth century?
2 2
3 3
Use the following plan:
4 4
- Make an introduction;
5 5
- Express your personal opinion and reasons for it;
6 6
- Draw a conclusion.
7 7
8 8
_________________________________________________________________________
9 9
_________________________________________________________________________ 10 10
_________________________________________________________________________ 11 11
_________________________________________________________________________ 12 12
_________________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_________________________________________________________________________ 14 14
_________________________________________________________________________ 15 15
16 16
_________________________________________________________________________
17 17
_________________________________________________________________________ 18 18
_________________________________________________________________________ 19 19
_________________________________________________________________________ 20 20
_________________________________________________________________________ 21 21
_________________________________________________________________________ 22 22
23 23
_________________________________________________________________________
24 24
_________________________________________________________________________ 25 25
_________________________________________________________________________ 26 26
_________________________________________________________________________ 27 27
_________________________________________________________________________ 28 28
_________________________________________________________________________ 29 29
_________________________________________________________________________ 30 30
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
24
2013

Decision-Making Process
Life isn’t always simple. All sorts of decision-making confront us every day – from the big
and life-changing to the small and mundane.
The value of decisions depends upon the courage required to render them. The great decisions,
which served as the foundation of civilization, were reached by assuming great risks.
In the history of mankind there have been a lot of examples of great decisions. Lincoln's
decision to issue his famous Proclamation of Emancipation, which gave freedom to the coloured
people of America, was rendered with full understanding that his act would turn thousands of
friends and political supporters against him. He knew, too, that the carrying out of that proclamation
would mean death to thousands of men on the battlefield. In the end, it cost Lincoln his life. That
required courage.
The decision of General Robert E. Lee, when he came to the parting of the way with the Union,
and took up the cause of the South, was a decision of courage, for he well knew that it might cost
him his own life, that it would surely cost the lives of others. Nelson Mandela had the courage to
fight against the unjust system of apartheid. For his political activities, he was sentenced to 20 years
in prison, but he was released to lead a free South Africa. Despite disability of both deafness and
blindness, Helen Keller learned to read and write trying to improve the welfare of deaf people.
Effective and successful decisions require setting goals, gathering information, decision
structuring, making a final choice and evaluating.
The idea of setting a goal is that the decision- maker takes stock in his or her plans for the
future, with his or her values and priorities. This person needs to be able to answer, What am I
trying to accomplish? Setting the goal enforces the decision -making process.
Before making a decision you should gather information because your decision-making is
complex. If you want to know the various options available to you, ask yourself questions. Who is
affected in each option, and how? Do the effects change over time? Will taking or not taking a
particular course of action close off other options?
If there is a great number of options and numerous points, you must learn how to pull together
all your information. You should determine a way to manage the information. After gathering all
the information, the decision-maker needs to make a selection from the final set of options.
A helpful last phase of decision -making is the evaluation of the entire process. What went well
about the process? What didn’t go so well? The aim here is to reflect and identify the areas of the
process that can stand improvement as well as those that ought to be used again in the future.
The greatest success stories are told of people who recognized a problem and reversed it into an
opportunity.
Only you can change your life. Only you can see the opportunity. Whether you’re the head of a
government agency or an everyday household, you constantly make decisions important to you and
those immediately around you. You have the ability to learn from your mistakes, be able to
approach and weigh individual choices more effectively, and start making smarter decisions-today.
25
Nr Items Results

What do effective and successful decisions require? 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
What does the idea of setting a goal mean? 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Give another title to the text. Write your title in the form of a sentence. A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
2 2
0 0
1. Helen Keller learned to read and write
1 1
a) was imprisoned for 20 years. 2 2
3 3
2. For his political activities Nelson Mandela b) he was released to lead a free
4 4
South Africa. 5 5
6 6
3. When General Robert E. Lee made his decision
c)he knew that it might cost
him his own life.
d) trying to improve the welfare
of deaf people.

0 0
a) If one cannot determine a way to manage the information he/she cannot make a
1 1
valuable decision. T F 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
b) Evaluation can help people identify weak and strong points of the decision-making
process. T F
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
26
6. Express in your own words what the writer means by this sentence. A A
0 0
The great decisions, which served as the foundation of civilization, were reached by
1 1
assuming great risks.
2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
7. What is the main idea of the text? A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_______________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL 30 30
II. Grammar. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
Fill in the gaps with the suitable articles, prepositions, and a pronoun. Choose the
correct form of the words in brackets. Form an adjective. Put an appropriate
conjunction.
Our lives 1. (change)_____________________completely since the invention of A A
the petrol-fuelled internal combustion engine. Although 0 0
2._____________damaging effects of the motor car are now well-recognized, the 1 1
2 2
number of cars on the road 3. (continue) _________________ to grow every year.
3 3
In 1950, there were 4. (fewer/less)____________ than 50 million cars 5. 4 4
___________ use around the world, but as cars became more 5 5
6.(widely/wide)_______________________ available and relatively cheaper, this 6 6
number grew to 650 7. (million/millions)______________________ by 2012. 7 7
We continue to drive cars even though we know 8. 8 8
(how/what)_____________________ dangerous they are in every respect. People 9 9
10 10
seem to accept the higher number of deaths and injuries as 9._____________
11 11
normal fact of life10. ________________smaller risks in other areas of life seem to 12 12
generate more publicity and fear. We accept the awful risk as if it is somehow 13 13
justifiable. If any other activity 11. (carry) __________________with it such a risk, 14 14
there would be 12.____________ huge public reaction. 15 15
Since research into car emissions started, it has become clearer and clearer how 16 16
13. (damaging/damaged)______________________ the emissions are to health 17 17
18 18
and the environment. It seems that people are so attached 14.____________ their
19 19
cars that they 15. (not, give)____________________ them up for anything. To 20 20
some people, their car is more important to them than 16.____________ else.
One of the obvious answers to the problem is better public transport. If we could
travel 17. (wherever/whatever)_______________________ we liked on cheap, 18.
(comfort)________________ public transport, we would be less inclined to use the
27
car. People will not stop using their cars unless 19. (there is/there
isn’t)_____________________ a good alternative. But we 20.
(need/must)___________________ to act now before it is too late. We must change
our attitude and our priorities so that future generations can live in a cleaner world.
III. Civilization. A A
Why is language considered to be the treasure of a nation? (10 lines) 0 0
1 1
___________________________________________________________________ 2 2
___________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
___________________________________________________________________ 5 5
___________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
___________________________________________________________________ 8 8
___________________________________________________________________ 9 9
10 10
___________________________________________________________________ 11 11
___________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
___________________________________________________________________ 14 14
___________________________________________________________________ 15 15
16 16
17 17
18 18
19 19
20 20
IV. Written production. A A
Holidays honour people or events. If you could create a new holiday, what person 0 0
or event would it honour and how would you want people to celebrate it? (20 lines) 1 1
2 2
4 4
8 8
9 9
___________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
___________________________________________________________________ 12 12
___________________________________________________________________ 13 13
14 14
___________________________________________________________________ 15 15
___________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
__________________________________________________________________ 18 18
28
___________________________________________________________________ 19 19
20 20
___________________________________________________________________
21 21
___________________________________________________________________ 22 22
23 23
___________________________________________________________________
24 24
___________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
___________________________________________________________________
27 27
___________________________________________________________________ 28 28
29 29
___________________________________________________________________
30 30
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
29
2013
Time management
Our life is like a bubble, a short morning dream. Therefore, we should take good care and
make the best use of it. In other words, we must understand the value of time. Time management is
basically planning and dividing one's time in a constructive way. For instance, we have a number of
activities that have to be taken care of in a particular period of time. So we should be able to plan
our activities in such a way that we are able to complete all the work in a given span of time. It is a
fact that if man takes care of his 'minutes' then the 'hours' and 'days' will take care of themselves. It
is said that “Time is more precious than money”. This is because money lost in business or
otherwise can be gained or earned again. But time once lost can never come back.
We all grow in time, live in time and ultimately, die in time. There may not be an exact
definition of time, but we all know what it is and its great value in a person's life. A man has a lot of
wants. We all want fame, success, money, happiness, love, etc. There is no end to our desires.
However, only a few are successful, prosperous and happy. These few are the ones who realized the
value of time. They made the best use of their time and attained an enviable position in the society.
People who made effective usage of time at their disposal got the best from time. But those
who forgot the value of time found to their utter dismay that it was harsh on them later. In other
words, successful people use time in the best possible manner to achieve their goals. Most of us
waste our precious time in unnecessary things such as gossip, roaming-aimlessly, grieving over the
past blunders or day dreaming. It must always be kept in mind that “Time and tide wait for none.”
Time can be spent wisely or foolishly. The choice is ours and so are its consequences.
They say “A stitch in time saves nine”. A proper use of time means the right use of an
opportunity .Those of us who miss an opportunity or waste time have to repent all our life. This
implies that we must be punctual, disciplined and regular in our work-schedule.
It is foolish to think that we can make up for the lost time. There is a popular saying that “The
past is dead and the future is unborn”. There are no tomorrows and yesterdays. It is 'today' which is
important.
Nr Items Results

What is time management? 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Why is it foolish to think that we can make up for the lost time? 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
30
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
2 2
0 0
1) Time and tide a) saves nine.
1 1
2) A stitch in time b) wait for none. 2 2
3) The time once lost c) miss an opportunity. 3 3
d) can never come back. 4 4
5 5
6 6
0 0
a) Time is less precious than money. T F
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
b) People who realize the value of time are successful. T F 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. Express in your own words the saying given in the text. A A

0 0
The past is dead and the future is unborn.
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
7. What is the main idea of the text? A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________
31
II. Grammar. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. Fill in A A
the gaps with the suitable pronoun, articles and prepositions. Choose the correct form of 0 0
the words in brackets. Form a noun. 1 1
2 2
Dear Mr Clark, 3 3
Following our telephone conversation, I (write) __________________________to 4 4
complain __________________ the portable TV I purchased from your store __________ 5 5
2nd April 2013. 6 6
7 7
I had only had ___________ set for approximately two weeks when _________
8 8
developed a fault. When I (finally/final) _______________________received an answer 9 9
from one of your helpline staff, I was told that an engineer (attend) 10 10
_________________________________to the fault the following day. Two days later, 11 11
when the engineer finally appeared, he (inform) _______________________ me that the 12 12
original valve was faulty, and a new one would be required. He assured me that 13 13
___________ part would be ready within two or three days. Eight weeks (late/later) 14 14
15 15
________________, I’m still waiting _____________ the part.
16 16
I am extremely dissatisfied with the service you have provided. I have phoned 17 17
(both/all) ________________ your helpline and your office on _____________ number of 18 18
occasions, only to be told to try again later as all the lines (be)____________ busy. I (feel)19 19
_________________ the way my problem has been dealt with has been absolutely 20 20
appalling, and that I am entitled not only to an (apologize) _________________________,
but also __________ replacement portable TV. I would ask that you give this matter your
(most urgent/least urgent) _______________________________attention and expect (to
hear/hear) _______________________from you _________ the end of the week.
Yours sincerely,
John Smith
III. Civilization. A A
What do you think makes the USA a country interesting for visitors? (10 lines) 0 0
1 1
__________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
__________________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
__________________________________________________________________________ 5 5
__________________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
__________________________________________________________________________ 8 8
__________________________________________________________________________ 9 9
10 10
__________________________________________________________________________ 11 11
__________________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
__________________________________________________________________________ 14 14
__________________________________________________________________________ 15 15
16 16
__________________________________________________________________________ 17 17
__________________________________________________________________________ 18 18
19 19
__________________________________________________________________________ 20 20
32
IV. Written production. A A
Your city has decided to build a statue or monument to honour a famous person in your 0 0
country. Who would you choose? (20 lines) 1 1
2 2
7 7
__________________________________________________________________________ 8 8
9 9
__________________________________________________________________________
10 10
__________________________________________________________________________ 11 11
12 12
__________________________________________________________________________
13 13
__________________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
__________________________________________________________________________
16 16
__________________________________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
__________________________________________________________________________
19 19
__________________________________________________________________________ 20 20
21 21
__________________________________________________________________________
22 22
__________________________________________________________________________ 23 23
24 24
__________________________________________________________________________
25 25
__________________________________________________________________________ 26 26
27 27
__________________________________________________________________________
28 28
__________________________________________________________________________ 29 29
30 30
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
33
2014
SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)
Read the text and do the tasks below the text.
TV Viewing and Children
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology (AACAP), the
average American child watches between three and four hours of TV each day. This equals about
nine years of TV viewing by retirement age, and includes about 2,000,000 TV commercials.
Many psychologists are worried about the effect that TV watching has on children’s
behaviour. There is concern that watching a lot of TV shows, especially programmes with a violent
content can have a negative effect on children’s psychological development.
The AACAP also reports that children who watch a lot of television violence have higher
levels of violent behaviour. Surprisingly, programmes created for children can be the most violent
type of shows, with the average of twenty-six violent acts per hour such as hitting, compared to five
per hour during adult prime time.
Psychologists believe that TV violence affects children in three main ways. First, they become
immune to the violence they have seen, and begin to see it as a normal behaviour. Secondly, they
accept the use of violence as a way to solve problems or get what they want. Finally, children copy
the violent acts they see on TV.
Long hours of TV watching can affect a child’s development in other ways, too. Jerome
Singer, a psychologist at Yale University, accepts that long hours of TV are “a clear danger to
children.” His research also demonstrates that children who watch the most TV have the lowest
marks in reading. Children forget about books and fall in love with TV. Another study by Dr. Judith
Owens, a paediatrician at Brown University, suggests that children who watch a lot of TV around
bedtime are more likely not to want to go to bed, have trouble sleeping, or wake up more often
during the night.
However, a study of children at Stanford University offers some reasons to be hopeful. The
report concludes that levels of violent behaviours in children can be reduced if parents monitor the
programmes their children see, and watch some TV shows with them. Parents should also limit the
time children watch TV each day, and refuse to let children watch shows that contain violent
scenes.
No Item Score

According to the text, why are the shows created for children more dangerous 0 0
compared to the ones that run during adult prime time? 1 1
__________________________________________________________________ 2 2
__________________________________________________________________
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the word and word combination given A A
below. 0 0
2 2
a) programme __________________
4 4
b) for example __________________
34
0 0
a) peaceful ____________________
2 2
b) to increase _____________________ 4 4
4. Identify and circle the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A
a) Children who watch a lot of TV do better in school. True False 0 0
because____________________________________________________________ 1 1
__________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
4 4
6 6
b) Parents should allow children to watch TV before bedtime. True False
because____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________ 0 0
__________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
3 3
6. Comment the phrase below in 4 lines. A A
Parents should limit the time children watch TV each day. 0 0
__________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
__________________________________________________________________ 3 3
__________________________________________________________________ 4 4
__________________________________________________________________
7. Identify the message of the text and comment on it in 5 lines. A A

__________________________________________________________________ 0 0
__________________________________________________________________ 1 1
3 3
__________________________________________________________________ 5 5
__________________________________________________________________ 7 7
__________________________________________________________________
35
SECTION II. THE ASSESSMENT OF LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE (20 points)
Fill in the gaps with a suitable preposition. Write the correct form of the verb in brackets. Choose
the correct word from those given in brackets.
No Item Score
1.- The USA is going through a period of fast change. Today, there are around A A
10. 3.7 million people aged over 60 in this country but the large number of people who 0 0
belong _________________________________ the baby-boom generation will 2 2
produce (a/an/the/-)_________________________________ explosion in the 4 4
number of retired people. By 2030, there (need/might/had to) 6 6
_________________________________ be some 8.8 million of them. As the 8 8
birth-rate in the period after the post-war baby boom has declined sharply, these 10 10
(elderly/elder/eldest)_________________________________ people will 12 12
represent a much larger part of the country’s population than ever before in their 14 14
history. In 1966, when the US national pension scheme (to introduce) 16 16
_________________________________, there were about eight working-age 18 18
people for every retired person, whereas today, there are about five, and in 2030 20 20
there will only be three. Recently, another change (already, to take place)
_________________________________, which also affects this situation namely
the progresses made in medicine. If it (not to be)
_________________________________ for present medical advances and higher
standards, life expectancy would not increase in future years. For sure, in 2030,
people (to live) _________________________________ an average of 4.5 years
longer. Today the US government works on a new retirement policy that is aimed
at (to stop) _________________________________ a financial collapse.
Moreover, this situation made young people (to start)
_________________________________ thinking about their parents’ and their
own future financial security.
SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES

(20 points)
Write a coherent 10-line text for the situation below.
No Item Score
1. Your local newspaper asked you to write an article about a city or town of the USA A A
that you would recommend the readers to visit. Mention at least one sightseeing 0 0
that is worth visiting and give a reason. 1 1
2 2
3 3
___________________________________________________________________ 4 4
___________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
___________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
___________________________________________________________________ 9 9
10 10
___________________________________________________________________ 11 11
___________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
___________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
___________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
___________________________________________________________________ 18 18
___________________________________________________________________ 19 19
20 20
36
SECTION IV. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CIVIC COMPETENCES
(30 points)
Write a coherent 20-line text expressing your attitude on the given topic.
No Item Score
1. Some young people consider that they can learn more things from films than from A A
books. Do you agree or disagree? Bring TWO arguments. 0 0
 Make an introduction; 2 2
 Bring two arguments; 3 3
 Draw a conclusion. 4 - Draw
4 a conc
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________ 16 16
_____________________________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
_____________________________________________________________________
19 19
_____________________________________________________________________ 20 20
_____________________________________________________________________ 21 21
22 22
_____________________________________________________________________
23 23
_____________________________________________________________________ 24 24
_____________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
_____________________________________________________________________ 27 27
_____________________________________________________________________ 28 28
_____________________________________________________________________ 29 29
30 30
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
37
2014
The Most Productive Day of the Week

It's possible that while you are at work, you may dream about a month of Sundays, but
your boss wishes for a week of Tuesdays. That's because she or he probably knows that productivity
is one of the main factors supporting a company's growth. A recent poll shows that workers are
most productive on Tuesdays! An employment agency carried out a survey of office managers which
shows that by the middle of the week a dramatic productivity decrease occurs. While Monday is
considered second in "productivity value," only nine percent of office managers think Wednesday is
the peak productivity day. And only five percent believe that the most productive day of the week is
Thursday. However, forty-eight percent of the managers say that Tuesday is, by far, the most
productive day of the week.
A close analysis of workweek rhythms offers some obvious reasons for those survey results.
First of all, Monday is full of meetings, designed to "get things moving," and everybody knows
meetings aren't very productive. Wednesday is "hump day" - to get over it as painlessly as possible,
a worker thinks, and the week is more than halfway over. On Thursday, people are running out of
energy; and on Friday, everybody's thinking about the weekend. There are reasons why the other
days aren't productive, but what makes Tuesday special? On Tuesday employees hit peak
performance because they are very focused on day-to-day activities. Also, it's usually the first day
of the week when they're focused on their own task. They're not in meetings that take them away
from their main responsibilities. And so, in 10 hours, they're doing 20-hour work. That's productive,
but it's also tough.
This does not mean that nothing happens on the last three days of the workweek. Things do not get
so casual that people are sitting with their feet on desks, drinking coffee and talking on the phone
all day, but there's a definite lack of focus. The pace softens and the rhythm slows down. And this is
not healthy: it produces tiredness and decreases productivity. To prevent this midweek slowdown,
some management consultants suggest that employers avoid squeezing so many meetings into
Mondays and answer the question: “What motivates people to work?”. Variations in productivity
are only natural, but both workers and bosses win when the peaks and valleys are less dramatic
than they are now.
No Item Score
Why do bosses wish for a week of Tuesdays? 0 0
1 1
2 2
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the word and word combination given A A
below. 0 0
2 2
a) to conduct a poll - 4 4
b) evident -
0 0
a) to raise -
2 2
b) easy - 4 4
38
a) Monday is considered to be the most productive working day. 0 0
1 1
True False
2 2
because 3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
b) On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays employees relax, drink coffee and
talk on the phone.
True False
because
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
6. Answer the question below in 4 lines. A A
“What motivates people to work?”. 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
39
Fill in the gaps with the suitable articles and preposition. Write the correct form of the verbs in
brackets. Choose the correct word from those given in brackets.
A A
In summertime, off ___________________________ eastern coast of Canada
0 0
near Newfoundland, humpback whales gather in large groups, or "schools" as they are
2 2
called often "singing" to each other and making jumps out of the water. However, if
4 4
you (to be) ___________________________ a humpback whale, you would have a
6 6
problem. Today these playful and friendly whales (to catch)
8 8
___________________________ in the nets of fishermen who would prefer to save
10 10
them if they could.
12 12
Jon Lien and his assistants have been helping to free whales
14 14
___________________________ nets since 1998. More than 600 whales (to release)
16 16
___________________________up to now. In an interview Jon stated that recently
18 18
our government (to agree) ___________________________ that the rescue of whales
20 20
was ___________________________ issue that should be discussed at the
international level. But, unfortunately, today some countries, like Japan, (to have)
___________________________ a different view on the protection of whales.
Today scientists wish that the government (to finance)
___________________________ the production of "whale alarms" that would tell
fishermen where the whales were so that the fishermen could avoid the area when they
go fishing. (Although/Consequently/For instance/On the other hand)
___________________________, fishermen wouldn't lose thousands of dollars' worth
of nets and fish, and the whales would be saved.

(20 points)
Write a coherent 10-line text describing the situation below. Give an example of a A A
personality from an English-speaking country that changed the political or economic 0 0
directions of the world or the way we communicate today. Describe his or her impact 1 1
on the development of our civilization. 2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11 11
12 12
13 13
14 14
15 15
16 16
17 17
18 18
19 19
20 20
40
(30 points)
Environmental non-governmental organizations consider that human activity damages A A

our environment. Do you agree with them or disagree? Bring at least TWO arguments 0 0
or examples. 1 1
 Make an introduction; 3 3
 Bring two arguments/examples; 4 4
 Draw a conclusion. 5 - Draw
5 a conclusion
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11 11
12 12
13 13
14 14
15 15
16 16
17 17
18 18
19 19
20 20
21 21
22 22
23 23
24 24
25 25
26 26
27 27
28 28
29 29
30 30
41
2014
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

When travelling outside of your own culture, it is always rewarding to put yourself deep within
the host culture to develop a better appreciation of your new environment. However, things that
might be considered ‘normal’ in your home country could be viewed as rude in someone else’s, and
vice versa.
Before entering a foreign environment, it is best to find out what to expect. Read as much as
you can before travelling to a new country to become an expert in local social rules and cultural
differences. Travel guides will usually provide a very specific list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Be sure to
make use of Internet sites or forums, and of course do not hesitate to ask the locals. It is better to
ask what might seem like a ridiculous question to one person, than to make a fool of yourself in
front of a larger group.
When I first moved to Japan, I was surprised that people made unpleasant noises when they ate
noodles. They even picked up the bowl to drink the soup. Making noise while eating and drinking
straight from the bowl is definitely disapproved of in my country. But in Japan, it is not rude, it is
actually expected.
Over the years, I have travelled to many places. Each country may have its own set of cultural
taboos and acceptable behaviour. Here is a short list of some of the more interesting yet strange
local customs that I have come across:
 Discussing sports in Germany is considered an uneducated thing to do.
 Do not blow your nose in public in Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, or France.
 When in Thailand, never touch the head of a small child. It is considered bad luck.
 In many Asian countries, such as China, pointing with the index finger in public is considered
quite rude.
 Bulgaria can be a confusing place for many foreigners—the locals shake their head to indicate
“yes” and nod the head up to indicate “no.”
In conclusion, if you happen to commit a mistake, don’t worry too much about it. Mistakes
happen whether we like it or not and sometimes that’s the only way to learn.
No Item Score

Why should a person read travel guides before visiting a foreign country? 0 0
1 1
2 2
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the word and word combination given below. A A
0 0
a) to present - ____________________ 2 2
b) to make an error - ____________________ 4 4
42
0 0
a) similarity - ____________________
2 2
b) clear - ____________________ 4 4
a) In Japan it is rude to make noise while eating and drinking. True False 0 0
1 1
because 2 2
3 3
4 4
6 6
b) In Germany it is considered polite to discuss sports in public. True False
because
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
6. Comment the phrase below in 4 lines. A A

Mistakes happen whether we like it or not and sometimes that’s the only way to learn. 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
7 7
43
Fill in the gaps with a suitable article and preposition. Write the correct form of the verb in brackets.
Choose the correct word from those given in brackets.
No Item Score
1.- When I finished school, I applied to study philosophy at two universities, A A
10. Sheffield, my home town, and London. I didn’t have much hope of getting into 0 0
London University my school exam results were not brilliant. London University is 2 2
one of the (high/highly/highlier) _______________________________________ 4 4
appreciated universities in the world therefore, I wanted to be accepted there. But I 6 6
was lucky and I was accepted there. I (must/had to/should) 8 8
_______________________________________ make two trips to London before I 10 10
started one for the interview and another to find accommodation. The university 12 12
provided students with information about flats. By the time the semester began, I 14 14
(already, to find) _______________________________________ a place to live and a 16 16
roommate. 18 18
While I was studying, I didn’t think about work and how I (to earn) 20 20
_______________________________________ my living after university. When the
time came, I realized that languages had always interested me so I applied
_______________________________________ several jobs to teach English abroad.
Obviously, I didn’t have any experience but I thought I had a small chance of (to
accept) _______________________________________.
In the end, a letter came and I felt nervous as I opened it. But the news (to be)
_______________________________________ good! The letter offered me a job in a
Swedish school. I knew the winter weather in Sweden was cold so I bought some
warm clothes. Then I had _______________________________________ farewell
party and everyone wished me good luck in my new life as a teacher. Since then I (to
have) _______________________________________ a lot of jobs in difference
countries and I am happy to say that I have enjoyed all of them. But I have wondered
many times what (to happen) _______________________________________ if that
first letter had turned me down.
SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES (20 points)
Write a coherent 10-line text for the situation below.
No Item Score
1. Your local newspaper asked you to write an article about a tradition or holiday that is A A
celebrated in an English-speaking country, but not in your own country. 0 0
1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
10 10
_____________________________________________________________________ 11 11
12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
14 14
_____________________________________________________________________ 15 15
_____________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
_____________________________________________________________________ 18 18
19 19
20 20
44
(30 points)
No Item Score
1. Some people consider that responsibility is the key to success. Do you agree or A A
disagree? Bring TWO arguments or examples. 0 0
 Bring two arguments/examples; 3 3
4 a conc
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________ 16 16
_____________________________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
_____________________________________________________________________
19 19
_____________________________________________________________________ 20 20
_____________________________________________________________________ 21 21
22 22
_____________________________________________________________________
23 23
_____________________________________________________________________ 24 24
_____________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
_____________________________________________________________________ 27 27
_____________________________________________________________________ 28 28
_____________________________________________________________________ 29 29
30 30
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
45
2014
‘Mental Risk’ of Facebook Teens

A generation that is growing up using social networking websites, such as Facebook and
MySpace, is less likely to form lasting relationships and is more likely to act without thinking, an
expert has warned.
The annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists was informed about the fact that
many people who were born in 1990 or later have only known a world with the Internet, so they
could grow up with an unrealistic view of the world and themselves. Moreover, while social
networking sites offer great benefits, there are potential problems.
Dr Himanshu Tyagi, a psychiatrist, says social networking sites have encouraged the idea that
friendships and relationships can be formed and ended quickly and easily. He says, “It’s a world
where everything moves fast and changes all the time, where relationships are ended at the click of
a mouse. Online, you can delete your profile and change who you are in a few seconds.” He
explains that because everything happens so quickly on social networking sites, people may start to
find the real world boring.
Moreover, Dr Himanshu Tyagi says teenagers who socialize online are more likely to make
quick decision without thinking about the consequences of their action. They might not pay
attention to their ‘real world’ selves, and might find it difficult to form relationships in the real
world as they don’t learn about their body language, tone of voice and facial expressions online. He
says that if you can see someone’s face or body language or hear the changes in their voices; these
will influence your understanding of what’s going on. He added that friendship means something
very different to the ‘internet generation’.
However, there are also benefits. When you’re online, you often don’t know the wealth, race
or gender of the person you’re communicating with. Dr. Tyagi added, “No one is a stranger on the
net. It may not be the best way to make lasting friendships, but it does make everyone equal.”
Graham Jones, a psychologist with an interest in the influence of the Internet, said: “For every
new generation, the experience they have of the world is a different one. When the printing press
was first invented, I am sure there were thousands of people saying it was a bad thing.” Jones added
that the people who tended to be more active on sites such as Facebook were those who were the
most socially active anyway.
So, the scientists’ points of view on the impact of social networking sites are divided and it is
up to each parent and teenager to make a safe choice.
BBC News
No Item Score
Why do people who were born after 1990 might have an unrealistic opinion of the 0 0
world? 1 1
2 2
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the words given below. A A
a) to tend - ____________________ 0 0
b) to inspire - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
46
a) disadvantage - ____________________ 0 0
b) dangerous - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
a) Teenagers who use social networking sites tend to make well-thought decisions. 0 0
True False 1 1
because 2 2
3 3
b) Communication through social networks has only disadvantages. True False 4 4
because 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
6. Comment in 4 lines the phrase below. A A
For every new generation, the experience they have of the world is a different one. 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
47
Choose the correct word from those given in brackets. Fill in the gaps with the suitable article and
preposition. Write the correct form of the words in brackets.
No Item Score
1- When I was a child, my mother advised me to study. She did not want me to lose A A
10 out on a quality education. (Therefore, Although, Nevertheless) 0 0
______________________________________ she forbid me to watch 2 2
(too/enough/hardly) ______________________________________ much television. 4 4
Instead, she would tell me to practice ______________________________________ 6 6
piano. I absolutely hated when my mother made me (to 8 8
play)______________________________________ it. So, while most of my friends 10 10
were busy chatting online with each other, I (to practice) 12 12
______________________________________. 14 14
Well, today I (had better/must/may) _________________________________ 16 16
thank her. As a well-known pianist who travels around the world, I am happy that she 18 18
convinced me to appreciate hard work. I (never, to get) 20 20
______________________________________ where I am today without her focus on
education and practice. Nowadays, besides giving concerts, I mentor children. When I
am asked about the person who motivated me to pursue my career, I tell them it was
my mother. She was the one who believed in my talent. It was one of the many things
that (to give) ______________________________________ to me and I simply did
not ignore it. Today I am looking forward
___________________________________ the new gifts that will be given to me and
be sure this time (nobody/anybody/somebody)
______________________________________ needs to motivate me. I will jump on
the opportunity to work hard and to be the best.

(20 points)
Write a coherent 10-line text describing the situation below.
No Item Score
Your friends have decided to visit London next summer. They would like to visit A A
another city in the UK, but they need your advice to make a decision. Suggest a city in 0 0
Great Britain, besides London, that they should visit and explain what they could see 1 1
2 2
in it.
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
48
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
14 14
_____________________________________________________________________
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________ 16 16
17 17
_____________________________________________________________________
18 18
_____________________________________________________________________ 19 19
20 20

(30 points)
Some people think that it is better for children to grow up in villages. Do you agree or A A
disagree? Bring at least TWO arguments. 0 0
 Bring two arguments; 3 3
4 a conc
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________ 16 16
_____________________________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
_____________________________________________________________________
19 19
_____________________________________________________________________ 20 20
_____________________________________________________________________ 21 21
22 22
_____________________________________________________________________
23 23
_____________________________________________________________________ 24 24
_____________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
_____________________________________________________________________ 27 27
_____________________________________________________________________ 28 28
_____________________________________________________________________ 29 29
30 30
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
49
2014
The Internet
Things were different before the invention of the Internet. Now everything has changed. The
Internet is everywhere, and it is loved and used by everyone for everything. We get our news,
receive our mail, send our letters, write to our teachers, do our shopping, arrange our lives, schedule
our travels, meet new friends, review all the knowledge in the universe, and most of us do it while
we are sitting in a chair looking at the screen. Can life get any better? There are some disadvantages
mixed in with all the advantages, and sometimes it is a good idea to take a closer look at the other
side of paradise.
The United States military began the Internet with a small network of computers in the trendy
1960s. Non-military users began enjoying its benefits when companies and American universities
were given access to do research related to military projects. The information window was opened
and could no longer be closed. In 1989, the World Wide Web was presented to the general public.
Any of us who make the Internet a daily companion would agree that nothing has been the same
since we first decided to go online.
A quick survey reveals that most people will tell you that they use the Internet to stay in touch
with others on the Internet. Most of us say that writing or receiving e-mail is our number one use of
the Internet. We do this at home, at work, or wherever we sit down at a computer. We send and
receive e-mails for fun, for personal reason, for business, and in all areas of our work. The Internet
allows us to communicate from room to room, city to city, or country to country for the same price
and the same immediate speed. Correspondence is the king of the Internet.
As students, we use the Internet to do research, which helps us with our home assignments.
Friends or teachers suggest we look up an article on the web. We act on those suggestions nearly as
frequently as we write e-mails. We love the ability to grab chunks of information and we are
tempted to make them ours. As students, we no longer have to search through books and spend
money, copying articles to get our research done. This unique study tool is available twenty-four
hours a day, every day of the week, or as long as we have electricity to charge the device we use to
go online.
Those of us who have watched travel agencies close up their doors and go out of business,
know that online travel is the future, and the future has arrived. Wherever we want to go and
however we want to get there, the Internet is our guide to those destinations. The Internet has
changed the way we travel forever. Go online with a credit card in hand, and you can book a hotel
in Dallas, a rental car in Los Angeles, or a safari in Kenya. Electronic commerce or e-commerce is
one of the fastest growing areas of Internet use. E-commerce is the buying and selling of either
services or merchandise on the Internet. Buying cars, sending musical greeting cards, downloading
the newest music, and even trading stocks are done every day on the Internet before some of us see
the sun rise. Just imagine how much money has been exchanged as a result of various online
transactions since you started reading this text.
50
No Item Score
What is one of the fastest growing uses of the Internet, according to the text? 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the words or word combinations given below. A A
a) to study carefully __________________ 0 0
b) accessible __________________ 2 2
4 4
a) seldom ____________________ 0 0
b) to forbid _____________________ 2 2
4 4
a) Travel agencies have shown tremendous travel and tourism profits from the use of 0 0
the Internet. 1 1
True False 2 2
because 3 3
4 4
6 6
b) As a research tool, the Internet is very accessible. True False
because
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
6. Comment in 4 lines the phrase below. A A
Correspondence is the king of the Internet. 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
51
Complete the text with the correct form of the verbs in brackets. Fill in the gaps with the suitable
article and preposition. Write the correct form of the words in brackets.
No Item Score
1- Jellyfish (to find) ____________________ during the summer months in the A A

10 water close ____________________ the shore and on the beaches of the 0 0
Mediterranean. For bathers, they are nasty creatures (who/that/which/whose) 2 2
____________________ sting can be painful. For beach-lovers, they are 4 4
____________________ nuisance because they rarely get washed up onto the beach 6 6
where they die, leaving a terrible smell. 8 8
Jellyfish vary (wide/widely/hardly/well) ____________________ in their size 10 10
and colour; they range from a few millimeters across to six feet in diameter, with 12 12
tentacles 100 feet long. Some are extremely dangerous. An Australian species of 14 14
jellyfish, called a sea wasp, looks like a box and has the most deadly venom in the 16 16
world in its sting. It (must/can/should/ought to) ____________________ kill a man 18 18
very quickly. 20 20
Jellyfish (to exist) ____________________ for millions of years, and scientists
believe that they will survive (before/as long as/after/as far as)
____________________ there are oceans on earth.
At a time of (disappearing, disappeared, disappear,
disappearance)____________________ species and fear for our planet, jellyfish
continue to multiply. (In addition to/Owing to/Furthermore/Whereas)
____________________, there are species in the depths of the ocean that we haven't
even seen yet.
Write a coherent 10-line text describing the situation below. (20 points)
No Item Score
Which sports have a long history in Great Britain and are practiced with enthusiasm? A A
Describe at least one of them. 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11 11
12 12
13 13
52
14 14
15 15
____________________________________________________ 16 16
___________________________________________________ 17 17
18 18
___________________________________________________ 19 19
20 20
SECTION IV. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CIVIC (30 points)
Describe a visit to a place which made a great impression on you. Explain why it A A
affected you so much. 0 0
1 1
- Describe at least TWO main aspects of the place in detail; 4 4
5 5
- Draw a conclusion: mention your feelings and your final thoughts about the place.
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
11 11
12 12
13 13
14 14
15 15
16 16
17 17
18 18
19 19
20 20
21 21
22 22
23 23
24 24
25 25
26 26
27 27
28 28
29 29
30 30
53
2015
TEST
The Cost of University
Students usually go to university to improve their career prospects so that they can get good
jobs and earn good salaries. In the past, most students found university challenging and fun.
However, many professors are worried that now, students worry most about money and
concentrating in class.
The government in Britain gave students ‘grants’ before. A grant was money so that students
could live and study. Now, there are no grants and more students are working while they are at
university. However, having a job has affected their studies – 21% of students say that they don’t
complete their work on time because of their jobs. Around 13% of students say that they miss up to
five hours of class a week because employers made them work extra hours. The jobs that students
do are often badly-paid and the working conditions aren’t very good, but students can’t find better
jobs because they don’t have the qualifications and they can’t work full-time.
Working is also affecting many students’ concentration. According to a recent survey, the
average length of time a student can concentrate in class is just ten minutes. At first, experts thought
it was because of new technology and changes in learning styles. Young people today usually only
spend a short time looking at websites and they tend to read and write short texts. Experts say that
this is why many young people have short attention spans. However, it seems that for many
students, poor concentration in class is the result of working. A third of students who have part-time
jobs say that they cannot concentrate because they are tired and stressed.
The results of the survey also show that many students find it challenging to set goals and
make decisions about different aspects of their lives. They say school education fails to provide
students with life skills and the ability to live on their own when they become school-leavers.
54
No Item Score
1. Answer the following questions according to the text. (Total: 6 points)
a. Why do students usually go to university?
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
b. Why can’t students find better jobs?
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c. How long can most students concentrate in class? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
2. Find in the text the synonyms for the words given below. (Total: 4 points) A A
0 0
a) a wage____________________ 2 2
b) an aim ____________________ 4 4
3. Find in the text the antonyms for the words given below. (Total: 4 points) A A
0 0
a) to start ____________________
2 2
b) to succeed ____________________ 4 4
4. Based on the text, write if the sentences are True or False. Justify your choice. A A
(Total: 6 points) 0 0
a) Nowadays, young people are more likely to read and write long texts. ________ 1 1
3 3
because
A A
0 0
b) Students consider that school education does not help them to live on their own after
1 1
they leave school. ________ 3 3
because
5. A A
Give another title to the text. (Total: 2 points)
0 0
1 1
2 2
55
6. Explain the message of the text in 35-40 words. (Total: 8 points) A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word or with the correct form of the verb in
brackets.
No Item Score
1.- When Harry's school announced a trip to the foothills of (the/a/-) A A

10. __________________________ Mount Everest after his final exams, he was desperate 0 0
to go. However, the cost was £1,650 and Harry's parents told him it was 2 2
(high/highly/higher) __________________________ unlikely that they could afford it. 4 4

6 6
Harry decided to earn the money himself and he (to begin)
8 8
__________________________ baking and selling cakes. “At the start, I
10 10
underestimated how much work would be involved and I wish I (to know)
12 12
__________________________ then how many hours I had to work. Yet, I do not 14 14
regret (to spend) __________________________ time on learning how to do business. 16 16
I never used to be very enthusiastic about work but now I love it, and so far I (to earn) 18 18
__________________________ enough to go on the trip,” said Harry. According to 20 20
Harry, working for himself has been (such/so/too) __________________________ a
valuable experience. “Some of my friends have decided to go to university, some are
looking for jobs, and (another/others/other) __________________________ are doing
unpaid internships,” he said. “At the moment, I (to plan)
__________________________ to continue working for myself and hope to open my
own shop next year. It is important to have goals and dreams, and (mine/my/myself)
__________________________ is to be a millionaire by the age of twenty-one.”
56
SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL AND PRAGMATIC COMPETENCES
(20 points)
Write a 75-80-word coherent text responding to the situation below.
No Item Score
A A
Describe a tourist attraction located in an English-speaking country that you would
0 0
like to visit, for example, a museum, a monument, a park, a building and a church.
1 1
Explain why you would like to visit it.
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
57
SECTION IV. THE ASSESSMENT OF CIVIC AND PRAGMATIC COMPETENCES
(30 points)
Write a coherent 180-200-word text expressing your attitude on the given topic.
Nowadays, some people consider that libraries are useless because we can find A A
everything on the Internet. Do you agree or disagree? Justify your opinion. Present two 0 0
examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ introduction; 2 2
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
58
2015
TEST
Clean Up Australia, Clean Up the World

Ian Kiernan was taking part in an around-the-world sailing race in 1987 when he noticed an
alarming amount of garbage in the ocean. Returning home to Australia, Kiernan felt he had to do
something about it.
He started close to home by organizing a community event in 1989 called Clean Up Sydney
Harbour. To his surprise, more than 40,000 volunteers came out to clean away garbage. Encouraged
by his success, Kiernan decided to make the clean-up a national event the following year. It was a
huge success. Across Australia about 300,000 people spent the day working to improve their local
environment.
Clean Up Australia day has been held annually since then, growing bigger every year. In
1993, Kiernan started an even more ambitious program. With the help of the United Nations
Environment Program, he launched Clean Up the World to support communities around the world
in cleaning up and conserving the environment. In its first year, more than 30 million people in 80
countries participated. Clean Up the World now falls on the third weekend of September every year,
and has grown more popular. Today Clean Up Australia Day gathers more than half a million
volunteers who help to clean thousands of tones of garbage from beaches, parks and waterways.
In recent years Kiernan says that there has been an increase in harmful electronic waste such
as computers and cell phones, and that e-waste is growing faster than other trash. E-waste
sometimes makes up 70 percent of the overall waste found in landfills, according to Global Future
Foundation. Kiernan feels that companies need to take more responsibility for the cleanup and
recycling of their products, since chemicals from e-waste can cause health problems if they spill
into the ground or into the water supply. To help deal with e-waste, Kiernan started a program
called clean up mobile phones to collect used cell phones for reuse and recycling.
Ian saw a problem that needed fixing, and he chose to take action. By starting Clean up
Australia Day, he raised awareness of how we treat our earth. What’s more, he united millions of
people in their goal to make the world a clean place. Through determination and hard work, Ian has
shown that anyone who puts their mind to it can make a difference.
No Item Score
1. Answer the question according to the text. A A
1. How did Ian Kiernan come up with the idea of organising his first clean up event? 0 0
1 1
2 2
2. What was the first clean up event that Kiernan organised? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
59
3. What did Kiernan do to reduce the e-waste? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
0 0
a) to participate ____________________ 2 2
b) very big ____________________ 4 4
0 0
a) slow ____________________
2 2
b) laziness ____________________ 4 4
a) Clean Up the World is an annual event. ________ 0 0
1 1
because
3 3
b) Ian Kiernan thinks that companies need to do more about the reuse of their
products. ________ A A
0 0
because
1 1
3 3
5. A A
Give another title to the text.
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
6. Explain the message of the text in 35-40 words. A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
60
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word in brackets or with the correct form of the
verb.
No Item Score
1.- Once I had the most memorable day without (plan/planned/planning) A A

10. __________________________ 0 0
it. It seemed it (be going to)
2 2
______________________ be a sunny day so I decided to take (a/the/-) 4 4
6 6
__________________________ walk round the city. It was my first visit and I thought
8 8
that by exploring it on foot I (to learn) __________________________ more about its 10 10
12 12
main attractions. I loved visiting the ancient sites and, with the help of a guidebook, I
14 14
got a good idea of the history and culture. I arrived at the main cathedral just as a 16 16
18 18
rainstorm started. I rushed inside, only intending to wait (for/since/till)
20 20
__________________________ the weather to clear up but once I was inside I
(couldn’t/shouldn’t/mustn’t) __________________________ believe what I saw. It
was (beautiful) __________________________ place I had ever seen. There must
have been a hundred of stained glass windows. I found it very peaceful, and sat for a
long time just relaxing and enjoying the place. In the evening when I was in my room,
I (call) __________________________ by my brother. I told him that if it hadn’t
rained, I (not visit) __________________________ that magnificent cathedral. (Do
you ever have had/Have you ever had/You have ever had)
______________________________________________ such a situation in your life?
61
(20 points)
No Item Score
Your local council intends to name a street after a famous historic figure that lived in A A
0 0
an English-speaking country. Recommend a personality and explain your choice.
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
A A
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 8 8
9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
_____________________________________________________________________ 11 11
12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________
62
(30 points)
Some young people prefer to spend their holiday travelling while others prefer to stay A A
at home. What would your choice be? Bring two examples. 0 0
 introduction; 2 2
 body; 3 3
 conclusion. 4 - Draw
4 a conc
5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 8 8
9 9
_____________________________________________________________________
10 10
_____________________________________________________________________ 11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
_____________________________________________________________________ 15 15
16 16
_____________________________________________________________________ 17 17
_____________________________________________________________________ 18 18
19 19
_____________________________________________________________________
20 20
_____________________________________________________________________ 21 21
_____________________________________________________________________ 22 22
23 23
_____________________________________________________________________ 24 24
_____________________________________________________________________ 25 25
26 26
_____________________________________________________________________ 27 27
_____________________________________________________________________ 28 28
29 29
_____________________________________________________________________ 30 30
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
63
2015
TEST
Comics: Trash or Treasure?
In Japan, they call them manga; in Latin America, historietas; in Italy, fumetti. Some people
call them “graphic novels.” But no matter what you call them, comics are a favourite source of
reading pleasure for millions in many parts of the world.
In case you're wondering how popular comics are, the best-selling comic title in the U.S. sells
about 4.5 million copies a year. Mexico’s comic titles sell over 7 million copies a week. But Japan
is by far the leading publisher of comics in the world. Manga make up nearly forty percent of all the
books and magazines published in Japan each year.
Ever since comics first appeared, there have been people who have criticized them. In the
1940s and 50s, many people believed that comics caused bad behaviour among young people. Even
today, many question whether young people should read them at all.
On the other hand, some modern educators see comics as a way to get teenagers to choose
reading instead of television and video games. And because of the art, a number of educators have
argued that comics are a great way to get children to think creatively. Some recent research has
suggested that the combination of visuals and text in comics may be one reason young people
handle computers and software so easily.
In many places comics have been a convenient way to communicate social or political
information. For example, in the 1990s, comics were used by the Brazilian health ministry to
communicate information about AIDS. In Japan, the Education Ministry calls comics “a part of
Japan's national culture, recognized and highly regarded abroad.” Comics are increasingly being
used for educational purposes, and many publishers there see them as a useful way of teaching
history and other subjects.
No matter how you view them, comics remain a guilty pleasure for millions worldwide.
No Item Score
1. Answer the following questions according to the text. (Total: 6 points) A A
a. What does manga mean in Japanese? 0 0
1 1
2 2
2. How do some modern educators see comics? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
3. How were comics viewed in the1940s and 50s?

A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
64
0 0
a) to ask yourself____________________ 2 2
b) a teacher____________________ 4 4
3. Find in the text the antonyms for the words given below. (Total: 4 points) A A
0 0
a) to buy ____________________
2 2
b) difficultly ____________________ 4 4
(Total: 6 points) 0 0
a) The Brazilian health ministry has never used comics to communicate social 1 1
information. ________ 3 3
because
A A
b) Comics are used in teaching history. ________ 0 0
1 1
because 3 3
5. A A
Give another title to the text. (Total: 2 points)
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
2 2

0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
65
Fill in the gaps with the correct form in brackets or with the correct form of the verb.
No Item Score
1.- When I was in high school I (to work) __________________________ part time A A
10. as (the/a/-) __________________________ waiter at Darby’s restaurant. It wasn’t a 0 0
2 2
very easy job but I liked making customers (to feel) __________________________ 4 4
6 6
comfortable and pleased.
8 8
After finishing school I started working at Steak Hut. By the time the tourist 10 10
12 12
season began, I (to offer) __________________________ a promotion to headwaiter.
14 14
I coordinated waiters and was responsible (in/at/for) __________________________ 16 16
18 18
creating memorable experiences for our guests.
20 20
Five years (to pass) __________________________ since that time and I still
enjoy working for this restaurant. Recently, I have been appointed night manager.
(I already have developed/I have already developed/I have developed already)
____________________________________________________ management skills
and today I (to supervise)__________________________ the waiters and kitchen
staff. Moreover, I have learned to order supplies, plan menus and
(other/another/others) __________________________ things.
These days, I wish I (had/had had/have) __________________________ more
free time, as I want to get a degree in Tourism Managements.
66
(20 points)
No Item Score
A A
Imagine you have the possibility to visit the capital of an English-speaking
0 0
country. Name the capital and describe what you would like to visit there.
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
67
(30 points)
Why should government finance museums that some people consider just buildings A A
that store old things? Bring two examples; use the following plan: 0 0
2 2
 body;
0 a conc
1 1
____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
A A
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
68
2015
TEST 1
ESPERANTO
What would the world be like if everyone spoke the same language? Would we understand
each other better and be more sympathetic to each other’s causes? We are talking about sharing the
same second language – Esperanto.
What are the facts about this artificial language? It was invented in 1887 by a Polish doctor,
Ludwig Lazarus Zamenhof. Its vocabulary comes mainly from Western European languages, and
the grammar is similar to Slavic languages. It sounds like Italian.
Esperanto means “hopeful”, and it was Zamenhof’s hope that a common language would
promote friendship and understanding among the people from all over the world. His inspiration is
summed up by the Esperanto term ‘interna ideo” which means ‘central idea’, and it is an idea of
human peace and justice.
Approximately eight million people speak it all over the world. Moreover, there are many
who would like Esperanto to be the official second language of the world.
There are many advantages of Esperanto as a world language. The advantage of the world
being able to talk freely to each other about business, politics, culture, sport or hobbies is quite
obvious. Another one is that it can reduce costs of translation at any international conference that
nowadays are surprising.
From the learner’s point of view, it has the advantage of having no exceptions to the rules.
Therefore, Esperanto is a very easy language to learn. Its tense system has none of the
complications of English, and the grammar is based on just sixteen rules that have no exceptions.
There are only five vowel sounds. The most remarkable thing is that after a very short time learners
find that they can express quite sophisticated their ideas and the same sort of things that they would
want to say in their own language.
Esperanto is particularly prevalent in the northern and central countries of Europe; in China,
Korea, Japan, and Iran within Asia; in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico in the Americas; and in Togo
in Africa. Esperanto is taught in many schools in Hungary and China. It has such internal logic that
it could become the international computer language, and that would really establish it.
No Item Score
1. Answer the questions according to the text. A A
1.What did Zamenhof hope for when he invented Esperanto? 0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
2. Why is Esperanto grammar considered easy?
5 5
6 6
69
3. Why can Esperanto become the international computer language?
a) to create ____________________ 0 0
b) everywhere ____________________ 2 2
4 4
a) to increase ____________________ 0 0
b) drawback ____________________ 2 2
4 4
4. Write if the sentences are True or False, according to the text. Justify your A A
choice. 0 0
a) In some countries Esperanto is an official second language. ________________ 1 1
because 2 2
3 3
b) Learning Esperanto demands a lot of effort. ________________ 4 4
because 6 6
5. Give another title to the text. A A

0 0
1 1
2 2

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
70
verb.
No Item Score
1.- Last week I bought a camera. I (to save) _________________ for some years and I A A
10. finally had the money I needed. I looked at (a lot of/ much)_________________ 0 0
offers, trying to choose the best one. I could not find anything suitable. Finally, almost 2 2
(by/on/at)_________________ accident I found a camera I liked in a secondhand 4 4
shop. It seemed to be in good condition, and it was a great bargain. I said to (my 6 6
own/myself/me)_________________: “If I buy it instead of a new one, I will have 8 8
enough money left for a few small gadgets. I had to make a decision (fast/fastly) 10 10
_________________ because the salesman insisted other people were interested in the 12 12
laptop. He also said I could have ten percent off if I (to pay) _________________ in 14 14
cash. So I did, and after two days the laptop started malfunctioning. I took it back to 16 16
the shop, but I (to tell) _________________ that as the camera had already been sold, 18 18
they did not give any refunds or exchange goods. My friend says that I should not have 20 20
gone to a secondhand shop. Now I realize that if I (to have) _________________
enough money, I would have bought a new camera. Money is always something that
you do not have enough of. I am still (disappointable/disappointing/disappointed)
_________________! Fortunately, I still have some money left. Perhaps my parents
will give me some more, they are very sorry (for/to/at) _________________ me.

(20 points)
Write a 75-80-word coherent text describing the situation below.
No Item Score
Why is English language taught in a lot of countries all over the world? A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ A A
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________
9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
71
_____________________________________________________________________ 11 11
_____________________________________________________________________ 12 12
13 13
14 14
15 15

(30 points)
Setting goals helps people to achieve success. Agree or disagree. Justify your choice A A
and bring two examples. 0 0
 body; 3 3
4 a conc
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
_____________________________________________________________________
12 12
_____________________________________________________________________ 13 13
_____________________________________________________________________ 14 14
15 15
_____________________________________________________________________
16 16
_____________________________________________________________________ 17 17
_____________________________________________________________________ 18 18
19 19
_____________________________________________________________________ 20 20
_____________________________________________________________________ 21 21
_____________________________________________________________________ 22 22
23 23
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
72
2015
TEST 2
Rene Silva
While most Brazilian teenagers are interested in computer games, homework or football,
Rene Silva has dedicated himself to fighting negative stereotypes about his favela community,
which as a rule is poor.
He set up his first newspaper at the age of 11, live-tweeted a police operation in his
neighbourhood at 17 and has just completed his first book at the age of 19.
The towns of Rio de Janeiro were long seen as violent zones run by armed drug gangs, but
Silva has used social media to show a more sympathetic, complex and hopeful side.
"The important thing about being young and doing what I do in the favelas is to create new
points of reference," he said. "In the past, it was drug trafficking. Today, there is more recognition
of the people who are trying to do good and change the reality of the place where they live."
Conscious of the weaknesses of the common media, one of his teachers asked him to set up a
community newspaper in 2005. At first, his family were doubtful about what he could achieve. His
mother scolded him for getting home late from school because he had spent so long reporting and
writing for his newspaper.
But he became the center of attention of every media organisation in the country five years
later when he live-tweeted a huge military and police operation to "pacify" the Alemão favela
where he lived. Silva's posts corrected mistakes made by TV reporters and raised warnings about a
young boy who was caught in the fight between the police and gangsters. His followers jumped
from a few hundred to tens of thousands. And today his newspaper has a lot of sponsors.
Still not 20, Silva published a book this August “A Voz do Alemão” about those who live in
favelas, which he hopes will change views of Rio's poor communities and present the problems they
carry on facing after pacification.
www.theguardian.com
No Item Score
1. Answer the question according to the text. A A
1.What are most Brazilian adolescents interested in? 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
2.What does Rene consider important to the young? 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
3. Whose idea was for Rene to start a community newspaper in 2005?

_____________________________________________________________________
73
a) uncertain ____________________ 0 0
b) to continue ____________________ 2 2
4 4
a) violent ____________________ 0 0
b) to decrease ____________________ 2 2
4 4
4. Write if the sentences are True or False, according to the text. Justify your A A
choice. 0 0
a) Rene has written two books. ________ 1 1
because 2 2
3 3
b) Rene’s family supported him when he started his community newspaper. ________ 4 4
because 6 6
5. Give another title to the text. A A

_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
2 2

0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
5 5
74
verb.
No Item Score
1.- There (to be) __________________________ a major bank robbery in central A A

10. Manchester today. It happened at nine o’clock this morning and fifty thousand pounds 0 0
was stolen. Three men dressed (as/like) __________________________ cleaners 2 2
surprised bank clerks just as the bank was opening for business. The men had been 4 4
waiting by a side entrance (for/at/to) __________________________ some time 6 6
before they decided to act. They seized the cash and escaped in a stolen car. The police 8 8
(to call) __________________________ but the thieves had already disappeared. One 10 10
of the witnesses, a courier, (who/which) __________________________ happened to 12 12
be passing by. He said: “I was absolutely shocking because I (might have been/should 14 14
have been/must be) __________________________ knocked down by the three 16 16
strangers running out of the bank door…” 18 18
(Another/other)__________________________ witness is the driver of the stolen car. 20 20
It was not his. He regretted (borrow/borrowing/to borrow)
__________________________ that car. When asked about the owner of the car, he
exclaimed: “My car broke down that very morning. I wish I (couldn’t borrow/ hadn’t
borrowed/ borrowed) __________________________ it from my neighbour!” The
bank clerks were not able to describe the appearance of the thieves as they
remembered (anything/everything/nothing) __________________________ because
of the shock.
(20 points)
Write a 75-80 word coherent text describing the situation below.
No Item Score
Recommend to you friend a literary work written by an English-speaking writer or A A

0 0
poet. Justify your recommendation.
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ A A
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
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4 4
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5 5
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_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
75
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

(30 points)
Nowadays the Internet is the best means of communication. Agree or disagree. Justify A A
your choice and bring two examples. 0 0
 body; 3 3
4 a conc
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
8 8
_____________________________________________________________________ 9 9
_____________________________________________________________________ 10 10
11 11
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15 15
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18 18
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19 19
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22 22
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23 23
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26 26
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30 30
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76
2016

Sports
1 People think children should play sports. Sports are fun and children stay healthy
while playing with others. However, playing sports can have negative effects on children. It
may produce feelings of poor self-esteem or aggressive behaviour in some children.
According to a research on kids and sports, 40 million kids play sports in the US. Of these,
5 18 million say they were shouted at or had an unpleasant experience while playing sports.
This leaves many children with a bad impression of sports. They think sports are just too
aggressive.
Many researchers believe that adults, especially parents and coaches, are the main
cause of too much aggression in children's sports. They believe children copy aggressive adult
10 behaviour. Then this behaviour is encouraged through both positive and negative feedback.
Parents and coaches are powerful teachers because children usually look up to them. Often
these adults behave aggressively themselves, sending children the message that winning is
everything. In addition, media makes violence seem exciting as children watch adult sports
games and see violent behaviour replayed over and over on television.
15 As a society, we really need to deal with this problem. Parents and coaches should act
as better examples for children. They also need to teach children better values. They should
teach children to enjoy themselves whether they win or not. Winning is not everything.
Moreover, children should not be allowed to continue to play when they are hurt. Sending a
child with an injury into a game gives the child the message that health is not as important as
winning. If we make some basic changes, children might learn to enjoy sports again.
77
No Item Score
1. Answer the following questions according to the text. (Total: 6 points) 2 2
a) According to the text, how many children said they had negative experience when 1 1
playing sports? 0 0
A A
b) According to the text, why are parents and coaches powerful teachers? 2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
c) According to the text, who should teach children better values? 2 2

1 1
0 0
A A
2. Circle the correct answer according to the text. (Total: 4 points) 2 2

a) According to the text, who is described as the main cause of more aggressive playing 0 0
in children’s sports? A A
a. Adults.
b. Kids.
c. Parent.
d. Coach.
b) The word act in line 15 is closest in meaning to 2 2
a. replay. 0 0
b. theatre. A A
c. enjoy.
d. behave.
3. Based on the text, write if the sentences are True or False. Justify your choice. (Total: 3 3
6 points) 1 1
a) Media makes violence seem exciting. _____ 0 0
because A A
3 3
b) It is correct to send a child with an injury into a game. _____ 1 1
0 0
because A A
4. Find in the text the synonyms for the words given below. (Total: 4 points) 4 4
a) a trainer - ______________________ 2 2
b) to let - ______________________ 0 0
A A
5. Give another title to the text. (Total: 2 points) 2 2
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
A A
78
6. Explain the message of the text in 35-40 words. (Total: 8 points) 6 6
____________________________________________________________________________ 4 4
____________________________________________________________________________
2 2
0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ A A
____________________________________________________________________________
2 2
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
A A
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the word/word combination or with the correct form
of the verb in brackets.
No Item Score
1- Greeting from Greece! 20 20
10 18 18
I hope you are OK at home. At the moment we (to sit) ___________________ on a boat, 16 16
which is going to one of the Greek islands. Petru and Dana are with me too. Petru isn’t 14 14
enjoying the boat trip very much (because/therefore/however) 12 12
_____________________________ he is seasick. Sadly, (neither/either/nor) 10 10
8 8
_____________________________ Dana nor I can help him. Dana is taking some
6 6
photographs of very beautiful views. She has already taken more than (two hundreds/ 4 4
two hundred/hundreds) ____________________________ photos. 2 2
0 0
But, our holiday started with some problems. First, when we arrived at the airport, we A A
learned that our plane (to delay) _____________________________. So, I had to look
after the bags while Petru and Dana (to shop) _____________________________.
There are many new shops in our airport and one (should/must/can)
_____________________________ buy anything there. Then another bad thing
happened to us. Our destination was the Kos Island but we got to Ios. It took us a few
more hours to reach our hotel where we tasted traditional Greek food late in the evening.
Anyway, on Saturday morning we are planning to travel by a high-speed train (at/to/for)

_____________________________ Athens. I hope we will enjoy ourselves there. I’m
sorry you couldn’t join us. We would all be having fun now, if you (to be)
_____________________________here.
I look forward to (to see) _____________________________you at the airport.
Yours,
Anna
79
(20 points)
Write a 75-80 word coherent text responding to the situation below.
No Item Score
1. Which novel written by an author born in an English speaking country would you 1 1
recommend your best friend to read? Why? 0 0
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
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0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
0 0
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
80
(30 points)
Write a 180-200-word coherent text expressing your attitude on the given topic.
Some parents believe that pupils should not be allowed to use the Internet on their mobile 2 2
phones or other electronic devices in schools. Agree or/and disagree. Justify your 1 1
opinion. Present two examples. Use the following plan: 0 0
∙ introduction;
2 2
∙ body;
1 1
∙ conclusion.
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
81
2016

Part-time Jobs for Teenagers

1 As a teenager, you are likely to have both free time and a desire to earn some money.
By working to earn money yourself, you can learn a lot about the value of things as well as
the world of business. What you get out of a job depends on your attitude. If your attitude is
‘I hate this job’, then obviously you will not benefit much from it. If, on the other hand, you
5 look at it as an opportunity to learn how things work from the inside out, then the benefits
can be great.
Typical jobs for teenagers include working at a fast-food restaurant, working as a
shop assistant or arranging products on the shelves at a supermarket. Baby-sitting, for
example, is a usual way for responsible teenagers who like being with kids to make money.
10 If baby-sitting does not appeal to you, then you might want to consider in-home pet care
when owners are on holiday; washing cars for neighbours or teaching people how to use
computers or the Internet.
Another way of gaining experience is to offer your services to a small business,
which could really benefit from a part-time helper who is reliable and mature. In return, you
15 can learn a lot of things about the business. You will be surprised at how quickly you
become a valued part of the team.
However, for many teenagers, there are many problems associated with getting a
job. You may not be old enough or you may lack reliable transportation. You may not have
enough total time available or a regular enough schedule for someone to hire you. You
20 might not even be able to find a job in an area that you enjoy. Another problem is the how
much you can be paid. You will need to call around to ask potential customers and your
friends to find out the answer.
Finally, you can work as a volunteer for a charity or non-governmental organisation.
You will not earn any money, but you can gain valuable experience and universities and
25 future employer will be impressed by any voluntary work you have done.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, in what case can’t a teenager benefit much from the part-time 1 1
job? 0 0
A A
b) According to the text, what can teenagers do when working at a supermarket? 2 2

1 1
0 0
A A
c) According to the text, why should young people volunteer? 2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
82
1. What does the author of the text suggest doing in order to find out how much you 0 0
can earn? A A
a. You should analyse the local market.
b. You can wait for the offers.
c. You don’t have to do anything.
d. You should volunteer.
2. The word reliable in line 14 is closest in meaning to 2 2
a. real. 0 0
b. dependable. A A
c. prepared.
d. jobless.
6 points) 1 1
a) Baby-sitting as a part-time job is a common experience for teenagers. _____ 0 0
because A A
b) Teenagers’ age may be a problem when they look for a part-time job. _____
because 3 3
1 1
0 0
A A
a) timetable - ______________________ 2 2
b) client - ____________________ 0 0
A A
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ A A
4 4
2 2
0 0
A A
2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
83
brackets.
No Item Score
1- The first locomotive or train engine was powered by steam and ran on rails for the first 20 20
10 time __________________ (in/at/ by) the beginning of the nineteenth century. It 18 18
__________________ (to design) by Richard Trevithick, an Englishman, who was 16 16
14 14
certain that steam power ___________________ (to have) a future. In fact,
12 12
__________________ (their/ its/ it’s) future was fairly short-lived. By the late 1800s, 10 10
electric trains __________________(to begin) to replace the noisy, smoky, steam- 8 8
powered locomotive. 6 6
Next, railways changed the world. For the first time in history, people and goods 4 4
could ________________ (to transport) long distances and at high speed. 2 2
__________________ (The/ A/ -) train is a fast, comfortable way to get to other 0 0
A A
locations. High-speed trains can move at 300 kilometres per hour, and Japan already
has trains which are held up by magnetic force and __________________
(should/can/must) reach speeds of 480 kph. In addition, trains use _____________
(little/less/the least) fuel than cars. Richard Trevithick may not have foreseen such
developments but certainly he __________________ (to approve) of them.
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Write a description of the geographical features of an English-speaking country. 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
84
(30 points)
1. There are people who consider that music is a universal language of all people. Do you 2 2
agree or disagree? Justify your opinion. Present two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
85
2016

Using Films, Television and Celebrities for Advertising
1 The connection between films, TV, celebrities and selling things is becoming more
important these days. Now manufacturers are keen to get their products seen on films and TV
so much that they are ready to pay the film or TV company to use their product. Any product
in a film or TV will be seen by millions and this is what companies need.
5 Films often show a particular lifestyle so this is especially good if companies are
trying to sell luxury goods, such as expensive watches or phones. TV, on the other hand,
represents our lives a bit more closely. This might be a domestic soap opera, which is good
for selling things such as coffee, or a TV series popular with teenagers, which is a good
opportunity for selling fashionable clothes for the young. Studies report that there has been a
10 rise of nearly 800% in the sales of some products.
Most companies now recognize the importance of celebrities in advertisements.
Celebrities are attractive to companies because they get photographed so much and there are
many articles about them in the magazines. So, the advantage of a celebrity using a product
is that the companies get more advertising just because the celebrity is always in the public
15 eye. Moreover, people have a peculiar attitude to celebrity. It is almost as if they can imagine
being like these celebrities. There is no doubt that if a celebrity uses a product, then people
are willing to pay extra for that product.
Yet, it is a mistake to think that celebrities can choose which products they want to
advertise. The companies look very carefully at who they think portrays the right image for
20 the product. If, for example, a perfume is very stylish, then the company must choose a
celebrity who is seen as being very stylish. It is essential to match the product to the right
celebrity.
Research into celebrity advertising shows that sports stars and actors are the best for
selling products. Often they have quite a long career and they can advertise successfully
25 because their fans admire them.
86
No Item Score
a) According to the text, why are manufactures ready to pay the film or TV company to 1 1
use their products? 0 0
A A
b) According to the text, how can TV series that are popular with the youth be used by 2 2
advertisers? 1 1
0 0
A A
c) According to the author of the text, what happens to the sales of some products after 2 2
being advertised on TV? 1 1
0 0
A A

a) According to the text, what do most companies now recognize? 0 0
a. the importance of the people who buy their products. A A
b. the magazine articles about companies’ products.
c. the key role of the celebrities in advertisements.
d. the connection between films and people.
b) The word willing in line 17 is closest in meaning to 2 2
a. intentional. 0 0
b. ready. A A
c. favourable.
d. reliable.
6 points) 1 1
a) Celebrities choose which products they want to advertise. _____ 0 0
because A A
3 3
b) Extremely famous sportspeople and actors are the best for selling things. _____ 1 1
0 0
because A A
a) to attempt - ______________________ 2 2
b) increase - ______________________ 0 0
A A
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
A A
87
____________________________________________________________________________ 4 4
____________________________________________________________________________
2 2
0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ A A
____________________________________________________________________________
2 2
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
A A
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

brackets.
No Item Score
1- John Clouse had the thickest passport in the world. Turn to (the/a/-) __________ 20 20
10 page 16 of the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records and you will find the reason. He 18 18
16 16
held the record for travelling to all 192 of the (globe’s independent countries/ globe 14 14
12 12
independent countries/ globe independently countries)
10 10
______________________________________. And what is more, he held the record 8 8
6 6
(at/for/in) __________ 15 years. Clouse always travelled light. His (luggages were/
4 4
luggage’s were/ luggage was) ____________________________ always small and he 2 2
0 0
seldom went first class. His collection of National Geographic magazines was his
A A
source of research. When he was young, he stopped (to take) ___________________
photos and he started keeping a journal of his travels.
Clouse concluded that the right attitude was synonymous with the lightness of his
suitcase. “Travel without a lot of mental luggage,” he said. “Try (to not think/not to
think/don’t to think) __________________________________that a place will be
dirty or hostile. And if it (to be) _____________ so, make the best of it!”
Clouse, who (to spend) _____________ about $1.25 million travelling, said that he
travelled for the love of it. Clouse (could have wasted/could waste/could wasted)
__________________________________ his money on luxury things but he chose to
enjoy his life and learn through travelling. When he (to die) ________________ in
2008, he was poor.
88
(20 points)
No Item Score
1. The mayor of your city/town/village would like to name a street after a famous woman 1 1
from an English-speaking country who made or has been making an impact on her 0 0
country or our world. Make a suggestion to your mayor describing her role and your
2 2
attitude towards her.
1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
0 0
89
(30 points)
Should lyceum students have a part-time job? Agree or/and disagree. Justify your 2 2
opinion. Present two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
90
2016

Online Second Nature
1 You might not think so but most of us are actually quite polite. We thank people for gifts,
for help or for just being kind to us and we apologize if we hurt them, damage their belongings
or offend them, even very slightly. Most of this is second nature to us. We don’t even have to
think about it. But we do have to think quite carefully about how to be polite on social
networking sites simply because they haven’t been around for long. Here is some advice that
6 might help you to be a polite social networker.
First of all, if you don’t want everyone to see a comment, send a message instead of
posting on the person’s wall or commenting on their wall posts. This is especially important if
the comment might offend others people or if it involves something your friend wouldn’t want
everyone to see.
Second, don’t tag you friends in photos without their permission. You might think
12 everyone will enjoy seeing you and your friends partying on the beach but your friend’s mother
might not be so impressed. Tagging someone in a photo can have serious consequences so
check that your friend is happy about it before you tag them.
Next, don’t accept every friend invitation. It’s flattering to think that lots of people want
to be our friends but are all the people on your friends list really friends? If your answer is ‘no’,
then unfriend the people you don’t actually know or like issue something to consider. A much
18 better and more polite approach is to think before you accept friend requests. Don’t accept
requests from people you don’t particularly like. That way you don’t have to hurt their feelings
later on by unfriending them.
Finally, sometimes social networking becomes just too much. You realize that you’re
spending more time on social networking than you are with your real friends. That’s the time to
think about closing your account. If you do, make sure you warn your friends first, otherwise
24 they might think you’ve simply deleted them from your friends list. You don’t have to explain
yourself. Just say good bye and tell your real friends that they can use other methods to contact
you.
No Item Score
1. Answer the following questions according to the text. (Total: 6points) 2 2
a) According to the text, why do we need advice on good manners for social 1 1
networking sites? 0 0
A A
b) According to the text, why shouldn’t you comment on your friends posts? 2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
c) According to the text, why isn’t it OK to tag your friend in a photo without asking 2 2
them first? 1 1
0 0
A A
91
1)The purpose of the text is to 0 0
a. inform the reader on how to be respectful on social media. A A
b. persuade the reader to delete some people from friends list.
c. discuss some advice on online second character.
d. discuss about real and online friends.
2) The word approach in line 18 is closest in meaning to
a. road. 2 2
b. method. 0 0
c. solution. A A
d. move.
6 points) 1 1
a) Unfriending is not the best way of dealing with people you don’t know or don’t 0 0
like._____ A A
because
b) You don’t need to tell people that you are suspending or deleting your account.
_____ 3 3
because 1 1
0 0
A A
a) to think - ____________________ 2 2
b) especially - ____________________ 0 0
A A
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ A A
4 4
2 2
0 0
A A
2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
92
brackets..
No Item Score
1- Stephan King is a very famous author today but it was not always that way. He 20 20
10 had to work hard to become successful, (like/as/by) _____________ most writers. 18 18
Until he (to begin) _____________ to make money from writing, he worked in a 16 16
laundry and then later as a teacher. Although his stories are full of strange characters 14 14
12 12
and (terrifying/terrified/terrifyed) _____________ events, at the same time they seem
10 10
to be very realistic to most readers.
8 8
A few years ago, King (by himself/him/ himself) _____________ was involved 6 6
in a terrible accident. While he (to walk) _____________ along a country road, he saw 4 4
a car coming towards him. It was moving dangerously from one side of the road to the 2 2
(another/other/some other) _____________ almost as if there was no one driving it. In 0 0
fact, there was a driver but he was drunk. Although King tried as hard as he A A
(should/could/may)_____________ to get out of the way, the car hit him. The driver
(not to hurt) _____________ but behaved as though he didn’t care at all. King said
later that he felt just like a victim in one of his novels. The man even looked like
someone King (once, to write) _____________ about. It (to take) _____________
Stephen King more than a year to recover from the accident.

(20 points)
No Item Score
Imagine that you have the possibility to invite for dinner a politician from an English- 1 1
0 0
speaking country who passed away. Justify your choice and describe his/her impact on
2 2
the development of his/her country. 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
2 2
93
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0

(30 points)
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Schools should focus more on 2 2
science and mathematics than on humanities classes. Justify your answer. Present two 1 1
∙ body; 1 1
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
94
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
95
2016
A Good TV Influence
1 Medical experts point out that people today are far less fit than they used to be. There
are numerous reasons for this. Jobs are generally more sedentary now than in previous times.
In the past, many of us did physical work, whereas today we are nearly all working sitting
down in offices. We do not walk much anymore. Moreover, technological advances keep us
5 away from meeting people – our fingers get more exercise than our legs!
Many experts and scientists have tried to encourage us to get fitter. In spite of health
campaigns on TV, more sports lessons in schools – even fitness programmes on TV and DVD
– nothing has really worked. However, there is a glimmer of hope and it is coming from an
unexpected source.
10 Dance programmers and talent shows are beginning to have a great influence on our
approach to fitness. All the medical advice and information in the world is nothing compared
to the role models of good-looking and fit dancers moving around a stage. One of the most
influential of these programmes is Strictly Come Dancing in which celebrities learn to
ballroom dance with professional dancers and compete for the public’s vote to win the
15 competition. Another important TV influence is the increase in popularity of talent shows.
Several of these have recently been won by street dance groups, made up of a group of friends
who have got together thanks to their love of music and dance.
What helps is the fact that dance is enjoyable. Most of us love music in some form or
another and as human beings we all have rhythm in our lives – walking, talking, breathing,
20 and the beating of our hearts. It is not surprising that dancing is more enjoyable than an
exercise routine and shows like Strictly Come Dancing remind us of that.
Today dance schools are reporting rapidly increasing numbers of students. Dance
groups are attracting larger audiences. So, what are you waiting for? Put on those dancing
shoes and get dancing! You will have fun and end up a lot fitter and healthier than if you spent
25 hours at the gym!
No Item Score
a) What do medical experts draw our attention to? 1 1
0 0
A A
b) According to the text, which parts of the body are more active? 2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
c) According to the medical experts, what is the main goal of health campaigns on TV, 2 2
more sports lessons in schools, and fitness programmes on TV and DVD? 1 1
0 0
A A
96
1. What does the author of the text suggest about health campaigns on TV? 0 0
a. There are a lot of fitness programmes on TV. A A
b. Schools offer more physical education lessons.
c. They do not have any effect.
d. People are motivated to sign up for dance classes.
2. The word routine in line 25 is closest in meaning to 2 2
a. daily. 0 0
b. programme. A A
c. structure.
d. regular.
6 points) 1 1
a) We are more influenced by the dancers on stage than by the experts’ advice. _____ 0 0
A A
because
b) Only professional dancers win popular talent shows. ________

3 3
because 1 1
0 0
A A
a) to inspire - ____________________ 2 2
b) skilled - ____________________ 0 0
A A
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ A A
4 4
2 2
0 0
A A
2 2
1 1
0 0
A A
97
brackets.
No Item Score
1- My sister plays the violin in an orchestra. I was really excited when we went to 20 20
10 see her perform (on/at/for) _____________ the first time last week. My mum (to buy) 18 18
16 16
_____________ seats in the front row so we were really (close/closer/closely)
14 14
_____________ to the stage. It was exciting to be next to the stage because we could 12 12
see (nothing/everything/something) _____________. The music was wonderful and I 10 10
think my sister played really well. (The/An/-) _____________ audience enjoyed it too. 8 8
My mum (to smile) _____________ when they showed their appreciation by clapping 6 6
really loudly at the end of the performance. A woman from a newspaper was there and 4 4
she (to write) _____________ a great review of the concert the next day. My sister 2 2
0 0
was really happy with it. After the concert, she (to interview) _____________ by A A
someone from a TV channel too! My sister’s orchestra are going to record an album
next year. Also, a film maker suggested (to make) _____________ documentary about
them. I think it is going to be a thrilling year for my sister! These days I wish I (had
played/played/have played) _____________ a musical instrument. It would be so nice
to entertain people like my sister does.
(20 points)
No Item Score
Give an example of a musician from an English-speaking country that you would like 1 1
0 0
to invite to a local music festival. Justify your choice and describe his or her impact on
2 2
the development of our civilization. 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
0 0
98
(30 points)
Some students like to live with a roommate, while others prefer to live alone. What 2 2
would you prefer? Justify your opinion. Present two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
0 0
99
2017

Summerhill School
1 If you travel about 140 kilometres north of London to England's east coast, you will find а
very unusual school. It is а school in а large 19th century building, where children and staff
live, eat and study together. Its name is 'Summerhill'. There are about а hundred students at
the school, aged between five and eighteen, and the school has its own theatre and playing
5 field. What makes the school different, however, is its attitude to the students. Summerhill
is а free school. If you go there, you have the right to choose when you attend classes, the
right to vote on school rules, and the right to take exams, but only if you want to. If you
prefer going for а walk in the countryside instead of going to maths, that is OK. Nobody is
going to punish you.
10 This may sound like а new idea for а school but, actually, Summerhill first opened in
the 1920s and describes itself as the oldest and most famous free school in the world. Back
in the 1920s, society believed that children were irresponsible and that the only way to
educate them was to be strict. Children had to wear uniforms, be silent and never ask
questions. Schools regularly used corporal punishment when pupils broke the school rules,
15 and there were so many rules that it was difficult not to get into trouble. In contrast, A.S.
Neill, the man who started Summerhill, wanted а school where children were free to make
their own decisions and to give their opinions. He thought that if you were responsible for
what you said and what you did, you would make decisions that were good for you and for
other people. Neill believed that all crimes and all wars only happened because people were
20 unhappy, so he created а school where students were free to be happy.
Nowadays, the rules in modern state secondary schools are not as strict as they were
а hundred years ago, but the pressure on students to work hard and do well is perhaps
greater than before. In the future, there will probably be more tests and exams in state
schools, but not at Summerhill. Students there will be free to discuss ideas, write stories,
25 play games and act in plays. In this way, these young people will develop their imagination,
personalities and abilities.
100
No Item Score
a) According to the text, where is Summerhill school situated? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) What facilities does Summerhill have for its students? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to A.S. Neill, what was the cause of all wars and crimes? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
2. Circle the correct answer according to the text. (Total: 4 points) A A

1. Based on the text, Summerhill is 0 0
a. a modern state secondary school. 2 2
b. a school where children are punished.
c. an old and very famous free school.
d. a school with the pressure on students to work hard.
2. The word attitude in line 5 is closest in meaning to A A
a. approach. 0 0
b. pressure. 2 2
c. rules.
d. manner.
3. Based on the text, write if the sentences are True or False. Justify your choice. (Total: A A
6 points) 0 0
a) In the past, people believed that the only way to educate children was to allow 1 1
them to be free. _____ 3 3
because
b) A.S. Neill, the founder of Summerhill, wanted children to be free to make their own
decisions. _____ A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) well-known - ______________________ 0 0
b) skills - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
5. Give another title to the text. (Total: 2 points) A A
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
101
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
1- If you __________________ (to go) shopping in any toy store, you can see clearly the A A
10 different games and toys for boys and girls: there are a lot of pink princesses and dolls 0 0
for girls; and dark-coloured cars, guns and soldiers for boys. In fact, 2 2
__________________ (there/this/it) is difficult to buy a toy for a girl that is not pink. 4 4
Some people think that a lot of pink is bad for girls. Also, Sam Palmer, author of 6 6
Toxic Childhood, admits she is very worried about it as most girls over the age of one 8 8
__________________ (to be) crazy about this colour. According 10 10
__________________ (to/on/at) some psychologists, this happens for two reasons. 12 12
Firstly, most companies offer too many products in pink. Thus, parents 14 14
__________________ (not to allow) by producers to choose another colour. Secondly, 16 16
parents can be blamed too, as many think that their little daughters look 18 18
__________________ (cutely/cute/cutily) in a pink outfit. 20 20
Some parents are concerned, too. Vanessa Grey, thirty-two, has two girls under
four. “Pink says that you are soft and gentle; whereas, blue says that you are strong
and powerful. I want my daughters to grow strong and powerful,” she says. Hence, a
lot of parents wonder why __________________ (do companies promote/does
companies promote/companies promote) colours just for boys or just for girls.
However, not everyone __________________ (to think) there is something
wrong with so __________________ (many/much/a lot of) pink. Grayson Turner is a
father of three girls and he is not worried at all. “My girls used to love pink when they
were little, but as they get older, they change,” he says. And let’s
__________________ (not to forget) that it’s only since the 1940s that people have
started dressing girls in pink – before that it was a colour for boys.
102
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Write a description of an important historic event in an English-speaking country and 0 0
its impact on the country. 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
103
(30 points)
1. What makes your generation different from the other generations that went before 0 0
you? Justify your opinion. Present two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________
7 7
104
2017

Music Effects
1 We hear music everywhere, every day. Getting into a lift, going around a supermarket or simply
relaxing at home, music is our constant companion. Music has a significant effect on the way we
think and feel, so it is worth paying attention to what we are listening to.
Music can have a powerful effect on our moods. It can both reduce and increase stress.
5 Listening to calm gentle music in bed can help us fall sleep. Some airlines play comforting music
on board at take-off and landing to calm nervous travellers. Also, if you are kept waiting on the
phone, you will probably hear gentle classical music and not loud music, which could make you
feel stressed and angry. Athletes often listen to fast loud music to help them prepare for games.
In addition, music can always bring memories wherever you are. Have you ever heard a song
10 that reminded you of a specific moment in time? Before you know it, you are reliving the past
remembering the people you were with, the weather, the sights and sounds and even what you
were wearing.
This special effect of music can be especially important for the people who play the music.
Musicians, who do not have enough confidence, can suddenly feel more positive when they go on
15 stage. They say that music gives them a different personality.
What is more, scientists have conducted research into the effect of music on students
studying for exams. They found that listening to calm music can actually help students to improve
their performance in exams. Classical music, preferably something by Mozart, seems to have the
most beneficial effect.
20 For most of us though, music is one of life's great pleasures. And it is a pleasure that lasts.
Researchers have found that we do not often grow out of the music that we love as teenagers,
because our musical tastes are such a huge part of our identity, personality and attitude to life. So,
do not delete those songs you downloaded when you were fifteen – you will probably still love
them when you are fifty.
105
No Items Score
a) According to the text, why is it worth paying attention to what music we are 0 0
listening to? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, why do some airlines play comforting music on board during A A
take-off and landing? 0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, how would loud music make you feel when you are kept A A
waiting on the phone? 0 0
1 1
2 2

1. Based on the text, music can bring memories 0 0
a. only when you feel bad. 2 2
b. only when you are concentrated on something.
c. anytime and anywhere.
d. only when you are old.
2. The word found in line 17 is closest in meaning to A A
a. invented. 0 0
b. discovered. 2 2
c. researched.
d. googled.
6 points) 0 0
a) Musicians, who are not confident enough in their everyday life, feel better when 1 1
they go on stage. _____ 3 3
because
b) Musical tastes last for a long time. _____

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) to decrease - ______________________ 0 0
b) enormous - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
106
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Items Score
1- I had a great week at school! We (1) _____________________ (to have) a media A A
10 studies lesson when our teacher told us that we were going to make a radio 0 0
2 2
advertisement for the school! I was really (2) _____________________ 4 4
6 6
(fascinate/fascinated/fascinating) by the idea because I had been interested in a career
8 8
in (3) _____________ (the/ -/ a) television since childhood. She asked us to plan our 10 10
12 12
advertisement in detail and to write a script. Most people found it difficult to come up
14 14
with ideas, but I didn’t. I decided that I would have interviews with people who 16 16
18 18
(4)_____________________ (use/used/used to) go to our school, commenting on how
20 20
they (5)_____________________ (to benefit) from going to that school. My teacher
(6)_____________________ (to think) it was a great idea and said I should see if I
could find some ex-students. I asked the headmistress and she gave me
(7)_____________________ (a few/few/any) phone numbers. When I called them and
explained what I wanted to do, they were all happy to help.
This weekend I am going to visit them and record what they say. Unfortunately, I
don’t have a camera now. If I (8) _____________________ (not to spend) all my
money last year, I would have one now. I am looking forward to
(9)_____________________ (to interview) school leavers. Our radio advertisement
will be broadcast in a week.
My teacher asked me (10)__________________________________________ (why
did I like media studies so much/why I liked media studies so much/why do I like media
studies so much). I told her that I enjoyed communicating with people.
107
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Write a description of a museum from an English-speaking country that you would like 0 0
to visit. 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
108
(30 points)
1. What does it mean to love the country you were born in? Justify your opinion. Present 0 0
two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
109
2017

Saving Languages
1 Did you know that every fourteen days one of the world’s 7000 languages dies out? Throughout human
history, languages have disappeared because of natural disasters and wars, but nowadays the most
common reason is globalization. This is happening all over the world. In South Africa, for example,
young people are choosing to use English instead of their traditional languages because they need
5 English to study in higher education.
About 60% of the world’s population speak one of the twenty most common languages, and the
number of speakers of world languages such as English and Spanish is increasing fast. Would we really
lose anything if the small languages died out completely? The answer would be ‘yes’. When a language
dies out, we lose the culture and the history of a people that may be thousands of years old. We also
10 lose the knowledge of the people who speak the language. Speakers of the Kallawaya language in
Bolivia have words for medicinal plants in their part of the rainforest, which doctors in the world have
never heard of, and speakers of the Yupik language of Alaska have ninety-nine words for ice, a fact
that shows that they have a unique understanding of their world. Our planet would lose that
understanding if these languages disappeared.
15 If you wanted to make your language more interesting for young people, what would you do?
Professor K. David Harrison, who has travelled the world to look for the last speakers of disappearing
languages, believes that using social media, YouTube, text messaging and other digital technologies is
one way of saving disappearing languages. In North America, for example, young Native Americans
go online and chat to other teenagers in languages like Cherokee or Navajo, or they teach their
20 language online to people of all races all over the world.
Another exciting project is to create talking dictionaries. Professor Harrison has just produced
eight talking dictionaries, which contain more than 32,000 words in eight endangered languages. There
are also audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing words and sentences, and some photographs
of cultural objects.
25 In the next 100 years, the number of languages will decrease, but we don’t have to lose as many
as some people think. Using modern technology can save small languages, and we mustn’t lose the
culture, history and knowledge that these languages contain.
110
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what is today’s most common reason for language 0 0
disappearance? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, why do young people in South Africa prefer to speak English? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what are the two most common languages in the world at the A A
moment? 0 0
1 1
2 2

1. Based on the text, speakers of the Kallawaya language in Bolivia have words for 0 0
medicinal plants in their part of the rainforest, 2 2
a. which are famous all over the world.
b. which are used by all the doctors in the world.
c. which are not known to the doctors in the world.
d. which Bolivian doctors have never heard of.
2. The word contain in line 27 is closest in meaning to A A
a. include 0 0
b. die out. 2 2
c. learn.
d. lose.
3. Based on the text, write if the sentences are True or False. Justify your choice. (Total: 6 A A
points) 0 0
a) Professor K. David Harrison has been searching for the last speakers of disappearing 1 1
languages. _____________ 3 3
because
b) Talking dictionaries is one of the ways to save disappearing languages. __________

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) ordinary - ______________________ 0 0
b) picture - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
111
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
1- I had a wonderful experience last weekend. Once ____________ (a/the/-) month I A A
10 spend a weekend away with two friends. We usually sleep in our tents, but sometimes
0 0
when we ____________ (to feel) like having a real rest, we book a room in a hotel.
2 2
However, on Thursday evening, I suggested ____________ (to go) on a
“mystery weekend” and my friends agreed at once. On Saturday we got into my 4 4
________________________ (fathers’/fathers/father’s) car, which I had borrowed
6 6
from him for the weekend. No one knew how long
8 8
_________________________________________________ (would the drive take/
the drive would take/ will take the drive). I was the only one who knew where 10 10
we_______________________ (to go) at that time.
12 12
If I had told my friends about it in advance, they ____________________ (not
14 14
to be surprised). Where do you think I ______________ (to take) them on that day?
To the Bond Marina Hotel, on the bank of the River Dart, where a boat was ready to 16 16
take us all ____________________ (in/on/by) a trip up the river.
18 18
It was such a lovely day that we decided to stay on deck. When we got home on
20 20
Sunday, everybody wanted to go on ______________ (another /other /others)
“mystery weekend”.
112
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school would like to start a new foreign language festival. Suggest a writer or 0 0
poet from an English-speaking country that the festival could be named after. Explain 1 1
your choice. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
113
(30 points)
1. Some people find their friends’ advice helpful in difficult situations; others think it is 0 0
better to make decisions on their own. Which do you prefer? Justify your opinion. 1 1
Present two examples. Use the following plan: 2 2
∙ introduction;
0 0
∙ body;
1 1
∙ conclusion.
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
114
2017

How to Train your Brain

1 When we want to get fit, we go to the gym or do some exercise. But what about when we want to
improve our concentration? Then we need to exercise our brain! Here are the top five activities to
improve the way our brain works and help us develop better focus and concentration. Anyone can
try one and see!
5 Scientists say that we should do some crosswords or try sudoku. These types of puzzles
stimulate the brain because we have to solve clues or use logic to find the solutions. Also, we
should practise our strategic thinking by playing games like chess. According to the studies,
people can plan better in other areas of their life, if they play such strategic games. Playing
computer games is very popular these days. So in order to train our brain we can challenge
10 ourselves with one of the brain-training computer games. Once we try them, we won't want to
stop!
Research into brain shows that we should break our routine. We are creatures of habit and
we often follow the same routine every day, so the brain becomes lazy. If, for example, we try
going to school by a different route one day a week, or using a different type of transport, we can
15 make decisions and solve problems much faster.
In addition, certain types of food can help our brain stay healthy and work well. Proteins
are great for the brain so we should eat plenty of cheese, meat, fish and milk. The brain also needs
carbohydrates and some fat, and these come from fruit, vegetables and olive oil. Omega-3 is a
fantastic food for the brain. It can be found in fish. Remember, a balanced diet is essential for the
20 brain.
Also, we could start a new hobby, learn a language, take up a new sport. In fact, it does
not matter what we do. New activities stimulate the brain and expand the way the brain thinks.
We can also learn important or useful skills and meet new friends.
Clever people write down their ideas. They organise their thoughts and set goals for things
25 they want to do. Writing things down tells our brain it is producing good ideas, so it produces
more ideas and better ideas. This is a great way to improve our brain power.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, why should we do crosswords if we want to improve the way 0 0
our brain works? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, what games help people improve their ability to think and A A
plan? 0 0
1 1
2 2
115
c) According to the author of the text, what stimulates the brain and expands the way A A
the brain thinks? 0 0
1 1
2 2

1. Based on the text, in order to develop our brain power, people should avoid 0 0
a. following routine. 2 2
b. eating proteins.
c. meeting new friends.
d. writing their ideas down.
2. The word route in line 14 is closest in meaning to A A
a. method. 0 0
b. road. 2 2
c. plan.
d. line.
6 points) 0 0
a) Fish are not good for the brain. ___________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) Writing down our ideas is a great way to improve our brain power. _____
because A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
a) attention - ______________________ 0 0
b) to increase - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
116
brackets.
No Item Score
1- I did not realize that I was a computer addict until __________________ (in/on/-) last A A
10 Thursday, when my computer broke down and the computer repair person 0 0
2 2
__________________ (took away it/took it away/it took away). It is Tuesday now, so I 4 4
6 6
__________________ (to live) without a computer for four days. I have been looking
8 8
for things to do while it __________________ (to repair). I have been talking to 10 10
12 12
friends on the phone. They sound quite boring. I have watched eleven films. They are
14 14
so dull. I have had a tattoo and paid a shocking sum of money for it. 16 16
18 18
__________________ (Nothing/Anything/Something) makes me feel better. I have
20 20
spent many hours __________________ (to think) about the games that I
__________________ (to play) if I had my computer back. Of course, I regret
__________________ (to argue) with my brother over nothing, simply because I am
so __________________ (stressed/stressful/stressing) out. The computer makes my
life much __________________ (a lot/more/many) exciting. If the repair person does
not bring my computer back soon, I will go crazy!
117
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Write a description of a popular sport in an English-speaking country that is not 0 0
practiced in our country. 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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0 0
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3 3
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3 3
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5 5
118
(30 points)
1. The older generations think that the younger generations read less than they do thus 0 0
becoming less educated. Agree or/and disagree. Justify your opinion. Present two 1 1
∙ introduction;
0 0
∙ body;
1 1
∙ conclusion.
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
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119
2017

LEGO
1 Most children have played with LEGO at some time in their lives. LEGO is a line of plastic
construction toys that can be used to build houses, cars, spaceships, robots and many other items.
You can use the bricks again and again to make new objects.
LEGO bricks are produced by the Danish company, LEGO Group. The company was
5 founded by Ole Christiansen, a carpenter who began making wooden toys and bricks in 1932.
The company is now owned by one of Ole`s grandchildren. The LEGO Group has become a huge
international company. It is now the world`s fourth largest manufacturer of toys for children and
LEGO is sold in over 130 countries.
The original wooden bricks were eventually replaced by plastic ones. The first plastic
bricks were based on bricks produced by a British company called Kiddicraft. LEGO changed the
10 design of the Kiddicraft bricks, and made them easier to pull apart and reuse. At first, however,
plastic bricks were not as popular as wooden bricks. In 1963, the modern LEGO bricks were
developed using a new kind of plastic material. Today the same material is used to make all
LEGO bricks.
The LEGO Group believes that playing with LEGO encourages children to think creatively.
15 The company first tested its ideas on business people. Then, in 2009, teachers in schools started
to use LEGO with pupils over six years old to help them develop creative abilities. The LEGO
Group has done some research and the result suggests that using LEGO in education can improve
children’s communication and creative skills and also increase their self-confidence.
LEGO is so popular that each year many people visit the company’s offices in Denmark. A
20 special three-day tour takes visitors to see the factory where LEGO is made and meet the
designers who create the latest products. There are also theme parks, known as Legoland, in
several countries including Denmark, the United States, Germany and Britain. The parks are
aimed at young families and they have aimed at offering as many attractions as possible. For
example, each park has a similar model village made from millions of LEGO bricks that include
25 famous buildings from around the world. Many international tourists visit the Legoland theme
parks each year and the popularity of LEGO continues to grow.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what can LEGO bricks be used for? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, what material is used to make LEGO bricks today? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the author of the text, what skills can LEGO help children develop? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
120
1. The purpose of this article is 0 0
a. to present the history, philosophy and aims of the company. 2 2
b. to describe Legoland.
c. to talk about the foundation of the company.
d. to suggest buying LEGO for children.
2. The word items in line 2 is closest in meaning to A A
a. ways. 0 0
b. methods. 2 2
c. things.
d. details.
6 points) 0 0
a) Today LEGO does not belong to the Christiansens. ___________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) The Legoland theme parks have a range of sights representing various tourist
attractions. _____
A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) to produce - ______________________ 0 0
b) alike - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
121
brackets.
No Item Score
1- David walked into the house, smiling to himself. His mother was waiting in the living A A
10 room. "You (must have, must have had, would have had) ______________________ a 0 0
2 2
good day. You look pleased with yourself. Tell me all about it," she said. 4 4
6 6
"I did," David replied. "I have been chosen to be on the school football team. I (to
8 8
practice) ______________________regularly for the last three months and I know I 10 10
12 12
am playing (good, hardly, well) ___________________ at the moment. I have to be
14 14
careful, though. I don't want (some, any, such) ______________________ more 16 16
18 18
accidents to this knee of mine. If we (to win)____________________the
20 20
championship, we will have a chance to play for the area team as well."
"I wish you (to pay) ______________________ more attention (to, at, on)
______________________ your homework. You have exams in (three week, three
weeks', three weeks) ______________________ time and you need to study too, you
know," his mother said.
"I would rather (to play) _________________football than study, but don't worry. I
intend to pass my exams too," David replied.
After that discussion, his mother was sure that he (to pass) ______________________
all his exams and she was glad that her son learned to manage his time.
122
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Write a description of a monument from an English-speaking country that you would 0 0
1 1
like to visit. Explain why.
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
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0 0
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2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
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2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
123
(30 points)
1. Do you think it is important to follow fashion trends? Agree or/and disagree. Present 0 0
two examples. Use the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
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1 1
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0 0
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3 3
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1 1
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2 2
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3 3
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6 6
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_____________________________________________________________________
124
2018

Recycling
1 Recycling is becoming more important in today’s society. It turns old materials into new products
preventing unnecessary waste. Recycling reduces the amount of fresh materials used in
manufacturing, it also reduces energy usage and decreases air and water pollution. These are
some of the reasons why many governments want their citizens to recycle as much as possible
5 and encourage them to do so. In fact, some governments, such as the British one, are considering
whether to make people pay a charge if they do not recycle their waste products.
Recycling can produce a fresh supply of the same material. For example, recycled office paper
can be used to make more office paper. Recycled materials can also be turned into different
materials. Paper can be recycled into cardboard, for instance. Another form of recycling is the
10 removal of certain materials from other products. Thus, gold is often taken from old computers
because of its value and reused in other products.
Supporters of recycling say it is good for the environment. Others, however, believe its
benefits are limited. One organisation has discovered that it takes 40 per cent more energy to
make paper from recycled paper than from fresh materials. Some people say that it is cheaper to
15 make new products than to recycle old ones. It is also not possible to repeat the recycling process
too many times with the same product, so possibilities are limited. There are also many additional
costs involved in collection and transportation.
Recycling has always been used throughout history. Plato discusses recycling as far back as
400 BC. Archaeological research indicates that recycling was used when new resources were not
20 available. In Britain, dust and ash from wood and coal fires were used in brick making. During
World War II, people collected metal for recycling. This continued after the war ended in 1945 as
there was a shortage of natural resources. Because of rising energy costs in the 1970s, recycling
became popular as a way to save money. Opinions on recycling are certainly divided. However, it
seems that this process is now a permanent feature of modern life.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what is recycling? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, why do many governments encourage people to recycle A A

rubbish? 0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, why did people collect metal during World War II? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
125
1. According to the writer, recycling 0 0
a. became popular only after World War II. 2 2
b. was first used to make bricks.
c. has always been common.
d. was most popular in the 1970s.
2. The word value in line 11 is closest in meaning to A A
a. desire. 0 0
b. necessity. 2 2
c. importance.
d. money.
6 points) 0 0
a) Recycled materials are always used to produce the same materials. ___________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) The same product can be successfully recycled a lot of times. ___________
because A A
0 0
1 1
3 3
a) for example - ______________________ 0 0
b) advantage - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
126
brackets.
No Item Score
1- David used to buy a paper every day for months though he was not interested in the A A
10 0 0
_________________________ (latest/late/last) news from around the world. It was a 2 2
4 4
job that he wanted. David _________________________ (to be) out of work for ages. 6 6
8 8
When he _________________________ (to get) the chance of having a job in the 10 10
12 12
local youth centre, he immediately applied. He rang and asked them 14 14
16 16
_________________________ (of/for/after) any information about the job. They 18 18
20 20
_________________________ (to tell) him that he needed to have some experience of
working with children and if possible some training in counselling techniques. David
had quite a lot of counselling because he had a degree in psychology from
_________________________ (the/a/-) University of Edinburgh and at one time he
had _________________________ (serious/seriously/the most serious) considered
_________________________ (to do/doing/do) research in educational psychology.
David _________________________ (to offer) this job. He was happy. If he had not
had a degree, he _________________________ (not, to become) a counsellor in the
youth centre.
127
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your friend is going to visit the capital of an English-speaking country. He or she is 0 0
passionate about urban architecture. Recommend her or him a monument, building, 1 1
square or street to visit by describing it and explaining your choice. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
128
(30 points)
1. Why do some people choose to volunteer? Justify your opinion. Present two examples. 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
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3 3
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6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
129
2018

Video Games
1 Many people consider that video games have a negative effect on young people. A lot of time in
front of a screen is bad for the mind and the body, they believe. Newspaper headlines often
express the same opinion – and combat games cause the most concern because of the violence.
But is there evidence for this view? According to a report in American Psychologist, the truth is
5 not so simple. Playing video games is sometimes good for children's education, health and social
skills.
Research shows that video games can actually improve certain mental skills. This is
especially true for combat games. These games teach players to think about objects in three
dimensions and this makes them better at studying science, technology, engineering and maths.
10 Other types of video game do not provide these benefits.
However, other types of video game can have other positive effects. In 2013, scientists did
some research into the effect of role-play games on children. The research showed that when
children spend a lot of time playing these games, they get better grades at school than children
who do not play them. Other research showed that playing any kind of video games improves
15 children’s creativity. But using a computer or a smartphone for emails or other tasks does not
provide this benefit.
Quick and simple games like Angry Birds can improve players’ mood and prevent them from
feeling anxious. This emotional benefit is important, the report suggests. Feeling relaxed and
happy is good for your health. The report also describes another emotional benefit of video games:
20 they teach children how to react well to failure. In video games, players continually fail and try
again. This makes them emotionally strong in real life.
Video games can improve social skills too, the report says. More than 70% of gamers play
with a friend, not alone, and millions of people take part in huge online games like Minecraft. The
players learn useful social skills: how to work together and how to make decisions. In general, the
25 report does not deny that some video games can have negative effects; but it is important to think
about the benefits too. And remember: you must not believe everything you read in the
newspaper!
130
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what do many people think about the effect of video games 0 0
on young people? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, what can simple games like Angry Birds prevent? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what kind of social skills can online games develop? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the text, you learn to think about objects in three dimensions when 0 0
you 2 2
a. play combat games.
b. do scientific studies.
c. study science, technology and maths.
d. play role-play games.
2. The word provide in line 16 is closest in meaning to A A
a. improve. 0 0
b. offer. 2 2
c. advance.
d. refuse.
6 points) 0 0
a) It is bad for children’s health to play video games.___________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) Using computers for emails improves children’s creativity. ___________

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) view - ______________________ 0 0
b) enormous - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
131
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
1- In recent history, there have been some amazing inventions which (to change) A A
10 ________________________ our lives. Yet, there are many everyday objects that we 0 0
do not notice and we do not know (why/who/ which) ________________________ 2 2
invented them. Take Nils Bohlin who invented the modern-day car seatbelt. His 4 4
invention has saved (million’s/million/millions) ________________________ of lives. 6 6
Fifty years (after/before/ago) ________________________, Bohlin was an engineer 8 8
who worked for the car manufacturer Volvo. There were other types of seatbelts, but 10 10
he (to develop) ________________________ the first one which went across the chest 12 12
and across the legs and then joined at the same place. Amazingly, this was a very 14 14
simple idea which no one (to try) ________________________ before. Volvo soon 16 16
started selling the new seatbelt in countries where cars were very popular. However, it 18 18
took a long time (of/ for/from) ________________________ the invention to become 20 20
popular there. Even in cars with seatbelts, many drivers did not use it because they
enjoyed (to drive) ________________________ without a seatbelt. It was difficult to
change (their/there/theres) ________________________ habits, even though more
people survived a car crash when they wore Bohlin's seatbelt. Over the years, more
and more governments made laws that forced drivers to wear the seatbelt. Today a lot
of lives (to save) ________________________ by Nils Bohlin's simple invention
every year.
132
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school magazine has asked its readers to write an article on a national symbol of 0 0
an English-speaking country. Write a description of the selected symbol and explain 1 1
what it symbolises. 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
133
(30 points)
1. What piece(s) of advice would you give to your own generation? Justify your opinion. 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
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1 1
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
134
2018

10,000 Hours of Hard Work
1 For years I have taught the importance of hard work, determination and practice as key
ingredients of success. A new book seems to support my theory.
Malcom Gladwell has written a fascinating study, Outliers: The Story of Success, which
should make people feel much better about not achieving immediate success. Actually, he says it
5 takes about 10 years, or 10,000 hours, of practice to become a true expert.
“The people at the very top don’t just work harder or even much harder than everyone else,”
Gladwell writes. “They work much, much harder.” Achievement, he says, is talent plus
preparation. Preparation seems to play a bigger role.
For example, he describes the Beatles: They had been together seven years before their famous
10 arrival in America. They spent a lot of time playing in clubs in Hamburg, Germany, sometimes as
long as eight hours a night. Estimates are that the band performed 1,200 times before their big
success in 1964. By comparison, most bands do not perform 1,200 times in their careers.
Neurologist Daniel Levitin has studied the formula of success. Levitin’s studies of composers,
basketball players, fiction writers, ice skaters, criminals and so forth proved that 10,000 hours of
15 practice is required to achieve a level associated with being world-class expert in anything. Of
course, this does not explain why some people get more out of their practice sessions than others
do. However, no one has yet found a case in which world-class skill was reached in less time.
Levitin states, “It seems that it takes the brain this long to learn all that it needs to know to
achieve true expertise.”
20 The Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova said, “No one can arrive from being just talented. God
gives talent; work transforms talent into genius.” Moreover, the American architect Frank Lloyd
Wright said that the price of success is hard work and continuous dedication to the things that you
want to see happen.
The abilities these people possessed were different, yet the formula for success was the same:
25 hard work and lots of it. I do not know anyone who has succeeded any other way. Some people
just make it look easy. Of course, you probably did not see the first 9,999 hours of hard work.
You do not just have to work hard, you have to work smart, too.
Some people dream about success and others wake up and do something about it.
Harvey Mackey
135
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what are the main three ingredients of success? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, what is achievement according to Gladwell? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what is the price of success according to Wright? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the writer, success looks easy because 0 0
a. some people dream about fame. 2 2
b. you probably did not see the first 9,999 hours of hard work.
c. you probably do something about it.
d. the abilities people possess are different.
2. The word band in line 11 is closest in meaning to A A
a. strip. 0 0
b. group. 2 2
c. material.
d. musician.
6 points) 0 0
a) The Beatles practised more than other bands before achieving success. 1 1
___________ 3 3
because
b) Levitin proved that success can be achieved in less than 10,000 hours.
___________ A A
0 0
because 1 1
3 3
a) in fact - ______________________ 0 0
b) simple - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
136
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
Four generations of my family have worked as foresters. As children, my brothers and
1- A A
I would go into the forest with my father to see how (could we help/ we could
10
help/could help we) _________________________ him. In those days we (to allow) 0 0
_________________________ to drive the tractors around – that wouldn’t happen 2 2

today! I (to work) _________________________ as a forester for thirty years now
4 4
and my son, Michael, (who/whose/which) _________________ is 19 years old, is
6 6
going to start working with me.
I look after 500 hectares of woodland and (an/a/the) _______________ job 8 8
involves everything from maintenance of footpaths to tree management. I just love my 10 10

job. There are so many birds to listen to and so (much/ many/ a lot of)
12 12
_______________wildlife to observe. Sometimes when I (to have)
14 14
____________________my sandwiches in my jeep, a deer will come right up to the
window and look in. Some of our trees are more than 400 years old and it is 16 16
(amazed/amazing/amaze) ____________________ to think of all the events they have 18 18

witnessed over the centuries. We’ve just finished planting a new wood which (to 20 20
consist) ____________________ of 8000 trees and I'd like to think that some of these
trees (to be) ____________________ here in a hundred year time and maybe one of
my great grandchildren will be looking after them.
137
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. One of your younger relatives asked you to recommend them a novel written by an 0 0
author born in an English speaking country. Write them a note explaining why they 1 1
should read the novel of your choice. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
138
(30 points)
1. Why do some people choose not to recycle? Justify your opinion. Present two 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
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2 2
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_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
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139
2018

Building Happiness
1 Modern science and technology have given us a deeper knowledge of the world around us.
Machines and gadgets invented in the past hundred years are making our lives easier. We are
living longer. But do these things make us happier? Modern life may be convenient, but it is also
complicated. Many of us have many problems related to financial issues. A lot of people are
5 trying to find work, and those with jobs are often stressed by the demands of their professional
lives. We are always rushing everywhere. One big factor that seems to control the current life is
money: worrying about money, making money, spending money, borrowing money.
One country has chosen to focus on national happiness, and this country is Bhutan, a small
kingdom in the Himalayan Mountains. In the 1970s, Bhutan’s king started a new project the goal
10 of which is national happiness. His idea was that people’s happiness was more important than
their economic wealth. Cultural and spiritual values were put above the amount of money in bank
accounts. Today the government is responsible for better services that improve the quality of life
of the citizens. Another key aspect of this approach has been the importance of protecting the
environment and the natural beauty of Bhutan.
15 Almost 100% of Bhutanese children go to primary school where, in addition to traditional
subjects, they learn about environmental protection as well as ‘green’ methods of farming and
living. Life in Bhutan is simple. People’s homes are basic and about 70% do not have electricity.
This approach indicates positive developments because the people of Bhutan are now living twice
as long as they used to.
20 In 2007, Thailand also adopted this idea as part of their own ‘Green and Happiness Policy’,
followed by South Korea’s ‘Happiness Policy’ in 2012, and Dubai’s in 2014. Many other regions
and local governments around the world have developed new policies based on Bhutan’s system.
A number of international conferences on the environment as well as on economics have
promoted National Happiness Policy as a valuable example to follow.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what problems do many of us have because of modern 0 0
science and technology? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, how do working people often feel? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what is the reaction of other regions and local governments to A A
Bhutan’s project? 0 0
1 1
2 2
140
1. Based on the text, Bhutan’s new project is based on 0 0
a. financial issues. 2 2
b. the amount of money in bank accounts.
c. machines and gadgets.
d. people’s happiness and environment protection.
2. The word basic in line 17 is closest in meaning to A A
a. simple. 0 0
b. a programming language. 2 2
c. central.
d. main.
6 points) 0 0
a) Now the goal of Bhutan’s government is to improve the quality of life of the 1 1
citizens. ___________ 3 3
because
b) People of Bhutan used to live longer. _____

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) difficult - ______________________ 0 0
b) aim - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
0 0
1 1
2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
141
brackets.
No Item Score
1- While his friends play the latest computer game, Richard Prescott is busy A A
10 __________________ (to sell) cars. Richard __________________ (to sell) his first 0 0
2 2
Porsche car when he was 12 and earned his first million at the age of 16. ‘People, 4 4
6 6
especially other teenagers, often ask me what it is like being very rich, so young,’ says
8 8
Richard cheerfully. ‘They think my life __________________ (must/have/ought) be 10 10
12 12
different, but the only difference is that I buy and sell cars.’ __________________
14 14
(Although/Therefore/However), not every teenager owns __________________ 16 16
18 18
(a/the/-) car and wears designer clothes. Richard has made to the top with the help
20 20
from his family. During the last three years he __________________ (to work) for his
father’s used car business. ‘It wasn’t easy,’ says his father. ‘But Richard is a talented
boy and I am very proud __________________ (of/with/for) him.’ Richard’s job has
also had a big impact on his schoolwork. He left school some time ago and now has
private teachers. ‘If __________________ (some/someone/no one) wants to become a
web designer, teacher or sales assistant, they must take exams. I would not change
anything in my life even if I __________________ (to start) it all over again,’ he says.
So __________________ (to be) a successful and well-paid job the most important
thing for Richard? ‘No, not really,’ he replies. ‘My father once said that everything he
had was from sale, except his family, and my family is really important to me, too.’
142
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school magazine has asked its readers to write an article describing a museum 0 0
from an English-speaking country that they would like to visit. Write a description of 1 1
your chosen museum that you could send to the magazine. 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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1 1
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2 2
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0 0
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0 0
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3 3
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0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
143
(30 points)
1. What do you like about the culture of our country? Justify your opinion. Present two 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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3 3
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1 1
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0 0
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144
2018

Helping Around the House

1 School plays an important part in the lives of young people, providing them with both educational
and social activities. However, some people say that modern education has changed by becoming
more demanding and stressful for children. As a result, children have less free time to enjoy and
are less involved in home life than in the past. Moreover, parents are so keen on their children’s
5 success at school that they ask them to help in the house very rarely.
Today children face great pressure to succeed at school from both parents and teachers
because school results are important. Firstly, homework is a must, even for younger children.
Besides, many children are busy learning new skills outside school hours; for instance, learning
how to play a musical instrument, or becoming a member of a sports team. Parents are in fact
10 keen for their children to have as many different interests as possible to make sure that they have
every opportunity to develop.
Yet, some experts think that helping in the house can bring children some benefits. For
example, household chores can develop a feeling of care and more friendly attitude among young
people, because they learn to contribute directly to home life. Asking children to help encourages
15 a sense of responsibility. If the task is not done, other members of the family will suffer. If the
task is appreciated by members of the family, the child will experience a sense of satisfaction
from doing a job well. Additionally, children benefit from physical activity, and often like being
outside, so car washing and gardening can be enjoyable. Some children like helping their parents
directly and learn by watching them do jobs around the house. This also means parents spend
20 quality time with their children.
Pessimists may say that children are too busy with computers and other gadgets to enjoy
helping in the house. This may be true in some cases, but not if children are brought up with the
feeling that they have a valuable role to play in family life. This approach draws attention to the
importance of family unity and promotes the feeling of confidence, which comes through having
even a small amount of responsibility.
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what is the main role of school in children’s lives? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, how has modern education changed? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, why do parents rarely ask their children to help around the A A
house? 0 0
1 1
2 2
145
1. Pessimists consider that children do not like helping around the house as 0 0
a. they are busy doing their homework. 2 2
b. they are busy doing house chores.
c. they are busy with their computers and other devices.
d. they are not encouraged to be responsible.
2. The word demanding in line 3 is closest in meaning to A A
a. asking. 0 0
b. challenging. 2 2
c. encouraging.
d. helping.
6 points) 0 0
a) Children become more responsible if they are asked to help around the house. 1 1
___________ 3 3
because
b) It is boring for children to do some physical work outside. ___________

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) to achieve - ______________________ 0 0
b) pleasant - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
0 0
1 1
2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
146
brackets.
No Item Score
1- Bananas have become one of ________________________ (the most popular/more A A
10 0 0
popular/ popular) fruits in Britain. Last year, the British
2 2
________________________ (to eat) five billion bananas, which pushed the home- 4 4
6 6
grown apple into the second place. Now more than 95% of families buy
8 8
________________________ (it/them/their) every week. 10 10
12 12
One hundred years ________________________ (before/ago/after), however,
14 14
hardly anyone in Britain tasted or even saw a banana. Bananas had to be transported 16 16
18 18
by ships from hot countries to Britain. When they arrived in Britain, they
20 20
________________________ (to be) in poor condition. The banana trade started with
the development of refrigeration and faster shipping, which meant that bananas could
be moved more quickly to distant places. Today on arrival in Britain, bananas
________________________ (to take) to special houses where they are stored until
they turn into a greenish-yellow colour. Then they are transported
________________________ (in/to/at) stores and sold.
Although bananas are so popular, few people ________________________ (to
know) all the facts about bananas. ________________________ (you, to know) that
the banana plant is not a tree? It is actually the world’s largest herb. The “truck” of the
banana plant is not made of wood; it is made of ________________________
(leaves/leafs/leafes).
147
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school magazine has asked its readers to write an article describing their 0 0
favourite capital of an English-speaking country. Write a description of your chosen 1 1
city that you could send to the magazine. 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
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0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
148
(30 points)
1. Some people think that there are more disadvantages of automobiles than advantages. 0 0
Agree or/and disagree. Justify your opinion. Present two examples. Use the following 1 1
plan: 2 2
∙ introduction;
0 0
∙ body;
1 1
∙ conclusion.
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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3 3
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3 3
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1 1
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2 2
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1 1
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0 0
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3 3
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1 1
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3 3
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0 0
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7 7
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149
2019

Nellie Bly
1 Originally known as Elizabeth Jane Cochran, Nellie Bly was born in Pennsylvania during
American Civil War. Her father died when she was only six years old, after which her family had
big financial problems. Yet, she had a strong desire to be famous and she became a well-known
and respected journalist and traveller.
5 At the age of sixteen, Nellie Bly read an article in the local Pennsylvania newspaper,
which explained that women were not able to do the same jobs as men. Being angry, she wrote an
anonymous article in reply and sent it to the paper. The paper’s editor was so impressed with her
writing that he offered her a job: Nellie was now a journalist!
At that time, female journalists mostly wrote about fashion and gardening, but Nellie had
10 other ideas. She wanted to be an investigative journalist who wrote about serious issues, such as
women’s rights and the problems of factory workers. However, when Nellie accused companies
of treating workers badly, they refused to buy advertisements in the paper so the editor had to
stop Nellie’s investigations.
In 1887, Nellie moved to the New York World newspaper, where the owner, Joseph
15 Pulitzer, helped her to do undercover work. For example, Nellie pretended to be mentally ill so
that she could become a patient at a psychiatric hospital in New York and find out about the
conditions there. As a result of Nellie’s shocking discoveries, the authorities changed the way
they cared for mentally ill patients. This was probably her greatest success as an investigative
journalist.
20 A new high point of Bly’s successful career began on November 14, 1889, when she
decided to travel around the world after reading the popular book Around the World in 80 Days.
Her trip only took 72 days, which was a world record.
Nellie Bly has been the main character in many books and movies. In 1946, she was the
subject of a Broadway musical. In 2010, her around-the-world trip was used in a comic book. On
25 January 19, 2019, Christina Ricci starred as journalist Nellie Bly in ‘Escaping the Madhouse:
The Nellie Bly Story'.
150
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what was the article in the local Pennsylvania newspaper 0 0
about? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, why did the editor stop Nellie’s investigations? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what did Nellie Bly do two years after she had moved to the A A
New York World newspaper? 0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the writer, Bly was an investigative journalist who wrote about 0 0
a. gardening. 2 2
b. serious problems.
c. fashion.
d. the American Civil War.
2. The word star in line 25 is closest in meaning to A A
a. to write. 0 0
b. to be the main actress. 2 2
c. an object in the sky.
d. to be in the sky.
6 points) 0 0
a) Bly’s investigation improved the health system in the USA. ___________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) Bly’s story inspired moviemakers. ___________ A A

0 0
because
1 1
3 3
151
a) clinic - ______________________ 0 0
2 2
b) journey - ____________________ 4 4
___________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
___________________________________________________________ 2 2
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
brackets.
No Item Score
My birthday was coming up in (few/a little/a few) ________________________ days A A
1-
and my parents told me that they (will be/are/would be) ________________________ 0 0
10
away at a conference they had to attend. That would give me the opportunity to have a 2 2
party and invite friends that I (hadn’t seen/hadn’t been seeing/haven’t seen) 4 4
________________________ for a long time. So, I told Kelly, my closest friend, 6 6
about (it/them/us) __________________________ but she thought that it would be 8 8
(-/a/an) ________________________ open party and felt free to invite lots of people I 10 10
12 12
(hardly/hard/harder) ________________________ knew. On the day of the party, I
14
(was shocking/was shocked/were shocked) ___________________________ to see 14
that my house was so full with people that it was difficult to get from the living room 16 16
to the kitchen. The house was also an absolute mess and, unfortunately, there was 18 18
(any/no/none) ________________________ way I could tidy it up before my parents 20 20
152
came home. When they saw the state the house was (about/in/on)
________________________, I was in big trouble. Well, one thing is for sure. Now I
can say that I (have learnt/learn/had learnt) ________________________ my lesson
and I will be more careful the next time I plan a party.

(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school magazine has asked its readers to write about the English language as the 0 0
most popular language of communication in the world. Give specific reasons and 1 1
examples to support your opinion.
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
153
(30 points)
1. What is the importance of cultural activities in modern life? Justify your opinion. 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
4 4
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
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2 2
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4 4
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0 0
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2 2
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3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________ 6 6
7 7
154
2019

Going Green and Staying Green

1 Nowadays, many people feel guilty about contributing to the environmental problems that our
planet is facing. However, although we feel guilty, we do not necessarily do anything about it!
We all have excuses as to why we cannot recycle, why we have to use our car and why we buy
environmentally harmful products. Perhaps, people do little or nothing to protect the environment
5 because they do not know how to deal with this problem. But that can be changed. If you
introduce a few basic environmentally friendly practices into your life, you will soon be doing
your bit to help.
Let’s start with water, which most people use wastefully. They do not realise how much
water they can save by doing a few simple things at home. For example, you can turn off the tap
10 while brushing your teeth. Also, you can make sure that the washing machine is full so as not to
waste much water when doing laundry. These are easy ways to save water.
Another way to help the environment is to avoid buying an artificial fertiliser to feed your
plants. It is not only expensive, but it may also be full of chemicals that could harm your health
and the health of bees, birds, butterflies and other garden wildlife.
15 You should also recycle whatever you can! Bottles, boxes and plastic containers can be
washed and put into the appropriate recycling bins. It is also good to buy drinks whose
manufacturers give refunds on returned bottles, and to buy products that use recycled materials.
And, if possible, get rid of batteries and electrical goods in the correct way. Remember, if they
are thrown away with the normal household rubbish, they can harm the environment. If unwanted
20 electrical goods are still in working order, give them to somebody who will use them. Finally, if
you use your imagination, you can find different uses for many other things you may want to
throw away.
Of course, lots of us are quite busy and feel that we do not have time to save the planet.
Actually, if we simply reduce what we buy and use, we make the first step towards a greener life.
25 If we choose better quality, well-designed products, we will use them longer. So we will throw
fewer things away. Also, it is a good idea to buy products with simple or no packaging. Finally, if
you become informed about the environmental issues and learn how you can participate in
protecting the environment, you can be sure that you are doing your part.
155
No Item Score
a) According to the text, why do most people do little or nothing to protect the 0 0
environment? 1 1
2 2
b) According to the author, what are the two easy ways to save water? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, why do we have to throw batteries away in the correct way? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the writer, people should 0 0
a. feel proud of contributing to the environmental problems. 2 2
b. use products with a lot of packaging.
c. buy things they do not need.
d. make sure that they take part in the environmental protection.
2. The word realise in line 8 is closest in meaning to A A
a. understand. 0 0
b. do. 2 2
c. sell.
d. achieve.
6 points) 0 0
a) According to the author, it is a good idea to buy an artificial fertilizer to feed your 1 1
plants. ___________ 3 3
because
b) Buying better quality, well-designed products helps to save the environment.

___________ A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) to decrease - ______________________ 0 0
b) various - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
156
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
1- It was a trip I’ll never forget. We (were feeling/was feeling/had feeling) A A
10 ___________________________ very excited as we climbed into our bus. With forty
0 0
noisy children and three nervous teachers, it was very crowded. I was at (a/the/-)
___________________________ primary school and our teachers had decided to 2 2
organize an excursion to a wildlife park. We found the tour round the park
4 4
(fascinated/fascinating/fascinate) ___________________________ because we saw
animals that we had only read about in books before, such as zebras and elephants. We 6 6
were delighted to see (their/them/they) ___________________________ in real life.
8 8
Anyway, just after we had entered (in/-/into) ___________________________ the part
where the monkeys lived, the bus had a puncture. We (should/must/had) 10 10
___________________________ to stop. While the wheel (had been changed/was
12 12
being changed/was changing) __________________________________ a whole
group of monkeys ran to the bus and started (to climbing/climb/to climb) 14 14
___________________________ all over it. We had never felt so excited and we were
16 16
shouting for joy. I think that we (wouldn’t enjoy/wouldn’t have enjoyed/hadn’t
enjoyed) __________________________________ our trip so much if the bus hadn’t 18 18
had a puncture. Finally, the driver managed to change the wheel and our teachers felt
20 20
much happier when we (continued/were continued/would continue)
______________________________ the tour.
157
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. A travel magazine is running a competition and has asked its readers to describe a 0 0
place in an English-speaking country they think is ideal for holidays. Write the 1 1
description of the place and explain why you have chosen this place. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
5 5
_____________________________________________________________________
158
(30 points)
1. Some people think that you can achieve success through teamwork. Others think that it 0 0
is better to work on your own. Which do you think is better? Justify your opinion. 1 1
∙ introduction;
0 0
∙ body;
1 1
∙ conclusion.
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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2 2
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_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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0 0
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3 3
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_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
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3 3
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0 0
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7 7
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159
2019

Children’s Day Festivals
1 There are many festivals around the world and the most popular ones are Christmas, Easter and
Mother’s Day. In addition, many countries have a festival for children. The International
Children’s Day festival is on June 1st every year. There is also a Universal Children’s Day in
November, which is recommended by the United Nations. It is thought that Mexico was the first
5 country to celebrate a day for children in around 1910. This festival is on April 30th and about 50
countries join the festivities on this day each year. However, many countries have their own
special day to honour children.
In Germany, Children’s Day celebrations were introduced in 1950. In those days, Germany
was divided into two parts, east and west, and was not a united country. East Germany organized
10 the festival on June 1st and West Germany on September 20th. The celebrations were also
different. In the east, children received presents and schools arranged special events. In the west,
the festival did not have the same importance. Since the two parts of Germany came together in
the 1990s, the festival has been held on the same day and has become more popular.
In Japan, Children’s Day is an important festival. In 1948, the government decided to make it
15 a national holiday to show children love and respect. Now it is celebrated on May 5th each year.
This was originally the date of a festival for boys only. On Children’s Day, families fly flags
outside their homes and display dolls of famous Japanese heroes inside. They also enjoy special
food, for example, rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste. There are also many events around the
country. For example, in Tokyo, the capital city, the ‘Kids’ Olympics’ are held. Both children and
20 adults can take part in races and games.
Thailand’s National Children's Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in January. There
are many special activities for children. They can visit zoos and travel on buses without having to
pay any money. However, there are other types of events on offer. Many government offices are
open to children and their families, including Government House, where children can visit the
25 Prime Minister's office. In Thailand, Children’s Day activities are organized to help children
understand how important they are to their country and the responsibilities they have. All these
examples show that although Children’s Day festivals are celebrated in different ways around the
world, they all honour children and their rights.
160
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what are the most famous festivals in the world? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, what organization recommends a Universal Children’s Day? A A

0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, how was Children’s day celebrated in the east of Germany? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the author, in Japan, Children’s Day is celebrated 0 0
a. in 1948. 2 2
b. every five years.
c. in five years.
d. every year.
2. The word display in line 17 is closest in meaning to A A
a. to do. 0 0
b. to show. 2 2
c. to watch.
d. to play.
6 points) 0 0
a) Children’s Day in Japan has sports events only for children. _________ 1 1
3 3
because
b) On Children’s Day in Thailand, children can get free bus tickets. _________
A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) competitions - ______________________ 0 0
b) outdoor - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
____________________________________________________________________________ 2 2
161
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
Paul was staying with his grandfather for the summer holidays on (-/a/the)
1- A A
_________________________ Eagle Island. He enjoyed (go/to go/going)
10
_________________________ to visit the old man because he lived in an old house 0 0
which had about 10 rooms. He did not know the exact number of rooms, but he loved 2 2
exploring (it/them/him) _________________________. There was a wonderful view
4 4
of the ocean from the first-floor windows and Paul liked to sit there and imagine the
6 6
oceans of the world.
One day, while he (is walking/were walking/was walking) 8 8
_________________________ down a long corridor, he noticed a door to the roof. If 10 10

he had not been a curious boy, he (wouldn’t have gone/wouldn’t has gone/wouldn’t
12 12
go) _________________________ upstairs. He opened the door and found a small and
14 14
very dark room. It did not smell good because of the lack of fresh air. A large window
gave just (too/so/enough) _________________________ light to see all the boxes that 16 16
(was kept/kept/were kept) _________________________ there. He saw an old wooden 18 18

box standing in the corner. He turned the key (carefully/careful/carefuly) 20 20
_________________________ in the lock and opened it. There were (lot of/a lot
of/much) _________________________ books there. He took one of them and began
to read. The book was so exciting that he did not notice how much time he (had
spend/has spent/had spent) _________________________ there.
162
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Which famous person/celebrity from an English-speaking country would you 0 0
recommend your friend to follow on social media? Write your advice and explain your 1 1
choice. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
163
(30 points)
1. Why do some friendships break up? Justify your opinion. Present two examples. Use 0 0
the following plan: 1 1
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
164
2019

Unusual Modern Art
1 When we think of art, we normally picture something that can exist for centuries. But there has
always been a type of art which does not last for a long time. This is often referred to as
‘temporary’ art, which has artistic values, but is designed to disappear. Paintings are made of
snow or ice, in coloured sand or on public pavements.
5 Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada is a modern ‘temporary’ artist, and the one who gets a lot of
attention for his work. As a young boy, Jorge, after moving with his family to the States,
seriously took a great interest in drawing. It became for him not just a hobby and he spent all his
free time on painting. Being in the senior classes he knew for sure: this was his vocation.
Now Jorge Rodriguez Gerada is one of the most famous present-day artists. He uses
10 groups of volunteers to help him and his pieces take a long time to plan and create. But people
admire them a lot because the final results are impressive. For the past few years, Rodriguez-
Gerada has been creating gigantic faces in empty spaces in cities. To people on the ground, it
looks like a garden that is being created, and it is hard to see any kind of design in it. In fact, GPS
mapping is used to start the design. Then a lot of volunteers use this original plan to create the
15 image which the artist has planned.
In 2014, the artist created an amazing face on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. it
covered about 25, 000 square meters, and it was created because the mall was getting new
gardens, and the land was not going to be used for a while. The portrait was a young man of
mixed race, and was called Of the Many, One. The artist says that it showed one of the millions of
20 faces that represent the American people. After a while, the sand and soil of the portrait were
mixed together, and new grass was planted in its place. The portrait has disappeared, but it will
not easily be forgotten.
In 2018, he designed “Perpetual flow” in Morocco. It shows running water which flows
between the fingers of two huge hands in a “perpetual flow”. It covers over 37,500 square meters
and is made of stones and vegetable oil. This project symbolises the ability to reuse water.
165
No Item Score
a) According to the text, what is ‘temporary’ art? 0 0
1 1
2 2
b) According to the text, who helps Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada to create his works? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2
c) According to the text, what does “Perpetual flow” symbolise? A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

1. According to the writer, Of the Many, One was made 0 0
a. on a wall. 2 2
b. on a stone.
c. on land.
d. in Morocco.
2. The word last in line 2 is closest in meaning to A A
a. final. 0 0
b. recent. 2 2
c. after everything.
d. exist.
6 points) 0 0
a) Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada works are very quick to create. ________________ 1 1
because 3 3
b) Of the Many, One portrait does not exist anymore. ________________

A A
because 0 0
1 1
3 3
a) sidewalk - ______________________ 0 0
b) places - ____________________ 2 2
4 4
____________________________________________________________________________ 0 0
____________________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
166
0 0
2 2
4 4
6 6
A A
0 0
1 1
2 2

brackets.
No Item Score
When I was a child, I used to be afraid of dogs. Now I (not remember/don’t
1- A A
remember/am not remembering) _________________________ who told me that dogs
10
were dangerous; maybe it was my grandmother or (a/the/-) 0 0
_________________________ neighbour. But the fact was that I really suffered from 2 2
this fear of (my/mine/mines) _________________________. Whenever I saw a dog, I
4 4
always ran in (the other/other/others) _________________________ direction. My
6 6
parents tried very hard to help me get over the problem. They told me stories about
dogs saving (people’s/peoples’/people) _________________________ lives and said 8 8
that dogs were man’s best friend, but it was no use. Once my little brother (has been 10 10
walking/walked/was walking) _________________________ along the street, when he
12 12
found a lost puppy and my parents agreed to let him (to keep/keep/keeping)
14 14
_________________________ it. It took me several months to get used (to having/to
have/have) _________________________ a dog around the house (despite 16 16
of/though/as) _________________________ it was only a harmless puppy. However, 18 18

it was so friendly and playful that (can’t/shouldn’t/couldn’t) 20
I 20
_________________________ help liking it. That was how I started getting over my
fear of dogs.
167
(20 points)

No Item Score
1. Your school library has asked you to recommend a movie/a book/a song that reflects 0 0
the culture of an English-speaking country. Write your advice and explain your choice. 1 1
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
0 0
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
168
(30 points)
1. What activities do you consider waste of time? Justify your opinion. Present two 0 0
∙ body;
∙ conclusion. 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________ 3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
1 1
_____________________________________________________________________ 2 2
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 0 0
_____________________________________________________________________ 1 1
2 2
_____________________________________________________________________
3 3
_____________________________________________________________________ 4 4
_____________________________________________________________________ 5 5
6 6
_____________________________________________________________________ 7 7
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
169

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2010

I. a) Read the text attentively.

4. What do most school directors see as a possible disadvantage for pupils? A A

II. Letter writing. A A

III. Outline in writing your opinion on the following topic: A A

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

3. Advertisers create messages c. gives us only part of the picture.

d. think for themselves.

10. She’d have enjoyed it,____________________________?

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

Dealing with climate change

1. Answer the question. A A

2. Answer the question. A A

3. Identify the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A

I. Read the text and accomplish the post-reading tasks.

Who Is a Pretty Plant Then?

2. Answer the question. A A

6. Entitle the paragraphs: A0 A0

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

HISTORY OF THE PULITZER PRIZES

3. Identify the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A

5. Answer the question. A A

6. Answer the question. A A

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

Skills You Need for a Job

III. Civilization. What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

1. Answer the question. A A

5. Identify the correct variant (True/False). Justify your choice. A A

I. Read the text and accomplish the tasks below.

1. Answer the question. A A

6. Express in your own words the saying given in the text. A A

SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)

Read the text and do the tasks below the text.

TV Viewing and Children

1. Answer the question. A A

7. Identify the message of the text and comment on it in 5 lines. A A

SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES

SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)

Read the text and do the tasks below the text.

The Most Productive Day of the Week

7. Identify the message of the text and comment on it in 5 lines. A A

SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES

Environmental non-governmental organizations consider that human activity damages A A

SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)

Read the text and do the tasks below the text.

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts

1. Answer the question. A A

6. Comment the phrase below in 4 lines. A A

7. Identify the message of the text and comment on it in 5 lines. A A

SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)

Read the text and do the tasks below the text.

‘Mental Risk’ of Facebook Teens

7. Identify the message of the text and comment on it in 5 lines. A A

SECTION III. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CULTURAL COMPETENCES

Write a coherent 10-line text describing the situation below.

SECTION IV. THE ASSESSMENT OF PRAGMATIC AND CIVIC COMPETENCES

SECTION I. THE ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (30 points)

Read the text and do the tasks below the text.