Practice Exam 2

Reading and Use of English

Part 1
For questions 1—8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap.
There is an example at the beginning (0).
Example
0  A in   B at   C under   D with
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

Making the most of your time

Nowadays we are all (0)      pressure to increase the amount of work we can achieve
in the shortest possible time. (1)           of this we may spend time looking
(2)           short-cuts in our working lives. However, many of these time-saving
measures may actually cause more problems than they (3)          .
Some organisations seem to expect their staff to work more than the usual eight or nine hours a
day, without recognising the fact that tiredness causes people to (4)           silly
mistakes. We all tend to (5)           those who can multi-task because we
think they are working hard — but do all the electronic gadgets they use make them
more efficient in the long (6)           ? It’s possible they actually distract
them from the task (7)           and lead to a loss of concentration. So maybe
(8)          every email or answering every mobile phone call immediately is not the
most efficient use of our time.

1 A As a result B Therefore C Owing D Due

2 A through B out C for D in
3 A answer B solve C explain D settle
4 A do B get C make D have
5 A look up to B get through to C catch up with D go out with
6 A walk B run C race D hike
7 A in hand B on hand C by hand D with hand
8 A A keeping in B setting out C taking on D dealing with

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Part 2
For questions 9—16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap.
Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example

0 W H A T

Can you speak ‘dog’?
We think we understand dogs, but we’re often wrong about (0)     they’re trying to ‘say’.
Imagine trying to communicate (9)           someone who doesn’t understand
any of your language. Dogs find (10)          in this exact situation every day, and
(11)          are many examples of misunderstandings.
As (12)          example of this, if a dog pants, we assume it’s due to the heat. Of course,
that may be true, but it could also indicate stress. (13)          yawning might suggest
tiredness, it could also signify an attempt to calm other dogs who are acting aggressively.
We think a dog wags its tail because it’s happy, but there may be other meanings, depending
(14)          the position of the tail and the type of wag. (15)          instance,
when a dog holds its tail high and stiff, it’s giving a warning. A dog does (16)          if it
thinks someone is trying to take its food, and may bite if the signal is ignored.
Clearly sometimes it’s important to understand ‘dog’!

Part 3
For questions 17—24, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the
lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.
Example

0 D I F F E R E N C E

Tourist or traveller?
People assume there is a (0)          between a tourist and a traveller DIFFERENT
and that ‘tourist’ is a negative term. Is this true?
In general, it seems a tourist goes to a new place to have a fun,
(17)          time, and to replace the energy used up by working in a ENJOY
(18)           job. A traveller wanders from place to place driven STRESS
on by a deep (19)           about everything new and the desire to CURIOUS
explore. A tourist escapes from the (20)           routine of everyday BORE
life seeking relaxation, whereas all a traveller wants is to be on the road. A tourist
goes somewhere, is amazed, but then returns with his or her everyday life
(21)           by the experience; a traveller continues to roam around, CHANGE
seeking anything that enhances his or her (22)          of the world. A tourist UNDERSTAND
goes home but a traveller moves on, perhaps unwilling to stop anywhere permanently.
But could it be possible that the two are (23)          more similar than we ACTUAL
think? After all, they share a pleasure in the world and an (24)          of APPRECIATE
the wonders in it.

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Part 4
For questions 25—30, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first
sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and
five words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).
Example
0 In class you have to do precisely what your teacher tells you.

CARRY

In class you have to          instructions precisely.

The gap can be filled by ‘carry out your teacher’s’, so you write:

Example

0 CARRY OUT YOUR TEACHER’S

Write your answers IN CAPITAL LETTERS on the separate answer sheet.

25 The moment I arrived at the hotel I checked my email.

SOON
I checked my email          to the hotel.
26 They cancelled the meeting because the boss was ill.
OFF
The meeting          the boss’s illness.
27 I had never seen such an amazing waterfall before.
FIRST
It          I had seen such an amazing waterfall.
28 It’s a shame our school holidays are quite short in the summer.
WISH
I          school holidays in the summer.
29 I always use my dictionary to check any words I’m not sure of.
UP
If I’m not sure of a word,          my dictionary.
30 ‘You’d better hurry if you want to catch the bus, Joe,’  said Juan.
ADVISED
Juan          he would miss the bus.

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Part 5
You are going to read a newspaper article about a festival which takes place each winter in Venice,
Italy. For questions 31—36, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to
the text.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.


Venetian Masquerade
Last month Liz Ford put on a mask and set off for Carnevale, Venice’s popular mid-winter festival.
At carnival time in Italy’s watery city, wearing Asha and I spent our days in Venice exploring
a mask appears to be a compulsory part of the narrow waterways, hidden shops and cafés.
the uniform. So, when I attended the carnival The bustling crowds and party atmosphere were
last month with my friend Asha we decided it electrifying but, without doubt, the highlight of
was something that we too had to put on. We our trip was dressing for a special dinner on our
browsed the stalls lining the streets selling what final night. We put on our masks, hired dresses
has become the symbol of the carnival. But as and did not feel out of place with the other
there were literally hundreds to choose from, party-goers. We boarded the boat at St Mark’s
it didn’t make for an easy decision and I wasn’t bay, lit by street lamps. As the gondola swept
satisfied until I had finally settled on one with a up canals past ancient buildings in the shadows
few decorative feathers and was ready to take of night, I noticed an air of mystery that hadn’t
part in the festivities. been revealed during daylight. Somebody on
The people of Venice have been celebrating board passed around sparklers and we waved
Carnevale since the fifteenth century. In those the fiery sticks at onlookers as we passed under
days, parties were arranged where rich and bridges. Putting on a mask makes you an instant
poor alike hid their identity behind masks and hit at carnival time.
danced the nights away to forget the difficulties Leaving the boat in San Polo, we headed for
of winter. The tradition gradually faded away dinner. Walking into the candle-lit restaurant was
until, in 1979, it was brought back to life, like stepping back in time. More than fifty people
becoming one of the world’s most popular were already seated, every face hidden behind
festivals. a mask, just as they would have been centuries
Today, however, some of the city’s residents ago. At first I found it difficult talking to people
complain that the carnival is nothing compared I couldn’t see properly, though I soon started
to its former self, and is purely geared towards enjoying myself. The entertainment, provided by
bringing in money. modern dancers, wasn’t quite of the era the feast
was meant to represent. But the food was superb
The festivities begin with La Festa delle Marie,
and the setting magnificent.
a parade through the city and a taste of what
is to come. Throughout the following days, After our meal, Asha and I went out into the
guests attend fabulous masked balls, where busy streets again and found our way to a
they mingle with others, watch acrobats and jazz bar which, though it played more popular
artists and dine on delightful food and drink — music than jazz, was the ideal place to finish off
line 32 the carnival is truly a feast for the senses. The our stay in Venice.
highlight of the festival is, without doubt, the As dawn broke, the party carried on, but we
Grand Masked Ball, located in a beautiful palace sadly made our way towards the vaporetto, the
and a chance to show off your knowledge of Venetian waterbus which carried us along the
Venetian traditions, such as performing the canals towards the airport for our morning flight
steps of the ancient quadrilles dances. That back to London.
won’t be me, then! We finally took off our masks. The party was
over for me and Asha, but I hope we’ll be back
again one day.

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31 When talking about carnival masks, the writer says that she
A was careful about her choice.
B was amazed by the number of stalls selling them.
C was originally unenthusiastic about wearing one.
D was determined to look different from everyone else.
32 According to the writer, some people feel that today’s Carnevale
A takes people’s attention away from bad weather.
B doesn’t deserve its international reputation.
C is simply a money-making scheme.
D is more interesting than it used to be.
33 What does a feast for the senses mean in line 32?
A something that is delicious to eat
B something that is pleasing to experience
C something that is unexpected
D something that provides a chance to meet people
34 As the writer went out on the final evening of her stay, she
A was pleased to be wearing a suitable costume.
B was embarrassed by the attention she received from spectators.
C was impressed with the way the streets had been decorated.
D was surprised that the city looked so strange at night.
35 What comment does the writer make about the dinner she attended?
A The food was disappointing.
B The location was too dark.
C The customers were unfriendly.
D The entertainment was unsuitable.
36 In the final paragraph, the writer
A feels confident that she will be back in Venice in the near future.
B is unimpressed with the transport which she has to use.
C is disappointed with the way the last evening finishes.
D expresses regret at having to leave the party.

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Part 6
You are going to read an article about a woman who got lost while she was on holiday.
Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A—G the one which
fits each gap (37—42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

Lost in paradise
On my second trip to Greece I had a very friendly little dog. 39 I wondered if I should
embarrassing experience. I had arrived in go back to the house and have an early night
Athens very early in the morning after a delayed but decided that I would be better off having
flight from London on which I had barely slept something to eat before retracing my steps.
a wink. My plan was to go to an island called By the time Anika and I reached the port, it was
Skopelos that a friend had recommended. It time for her to go to work. 40 Although I
turned out that this involved a five-hour bus was very hungry, I decided to make sure I could
trip, at the end of which I had to catch a ferry to find my way back to Nina’s while there was still
the island. By the time I got there, I had been some light.
travelling for over twenty-four hours.
From the port, I walked up a narrow path I could
As soon as the ferry docked at the little port, the have sworn was the same one Nina and I had
other tourists and I were surrounded by local followed earlier that day. There was a café on a
people offering us accommodation in their corner but no friendly dog, a little chapel but the
homes. I attached myself to a lovely woman bench was nowhere to be seen and there were
called Nina and she led me up a winding path several houses with blue doors and lemon trees.
to her house, where she showed me to a pretty I had no idea where I was. 41 I began
room with a private bathroom. 37 After to wonder if Nina and her house were just a
getting dressed, I went down to the kitchen. figment of my imagination.
There, Nina was sitting with a young woman Eventually, I realised that the simplest thing to
called Anika, who spoke Greek and English. do was to go back to the port and ask the tourist
While we had coffee, Anika acted as an police to help me. 42 The police laughed
interpreter. It turned out that Nina’s daughter when I told them that. It turned out that there
Olga was studying abroad, so Anika, who were twenty women called Nina who rented out
worked at the port in the evenings, was staying rooms and ten of them had daughters called
in her room. Nina had suggested she should Olga who were studying abroad.
show me around the town before she started The police were very kind, nevertheless, and
work. 38 We finished our coffee, said telephoned every one of those women until on
goodbye to Nina and headed out the door. the tenth call they managed to find ‘my Nina’. She
As we headed in the direction of the port, came to get me and guided me back up to the
Anika pointed out various landmarks for me to house, chuckling to herself all the way. I collapsed
remember: a house with a blue door and a lemon into bed and slept for almost ten hours. The next
tree in a pot, a little chapel with a small bench day at breakfast I met an English couple who had
outside, a café on a corner where there was a had exactly the same experience.

A I hadn’t asked Nina to write down her address but at least I knew her name.
B This meant that I was on my own, and the sun was beginning to set.
C The harder I tried to remember exactly what Anika had said, the more lost I became.
D Since it was late June, it would still be light for a couple of hours.
E I had a much needed shower and unpacked.
F Surely he would know where Nina lived.
G I tried to pay attention but my tiredness made it difficult to take it all in.

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Part 7
You are going to read some information about five musicians and the instruments they play.
For questions 43—52, choose from the musicians (A—E). The musicians may be chosen more
than once.
Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.


Which musician
was inspired to take up an instrument by a performance? 43

discovered previous experience helped them master the basics? 44

stopped playing the instrument at one stage? 45

says the instrument suits them physically? 46

feels their instrument is sometimes a nuisance? 47

had not seriously considered playing this instrument at first? 48

did not make the initial decision to play an instrument? 49

did not find it difficult to learn the basics? 50

describes a physical reaction when playing their instrument? 51

plays an instrument previously owned by someone else? 52

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Heart strings
A The guitarist get me an instrument specially designed for
My father played the guitar and the banjo children. It was a tenth the normal size and
and had learnt both from my grandfather. very cute. Size is always a problem though.
All my uncles played too. By the time I We play abroad quite a lot and getting my
came along, it was a well-established family instrument through security is a real headache.
tradition. There was just no question about Even getting round town is not easy. Despite all
whether I would learn to play an instrument the inconvenience, I love my bass. It’s a perfect
or not and what instrument that would be. instrument for someone like me who is rather
I got my first guitar when I was seven. My shy and not really interested in being centre
father bought me a second-hand instrument stage. I’d much rather make music with other
because they are easier to play and tune. people.
Since that time, I have owned more than
twenty guitars. I’ve sold some of them, lost D The harp player
one and had two stolen, but I’ve always My parents took me to a concert but from
managed to hang on to that original guitar. where we were sitting, I couldn’t see the strings
I’ve played it often and looked after it of the harp. I just saw the hands move through
carefully over the years, so it is still in quite the air and heard these beautiful sounds that
good condition. took me into another world. Much later, when
I started to play myself, I realised that because
B The mandolin player of the way you sit behind the harp and take its
My mother came home from work one weight on your shoulders, you feel every sound
evening with a mandolin. I already knew as a vibration that passes through your body.
how to play the guitar so it didn’t take me It’s wonderful. Unfortunately, not all concert
long to work out how to play a few chords. I music includes a part for the harp, so you don’t
strummed it from time to time, showed it to have as many opportunities to play with others
all my friends and then stuck it behind the as some musicians do. I think that’s a great pity.
sofa where it stayed for several years. In my
second term at college, my parents phoned E The viola player
to say they were planning to come and visit A lot of people don’t even know the difference
me and asked me if there was anything in between a viola and a cello. They just know that
particular I would like them to bring from they’re not violins. I was a bit the same when I
home. I don’t know why but suddenly I was younger because my father was a concert
realised I badly wanted the mandolin. So violinist and he really didn’t take the viola
they brought it with them and I’ve never seriously. I played the violin too. When I was
looked back. studying violin at university I attended a chamber
music class with a famous professor. He took a
C The double bass player viola out of its case and said, ‘You will play the
Children didn’t normally learn the double viola.’ I was very reluctant even to touch it but I
bass in the past. The instruments were just have fairly long arms and the violin had always
too big for tiny fingers and little arms. As a been a bit uncomfortable for me. The viola felt
result, most of my friends who play started much less cramped. I played the first note and
with the violin but my teacher managed to said to myself, ‘My goodness, this is fun!’

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Writing

Part 1
You must answer this question. Write your answer in 140—190 words in an appropriate style.

In your English class you have been talking about modern transport systems. Now your English
teacher has asked you to write an essay.
Write an essay using all the notes and give reasons for your point of view.

Some people think that there are too many

cars on the roads, today. Do you think it is
still important for everyone to learn to drive?

Notes
Write about:
1 public transport
2 independence
3 (your own idea)

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Part 2
Write an answer to one of the questions 2—4 in this part. Write your answer in 140—190 words in
an appropriate style.

2 The principal of your college wants to extend the type of activities students can do after school,
and has asked for suggestions. Write a report for the principal outlining the current situation,
explaining any problems there are and recommending changes, with reasons.
Write your report.

3 You have seen this announcement in an international film magazine.

Film reviews wanted!

We’re asking readers to send in a review of the best or worst film they have ever
seen. Why did you watch it in the first place? Why was it so good or so bad? We will
publish the most interesting reviews!

Write your review.

4 You have received an email from your Portuguese friend, Jose.

Hi!
I’m planning to visit your country in July. I’d like to spend a short time seeing the
most important sights and then I want to find a part-time job for a few weeks to
help me learn the language.
Can you give me some advice on what to see, and the kind of part-time work I could
get? Is it easy to find work?
Many thanks,
Jose

Write your email.

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Listening

Part 1  2.1
You will hear people talking in eight different situations. For questions 1—8, choose the best answer
(A, B or C).

1 You overhear a woman leaving a voicemail 5 You hear two people talking about a type of
message on a theatre answerphone. television programme called a game show.
What does she want to do? What do they agree about game shows?
A get her money back A They have become repetitive.
B go to a different performance B They are rarely cost-effective.
C change her seats for better ones C They can sometimes be quite amusing.
2 You hear two people talking about a film they 6 You hear a young singer talking on a radio
have just seen. chat show.
What do they agree about? How does he feel about his latest career move?
A The advertising for the film was misleading. A disappointed not to be doing better
B The leading actors were unusually effective. B upset by people’s attitude towards him
C The special effects were unmemorable. C sorry that he can’t sing the kind of songs he likes
3 You overhear two people talking at an airport. 7 You hear a woman talking on the radio about
The man is annoyed because chewing gum.
A he doesn’t want to miss his meeting. What is she doing?
B he doesn’t like flying with a particular airline. A detailing the history of the product
C he doesn’t understand why the flight is B highlighting problems caused by product
delayed. C explaining the popularity of the product
4 You overhear a woman on the phone talking 8 You hear part of a phone-in programme on
about her course at college. the radio.
What does she think about the course? Why has the man phoned?
A It is not as difficult as she’d expected A to suggest a way of improving the
B It is more interesting than she’d previously programme
hoped B to complain about the attitude of the
C It is more time-consuming than she’d presenter
anticipated. C to criticise the types of topics that are
dealt with

Part 2  2.2
You hear a woman called Anne Roberts talking to a group of students about doing a job called a runner
in the film industry. For questions 9—18, complete the sentences with a word or short phrase.


Working as a runner in the film industry

Anne says that her ambition is to be a (9)                 of films.
Anne uses the words (10)                 to describe how she views her work as a runner.
Anne found it peculiar that she did a lot of (11)                 on her first job as a runner.
Anne thought it was funny when she had to collect some (12)                 that had been forgotten.
Anne found working with the (13)                 very helpful.
Anne says being what she refers to as a good (14)                 is crucial.
According to Anne, having good (15)                 is very important for a runner.
Anne says it is difficult finding work through (16)                 .
According to Anne, people become runners because they hope to establish useful (17)                 in
the film industry.
What Anne likes most about working in films is the feeling of (18)                 on the set.

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Part 3  2.3
You will hear five different people talking about being a good presenter. For questions 19—23,
choose from the list (A—H) what each speaker thinks is most important for a good presenter. Use
the letters only once. There are three extra letters which you do not need to use.


A including specialist vocabulary

B telling amusing anecdotes Speaker 1  19

C speaking strongly and clearly Speaker 2  20

D being completely honest Speaker 3  21

E keeping good eye contact Speaker 4  22

F using appropriate body language Speaker 5  23

G handling technology well

H adapting to the audience

Part 4  2.4
You will hear an interview with Kris Ashton, a successful young tennis player. For questions 24—30,
choose the best answer (A, B or C).


24 How did Kris feel about tennis when he 27 What does Kris say about his exercise
was young? routine and diet?
A upset because he wasn’t initially very A He finds it difficult to eat healthy meals.
good B He resents the need for strict discipline.
B frustrated because he couldn’t practise C He understands that his training has to
with friends be varied.
C annoyed because his parents forced him 28 What does Kris enjoy most about being a
to play tennis tennis professional?
25 What is Kris’s attitude now to his A travelling round the world
experiences at school?
B making a lot of money
A He accepts that it was important to study.
C meeting new people
B He is glad that it showed him how to be
29 What advice would Kris give to young players?
successful.
A Enjoy yourself as much as you can.
C He appreciates the opportunity he had
to make lasting friendships. B Listen to people who know more than you.
26 What does Kris say about his early C Try to achieve your ambitions as quickly
competitive years? as possible.
A It was fortunate that older players 30 What ambitions does Kris have for the future?
accepted him. A to help younger players achieve their
B He had to grow up more quickly than potential
other people. B to be successful in another sport
C It would have been better to have spent C to work in the media
more time at college.

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Speaking

Part 1 2.5
The examiner will ask you and the other candidate some questions about yourselves.
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. Pause the recording after each bleep
and give your answer.

Part 2 2.6
The examiner will ask you and the other candidate to talk on your own about some photographs.
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. When you hear two bleeps, answer the
question. You have one minute. When you hear one bleep, answer the second question. You have
30 seconds.

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Candidate A

• What do you think the people are enjoying about

learning to do these different things?

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Candidate B

•  Why is this moment important to the people?

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Part 3 2.7

The examiner will ask you and the other candidate to discuss something together.

Look at the task and listen to the examiner’s instructions. When you hear the bleep,
discuss the task. You have two minutes.

Listen to the examiner’s instructions. When you hear the bleep, discuss and make your decision.
You have one minute.

finding information

for studies while travelling

Is it really necessary to use

technology every day?

communicating shopping
with friends

Part 4 2.8

The examiner will ask you and the other candidate questions related to the topic of Part 3.

Listen to the recording and answer the examiner’s questions.

Pause the recording when you hear each bleep and discuss the question with the other
candidate.

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