ENGLISH PRACTICE 14

PART I – PRONUNCIATION
Choose the word whose stress pattern is different from the rest
1. A. difficult B. corporate C. different D. engineer
2. A. demolish B. substantial C. dramatic D. terrorist
3. A. proficiency B. electronic C. petroleum D. equivalent
4. A. vineyard B. ignite C. business D. Finland
5. A. change B. image C. danger D. oasis
6. A. reference B. interview C. government D. understand
7. A. scholarship B. develop C. equipment D. discourage
8. A. expectation B. temperament C. opportunity D. decoration
9. A. religious B. miserable C. performance D. including
10. A. decision B. personal C. interest D. wonderful

PART II - LEXICO-GRAMMAR
I. Complete each of the following sentences with the correct answer (A, B, C or D). Identify your
answer by writing the corresponding letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.
1. Nathalie seems very tough at work. She’s a different person at home, _________.
A. though B. although C. as though D. even though
2. I kept out of the conversation because it _________ me.
A. wasn’t concerned B. wasn’t concerning C. didn’t concern D. didn’t concern to
3. The entire city was _________ electricity last night- it was chaotic.
A. no B. almost no C. hardly any D. without
4. Henry was overweight, so he went on s strict diet and _________ twenty kilos.
A. missed B. lost C. failed D. fell
5. He was arrested because he answered to the description of the _________ man.
A. searched B. pursued C. wanted D. hunted
6. Humanity has done great damage to the environment in its search for _________ materials.
A. live B. raw C. crude D. rude
7. _________, the balcony chairs will be ruined in this weather.
A. Leaving uncovered B. Having left uncovered
C. Left uncovered D. Been left uncovered
8. One way to let off _________ after a stressful day is to take some vigorous exercise.
A. cloud B. tension C. steam D. sweat
9. Their research into the causes of cancer promises to break the new _________ in the field and
possibly lead to a cure.
A. earth B. ground C. soil D. land
10. After three days in the desert, his mind began to play _________ on him.
A. games B. jokes C. tricks D. fun
11. The match will be screened on ITV with _________ commentary by Any Gray.
A. lively B. live C. alive D. living
12. I know you didn’t want to upset me but I’ sooner you _________ me the whole truth yesterday.
A. could have told B. told C. have told D. had told
13. As the drug took _________, the patient became quieter.
A. effect B. force C. influence D. action
14. The dawn redwood appears ____ some 100 million years ago in northern forests around the
world.
A. was flourished B. having to flourish
C. to have flourished D. have flourished
15. His comments _________ little or no relation to the facts and the figures of the case.
A. reflect B. bear C. give D. possess
 16. All _____ is a continuous supply of the basic necessities of life.
A. what is needed B. for our needs C. the thing needed D. that is needed
17. It is urgent that this letter _____ immediately.
A. was posted B. posted C. be posted D. be post
18. John: This grammar test is the hardest one we’ve ever had this semester!
Mary: _____ but I think it’s quite easy.
A. I couldn’t agree more B. I understand what you’re saying
C. You’re wrong D. I don’t see in that way
19. It is only recently that ballets have been based on the themes _____ American life.
A. reflecting B. reflects C. is reflecting D. reflected
20. I wish you’d do the accounts. I don’t have ________ for numbers.
A. a head B. a mind C. the heart D. the nerve
II. Supply the correct form of the word in capital letter. Write your answers on your answer
sheet.
SKIING HOLIDAYS IN COLORADO
To ski or snowboard in Colorado is to experience the pinnacle of winter sports. The state of
Colorado is known for its spectacular scenery and (1. BREATH) ____ views, which inspire today's
travelers as much as they spurred on the (2. SETTLE) ____ who first arrived in this part of the US
over a century ago. And whether you're seeking the outdoor adventure of a (3. LIFE) ____ exciting
nightlife or a great family getaway, Colorado has everything you need.
November through April, snow conditions are (4. CONSIST) ____ and reliable, featuring
Colorado's (5. LEGEND) ____ “champagne powder” snow. Extensive snow making and grooming
operations always keep trails in top shape.
The mountain destinations in the Colorado Rockies can turn your wildest ski dreams into
thrilling (6. REAL) ______.There, you'll find the best skiing and snowboarding on (7. PICTURE)
____ slopes, as well as the finest ski schools in the US. Together, they present an (8. PARALLEL)
____ winter paradise. And the best part is that you'll enjoy friendly, (9. CARE) ____ service in resorts
that are (10. COMMIT) ____ to delivering the highest quality amenities.
III. Complete the following sentences with one appropriate preposition for each blank.
1. The government’s plans to reduce crime came ________for a lot of criticism from freedom
groups.
2. I was ________the impression that you like Indian food.
3. This is one of the exceptions ________the rule.
4. The factory paid ________nearly a million pounds to their employees who were injured in the
explosion.
5. Before they open the new factory, a lot of the young people round here were ________the dole.
6. Mr. Horrid was a terrible teacher and obviously not cut ________for teaching.
7. I can’t cancel my arrangements ________such short notice.
8. All the police’s efforts to find him were ________vain.
9. The farmhouse we stayed in was completely ________the beaten track.
10. She’s gone and this time it’s ________good.

PART III: READING COMPREHENSION

I. Read the passage then choose the best answer to each question that follows. Identify your answer by
writing the corresponding letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.
THE ATMOSPHERE OF VENUS
Venus, also called the Morning Star and Evening Star, is the second-closest planet to the sun
and the brightest object in the night sky. The planet orbits the sun every two hundred and twenty four
Earth-days and is sometimes referred to as Earth’s sister planet because the two share both a similar
size and bulk. What is not similar, however, is Venus’s atmosphere in comparison to Earth’s
atmosphere.
 The atmosphere on Venus is much heavier and has a higher density than that of Earth. Venus’s
atmosphere also expands significantly higher than Earth’s atmosphere although a thick cloud cover
makes the surface of Venus nearly impossible to see unless observed through radar mapping.
While the pressure and temperature of Venus’s upper atmosphere are comparable to those of
Earth, the heat and pressure of the lower atmosphere are not unlike a furnace. Venus’s atmosphere is
very thick due to a composition consisting mainly of carbon dioxide, and a small amount of nitrogen.
If man could survive the extreme heat of Venus’s surface (400 degrees Celsius), then he would
have to contend with a surface pressure that is more than 90 times that of Earth. Venus’s
extremely high temperature is thanks to the greenhouse effect caused by such a large amount of carbon
dioxide. The greenhouse effect is a process by which the sun’s infrared radiation is more readily
absorbed by the atmosphere. Just like in a real greenhouse used to grow plants years round, the
proliferation of carbon dioxide traps radiation and warms Venus’s atmosphere. Due to this
phenomenon, Venus boasts a higher atmospheric temperature than Mercury, even though Venus is
twice the distance from the sun.
However, scientists postulate that Venus’s atmosphere was not always so hot. [A] Studies show
that large bodies of water were once on Venus’s surface but that eventually evaporation of all the
water caused the runaway greenhouse effect which regulates the planet today. [B] Thus Venus has
become a critical study for today’s scientists, as human being are only beginning to struggle with the
early stages of the greenhouse effect. [C] Our problems do not stem from evaporated water supplies
but from a propagation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due to industrial and
automobile emissions. [D]
Another interesting characteristic to note regarding Venus’s atmosphere is that its daytime
temperatures and nighttime temperatures are not that far removed from each other. This is due to the
thermal inertia, the ability of a substance to store heat despite changing temperatures and the transfer
of heat by Venus’s strong winds. Although winds on the surface of Venus move slowly in comparison
with Earth’s winds, Venus’s air is so dense that a slow-moving there can move large obstructions and
even skip stones along the planet’s surface.
In 1966, humankind made its first attempt at sending a recording instrument into Venus’s
atmosphere. The Venera 3 probe did collide with Venus surface; however, the abrupt impact caused its
communication system to fail, and it was unable to send and feedback. In 1967, Venera 4 successfully
enter Venus’s atmosphere and was able to take many readings, one of which recorded that Venus’s
atmosphere was between ninety and ninety-five percent carbon dioxide. Subsequent Venera probes
were sent into Venus’s atmosphere, but most of them succumbed to the crushing air pressure.

Questions 1-7: Choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the passage.
1. According to paragraph 1, Venus is named the Morning Star and Evening Star
because_________.
A. it is very bright B. it is close to the sun
C. it can be seen from evening till morning D. it is used to find the direction by sailors
2. The word that in paragraph 2 refers to _________.
A. size B. bulk C. atmosphere D. density
3. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the bold sentence in
paragraph 3? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out
essential information.
A. Earth experiences greater surface pressure than Venus.
B. If a man could survive its surface pressure.
C. The surface pressure and heat of Venus are much greater than those on Earth.
D. Venus’s surface temperature and pressure make it uninhabitable by humans.
4. According to paragraph 3, the greenhouse effect on Venus is owed to _________.
A. the small amounts of nitrogen
B. the rapid increasing amounts of carbon dioxide
C. growing plants
D. the high atmospheric temperatures
 5. In paragraph 4, the author of the passage implies that Earth _________.
A. might suffer the same greenhouse effect as Venus
B. once had an atmosphere similar to Venus’s
C. has bodies of water similar to those on Venus today
D. is experiencing a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions
6. Look at the four blanks […] in paragraph 4 that indicate where the following sentence could be
added to the passage.
Although the causes are different, the ramifications are the same.
Where would the sentence best fit?
7. The word propagation in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to _________.
A. generation B. elimination C. evaporationD. desecration
Questions 8 to 10: Complete the brief summary of the passage by selecting the THREE answer
choices that express important ideas in the passage. The introductory sentence for the summary is
provided bellowed.

Scientists look at Venus to predict Earth’s future.

8. …………………………………………..…………………………………………..……
9. ………………………………………………….…………………………………………
10. ………………………………………………………………..…………………………

Answer Choices

A. Venus once had large bodies of water that elaborated and cause a rapid increase in carbon
dioxide.
B. Earth’s wind has a greater velocity than Venus’s because the air movement on Venus is denser
and can even more large obstructions.
C. Spaceships landing on Venus, though often crushed by Venus’s atmosphere, have revealed
much about its carbon dioxide filled atmosphere.
D. If man could survive the hot temperature of Venus, then he would have to contend with the
great surface pressure.
E. The first space probe of Venus was made in 1966.
F. Scientists are concerned that conditions on Earth that propagate significant quantities of carbon
dioxide will produce greenhouse effects similar to Venus’s.

II. Read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space. Use only ONE word in
each space. Write your answers on your answer sheet.
SPLENDID SPAS OF ASIA
Lying on a bed almost on the (1) ________ of a cliff, with a stupendous ocean view and the (2)
________ of waves, aches and pains are soothed away (3) ________ expert hands. Only two steps are
needed to reach the private pool, which seems to merge (4) ________ the ocean.
Such a scenario is no longer a fantasy (5) ________ an increasingly popular reality in Asia for
many stressed out businessmen and visitors from all over the world in search of that peaceful time and
space for their body and mind.
In the last four years, at (6) ________ 17 hotel spas have opened in South East Asia to (7)
________ this need. The tropical climate of the region and its reliable sunshine make for an ideal spa
setting. Picturesque environments (8) ________ with a series of rejuvenating treatments bring the
desired result. The Asian spa resorts have acquired a formidable reputation for their professional
services as (9) ________ as for the decor of their large treatment rooms. Visitors relax with Thai music
and soak in the warm tones of the room. As all these take (10) ________ in individual rooms, precious
privacy is guaranteed, a rare privilege often absent from other spas where guests share rooms or
changing areas.
III. Read the following passage and choose the best answer for each question. Identify your answer
by writing the corresponding letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.
WIND - The untamable weather machine
On 15 October 1987, the southern counties of Britain were struck by the strongest winds they
had experienced in 200 years. Gusts of over 130 kilometers per hour slammed across the region and
£1.5- billion-worth of damage was (1)__________ in just a few hours.
Extreme weather events like this are dramatic (2)__________ of the power of the wind. It’s one
part of the weather we generally don't give a second thought to in Britain but it plays a vital role in
people’s lives across the world. Without the formation and circulation of winds there would quite
(3)__________ be no climate.
Some parts of the world seem to suffer more than others from the effects of ‘ill winds’, and
links between particular winds and psychological problems (4)__________ back centuries. The Föhn,
the hot dry wind that slides off the slopes of the Alps, is capable of boosting temperatures quite
suddenly by 10°C or more. It affects as many as one in three people in its (5)__________, making
them feel anxious, irritable and generally ill. In California, many people (6)__________ the arrival of
the Santa Ana, which rushes down from the high Mojave desert. Lyall Watson, in his book Heaven’s
Breath, claims that when the Santa Ana blows, murder rates soar.
The wind may get into the headlines when it comes in the form of tornadoes and hurricanes,
but for the (7)__________ part it goes about its job of shifting huge masses of air around the planet.
Plants take (8)__________ of this free ride to send their pollen grains far and wide. Trees
(99)__________ on it to remove old leaves and make way for new growth. Spiders have been caught
(10)__________ a lift at altitudes of almost 4.5 kilometers.
1. A. made B. caused C. destroyed D. completed
2. A. reminders B. recollections C. mementos D. memorial
3. A. easily B. rightly C. surely D. simply
4. A. last B. originate C. pass D. date
5. A. line B. road C. path D. bypass
6. A. despair B. respect C. dread D. warn
7. A. most B. maximum C. majority D. general
8. A. benefit B. chance C. occasion D. advantage
9. A. need B. trust C. hope D. realize
10. A. traveling B. hitching C. borrowing D. making

PART IV: WRITING

I. Rewrite the following sentences without changing their meaning, using the words given. These
words must not be changed in any way.
1. I would like to be able to speak French. (HAD)
I wish ________________________________________________________ speak French.
2. It was raining cats and dogs. (TORRENTS)
The rain was ______________________________________________________________
3. It was wrong of you to borrow my book without asking. (HAVE)
You ____________________________________________before you borrowed my book.
4. When I was younger, this record was one of my favourites. (FAVOURITE)
This record used ______________________________________ mine when I was younger.
5. My sister finds commuting every day annoying. (PUT)
It’s difficult for my sister ___________________________________________ every day.
6. The Mediterranean is warm, whereas the North Sea is much colder. (NOTHING)
The North Sea is ____________________________________________ the Mediterranean.
7. Christ would only eat a pizza if he could have a mushroom topping. ON
Christ ______________________________________________ when he ate a pizza.
 8. My father persuaded me to learn another foreign language. TALKED
My father ______________________________________________ another foreign
language.
9. Sam tried extremely hard to convince her, but it was no use. BRING
Hard ________________________________________________________________________
10. When he arrived at the airport, his family welcomed him warmly. GIVEN
On__________________________________________________________________________
_
II. Write an essay to give your opinion on the following topic.
Some people believe that history has little to tell us. Other people believe that people must have
knowledge of history in order to understand the present.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.
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 Keys – practice 14
PART I – PRONUNCIATION
Choose the word whose stress pattern is different from the rest
1. A. difficult B. corporate C. different D. engineer
2. A. demolish B. substantial C. dramatic D. terrorist
3. A. proficiency B. electronic C. petroleum D. equivalent
4. A. vineyard B. ignite C. business D. Finland
5. A. change B. image C. danger D. oasis
6. A. reference B. interview C. government D. understand
7. A. scholarship B. develop C. equipment D. discourage
8. A. expectation B. temperament C. opportunity D. decoration
9. A. religious B. miserable C. performance D. including
10. A. decision B. personal C. interest D. wonderful

PART II - LEXICO-GRAMMAR
PART III. LEXICO-GRAMMAR (25 POINTS)
I. Read the sentences carefully and choose the best answers to make complete ones. (10pts)
1.A 2. C 3. D 4. B 5. C
6. B 7. B 8. C 9. B 10. C
11. B 12. D 13. A 14. C 15. B
16. D 17. C 18. B 19. A 20. A

II. Write the correct FORM of each bracketed word. (10 pts)
1. breathtaking 2. settlers 3. lifetime 4. consistent 5. legendary
6. reality 7. picturesque 8. unparalleled 9. caring 10. committed
III. Complete the following sentences with one appropriate preposition for each blank. (5pts)
1. in 2. under 3. to 4. out 5. on
6. out 7. at 8. in 9. off 10. for

PART IV. READING (30POINTS)

I. Read the text & decide which word best fits each space by choosing A, B, C or D. (10pts)
1. A 2. C 3. D 4. B 5. A
6. B 7. A 8. A 9. C. 10. F
In any order from question 8 to 10
II. Fill in each blank space with an appropriate word. (10pts)

1. edge 2. sound 3. by 4. with 5. but

6. least 7. satisfy/meet 8. together/along 9. well 10. place

III. Read the following passage and choose the best answer. (10pts)
1. B 2. A 3. D 4. D 5. C
6.C 7. A 8. D 9. D 10. B

PART V. WRITING (25 POINTS)

I. Finish each of the sentences in such a way that it means exactly the same as the sentence
printed before it. (5 pts)
1. I wish I had ability to speak French.
2. The rain was coming down in torrents.
3. You should have asked me/ for permission….
4. This record used to be a favourite of mine when I was younger.
 5. It’s difficult for my sister to put up with commuting every day.
6. The North Sea is nothing like as warm as the Mediterranean.
7. Christ insisted on having a mushroom topping when he ate a pizza.
8. My father talked me into learning another language.
9. Hard as/ though Sam tried, he couldn’t bring her round (to his way of thinking.
10. On his arrival at the airport, he was given a warm welcome by his family
II. Write an essay to give your opinion on the following topic. (20 points)
Some people believe that history has little to tell us. Other people believe that people must have
knowledge of history in order to understand the present.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or
experience.
Write at least 250 words.

The impression mark given is based on the following scheme:

1. Content: 50% of total mark: a provision of all main ideas and details as appropriate
2. Language: 30% of total mark: a variety of vocabulary and structures appropriate to the level
of English language gifted upper-secondary school students
3. Presentation: 20% of total mark: coherence, cohesion, and style appropriate to the level of
English language gifted upper-secondary school students.