Tasks (Grade 9)

Reading
Helen Skelton
Read the text and questions below. For each question , choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.
Television presenter Helen Skelton has completed various dangerous challenges for charity , including a
desert marathon and a journey down the Amazon river in a tiny boat. For her latest challenge , Helen walked on a high
wire, a long thin piece of metal, 66 metres above the ground , between the two towers of an empty power station .
There was no safety net, only a belt around her waist attached to another wire above. To help her keep her balance and
not to fall, she carried a long stick, weighing eight kilograms.
Helen took lessons from an expert high-wire walker. Although she already had a few circus skills, she quickly
discovered that high-wire walking was completely different. “ The training was a shock ” , said Helen. “ I didn’t
realize how strong I’d need to be . Every day started at 8 am with a run up a steep hill ; then came an hour of
exercises , with another hour of them after my day practicing on the wire. I also had to learn how to fall onto the wire
so that if I slipped I could carry on. Every time I fell on the wire it hurt badly. But it was essential to keep a positive
attitude: if i was nervous and started shaking , so would the wire ! ”
The day of the actual challenge was windy and Helen controlled herself by taking deep breaths as she moved
step by step along the wire. The 150-metre walk took 15 minutes. “ That was the scariest thing I’ve done ” , she
admitted afterwards. “ I am glad it’s over! ’’The experience has not prevented Helen , however, from planning her
next charity project:to reach the South Pole by ski, kite and bike.
1.What is the writer doing in this text ? 6.During her training , Helen was surprised to find that …
a) introducing a new television a) staying on the wire was so difficult.
presenter b) she had to work so hard at her fitness.
b) getting support for a charity project c) it was so important to be confident.
c) describing a woman’s achievement d) her circus skills were so useful.
d) recommending a television 7.It was very essential …
programme a) to be physically fit.
2.We can come to the conclusion that b) to keep the positive attitude.
Helen … c) to know how to fall.
a) is afraid to challenge herself. d) all of the above.
b) likes challenges. 8.When Helen performed her work on the high wire …
c) wants to stop doing these challenges. a) she was sorry to get to the end.
d) would like to walk on the wire again. b) the weather conditions were perfect.
3.She completes different challenges c) it took less time than expected.
because … d) she managed to keep herself calm.
a) she wants to break the word record. 9.The 150-metre walk took …
b) she wants to become famous. a) more than half an hour
c) she wants to raise money for charity. b) more than hour
d) this is a part of her job c) about half an hour
4.Helen knew she would be safe if she d) less than half an hour
fell because … 10.What might Helen say about the walk ?
a) she has a net that could catch her. a) The view from the high wire was fantastic – I loved every minute of it,
b) she had a stick to support herself. can’t wait to have another go.
c) she was wearing special equipment b) I must admit I was a little bit frightened , but it wasn’t nearly as bad
d) she was quite close to the ground. as going down the Amazon on my own.
5.She took lessons from … c) That was the longest quarter of an hour of my life. I couldn’t breathe
a) an amateur high-wire walker. all when I first stepped onto the wire.
b) a professional high-wire walker. d) The training could be painful at times but at least I am in really good
c) a stuntman. condition now, ready for my next challenge.
d) a team of trainers.
 Language in Use
Summer Work in Reykjavik
If you take a walk through Reykjavik- the capital of Iceland- this summer, you will see groups of young
people working in parks, gardens and green areas around the city. Most (11)…......these kids are in high
school but they (12)...…….the summer keeping the city green as part of a programme (13)………..as “work
school”.
The “work school” (14)………..of a surprisingly large (15)……..of Reykjavik’s teenagers. Roughly
75% of Reykjavik’s 14-year-olds and 60% of the city’s 16-year-olds take (16)…… They get paid for their
work and at the same time they (17)………..the environment of their city.
They also learn (18)………to work as a member of a team which is (19)………..by an adult. This
experience provides them with useful skills for (20)…………they leave education and enter the world of
work.
11 A. for B. of C. from D. with
.
12 A. take B. do C. spend D. make
.
13 A. called B. noted C. known D. said
.
14 A. consist B. involves C. contains D. employs
.
15 A. size B. number C. level D. lot
.
16 A. part B. away C. place D. up
.
17 A. prepare B. attend C. improve D. produce
.
18 A. how B. where C. why D. then
.
19 A. moved B. held C. kept D. led
.
20 A. although B. when C. unless D. while
.

Reading
Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.
Dream Job
Since 1969, Mark Harris has worked for a well-known toy manufacturer designing cars. When he started, he was the
only man in the department, but now he is in charge of a team of 35 designers.
Mark first got interested in cars during his teens. His dad was a football coach and one day he took a car magazine
away from one of his players during a practice session. He brought it home and gave it to Mark. From that moment on,
car became the love of Mark's life. He went on to study car design department.
Of all the cars he has designed, his favorite is the Silver Sunrise. It may not have achieved such high sales as some
other cars, but it is important to Mark because it was the first time he was allowed to make a model that looked like a
real car. "Before that, the wheels on all the cars stuck out so they would go straight, " explained Mark. "The Silver
Sunrise was the first one where the wheels were under the body. It means it didn't work so well on a race track but it
looked amazing."
Now in his 60s, Mark is approaching retirement. He finds it hard to imagine what that will be like. "I have expensive
hobbies, so it might be difficult to continue with them when I am no longer earning! Plus, I like coming in to work.
Ideally would like to retire part time and work part time."
1. In this text, the writer is... 6. Why does Mark like the Silver Sunrise so much?
A)giving information about how to become a A) It is his top-selling design.
toy designer. B)It is very easy to play with.
B)describing the career of one successful toy C) It is the first toy car he ever designed.
designer. D)It is more realistic than his earlier designs.
C)persuading people to consider a career as a 7. The Silver Sunrise...
 toy designer. A) didn’t look nice at all.
D) saying what qualities are needed in a good B)a complete failure.
toy designer. C) looked amazing and worked well on a race track.
2. When he started working... D)looked amazing but didn’t work well on a race track.
A)there were a lot of people in the department. 8. How old is Mark?
B)there were 35 people in his department. A)He is still young.
C)he was the only man in the department. B)He is about 58.
D)his department didn't exist. C) He is more than 60.
3. Mark first became interested in cars... D) He is less than 60.
A)after reading about them. 9. What does Mark say about retiring?
B)while he was at university. A)He has no plans to retire in the near future.
C)when his father began to talk about them. B)He would prefer not to give up work completely.
D)by talking to someone from his football C) He is looking forward to talking up some new hobbies.
team. D) He has saved enough money to allow him to follow his
4. Who brought the car magazine to Mark? interests.
A)His father. 10. What would Mark say about his job?
B)A football player. A)It wasn’t easy talking over such a big department as a young
C) He found it. man but I`ll miss everyone when I leave.
D) A car designer. B)I`m proud of all the models I`ve designed. My only regret is
5. Before joining the toy company Mark... that I never worked with real cars!
A)studied at university C) My degree and previous work experience have been very
B)had his own business helpful to me in my job. It`s great to see how the design
C)worked as a football coach. department has grown over the years.
D)worked for a car company. D) As soon as I saw the advertisement for this job I knew it was
for me. Luckily the company agreed!

Language in Use
Alpacas
Alpacas were first kept by the Inca people in the mountains of South America, more than six
thousand years ago.
These animals (11)……..clothes, food and fuel for their owners. The softest wool was (12)………..worn
by the leaders of Incan society though.
When Spanish explorers (13)……… in the fifteenth century, sheep were introduced and these
gradually (14)………alpacas in the region. It wasn’t (15)……… the middle of the 20th century that both
farmers and fashion designers began to recognize the (16)……….of alpacas again. They are easy to look
(17)……….since they eat grass and are used to low temperatures. Their wool, which comes in a (18)
……….. of natural colours from white to dark brown, is lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool and (19)
………..strong. It is not surprising (20)…….. that alpacas are becoming a familiar sight in the fields of
North America, Australia and the UK.

11. A. supported B. provided C. turned D. gained

12. A. mainly B. fully C. extremely D. absolutely
13. A. reached B. delivered C. arrived D. transferred
14. A. retired B. removed C. returned D. replaced
15. A. until B. after C. during D. before
16. A. prizes B. rewards C. qualities D. points
17. A. at B. after C. for D. like
18. A. row B. group C. range D. crowd
19. A. only B. also C. instead D. too
20. A. therefore B. already C. otherwise D. enough

Reading
Read the text below about an unusual race along the river.
The Glen Nevis River Race
 Glen Nevis is known as the “outdoor capital” of Scotland. Britain’s highest mountain, BenNevis, rises
above the area, while the waters of the River Nevis flow through the rocky valley below. The spectacular
scenery attracts walkers and climbers all through the seasons, despite the cold weather in winter.
During the summer months, one of the most exciting activities is the annual Glen Nevis River Race,
in which competitors race for three kilometres along the river, but not in a boat. Instead, each competitor
uses a lilo,a plastic bed filled with air normally used for camping or floating in the sea, or another kind of
beach toy to race along the river. There are rocks, waterfalls and sections with scary names like Dead Dog
Pool and the Leg Breaker for them to get through,there are areas of calmer waters too.
Competitors set off at 30 second intervals by jumping with their lilos from a tiny shelf in a rock into
the fast-flowing water 12 metres below. It can take anything from 20 minutes to over two hours to complete
the course, depending on the level of the river and the abilities of the competitor.
There is much discussion amongst people who take part regularly about which type of lilo works best
for the race. Some prefer short wide ones, while others say that a long narrow one is better. But since you
can use anything that floats, all kinds of beach toys such as bananas, sharks and crocodiles can be seen
floating down the river.
The only rules are that competitors must be at least 16 years old, and should provide their own crash
helmet, a rubber wet suit and a life jacket. Gloves and old trainers are recommended to protect against
knocks and bumps. The most important qualification, however, is a sense of fun.
The race is full of exiting moments, and the greatest of these is at the Lower Falls Leap, where
terrified competitors have to jump over a ten-metre waterfall not far from the finish. More than 3,000
athletes have taken part in the race during its 30-year history. Their £30 entry fee helps to raise money for
the mountain rescue team, whose members provide an essential service in the region for free. The race is a
popular afternoon out for visitors and it costs nothing to watch, although any money given is gratefully
accepted.
The prizes may not be fantastic, but everyone receives a certificate of completion and the winner gets
the title River Race Champion and all agree that it has been worth it for the satisfying feelings of reaching
the end safely.
Read the sentences and decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect.
If it is correct, mark it A. If it is not correct, mark it B.
1. Visitors come to Glen Nevis to enjoy outdoor activities all year round……………….
2. Parts of the course of the River Race are less rough than others………………..
3. Competitors are able to begin the race as soon as they are ready…………………
4. The depth of the water has an effect on how long the races last………………..
5. Some people return to do the race again and again………………
6. Only certain types of lilo may be used in the race……………..
7. Competitors must use the safety clothing provided by race organizers………………
8. The most frightening part of the race is in the second half of the course……………..
9. Members of the mountain rescue team are paid professionals……………….
10. There is a fixed charge for visitors who come to see the race………….

Language in Use
Tigers
The tiger is the largest member of the big cat family, and lives in parts of Asia. Most people would
(11)……….. that tigers are extremely beautiful animals, with their black and orange coats.
(12)……..tigers can’t run fast for long (13)………., they are good at hunting. Tigers are able to (14)
………..high speeds, and the animals that they catch for food can often be much bigger than they (15)
…………. However, tigers behave differently from animals like lions. They will (16)………..their food with
other tigers, even though they have gone miles to look (17)………… it.
The population of tigers in the world had decreased (18)…………. the start of the 20 th century, but using
radio collars, scientists have now (19)………… up projects that are much more (20)………at finding out
about how tigers live.

11. A. tell B. agree C. decide D. suppose

12. A. if B. although C. because D. so
 13. A. times B. moments C. periods D. ages
14. A. reach B. get C. make D. go
15. A. do B. will C. have D. are
16. A. divide B. choose C. share D. use
17. A. after B. at C. around D. for
18. A. throughout B. from C. since D. during
19. A. set B. given C. turned D. put
20. A. useful B. successful C. important D. suitable

Reading
Read the text and questions below. For each question choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.
James Waltham — Chocolate Taster
Whenever I tell people what I do for living, they can hardly believe this job exists. But I am not joking! I
spend my days at work eating chocolate! Tasting the chocolate is an essential part of making sure that
customers get perfect bars of high quality chocolate from the company I work for.
Every week I receive samples, small amounts that show what the chocolates like, from our factory and I
have to check them for taste, texture and smell. I also have to taste the new materials we usually use -the
nuts, fruit and so on. I spend days choosing the most suitable ones to go into the chocolate.
Just beside my company office I have a kitchen where I can test and taste products I make - and I keep
my colleagues happy by giving them samples! My kitchen is full of machines and ingredients to play with. It
is wonderful to have a private space I can go off during the day.
No two days are the same in this job. Sometimes I am at our food lab and others I am out of the country
buying our raw materials and as I have got a young family that can be difficult. But that kind of variety and
lack of routine is something I love about the job, although I think it still comes second to the chocolate itself!
The question I get asked most is whether I get bored of chocolate. I have worked with it for a long time and I
have never felt I didn't want to eat it. In fact, I will often go home and eat some more in the evening!
1. What is James Waltham doing in the text? 6. James' kitchen is located...
A. recommending the best ways to test chocolate A. near his company office
B. describing what personal qualities are needed B. at the opposite end of the city
to do his job C. outside the city
C. telling readers what makes his job worth doing D. too far away from the office
for him 7. James says that working in his kitchen involves...
D. suggests different methods of making A. trying various different preparation methods
chocolate B. checking the quantities of ingredients in each bar
2. James says that when he tells people about his C. discussing his opinions with other members of staff
work, they... D. making sure the best chocolate-making equipment is used
A. say they would like to do the same thing 8. What does James think about his job?
B. doubt whether he is serious A. It is very boring
C. think it must be very easy B. He would rather spend time at home with his family
D. wonder why he chose it as a career C. Every day is different at this job
3. Every week he receives samples of chocolate D. He would like to change it one day
from... 9. What does James think is a disadvantage of his job?
A. abroad A. He sometimes feels he has eaten too much chocolate
B. other companies B. He finds it difficult to have a routine with his work
C. the company he works for C. He has worked with the same product too long
D. different shops D. He needs to travel abroad some of the time
4. James checks samples of chocolate for... 10. Which one would be an advert for the chocolate company
A. texture James works for?
B. smell A. Every single bar of chocolate that leaves our factory is
C. taste tested for its taste
D. all of the above B. We choose only the best ingredients — just chocolate beans,
5. James spends ............ choosing the most sugar and milk. We don’t add anything else.
suitable materials for chocolate. C. We are proud of being so environmentally friendly — all
A. weeks our ingredients are bought from local businesses.
B. hours D. We check everything that goes into our chocolate, so that
C. days you can enjoy the best chocolate possible.
D. months
Language in Use
 New Home- New School by Megan Williams, aged 13
Last year my Dad got a new job. It was in a town which was 100 kms from our home. Mum and Dad
(11)………..we would have to move, because it was a long way for Dad to (12)………every day.
When they (13)………me about their plan I was upset (14)……… I loved my home and school. I
was worried that I would (15)……..all my friends and teachers a lot.
Anyway, six months (16)………..that, my family moved to the town of Hexford. The house was
much bigger than our old one, and (17)………my bedroom window I (18)…………see the sea.
I wasn’t looking forward to the first day at my new school. I felt really (19)………..about meeting
lots of new people. But when I got there everyone was great! My class teacher was nice and I (20)
……….friends with two girls in my class. Moving home isn’t that bad, after all!
11. A. chose B. decided C. selected D. picked
12. A. transport B. carry C. tour D. travel
13. A. said B. spoke C. told D. explained
14. A. because B. so C. but D. and
15. A. forget B. lose C. leave D. miss
16. A. further B. after C. next D. later
17. A. down B. along C. from D. away
18. A. shall B. could C. must D. would
19. A. nervous B. disappointed C. angry D. bored
20. A. knew B. found C. made D. met

Reading
Read the text and questions below. For each question choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.
Cliff Jones
In 2005, Cliff Jones began a journey round Britain on a unicycle, a bike with only one wheel. He had already
made a documentary film about his experiences travelling round Europe in a 50-year old car. He was mad
about motor sport and had a job building racing car engines. To save money, Cliff rode to work in London
on an old bicycle, which he also used to go to France on holiday. 'That trip opened my eyes,' he says. 'I
decided to do a tour of Britain by bike'.
Cliff didn't want a normal touring bike, and he knew he wanted to build one himself. 'The craziest bicycle I
could think of was a unicycle, so I went to a factory to see how they are made.' After one false start in 2004,
when he had to turn back because of a knee injury, he finally set out in 2005. He was away for four months,
and travelled over 8,500 km.
The best bit of the trip was arriving in Wales and seeing Mount Snowdon. 'Although I met cyclists, who
could easily ride up mountains on their bikes, which I couldn't do, I never regretted my unicycle. The further
away from London I got, the more amazed people seemed by it.' His worst moment came when he had to
drink some dirty water from a stream. A serious fever kept him in bed in hospital for five long days. He was
determined hard to carry on because he felt so weak. Yet despite all this, Cliff now says, "If I could afford it,
I would like to do something similar again."
1. What is writer trying to do in this text? 6. In 2004...
A. advice people to take adventure holidays A. Cliff injured his knee
B. explain a rather unusual choice of B. he started from the wrong track
transport C. he didn't have a bicycle he wanted to have
C. suggest the benefits of a special vehicle D. he had a fever
D. persuade people to travel long distances 7. When Cliff set off on his journey in 2005, he was away...
2. The documentary film Cliff made focused A. for more than a year
on... B. for less than half a year
A. his travelling experience C. for two months
B. his cycling experience D. for more than half a year
C. his biggest dream 8. When Cliff met other cyclists in the mountains, he was...
D. his hiking experience A. anxious to get away from them
3. What was Cliff's hobby? B. satisfied with his own type of bicycle
A. travelling by bike C. jealous of what they were able to do
B. collecting cars D. surprised by their attitude towards him
C. motor sport 9. What was Cliff's biggest problem during the trip?
D. creating bicycles A. He fell ill for nearly a week
4. What made Cliff realize he wanted to B. He had to go home to rest
 cycle round Britain? C. He wanted to finish his trip early
A. touring Europe in an old car D. He took too long to get to one place
B. visiting a unicycle factory 10. What might Cliff say after his trip?
C. attending motor races abroad A. My aim was to get to the top of Mount Snowdon, so I was
D. taking his bike to another country disappointed not to reach Wales.
5. When Cliff decided to go on a tour by B. I am already building the unicycle for the next trip. It is going to
bike, he wanted... be the latest model so I can ride up mountains.
A. an ordinary bicycle C. I was happy when I managed to get started at the second attempt
B. a unique bicycle Fortunately, my knee didn't give me any more trouble.
C. a three-wheeled bicycle D. I am lucky that I have plenty of money. That means I can set off
D. a mountain bike on another trip whenever I like.

Language in Use
Horses

Horses have been valuable to humans for thousands of years. Because there are several different (11)
……….of horses such as coldbloods, which are large but gentle, or hotbloods that are (12)………for their
running ability, there are horses for every purpose. We use them for transport as (13)……….as for physical
work, for example (14)……… farm machinery. It is now also very (15)………to see horses used in sports.
Horses need food and water in large (16)………. A horse can drink (17)………twenty and forty
litres of water a day, and around a kilo of food for (18)………fifty kilos of its body weight. Horses need to
be out in the fields, as grass is part of their diet. They can live for (19)…………. 25 years, so their owners
need to give them (20)……… of love and attention- but horses always give lots back.
11. A. makes B. styles C. marks D. sorts
12. A. known B. noticed C. familiar D. realized
13. A. long B. far C. well D. soon
14. A. going B. pulling C. taking D. doing
15. A. obvious B. clear C. common D. regular
16. A. totals B. sums C. numbers D. amounts
17. A. from B. between C. about D. beyond
18. A. both B. any C. every D. all
19. A. after B. through C. over D. towards
20. A. plenty B. more C. full D. enough

Language in Use
Space Experiment

Some exciting photos of space have recently appeared on the Internet- all taken by teenagers! Using a
cheap camera and a simple balloon, some school students got a large (11)………..of amazing photos from
15 miles (12)………..Earth.
The teacher said, “ (13)………..carried out an experiment to explore what different (14)……….on
Earth look like from space- and prove that you don’t have to use expensive equipment as the textbooks say.”
Seventeen-year-old student Miguel reported, “We had spent long (15)……..working on the
experiment after school, but then had to put it (16)………due to the weather. Then we were worried that the
balloon (17)………rise higher than 10,000 metres, which wasn’t (18)………high enough for our
experiment. But in the end it wasn’t a problem. And (19)……..the balloon had travelled so far, it was still
working when it returned! So we have learned that in (20)……..life, experiments don’t always have to
follow the textbooks!”
11. A. amount B. sum C. number D. total
12. A. among B. above C. about D. along
13. A. It B. There C. These D. They
14. A. positions B. distances C. areas D. backgrounds
15. A. times B. hours C. ages D. days
16. A. off B. down C. out D. up
 17. A. shouldn’t B. needn’t C. mustn’t D. wouldn’t
18. A. quite B. so C. rather D. very
19. A. unless B. although C. because D. if
20. A. true B. actual C. normal D. real

Language in Use
Robots

Robots can work in places humans can’t easily get to. These include deep ocean, on (11)…………
planets or on sites with bad pollution. Robots are also used in factories (12)………. they can work more
quickly and accurately than a human, and (13)………..needing to rest.
Improvements in technology over the past 50 years have (14)…………. that scientists are now able
to create very clever robots. The most complicated of these can make (15)…………for themselves, learn
new things, and (16)………….with problems. However, while robots (17)………..look like people are very
common in science fiction films, they are very (18)………..in real life. Making a machine that can balance
and move on two legs is a real (19)……….. and is unnecessary for most of the jobs we need robots to do for
us. However, a Japanese robot (20)…………as Asimo does walk on two legs and can even climb up and
down the stairs.
11. A. further B. high C. distant D. long
12. A. unless B. because C. although D. despite
13. A. without B. before C. until D. after
14. A. intended B. supposed C. said D. meant
15. A. results B. decisions C. thoughts D. options
16. A. sort B. manage C. deal D. handle
17. A. whose B. that C. what D. where
18. A. rare B. thin C. little D. narrow
19. A. difficult B. trouble C. fault D. challenge
20. A. called B. known C. named D. said

Language in Use
Birth of Movies
Did you know that cinema is more than 100 years old? Moving pictures were invented by the
brothers Louis Auguste Lumiere. The first showing of a moving picture or ‘movie’ (11)……… place in a
cinema in Paris on 28th December 1895. On that day, the Lumiere brothers showed movies (12)………their
newly-invented machine, called theCinematographe. The audience saw a funny film in (13)………. a
gardener spilt a lot of water on (14)……….. by accident. Everyone really loved it!
Cinema very (15)……….. became popular all over the world. In 1907 the first film studios were built
in a (16)…………. of Los Angeles called Hollywood. (17)…………. the 1920s, Hollywood had become the
centre of the world film (18)………… To begin with, the movies had no sound. Words (19)…………… on
the screen from time to (20)…………the story.

11. A. found B. took C. went D. gave

12. A. doing B. making C. setting D. using
13. A. where B. who C. which D. what
14. A. yourself B. himself C. themselves D. itself
15. A. quickly B. immediately C. fast D. early
16. A. place B. site C. location D. district
17. A. To B. At C. For D. By
18. A. industry B. company C. trade D. firm
19. A. developed B. happened C. appeared D. displayed
20. A. prove B. explain C. direct D. advise

Language in Use
Wool
Wool comes from sheep and certain other animals like goats and rabbits. Over a million tones
of wool is produced every year, of (11)……….. 60% goes into clothes. The wool that is used (12)
………….comes from Australian Merino sheep. Their wool is good for baby clothes, as it is soft, (13)
………babies warm, and can (14)………… their bodies.
When wool is first cut from the sheep, it (15)…………a high level of a valuable oil, so before
the wool is used, it must be cleaned. The (16)……….way to do this is by putting the wool into warm water.
The oil that is (17)……… from the wool is widely used in products like hand creams.
Sheep were first used by humans several thousand years ago, (18)………..it is believed that
this was for meat (19)………… than wool. When people developed a way of cutting the wool from sheep, it
(20)………… a more important material.

11. A. what B. whose C. which D. that

12. A. mostly B. nearly C. properly D. truly
13. A. stays B. helps C. rests D. keeps
14. A. protect B. wrap C. care D. save
15. A. involves B. contains C. receives D. consists
16. A. simplest B. clearest C. plainest D. nearest
17. A. carried B. passed C. removed D. divided
18. A. while B. but C. or D. because
19. A. rather B. instead C. apart D. except
20. A. arrived B. turned C. grew D. became

Language in Use
Dolphins in Scotland
The dolphin population in the Moray Firth area of Scotland is very special. They are the most
northerly bottlenose dolphins in the world with (11)………… 130 animals recorded so far. These (12)
………..dolphins are different from their relations living in warmer (13)……….such as the Indian or Pacific
Oceans. They are a lot bigger and fatter ( 4m rather than 2.5 m)- this is due to the large (14)………..of fat
(known as blubber) that their bodies (15)…………. to keep them warm in the colder waters of the North
Sea.
Dolphins, unlike sharks, (16)……….not automatically replace their teeth when lost- they only
have one set which has to (17)……… for their whole life! They eat 8-15 kg of fish a day, feeding largely on
inshore (18)………. that live on the sea bed. They live in very close family groups, (19)………. can be quite
large. Local people around the Firth have seen dolphins for many years: there are reports from as (20)
………ago as 1900.

11. A. between B. among C. over D. towards

12. A. proper B. particular C. obvious D. usual
13. A. atmospheres B. spaces C. seasons D. environments
14. A. size B. amount C. pile D. load
15. A. want B. demand C. wish D. need
16. A. do B. should C. have D. ought
17. A. stay B. hold C. last D. stop
18. A. varieties B. sorts C. types D. ranges
19. A. who B. which C. they D. those
20. A. much B. enough C. more D. long
 Reading
Read the text and questions below. For each question, choose the correct answer A, B, or D.
American Black Ducks
by Sam Prentice, wildlife biologist
I worked at a US university where my team and I are trying to learn about water birds, particularly one called
the American black duck. And we've just started using an exciting piece of equipment called "night-vision scope",
which allows us to see the ducks in the dark!
We've worried about black ducks mainly because their numbers have fallen hugely and we don't know
whether there’s enough food on the east coast for these animals. There's lots of information about their daytime
activities, but nothing about what they do at night, because we simply haven't had the equipment. But this new "scope"
will produce really clear pictures, even on moonless nights, so we will be able to find out more and make better
decisions about looking after the area where they live based on what we learn.
It is very hard work. There are four of us, each working six hours daily. We have studied ducks in different
locations, and I have had to take a boat to some sites and make notes on every duck I see. The weather hasn't helped -
some nights are mild, but more often it is wet. Oh, and it is quiet! I have needed lots of coffee to stop me falling
asleep! We have only missed one working day so far, because the snow was too deep even for our special vehicles.
Still I like the challenge of it, especially compared to what the summer will bring - hours in a laboratory, where will
look at our results together, it will be hard to be stuck inside - but it is essential to do this. And I wouldn't change it for
anything!

1. What is Sam Prentice doing in the text? 6. There are …… people in the team.
A. describing how he became a wildlife biologist. A. six B. five C. four D. seven
B. explaining how he is doing a piece of research. 7. When Sam spends long periods watching ducks, he …
C. suggesting how readers can learn about one A. dislikes having to deal with low temperatures.
type of bird. B. finds there is enough to do to maintain his interest.
D. giving a report of success he has had in his C. is glad of the chance to be in a quiet place.
work. D. sometimes finds it difficult to stay awake.
2. What is Sam hoping to discover about American 8. They have missed one working day …
black ducks? A. because they got sick.
A. what their behavior is like after dark. B .because Sam got sick.
B. which kind of food they need to live on. C. because the team needed some rest.
C. which animals are responsible for the fall in D. because of weather conditions.
their numbers. 9. What Sam about working inside a lab over the does say
D. what makes the east coast a suitable location summer?
for them. A. He feels pleased that he will avoid the hot weather.
3. Sam and his team… B. He accepts that it is a necessary part of his job.
A. rely on their senses while watching the ducks. C. He is looking forward to studying his results.
B. use the maps. D. He is glad he will be working with other people.
C. use a night-vision scope. 10. What might Sam say about his experience of working
D. use videos from different cameras. outdoors?
4. Sam and his team... A. Having the right vehicle for bad weather has meant we
A. have been using this scope for a very long time. have still carried on working, whatever it has been like
B. have just started using the scope. outside.
C. think that the scope is useless. B. We decided that we would only go to sites that were easy
D. find it boring to use this scope. get to, and am really glad we made that decision.
5. They are worried about ducks because… C. Sometimes the moon hasn't been very bright, but our
A. their number is increasing. equipment provides the amount of light we need to collect
B. there are less ducks now. information.
C .they are getting ill people hunt them. D, The other people in team are brilliant, but it has been hard
D. people hunt them. my watching ducks in the same place every day.

Language in Use
Space Experiment

Some exciting photos of space have recently appeared on the Internet- all taken by teenagers! Using a
cheap camera and a simple balloon, some school students got a large (11)………..of amazing photos from
15 miles (12)………..Earth.
 The teacher said, “ (13)………..carried out an experiment to explore what different (14)……….on
Earth look like from space- and prove that you don’t have to use expensive equipment as the textbooks say.”
Seventeen-year-old student Miguel reported, “We had spent long (15)……..working on the
experiment after school, but then had to put it (16)………due to the weather. Then we were worried that the
balloon (17)………rise higher than 10,000 metres, which wasn’t (18)………high enough for our
experiment. But in the end it wasn’t a problem. And (19)……..the balloon had travelled so far, it was still
working when it returned! So we have learned that in (20)……..life, experiments don’t always have to
follow the textbooks!”
11. A. amount B. sum C. number D. total
12. A. among B. above C. about D. along
13. A. It B. There C. These D. They
14. A. positions B. distances C. areas D. backgrounds
15. A. times B. hours C. ages D. days
16. A. off B. down C. out D. up
17. A. shouldn’t B. needn’t C. mustn’t D. wouldn’t
18. A. quite B. so C. rather D. very
19. A. unless B. although C. because D. if
20. A. true B. actual C. normal D. real

Reading
Read the text below about a family trip to see dolphins
Dolphin Trip
by Paul Hannan

My family have always been huge fans of New Zealand – my mum comes from the capital – so
we saved up and went for a holiday there. We started with a week in the city she grew up in.
After that, we toured around for a while before ending up by chance in Kaikoura, a small town
on the coast. The first evening it seemed a rather dull place, but the next day I remembered
what I had read about it – that it was often possible to see dolphins and whales there! I will always
think of Kaikoura as the place where I finally achieved my lifelong ambition – to swim with wild
dolphins.
My family and I set off on a dolphin trip on a cold, grey day with a number of other people on a
small boat. However, the sky soon turned blue, and we raced across the waves in the
sunshine until we finally reached the place where we were supposed to go swimming. To my
surprise, this was more than 40 km from land. I was quite cold by this time, when suddenly someone
shouted‘Dolphins!’.
All I could see were fins everywhere – there were more than a hundred dolphins, all swimmingtowards out
boat! Many of them were jumping around in the water as if they were asking us to
come and play. I put on my snorkel and jumped into the sea. Everywhere I looked, all I could
see was dolphins, swimming under me and round me. Then I remembered the guide had told
us to make sounds in the water to attract them. So I did and actually heard them making
similar sounds, as if they were trying to answer me. I even made eye contact with one dolphin,
and watched it carefully as I swam round in a circle. Amazingly, the dolphin almost followed
me, but then changed its mind, although it kept eye contact with me all the time. It really made
me realize how intelligent and beautiful these creatures are.
Then after an hour of swimming the guides called us to get back onto the boat. Although I had
enjoyed myself, I was keen to leave the water by then as I was very cold. As I got dry I noticed
that everyone on board was smiling and I realized what a very special moment we had had.
I will never forget that experience, and Kaikoura will always have a special place in my heart.

Read the sentences and decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect.

If it is correct , mark it A. If it is not correct , mark it B.
1.Paul has family connections with the place he first visited in New Zealand. ………………………
 2.Paul and his family chose to go to Kaikoura as part of their tour. ………………..
3.As soon as Paul arrived in Kaikoura he knew he might see some dolphins there. …………………
4.The weather got worse during Paul’s boat trip. ………………..
5.Paul had expected to go swimming closer to land. ………………..
6.Paul was beginning to feel unhappy about the trip until someone saw the dolphins. …………….
7.Paul believed the dolphins were inviting him to join them in the water. ……………….
8.Paul felt that he had failed to communicate with the dolphins. ……………………..
9.One dolphin copied exactly what Paul did in the water. …………………………….
10.Paul was pleased when the guides finally called them back onto the boat. ………………………….

Reading
Read the text about a trip to an Ocean Centre.
A Visit to the Ocean Centre
by Rebecca Hardy, aged 13
My family and I went to the Ocean Centre in my home town recently. It was one of the most amazing
places I have ever been. We don’t live near the sea, so I don’t get much chance to see living sea creatures for
myself.
Inside the Centre you go on what they call an ocean journey. It takes you from the smallest stream,
through rivers, and out into the deepest ocean. Along the way you meet fish and other creatures that live in
these places. And there are thousands of them- some pretty and peaceful, and others frightening and deadly.
Our guide told us that the Centre was originally set up to look after the seas and protect the life
within them. In fact, every entry ticket bought there helps the Centre to achieve this aim, so I felt my visit
was in a good cause.
By chance, we arrived just at feeding time and watched staff give food to hundreds of fish. I wanted
to do it too, but the staff wouldn’t let me. But I would still recommend being there at feeding time. You will
see feeding times advertised at the ticket desk, or you can telephone in advance to find out when they are.
The most fascinating part of the visit for me was a new exhibition at the Centre that told the story of
seahorses across the world. It has the biggest collection of these magical creatures in Europe, and almost as
many as one in the USA. I found out about what they ate, and how a male seahorse managed to give birth to
1500 babies! And although our guide told us it was hard to see the young ones we were lucky enough to
catch sight of some in the tank!
We also went to one of the Centre’s talks about the underwater world. Ours was called “Sharks”, and
the one on the following day was called “Creatures of the Deep”. There are talks on other topics given on
different days, so it is best to check which talk will take place on the day you go.
Once we had bought our ticket, we could go in and out of the Centre as many times as we like during
the day. You can also buy an annual pass that gives you unlimited entry all year round. I am saving up for
one!
Read the sentences and decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect.
If it is correct, mark it A. If it is not correct, mark it B.
1. Rebecca Hardy’s home is close to the coast………………………………
2. At the Ocean Centre, you can see fish from both seas and rivers…………………………..
3. All the creatures that are on display at the Centre are harmless………………………….
4. The admission fee for the Centre goes towards environment projects………………………..
5. Rebecca was allowed to feed the fish at the Centre…………………………
6. Rebecca had to book in advance to see the fish at their feeding time…………………….
7. The Ocean Centre has the largest collection of seahorses in the world…………………….
8. Rebecca was pleased that she was able to see baby seahorses in the exhibition…………………..
9. Each day, the Centre holds lots of talks on different topics…………………………
10. Rebecca found she could leave and return to the Centre during her visit without paying again………

Reading
Read the text about a centre where visitor can go to watch the stars.
Tracker Star-Watching Centre
 Are you interested in finding out more about the stars and planets in the night skies? Then come and join
us at the Tracker Star-Watching Centre halfway up Mintal Mountain.
We hold popular start-watching sessions almost every night of the years from 6.00 and 10.00. The
Centre is run entirely on money given to us by public, so although there is no actual charge for your tickets,
we are always grateful when people choose to give us large or small amounts of money- it all helps. And if
after one of our evening sessions you become interested in finding out more, and you are willing to pay a
small fee, then we run a range of daytime courses.
During our evening programmes, you will first see a documentary that tells you all about the history of
the Center and all the star watching programmes that we run here, and then you will move outside where
several special telescopes are set up for you to see the stars in more detail. Our expert staff will manage all
the equipment and during the evening they will guide you so that you get to see the most interesting objects,
including double stars and planets. You may also get a chance to see the planet Saturn, with its glowing rings
throughout the year. We are so far up that the clouds are often below us, so our view of the night skies is
clear and bright. We will also tell you about some of the most important things that can be seen in the night
sky without equipment. There are always students from the university here who help out at the Tracker
Centre in their spare time, and are prepared to give you any information you want about the stars.
Visitors to the Centre should note that we often experience near-freezing night-time temperatures at the
Centre, so please dress in warm clothes. However, if you have a problem and find you are not warm enough,
sweaters and scarves, which might make a nice souvenir, are available from the Centre store.
Visitors should also make sure they have a full tank of petrol in their vehicles before making the trip up
to the Centre, as petrol stations are the nearest petrol stations are about 40 km away. The 12 km climb to the
Centre can take some time- so make sure your car is in good enough condition to make it! We hope to see
you at the Tracker Centre soon!
Read the sentences and decide if each sentence is correct or incorrect.
If it is correct, mark it A. If is not correct, mark it B.

1. The Tracker Star-Watching Centre is right at the top of a mountain………………………

2. There is a variety of tickets prices that you can choose from………………..
3. You can attend various courses at the Centre during the day…………………….
4. You are allowed to use the Centre’s special equipment by yourself to see the stars……………….
5. Centre employees will help you to notice the best sights in the sky………………
6. Visitors will get different views of the planet Saturn, depending on when they visit………………..
7. A telescope is needed to see all the objects that the staff show you………………..
8. Some students from a nearby university can answer the questions you have…………………..
9. You can buy something to wear at the Centre if you feel too cold…………………
10. Visitors who need fuel for their vehicles can get some on the way up the mountain………………..