Paragraph Writing Role of media In general, “media” refers to various means of communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data, or promotional messages are disseminated. Media includes every broadcasting and narrowcasting medium such as newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax, and internet. In the world of today, media has become as necessary as food and clothing. It has played significant as well as influential role in strengthening the society and making the world a global village. Media is considered as “mirror” of the modern society. The purpose of the media is to inform people about current, new affairs and to tell about the latest gossip and fashion. It also helps to form opinions and make judgements regarding various issues. It has become one way of trading and marketing of products and prejudices. It keeps people updated and informed about what is happening around them and the world. Media can be considered as “watch dog” of political democracy. It serves to reduce the communication gap between the audience, viewers and the media world. For the sake of publicity and selling, important figures, their lifestyles are usually targeted. But unfortunately, media these days has become a commercialized sector. Media has had a bad effect on a generation, mainly because, teenagers and children are strongly influenced by media. The media affects people’s perspective. I believe, if the media identifies its responsibility and work sincerely and honestly, and then it can serve as a great force in building the nation. ​ Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing HOW TO WRITE ANSWERS IN THE ANSWER SCRIPTS Writing answers in the answer scripts may be an awful experience. However, a little organisation and discipline will help remove this fear. First, when the answerscripts are distributed, we must write down every detail (name, roll number, registration number, subject, subject code, name of the board) on the first page. Second, when the question paper is handed out we must give it a thorough reading. Then we should select and tick those questions for answering which we have learnt well. Next we should answer the questions one by one according to our choice. Then gradually we take up the questions which are less easy. Thus, in answering scripts we should follow an easy-do-difficult method. We should also be very careful of time and our handwriting. Moreover, we should answer all the questions in full, that is, we should leave no question unanswered. We should write offhand using our instant creations in case of answering uncommon questions. In writing answer scripts, we have to bear in mind that the answers should be in short and precise language. Besides, the answers must always be to the point. After writing all the answers, we should revise them whether we have to forgotten to write any major point or done any sort of mistake. Maintaining all these things, a student is sure to achieve a good result in the examination. ​ Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing FUTURE PLAN OF MY LIFE One must settle some plans or aim in life because without them life becomes a drifting boat in a stormy sea, always looking for a land to anchor. It may be disputed that humans cannot follow all their plans owing to the adversity of time. However, I have fixed up a plan for myself. I have a desire to serve the country. With this in mind, I want to be a teacher, the noblest person in the society, who is morally obliged to build and mould up a sound society. Teaching has always been regarded as a noble profession. It is the teachers who impart knowledge, provide consciousness, humanity to the inhabitants of the society and serve until the last day of their life. This is why I have chosen to be a teaches. Right from this moment, I am preparing for my future. I will enter university and work sincerely to complete my graduation and post-graduation and, then try to receive training ing for effective teaching. It is really encouraging for me that my parents have their support and cooperation for my aim. They all believe that my sincerity, determination, vivacity in my work will obviously contribute to the development of the society. My Future Plan of Life Having a clear goal in life is like having a compass for direction. My dream for the future is to become a doctor and help people. There are good reasons behind this choice. Firstly, doctors are respected in society and it's a job that helps others, which I find noble. Also, many villages lack enough doctors, leading to suffering and early deaths among the villagers. This really bothers me. Plus, my parents are supportive of my decision. Becoming a doctor means I can make a real difference in people's lives. Once I finish my studies, I plan to go back to my village and start a clinic where I can provide medical care. This will hopefully improve the health of my community. Right now, villagers have to travel long distances to get to a hospital, and sometimes they don't make it in time. My big dream is to build a hospital in my village. Even though it might be difficult, I'm determined to make it happen. This hospital will focus on helping those who can't afford medical care, offering treatments either for free or at a reduced cost. I believe that with hard work and dedication, I can achieve my goal. And I also hope for some help from above along the way. Model Answer-2 My Future Plan of Life There is a proverb that a person without an aim is like a ship without a rudder. So, it is necessary for everybody to have a definite aim in life. I have a future plan, and it is to serve the people. So, I like to be a doctor in future. There are some strong reasons for which I want to become a doctor. A doctor has high status in our society. It is a noble profession. Again, there is a shortage of doctors in our villages. The villagers suffer from various diseases and die a premature death. These hurt me a lot. Moreover, my parents support my choice. In this profession, there is a good opportunity to serve the people. After completing MBBS, I will return to my village and serve the villagers. I will set up a charitable dispensary for treatment. The villagers will enjoy good health under my treatment. Since there is no hospital in the village, the people usually go to the district hospital for treatment. Sometimes, the patients die on the way to the hospital as it is ten miles away from the village. So, I have a dream to establish a hospital in my village by hook or by crook. The poor people will be treated without any fees. They will get medicines from the dispensary of the hospital by paying only half of the Trice. I hope and believe that I will be able to work hard to reach my goal. I pray to the Almighty for the success of my aim in life. Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing MY AIM IN LIFE / YOUR FUTURE PLAN OF LIFE / WHAT I WANT TO BE Life without aim is like a ship without a rudder . To young students this world is like a sea . There are so many paths or courses open to them . Some of these are good and some are bad . Even then the same good paths may not be suitable for all . Under the circumstances , Young students require proper guidance to determine the right path . Since my boyhood , it has been my cherished aim of life to serve my country as a teacher . It is due to my father’s influence that I have decided to take to this career . My father himself is a teacher of a village high school . He has often said that a teacher can give real service to his country through teaching . Services rendered by a political leader or an administrator or an army officer are no less useful to the nation . But these people are amply rewarded for their services . They enjoy power , position and riches . There are glory and glamour both in politics and military services . But the only power that can exercise lasting influence is the moral power and teaching wields this moral power . Now – a – days even the educated people consider moral power unimportant . But in the ultimate analysis it is a vital force which can make a nation really great . Hence the importance of teaching as a profession can not be over – emphasized . The simple and plain life of a teacher has little attraction for the ambitious young men . They prefer other jobs to teaching . But they do not know that the destiny of a nation lies in the hands of teachers . Teachers build up the character of our future citizens , leaders and administrators . Teachers can infuse the spirit of universal brotherhood and self – sacrifice in their students . They can also engender greediness , meanness and licentiousness in them . So I think that teachers have got a tremendous force good or bed , to exercise so far as the future of the nation is concerned . Although it is imperceptible , it is far more potent than any other force . Considering all these I have decided to become a teacher . But I do not expect to become a College or University teacher because I am an ordinary student and my father is too poor to pay for my higher education in University . After graduation I shall complete the B. ED. course to qualify myself as a teacher . Then I shall come back to join my village high school . I do not like to leave this High School for a more lucrative job anywhere . I want to live in the midst of my students are and relations till the last day of my life . This is a life far apart from the temptation of civil and military services . Being free from distraction , I shall be able to devote myself fully to study and teaching . I pray to Allah that I may lead this ideal life and serve my country and countrymen to the best of my abilities . I must not forget that he who serves man serves God . Advanced MY AIM IN LIFE / YOUR FUTURE PLAN OF LIFE A life without an aim is akin to a ship without a rudder, aimlessly drifting in the vast expanse of the sea. For young students, the world is an ocean teeming with numerous paths, some good and some bad, and not all good paths are suitable for everyone. Hence, proper guidance is essential to help young students determine the right course of action. Ever since my boyhood, I have harbored a cherished aim to serve my country as a teacher. It was my father's influence that led me to pursue this career, as he himself is a teacher at a village high school. He has often emphasized that teaching is a noble profession that allows one to give real service to their country. Although the services rendered by political leaders, administrators, and army officers are no less useful to the nation, they are amply rewarded with power, position, and riches. However, the only power that can exercise a lasting influence is moral power, and teaching wields this moral power. Nowadays, even educated people consider moral power unimportant. Nevertheless, in the ultimate analysis, it is a vital force that can make a nation truly great. Therefore, the importance of teaching as a profession cannot be overemphasized. The simple and plain life of a teacher has little attraction for ambitious young men who prefer other jobs to teaching. But they fail to realize that the destiny of a nation lies in the hands of teachers who build up the character of future citizens, leaders, and administrators. Teachers can infuse the spirit of universal brotherhood and self-sacrifice in their students, or engender greediness, meanness, and licentiousness. Hence, teachers have a tremendous force, for good or bad, to exercise as far as the future of the nation is concerned, a force that is far more potent than any other. Considering all these factors, I have decided to become a teacher. However, I do not aspire to become a college or university teacher as I am an ordinary student, and my father is too poor to pay for my higher education at a university. After graduation, I shall complete the B.ED. course to qualify myself as a teacher. Then I shall return to join my village high school, where I wish to remain until the last day of my life, living amidst my students and relations, free from the temptation of civil and military services. Being free from distraction, I shall be able to devote myself fully to study and teaching. In conclusion, I pray to Allah that I may lead this ideal life and serve my country and countrymen to the best of my abilities. I must not forget that he who serves man serves God, and thus, my aim to become a teacher is not just a personal ambition but a divine calling to serve my fellow human beings. MY DREAM OR MY AIM IN LIFE / MY FUTURE PLAN OF LIFE Dreams, ambitions and aspirations are inherent part of everyone’s life. If someone wants to become a hero, someone else dreams to be an industrialist. One may have the ambition to occupy the high chair of the Prime Minister, the President or the bureaucrat. Others may aspire to represent the people in the Parliament, assembly or municipal council. A humble person may have an ambition to possess his own rickshaw, taxi, while middle class children often dream to become a doctor, engineer, architect, media person, sales executive, computer expert, chartered accountant, public administrator or any other professional. As a career, journalism is exciting. It has opportunity as well as risk. It has boredom, too. A young man who likes to have a bit of excitement and is not afraid of insecurity will find it to his liking. With courage and honesty he can serve his nation to a great extent. The profession has a prestige of its own. It commands great respect in all countries where there is a free society. An honest but outspoken journalist is feared by all who indulge in shady dealings. In truly democratic countries a journalist has more freedom than in totalitarian countries. He is also loved and honoured by the people and is rewarded by advancement. Bangladesh is a democracy. So, I prefer to take journalism as my ambition. At present I am an S.S.C. student in a high school. For reaching my noble ambition, I regularly study from now on to gain knowledge in different lines. I try to make myself efficient in my group subjects. Besides, I like to make myself aware of politics, national and international affairs. I shall try to secure good marks in my S.S.C and H.S.C. examinations so that I can join in the department of journalism in university for higher degree. By hard and sincere labour, I hope that I shall turn myself a good journalist. Then I shall be able to render real service to my country and at the same time earn my living. A journalist’s profession is a noble one. Much of a journalist’s success depends upon technical knowledge. I must be able to discern the news value of an event. I must have skill to make up a story out of the bits I can gather. It is also my duty to report objectively. I can take up the cause of justice and fight for it. I can provide information about national and international affairs and thus educate the minds of the people. I can contribute to good administration by making healthy criticism. I think I will be able to guide the nation on right course. Keeping people conscious of their rights, I can prevent rulers from being despotic. This profession is quite paying in advanced countries, but in under-developed and developing countries it is not so paying. Even then I am hopeful about my earning. We cannot imagine a country without newspapers. This has contributed to the growth and development of journalism. Journalism is, therefore, a profession for the honest and bold of spirit. For such men it is paying, too. So, I should never be shaky about initial problems. As I always bear in mind that an aim is a virtue, when it seeks to do good to others, I have the only aim of my life to serve my country honestly and sincerely by being an efficient journalist. MY AIM IN LIFE / MY FUTURE PLAN OF LIFE Life without aim is like a ship without a rudder . To young students this world is like a sea . There are so many paths or courses open to them . Some of these are good and some are bad . Even then the same good paths may not be suitable for all . Under the circumstances , Young students require proper guidance to determine the right path . Since my boyhood , it has been my cherished aim of life to serve my country as a teacher . It is due to my father’s influence that I have decided to take to this career . My father himself is a teacher of a village high school . He has often said that a teacher can give real service to his country through teaching . Services rendered by a political leader or an administrator or an army officer are no less useful to the nation . But these people are amply rewarded for their services . They enjoy power , position and riches . There are glory and glamour both in politics and military services . But the only power that can exercise lasting influence is the moral power and teaching wields this moral power . Now – a – days even the educated people consider moral power unimportant . But in the ultimate analysis it is a vital force which can make a nation really great . Hence the importance of teaching as a profession can not be over – emphasized . The simple and plain life of a teacher has little attraction for the ambitious young men . They prefer other jobs to teaching . But they do not know that the destiny of a nation lies in the hands of teachers . Teachers build up the character of our future citizens , leaders and administrators . Teachers can infuse the spirit of universal brotherhood and self – sacrifice in their students . They can also engender greediness , meanness and licentiousness in them . So I think that teachers have got a tremendous force good or bed , to exercise so far as the future of the nation is concerned . Although it is imperceptible , it is far more potent than any other force . Considering all these I have decided to become a teacher . But I do not expect to become a College or University teacher because I am an ordinary student and my father is too poor to pay for my higher education in University . After graduation I shall complete the B. ED. course to qualify myself as a teacher . Then I shall come back to join my village high school . I do not like to leave this High School for a more lucrative job anywhere . I want to live in the midst of my students are and relations till the last day of my life . This is a life far apart from the temptation of civil and military services . Being free from distraction , I shall be able to devote myself fully to study and teaching . I pray to Allah that I may lead this ideal life and serve my country and countrymen to the best of my abilities . I must not forget that he who serves man serves God . Aim in Life "I slept and dreamt that life was beauty,I woke and found that life was duty." Every man must have some aim in life. If a man has no particular aim, he can not succeed in life. He does not know what he will do. Life becomes significant only if there is a suitable effective aim in life. A man without an aim in life is like a ship without a rudder. A man should select a particular profession from the early stage of life. Different people have different aims in life. Some want to be teachers, some want to be engineers, some want to be politicians, some want to be high officials and some want to be doctors. In the same way, I am reluctant to choose from the many. Since my boyhood, I had great regard for the teaching profession. My father is a village High School teacher. Now and then, he says that a teacher can give proper service to his country through teaching profession. In fact, a tea-Cher can help to remove illiteracy and ignorance more than anyone else. Being a teacher, I shall be able to influence the young boys and girls on whom the bright future of a nation really depends. Consequently, they may be the worthy and lovable citizen of Bangladesh. Moreover, I think that the service of a good teacher is very essential for the welfare of the countrymen. So the country will progress and will be prosperous. Moreover, a teacher is a prominent figure in the society. He is honoured by all. In order to become a successful teacher, I must require some degrees. I want to be a teacher of English. After graduation, I shall complete the B.ed. course to qualify myself as an ideal teacher. Then I shall come back to the village and adopt teaching as a profession. Finally, we can say that a good teacher is an asset for a nation. We know that education is the backbone of a nation Similarly a good teacher is the backbone of education. That's why I want to be a good teacher. I small be a happy man if I can fulfil my aim in life and thus do something good for my country. Your Ambition in Life We are all familiar with the proverb ‘Hitch your wagon to a star. The logic behind it is simple. If we do not aspire for something great, we shall not strive for it and consequently lead a life of ignominy. The autobiographies of all great men revel, that each of them very early in childhood had a dream, a vision of what they intended to do or become. This is distinctively apart from daydreaming, for in the words of William Shakespeare “Ambition should be made of sterner stuff’. Thus it is not sufficing to only dream, but one must relentlessly strive to achieve and realise this dream. I too have a dream, an ambition of becoming a doctor. This is so because it is a noble profession that also commands a lot of respect in the society. The white coat and the stethoscope mesmerizes me, right since my childhood. The look of concern, sense of empathy and the feeling of confidence that the doctor inspires in a patient, mitigates his suffering. He is looked as a messiah by the sick and the infirm. No matter how big or powerful a man might be, he invariable does fall sick and has to seek the doctor’s help. There are many other professions that offer more money, power and glamour, but none commands the respect and the dignity of a doctor. All these are but transitory things, that are there today and gone tomorrow, but the status and service of a doctor does not diminish. On the other hand, if he practices his profession nobly, it increases and multiplies with the passage of time. The road to realising my dream is not easy, nor do I expect it to be so. I would have to pass the competitive premedical examination, before I could gain entry to a medical college. I have begun preparation for the same in earnest and with God’s grace I do hope to clear the test. I would like specialise in Cardiac diseases after completing my MBBS. This is a fatal ailment that has afflicted us and is on the rise. It has now started afflicting even young people and this country would need many cardiologists to take care of them. This is my dream which I do hope will come true. I shall leave no stone unturned to turn my ambition into reality, for I firmly believe that our triumphs and defeats are in us. H.W. Longfellow rightly echoes these sentiments when he says, “Not in the glamour of crowded streets not in the shouts of plaudits of the throng. But in ourselves are triumphs and defeats.” My Aim in Life Or, My Future Plan There is a common saving, "A nian without an aim in life is like, a ship or a boat without a rudder. A ship or a boat without a rudder surely meets an accident. Similarly, an aimless life surely faces danger or an accident. He can't reach his desired goal of life. Our life is short but art is long. Man is in born only for eating, sleeping, playing or sleeping. He has a lot of duties to the family, to the society, to the country, to the countrymen and to the environment and to the animals. So, a man can't finish duties and responsibilities without a definite aim. Different persons have different aims in life. Somebody desires/wants power, somebody desires riches, somebody wants high position in the society, somebody wants name and fame, somebody desires honour and dignity, and somebody desires to be the high personnel in society. But my aim in life is to be an ideal teacher. Teaching is a noble profession of all. An ideal teacher leads an honest and sincere life. He is honoured and loved everywhere. He is always alive in the heart of the people of the society. Another principal reason behind my choice is to serve my poor villagers. I would like to spread education among the people of the illiterate society., Education is compared to light. So it removes (roots out) the darkness of ignorance for the society. An illiterate person is not better than a beast. He is unable to differentiate between right and wrong. So, an illiterate society is deaf, dumb and blind. All these reasons, I have made tip my mind to be a good teacher so that I may lead an honest and decent life. Now I am a student of class xii of an ideal college of our Upazila. After passing the H.S.0 Examination I shall get myself admitted into a famous university to complete Honours and Masters Degrees, I shall complete the B-Ed and the M-Ed courses to make (qualify) myself as a good teacher. After completing degrees and necessary courses, I will join in our village high school. It is true that there is a few good teachers in remote areas. Our village students don't get standard and proper education for want of qualified teachers. As a result, the people of our rural areas lag behind in the field of education. I long for/desire to eradicate the curse of the darkness of ignorant from my area/locality. I do believe that my noble and honest labour will bring m-- dignity in society. Mari is mortal but he can be immortal on earth through his noble works and noble dedication. An ideal teacher is an immortal one on earth. Success of life largely depends on the right and proper aim in life. The service of mankind should be only the aim of life. Every religion says, "To serve man is to serve God." Islam says„" Allah loves him best who loves 'His' creatures, big or small." May Allah/God give me the opportunity, to serve my country and countrymen. CHOICE OF CAREER / THE PROFESSION I LIKE MOST A life without any aim is like a ship without a rudder. An aim helps a man to gain his coveted objective, his career. Among men some want to earn money, some want to earn fame and some want to serve people. I had to think a lot to choose my aim/profession/career in life. I think, it should be decided according to one's aptitude, ability and merit. Considering these my choice is the simple wish to be a teacher. Undoubtedly teaching is a very noble profession. A teacher is like a potter who works on wheel to give shape to his pots, cutting out the rough edges to give a perfect finish to the end product. At present neither the students nor the teachers have the same sincerity and singleness of purpose. However there are still exceptional teachers who are genuinely concerned about the future of their pupils and try to guide them sincerely. Unfortunately, there are people who take to teaching out of compulsion, because the other avenues are not open to them. They drift into teaching because they have failed to achieve their ambition. I have by choice decided to opt for teaching. I love working with children. It must be a very satisfying experience to shape young minds, eager to learn, who come to a teacher in total faith. One cannot overlook the advantages that one has as a teacher. One gets so many holidays which can be used to catch up with other interests one neglects during the working days. This is really a very tempting prospect. Besides, over the years the salary of teachers has also become very attractive. Teaching has certain distinct advantages over other professions. Teachers do not have very long working hours. Surely, lots of time is taken in preparing the lessons, correction work etc. Still one can have ample time to pursue other interests. I am not unaware that it is quite difficult to secure admission in a good teachers' training college. I am willing to work hard to actualise my ambition, and waiting for the day when, after completing my training in teaching. I can become a teacher. That day indeed will be a red letter day in my life. Ad Ad

Paragraph Writing Use and Abuse of Facebook Facebook is a popular free social networking website that allows registered users to create profiles, upload photos and video, send messages and keep in touch with friends, family and colleagues. It was created by Mark Zuckerberg in February of 2004. This exclusive site, which is available in 37 different languages, includes public features. Facebook makes it possible to connect people sharing interests and activities across the borders and thus have made a lot for the users to feel that they really live in a global village. It is expanding so fast as one can make use of them paying very little. One can make personal profile public before the entire online community. It is like presenting oneself before the entire world. One can also look into other people’s profile simply and easily if one is interested. It allows users to upload pictures, multimedia contents and to update their profiles. User profiles have a section dedicated to comments from friends and other users. Finally, there are privacy protection measures too. A user himself or herself decides over the number of viewers, and what information should be shared with others. He can block specific connections or keep all his communications private. But this great blessing of modern science has some demerits too. Many young boys and girls become addicted to it and give more time on it than studies. Few senseless people post nude pictures which influence the tender mind of youngsters. A long term bad effects can be seen in those adolescents. Besides, many girls and ladies committed suicide because their enemy posted their privet photos or videos. Despite these few bad sites of Facebook book, it has great importance for the communication of modern people. The Impact of Facebook on the Young Generation Facebook is a popular social networking service that enables people to connect with one another. It stands out among various social websites, particularly in our country. While Facebook offers advantages, it also comes with disadvantages. In recent times, it has become a significant platform for exchanging thoughts and opinions on current topics. Furthermore, it has played a positive role in facilitating blood donations, which is a commendable aspect. Notably, Facebook has evolved into an educational platform, gaining recognition in news reports. Students can access valuable learning materials, often provided by teachers, and join groups dedicated to practice and knowledge sharing. In Bangladesh, Facebook serves as an essential source for staying updated on important events. However, it also possesses certain negative aspects. Some individuals from the younger generation spend excessive time on the platform, leading to neglect of their studies. Their preoccupation with Facebook often hampers their academic focus. Regrettably, some unscrupulous users employ Facebook for malicious purposes, causing harm and leading to cybercrimes. It is disheartening to observe that many of these crimes victimize young people. Additionally, Facebook can contribute to the separation of individuals. Therefore, it is imperative that the young generation exercises caution and discretion when using social network services. While Facebook offers numerous advantages for connecting and sharing, its potential downsides, such as time wastage and vulnerability to cybercrimes, emphasize the need for responsible and mindful usage. The Impact of Facebook on the Young Generation Facebook is considered one of the most significant technological advancements in recent times, serving as a platform for social networking. Its primary purpose is to connect individuals with their friends, family, and professional contacts. Users can search for people using various criteria such as email addresses, educational institutions, or location. Notifications alert users when they receive friend requests or messages. A notable feature of Facebook is its photo-sharing capability, allowing users to upload and share photos from different devices. Users can control who can view their photos, either restricting access to friends or allowing anyone to see them. The platform offers unlimited storage for photos, a notable advantage. However, while Facebook has numerous benefits, it is also prone to misuse. Many individuals, especially young people, become addicted to the platform, spending excessive time on it instead of focusing on their studies. Additionally, privacy concerns arise as some users may post inappropriate or obscene content, which can have a detrimental impact on impressionable minds, particularly adolescents. Furthermore, Facebook has been used to facilitate various criminal activities. Despite these drawbacks, Facebook remains a valuable communication tool in the modern era. However, it is essential to address the negative aspects and take measures to prevent its misuse. While it provides entertainment and connectivity, it should not become an unhealthy obsession or encourage narcissistic behavior. Ultimately, it is crucial to ensure that this technological blessing does not transform into a curse. The Effects of social media on Mental Health Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, providing a platform for connection, information sharing, and entertainment. However, its impact on mental health is a topic of growing concern. One notable effect of social media is the potential for increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. While it connects people virtually, it can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection from real-life relationships. The constant exposure to carefully curated and idealized images and lifestyles on social media can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as individuals compare their own lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others. Furthermore, social media can be a source of stress and anxiety. The pressure to garner likes, comments, and followers can create a sense of performance anxiety and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Additionally, the uninterrupted accessibility of social media means that it can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation, which is known to have adverse effects on mental health. Cyberbullying is another concerning issue, as it can lead to depression and anxiety, particularly among young users. On the positive side, social media can be a valuable resource for emotional support, raising awareness of mental health issues, and connecting individuals with shared experiences. However, it's essential to use it mindfully and recognize its potential impact on mental well-being. Striking a balance between online and offline life, practicing digital detox, and seeking support when needed can help mitigate the negative effects and promote a healthier relationship with social media that supports better mental health. Impact of Social Media on Our Life Social media has become an integral part of our lives, profoundly impacting how we communicate, connect, and interact with the world around us. One of its most significant effects is the way it has transformed the way we communicate. We can now easily connect with friends, family, and acquaintances, regardless of physical distance. Social media has also provided a platform for the rapid dissemination of news and information, making it a crucial source for staying informed. However, the influence of social media extends beyond just communication. It has altered the way we perceive ourselves and others. The constant exposure to carefully curated and idealized online personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as we compare our lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others. The constant quest for likes, comments, and followers can create a sense of performance anxiety and a fear of missing out (FOMO). Moreover, social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological consequences, particularly among young users. On the positive side, social media serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness of important social and political issues and providing emotional support during difficult times. It enables global connections and the sharing of diverse perspectives. However, it's essential to use social media mindfully, recognizing its potential to both enrich and disrupt our lives. Striking a balance between the digital and physical world, practicing digital detox, and ensuring that social media contributes positively to our lives are vital for harnessing its full potential while safeguarding our mental and emotional well-being. Life of the Young before and after Getting Used to Social Networks The advent of social networks has dramatically altered the lives of young people in Bangladesh, ushering in a new era of connectivity, communication, and opportunities that are distinct from the days before they embraced these platforms. Before getting used to social networks, the lives of young individuals in Bangladesh were marked by limited means of staying in touch with friends and family, and physical meetings were often the primary mode of communication. Traditional media like newspapers and television were the sources of information and entertainment. The pursuit of knowledge and education was largely confined to schools and libraries. Once young people became accustomed to social networks, everything changed. These platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, opened up a digital realm of connectivity. They could now easily communicate with friends, family, and even make new acquaintances online. The proliferation of smartphones and affordable data plans meant that they could stay connected at all times. Information, news, and entertainment became available at their fingertips, with real-time updates on global events. These platforms also offered educational resources, making learning more accessible. However, this shift also brought about challenges. The digital age has raised concerns about online privacy, cyberbullying, and addiction to screens. It has altered the dynamics of relationships, with some young people reporting feelings of isolation despite being connected online. In conclusion, the lives of young individuals in Bangladesh have seen a profound transformation before and after getting used to social networks. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, it is crucial to address the challenges and maintain a balance between the digital and real worlds to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life in this new age of connectivity. Positive and Negative Impacts of Facebook/ Uses and Abuses of Facebook/ Advantages and Disadvantages of Facebook Facebook, the world's leading social media platform, has had a profound impact on society, offering both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, Facebook serves as a powerful tool for connecting people across the globe, fostering communication and maintaining relationships regardless of geographical boundaries. It's a platform for sharing personal experiences, photos, and memories with family and friends, making it a valuable social outlet. Facebook is also a valuable marketing and networking tool for businesses, enabling them to reach a vast audience. Furthermore, it has played a crucial role in raising awareness about various social and political issues, serving as a platform for advocacy and social movements. However, Facebook is not without its downsides. One of the major disadvantages is the potential for privacy breaches, as personal information can be exposed to unintended audiences. The platform can also become addictive, leading to a waste of valuable time. Cyberbullying, misinformation, and the spread of fake news are other negative aspects of Facebook. Additionally, excessive use can lead to isolation and a lack of real-world social interactions. In conclusion, Facebook has brought about significant positive changes, such as connecting people, facilitating business growth, and serving as a platform for social causes. Nonetheless, it also presents challenges, including privacy concerns, addiction, and the spread of harmful content. To maximize the benefits of Facebook while mitigating the disadvantages, users should exercise caution and make conscious choices regarding their online presence and interactions. Positive and Negative Impacts of Facebook/ Uses and Abuses of Facebook/ Advantages and Disadvantages of Facebook Facebook, the world's leading social media platform, has had a profound impact on society, offering both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, Facebook serves as a powerful tool for connecting people across the globe, fostering communication and maintaining relationships regardless of geographical boundaries. It's a platform for sharing personal experiences, photos, and memories with family and friends, making it a valuable social outlet. Facebook is also a valuable marketing and networking tool for businesses, enabling them to reach a vast audience. Furthermore, it has played a crucial role in raising awareness about various social and political issues, serving as a platform for advocacy and social movements. However, Facebook is not without its downsides. One of the major disadvantages is the potential for privacy breaches, as personal information can be exposed to unintended audiences. The platform can also become addictive, leading to a waste of valuable time. Cyberbullying, misinformation, and the spread of fake news are other negative aspects of Facebook. Additionally, excessive use can lead to isolation and a lack of real-world social interactions. In conclusion, Facebook has brought about significant positive changes, such as connecting people, facilitating business growth, and serving as a platform for social causes. Nonetheless, it also presents challenges, including privacy concerns, addiction, and the spread of harmful content. To maximize the benefits of Facebook while mitigating the disadvantages, users should exercise caution and make conscious choices regarding their online presence and interactions. Composition / Essay Writing Addiction to Facebook Facebook, a popular social networking site, has become an integral part of modern life, particularly among teenagers. While it offers convenience and entertainment, excessive use of Facebook can lead to addiction and various negative consequences. Many individuals find themselves spending an excessive amount of time on Facebook, engaging in activities such as posting pictures, updating statuses, and interacting with others through likes, comments, and chats. Unfortunately, this excessive usage often leads to wasted time and hampers academic performance, particularly among teenagers. Some users become so engrossed in Facebook that they check it obsessively throughout the day, leading to isolation from real-life interactions with family and friends. This over-reliance on virtual connections can result in social withdrawal and feelings of loneliness. Moreover, excessive use of Facebook can contribute to stress, frustration, and physical health issues. Scientists suggest that maintaining a balance between online activities and real-life interactions is essential for overall well-being. To avoid addiction to Facebook, it is important to prioritize time spent with family and friends, engage in social activities, and limit screen time. By fostering meaningful connections and participating in real-world experiences, individuals can reduce their reliance on social media and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Social Media Social media has become a significant part of the lives of young people, but it brings both positive and negative effects. On one hand, social media allows young people to connect with friends and family, share experiences, and access information easily. It also provides platforms for creativity, self-expression, and learning. However, excessive use of social media can lead to various negative consequences, including addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. One of the main concerns about social media is its potential to contribute to addiction among young people. With constant access to social media platforms through smartphones and other devices, many young people find themselves spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through feeds and interacting with content. This can lead to neglect of responsibilities, decreased productivity, and even withdrawal symptoms when unable to access social media. Cyberbullying is another significant issue associated with social media use among young people. The anonymity and distance provided by online platforms make it easier for individuals to engage in bullying behavior, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm for the victims. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or messages, and sending hurtful comments or threats. Moreover, excessive use of social media has been linked to various mental health issues among young people, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic portrayals of others' lives on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and negatively impact mental well-being. Additionally, the pressure to maintain a certain image or persona online can contribute to stress and anxiety. Despite these challenges, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the negative effects of social media on young people. Education and awareness programs can help young people develop critical thinking skills and recognize the potential dangers of excessive social media use. Parents and caregivers can also play a crucial role in monitoring and guiding their children's social media usage, setting limits, and promoting healthy online behaviors. Furthermore, social media platforms themselves have a responsibility to create safe and supportive environments for young users. This includes implementing measures to prevent cyberbullying, providing resources for mental health support, and promoting positive online interactions. In conclusion, while social media offers many benefits for young people, it also poses risks to their well-being. By addressing issues such as addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health, and implementing solutions at individual, societal, and platform levels, we can ensure that young people can enjoy the benefits of social media while staying safe and healthy. Impact of Social Media on Teenagers Social media has become a very important part of teenagers’ lives. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter) are widely used by young people for communication, entertainment, and learning. Social media has both positive and negative effects on teenagers. On the positive side, social media helps teenagers stay connected with friends and family. They can easily share messages, photos, and videos with others. It also helps them make new friends and learn about different cultures and ideas. Many students use social media for educational purposes, such as joining online study groups, watching tutorial videos, and getting information quickly. Social media also gives teenagers a chance to express their creativity. They can share their talents in art, music, writing, and photography. It helps them build confidence and improve communication skills. In addition, social media spreads awareness about important social issues and encourages teenagers to participate in positive activities. However, social media also has several negative effects. Many teenagers spend too much time online, which can lead to addiction. Excessive use of social media may affect their studies, sleep, and physical health. Teenagers may become less interested in outdoor activities and face-to-face communication. Another serious problem is cyberbullying. Some teenagers are insulted, threatened, or embarrassed online, which can harm their mental health. Social media can also create pressure to look perfect or gain popularity, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. Moreover, false information and harmful content can easily spread on these platforms. To reduce the negative effects, teenagers should use social media wisely and in moderation. Parents and teachers should guide them about safe and responsible online behavior. Setting time limits and focusing on real-life activities can help maintain a healthy balance. In conclusion, social media has greatly influenced teenagers’ lives. It offers many benefits, but its misuse can cause serious problems. Therefore, teenagers should use social media carefully and responsibly to enjoy its advantages without harming their studies, health, and personal life. The Impact of Facebook on Teenagers Facebook, a prominent social media platform, has undeniably influenced the lives of teenagers in various ways, both positively and negatively. Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of social media on adolescent development. Firstly, Facebook provides teenagers with a platform for social interaction and connectivity. It enables them to stay connected with friends and family, irrespective of geographical barriers. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, enhancing their social support networks. Moreover, Facebook serves as a platform for self-expression and identity formation. Teenagers often use it to share their thoughts, experiences, and creative endeavors with others. This can boost their self-esteem and confidence, as they receive validation and support from their peers. However, the pervasive use of Facebook among teenagers also has detrimental effects. Excessive time spent on social media can lead to decreased face-to-face social interactions and physical activity, potentially contributing to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Furthermore, the curated nature of content on Facebook can foster unrealistic perceptions of reality among teenagers. Constant exposure to idealized portrayals of life can fuel feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, as individuals compare themselves to others. Another concerning impact of Facebook on teenagers is cyberbullying. The anonymity and accessibility of social media platforms can embolden individuals to engage in hurtful behavior online, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm for victims. Additionally, the addictive nature of social media, including Facebook, poses challenges for teenagers' mental health and well-being. Excessive use can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression, as individuals become increasingly reliant on digital validation and feedback. In conclusion, Facebook exerts a significant influence on the lives of teenagers, shaping their social interactions, self-perceptions, and emotional well-being. While it offers opportunities for connection and self-expression, it also poses risks to mental health and interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it is essential for teenagers, parents, educators, and policymakers to navigate the complexities of social media usage responsibly, prioritizing digital literacy, self-regulation, and healthy offline habits. The Utilities and Evils of Facebook Facebook, a widely used social networking site with over eight hundred million users, impacts people's lives in both positive and negative ways, with significant consequences. On the positive side, Facebook facilitates staying connected with distant family and friends through status updates, messaging, video chats, and photo sharing. It acts as a virtual hub where people can keep track of each other's lives effortlessly. Moreover, Facebook simplifies meeting new people by allowing users to accumulate a large number of friends, creating a diverse online community. It provides a platform for self-expression through status updates, where individuals feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions compared to face-to-face interactions. However, Facebook also harbors negative aspects. Cyberbullying is rampant, as the absence of stringent monitoring allows bullies to harass individuals unchecked. This environment can lead to psychological harm and distress. Additionally, excessive Facebook use can detrimentally affect academic performance, diverting valuable study time. Research suggests that frequent users, particularly teenagers, may be more prone to risky behaviors such as substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors. To mitigate these issues, proactive monitoring and open communication are essential. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in guiding responsible social media usage, which can prevent serious consequences like depression or anxiety. Staying informed about online trends and technologies enables adults to provide informed guidance to young users. In conclusion, while Facebook offers significant benefits in terms of connectivity and self-expression, it also poses risks such as cyberbullying and academic decline. By promoting responsible usage and fostering open communication, the negative impacts of Facebook can be minimized, ensuring a safer and more positive online experience for all users. Life of the Young before and after Getting Used to Social Networks Social networks have become a very important part of modern life. They have changed the way young people communicate, learn, and spend their free time. The lives of young people were quite different before they became used to social networks. Before using social networks, young people mainly communicated through face-to-face meetings, letters, and phone calls. They spent more time with family members and friends. For information and entertainment, they depended on newspapers, books, radio, and television. Students usually studied in schools, colleges, and libraries. They had fewer opportunities to connect with people from different places. After getting used to social networks, their lives changed greatly. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) made communication much easier and faster. Young people can now send messages, share photos, and make video calls within seconds. They can also meet new people and make friends from different countries. Social networks provide quick access to news, information, and educational materials. Students can watch online lessons, join study groups, and learn many new skills. These platforms also help young people express their ideas and creativity. However, social networks have some negative effects as well. Many young people spend too much time online and become addicted to their phones. Some face problems such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and privacy risks. Excessive use of social media can also reduce physical activities and real-life social interaction. In conclusion, social networks have brought both advantages and disadvantages to the lives of young people. If they use these platforms wisely and responsibly, they can enjoy the benefits while avoiding the harmful effects. The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health Social media has become an important part of modern life. Millions of people use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X every day. Social media helps people communicate, share ideas, and get information quickly. However, it also has a significant impact on mental health. Social media has some positive effects on mental health. It helps people stay connected with friends and family, even when they live far away. People can share their feelings, experiences, and achievements with others. Online communities also provide emotional support and encouragement. Many people use social media to learn new things, develop skills, and find motivation. However, excessive use of social media can have negative effects on mental health. Many users spend hours scrolling through posts and videos, which can lead to addiction. As a result, they may neglect their studies, work, or personal responsibilities. Spending too much time online can also reduce sleep quality and increase stress. Another problem is comparison. People often share only the best moments of their lives on social media. Seeing these posts may make others feel unhappy about their own lives. Teenagers are especially affected by this problem. They may develop low self-esteem and lose confidence. Cyberbullying is another serious issue. Some people use social media to spread harmful comments, rumors, or threats. Victims of cyberbullying often suffer from anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. In some cases, it can lead to severe mental health problems. Social media can also expose users to false information and negative content. Constant exposure to disturbing news and online arguments may increase stress and emotional pressure. Therefore, users should be careful about the content they follow and share. To protect mental health, people should use social media in a balanced way. They should limit screen time, take regular breaks, and spend more time with family and friends in real life. Parents and teachers should also guide young people about safe and healthy social media use. In conclusion, social media has both positive and negative effects on mental health. If used wisely and responsibly, it can be a useful tool. However, excessive and careless use can harm mental well-being. Therefore, everyone should use social media in a healthy and balanced manner. কিশোর-কিশোরীদের উপর ফেসবুকের প্রভাব একটি বিশিষ্ট সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যম ফেসবুক নিঃসন্দেহে কিশোর-কিশোরীদের জীবনে ইতিবাচক এবং নেতিবাচক উভয়ভাবেই প্রভাব ফেলেছে। কিশোর-কিশোরীদের বিকাশের উপর সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমের বিস্তৃত প্রভাব বোঝার জন্য এই প্রভাবগুলি বোঝা অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। প্রথমত, ফেসবুক কিশোর-কিশোরীদের সামাজিক যোগাযোগ এবং সংযোগের জন্য একটি প্ল্যাটফর্ম প্রদান করে। এটি তাদের ভৌগোলিক বাধা নির্বিশেষে বন্ধুবান্ধব এবং পরিবারের সাথে সংযুক্ত থাকতে সক্ষম করে। এটি সম্প্রদায় এবং আত্মীয়তার অনুভূতি জাগিয়ে তোলে, তাদের সামাজিক সহায়তা নেটওয়ার্কগুলিকে উন্নত করে। অধিকন্তু, ফেসবুক আত্ম-প্রকাশ এবং পরিচয় গঠনের জন্য একটি প্ল্যাটফর্ম হিসেবে কাজ করে। কিশোর-কিশোরীরা প্রায়শই তাদের চিন্তাভাবনা, অভিজ্ঞতা এবং সৃজনশীল প্রচেষ্টা অন্যদের সাথে ভাগ করে নেওয়ার জন্য এটি ব্যবহার করে। এটি তাদের আত্মসম্মান এবং আত্মবিশ্বাস বাড়াতে পারে, কারণ তারা তাদের সমবয়সীদের কাছ থেকে বৈধতা এবং সমর্থন পায়। তবে, কিশোর-কিশোরীদের মধ্যে ফেসবুকের ব্যাপক ব্যবহারেরও ক্ষতিকারক প্রভাব রয়েছে। সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমে অতিরিক্ত সময় ব্যয় করলে মুখোমুখি সামাজিক যোগাযোগ এবং শারীরিক কার্যকলাপ হ্রাস পেতে পারে, যা একাকীত্ব এবং বিচ্ছিন্নতার অনুভূতিতে অবদান রাখতে পারে। অধিকন্তু, ফেসবুকে কন্টেন্টের সংগঠিত প্রকৃতি কিশোর-কিশোরীদের মধ্যে বাস্তবতার অবাস্তব ধারণা তৈরি করতে পারে। জীবনের আদর্শ চিত্রায়নের ক্রমাগত প্রকাশ অযোগ্যতা এবং আত্মসম্মানবোধের অনুভূতিকে বাড়িয়ে তুলতে পারে, কারণ ব্যক্তিরা নিজেদেরকে অন্যদের সাথে তুলনা করে। কিশোর-কিশোরীদের উপর ফেসবুকের আরেকটি উদ্বেগজনক প্রভাব হল সাইবার বুলিং। সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যম প্ল্যাটফর্মের অজ্ঞাততা এবং অ্যাক্সেসযোগ্যতা ব্যক্তিদের অনলাইনে ক্ষতিকারক আচরণে জড়িত হতে উৎসাহিত করতে পারে, যার ফলে ভুক্তভোগীদের জন্য মানসিক যন্ত্রণা এবং মানসিক ক্ষতি হয়। এছাড়াও, ফেসবুক সহ সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যমের আসক্তিকর প্রকৃতি কিশোর-কিশোরীদের মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য এবং সুস্থতার জন্য চ্যালেঞ্জ তৈরি করে। অতিরিক্ত ব্যবহারের ফলে ঘুমের ব্যাঘাত, উদ্বেগ এবং বিষণ্ণতা দেখা দিতে পারে, কারণ ব্যক্তিরা ডিজিটাল বৈধতা এবং প্রতিক্রিয়ার উপর ক্রমশ নির্ভরশীল হয়ে ওঠে। উপসংহারে, ফেসবুক কিশোর-কিশোরীদের জীবনে উল্লেখযোগ্য প্রভাব ফেলে, তাদের সামাজিক মিথস্ক্রিয়া, আত্ম-ধারণা এবং মানসিক সুস্থতাকে রূপ দেয়। যদিও এটি সংযোগ এবং আত্ম-প্রকাশের সুযোগ প্রদান করে, এটি মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য এবং আন্তঃব্যক্তিক সম্পর্কের জন্যও ঝুঁকি তৈরি করে। অতএব, কিশোর-কিশোরী, পিতামাতা, শিক্ষক এবং নীতিনির্ধারকদের জন্য ডিজিটাল সাক্ষরতা, স্ব-নিয়ন্ত্রণ এবং স্বাস্থ্যকর অফলাইন অভ্যাসকে অগ্রাধিকার দিয়ে সামাজিক যোগাযোগ মাধ্যম ব্যবহারের জটিলতাগুলিকে দায়িত্বের সাথে মোকাবেলা করা অপরিহার্য।

Paragraph Writing E-mail E-mail is one of the most useful and wonderful inventions of modern science. Modern science has made impossible possible by inventing many useful and wonderful tools and devices. It has brought about the whole world to our grip . E-mail is one of the most useful means of communication in this new era E-mail communication is user to user via a computer. It is easier and cheaper than fax, telephone and telex. Telex is also an electric mail. Telex service is terminal to terminal while E-mail service is user to user via a computer. Privacy is fully maintained in E-mail service. Any messages can be sent from one corner to another of the globe within seconds by using E-mail service. Office-files can be exchanged easily and quickly by using this service. Now trade and commerce greatly depend on this rapid communication service. E-mail system has quickened the activities and transactions of any offices and banks, trade and commerce. Our student society enjoys a lot of advantages by using E-mail service. They can discuss with their teachers sitting at home through E-mail. They can also do library works and get necessary academic information through this useful service by staying at home. It has also quickened the globalization process. Besides, E-mail service saves a lot of papers and times. This service has made our life very easier and happier. E¬mail service should be made more popular in order to make our programmes and plans more successful and fruitful. Model Answer-2 E-mail Electronic mail, popularly known as ‘e-mail’, is the communication of textual messages via electronic means. E-mail is delivered to individual electronic mail boxes based in computers. In order to operate an e-mail system we need a personal computer, a modem and a telephone connection. An important advantage of e-mail is its ability to reduce the consumption of paper in the office. Internal memos and reports can be exchanged electronically without using paper. Being a computer-based messaging system, files prepared on computers can be instantly copied and easily exchanged as e-mail. E-mail turns out to be a cheaper alternative to telephone conversation and eliminates the time spent in establishing phone calls. E-mail permits communication between two parties without the parties actually being present simultaneously. Privacy is ensured as the mail is delivered to an individual’s mail box which can be accessed or opened only by the intended recipient. E-mail has brought about a revolution in modem communication. Messages can be transmitted from one country to another within seconds. E-mail transmission is very speedy. It is four times faster than FAX and ten tmes faster than telex. Trade and commerce has become greatly dependent on this speedy mode of communication. It has, however, not reached every one, especially in developing countries like ours, as most people cannot afford to have a personal computer. But even here people have started using commercially operated e-mail facilities for important purposes. Email Electronic mail or simply E-mail is very much popular now-a-days for its speedy transmission of information’s and cost effectiveness. Hence information provided by a sender is delivered asynchronously to a point where it can be retrieved and processed later on by one or more recipients of the sender’s choice. In an E-Mail system, there is a number and the sender keeps on dialing the desired number till he/she is successful. Once it is connected, the PC terminal of the sender sends the message to the PC terminal of the recipient at a very high speed. There is no need of any physical presence of both the sender and the receiver. The sender can enter the message and the receiver can retrieve it whenever he/she is free. The message will remain in PC’s memory. The transmission of messages is usually done through landlines or satellite communications or through marine cables. E-mail has lot of advantages to its credit. It is cost effective. Very less money is required In comparison to other transmission device. It is time saver. Within very short time messages can be sent. There is no need of presence of either the sender or the receiver. Once the message is entered into PC’s it will remain in the receiver PC’s memory. E-mail transmission is very speedy. It is four times faster than FAX and ten times faster than telex. There is the system of using password which each subscriber can choose to use. Hence E-mail gives security of message. Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing A Day Labourer ​ Everything is possible by means of labour. Without it, nothing can be done or achieved. A day labourer is he who has no land of his own and thus earns his bread by the sweat of his brow. He may work as a sweeper, a black-smith, a mason, a carpenter, a goldsmith, a peasant or a porter. His service is, no doubt, essential for the country. Still now a day labourer is very poor. He lives from hand to mouth. He has no fixed income. If he works daily, he gets wages. During the rainy days, he finds no work and he has to starve along with his family. He can hardly buy clothes or fancy things. He works in factories, ships, mines, agricultural fields and even in games and sports for overall prosperity of a country. He builds houses, sky-scrapers, but he himself lives in slums. He sets railway lines and builds highways. He brings mineral from the bottom of the earth. Thus he performs many kinds of works to earn his livelihood. Though he works hard all day long, he lives in misery and want. So, everyone of us should try heart and soul to improve the lot of these day labourers. If we are sympathetic with them, they will be benefited. Model Answer-2 A Day Labourer Labor is the cornerstone of achievement; without it, nothing can be accomplished. A day laborer is someone who doesn't own land and earns their livelihood through physical work. They may engage in various occupations such as sweeping, blacksmithing, masonry, carpentry, goldsmithing, farming, or portering. Their contribution to the country is undeniable, yet many day laborers live in poverty, barely making ends meet. Their income is inconsistent, dependent on daily work availability. During rainy seasons or times of economic downturn, they struggle to find employment, leading to hardships for themselves and their families. Basic necessities like clothing or luxuries are often out of reach. Day laborers can be found in factories, ships, mines, agricultural fields, and even in sports and entertainment, contributing to the nation's prosperity. They construct buildings, skyscrapers, and infrastructure like railways and highways, yet often reside in slums themselves. Despite their tireless efforts, they endure lives marked by hardship and deprivation. It is incumbent upon all of us to strive diligently to ameliorate the conditions of these day laborers. Through empathy and support, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives. Model Answer-3 A Day Labourer A day labourer is a very common figure in our agricultural land. A day labourer is a man who lives by unskilled and manual works. He usually lives in a slum or in a small hut. He has no good house of his own. He is a very laborious and strong bodied man. He lives from hand to mouth. He gets up at dawn After taking some stale rice lie goes out of doors in search of work .He works from dawn to dusk. He gets his wages at the end of the day. Then he goes to market. buys daily goods and returns home. He usually works in the agriculture or in the construction fields. Generally he wears old and dirty clothes. He works both in fair and rough weather. His income is very poor. He has to starvewith his family, when he finds no work. He lives below extreme poverty line. He looks older than his age . He hardly enjoy peace and happiness in life. He leads a very sorrowful and miserable life .In a word, he lives in wants and dies in wants. He is unable to educate his children owing to acute poverty. Inspite of unhappy life, he feels happy because he leads an honest life. Our agriculture, construction works and development activities can not be thought of without his honest labour. In fact, a day labourer is our real friend but he has no dignity ('jolts' Cam) and love in bur society. Necessary steps should be adopted to improve his wheels of lot for our greater interest. THE LIFE OF A DAY LABOURER A day labourer is he who has no land of his own and thus earns his bread by the sweat of the brow. He may work as a sweeper, a mason, a carpenter, a goldsmith, a peasant and an earth digger. His service is essential for the country. He produces crops by his hard labour. He cleans dirty places and makes them habitable. He builds houses, skyscrapers. He sets railway lines and builds highways. He works in the dockyard. He helps making launches, steamers and barges. He carries heavy loads of earth and digs canals. It is he who also works in ports. He works in mines. Drilling in gas-fields is made possible by his labour. In this way he performs many kinds of works to earn his livelihood. A day labourer is very poor. He can hardly make his both ends meet. He has no fixed income. He gets wages if he can hardly buy clothes or fancy things. He lives in slums. In some cases, he is found passing his time in gambling and drinking. He does not think of the future. So, he leads a hard and miserable life. We should find out ways and means to raise his position. A Day Labourer A day laborer is he who usually does hard manual labour to earn his livelihood for each single day m various fields. The picture of a day labourer is quite known to all. He is supposed to be healthy, strong and stout. He lives in a slum with his family, no wakes up early in the morning and goes out to searching of work. He works hard from dawn dusk for his employer and gets his wages in evening. Then he buys his daily necessaries by market and returns his slum. He is always  dependent on his employer. He earns a little which is not enough  to lead a smooth life. So. he and his family usually live from hand to mouth. When gets more work, he earns more and then he and members of his family eat to their heart's comic But in most of the cases it becomes hard for manage a work every day. Then his sufferings no bound. He and his family have to go without The life of a day labourer is full of sorrows and sufferings. He can hardly enjoy peace and happiness. He has to go out in search of work in all weathers. He works hard all day long and earns his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. He does not know what rest is. Though the service of a day labourer is of great importance, he is very much neglected. He is ill paid and can hardly make both ends. Anyway, he helps the rich to lead a comfortable life working in all weathers-foul or fair. Model Answer-2 Advanced A Day Labourer A day laborer is an individual who engages in arduous manual work to earn a livelihood on a daily basis in various fields. The portrayal of a day laborer is well-known; he is typically regarded as sturdy, robust, and physically fit. Often living in impoverished slums with his family, he rises early each morning in search of work. From dawn until dusk, he labors tirelessly for his employer, receiving his meager wages in the evening to purchase his daily necessities from the market before returning to his abode. The day laborer is entirely reliant on his employer and earns a meager wage that is insufficient to sustain a comfortable standard of living, forcing him and his family to exist from hand to mouth. In the event that he obtains more work, he earns more, and then he and his family may enjoy a hearty meal. However, finding work every day is often a challenging task, and in such cases, his hardships know no bounds. The life of a day laborer is fraught with sorrows and suffering, with little room for peace and happiness. He must venture out in all weather conditions in search of work, toiling all day long to eke out a living by the sweat of his brow. He is perpetually without respite. Although the service of a day laborer is of immense importance, he is often neglected, poorly compensated, and struggles to make ends meet. Nonetheless, he aids the affluent in leading a comfortable life, working tirelessly through all weathers, fair or foul. Bangla Translation: Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing DEBATING Debating is a part of education. It is not only interesting and amusing but also has an educative value in sharpening people’s wits and brightening their intelligence. The students of the reputed school form a society for the purpose of carrying on debates on various subjects. It is known as debating society. In a debate a particular subject is chosen first. The persons of a debating society divide themselves into two groups. One group supports in favour of the subject and another opposes the subject. Both sides try to charm the house by their arguments. The discussion brings out the merits and demerits and ascertains through argument whether it is acceptable or not. At the end, the President clearly explains for and against the subject and closes the debates. Debating develops the power of thinking and expressions of the students. Through this, students get practical training to cultivate reasoning power and the power of thinking. Debating develops a student’s power of speech. It helps pupils to speak logically and relevantly. Debating widens the domain of knowledge. Above all, debating itself is a good education. Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing DUTY TOWARDS ELDERLY PERSONS A common saying goes that childhood is a dream, youth a blunder and old age a regret. Many of the old, aged, elderly persons continue to be battered, strangled to death, rendered homeless and forced to live the last few years of their life in loneliness and despair. Elderly persons are the people of greater age, experience and authority. They were the strength of our civilisation. In every locality there are lots of elderly persons. We can take many effective measures for them. We can extend helping hand to elders. We can raise a fund for the welfare of the older persons. By this fund we can establish an older persons’ inn. All the helpless older people of the locality will be able to stay there free of living cost, medical treatment cost etc. With the help of the wealthy section of society we can provide them all kinds of human rights for their recreation and reminiscence. We can arrange gathering for them. Whenever they are in any kind of trouble we can come forth to help them. We can let them know the current information of the world. We can include them in our working opportunity. Social awareness can be raised for the welfare of the elderly persons. We must be kind to them. We must treat them as they treated us when we were helpless babies creeping upon the earth. In a word, the elderly persons should not be neglected anyway. Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing Cyber Café: A site for multidimensional communication Cyber Café is the centre where the Internet users can have an easy access to get all types of information. In a cyber cafe there are arranged many computers with Internet connection. Here one can use Internet paying the required amount of money. Different types of people come to a cyber cafe in quest of different types of information. The modern cyber cafe is established providing the users with all sorts of facilities including fast food facilities. Most of the students go to a cyber cafe to get help from various educational corners. At times they collect information of different universities of the world for higher education and sometimes for better job. Those days are not so far when the students can take their class lecture from anywhere of the worlds. It is also sure that some users go to a cyber cafe for gossiping with their friends through Internet. Again, one can have a telephone call with the help of net2phone and with other popular programmes and devices. Some users go there with a view to checking their emails. Some are compelled to go to a cyber cafe because their telephone lines at home remain busy with normal phoning. Going to a cyber cafe the users can get the advantages of voicemail, email, telephone, web-phone, fax, telex and even videoconference. But for videoconference the cyber cafe requires a web camera or a digital video camera that gives the facility of enjoying movie-live pictures each other of the users. Nowadays a physician can treat a patient staying in other country through Internet. Moreover, the modern professional doctors are getting opportunities to make themselves up-to-date and becoming familiar with the new and latest systems of treatments. Besides these, all types of learners are to go to a cyber cafe not only for solving their perspective problems but also for having an acquisition of wisdom from the online Encarta Encyclopaedia, Britannica and many others. Browsing homepage and purchase-corner, the users can learn the price, quality etc of different products of different companies; and they can order them sending MasterCard, Visa-Card, Ready-Cash etc. through Internet. One can download freeware software, virus-protection tools and many other essentials from the web-site of Internet. Web-TV, 3-D games, virtual-reality, IRC (Internet Relay Chat) and so on cannot but excite our mind with entertainment. But the youngsters sometimes enjoy the taboo and obscene pictures and movies that may harm their moral characters. Moreover, they may spend time and money more than necessary. After all, we can say that cyber cafe is getting more and more popular day by day for its great importance. Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing Arranging books in a library ​ A library is a room or building where we can read various types of books, journals, periodicals etc. and satisfy our thirst for knowledge. All of the books in a library are organized in some categories or classes and then arranged alphabetically within their classes. There are two systems for organizing books in a library. One is called the Dewey Decimal System and the other is known as the Library of the Congress System. Most of the libraries follow the Dewey Decimal System. Under the Dewey Decimal System, the books are grouped into ten major categories or subject areas. Each category is assigned a range of numbers and every book in the category is assigned its own special number within that number range. For instance, Science is assigned with numbers from 500 to 599. A particular science book can have a number such as 542.46 or 581.93. A science book would never have a number such as 800 or 200. The number that is assigned to a book is called call number. However, in this way books are arranged ip a library. A library can offer us immense knowledge. So, we should visit a library regularly to enrich our depth of knowledge. Model Answer-2 Model Answer-3 Bangla Translation: Composition / Essay Writing

Paragraph Writing BANGLADESH : MY COUNTRY ​ Bangladesh is in South Asia on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The Bay of Bengal is on the south and the other three sides of the country are surrounded by India but she shares a bit of the south-east border with Myanmar. The Tropic of Cancer and the 90° longitudinal line intersect almost in the middle of the country. She became independent from Pakistan in 1971. The total land area of the country is 1,44,570 square kilometres and population is about 130 million. Almost all the people of the country speak Bangla. English is also used widely as well. There area number of tribal dialects. About 85 per cent of the people are Muslims and the rest are Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. The national dress for men is pyjama and punjabi and for women saree and blouse. But educated people wear generally trousers and shirts and young women salowar and kamiz. The farmers, the majority of the population, wear longi and shirts. Dhaka is the capital of this country and Chittagong, the port city, is called the commercial capital of the country. Cox's Bazar for its silvery sandy sea beach and Rangamati with ever-green hills and lakes are special natural sites worth-seeing for the tourists. The society is generally male-dominated but nowadays both men and women manage the finances and maintain the family. Female rights are acknowledged and they are encouraged in every sector of the country. Model Answer-2 Advanced BANGLADESH : MY COUNTRY Bangladesh is a sovereign nation located in South Asia, bordering India to the west, north, and east, with Myanmar to the southeast and the Bay of Bengal to the south. The country covers an area of 1,44,570 square kilometres and has an estimated population of approximately 130 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The Tropic of Cancer and the 90° longitudinal line intersect near the country's geographic centre. Bangladesh achieved its independence from Pakistan in 1971, after a nine-month-long war.The majority of the population speaks Bengali, while English is widely used as a second language. Additionally, there are numerous tribal dialects spoken throughout the country. The religious demographics of the country show that around 85% of the population is Muslim, with the rest being Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. The national dress for men is traditionally pyjama and punjabi, while women wear saree and blouse, although the younger generation often opts for more modern attire like salowar and kamiz.Dhaka, the capital city, is the cultural and economic centre of the country, while Chittagong, the port city, is regarded as the commercial capital. Tourists flock to the country's natural treasures such as Cox's Bazar, which boasts a stunning silver sandy beach, and Rangamati, with its lush green hills and tranquil lakes.While traditionally male-dominated, Bangladeshi society is evolving, with women becoming increasingly active in various sectors of the country. Female rights are acknowledged and encouraged, with both men and women now managing finances and maintaining the family. Bangladesh's rich history and diverse cultural heritage, combined with its natural beauty, make it a fascinating and vibrant country. Model Answer-3 OUR COUNTRY Bangladesh is our country. She came into existence on the 16th of December, 1971. The soil, the sky, the wind, in fact, everything of this country is very dear to me. Bangladesh is an over populated country. Abut 114 million people live in this country. The Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists and the Christians are notable among them. They live here in peace and amity. She is an agricultural country. Her soil is very fertile. Jute is the important cash-crop of Bangladesh. Wheat, rice, oil-seeds, tobacco etc are also produced here. Bangladesh is a land of rivers. She is rich in river wealth and raw materials. She exports fish to different countries and earns much foreign exchange. Dhaka, the most populated city in the country, is the capital of Bangladesh. Chittagong and Chalna are important sea-ports of this land. Bangladesh is a picturesque land. She has six seasons. Much of the beauty of the country is contributed by numerous trees of different sizes. Flowers are the special gift of nature in Bangladesh. They lend colour, smell beauty and charm to the land. Bangladesh though was once a country of plenty and affluence, has lost much of the wealth as time has passed on. However I love my country with all my heart. Composition / Essay Writing MY COUNTRY WHICH MAKES ME PROUD The name of our beloved country is Bangladesh. It is a small low-lying country in the South Asia. It stands on the Bay of Bengal. On 16 December, 1971, at the cost of the sea of blood our country became independent. The total land area of our country is about 1,44,570 square kilometres. Though not very large in area, she has a big population. At present, about 14 crore people live. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh. In our country, there are different communities of people. They have different religions. The religions of the people are Islam, the Hinduism, the Christianity and the Budhaism. The people of different tribes live in our country in religious harmony. Our country is Criss-crossed by so many rivers and canals. The Padma, the Meghna and the Jamuna, among others, are the main big rivers of our country. Most of these rivers have their origins in the Himalayas and fall into the Bay of Bengal. These rivers, big or small, contribute a lot to the agriculture and economy of the country. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people here. About eighty per cent of the total population depends wholly or partially on agriculture. Jute, rice, tea, sugarcane, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, wheat, potato, tobacco and cotton are the main crops of Bangladesh. Ours is a land of natural beauty. It is a land of wonder and freshness. There are six seasons in Bangladesh. Each season comes with its own colour and adds to the beauty of nature. The wide corn fields, green trees, murmuring streams, the large fields, the hills and mountains of Chittagong, the large sea-beach at Cox's Bazar, the many flowers with different colours, the birds with their sweet song— all these have made this land a beautiful place of natural beauty. The beauty of nature marvels the eyes. Since Bangladesh is the darling child of nature, she has got some attractive tourist spots. They are Cox's Bazar sea-beach, Kuakata, the Sundarbans, the Shatgombuj Mosque, the Buddhist Vihara and so on. Bangladesh has age-old traditions and customs. People observe different festivals on different occasions. Our beloved motherland is so varied and rich in different cultures and festivals, that it seems to be a wonder land which is a specialgift of the Almighty Allah. Bangladesh: My Country Bangladesh is a beautiful country located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on the west, north, and east, Myanmar to the southeast, and the Bay of Bengal to the south. The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka, which is one of the most populated cities in the world. Bangladesh has a rich history, culture, and heritage, and it is known for its warm and friendly people. The country has a tropical climate, which means it is generally hot and humid. During the summer, Bangladesh experiences a lot of rain, especially in the monsoon season. The country has many rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna, which play an important role in the lives of the people. The rivers provide water for farming, transportation, and fishing. Bangladesh is known for its rich culture, which includes music, dance, literature, and art. The Bengali language is spoken by most people in the country, and it is an important part of the national identity. The country also has many famous festivals, such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and Durga Puja, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The people of Bangladesh are hardworking, and the country is famous for its agriculture, especially rice, jute, and tea. Bangladesh is also known for its textiles and garments industry, which is one of the largest in the world. Many people in Bangladesh work in these industries to support their families. Despite facing challenges like poverty and natural disasters, the people of Bangladesh are resilient and continue to work hard for a better future. Education and healthcare have improved in recent years, and the country is slowly progressing toward development. In conclusion, Bangladesh is a country with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and hardworking people. It is a place I am proud to call my home. BANGLADESH (INFORMATION IN BRIEF ABOUT) Nestled in the crook of the Bay of Bengal and braided by fingers of the Ganges delta, Bangladesh offers interesting views of the rural countryside. The charming scenes of the boats plying on the country’s innumerable rivers, reputedly the longest beach in the world, and the largest littoral mangrove forest in the world, archaeological sites of cultures dating back over 2000 years. all the picture of Bangladesh give an envious sight to any foreigner or an outsider. Geography: Bangladesh has a total area of 147,570 sq. kilometers, roughly the same size as Wisconsin or England and Wales combined. India borders Bangladesh to the north-west, to the east by Myanmar and India and to the south the Bay of Bengal. Yet this geographic habitat called Bangladesh is only three decades old. Ancient Bengal was much larger in size and saw the evolution of many states and kingdoms. It is surrounded to the west, north-west and east by India and shares a south-eastern border with Myanmar far 283 kilometers. To the south is the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial river plains, which dominate 90% of the country, are very flat and never rise more than 10 metres above sea level. Overall, Bangladesh has no great mountains or deserts, and is characterised more by wooded marshlands and jungles, with forest regions constituting 15% of the total land area. Rivers: Rivers are the most important geographical feature in Bangladesh, and it is rivers which created the vast alluvial delta. The outflow of water from Bangladesh is the third highest in the world after the Amazon and the Congo systems. The rivers of Bangladesh had been described as ‘young and migratory’ and even in the last 100 years there have been massive changes of course. Many of the little lakes and ponds scattered around the country are the equivalent of the Australian billabongs- lagoons created when branches of meandering rivers are cut off. Annual flooding during the monsoon season is part of life in Bangladesh. The Brahmaputra, Jamuna and the lower Meghna are the mildest rivers, with the latter expanding to around eight kilometres across in the wet season, and much more when it is in flood. The Ganges and the Brahmaputra rivers both receive new names once they pass into Bangladesh --- the Ganges becomes the Padma, while the Brahmaputra is known as the Jamuna. It is these great rivers and the countless tributaries that flow from them that have the most apparent effect on the land-form, constant erosion and flooding over the alluvial plains, change the course of rivers landscapes and agriculture. History: The history of Bangladesh has been one of extremes of turmoil and peace, prosperity and destitution. It has thrived in the glow of cultural splendour and suffered the ravages of war. Throughout its tumultuous history it has known internal warfare, suffered invasion upon invasion, witnessed the rise and fall of mighty empires and several religions, and benefited from the trade and culture brought from foreign lands. Our history therefore is old and old enough to be proud of. Naturally the artefacts of this civilization and culture are strewn across this land. Climate: The climate of Bangladesh is subtropical and tropical with temperatures ranging from an average daytime low of 21 °C in the cold season to a top of 35°C in the hot season. Three quarters of the annual rainfall occurs between June and September. The 90% to 95% humidity in this season is almost unbearably for some travellers. The humidity remains high all year round; producing the thick fogs of winter, and making chilly nights in the north feel much colder than they are. Flora & Fauna: Like most of the northern flatlands of the subcontinent, Bangladesh is both subtropical and tropical. This has given rise to a great variety of flora and fauna. About 10% of Bangladesh is still forested. Half of the remaining forest is in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and a further quarter in the Sundarbans with the rest scattered in small pockets throughout the country. Besides half of the country is located in the tropics, flowering plants make up an integral part of Bangladesh. Each season produces its special variety of flowers. Bangladesh is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and others of the cat family such as leopards and the smaller jungle cat. Other large animals include Asiatic elephants, a few black bears, wild pigs and deer. Reptiles include the sea tortoise, mud turtle, river tortoise, pythons, crocodiles and a variety of poisonous snakes. Marine life includes a wide variety of both rivers and sea fish. Between the natural and human problems of Bangladesh, it’s difficult to imagine that the country can boast of being the habitat of more than 650 species of birds, almost half of those found on the entire subcontinent. Government & Politics: Bangladesh is a constitutional republic --- a multiparty parliamentary democracy in which elections by secret ballot are held on the basis of universal suffrage. The theoretical head of state is the president, who is elected by the members of parliament for a five-year term and can hold office for no more than two terms, whether or not they are consecutive. Population: The population of Bangladesh is close to 170 million, making it the most densely populated country in the world, with the exception of several city-states. On a per square kilometre basis, it is three times more populated than India and seven times more populated than China. Despite the density of population, rural Bangladesh is only beginning to filling crowded. There aren’t endless sprawls of depressing slums and industrial wastelands, mainly because land is too precious to sprawl over the industrial development is still fairly low. The countryside is green and lovely and the air is clean. People: Bangladesh has been a melting pot of peoples and cultures for a very long time. People from Myanmar and the Himalayas, Dravidians (the original inhabitants of the subcontinent), and the invading Aryans made up the first blend of people here. With the arrival of the Mughals, people from all over the Islamic world settled here. The Dravidians, with their racial origins in the Deccan Plateau, are mainly Hindus and constitute about 12% of the population. The Muslims, who make up 87%, are of Dravido-Aryan origin. The original tribal people still exist, mainly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, though they now number less than 1% of the total population. Many of the tribes have been converted to Christianity, although animism still strongly influences their beliefs and practices. The Tibet-Burmese inhabitants are mainly Buddhists and less than the 1% of the population is Christian. The family sticks together, even in the more westernised middle classes, and most people have a ‘home village’ to which they return to weekends or holidays. Tribal People: The tribal population of Bangladesh numbers almost one million. They live generally in the hilly regions north of Mymensingh, the Sylhet area, and more than half a million are concentrated in the wooded Chittagong Hill Tracts. Others live in urban areas such as Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar. Rice and wine are the staple food of these hill people, but included in the tribal menu are snakes, beetles, crabs, fish, snails, pigs, dogs, buffaloes, deer, ants and chickens. Many of the tribes influenced by Hinduism, along with the Chankmas, Moghs and Marmas who are Buddhists, cremate their dead. Others, such as the Khasis, bury their dead the place headstones on their graves. The dwellings of the hill people are usually bamboo huts; either on stilts or flat on the ground, and their farming methods are ancient. Some still retain curious traditional customs such as the stone-lifting ceremony of the Khasta, which may have originated from Tibet or even the northern mountain areas of Pakistan. Many of the tribes still have very little contact with outside world, but as modern civilisation begins to encroach on their territories, more and more of the younger villages are moving to the urban areas for employment. ARTS: The people of the Bengal region share a similarity of language, dress, music and literature across the national boundaries. Certainly the Bengali passion for politics and poetry seems to spill across the border between West Bengal and Bangladesh. The region also has a multifaceted folk heritage, provided by its ancient animist, Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim roots. Weaving, pottery and terracotta sculpture are some of the earliest forms of artistic expression. Literature, too, had a place early on. Oral traditions of verse, in the forms of Hindu and Buddhist translations and local mythology, were preceded by itinerant theatre performing groups, whose rural wanderings date back 2000 years. Even today poetry is taken seriously by the Bangladeshis, who consider themselves, at heart to have the depth of passion and sensitivity of a poet. Folk Art: Most of the traditional culture is folk culture although, except for the revival in weaving and dyeing, about the only places you’ll see concrete examples of it are museums. Weaving have always held a special place in the artistic expression of the country. Needlework, with its roots in antiquity, has become a cottage industry. The most pervasive form of popular culture, the paintings on rickshaws and trucks, also upholds local history and myth. Many paintings are just rehashes of film posters, but some, especially on trucks, are very fine native art. Folk Theatre: The jatra, or folk theatre, is common at the village level, and usually takes place during harvest time or at melas, village fairs. The performances, conducted with much music and dance, were traditionally based on religious, folk, or historic themes which served to preserve the lore of the village. Literature: Best known in the literature of Bangladesh are the works of the great Bengali poets Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam. Tagore received international acclaim after being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, though he always remained close to the Bangladeshi heart. The ‘rebel poet’ and composer Nazrul Islam is considered the national poet of Bangladesh During the time the country was suffering under colonial rule, Nazrul employed poetry to challenge intellectual complacency and spark feelings of nationalism. Society & Conduct: Centuries of isolation, even when foreign powers ruled, have produced people, customs and values that are typically Bengali in nature. On the surface, Bangladeshis may appear to be abrupt, unsophisticated and at times aggressive. At the heart of things, they are warm, hospitable and exceedingly helpful. Traditional Culture: More than 80% of the population live in rural villages. Even for the city dwellers, there is a strong connection to the ‘home village’. Most earn their living from the land, either by farming their own, which is becoming less common as the population increases, or by working for someone else. Rural lives are bounded by dependency: on the elders of the family, on the employer or village patron, or on some other authority figure. Loyalty to the group is an essential cultural value, and one that carries over to urban life. At the core of this group is the extended family which forms the basis of social and economic life in Bangladesh and remains a cornerstone despite the shift towards nuclear families, a product of growing urbanisation. The head of the household assumes much of the responsibility and provides for parents, children and other relatives. They all may occupy one house or compound area, and establish separate kitchens as the family grows and more independence is sought. The concept of privacy is not a part of the culture in Bangladesh and one will probably see this exemplified most in the Bangladeshi habit of staring at the unusual --- be it an activity, event or person. The most common form of dress for men is a longyi and an ordinary shirt. Trousers and other western clothing are popular among the younger generation and business people; though once at home almost everyone reverts to traditional dress. The longyi is a cylindrical, shirt-like garment which is wrapped and tied at the waist. A T-shirt or button-down shirt is worn over it. The Indian-style Punjabi suit, an open-collared tunic worn over loose-fitting pants, is also a popular style of dress. The majority of women wear a sari; a six-foot length of material wrapped in a rather complicated fashion around their bodies Worn under this is a short blouse and a plain cotton shirt. A salwar kameez, a long dress-like tunic worn over baggy trousers, is the modern woman’s alternative to the sari. A long scarf called a dupatta or orna, is draped backwards over the shoulders to cover the chest. One end of the scarf can be used to cover the head for an even more modest appearance. Women: Bangladeshi women bear the brunt of many of the country’s problems. Numerous pregnancies from puberty to menopause, hard work and a poor diet mean that many women suffer ill health. With the stresses of a patriarchal society and, in rural areas, taboos from much older cultures it isn’t surprising that the rate of mental illness and suicide among women are high. The birth of a daughter is met with less fanfare than that of a son. The sum of a girl’s training is usually directed towards the family, home, and eventually motherhood. The overall illiteracy rate of women rises above 80%. Most marriages are arranged by the parents, and in rural villages the general marriageable age for girls is well below the legal minimum of 18 years. There are a number of development projects which have sprung up over the past few years directed at women’s concerns. These focus on training programmes, health care and legal representation that are intended to foster independence and self­sufficiency. Language: Bangla, or Bengali, is the national language and the official language of Bangladesh. Bengali, or Bangla, is the easternmost of the Indo-European languages and finds its roots in the local speech of Bengal, Pali. In addition to Arabic, Urdu and Persian words, the Sanskrit to Brahmin Hindus was assimilated into the local speech, giving Bengali a strong resemblance to Hindi, with some variation in pronunciation. The vocabulary was further expanded through contact with European traders and merchants. Today, Bangla has a number of regional variations but remains essentially the same throughout Bangladesh. Remarkable places in Bangladesh: Dhaka has been the centre of Bengal from Mughal times. Dhaka has actually been designated as the capital of Bangladesh four times. Even three to four hundred years ago Dhaka, also known as the city of Muslim and conch shells was one of the best cities of the world. What was once a city of gardens, has now become one of the busiest cities of the world with a population of over ten million. Even as history fades giving way to skyscrapers, Lalbagh Fort remains witness to the Mughal regime, Ahsan Manzil to the British Rule and the monument at Savar to independence, the sacrifice and struggle of the Bangalees. Rayerbazar stands testimony to the three million lives that were lost in creating this country. And Bangabandhu Bridge, the eleventh longest in the world is indicative of the surge the nation is making towards future progress. Chittagong, also referred to as the land of twelve saints, is probably the most varied division of the country, rich in mineral resources. It is surrounded by the hills on one side and the sea on the other. And so, while the sea can be seen from many parts of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, boasting the longest natural beach in the world, is perhaps the most eye-catching venue. Chittagong port, the country’s main seaport borders the Karnaphuli river and is often referred to as the gateway to Bangladesh. Comilla, which is part of Chittagong division, harbours the remains of an ancient Buddhist civilization at Mainamati. It is also a major reserve of gas resource. Barisal, lapped by the rivers was once known as the Venice of Bengal. It was here from where Poet Jibanananda Das composed his poetry eulogizing the beauty of Bengal. What delightful wonder there is among the gardens of betel nut and coconut trees, the life on the rivers and the ‘hilsa’ fish laden boats that meander down the rivers with the wind in their sails. Brojomohon College occupies a significant place in the country’s educational history, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College is a measure of progress while the sunrise and sunset observed from the beach at Kuakata in Patuakhali is somewhat like a dream. Khulna is synonymous with the Sunderbans, now included in UNESCO’S list of heritage sites. Rabindranath Tagore, who composed the songs that is now the national anthem of Bangladesh, spent many years in this region at Shilaidaha Kuthibari. The most exquisite mosque in Bangladesh, Bagerhat’s ‘Sixty domed mosque’ remains as a symbol to the glorious Islamic progression in the region. This too has been included as a heritage site by UNESCO. Lalon Shah’s den is where one must go to invoke the mysticism of the minstrel as he sang of equality of man. In this region is located Mujibnagar at Meherpur, where the government in exile led the fledgling Bangladesh on its first steps forward. Sylhet may be small in dimension but is large in natural riches. Two buds in a leaf is how Sylhet is described and the beauty spreads from the picturesque tea gardens to the breathtaking beauty of Madhabkundo and Jaflong. For the faithful the road leads to the Saint Shah Jalal’s tomb. There is a myth that following the call to prayer by Shah Jalal, the mighty hills melted into water. One thing that is for sure is the huge Jalalabad gas fields and the Haripur oil strike, on which the future of Bangladesh is based. Barind is the cradle of Bengal’s ancient civilization. It is here that stands the remains of one of ancient civilisation’s extravaganzas, Mohasthangarh and Paharpur. Choto Sona, Bagha or Kusmbha mosque is a reflection of the influence of the Sufis in the northern part of the country. The magnificent Kantaijir Mandir speaks of the flourishment of the Hindu religion. The landlords of this area were at one time the most powerful in the country, a manifestation evident in the number of palatial Zamindar residences. Perhaps the most manifestation edifice among these is the Diighapatiya Zamindar residence, which has since been converted into Uttara Gonobhavan. Educational institutions flourished in this region and Carmichael College in Rangpur features as one of the most noteworthy. And the huge Teesta barrage flushes the dry Barind area of produced bounteous crops. The salient features of this history and heritage are religious tolerance, heartfelt emotions and humanism. Nations with no glorious heritage have nothing to be proud of and so these are the historical and cultural bonds that accompany the Bangalees as they step ahead. No matter whichever region one goes to there will always be some or the other heritage point to be seen. This is a country which boasts variety even in vastness brought about by the sea and the hills. BANGLADESH / OUR MOTHERLAND / OUR COUNTRY Like a phoenix that arises from its own ashes, Bangladesh too arose from the ashes of the revolutionary fire that had swept through it and emerged as a brave new free nation. Bangladesh is a proud nation as it emerged through a glorious freedom fight. The name of my homeland is Bangladesh. She is a small country with large population. She became free and independent on the 16th December 1971. The soil, the sky, the wind, in fact, everything of this country is dear to me. Bangladesh is a South Asian country. She is surrounded on the west, north and east by Indian territories. She borders on Myanmar on the south-east. The Bay of Bengal lies on the south. The area of Bangladesh is about 1,48,393 square kilometres. She is divided into six divisions and 64 districts. Bangladesh is mainly a plain land criss-crossed by a network of rivers and canals. She is a land of alluvial soil, forming a part of the Gangetic plan. In the eastern and south-eastern regions there are only a few hilly tracts. The land of Bangladesh is very fertile. Our farmers can easily dig, plough and prepare the soil with there simple hand-made tools. Bangladesh has sub-tropical climate and receives heavy monsoon showers from April to September. There are six seasons is Bangladesh. They are summer, rains, autumn, late autumn, winter and spring. Dhaka, the most populated city in the country, is the capital of Bangladesh. The total population of our country is about 13 crore. In point of the size of population, she is the eighth largest country in the world. People of different religions live in Bangladesh. The Muslims, the Hindus, the Buddhists and the Christians are notable among them. About eighty percent of the people of Bangladesh are Muslims. People of different religions live here in peace and amity. Most of the people of our country are illiterate. The main cause of the backwardness of our country is illiteracy. The government and the other organisations of the country are firmly determined to remove the cause of illiteracy from the country within the shortest possible time. Chiefly an agricultural country, Bangladesh produces a substantial quantity of jute, oil seeds, rice, sugar cane and pulses. Seventy percent of the world’s jute is produced in the country. The hilly slopes of Sylhet and Chittagong produce tea. The fertile land of our country makes the production of fruits easy. She produces various kinds of fruits. Most of them are fleshy. Some of them contain watery juice. The fruits of Bangladesh are mangoes, jackfruits, pineapples, papaws, coconuts, palms, guavas, bananas, lichis, lemons, blackberries, plums, melons, native-apples, star-apples, wood-apples etc. Most of the fruits produced in Bangladesh are health giving. Fish forms a principal item of our food next only to rice. There are innumerable kinds of fish in Bangladesh. Of them the hilsa, rohit, katla, mrigel, kai, magur, shigi, chital, boal, vetki, tangra, pabda and punti are the most common. Some of these live in rivers, some in tanks or ponds, some in swamps and some, again, in seas. Fishes are of many sizes and colours. Page: 2 Bangladesh is the favourite child of nature. Different kinds of flowers bloom in Bangladesh in every season. The Rose is the most beautiful of all flowers. The Marigold looks golden. It is scentless. The Chameli, the Beli, the Karabi, the Malati, the Jui are noted for their sweet scent. The Cosmos and the Dalia add to the beauty of our gardens in winter. The Krishnachura, the Kadam, the Palash are also very beautiful flowers. Many wild flowers are also found in the bushes and jungles of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a land of rivers. The Padma, the Meghna, the Jamuna, the Brahmaputra, the Karnafuli are the main rivers of Bangladesh. Besides, there are many other rivers and their tributaries as well. Bangladesh is not yet fully industrialised. But it is famous for jute industry. Tea is also exported and earns a lot of foreign exchange every year. There are also textile-mils, sugar-mills, cement-industry, and fertilizer industries. There are a rich source of hydro-electricity, cheap labour and a ready made market. Until March 25, 1971 Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan, one of the two states into which the sub-continent was divided when the British rulers transferred power in 1947. While a part of Pakistan, Bangladesh (then called East Pakistan) experienced the worst type injustice. Exploitation and tyranny bred discontent and resentment. When the people demanded rectification of their grievances, they were threatened with utter slavery and extinction. This led them to wage a war of survival. They won and emerged as an independent nation. Bangladesh is a picturesque land. She has six seasons. This bears testimony to the fact that in this country there is more variety in a year. Much of the beauty of the country is contributed by numerous trees of different sizes. They not only add beauty and charm to the land but also make a great source of wealth to the country. Bangladesh is a land of rivers. Few sights on earth can be compared in variety and beauty with the sight of a river in Bangladesh. At different times of the day it presents different scenes. Flowers are the special gift of nature in Bangladesh. They lend colour, smell, beauty and charm to the land. Among other natural beauties, green paddy fields, tea gardens and hills deserve mention. Bangladesh, having a glorious past, is a seat of ancient civilization. In Bangladesh there are many places which are the seats of ancient civilization of a high order. Places like Paharpur, Mahasthangarh and Mainamati and numerous historical monuments and relics give evidence to our glorious past, rich culture and high civilization. Bangladesh was once a country of plenty and affluence. Her granaries were full of food grains. Her cowsheds were full of cattle. But today she is in want and poverty. However, I love my country with all my heart. I shall do my best to make my country strong. And it is expected that with the co-operation between the Government and the people, the country will be self-sufficient in near future. Your Homeland / Motherland My homeland is Bangladesh. It is a small but beautiful country in South Asia. Although it is not a rich country, it is rich in natural beauty, culture, and tradition. Bangladesh is known as the land of rivers because many rivers flow through the country. The green fields, vast crops, and beautiful villages make my homeland attractive and unique. The people of Bangladesh are friendly, simple, and hardworking. Most of them live in villages and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Our country has a long and glorious history. We achieved our independence in 1971 through a great Liberation War. The brave freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our motherland. Therefore, we always remember them with deep respect and gratitude. Bangladesh has many natural resources and tourist attractions. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is one of the greatest treasures of our country. Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world, attracts many local and foreign tourists every year. Besides, there are many historical and cultural sites that reflect our rich heritage. The people of Bangladesh celebrate various national and religious festivals with great joy and enthusiasm. Pohela Boishakh, Victory Day, and Independence Day are some of our important national occasions. These festivals strengthen our unity and national identity. However, Bangladesh also faces some challenges such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and environmental problems. Despite these difficulties, the country is making steady progress in education, technology, healthcare, and economic development. The people are working hard to build a better future. I love my homeland very much. It is the land where I was born and raised. Its rivers, fields, culture, and people are very dear to me. I am proud of my country and always try to contribute to its development. I believe that Bangladesh will become a more prosperous and developed nation in the future. My homeland is my pride, my love, and my inspiration. বাংলা অনুবাদ আমার মাতৃভূমি আমার মাতৃভূমি বাংলাদেশ। এটি দক্ষিণ এশিয়ার একটি ছোট কিন্তু সুন্দর দেশ। যদিও এটি ধনী দেশ নয়, তবুও এটি প্রাকৃতিক সৌন্দর্য, সংস্কৃতি এবং ঐতিহ্যে সমৃদ্ধ। বাংলাদেশকে নদীমাতৃক দেশ বলা হয়, কারণ অসংখ্য নদী এ দেশের বুক চিরে বয়ে গেছে। সবুজ শস্যক্ষেত, বিস্তীর্ণ ফসলের মাঠ এবং সুন্দর গ্রামগুলো আমার মাতৃভূমিকে আকর্ষণীয় ও অনন্য করে তুলেছে। বাংলাদেশের মানুষ বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণ, সহজ-সরল এবং পরিশ্রমী। তাদের অধিকাংশ গ্রামে বাস করে এবং কৃষির ওপর নির্ভরশীল। আমাদের দেশের একটি দীর্ঘ ও গৌরবময় ইতিহাস রয়েছে। ১৯৭১ সালে মহান মুক্তিযুদ্ধের মাধ্যমে আমরা স্বাধীনতা অর্জন করি। সাহসী মুক্তিযোদ্ধারা মাতৃভূমির স্বাধীনতার জন্য নিজেদের জীবন উৎসর্গ করেছিলেন। তাই আমরা তাঁদের গভীর শ্রদ্ধা ও কৃতজ্ঞতার সঙ্গে স্মরণ করি। বাংলাদেশে অনেক প্রাকৃতিক সম্পদ ও দর্শনীয় স্থান রয়েছে। বিশ্বের বৃহত্তম ম্যানগ্রোভ বন সুন্দরবন আমাদের দেশের অন্যতম শ্রেষ্ঠ সম্পদ। বিশ্বের দীর্ঘতম প্রাকৃতিক সমুদ্রসৈকত কক্সবাজার প্রতি বছর অসংখ্য দেশি-বিদেশি পর্যটককে আকর্ষণ করে। এছাড়াও অনেক ঐতিহাসিক ও সাংস্কৃতিক স্থান রয়েছে, যা আমাদের সমৃদ্ধ ঐতিহ্যের পরিচয় বহন করে। বাংলাদেশের মানুষ বিভিন্ন জাতীয় ও ধর্মীয় উৎসব অত্যন্ত আনন্দ ও উৎসাহের সঙ্গে উদযাপন করে। পহেলা বৈশাখ, বিজয় দিবস এবং স্বাধীনতা দিবস আমাদের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ জাতীয় দিবসগুলোর মধ্যে অন্যতম। এসব উৎসব আমাদের ঐক্য ও জাতীয় পরিচয়কে আরও দৃঢ় করে। তবে বাংলাদেশ দারিদ্র্য, বেকারত্ব, দুর্নীতি এবং পরিবেশগত সমস্যার মতো কিছু চ্যালেঞ্জের সম্মুখীন। এসব সমস্যা সত্ত্বেও দেশ শিক্ষা, প্রযুক্তি, স্বাস্থ্যসেবা এবং অর্থনৈতিক উন্নয়নের ক্ষেত্রে ধারাবাহিক অগ্রগতি অর্জন করছে। দেশের মানুষ একটি উন্নত ভবিষ্যৎ গড়ার জন্য কঠোর পরিশ্রম করছে। আমি আমার মাতৃভূমিকে খুব ভালোবাসি। এটি সেই দেশ যেখানে আমার জন্ম ও বেড়ে ওঠা। এর নদী, মাঠ, সংস্কৃতি এবং মানুষ আমার কাছে অত্যন্ত প্রিয়। আমি আমার দেশ নিয়ে গর্বিত এবং এর উন্নয়নে অবদান রাখার চেষ্টা করি। আমি বিশ্বাস করি, ভবিষ্যতে বাংলাদেশ আরও সমৃদ্ধ ও উন্নত রাষ্ট্রে পরিণত হবে। আমার মাতৃভূমি আমার গর্ব, আমার ভালোবাসা এবং আমার অনুপ্রেরণা।

Completing Sentence Rules for SSC & HSC Examinations

Prompt 1: Morning Routine (30-45 seconds) Describe your typical morning routine. Answer these questions: What time do you usually wake up? What do you do first thing in the morning? Do you have breakfast at home or on the go? How do you prepare for the day ahead? Prompt 2: Daily Tasks (30-45 seconds) Talk about the main tasks or activities you do during the day. Answer these questions: What are your usual responsibilities (work, school, chores)? How do you manage your time to get things done? Do you have any favorite activities or hobbies you enjoy during the day? Prompt 3: Evening Routine (30-45 seconds) Describe how you spend your evenings. Answer these questions: What do you typically do after finishing your daily tasks? Do you have any relaxation rituals or leisure activities? What time do you usually go to bed, and how do you prepare for sleep? Prompt 4: Free Time (30-45 seconds) Talk about how you like to spend your free time. Answer these questions: What activities do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies or interests you're passionate about? How do you balance relaxation and productivity during your free time? Prompt 5: Conclusion (10-15 seconds) Wrap up your speech by summarizing your daily routine and mentioning any key points you discussed. For example: "That's a glimpse into my daily activities. Thank you for listening!" Sample Answer a Student: Prompt 1: Morning Routine (30-45 seconds) Sure! So, I usually wake up around 6:30 in the morning. I get out of bed, brush my teeth, and wash my face. Then, I grab a quick breakfast like cereal or toast. After that, I pack my bag with all my school stuff and head out the door to catch the bus. It's pretty much the same routine every morning! Prompt 2: Daily Tasks (30-45 seconds) During the day, I go to all my classes and try to keep up with the lessons. Between classes, I hang out with my friends and maybe grab a snack. After school, I do my homework and study for any tests coming up. I also have soccer practice a few times a week, so I try to fit that in too. It can get pretty busy! Prompt 3: Evening Routine (30-45 seconds) In the evenings, I like to relax after a long day. I watch TV or play video games for a bit. Then, I finish up any homework I have left and take a shower. After that, I have dinner with my family and maybe chat with them for a while. Finally, I brush my teeth and get ready for bed. It's nice to unwind before going to sleep. Prompt 4: Free Time (30-45 seconds) During my free time, I hang out with my friends a lot. We might go to the movies, play sports, or just hang out at someone's house. I also like to read and listen to music when I'm at home. Sometimes I'll go for a bike ride or play basketball at the park. It's good to have some time to relax and have fun. Prompt 5: Conclusion (10-15 seconds) So, that's pretty much what my typical day looks like. It's busy but also fun! Thanks for listening! Sample Answer for a Service Holder: Prompt 1: Morning Routine (30-45 seconds) Sure! My morning routine usually starts with waking up around 7:00 AM. After a quick shower and getting dressed, I grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while checking emails on my phone. Then, I make a to-do list for the day and review any meetings or tasks I have scheduled. Once I feel prepared, I head out the door to catch the bus or drive to work. It's important for me to start the day feeling organized and ready to tackle whatever comes my way. Prompt 2: Daily Tasks (30-45 seconds) During the workday, I focus on completing my assigned tasks and meeting deadlines. This involves attending meetings, collaborating with colleagues on projects, and responding to emails and phone calls. I prioritize my tasks based on urgency and importance, making sure to stay on track throughout the day. Occasionally, I also take short breaks to recharge and stay productive. Overall, my goal is to efficiently manage my workload and contribute to the success of my team and organization. Prompt 3: Evening Routine (30-45 seconds) In the evenings, I like to unwind after a busy day at work. I usually have dinner with my family or cook something at home. After that, I might catch up on the news or watch a TV show to relax. I also use this time to take care of any personal errands or chores that need to be done. Before bed, I like to spend some time reading or listening to music to help me wind down. It's important for me to take a break and recharge for the next day. Prompt 4: Free Time (30-45 seconds) During my free time, I enjoy pursuing hobbies and spending time with family and friends. This might include going for a run or bike ride, attending a fitness class, or exploring new places in the city. I also like to relax at home with a good book or movie. On weekends, I often plan outdoor activities or social gatherings with friends. It's important for me to find a balance between work and leisure to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Prompt 5: Conclusion (10-15 seconds) Overall, my daily routine revolves around maintaining a productive work-life balance and making time for activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. Thanks for allowing me to share! Dialogue Practice: A dialogue between two students about daily activities Sarah: Hey, Tom! How's it going? Tom: Hey, Sarah! Not bad, just trying to survive the daily grind of school and homework. How about you? Sarah: Same here! It feels like we're always rushing from one class to another. Tom: Tell me about it! And don't even get me started on the morning rush. I hit the snooze button at least three times before dragging myself out of bed. Sarah: Oh, I hear you! I'm definitely not a morning person. But once I'm up, it's go time! I try to tackle my homework during study hall so I have more free time after school. Tom: That's smart! I usually save my homework for the evening, but then I end up burning the midnight oil trying to finish everything. Sarah: Yeah, I try to avoid that. I need my beauty sleep! Speaking of which, how's your evening routine? Tom: It's pretty chill. After dinner, I unwind by playing video games or watching TV. Then, I do a quick review of what's due the next day before hitting the sack. Sarah: Nice! I like to wind down with a good book or some music. It helps me relax before bedtime. Tom: Sounds peaceful. Hey, do you have any plans for the weekend? Sarah: Not yet, but I'm thinking of catching a movie or maybe going for a hike. How about you? Tom: I'm up for anything! Let's plan something fun. Maybe we can grab lunch and then go explore that new park downtown. Sarah: That sounds like a plan! It'll be a nice break from our usual routine. Tom: Definitely! It's good to mix things up every once in a while. Alright, I'll text you later with the details. Sarah: Sounds good! Catch you later, Tom! Tom: Bye, Sarah! Vocabulary Practice: From Previous Answers: Wake up: To rouse from sleep. Example: "I usually wake up around 7:00 AM." Catch up with: To converse or reconnect with someone. Example: "Between classes, I catch up with my friends." Wind down: To relax or calm down after a busy day. Example: "In the evenings, I like to wind down by watching TV." Unwind: To relax and let go of stress. Example: "I unwind by reading a book before bed." Hit the books: To study intensively. Example: "After school, I hit the books to prepare for exams." Go time: The moment when something begins or becomes urgent. Example: "Once I'm at school, it's go time!" Tackle: To deal with or handle a task or problem. Example: "My goal is to tackle my workload efficiently." Take a break: To pause and rest from work or activity. Example: "Occasionally, I take short breaks to recharge." Balancing act: Managing multiple responsibilities or priorities. Example: "It's all about finding a balancing act between work and leisure." Go for a jog: To run at a steady pace for exercise. Example: "I start the day by going for a jog before work." 100 vocabulary words, phrases, and idioms for describing daily activities: New Vocabulary, Phrases, and Idioms: Early riser: Someone who wakes up early in the morning. Example: "She's always been an early riser, even on weekends." Morning rush: The busy period in the morning when everyone is getting ready. Example: "During the morning rush, I barely have time to eat breakfast." Morning commute: The journey to work or school in the morning. Example: "I listen to podcasts during my morning commute to make it more enjoyable." Busy bee: Someone who is always busy or active. Example: "She's a real busy bee, always running from one thing to the next." Lunch break: A period of time set aside for eating lunch. Example: "I usually bring my lunch to work and eat it during my lunch break." Coffee break: A short period of time for drinking coffee or taking a break from work. Example: "I need a coffee break to wake up in the afternoon." Afternoon slump: A period of reduced energy or productivity in the afternoon. Example: "I always hit an afternoon slump around 3:00 PM." Home stretch: The final part of a task or journey. Example: "I'm in the home stretch of finishing my project." Wrap up: To finish or conclude something. Example: "Let's wrap up this meeting so we can all go home." After-work activities: Activities done after finishing work for the day. Example: "I enjoy going for walks as part of my after-work activities." Quality time: Time spent with loved ones, usually focused on meaningful interactions. Example: "We try to spend quality time together as a family every evening." Me time: Time spent alone, focusing on oneself. Example: "I like to have some me time in the evening to relax and unwind." Bedtime routine: A set of actions performed before going to bed. Example: "I have a strict bedtime routine to help me sleep better." Nightcap: A drink, usually alcoholic, consumed before bed. Example: "I like to have a nightcap to help me relax before sleep." Early to bed, early to rise: A proverbial phrase advocating for going to bed early and waking up early. Example: "My grandma always says, 'Early to bed, early to rise.'" Rush hour: The busiest time of day for traffic or crowds. Example: "I avoid driving during rush hour because the traffic is terrible." Snooze button: A button on an alarm clock used to delay the alarm for a few minutes. Example: "I always hit the snooze button at least once before getting up." Morning person: Someone who is most active and alert in the morning. Example: "I'm not a morning person, so it takes me a while to wake up." Nighttime routine: A set of actions performed before going to bed. Example: "I have a nighttime routine to help me relax and unwind." Day in, day out: Every day, consistently or routinely. Example: "I work day in, day out to provide for my family." Round the clock: Continuously, without stopping. Example: "The hospital operates round the clock to provide care to patients." Go-getter: Someone who is ambitious and proactive. Example: "She's a real go-getter, always striving to achieve her goals." Stay-at-home: Remaining at home instead of going out. Example: "I'm feeling tired today, so I think I'll have a stay-at-home evening." Workaholic: Someone who is addicted to working and has difficulty relaxing. Example: "My boss is a real workaholic; she never takes a day off." Hustle and bustle: Busy and noisy activity, especially in a city. Example: "I love the hustle and bustle of the city; it makes me feel alive." Nightfall: The beginning of darkness in the evening. Example: "We arrived at the campsite just as nightfall was approaching." Crack of dawn: The earliest part of the morning when daylight first appears. Example: "We set off on our hike at the crack of dawn to avoid the crowds." Early bird catches the worm: A proverbial phrase meaning that those who wake up early have the best chance of success. Example: "I always wake up early because I believe the early bird catches the worm." Late riser: Someone who wakes up late in the morning. Example: "He's a late riser and prefers to sleep in on weekends." Nighttime activities: Activities done in the evening or at night. Example: "We enjoy nighttime activities like stargazing and bonfires." Evening stroll: A leisurely walk taken in the evening. Example: "Let's go for an evening stroll along the beach." Morning ritual: A set of actions performed regularly in the morning. Example: "My morning ritual includes drinking coffee and reading the news." Night owl: Someone who stays up late at night. Example: "I'm a night owl and often work best late at night." Nightcap: A final drink taken before going to bed. Example: "I like to have a nightcap of herbal tea before bed." Early morning: The period of time before sunrise. Example: "I love going for walks in the early morning when it's quiet." Morning jog: A run or jog taken in the morning for exercise. Example: "I go for a morning jog to start the day off right." Dawn: The time of day when light first appears in the sky, before sunrise. Example: "We watched the sunrise at dawn from the top of the mountain." Nighttime routine: A set of actions performed before going to bed. Example: "My nighttime routine includes brushing my teeth and reading a book." Daylight: The natural light of the day. Example: "We can hike during the day, but we need to be back before dark." Sunrise: The time of day when the sun first appears above the horizon. Example: "We woke up early to watch the sunrise over the ocean." Early evening: The period of time between late afternoon and night. Example: "We usually have dinner in the early evening." Sunset: The time of day when the sun disappears below the horizon. Example: "We watched the sunset from the beach." Workday: A day on which work is done, especially a regular day of work. Example: "I have a busy workday ahead of me." Nighttime snack: A small amount of food eaten before bed. Example: "I like to have a nighttime snack of fruit and yogurt." Morning routine: A set of actions performed regularly in the morning. Example: "My morning routine includes showering and making breakfast." Day off: A day when one is not required to work. Example: "I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow." Early afternoon: The period of time between late morning and mid-afternoon. Example: "I usually have lunch in the early afternoon." Sunshine: Direct sunlight, especially when considered as a source of warmth and happiness. Example: "I love sitting outside in the sunshine." Night sky: The sky as seen at night, especially when considered as a subject of study or aesthetic appreciation. Example: "The stars were shining brightly in the night sky." Morning light: The light of the morning, especially when considered as a source of beauty. Example: "The morning light streamed through the window." Daily grind: The monotonous routine of everyday life, especially when considered as tedious or unfulfilling. Example: "I'm tired of the daily grind; I need a vacation." Daily routine: A set of actions performed regularly as part of one's everyday life. Example: "My daily routine includes exercising and reading." Daily planner: A book or tool used to plan daily activities and tasks. Example: "I write everything down in my daily planner so I don't forget." Sunshine: Direct sunlight, especially when considered as a source of warmth and happiness. Example: "I love sitting outside in the sunshine." Night sky: The sky as seen at night, especially when considered as a subject of study or aesthetic appreciation. Example: "The stars were shining brightly in the night sky." Morning light: The light of the morning, especially when considered as a source of beauty. Example: "The morning light streamed through the window." Daily grind: The monotonous routine of everyday life, especially when considered as tedious or unfulfilling. Example: "I'm tired of the daily grind; I need a vacation." Daily routine: A set of actions performed regularly as part of one's everyday life. Example: "My daily routine includes exercising and reading." Daily planner: A book or tool used to plan daily activities and tasks. Example: "I write everything down in my daily planner so I don't forget." Daybreak: The time of day when light first appears in the sky, before sunrise. Example: "We set off on our hike at daybreak to avoid the heat." Workweek: The days of the week, typically Monday to Friday, during which people work. Example: "I have a busy workweek ahead of me." Weekday: A day of the week other than Sunday or Saturday, especially when considered as a regular school or workday. Example: "Weekdays are usually busy for me with work and errands." Weekend warrior: Someone who participates in outdoor recreational activities on weekends. Example: "I'm a weekend warrior; I love hiking and camping on weekends." Weekend getaway: A short vacation or trip taken over the weekend. Example: "We're planning a weekend getaway to the mountains." Weekend plans: Activities or events scheduled for the weekend. Example: "I don't have any weekend plans yet; I'm still figuring it out." Weekend routine: A set of actions or activities performed regularly on weekends. Example: "Our weekend routine includes brunch with friends and a movie night." Weekend vibes: The relaxed and carefree feeling associated with weekends. Example: "I love the weekend vibes; it's a chance to unwind and relax." Weekend warrior: Someone who participates in outdoor recreational activities on weekends. Example: "I'm a weekend warrior; I love hiking and camping on weekends." Weekend getaway: A short vacation or trip taken over the weekend. Example: "We're planning a weekend getaway to the mountains." Weekend plans: Activities or events scheduled for the weekend. Example: "I don't have any weekend plans yet; I'm still figuring it out." Weekend routine: A set of actions or activities performed regularly on weekends. Example: "Our weekend routine includes brunch with friends and a movie night." Weekend vibes: The relaxed and carefree feeling associated with weekends. Example: "I love the weekend vibes; it's a chance to unwind and relax." Early bird gets the worm: A proverbial phrase advocating for waking up early. Example: "I always wake up early because the early bird gets the worm." Sunshine: Direct sunlight, especially when considered as a source of warmth and happiness. Example: "I love sitting outside in the sunshine." Night sky: The sky as seen at night, especially when considered as a subject of study or aesthetic appreciation. Example: "The stars were shining brightly in the night sky." Morning light: The light of the morning, especially when considered as a source of beauty. Example: "The morning light streamed through the window." Daily grind: The monotonous routine of everyday life, especially when considered as tedious or unfulfilling. Example: "I'm tired of the daily grind; I need a vacation." Daily routine: A set of actions performed regularly as part of one's everyday life. Example: "My daily routine includes exercising and reading." Daily planner: A book or tool used to plan daily activities and tasks. Example: "I write everything down in my daily planner so I don't forget." Daybreak: The time of day when light first appears in the sky, before sunrise. Example: "We set off on our hike at daybreak to avoid the heat." Workweek: The days of the week, typically Monday to Friday, during which people work. Example: "I have a busy workweek ahead of me." Weekday: A day of the week other than Sunday or Saturday, especially when considered as a regular school or workday. Example: "Weekdays are usually busy for me with work and errands." Weekend warrior: Someone who participates in outdoor recreational activities on weekends. Example: "I'm a weekend warrior; I love hiking and camping on weekends." Weekend getaway: A short vacation or trip taken over the weekend. Example: "We're planning a weekend getaway to the mountains." Weekend plans: Activities or events scheduled for the weekend. Example: "I don't have any weekend plans yet; I'm still figuring it out." Weekend routine: A set of actions or activities performed regularly on weekends. Example: "Our weekend routine includes brunch with friends and a movie night." Weekend vibes: The relaxed and carefree feeling associated with weekends. Example: "I love the weekend vibes; it's a chance to unwind and relax." Early bird gets the worm: A proverbial phrase advocating for waking up early. Example: "I always wake up early because the early bird gets the worm." Sunshine: Direct sunlight, especially when considered as a source of warmth and happiness. Example: "I love sitting outside in the sunshine." Night sky: The sky as seen at night, especially when considered as a subject of study or aesthetic appreciation. Example: "The stars were shining brightly in the night sky." Morning light: The light of the morning, especially when considered as a source of beauty. Example: "The morning light streamed through the window." Daily grind: The monotonous routine of everyday life, especially when considered as tedious or unfulfilling. Example: "I'm tired of the daily grind; I need a vacation." Daily routine: A set of actions performed regularly as part of one's everyday life. Example: "My daily routine includes exercising and reading." Daily planner: A book or tool used to plan daily activities and tasks. Example: "I write everything down in my daily planner so I don't forget." Daybreak: The time of day when light first appears in the sky, before sunrise. Example: "We set off on our hike at daybreak to avoid the heat." Workweek: The days of the week, typically Monday to Friday, during which people work. Example: "I have a busy workweek ahead of me." Weekday: A day of the week other than Sunday or Saturday, especially when considered as a regular school or workday. Example: "Weekdays are usually busy for me with work and errands." Weekend warrior: Someone who participates in outdoor recreational activities on weekends. Example: "I'm a weekend warrior; I love hiking and camping on weekends." Weekend getaway: A short vacation or trip taken over the weekend. Example: "We're planning a weekend getaway to the mountains." Weekend plans: Activities or events scheduled for the weekend. Example: "I don't have any weekend plans yet; I'm still figuring it out."

List of common misspelt words with correct spelling Acceptable (often misspelled as acceptible) Accessible (often misspelled as accessable) Accidentally (often misspelled as accidently) Acquaintance (often misspelled as aquaintance) A lot (often misspelled as alot) Apparent (often misspelled as apparant) Argument (often misspelled as arguement) Calendar (often misspelled as calender) Cemetery (often misspelled as cemetary) Conscience (often misspelled as concience) Convenient (often misspelled as convienient) Definitely (often misspelled as definately) Dilemma (often misspelled as dilemna) Disappear (often misspelled as dissapear) Dissatisfied (often misspelled as dissatisfied) Dumbbell (often misspelled as dumbell) Eager (often misspelled as eager) Ecstasy (often misspelled as exstacy) Embarrass (often misspelled as embarass) Environment (often misspelled as enviroment) Existence (often misspelled as existance) Fiery (often misspelled as firey) Foreign (often misspelled as foriegn) Friend (often misspelled as freind) Gauge (often misspelled as guage) Grateful (often misspelled as greatful) Guarantee (often misspelled as gaurantee) Harass (often misspelled as harrass) Height (often misspelled as heigth) Humorous (often misspelled as humourous) Ignorance (often misspelled as ignorence) Immediate (often misspelled as immediat) Inconvenience (often misspelled as inconvience) Indispensable (often misspelled as indispensible) Inoculate (often misspelled as innoculate) Judgment (often misspelled as judgement) Kernel (often misspelled as kernal) Leisure (often misspelled as leasure) Liaison (often misspelled as liason) Library (often misspelled as libary) Maintenance (often misspelled as maintanance) Maneuver (often misspelled as manuever) Medieval (often misspelled as medeival) Memento (often misspelled as momento) Millennium (often misspelled as millenium) Mischievous (often misspelled as mischievious) Necessary (often misspelled as neccessary) Noticeable (often misspelled as noticable) Occasion (often misspelled as occassion) Occasionally (often misspelled as occassionally) Occurred (often misspelled as occured) Opportunity (often misspelled as opportuntiy) Parallel (often misspelled as paralel) Perceive (often misspelled as percieve) Perseverance (often misspelled as perserverance) Possession (often misspelled as posession) Precede (often misspelled as preceed) Principal (often misspelled as principle) Privilege (often misspelled as priviledge) Procrastinate (often misspelled as procastinate) Publicly (often misspelled as publically) Questionnaire (often misspelled as questionaire) Receive (often misspelled as recieve) Relevant (often misspelled as relevent) Rhythm (often misspelled as rythm) Sacrifice (often misspelled as sacrafice) Separate (often misspelled as seperate) Sergeant (often misspelled as sergent) Supersede (often misspelled as supercede) Their/There/They're (often confused) Threshold (often misspelled as threshhold) Tolerate (often misspelled as tollerate) Tragedy (often misspelled as tradgedy) Unnecessary (often misspelled as unneccessary) Vacuum (often misspelled as vaccuum) Villain (often misspelled as villian) Weird (often misspelled as wierd) Yield (often misspelled as yeild) Your/You're (often confused) List of common misspelt words: Absence Accessible Accidentally Accommodate Achieve Atheist Balloon Beautiful Beginning Believe Calendar Camouflage Cemetery Changeable Colleague Conscience Consensus Convenient Definitely Dependent Dilemma Dissatisfied Driven Embarrass Environment Existence Fascinate February Fierce Fluorescent Foreign Friend Gauge Grammar Grateful Guarantee Harass Height Humorous Ignorance Immediately Inconvenience Independent Indispensable Inoculate Its/It's Judgment Kernel Leisure Liaison Library Maintenance Maneuver Medieval Memento Millennium Mischievous Necessary Noticeable Occasion Occasionally Occurred Opportunity Parallel Perceive Perseverance Possession Precede Principal Privilege Procrastinate Publicly Questionnaire Receive Relevant Rhythm Sacrifice Separate Sergeant Supersede Their/There/They're Threshold Tolerate Tragedy Unnecessary Vacuum Villain Weird Yield Your/You're 200 important words for spelling: Comprehensive list of misspelt words with meaning and Example: Correct Spelling of Words: B Correct Spelling of Words: C CORRECT SPELLING OF WORDS: D CORRECT SPELLING OF WORDS: E Correct Spelling of Words: F Correct Spelling of Words: G Most commonly misspelled words: H Most commonly misspelled words: I Most commonly misspelled words: J Most commonly misspelled words: K MOST COMMONLY MISSPELLED WORDS: L MOST COMMONLY MISSPELLED WORDS: M Most commonly misspelled words: N Most commonly misspelled words: O Correct Spelling of Words: P Most commonly misspelled words: Q Correct Spelling of Words: R Most commonly misspelled words: S Most commonly misspelled words: T Correct Spelling of Words: U Correct Spelling of Words: V Correct Spelling of Words: W Correct Spelling of Words: Y

Understanding Paraphrasing Paraphrasing means expressing someone else's ideas in your own words while keeping the same meaning. It involves making the meaning clearer, often in a simpler way, and adding your thoughts or comments. When paraphrasing, you can borrow, clarify, or expand on information without copying it exactly, ensuring you avoid plagiarism. Paraphrasing technique: 1. Using Synonyms – Simple Paraphrasing Technique Definition: Replace words with similar meanings. Example: Original - "The government should enforce stricter laws on pollution." Paraphrase - "Authorities must implement more rigorous regulations concerning environmental contamination." Additional Examples: benefits -> advantages hesitant -> reluctant efficient -> effective abundant -> plentiful investigate -> scrutinize 2. Changing the Order of Sentences Definition: Rearrange the order of sentence clauses. Example: Original - "If individuals prioritize sustainable living, they contribute to environmental preservation." Paraphrase - "Contributing to environmental preservation involves prioritizing sustainable living." 3. Change the Adjective and Noun into a Small Sentence Definition: Describe the noun with a small sentence. Example: Original - "This innovative software offers various functionalities." Paraphrase - "This software has numerous features, making it quite innovative." Additional Examples: The ancient castle -> The castle is quite ancient. The talented musician -> The musician is incredibly talented. A challenging obstacle -> An obstacle that is quite challenging. The luxurious mansion -> The mansion is exceptionally luxurious. 4. Changing the Order of the Words Definition: Rearrange the order of words for effective paraphrasing. Example: Original - "The research team discovered a groundbreaking solution to the problem." Paraphrase - "A groundbreaking solution to the problem was discovered by the research team." 5. Use of Negative, Antonyms, or Opposite Words Definition: Utilize antonyms to change expressions. Example: Original - "The new policy has positive implications for the economy." Paraphrase - "The economy benefits from the absence of negative implications of the new policy." Negative Words: Rarely, Unlikely, Impossible, Without, Lack, Avoid, Refrain, Restrict 6. Use of Phrasal Verbs Definition: Employ phrasal verbs to resist copying the same words. Example: Original - "The manager concluded the meeting with a decisive plan." Paraphrase - "The manager wrapped up the meeting by laying out a decisive plan." Phrasal Verbs Examples: implement -> carry out consider -> think over resolve -> work out initiate -> set in motion enhance -> bring up 7. Change the Passive Voice to the Active Voice and Vice Versa Definition: Convert sentences between active and passive voices. Example: Active - "The team designed the new website." Passive - "The new website was designed by the team." 8. Magic of Transition Words While Paraphrasing Definition: Enhance cohesion using additive, adversative, casual, and sequential transition words. Example: Additive - "Moreover, the company is expanding its product line." Adversative - "However, alternative strategies might also be considered." 9. Simple to Complex Sentence or Vice Versa Definition: Transform sentences from simple to complex or vice versa. Example: Original Complex - "The intricate process of scientific research demands rigorous attention to detail." Paraphrase Simple - "Scientific research requires careful attention to detail." 10. Change the Text into Quotation Definition: Use quotation when a specific phrase or sentence is exceptionally well-phrased. Example: "In the words of Albert Einstein, 'Imagination is more important than knowledge.'" Examples of paraphrasing: Original Sentences: Many people find it challenging to adapt to new technologies in the workplace. The government must address the issue of air pollution to ensure a healthier environment. Despite having similar goals, their approaches to problem-solving differ significantly. The teacher praised the student for his exceptional performance in the science project. The novel explores the complex relationship between time and memory. Paraphrased Sentences: Using Synonyms: Original: Many people find it challenging to adapt to new technologies in the workplace. Paraphrase: Adapting to new technologies at work poses a challenge for numerous individuals. Changing the Order of Sentences: Original: The government must address the issue of air pollution to ensure a healthier environment. Paraphrase: Ensuring a healthier environment requires the government to address the issue of air pollution. Change the Adjective and Noun into a Small Sentence: Original: Despite having similar goals, their approaches to problem-solving differ significantly. Paraphrase: Their significant differences in problem-solving approaches arise despite sharing common goals. Changing the Order of the Words: Original: The teacher praised the student for his exceptional performance in the science project. Paraphrase: The student received praise from the teacher for his outstanding performance in the science project. Use of Negative, Antonyms, or Opposite Words: Original: The novel explores the complex relationship between time and memory. Paraphrase: The novel delves into the intricate connection between memory and the passage of time. Paraphrasing one sentence in many ways: Original Sentence: "The economic situation in the country is improving steadily." Paraphrased Sentences: Using Synonyms: "The financial condition in the nation is getting better gradually." "The economic status in the country is steadily progressing." Word Form Transformation: "There is a gradual improvement in the country's economic circumstances." "The nation's economy is steadily ameliorating." Passive to Active Voice: "Steady improvement characterizes the economic situation in the country." "The country is experiencing a gradual enhancement in its economic condition." Active to Passive Voice: "There is a steady improvement in the economic situation of the country." "A gradual improvement is observed in the economic condition of the country." Changing Word Order: "Improvement in the country's economic situation is steadily happening." "Steady improvement is taking place in the economic situation of the country." Expansion of Ideas: "The country's economic situation is on an upward trajectory, showing consistent improvement over time." "A positive trend is evident in the economic situation of the nation, with a steady improvement unfolding." Generalization to Specifics: "Various sectors contribute to the ongoing improvement in the economic situation of the country." "Industries such as technology, manufacturing, and services play a role in the steady economic improvement of the nation." Negation: "The economic situation in the country is not deteriorating; instead, it is steadily improving." "Contrary to concerns, the economic condition of the nation is showing a steady positive trend." Conjunction Variation: "The economic situation in the country is improving steadily, and this positive trend is expected to continue." "Steady improvement characterizes the economic situation in the country, yet challenges persist." Modal Verbs: "The economic situation in the country must continue to improve steadily for sustained growth." "A gradual improvement in the economic condition of the nation should be prioritized." Comparison and Contrast: "Unlike previous years, the economic situation in the country is now steadily improving." "In contrast to the past, there is a noticeable and steady improvement in the country's economic situation." Defining: "The ongoing positive transformation of the economic situation in the country is evident." "A defining feature of the current scenario is the steady improvement in the nation's economic condition." Cause and Effect: "Steady efforts to address economic challenges have resulted in an improving situation in the country." "The consistent implementation of economic reforms has led to a positive change in the country's economic situation." Summarizing: "In summary, the economic situation in the country is on a path of steady improvement." "To sum up, there is a noticeable and continuous enhancement in the nation's economic condition." Descriptive Language: "The economic landscape of the country is experiencing a gradual upliftment." "A positive transformation is underway in the economic scenario of the nation." Personal Pronoun Replacement: "Individuals are witnessing a steady improvement in their country's economic situation." "Many citizens are observing a positive change in the economic condition of their nation." Redundancy Elimination: "There is a continuous and steady improvement in the economic situation of the country." "Steady improvement characterizes the economic situation of the nation." Temporal Expressions: "Over the years, the economic situation in the country has been steadily improving." "Historically, there has been a consistent improvement in the economic condition of the nation." Quantifier Variation: "A significant number of indicators point towards the steady improvement in the country's economic situation." "Numerous factors contribute to the ongoing positive trend in the nation's economic condition." Rephrasing with Examples: "The economic situation in the country is witnessing positive changes, such as increased employment rates and higher GDP growth." "Evidence of the steady improvement in the economic situation includes notable achievements like rising employment and improved GDP figures." Example 2: Original Sentence: "The education system in the region needs comprehensive reforms to address current challenges." Paraphrased Sentences: Using Synonyms: "The educational system in the area requires extensive changes to tackle existing issues." "Comprehensive reforms are necessary in the regional education system to address present challenges." Word Form Transformation: "There is a need for comprehensive reform in the region's educational structure to meet current challenges." "The region's education needs to undergo comprehensive restructuring to address existing issues." Passive to Active Voice: "Current challenges in the region's education system call for comprehensive reforms." "Comprehensive reforms are required to address current challenges in the education system of the region." Active to Passive Voice: "Comprehensive reforms should address the current challenges in the education system of the region." "Addressing the current challenges in the region's education system requires comprehensive reforms." Changing Word Order: "Comprehensive reforms to address current challenges are needed in the region's education system." "Addressing current challenges in the region's education system requires comprehensive reforms." Expansion of Ideas: "To overcome current challenges, the region's education system needs thorough restructuring and the introduction of innovative teaching methods." "A multifaceted approach, involving restructuring and innovative teaching methods, is essential to address the current challenges in the region's education system." Generalization to Specifics: "Various aspects, including curriculum design, teacher training, and technological integration, need attention in comprehensive reforms for the region's education system." "In implementing comprehensive reforms for the region's education system, a focus on curriculum design, teacher training, and technological integration is crucial." Negation: "The current challenges in the region's education system necessitate not only acknowledging but also implementing comprehensive reforms." "Addressing the current challenges in the education system of the region requires not merely recognition but also the implementation of comprehensive reforms." Conjunction Variation: "Comprehensive reforms are essential, and furthermore, they should be implemented promptly to overcome current challenges in the region's education system." "While comprehensive reforms are essential, prompt implementation is equally necessary to address current challenges in the region's education system." Modal Verbs: "The region's education system should undergo comprehensive reforms to effectively tackle current challenges." "Effectively addressing current challenges in the region's education system necessitates comprehensive reforms." Comparison and Contrast: "In contrast to the past, the current challenges in the region's education system demand more comprehensive and strategic reforms." "Unlike previous times, addressing current challenges in the region's education system requires more strategic and comprehensive reforms." Defining: "The pressing need for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system is evident in light of current challenges." "Current challenges highlight the imperative for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system." Cause and Effect: "Current challenges have necessitated the call for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system." "The region's education system requires comprehensive reforms as a response to the current challenges it faces." Summarizing: "In summary, comprehensive reforms are indispensable to address the current challenges plaguing the education system in the region." "To summarize, addressing current challenges in the region's education system requires the implementation of comprehensive reforms." Descriptive Language: "The region's education system is in need of a complete overhaul to effectively tackle the current challenges it confronts." "A thorough revamping of the education system in the region is necessary to address the current challenges it is grappling with." Personal Pronoun Replacement: "Observations suggest that comprehensive reforms are needed to address the current challenges in the region's education system." "It is evident that comprehensive reforms are required to address the current challenges in the education system of the region." Redundancy Elimination: "Addressing current challenges in the region's education system necessitates comprehensive and thorough reforms." "Comprehensive and thorough reforms are essential to address the current challenges in the education system of the region." Temporal Expressions: "Over recent years, the need for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system to combat current challenges has become increasingly apparent." "The increasing need for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system to overcome current challenges has been evident in recent years." Quantifier Variation: "Several aspects demand attention in comprehensive reforms for the region's education system to effectively tackle current challenges." "To effectively address current challenges, comprehensive reforms for the region's education system should focus on various crucial aspects." Rephrasing with Examples: "Examples of current challenges include outdated curricula, insufficient teacher training, and inadequate technology integration, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms in the region's education system." "Outdated curricula, insufficient teacher training, and inadequate technology integration are indicative of the current challenges in the region's education system, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive reforms." Example-3 Original Sentence: "The government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources is crucial for environmental sustainability." Paraphrased Sentences: Using Synonyms: "The government's effort to advocate for sustainable energy alternatives is vital for environmental well-being." "Promoting alternative energy sources is essential for the government to ensure environmental sustainability." Word Form Transformation: "The promotion of renewable energy sources by the government is pivotal for the sustainability of the environment." "For environmental sustainability, the government's initiative lies in promoting sources of renewable energy." Passive to Active Voice: "Environmental sustainability relies on the government actively promoting renewable energy sources." "The active promotion of renewable energy sources by the government is crucial for environmental sustainability." Active to Passive Voice: "Crucial for environmental sustainability is the government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources actively." "To ensure environmental sustainability, active promotion of renewable energy sources by the government is crucial." Changing Word Order: "Crucial for environmental sustainability is the active promotion of renewable energy sources by the government." "The government's active promotion of renewable energy sources is crucial for ensuring environmental sustainability." Expansion of Ideas: "The government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources is a cornerstone in the broader strategy for achieving long-term environmental sustainability goals." "In the pursuit of long-term environmental sustainability goals, the government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources plays a central role." Generalization to Specifics: "To achieve environmental sustainability, the government must focus on various aspects such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy sources." "In attaining environmental sustainability, the government's emphasis should extend to specific areas like wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy sources." Negation: "The government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources is not optional; rather, it is imperative for ensuring environmental sustainability." "For ensuring environmental sustainability, the government's initiative to promote renewable energy sources is not just a choice; it is a necessity." Conjunction Variation: "The government's initiative is crucial, and furthermore, it must actively promote renewable energy sources for environmental sustainability." "While the government's initiative is crucial, active promotion of renewable energy sources is a must for ensuring environmental sustainability." Modal Verbs: "The government must actively promote renewable energy sources to achieve crucial environmental sustainability." "Achieving environmental sustainability crucially depends on the government actively promoting renewable energy sources." Comparison and Contrast: "In contrast to previous policies, the current government's initiative places a greater emphasis on actively promoting renewable energy sources for environmental sustainability." "Unlike earlier policies, the current government's initiative gives more priority to actively promoting renewable energy sources for achieving environmental sustainability." Defining: "At the heart of achieving environmental sustainability is the government's crucial initiative to actively promote renewable energy sources." "The government's crucial initiative to actively promote renewable energy sources is central to achieving environmental sustainability." Cause and Effect: "The government's active promotion of renewable energy sources is a direct response to the pressing need for environmental sustainability." "Addressing the pressing need for environmental sustainability, the government actively promotes renewable energy sources." Summarizing: "In summary, the government's active promotion of renewable energy sources is indispensable for ensuring environmental sustainability." "To summarize, ensuring environmental sustainability depends significantly on the government's active promotion of renewable energy sources." Descriptive Language: "The government's pivotal role in actively promoting renewable energy sources is critical for maintaining the delicate balance of environmental sustainability." "Maintaining the delicate balance of environmental sustainability crucially depends on the government's critical role in actively promoting renewable energy sources." Personal Pronoun Replacement: "Observations suggest that the active promotion of renewable energy sources by the government is crucial for environmental sustainability." "It is evident that the government's active promotion of renewable energy sources is crucial for ensuring environmental sustainability." Redundancy Elimination: "For ensuring environmental sustainability, the government's active promotion of renewable energy sources is critical and essential." "Critical and essential for ensuring environmental sustainability is the government's active promotion of renewable energy sources." Temporal Expressions: "Over the years, the government's initiative to actively promote renewable energy sources has become increasingly crucial for environmental sustainability." "The increasing importance of the government's initiative to actively promote renewable energy sources is evident over the years for environmental sustainability." Quantifier Variation: "Various sources, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric, should be actively promoted by the government for environmental sustainability." "To ensure environmental sustainability, the government's active promotion should extend to various sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric." Rephrasing with Examples: "Examples of renewable energy sources actively promoted by the government include wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric dams, all contributing to environmental sustainability." "Wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric dams are examples of renewable energy sources actively promoted by the government, contributing significantly to environmental sustainability." Exercise Exercise on Paraphrasing in 3 different ways: Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Exercise 1 : Original Sentences: Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: The discovery of new planets is an exciting venture for astronomers. Effective communication is vital in fostering teamwork within organizations. Despite facing numerous challenges, the team persevered and achieved success. Technology has revolutionized the way we access information in the modern era. The government is implementing policies to address the rising unemployment rate. Reading books enhances cognitive abilities and stimulates intellectual growth. The conference was attended by experts from various fields to exchange ideas. It is imperative to cultivate a positive mindset for personal development. The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident worldwide. Social media platforms have transformed the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. The company's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices. Volunteering provides individuals with a sense of fulfillment and community engagement. Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. The phenomenon of globalization has interconnected economies and cultures. Implementing eco-friendly practices is a collective responsibility for environmental conservation. The professor's profound knowledge and engaging teaching style captivated the students. The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to groundbreaking innovations. Financial literacy equips individuals with the skills to make informed money-related decisions. Curiosity is the driving force behind scientific exploration and discovery. The development of renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future. Three paraphrased versions for each of the original sentences: The discovery of new planets is an exciting venture for astronomers. Astronomers find the exploration of newly discovered planets to be an exhilarating pursuit. The identification of fresh celestial bodies is a thrilling endeavor for those in the field of astronomy. For astronomers, the exciting journey involves discovering and studying new planets. Effective communication is vital in fostering teamwork within organizations. Within organizations, the promotion of teamwork heavily relies on the critical aspect of efficient communication. Fostering effective teamwork within a workplace is dependent on the vital role played by communication. In organizational settings, the key to successful teamwork lies in the importance of effective communication. Despite facing numerous challenges, the team persevered and achieved success. Overcoming various obstacles, the team demonstrated resilience and ultimately attained success. In the face of numerous challenges, the team exhibited determination and reached a successful outcome. Despite encountering numerous difficulties, the team persisted and ultimately succeeded. Technology has revolutionized the way we access information in the modern era. In the contemporary era, the way information is accessed has been completely transformed by technology. Technology has brought about a radical change in how information is accessed in the present age. The modern era witnesses a revolutionary transformation in accessing information, thanks to technology. The government is implementing policies to address the rising unemployment rate. To combat the increasing unemployment rate, the government is enacting strategic policies. The government is taking measures and implementing policies to tackle the growing issue of unemployment. Policies are being put into action by the government to deal with the escalating rate of unemployment. Reading books enhances cognitive abilities and stimulates intellectual growth. Engaging in book reading enriches cognitive capabilities and promotes intellectual development. The activity of reading books enhances cognitive functions and contributes to intellectual advancement. Intellectual growth is stimulated through the enhancement of cognitive abilities achieved by reading books. The conference was attended by experts from various fields to exchange ideas. Experts from diverse fields gathered at the conference to share and exchange innovative ideas. A multitude of experts from different domains convened at the conference for the purpose of exchanging ideas. The conference attracted professionals from various disciplines, facilitating the exchange of ideas. It is imperative to cultivate a positive mindset for personal development. Cultivating a positive mindset is essential for fostering personal development. For personal growth, it is crucial to nurture a positive and optimistic frame of mind. The development of a positive mindset is imperative for one's personal growth and well-being. The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident worldwide. Worldwide, the evident consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly pronounced. The observable impacts of climate change are growing more apparent on a global scale. The global manifestation of consequences resulting from climate change is increasingly noticeable. Social media platforms have transformed the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. The dynamics of interpersonal relationships have undergone a transformation due to the influence of social media platforms. Social media platforms play a transformative role in altering the dynamics of interpersonal connections. The landscape of interpersonal relationships has been reshaped significantly by the advent of social media platforms. The company's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices. The company's dedication to sustainability is evident in its environmentally conscious practices. The environmentally friendly practices of the company showcase its strong commitment to sustainability. The company's sustainability commitment is demonstrated through its adoption of eco-friendly practices. Volunteering provides individuals with a sense of fulfillment and community engagement. Engaging in volunteer activities grants individuals a sense of satisfaction and community involvement. The act of volunteering contributes to an individual's sense of fulfillment and active participation in the community. Volunteering is a source of satisfaction for individuals and a means of actively engaging with the community. Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and mental health. Maintaining optimal physical and mental health requires obtaining quality sleep. Adequate and quality sleep is crucial for sustaining both physical and mental well-being. The importance of quality sleep cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining optimal physical and mental health. The phenomenon of globalization has interconnected economies and cultures. Globalization has brought about the interconnection of economies and cultures. The interconnectedness of economies and cultures is a direct result of the phenomenon of globalization. Through globalization, economies and cultures have become intricately connected on a global scale. Implementing eco-friendly practices is a collective responsibility for environmental conservation. Collective responsibility for environmental conservation entails implementing eco-friendly practices. It is the shared responsibility of society to implement practices that are eco-friendly for the purpose of environmental conservation. To conserve the environment, there is a joint responsibility to adopt eco-friendly practices. The professor's profound knowledge and engaging teaching style captivated the students. The students were captivated by the professor's extensive knowledge and engaging teaching style. The professor's teaching style, combined with profound knowledge, held the attention of the students. Captivating students was achieved through the professor's engaging teaching style and extensive knowledge. The advancement of artificial intelligence has led to groundbreaking innovations. The breakthrough innovations stem from the advancement of artificial intelligence. Innovations that are groundbreaking have emerged as a result of the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence's continuous progress has resulted in innovations that are groundbreaking. Financial literacy equips individuals with the skills to make informed money-related decisions. Equipping individuals with skills to make informed decisions about money is the essence of financial literacy. Financial literacy is essential for providing individuals with the necessary skills to make well-informed decisions related to money. The core of financial literacy lies in imparting individuals with the skills required for making informed decisions concerning money. Curiosity is the driving force behind scientific exploration and discovery. Scientific exploration and discovery are fueled by the curiosity that propels individuals. The driving force behind scientific exploration and discovery is the innate curiosity that individuals possess. Curiosity acts as the propelling force behind both scientific exploration and the process of discovery. The development of renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future. For a sustainable future, the development of renewable energy sources is indispensable. The sustainable future depends significantly on the development of renewable energy sources. The indispensable factor for ensuring a sustainable future is the development of renewable energy sources. Exercise-2 Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Original Sentences: 1.       The concept of time travel has fascinated scientists for centuries. 2.       A healthy diet and regular exercise contribute to overall well-being. 3.       The impact of climate change is evident in the rising temperatures and extreme weather events. 4.       Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. 5.       Advancements in technology have streamlined business operations and communication. 6.       Cultural diversity enhances creativity and innovation in society. 7.       Learning a new language enhances cognitive abilities and cultural understanding. 8.       The exploration of outer space has led to groundbreaking discoveries about the universe. 9.       Resilience is a key trait in overcoming life's challenges and adversities. 10.   Investing in renewable energy sources is essential for mitigating climate change. 11.   Effective leadership is characterized by strong communication and empathy. 12.   The concept of artificial intelligence raises ethical questions about machine decision-making. 13.   Sustainable practices in agriculture are crucial for food security and environmental conservation. 14.   Global collaboration is necessary to address pressing issues such as climate change and pandemics. 15.   The role of women in leadership positions is instrumental in promoting gender equality. 16.   Innovation in technology has transformed the way we work and interact with information. 17.   Crisis situations often bring out the best in people, showcasing resilience and kindness. 18.   Investing in education yields long-term benefits for individuals and society as a whole. 19.   Effective time management is crucial for achieving personal and professional goals. 20.   The concept of mindfulness has gained popularity as a method for reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Paraphrased Sentences: 1.       Scientists have been intrigued by the idea of time travel for centuries. ·         The notion of time travel has captivated the minds of scientists for centuries. ·         Throughout history, scientists have found the concept of time travel fascinating. 2.       Overall well-being is promoted by maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. ·         Regular exercise and a nutritious diet are essential components for achieving overall well-being. ·         Adhering to a healthy diet and incorporating regular exercise is crucial for overall well-being. 3.       The impact of climate change is evident in the rising temperatures and extreme weather events. ·         Rising temperatures and extreme weather events provide evidence of the impact of climate change. ·         The observable effects of climate change include rising temperatures and occurrences of extreme weather events. 4.       Breaking the cycle of poverty is significantly influenced by access to education. ·         Education plays a crucial role in disrupting the cycle of poverty. ·         Access to education is a pivotal factor in breaking the poverty cycle. 5.       Business operations and communication have become more efficient due to advancements in technology. ·         Technology advancements have simplified both business operations and communication. ·         Streamlining of business operations and communication is a result of technological advancements. 6.       Creativity and innovation in society are enriched by cultural diversity. ·         Cultural diversity fosters creativity and innovation within society. ·         Within society, cultural diversity is a catalyst for enhanced creativity and innovation. 7.       Cognitive abilities and cultural understanding are improved through the process of learning a new language. ·         The acquisition of a new language contributes to the enhancement of cognitive abilities and cultural comprehension. ·         Learning a new language positively impacts both cognitive abilities and cultural awareness. 8.       Groundbreaking discoveries about the universe have resulted from the exploration of outer space. ·         Outer space exploration has unveiled revolutionary findings about the cosmos. ·         The universe has been unveiled through groundbreaking discoveries from the exploration of outer space. 9.       Overcoming life's challenges and adversities requires the key trait of resilience. ·         Resilience is a crucial quality for facing and conquering life's challenges. ·         The ability to overcome life's challenges is closely tied to possessing the trait of resilience. 10.   Mitigating climate change necessitates investment in renewable energy sources. ·         The reduction of climate change impact relies on investments in renewable energy sources. ·         Essential steps for mitigating climate change include investing in renewable energy sources. 11.   Strong communication and empathy are defining traits of effective leadership. ·         Effective leadership is marked by the presence of strong communication skills and empathy. ·         The hallmarks of effective leadership include both strong communication and empathy. 12.   Ethical questions about machine decision-making are raised by the concept of artificial intelligence. ·         The introduction of artificial intelligence prompts ethical concerns regarding decision-making by machines. ·         Machine decision-making, prompted by artificial intelligence, sparks ethical inquiries. 13.   Food security and environmental conservation rely heavily on adopting sustainable practices in agriculture. ·         The adoption of sustainable practices in agriculture is essential for ensuring both food security and environmental conservation. ·         Ensuring food security and environmental conservation involves the implementation of sustainable practices in agriculture. 14.   Addressing pressing issues like climate change and pandemics requires global collaboration. ·         Global collaboration is a prerequisite for effectively tackling urgent challenges such as climate change and pandemics. ·         To confront urgent challenges like climate change and pandemics, global collaboration is imperative. 15.   Promoting gender equality is greatly influenced by having women in leadership positions. ·         Women in leadership positions play a crucial role in advancing gender equality. ·         Gender equality is advanced significantly through the instrumental role of women in leadership positions. 16.   The transformation of work and interaction with information is a result of innovation in technology. ·         Technology-driven innovation has reshaped both work processes and how we interact with information. ·         The way we work and engage with information has undergone a transformation due to technological innovation. 17.   Resilience and kindness are often showcased by people in crisis situations, bringing out their best qualities. ·         Crisis situations tend to reveal the best qualities in people, including resilience and kindness. ·         Demonstrations of resilience and kindness are commonly witnessed in people during crisis situations. 18.   The long-term benefits for individuals and society as a whole result from investing in education. ·         Education investments contribute to long-term advantages for both individuals and society. ·         Yielding long-term benefits, education investments positively impact both individuals and society. 19.   Achieving personal and professional goals is closely tied to effective time management. ·         The realization of personal and professional goals hinges on the practice of effective time management. ·         Personal and professional goals are attainable through the crucial practice of effective time management. 20.   Reducing stress and enhancing well-being is achieved through the increasingly popular practice of mindfulness. ·         Mindfulness has become a widely embraced method for reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. ·         The practice of mindfulness, aimed at reducing stress and enhancing well-being, has gained widespread popularity. Top of Form Exercise -3 Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Original Sentences: 1.       The concept of artificial intelligence has revolutionized various industries. 2.       Effective communication skills are essential for professional success. 3.       Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. 4.       Digitalization has transformed the way businesses operate and interact with customers. 5.       Mental health awareness is gaining momentum globally. 6.       The importance of lifelong learning is emphasized in today's fast-paced world. 7.       The internet has democratized access to information. 8.       Cultural exchange programs promote understanding and tolerance among nations. 9.       Critical thinking is a valuable skill in problem-solving. 10.   Social media has become a powerful platform for influencing public opinion. 11.   Remote work has become more prevalent due to advancements in technology. 12.   Renewable energy sources are key to addressing climate change. 13.   Quality sleep is linked to improved cognitive function. 14.   The globalization of trade has opened new economic opportunities. 15.   Empathy is crucial for building strong interpersonal relationships. 16.   E-learning platforms have become increasingly popular in education. 17.   The concept of time management is essential for productivity. 18.   Technological advancements have enhanced healthcare outcomes. 19.   Active participation in community service fosters a sense of civic responsibility. 20.   Effective teamwork is crucial for project success in the workplace. Paraphrased Sentences: 1.       Various industries have been transformed by the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence. ·         The impact of artificial intelligence has brought about transformations across different industries. ·         Artificial intelligence has caused significant changes in various sectors. 2.       Professional success hinges on possessing essential communication skills. ·         Possessing crucial communication skills is vital for achieving success in a professional setting. ·         Effective communication skills are indispensable for succeeding in one's career. 3.       Maintaining ecological balance is dependent on the crucial role played by biodiversity. ·         Biodiversity is essential for preserving ecological balance and harmony. ·         The preservation of ecological balance relies on the significant role of biodiversity. 4.       The way businesses operate and engage with customers has been transformed by digitalization. ·         Digitalization has reshaped how businesses conduct operations and interact with their customer base. ·         Businesses now operate and interact with customers in a transformed manner due to digitalization. 5.       Global momentum is building for mental health awareness. ·         There is a growing global movement focused on raising awareness about mental health. ·         Mental health awareness is gaining increased attention on a global scale. 6.       In today's fast-paced world, the emphasis is on the importance of lifelong learning. ·         Lifelong learning is underscored as crucial in the context of today's fast-paced world. ·         The significance of continuous learning is highlighted in the fast-paced world of today. 7.       The democratization of information access is attributed to the internet. ·         The internet is credited with democratizing the accessibility of information. ·         Information access has been democratized, thanks to the widespread use of the internet. 8.       Understanding and tolerance among nations are fostered by cultural exchange programs. ·         Cultural exchange programs contribute to the promotion of understanding and tolerance between nations. ·         The exchange of cultures through programs plays a role in fostering understanding and tolerance among nations. 9.       Problem-solving benefits from the valuable skill of critical thinking. ·         Critical thinking is a valuable skill that enhances the process of problem-solving. ·         The ability to think critically is an asset in addressing and solving problems. 10.   Public opinion can be strongly influenced through the powerful platform of social media. ·         Social media has emerged as a potent platform for shaping public opinion. ·         The influence of public opinion is greatly impacted by the powerful reach of social media. 11.   Advancements in technology have led to the increased prevalence of remote work. ·         Remote work has become more common due to advancements in technology. ·         Technological progress has contributed to the growing prevalence of remote work. 12.   Addressing climate change is contingent upon utilizing renewable energy sources. ·         Renewable energy sources play a key role in mitigating the impact of climate change. ·         The effective management of climate change involves the utilization of renewable energy sources. 13.   Improved cognitive function is linked to obtaining quality sleep. ·         Quality sleep is associated with enhanced cognitive function. ·         Cognitive function experiences improvement with the attainment of quality sleep. 14.   New economic opportunities have opened up due to the globalization of trade. ·         The globalization of trade has created fresh economic prospects. ·         Opportunities for economic growth have expanded with the globalization of trade. 15.   Building strong interpersonal relationships requires the crucial element of empathy. ·         Empathy is an essential component in the development of strong interpersonal relationships. ·         The cultivation of empathy is crucial for fostering strong connections with others. 16.   Education has witnessed an increasing popularity in the adoption of e-learning platforms. ·         The popularity of e-learning platforms has surged in the field of education. ·         The use of e-learning platforms in education has gained increasing traction. 17.   Essential for productivity is the understanding and application of the concept of time management. ·         The concept of time management is fundamental for enhancing productivity. ·         Productivity is positively impacted by a thorough understanding and application of time management principles. 18.   Healthcare outcomes have been improved through the enhancements brought about by technological advancements. ·         Technological advancements have led to enhancements in healthcare outcomes. ·         The outcomes in healthcare have witnessed improvements due to the influence of technological advancements. 19.   Fostering a sense of civic responsibility is achieved through active participation in community service. ·         Active engagement in community service contributes to the cultivation of a sense of civic responsibility. ·         A sense of civic responsibility is nurtured through active involvement in community service. 20.   Project success in the workplace hinges on the crucial element of effective teamwork. ·         Effective teamwork is a critical factor for achieving success in workplace projects. ·         The success of workplace projects is greatly influenced by the presence of effective teamwork. Exercise-4 Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Original Sentences: 1.       Scientific research is essential for advancing our understanding of the natural world. 2.       Critical thinking skills are crucial for making informed decisions in various aspects of life. 3.       The concept of sustainable living involves minimizing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices. 4.       Access to quality education is a fundamental right that should be available to all individuals. 5.       The development of effective communication skills is vital for professional success. 6.       Personal development is an ongoing journey that requires self-reflection and continuous learning. 7.       The application of artificial intelligence in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize patient care. 8.       Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for connecting people and sharing information. 9.       The principle of equality should guide decision-making processes in organizations. 10.   Environmental conservation efforts are crucial for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. 11.   Collaboration and teamwork are essential for achieving organizational goals and success. 12.   The exploration of space opens up possibilities for discovering new planets and celestial bodies. 13.   Digital literacy skills are increasingly important in navigating the modern information landscape. 14.   Cultural diversity in the workplace fosters innovation and a vibrant work environment. 15.   The promotion of mental health involves creating awareness and reducing stigma. 16.   Ethical considerations are paramount in the field of scientific research and experimentation. 17.   Effective leadership requires a combination of vision, communication, and interpersonal skills. 18.   The concept of lifelong learning emphasizes continuous personal and professional development. 19.   Renewable energy sources play a key role in transitioning to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy system. 20.   In times of crisis, resilient communities come together to support and uplift each other. Paraphrased Sentences: 1.       Advancing our comprehension of the natural world relies on essential scientific research. ·         Scientific research is crucial for progressing our understanding of the natural world. ·         Our understanding of the natural world advances through the indispensable practice of scientific research. 2.       In various aspects of life, making informed decisions necessitates critical thinking skills. ·         Critical thinking skills are essential for making well-informed decisions in different life situations. ·         Well-informed decision-making in diverse life scenarios is dependent on possessing critical thinking skills. 3.       Sustainable living involves the promotion of eco-friendly practices and the reduction of environmental impact. ·         Minimizing environmental impact and advocating eco-friendly practices are central to sustainable living. ·         Sustainable living encompasses the advocacy of eco-friendly practices and the reduction of environmental impact. 4.       The fundamental right to quality education should be accessible to all individuals. ·         Access to quality education is a basic right that should be within reach of every individual. ·         Every individual should have access to the fundamental right of quality education. 5.       Professional success hinges on the development of vital communication skills. ·         The cultivation of essential communication skills is crucial for achieving success in one's profession. ·         Achieving success in a professional context requires the crucial development of communication skills. 6.       An ongoing journey of self-reflection and continuous learning is essential for personal development. ·         Personal development requires a continuous journey of self-reflection and ongoing learning. ·         Continuous learning and self-reflection form the cornerstone of an ongoing journey toward personal development. 7.       The potential to revolutionize patient care exists with the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. ·         Applying artificial intelligence in healthcare has the potential to bring about a revolution in patient care. ·         The revolutionary transformation of patient care is a possibility through the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. 8.       Powerful tools for connecting people and sharing information are served by social media platforms. ·         Social media platforms act as potent instruments for connecting individuals and disseminating information. ·         Connecting people and disseminating information are facilitated through the powerful tools of social media platforms. 9.       Decision-making processes in organizations should be guided by the principle of equality. ·         The principle of equality should be the guiding force in decision-making processes within organizations. ·         Guiding decision-making processes within organizations should be the principle of equality. 10.   Preserving biodiversity and ecosystems necessitates crucial efforts in environmental conservation. ·         Environmental conservation efforts are essential for the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. ·         The preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems relies on critical efforts in environmental conservation. 11.   Essential for achieving organizational goals and success is collaboration and teamwork. ·         Collaboration and teamwork are crucial components for achieving success and organizational goals. ·         Success and organizational goals are attainable through the essential elements of collaboration and teamwork. 12.   The possibility of discovering new planets and celestial bodies is opened up by the exploration of space. ·         Space exploration presents opportunities for discovering new planets and celestial bodies. ·         The exploration of space creates possibilities for the discovery of new planets and celestial bodies. 13.   Navigating the modern information landscape increasingly requires digital literacy skills. ·         Digital literacy skills are increasingly necessary for navigating the contemporary information landscape. ·         The modern information landscape necessitates an increasing reliance on digital literacy skills. 14.   Fostering innovation and creating a vibrant work environment are outcomes of cultural diversity in the workplace. ·         Cultural diversity in the workplace leads to the promotion of innovation and the creation of a dynamic work environment. ·         The workplace becomes vibrant and innovative through the fostering of cultural diversity. 15.   Reducing stigma and creating awareness are integral to the promotion of mental health. ·         The promotion of mental health involves reducing stigma and creating awareness. ·         Reducing stigma and raising awareness are essential components of mental health promotion. 16.   In the field of scientific research and experimentation, ethical considerations are of paramount importance. ·         Ethical considerations hold paramount importance in the domain of scientific research and experimentation. ·         Paramount importance is placed on ethical considerations in the realm of scientific research and experimentation. 17.   Effective leadership requires a blend of vision, communication, and interpersonal skills. ·         Leadership effectiveness is achieved through a combination of vision, communication, and interpersonal skills. ·         A blend of vision, communication, and interpersonal skills is essential for effective leadership. 18.   Continuous personal and professional development is emphasized by the concept of lifelong learning. ·         Lifelong learning underscores the importance of continuous personal and professional development. ·         The emphasis on continuous personal and professional development is encapsulated in the concept of lifelong learning. 19.   Transitioning to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy system depends on the key role of renewable energy sources. ·         The transition to a sustainable and eco-friendly energy system relies on the pivotal role played by renewable energy sources. ·         Pivotal to transitioning to a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy system are renewable energy sources. 20.   In times of crisis, communities that are resilient come together to provide support and uplift each other. ·         Resilient communities unite to offer support and uplift each other during times of crisis. ·         During times of crisis, communities exhibit resilience by coming together to support and uplift each other. Exercise: Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Original Sentences: Effective time management is crucial for balancing work and personal life. The evolution of technology has significantly impacted the way we communicate. Personal financial literacy is essential for making informed and responsible money decisions. Building strong interpersonal relationships requires effective communication and empathy. Climate change poses a serious threat to the planet's ecosystems and biodiversity. The advancement of medical research has led to groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare. Lifelong learning contributes to personal growth and professional development. Entrepreneurship involves taking risks and pursuing innovative business ideas. The role of educators is pivotal in shaping the intellectual and emotional development of students. Cybersecurity measures are essential to protect sensitive information in the digital age. Civic engagement promotes active participation in democratic processes and community initiatives. Critical thinking skills are fundamental for analyzing and solving complex problems. Cultural diversity in literature enriches our understanding of different societies and perspectives. Quality leadership involves inspiring and motivating team members to achieve common goals. The globalization of trade has led to increased economic interdependence among nations. Healthy lifestyle choices contribute to overall well-being and disease prevention. Effective project management requires strategic planning and efficient resource allocation. Social justice initiatives aim to address inequalities and promote fairness in society. The exploration of outer space expands our knowledge of the universe and celestial bodies. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for fostering innovation and achieving organizational success. Paraphrased Sentences: Striking a balance between work and personal life relies on effective time management. Effective time management is essential for maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities. Maintaining equilibrium between work and personal life requires the effective implementation of time management strategies. Communication methods have been significantly influenced by the evolution of technology. The way we communicate has undergone significant changes due to the evolution of technology. Technological advancements have brought about substantial transformations in the methods of communication. Informed and responsible money decisions hinge on personal financial literacy. Making prudent and responsible decisions regarding money depends on possessing personal financial literacy. Personal financial literacy is a critical factor for making wise and responsible choices regarding money. Effective communication and empathy are crucial components for building strong interpersonal relationships. Building robust interpersonal relationships requires the effective use of communication and the presence of empathy. The foundation of strong interpersonal connections lies in the effective utilization of communication and the practice of empathy. The planet's ecosystems and biodiversity face a severe threat from climate change. Climate change poses a significant danger to the ecosystems and biodiversity of the planet. The integrity of the planet's ecosystems and biodiversity is seriously jeopardized by the threats posed by climate change. Groundbreaking discoveries in healthcare have resulted from the advancement of medical research. The progress in medical research has led to revolutionary breakthroughs in healthcare. Medical research advancements have paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the field of healthcare. Personal growth and professional development are enhanced through lifelong learning. Lifelong learning contributes to the continual development of individuals both personally and professionally. The pursuit of lifelong learning positively impacts personal growth and ongoing professional development. Pursuing innovative business ideas and taking risks are integral to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship involves the core elements of pursuing innovative business concepts and embracing calculated risks. Taking risks and exploring innovative business ideas are inherent aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. Shaping the intellectual and emotional development of students is a pivotal role for educators. Educators play a crucial role in influencing the intellectual and emotional development of students. The role of educators is fundamental in guiding the intellectual and emotional growth of students. Protecting sensitive information in the digital age necessitates cybersecurity measures. Cybersecurity measures are imperative for safeguarding sensitive information in the era of digital communication. In the digital age, the protection of sensitive information requires the implementation of cybersecurity measures. Active participation in democratic processes and community initiatives is promoted through civic engagement. Civic engagement encourages individuals to actively participate in democratic processes and community-driven initiatives. Participation in democratic processes and community-driven initiatives is fostered through civic engagement. Analyzing and solving complex problems demand fundamental critical thinking skills. Fundamental critical thinking skills are essential for the analysis and resolution of intricate problems. Tackling complex problems involves the application of fundamental critical thinking skills. Enriching our understanding of different societies and perspectives is achieved through cultural diversity in literature. Cultural diversity in literature contributes to a richer understanding of various societies and perspectives. The presence of cultural diversity in literature enhances our comprehension of different societies and viewpoints. Inspiring and motivating team members to achieve common goals defines quality leadership. Quality leadership is characterized by the ability to inspire and motivate team members toward the accomplishment of shared objectives. Inspiring team members and motivating them to work towards common goals exemplify quality leadership. Increased economic interdependence among nations results from the globalization of trade. The globalization of trade leads to heightened economic interdependence among nations. Economic interdependence among nations experiences a surge due to the globalization of trade. Contributing to overall well-being and preventing diseases are outcomes of healthy lifestyle choices. Healthy lifestyle choices contribute to the overall well-being of individuals and serve as a preventive measure against diseases. Overall well-being is positively influenced, and diseases are prevented through the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices. Efficient resource allocation and strategic planning are imperative for effective project management. Effective project management requires the imperative elements of efficient resource allocation and strategic planning. Strategic planning and the efficient allocation of resources are essential components for successful project management. Addressing inequalities and promoting fairness in society are goals of social justice initiatives. Social justice initiatives aim to address inequalities and advocate for fairness within society. The goals of social justice initiatives include addressing inequalities and fostering fairness in the broader societal context. Expanding our knowledge of the universe and celestial bodies is achieved through the exploration of outer space. The exploration of outer space contributes to the expansion of our understanding of the universe and celestial bodies. Our knowledge of the universe and celestial bodies grows through the continuous exploration of outer space. Fostering innovation and achieving organizational success necessitate collaboration and teamwork. The fostering of innovation and the attainment of organizational success require the collaborative efforts and teamwork of individuals. Achieving organizational success and fostering innovation are contingent upon the collaborative spirit and teamwork within a group. Exercise-4 Paraphrase the following sentences in three different ways: Original Sentences: Effective leadership involves guiding a team toward shared objectives and fostering a positive work environment. The principles of democracy promote citizen participation in decision-making processes and safeguard individual rights. Digital transformation has revolutionized business operations by integrating advanced technologies into daily practices. Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from challenges, contributing to personal growth and well-being. Environmental sustainability is crucial for preserving natural resources and mitigating the impact of climate change. Inclusive education aims to provide equal opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and abilities. The application of machine learning algorithms enhances the efficiency of data analysis and decision-making. Time management skills are essential for prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and reducing stress. Cultural heritage preservation involves safeguarding artifacts, traditions, and historical monuments for future generations. Effective communication in the workplace fosters collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances productivity. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, offer sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting positive relationships and connections. The pursuit of happiness involves cultivating positive emotions, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. The role of effective parenting is to nurture a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development. The concept of lifelong learning emphasizes continuous education beyond formal academic settings. Artificial intelligence applications, including natural language processing, contribute to advancements in human-computer interaction. Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and fostering connectivity. The principles of equality and justice are foundational elements of a fair and inclusive society. Sustainable agriculture practices focus on optimizing resource use, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting food security. The exploration of outer space provides valuable insights into the origins of the universe and the potential for extraterrestrial life. Paraphrased Sentences: Guiding a team toward common goals and creating a positive work environment defines effective leadership. Effective leadership is characterized by guiding a team to achieve shared objectives and fostering a positive workplace atmosphere. The essence of effective leadership lies in steering a team towards collective goals and cultivating a positive work environment. Citizen participation in decision-making processes and the protection of individual rights are upheld by democratic principles. Democratic principles uphold the involvement of citizens in decision-making and safeguarding the rights of individuals. The principles of democracy prioritize citizen participation in decision-making and ensuring the protection of individual rights. The integration of advanced technologies into daily practices has brought about a revolution in business operations. Business operations have undergone a revolution with the incorporation of advanced technologies into daily practices. The revolutionary transformation of business operations is attributed to the integration of advanced technologies. The ability to adapt and recover from challenges contributes to personal growth and well-being, defining resilience. Resilience, defined by the ability to adapt and recover from challenges, plays a crucial role in personal growth and well-being. Personal growth and well-being are influenced by resilience, characterized by the capacity to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Preserving natural resources and mitigating the impact of climate change are critical aspects of environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability entails preserving natural resources and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. The crucial components of environmental sustainability include the preservation of natural resources and efforts to mitigate climate change. Equal opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds and abilities are the goals of inclusive education. Inclusive education strives to provide equal opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds and abilities. The objectives of inclusive education encompass offering equal opportunities to students of varied backgrounds and abilities. Enhancing the efficiency of data analysis and decision-making is achieved through the application of machine learning algorithms. Machine learning algorithms contribute to the efficiency of data analysis and decision-making processes. The application of machine learning algorithms enhances the effectiveness of both data analysis and decision-making. Prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and reducing stress are outcomes of possessing time management skills. Time management skills lead to prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and reducing stress. The possession of time management skills results in the prioritization of tasks, meeting deadlines, and stress reduction. Safeguarding artifacts, traditions, and historical monuments for future generations is the objective of cultural heritage preservation. Cultural heritage preservation aims to safeguard artifacts, traditions, and historical monuments for the benefit of future generations. The preservation of cultural heritage involves protecting artifacts, traditions, and historical monuments for the posterity of future generations. Fostering collaboration, reducing misunderstandings, and enhancing productivity are benefits of effective workplace communication. Effective workplace communication brings about collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances overall productivity. The advantages of effective workplace communication include fostering collaboration, minimizing misunderstandings, and boosting productivity. Sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources are offered by renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, provide sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources. Solar and wind power, among other renewable energy technologies, present viable and sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources. Promoting positive relationships and connections is the result of possessing empathy, which involves understanding and sharing others' feelings. Empathy, characterized by understanding and sharing others' feelings, promotes positive relationships and connections. Possessing empathy, which entails understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fosters positive relationships and connections. Cultivating positive emotions, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose defines the pursuit of happiness. The pursuit of happiness involves cultivating positive emotions, forming meaningful relationships, and discovering a sense of purpose. Cultivating positive emotions, building meaningful relationships, and finding a sense of purpose are integral to the pursuit of happiness. Nurturing a child's emotional, social, and cognitive development is the essential role of effective parenting. Effective parenting involves the crucial responsibility of nurturing a child's emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The primary duty of effective parenting is to nurture a child's development across emotional, social, and cognitive dimensions. Continuous education beyond formal academic settings is emphasized by the concept of lifelong learning. The concept of lifelong learning underscores the importance of continual education beyond formal academic environments. Lifelong learning highlights the significance of ongoing education beyond the confines of formal academic institutions. Advancements in human-computer interaction are facilitated by applications of artificial intelligence, including natural language processing. Artificial intelligence applications, such as natural language processing, contribute to advancements in human-computer interaction. The progress in human-computer interaction is propelled by the applications of artificial intelligence, particularly natural language processing. Shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and fostering connectivity are significant roles played by social media platforms. Social media platforms play significant roles in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and fostering connectivity. The roles of social media platforms include shaping public opinion, spreading information, and fostering connections. Foundational elements of a fair and inclusive society include the principles of equality and justice. Principles of equality and justice form foundational elements for building a fair and inclusive society. The building blocks of a fair and inclusive society comprise the principles of equality and justice. Optimizing resource use, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting food security are focuses of sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable agriculture practices focus on optimizing resource use, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting food security. The objectives of sustainable agriculture practices include optimizing resource use, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring food security. Valuable insights into the origins of the universe and the potential for extraterrestrial life are provided by the exploration of outer space. The exploration of outer space yields valuable insights into the origins of the universe and the potential existence of extraterrestrial life. Insights into the origins of the universe and the potential for extraterrestrial life are gleaned through the exploration of outer space.

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. New York Late-Starters String Orchestra NYLSO, the New York Late-Starters String Orchestra, is something special. It was founded in early 2007, and grew out of a concept developed by The East London Late Starters Orchestra (ELLSO), an award-winning group in England. NYLSO is an amateur orchestra for adult players of violin, viola, cello, and double bass. If you played a string instrument when you were younger and would like to start again, or if you are learning as an adult and would like the chance to play in a group of similar people, then NYLSO is for you! Our goal is to create a fun, supportive, non-competitive environment for adults 18 to 80+ who wish to participate in collective music-making. Participants should have basic music reading skills and a willingness to commit to the group, but are not required to audition. It is recommended that you have studied your instrument for at least one year. If you have ever been paid to play your instrument, recently graduated with a degree in performance, or have been playing continuously since elementary school, you may decide we are not the appropriate group for you. How We Work: We know that New Yorkers are busy people. It is fine if you miss an entire rehearsal period when an emergency arises. Ultimately, though, too many absences disrupt the function of the group and make it difficult to perform the pieces. Sessions are in six-week rehearsal cycles, with two-hour rehearsals held once a week. We work with the goal of producing one to three very informal ‘friends-and-family’ concerts per year. Our professional tutor/facilitator serves as coach and conductor during rehearsals. Substitute conductors also join in to teach different sections, providing groups of players with valuable experience in working with different approaches and styles. Everyone is encouraged to play to their fullest potential, whatever that may be, but please recognize that while we do have a conductor, her role is not to provide one-on-one instruction during rehearsals. NYLSO is a self-supporting collective; we do not receive any other funding. The cost is $80 for each six-week cycle. Payments are applied to the costs of rehearsal space, conductor’s fees, and photocopying music. Materials You Will Need At Rehearsals: You will need an instrument, a portable music stand, and any other relevant accessories. You should bring a folder to keep your music together and a soft-lead pencil with an eraser for writing in changes. Sheet music is provided. Questions 1-7 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 1   The idea behind NYLSO was based on another orchestra. 2   An ability to read music is essential. 3   The NYLSO might be unsuitable for very advanced level musicians. 4   NYLSO concerts are free to members’ families and friends. 5   Rehearsals always involve the full orchestra playing together. 6   The conductor provides her services free to NYLSO. 7   The NYLSO gives advice on what instrument to purchase. Read the advertisements below and answer Questions 8-14. The 7 best running watches Kate Hilpern advises people on the best watches to use when they go running. A     Soleus FIT 1.0 Soleus claims this has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Water- resistant to 30m and with a built-in rechargeable battery, it’s accurate at measuring speed, pace, distance and calories burnt. B     Nike+ SportWatch GPS You’ll be hard pushed to find a running watch that finds a GPS signal quicker than this. It will keep you updated on current location, distance covered, number of laps and calories burnt. C     Garmin Forerunner This watch, which is small enough to wear at the office, is touchscreen and is packed with impressive features, although the battery life is limited. D     Timex Run Trainer 2.0 The hi-res screen makes this a great watch for athletes at any level. The easy-to-use, upgraded menu system makes monitoring pace, speed and distance child’s play. Alerts remind you when it’s time to hydrate or top up the nutrition. E     Garmin Forerunner 10 This is a well-priced, entry-level watch that’s light as well as waterproof and available in a range of colours. Don’t expect added extras, but do expect good basic functionality. F     Nike Fuelband Described by the Huffington Post as ‘the sports watch you never knew you needed,’ this soft-touch and lightweight watch has been lovingly designed to appear more like a piece of futuristic jewellery than a running watch. But it’s hi-tech too and synchronises with your phone to show the results. G     Suunto Ambit2 S HR This is better suited to off-roaders rather than urban runners and although it’s quite big, it has a functional design and is compatible with the thousands of Suunto apps available. Questions 8-14 Look at the seven advertisements for running watches, A-G. For which running watch are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 8   This would be a suitable and not too expensive first watch for a runner. 9   Care has been taken to make this watch very attractive to look at. 10   This watch can be programmed to let the runner know when it is time to get some refreshment. 11   This watch will need recharging at frequent intervals. 12   Both experienced and inexperienced runners will find this watch useful. 13   Runners will find all the features on this watch are useful. 14   People who do most of their running in cities may find this watch is not appropriate for them. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-22. Employees’ health and safety responsibilities As an employee you have rights and you have responsibilities for your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues. This article explains what these responsibilities are, and how you can meet them. Your rights Your rights as an employee to work in a safe and healthy environment are set down in law and generally can’t be changed or removed by your employer. The most important of these rights are: •  as far as possible, to have any hazards to your health and safety properly controlled •  to be given any personal protective and safety equipment without being charged for it •  to stop work and leave your work area, without being disciplined, if you have reasonable concerns about your safety •  to tell your employer about any health and safety concerns you have •  not to be disciplined if you contact the Health and Safety Executive, or your local authority, if your employer won’t listen to you •  to have breaks during the time you are at work •  to have time off from work during the working week •  to have annual paid holiday. Your responsibilities Your most important responsibilities as an employee are: •  to take reasonable care of your own health and safety •  to remove jewellery and avoid loose clothing when operating machinery •  if you have long hair, or wear a headscarf, make sure it’s tucked out of the way as it could get caught in machinery •  to take reasonable care not to expose fellow employees and members of the public to risk by what you do or don’t do in the course of your work •  to co-operate with your employer, making sure you complete the training that is provided and that you understand and follow the company’s health and safety policies •  not to interfere with or misuse anything that’s been provided for your health, safety or welfare •  to report any injuries you suffer as a result of doing your job – your employer may then need to change the way you work. If you drive or operate machinery, you have a responsibility to tell your employer if you take medication that makes you feel sleepy. If you do, they should temporarily move you to another job if they have one for you to do. Questions 15-22 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-22 on your answer sheet. Health and Safety at Work Employees’ rights •  are established by 15….……………. and include the following: –  employers should manage any potential dangers to their staff’s health and safety – any 16….……………. needed for employees to work safely should be free – employees may inform management of any 17….……………. they have relating to health and safety – employees are entitled to some 18….……………. while they are working Employees’ responsibilities – to take off jewellery and dress appropriately for their particular work – to avoid putting colleagues and others at 19….……………. – to do any 20….……………. that the employer offers – to inform the employer of any 21….……………. received while working – to make sure the employer knows of any 22….……………. you are taking that might affect performance. Read the text below and answer Questions 23-27. Our company notices A     Advance warning Refurbishment of offices in the Perkins Building will start on Monday 22 May, and is expected to be completed by the end of June. Staff based in that building will be individually notified of where they’ll work for that time. On the previous Friday, facilities staff will move everything that needs to go to your new office. Before then, please make a list of what should be moved, and another list of what can be stored. B     Information about financial systems The review of the company’s financial systems is now complete, and modifications will shortly be introduced. Jane Phillips from Finance will explain the changes and how they affect you, and answer any queries about them, between 12 and 1 pm on 15 March in Room 5. C     Purchasing Manager As you probably know, Sadia Ahmed is leaving the company on 31 March, after ten years as Purchasing Manager. Her replacement, Jeff Bridges, will join us on the previous Monday. Jeff will be in Room 70 between 12 and 2 pm on 3 April: feel free to drop in and say hello to him during your lunch break. D     We’re doing well! We’ve received a large and urgent order from one of our major customers. As a result, we’ll need to run the production line for an additional three hours each evening throughout the week beginning 13 March. Any production workers willing to do this shift in addition to their normal work should speak to the Production Manager asap. E     Quality control Because of recent concerns about product quality, we’re setting up a team to consider ways of raising quality and making recommendations for changes. As staff from any department might have useful ideas, anyone is welcome to join the team – ring Rodrigo Perez on 1012. It will involve fortnightly meetings and some research, over a six-month period. F     New opportunity Dev Patel will cease to be part-time content editor of the company intranet at the end of April, as his new role in Marketing leaves him no time for it. We’re looking for two people to take over. If you’re interested, and can work an extra three or four hours a week (for extra pay, of course!), contact Maggie Campbell on 2146. G     And finally… We hope to re-start the company tennis championship, which hasn’t taken place for the last three years. If this is something for you, talk to Bill Sinclair on extension 2371. You don’t need to be a star player! Questions 23-27 Look at the seven notices for a company’s staff, A-G. For which company notice are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 23-27 on your answer sheet. 23   Staff are needed to work on internal communications. 24   People are needed to help improve an internal system. 25   Staff are asked if they want to take part in an internal competition. 26   Volunteers are asked to work overtime for a limited period. 27   Staff will be told where to work temporarily. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. Vanilla – the most wonderful flavor in the world Vanilla is the most popular and widely used flavor in the world. And, yet, the vanilla orchid is only grown in a few countries. Below you’ll discover why these countries are ideal and how the vanilla from each region differs. Mexico Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) originated in Mexico and for centuries was the exclusive secret of the native Totonac Indians, who were later conquered by the Aztecs. The Aztecs, in turn, were conquered by the Spanish forces led by Cortez in 1520. He brought vanilla pods home to Spain, thus introducing the flavorful pods to the rest of the world. However, Mexico remained the sole grower of vanilla for another 300 years. The particular relationship between the vanilla orchid and an indigenous bee called the Melipone was crucial. It was responsible for pollinating the flowers, resulting in fruit production. Vanilla pods should be picked when the tip begins to turn yellow. The curing process gives the pods their characteristic brown color as well as their flavor and aroma. In Mexico, farmers cure the pods by wrapping them in blankets and straw mats and then placing them in ovens for 24 to 48 hours. After that, the pods are spread outdoors to absorb heat during the day and then placed in wooden boxes overnight. Once properly cured, they are stored to further develop the flavor. The entire curing process takes three to six months, making it a very labor-intensive process. Vanilla from Mexico has a flavor that combines creamy tones with a deep, spicy character, making it a delicious complement to chocolate, cinnamon and other warm spices. It also works wonderfully in tomato sauces. Madagascar Around 1793, a vanilla plant was smuggled from Mexico to the Island of Reunion, east of Africa. For almost 50 years, the production of vanilla struggled. The vines grew successfully with beautiful blossoms but vanilla pods were infrequent. Without the Melipone bee, the flowers weren’t being fertilized beyond occasional pollination by other insects. It wasn’t until 1836 that Charles Morren, a Belgian botanist, discovered the pollination link between bee and plant. And then in 1841, Edmond Albius of Reunion developed an efficient method for fertilizing the flower by hand. Now, growers could choose the best flowers to pollinate, resulting in a healthier and higher quality vanilla pod. Eventually, the plants arrived on the nearby island of Madagascar, where hand pollination proved its worth. Assisted by the climate and rich soil, hand pollination by the country’s skilled farmers has enabled Madagascar to become the world’s top vanilla producer in quantity and, many would argue, quality. The curing process is similar to that in Mexico with one difference. The farmers initiate the process by immersing the green vanilla pods in hot water for some time. They then store them in sweat boxes before beginning the routine of spreading them outdoors during the day and packing them away at night. The different curing method used contributes to the overall flavor of the vanilla. The sweet, creamy and mellow flavor is the one most people identify with vanilla. This flavor and the pod’s ability to hold that flavor in both hot and cold applications make it an exceptional ‘all-purpose’ vanilla which is many people’s first choice for a wide range of sweet recipes – from cooking and baking to ice creams and buttercreams. Tahiti Like the other countries, Tahiti’s tropical climate makes it ideal for growing vanilla. However, Tahiti differs in the species of vanilla that is most common: Vanilla tahitensis Moore. This is the hybrid of two vanilla species introduced in the 1800s. These two species were skilfully crossed in the next few decades, to create the plump Tahitian vanilla pods we know today. The curing process also differs from other countries’. Mature pods are first stacked in a cool place until they are completely brown (five to ten days) and then rinsed briefly in clear water, a unique characteristic of the method used in Tahiti. For the next month, growers expose the pods to the gentle morning sunlight. In the afternoon, they bind the pods in cloths and store them in crates until the next morning, to promote transpiration. Little by little, the vanilla pods lose weight and shrink. Throughout this phase, the workers carefully smooth and even out the pods with their fingers. Then after a month, the final step is to leave the pods in a shaded and well-ventilated spot for 40 days to lower their moisture content. This species of orchid combined with Tahiti’s advantageous climate and soil results in a vanilla that has fruity and sweet tones. Tahitian vanilla is especially vulnerable to heat and is therefore best used in refrigerated and frozen desserts, fruit pies and smoothies. Indonesia Indonesia is the second largest producer of vanilla. However, Indonesian production methods focus on quantity over quality. Unlike other regions, where vanilla beans are picked only when ripe, Indonesian growers harvest all the beans at one time, a labor-saving adjustment. The curing process also features production shortcuts such as the use of propane heaters to speed up drying. The use of such heat, which chemically alters the beans, essentially ‘bums off flavor components while adding a smoky tone, resulting in a less complex taste and a sharper flavor. Indonesian vanilla works well when blended with vanillas from other regions and, because it’s more economical, it makes the end product more affordable. Questions 28-31 Look at the following statements (Questions 28-31) and the list of countries below. Match each statement with the correct country, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 28-31 on your answer sheet. 28   The vanilla that is grown here was created from more than one type of vanilla plant. 29   This vanilla is often mixed with other types of vanilla. 30   Some people claim that this country produces the finest vanilla. 31   This vanilla goes well with both sweet and savoury ingredients. List of Countries A     Mexico B     Madagascar C     Tahiti D     Indonesia Questions 32-34 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 32-34 on your answer sheet. 32   What prevented countries, apart from Mexico, from growing vanilla in the 17th and 18th centuries? A   the Aztecs’ refusal to let the pods be exported B   the lack of the most suitable pollinating insect C   the widespread ignorance of the existence of the plant D   the poor condition of the vanilla pods that Cortez collected 33   What does the writer suggest was the main reason for the success of vanilla cultivation on Madagascar? A   the adoption of a particular agricultural technique B   the type of vanilla orchid that was selected C   the unique quality of the soil on the island D   the rapidly increasing number of growers 34    The writer believes that Madagascan vanilla is so popular because A   it works well in a variety of main courses and puddings. B   its pod is less likely than others to break up when it is cooked. C   its taste is widely considered to be the standard taste of vanilla. D   it is the one that is used in a number of commercial frozen desserts. Questions 35-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 35-40 on your answer sheet. How vanilla pods are cured in Tahiti Tahitian farmers start by leaving the pods to turn 35…………………… all over. They then wash them quickly before the main stage of the curing process begins. They place the pods in the 36…………………… during the early part of the day. Cloths are then wrapped round them and they are left in boxes overnight. This procedure encourages 37…………………… . Gradually, the 38…………………… of the individual pods starts to decrease. While this is happening, the farmers continue to work on the pods. They use their 39…………………… to flatten them out. For the last stage in the curing process, the pods are kept in a cool place which is open to the air, so that the amount of 40…………………… within them is reduced. Answer: Section 1 1   TRUE 2   TRUE 3   TRUE 4   NOT GIVEN 5   FALSE 6   FALSE 7   NOT GIVEN 8   E 9   F 10   D 11   C 12   D 13   A 14   G Section 2 15   law 16   equipment 17   concerns 18   breaks 19   risk 20   training 21   injuries 22   medication 23   F 24   E 25   G 26   D 27   A Section 3 28   C 29   D 30   B 31   A 32   B 33   A 34   C 35   brown 36   sunlight 37   transpiration 38   weight 39   fingers 40   moisture

1. B 2. C 3. F 4. A 5. C 6. D 7. C 8. False 9. False 10. Not given 11. True 12. True 13. Not given 14. True 15. Oxygen 16. Yearly 17. Beard 18. Solvents 19. Rack 20. Straps 21. Sunlight 22. Footwear 23. Padding 24. Handrails 25. Trolleys 26. Overreach 27. Rotation 28. vi 29. i 30. vii 31. iv 32. iii 33. viii 34. v 35. Fungi 36. Horizon 37. Surface 38. Landscape 39. Galaxies 40. Gardens

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-8. A   Bath International Music Festival From electronic to folk, jazz and classical, this festival is renowned for bringing world-class musicians to this historical city. Starting with a great night of free music, ‘Party in the City’ this year is going to be no exception. B   The Great Escape Often referred to as Europe’s leading festival for new music, more than 300 bands will perform to around 10,000 people in 30-plus venues, meaning you’re sure to see the next big thing in music. C   Springwatch Festival The much loved television series Springwatch celebrates the countryside as it does every year, with sheep herding, wood carving demonstrations, insect hunts and more activities, accompanied by live music and a great farmers’ market, offering all sorts of mouth-watering produce. D   Wychwood Music Festival Rightly nominated for the best family festival award every year since it began in 2005, this festival offers a combination of different music genres – many featuring artists from around the Wychwood area – and comedy, alongside a selection of outdoor cafes serving amazing world foods. E   Love Food Festival Bringing together a selection of the finest produce, this festival aims to educate visitors about how food should be produced and where it should come from, through sampling a range of tasty treats, cooked on site. F   The 3 Wishes Faery Festival The UK’s most magical event, this is a three-day festival of folk art, live music and fashion shows set in the beautiful wild surroundings of Bodmin Moor. If you don’t fancy taking a tent, some local residents usually offer to put visitors up. G   Bath International Dance Festival Featuring demonstrations from world champion dancers and stars from the T series Strictly Come Dancing, the festival promises toe-tapping action, including a world record attempt, where everyone is invited to join in. Questions 1-8 Look at the seven advertisements for festivals in the UK, A-G. For which festival are the following statements true? Write the correct letter A-G, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   Visitors can help to make one particular event a success at this festival. 2   People can listen to local musicians here. 3   At this festival, people can listen to music in lots of different places. 4   It is not necessary to pay for one of the events here. 5   It is possible to stay overnight at this festival. 6   Children will enjoy this festival. 7   Visitors can get advice here. 8   People can watch craftspeople at work here. Read the text below and answer Questions 9-14. BIG ROCK CLIMBING CENTRE Big Rock Climbing Centre is a modern, friendly, professionally run centre offering over 1,250 square metres of fantastic indoor climbing. We use trained and experienced instructors to give you the opportunity to learn and develop climbing skills, keep fit and have fun. Master our 11 m-high climbing walls, using a rope harness, for an unbeatable sense of achievement. Or experience the thrills of climbing without any harness in our special low-level arena, which has foam mats on the floor to cushion any fall safely. Who is Big Rock for? Almost anyone can enjoy Big Rock. Previous climbing experience and specialist equipment are not required. You can come on your own or with friends and family. Come as a fun alternative to the gym or for a special day out with the kids. If you’re visiting with friends or family but not climbing, or just fancy coming to look, please feel free to relax in our excellent cafe overlooking the climbing areas. Mobile Climbing Wall Available on a day hire basis at any location, the Big Rock Mobile Climbing Wall is the perfect way to enhance any show, festival or event. The mobile wall can be used indoors or outdoors and features four unique 7.3 m-high climbing faces designed to allow four people to climb simultaneously. Quick to set up and pack up, the Mobile Climbing Wall is staffed by qualified and experienced climbing instructors, providing the opportunity to climb the wall in a controlled and safe environment. When considering what to wear, we’ve found that trousers and t-shirts are ideal. We will, however, ask people to remove scarves. Most flat shoes are suitable as long as they’re enclosed and support the foot. The mobile wall is very adaptable and can be operated in light rain and winds up to 50 kph. There are, however, particular measures that we take in such conditions. What about hiring the Mobile Climbing Wall for my school or college? As climbing is different from the usual team games practised at schools, we’ve found that some students who don’t usually like participating in sports are willing to have a go on the mobile climbing wall. If you’re concerned that some children may not want to take part because they feel nervous if they climb, then please be assured that our instructors will support them up to a level which they’re comfortable with. They will still benefit greatly from the experience. Questions 9-14 Do the flowing statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 9   When climbing at the Big Rock Centre, it is compulsory to be attached by a rope. 10   People who just want to watch the climbing can enter the Centre without paying. 11   People can arrange to have a climbing session in their own garden if they wish. 12   A certain item of clothing is forbidden for participants. 13   The Mobile Climbing Wall can only be used in dry, calm weather. 14   It is inadvisable for children who are afraid of heights to use the Mobile Climbing Wall. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. Marketing advice for new businesses If you’re setting up your own business, here’s some advice on getting customers. Know where your customers look Your customers aren’t necessarily where you think they are. So if you’re advertising where they’re just not looking, it’s wasted money. That’s why it pays to do a bit of research. Every time someone contacts your company, ask them where they fund out about you. And act on this information so you’re advertising in the right places. Always think like a customer What makes your customers tick? Find out, and you’re halfway to saying the right things in your advertising. So take the time to ask them. A simple phone or email survey of your own customers, politely asking why they use you, what they really like and what they don’t, is invaluable. Make sure customers know you’re there If a customer can’t see you, they can’t buy from you. There are loads of opportunities to promote your business – print, press, direct mail, telemarketing, email and the internet – and using a mix of these increases your chances of being seen (and remembered). Ignore your customers and they’ll go away It sounds obvious, but companies who talk to their customers have much better retention rates than those that don’t, so it’s worth staying in touch. Capture your customers’ email addresses upfront. Follow up a transaction to check they’re happy with the service and, if possible, send them updates that are helpful, informative and relevant. Know what works (and what doesn’t) Do what the professionals do, and measure all your advertising. That’ll tell you what you’re doing right – and where there’s room for improvement. You never know, it might just throw up some information that could change your business for the better. Remember word-of-mouth: the best advertising there is A recent survey found that consumers are 50% more likely to be influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations than by TV or radio ads. So your reputation is your greatest asset. If your current customers are impressed with your company, they’ll be more inclined to recommend you to others. On the flip side, if they experience bad service they probably won’t complain to you – but you can be sure they will to their friends. Questions 15-20 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   Some ……………………… will help you to discover the most effective places to advertise. 16   A ……………………… of your customers will show you how they feel about your company. 17   A ……………………… of forms of advertising will make it more likely that potential customers will find out about you. 18   If you can, provide customers with useful ……………………… about your business. 19   Measuring the effects of your advertising can give you ……………………… that will improve your business. 20   Success in finding new customers largely depends on your ……………………… . Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27. Working Time Regulations for Mobile Workers These rules apply to drivers and crew of heavy goods vehicles or public service vehicles. The rules limit the amount of time that can be worked. Those defined in the Regulations as being self-employed are currently not covered by the Regulations. What are the limits? •  An average of 48 hours’ work per week. •  In any single week up to 60 hours can be worked so long as the 48-hour average is maintained. •  Night work is limited to 1 O hours per night, unless there is a workforce agreement to work longer. •  Statutory annual leave and any sick leave and/or maternity/paternity leave counts as working time. What counts as work? In general, any activities performed in connection with the transport operation count as work, for example, driving, loading/unloading and those checks that are the responsibility of drivers, such as checking lights, brakes, etc. There are a number of periods of time that do not count as work, for example, travelling between home and your normal place of work, lunch or other breaks and periods of availability. Periods of availability are periods of time during which the mobile worker is not required to remain at their workstation but is required to be available for work, the foreseeable duration of which is known about in advance, for example: •  Delays at a distribution centre. •  Reporting for work then being informed that no duties are to be undertaken for a specified period. •  Accompanying a vehicle being transported, for example by train. A period of availability can be taken at the workstation. Providing the worker has a reasonable amount of freedom (e.g. they can read and relax) for a known duration, this could satisfy the requirements of a period of availability. Situations when a period of time should not be recorded as a period of availability: •  Hold-ups due to congestion, because the driver would be stopping and starting the vehicle. •  Frequently moving up within a queue (e.g. waiting within a queue to load or unload) every other minute. Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. Working Time Regulations for Mobile Workers These apply to people working on lorries, buses, etc. They don’t apply to 21……………………. workers. Maximum working hours: 60 hours a week, provided the 22……………………. is no more than 48 hours. Night work can be more than 10 hours with the 23……………………. of the workers. Work includes driving, loading and unloading, and carrying out various 24……………………. of the vehicle. Periods of availability include: going on a 25……………………. or other form of transport with a vehicle a period at the workstation when the driver has some 26……………………. might count as a period of availability Periods of availability exclude: time spent stopping and starting the vehicle when 27……………………. causes delays being in a queue, e.g. in order to load or unload SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. A brief history of automata An automaton is a machine, usually made to resemble a person or animal, that operates on its own, once it has been started. Although few are constructed nowadays, they have a history stretching back well over two thousand years. Several myths show that the ancient Greeks were interested in the creation of automata. In one, Hephaestus, the god of all mechanical arts, was reputed to have made two female statues of pure gold which assisted him and accompanied him wherever he went. As well as giving automata a place in mythology, the Greeks almost certainly created some. These were probably activated by levers and powered by human action, although there are descriptions of steam and water being used as sources of power. Automata were sometimes intended as toys, or as tools for demonstrating basic scientific principles. Other ancient cultures, too, seem to have developed automata. In Egypt, Ctesibius experimented with air pressure and pneumatic principles. One of his creations was a singing blackbird powered by water. A Chinese text of the third century BC describes a life-size, human-shaped figure that could walk rapidly, move its head up and down, sing and wink its eye. Much later, Arab engineers of the ninth and thirteenth centuries wrote detailed treatises on how to build programmable musical fountains, mechanical servants, and elaborate clocks. A ninth-century ruler in Baghdad had a silver and gold tree with metal birds that sang. The art of creating automata developed considerably during the fifteenth century, linked with improvements in dock making: the mechanisms of automata and clocks had a great deal in common. Some truly remarkable automata were produced at this time. Muller was reputed to have made an artificial eagle which flew to greet the Emperor on his entry into Nuremberg, Germany, in 1470, then returned to perch on top of a city gate and, by stretching its wings and bowing, saluted the emperor on his arrival. Leonardo da Vinci made a lion in honour of the king of France, which advanced towards him, stopped, opened its chest with a claw and pointed to the French coat of arms. Automata were normally very expensive toys for the very rich. They were made for royal or aristocratic patrons, to be viewed only by themselves and selected guests – who were expected to be impressed by their wealth. Automata were also created for public show, however, and many appeared on clock towers, such as the one in Bern, Switzerland, built in 1530. During the eighteenth century, some watchmakers made automata to contribute to the progress of medicine and the natural sciences, particularly to investigate the mechanical laws governing the structure and movement of living things. Many of their creations simulated almost perfectly the complex structure of human beings and animals. Maillardet made extensive use of gearing and cogs to produce automata of horses, worked by turning a handle. Vaucanson produced a duck made of gilded copper which ate, drank and quacked like a real duck. He also made a life-size female flute player. Air passes through the complex mechanism, causing the lips and fingers of the player to move naturally on the flute, opening and closing holes on it. This automaton had a repertoire of twelve tunes. In another well-known piece, Merlin’s silver swan made in 1773, the swan sits in a stream consisting of glass rods where small silver fish are swimming. When the clockwork is wound, a music box plays and the glass rods rotate, giving the impression of a flowing stream. The swan turns its head from side to side. It soon notices the fish and bends down to catch and eat one, then raises its head to the upright position. The mechanism still works. One of the most skilled makers of automata was the Swiss watchmaker Jaquet-Droz. He produced three automata which, even today, are considered wonders of science and mechanical engineering. One of these, The Writer, simulates a boy sitting at a desk, dipping his pen into the ink and writing perfectly legibly. Another stunning creation of the eighteenth century was the Mechanical Theatre in the grounds of Austria’s Hellbrunn Palace, home of the Archbishop of Salzburg. Designed by the miner Rosenegger, and completed in 1752, this depicts the nobility’s idea of a perfect society, with every class in its proper place. The figures inside a palace depict eighteenth century court life, while industrious activity is carried on in and around this building. A total of 141 mobile and 52 immobile little figures demonstrate all manner of trades of the period: building workers bring materials to the foreman, who drinks; butchers slaughter an ox; a barber shaves a man. A dancing bear performs, guards march past the palace, a farmer pushes an old woman in a wheelbarrow over the road. The theatre shows great skill in dock making and water technology, consisting of hidden waterwheels, copper wiring and cogwheels. During the nineteenth century, mass production techniques meant that automata could be made cheaply and easily, and they became toys for children rather than an expensive adult amusement. Between 1860 and 1910, small family businesses in Paris made thousands of clockwork automata and mechanical singing birds and exported them around the world. However, the twentieth century saw traditional forms of automata fall out of favour. Questions 28-30 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer Write your answers in boxes 28–30 on your answer sheet. Automata and the ancient Greeks The ancient Greeks had a number of 28…………………. concerning automata. According to one, the god Hephaestus created two assistants made of gold. The Greeks probably also created real automata; it seems most likely that the mechanism which controlled them consisted of 29…………………. which were worked by human operators. Some automata were designed to be 30…………………. with an educational purpose. Questions 31-35 Look at the following descriptions (Questions 31-35) and the list of people below. Match each statement with the correct person, A-G. Write the correct letter A-G, in boxes 31-35 on your answer sheet List of Descriptions 31   created an automaton that represented a bird in water, interacting with its surroundings 32   created an automaton that performed on a musical instrument 33   produced documents about how to create automata 34   created automata which required a human being to operate the mechanism 35   used air and water power List of People A     Ctesibius B     Arab engineers C     da Vinci D     Maillardet E     Vaucanson F     Merlin G     Jaquet-Droz Questions 36-40 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer Write your answers in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet. 36   The Mechanical Theatre shows court life inside a …………………. . 37   In the Mechanical Theatre, building workers, butchers and a barber represent various …………………. of the time. 38   …………………. provides the power that operates the Mechanical Theatre. 39   New …………………. that developed in the nineteenth century reduced the cost of the production of automata. 40   During the nineteenth century, most automata were intended for use by …………………. . Answers: Section 1 1   G 2   D 3   B 4   A 5   F 6   D 7   E 8   C 9   FALSE 10   NOT GIVEN 11   TRUE 12   TRUE 13   FALSE 14   FALSE Section 2 15   research 16   survey 17   mix 18   updates 19   information 20   reputation 21   self(-)employed 22   average 23   agreement 24   checks 25   train 26   freedom 27   congestion Section 3 28   myths 29   levers 30   tools 31   F 32   E 33   B 34   D 35   A 36   palace 37   trades 38   water 39   techniques 40   children

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1- 8. The Guardian Newspaper’s Travel Photography Competition The photo competition is back, giving you another chance to win an incredible trip to Swedish Lapland. Do you have a camera and love travelling? If so, our annual photography competition run by the Travel section of The Guardian is for you. It’s an opportunity for you to capture the essence of the journeys you make, whether far afield or close to home, and for us to showcase your work online. The winner of each month’s competition will also see their shot mounted and displayed in the end-of-year exhibition for the public at The Guardian ‘s offices in London. Once the exhibition is finished, each monthly winner will receive a framed copy of their shot to place with pride on their own wall. There will be a different theme for each month. Members of The Guardian travel writing team, and photographer Michael Ryan of Fotovue.com will judge the monthly entries and the overall winner. To enter you must be living in the UK from the time you submit your entry into the competition to the time you are selected as a winner. The competition is open to all photographers (both amateur and professional). The overall winner (chosen from the 12 monthly winners) will go on an amazing four­ night trip to Swedish Lapland. The host for this specialist holiday is Fredrik Broman, who has been a nature photographer for 21 years. Fredrik will assist the winner and other participants in photographing a wide variety of winter subjects. Each day has a specific focus. The trip includes winter light photography workshops, an image editing workshop, a night photography course, and an action photography workshop. Included in the prize: return flights from the UK, four nights’ accommodation with full board, cold weather clothing for the duration of the trip – thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, hats and woollen socks – fully qualified wilderness guides, and instructors. The overall winner will be required to write a report of the trip, and take accompanying photographs, which will be printed in the Travel section of The Guardian at a later date. The Guardian reserves the right, however, to modify your report and photos as necessary. Your name will of course appear with the article and photos. Questions 1-8 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 1   This is the first year that The Guardianhas run a travel photography competition. 2   Any photograph for the competition must have been taken on an overseas trip. 3   The end-of-year exhibition in London is free for the public to attend. 4   The judging panel is made up of a group of journalists and a professional photographer. 5   The trip to Swedish Lapland will only be offered to one winner. 6   Every activity on the trip is focused on improving photography techniques. 7   Anyone going on the trip may take some of the cold weather clothing home at the end of the trip. 8   Articles written about the trip may be changed before being published. Read the text below and answer Questions 9-14. Running headphones Listening to music on headphones makes running and even working out at the gym much more enjoyable. Here are some alternatives to choose from. A     Plantronics Backbeat Fit These headphones are really tough so you don’t need to worry about just throwing them into your bag before or after a workout. As well as providing reasonably clear sound they will also last a remarkable eight hours on a single charge. B     Sennheiser CX685 Sports These headphones are impressively practical. Designed to fit firmly in your ear, however energetic you are, they ‘ re tight without being uncomfortable, and have a handy remote and a mic for phone calls. They will also resist some water being spilt on them. C     Nokia WH-510 Coloud Pop These stylish headphones have fantastic bass, giving you a bit of extra oomph when you run. They also have a tangle-free cable which avoids any time-consuming messing about before you set off on your run. D     Sony NWZ-W273S It’s hard to imagine using any other headphones once you’ve tried these. As well as being wireless and waterproof at a depth of 2m, they even have a built-in MP3 player that can hold up to 1,000 songs. A charge provides up to an hour of playback. E     Betron B7505 If you’re on a tight budget, it can always feel risky buying a bottom of the market pair of headphones, but with these you needn’t worry. Not only do they provide fair sound quality, they also come with a pouch to keep them in. F     Happy Plugs The sound quality on these is decent, although you’re probably not going to be hugely impressed. They also come with a handy remote built into the cable to skip and pause songs with while you work out. G     Powerbeats 2 If money is not an issue, then these are definitely worth considering. They make everything sound so crisp and they’re so light and comfortable that it’s easy to forget that you’re even wearing them. Questions 9-14 Look at the seven reviews of headphones, A-G. For which headphones are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A- G, in boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 9   These headphones would suit someone who doesn’t mind spending a lot to get good quality. 10   The battery on these headphones has a surprisingly long life. 11   It is possible to keep in contact with other people while using these headphones. 12   Although these headphones are cheaper than most, music sounds quite good through them. 13   These headphones are very strong and do not require gentle handling. 14   These headphones allow users to move around their playlist of music easily while they are exercising. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21. A case study of a risk assessment for general office cleaning A commercial cleaning service took on a new contract to clean an office complex. Before sending cleaning staff to the offices, the manager of the cleaning service carried out a risk assessment using guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). To identify the hazards, the cleaning service manager visited the office complex and walked through the areas where cleaning staff would be working, noting things that might pose potential risks. Following this, he consulted the health and safety representatives of the cleaning service about these risks, taking into account the needs of any particular staff members, such as whether they were pregnant or aged under 18. In order to gather further information, he then had a meeting with the client company during which a number of issues were discussed. These included the client company’s own standard of housekeeping, such as the immediate clearing up of spills and keeping walkways clear, as well as the action to be taken if a fire broke out. He also established what facilities and equipment would be available to the cleaners, including the amount of storage space available, as well as the availability of sinks and taps, etc. and agreed on a method of reporting near-miss accidents and risks discovered by cleaners (e.g. damaged floor tiles). Following the meeting, the manager created a risk assessment document. He wrote down who could be harmed by each risk or hazard identified and in what way, and he then described what controls, if any, were in existence to manage these hazards. The manager then compared these to the good practice guidance set out on the HSE’s website and identified any areas where improvement was needed. The manager discussed the findings with the cleaning staff, making sure they understood the risks of the job and how these risks would be monitored. One cleaner, whose first language was not English, had difficulty understanding this, so the manager arranged for translation to be done by a bilingual cleaner from another team. Finally, to ensure that all the cleaning staff had access to a copy of the risk assessment, the manager pinned a copy in the cupboard where cleaning equipment was kept. Questions 15-21 Complete the flow-chart below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet. Stages followed by manager in carrying out risk assessment He visited the offices to be cleaned and noted potential risks. ↓ He talked to health and safety 15…………………… about the risks. ↓ At a meeting, he talked to the client company about •  the policy of the company regarding 16……………………  (e.g. clear walkways) •  procedures to be followed in case of a 17…………………… •  facilities available to cleaners (e.g. space available for 18……………………) •  a way of 19……………………  risks and hazards. ↓ He created a risk assessment document identifying existing controls of risks and hazards. ↓ He compared these to information that the HSE provided on its 20…………………… . ↓ He displayed a copy of the risk assessment inside a 21……………………  available to all cleaning staff. Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27. Preparing for a virtual job interview Businesses are always looking for new ways to increase efficiency and profits. For example, organisations often reduce costs by conducting virtual job interviews. The video or Skype interview benefits both interviewer and interviewee, especially when an applicant would otherwise need to travel far. Despite the convenience though, it poses unique challenges. How a virtual interview is the same The typical interview process usually entails multiple steps. First, there is screening, lasting about thirty minutes. Its purpose is to ensure candidates have the basic requirements. In the second interview, they’re assessed for their technical skills and on whether they would fit the organisation. Virtual interviews follow the same steps so you’ll need to focus on the same core topics. Identify what the critical topics are based on the job description and prepare to talk about them. If you can, gather inside information so you can impress interviewers with your knowledge. How a virtual interview is different Normally you travel somewhere for an interview. One advantage of that is that you aren’t responsible for the place, whereas in a virtual interview you must ensure you have an appropriate location and appropriate equipment. Modern technology is great when it works, but a pain when it doesn’t. So, it’s wise to check you can operate your webcam, especially if you don’t use it often. Test the headset too and find out how intelligible your voice sounds. It’s also wise to establish what software the interviewer is going to work with and give it a trial run. Probably the biggest problem in a virtual interview is what the camera can see. You want the interviewer to see you as a professional. Having a messy or cluttered room behind you won’t help you achieve this image – a clear white background is usually a safe bet. The most important part of your preparation is to run through everything first as best you can. Have a friend conduct a rehearsal with you before the big day. This will help you know how to behave in front of the camera. All things considered, though, virtual interviews should be treated like any other type of interview. Being at home requires as much preparation as a traditional interview. If you follow the steps mentioned above, you have every chance of getting the job you want. Good luck! Questions 22-27 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet. 22   Some companies prefer to interview job applicants digitally because of lower ………………………… . 23   As with the standard recruitment process, virtual recruitment opens with ………………………… . 24   Applicants should read any details about the advertised post carefully and pick out important ………………………… which they can discuss if necessary. 25   It is a good idea for applicants to check if they can be clearly understood when they use a ………………………… . 26   Applicants may not be familiar with the ………………………… that the person conducting the interview will use, so they should try it out. 27   It is very useful to go through a ………………………… of the interview, with someone playing the part of the interviewer. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28- 40. Tuning up your leadership skills Does jazz music offer lessons for today’s leaders? A Ever since management expert Peter Drucker compared the job of Chief Executive Officer to that of an orchestra conductor, the business world has been exploring comparisons and inspirations from the world of music. Now Warwick Business School Professors Deniz Ucbasaran and Andy Lockett are hitting all the right notes with their study of famous jazz musicians, Leading Entrepreneurial Teams: Insights From Jazz, providing some essential insights for entrepreneurial team leaders. Ucbasaran and Lockett (together with Durham Business School Professor Michael Humphries) chose jazz for a number of reasons. For a start, jazz bands are synonymous with creativity, improvisation and innovation, all essential ingredients for entrepreneurship. Jazz groups and their members often operate in uncertain and dynamic environments, characterised by rapid change. Yet through collective endeavour many jazz bands find their own structure and harmony and become profitable enterprises – both creatively and commercially. B The authors decided to focus on three of the best known names in jazz – Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Art Blakey. American composer Duke Ellington was a pioneering jazz orchestra leader from the 1920s through to the 1970s. Trumpet player Miles Davis was instrumental in the development of a number of new jazz styles, including bebop and jazz fusion. Jazz drummer Arthur ‘Art’ Blakey became famous as the leader of his band the Jazz Messengers. The research focused on the way that these jazz greats created and ran their musical enterprises. In particular, Ucbasaran and Lockett focused on three specific areas of leadership activity: team formation, team coordination and team turnover. There were strong similarities in the processes the band leaders used to assemble their diverse teams of talent. In particular, they looked for musicians with a different sound or way of playing, one that was unique to that band member and would improve the overall sound of the band. That feature was as much bound up with the personality of the individual musician as it was to do with their technical proficiency. C But disparate teams, many different personalities, and high levels of creativity are a recipe for group conflict. And, sure enough, there was plenty of dysfunctional conflict and disruptive clashes of egos and personalities evident in the jazz ensembles. Traditional team leadership theory suggests that to get the best team performance the leader should foster conflict that is productive in its effects, while minimising destructive conflict. But this is difficult when the sources of productive and destructive conflict are the same; that is, differences in personality and thinking. So how do leaders deal with destructive conflict? It didn’t seem to bother the likes of Ellington, Davis and Blakey. Their attitude was ‘the music comes first’. The moments of musical genius when everything came together excused minor problems such as if individuals occasionally turned up late for practice, or stepped out of a performance for a quick snack. D Teams must coordinate their behaviour and action to achieve an outcome. The team leader can assume a number of different roles when helping the team achieve its objectives. Some leaders are very directive, detailing what tasks they want team members to perform, and how they want them to go about those tasks. But that was not the approach Ellington, Davis and Blakey adopted. Instead, these leaders acted more as facilitators, empowering the musicians to collectively coordinate their behaviour and action to produce the desired outcome. As Ucbasaran and Lockett note, Miles Davis discouraged band members from rehearsing in case it led to musical cliches from over-practice. Similarly, he often asked his musicians to play a piece in an unusual key, so they did not rely on learned fingering patterns. The performers were not left entirely to their own devices though. All three leaders created a general framework within which team members could work, providing guidance but also the freedom to explore, express and make mistakes. E The third aspect of leadership behaviour that Ucbasaran and her colleagues looked at was managing team turnover – people joining and leaving the team. In the jazz ensembles studied, musicians joined and left on a regular basis. Yet the high turnover of team members, despite the resulting loss of knowledge and skills, was seen in a positive light. That was partly because of the advantages of getting a fresh shot of knowledge, ideas and creativity when new members joined. A common reason for the jazz musicians leaving was that they felt sufficiently qualified to go and run another band. The three band leaders were understanding about this, particularly as it was a process they had also been through. In some cases, in particular with Art Blakey, they actively encouraged and coached team members to become leaders. As the jazz icons Ellington, Davis and Blakey would no doubt agree, there is  no magic score that if followed note by note will make you a great leader of creative talent. However, take an entrepreneur, a few cues from the aforementioned jazz trio, mix in a little improvisation, and you are more likely to hear the sweet sound of success. As Louis Armstrong once sang: ‘Now that’s jazz ‘. Questions 28-33 The text has five sections, A- E. Which section contains the following? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 28-33 on your answer sheet. NB   You may choose any letter more than once. 28   a summary of the different aspects of leadership that are covered in the study 29   a description of how band leaders sometimes passed on their leadership skills to others 30   a summary of the backgrounds of the band leaders chosen for the study 31   examples of ways in which one band leader encouraged his musicians to be more creative 32   an overview of the main similarities between the work of business people and jazz musicians 33   a description of two contrasting ways of leading a team Questions 34-36 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 34-36 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 34   The study by Ucbasaran and Lockett was the first to compare the worlds of music and business. 35   One reason why jazz musicians were chosen for the research is because the setting in which they work is unpredictable. 36   The researchers decided to cover only certain aspects of leadership. Questions 37-40 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. 37   When assembling their teams, the band leaders all prioritised players A   who had special technical skill. B   who were used to working independently. C   who had an individual style of their own. D   who would get on well with other band members. 38   What obstacle might jazz leaders face in reducing destructive conflict among team members? A   They may also reduce productive conflict in the process. B   Their team members tend to have especially strong personalities. C   They are unaware of the theory concerning different types of conflict. D   Their team members may be unwilling to cooperate in reducing this. 39   What approach to group coordination was shared by Ellington, Davis and Blakey? A   They allowed musicians to be creative within certain agreed limits. B   They increased opportunities for success and reduced chances of failure. C   They provided a structure within which musicians could express themselves. D   They coordinated the work of their teams so each member contributed equally. 40   Ucbasaran and her colleagues found that the high turnover of members in jazz bands A   was eventually reduced by the policies of the band leaders. B   was welcomed by band leaders for the benefits it brought. C   was due to a shortage of effective band leaders. D   was a feature of the growing popularity of jazz. Answers: Section 1 1   FALSE 2   FALSE 3   NOT GIVEN 4   TRUE 5   TRUE 6   TRUE 7   FALSE 8   TRUE 9   G 10   A 11   B 12   E 13   A 14   F Section 2 15   representatives 16   housekeeping 17   fire 18   storage 19   reporting 20   website 21   cupboard 22   costs 23   screening 24   topics 25   headset 26   software 27   rehearsal Section 3 28   B 29   E 30   B 31   D 32   A 33   D 34   FALSE 35   TRUE 36   TRUE 37   C 38   A 39   C 40   B

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. Online roommate finder: Toronto I have one room available in a large apartment located just off Queen and Bathurst in Toronto. The room is fully furnished with a double bed, desk, shelf and wardrobe. About us: I’m Sasha! I’m Canadian, and I’ve been living in this apartment since I was a teenager. I’m 23 and work in a restaurant. These past two years, my best friend has been living here but as she’s now moving to Europe there is a room available as of October 1. The third room is occupied by Simon, who is from Australia. He works part-time in a music shop downtown and is a great drummer. We both like keeping the place neat and tidy – I actually enjoy cleaning in my spare time and sometimes we do it together as a roommate team (we make it fun!). I love watching movies, exploring, getting out of the city and into the outdoors, and listening to music. The apartment itself is very large and comes equipped with unlimited wi-fi, a fully stocked kitchen, cable television, and Netflix. The bedroom is a long way from the living room, so it shouldn’t disturb you if people come round and besides, we are certainly very respectful. Oh! We also have two cats who are well-behaved but they might be a problem if you have allergies. If you have a pet, that’s no problem – these cats get along with other animals. We love having people coming from other countries as it’s really fun having the opportunity to show them around the neighborhood (it’s a great neighborhood – lots of character and plenty to do). That said, we’re certainly interested in living with Canadians too! We’re very easy-going and open-minded and just hope that our new roommate will be the same. Questions 1-7 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 1   The room available has two beds. 2   The Australian in Sasha’s apartment is a musician. 3   Sasha does all the cleaning in the apartment. 4   Sasha likes being in the open air. 5   The room available would be suitable for someone who likes to be quiet. 6   Sasha thinks her apartment is in the best part of Toronto. 7   Sasha has never had a roommate from Canada. Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. Smartphone fitness apps A   Pacer Although they were previously split into ‘pro’ and ‘free’ versions, Pacer’s developer now generously includes all the features in one free app. That means you can spend no money, yet use your smartphone’s GPS capabilities to track your jogging routes, and examine details of your pace and calories burned. B   Beat2 There are a wealth of running apps available, but Beat2 is a good one. This free app monitors your pace – or if you have a wrist or chest-based heart rate monitor, your beats per minute – and offers up its specially curated playlists to give you the perfect music for the pace you’re running at, adding a whole new dimension to your run. The best bit is when you explode into a sprint and the music pounds in your ears. Or if you fancy something different, the app also has In-App Purchases, including tales of past sporting heroes you can listen to while you run. C   Impel If you’re serious about the sport you do, then you should be serious about Impel. As smartphone fitness tools go it’s one of the best, allowing you to track your performance, set goals and see daily progress updates. If you’re ever not sure where to run or cycle you can find user-created routes on the app, or share your own. All of that comes free of charge, while a premium version adds even more tools. D   Fast Track There are plenty of GPS running apps for smartphones, but Fast Track is an excellent freebie. Although you naturally get more features if you pay for the ‘pro’ version, the free release gets you GPS tracking, a nicely designed map view, your training history, music, and cheering. Yes, you read the last of those right – you can have friends cheer you on as you huff and puff during a run. If you can afford the ‘pro’ version, you can add possible routes, voice coaches, smartwatch connectivity and more; but as a starting point, the free app gets you moving. Questions 8-14 Look at the four reviews of smartphone fitness apps, A-D. For which app are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-D, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 8   This app can be used for more than one sport. 9   You have to pay if you want this app to suggest where you can go. 10   This app has well-presented visuals. 11   You do not have to pay for any of the features on this app. 12   You can pay to download true stories on this app. 13   You can get ideas about where to go from other people on this app. 14   This app gives you details of the energy you have used. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. Why you should delegate tasks to team members Delegation helps you get more done, helps your team members progress through learning new things and spreads the load in the team. When you give someone a project task to do, make sure that they have all the information they require to actually get on and do it. That includes specifying the date it is due, writing a clear definition of the task, providing any resources they need to get it done or names of people you expect them to talk to. It also means informing them of any expectations you have, such as delivering it as a spreadsheet rather than a Word document. If you have concerns that someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job (or they tell you this outright), make sure that you offer some help. It might take longer this time but next time they will be able to do it without you, so it will save you time in the long run. Once you have given the task to someone, let them get on with it. Tell them how you expect to be kept informed, like through a report once a week. Then let them get on with it unless you feel things are not progressing as you would like. As a project manager, you have to retain some of the main project responsibilities for yourself. You shouldn’t expect someone else on the project team to do your job. Equally, don’t delegate tasks such as dull administrative ones, just because you don’t want to do them. But remember that project management is a leadership position so you don’t want your role to be seen as too basic. One way to free up your time to spend on the more strategic and leadership parts of project management is to delegate things that are regular, like noting whether weekly targets have been met. Could someone in your team take this on for you? This can be a useful way of upskilling your team members to complement any ongoing training and allowing them to gain confidence too. So in summary, be clear, supportive, and don’t micromanage. Don’t become the problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to leave people alone to get on with their jobs. Questions 15-20 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   Ensure team members are aware of any …………………… there are regarding how the work should be presented. 16   Make sure support is made available if any …………………… exist as to the team member’s ability to do the work. 17   Ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, for example by providing a regular …………………… . 18   Don’t delegate administrative tasks simply because they are …………………… . 19   Managers can ask a team member to check on the achievement of …………………… at fixed intervals. 20   If you …………………… you risk delaying the whole project. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27. Choosing the right format for your CV A good CV should be clear, simple and easy to understand. Here are four of the most popular CV formats and advice on when to use them: Chronological This is the traditional CV format and is extremely popular because it allows employers to see all the posts you have held in order. It provides flexibility because it works in almost all circumstances, the exception being if you have blocks of unemployment that are difficult to account for. This type of format is particularly useful when you have a solid and complete working history spanning five years or more. Functional The functional CV is designed to describe your key skills rather than the jobs you have done. The functional CV format is typically used by people who have extensive gaps in their employment history, or have often changed jobs. It also suits those who want to go in a different direction work-wise and change industry. You might choose it if you want to highlight skills learned early in your career, points that might get missed if a chronological format is used. It is also appropriate if you have done little or no actual work, for example, if you are one of the current years graduates. Because this format is often used to cover a patchy employment history, some interviewers may view such CVs with suspicion, so be very careful should you choose it. Achievement An alternative to the functional CV is to use an achievement-based resume highlighting key achievements in place of skills. This can help show your suitability for a role if you lack direct experience of it. Non-traditional With the explosion of digital and creative industries over recent years, CV formats have become more and more imaginative. You can present information through graphics, which can be more visually engaging and turn out to be an unusual but winning option. This will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. It also demonstrates design skills and creativity in a way that a potential employer can see and feel. However, a highly creative CV format is only really appropriate for creative and artistic sectors, such as those involving promoting products, though it would also work for the media too. Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. CV formats There are several different formats including: Chronological – very common – gives 21……………………. in most cases – perhaps inappropriate if there are periods where 22……………………. is not easy to explain Functional – appropriate for people who intend to follow a new 23……………………. in their career – suits recent graduates – can create 24……………………. in recruiters, so is best used with caution Achievement – focuses mainly on what the person has achieved – may be advisable if the person has no 25……………………. in the area Non-traditional – enables use of attractive 26……………………. to present data – suits applications for jobs in marketing or 27……………………. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. DINOSAURS AND THE SECRETS THEY STILL HOLD Dinosaur expert Dr Steve Brusatte continues to investigate the mysteries surrounding these fascinating prehistoric creatures I was recently part of a team of palaeontologists that discovered a new dinosaur. Living in what is now China, the species would have resembled a strange bird. It was about the size of a sheep and covered in feathers, with a sharp beak that it probably used to crack open shellfish. It was given the formal scientific name Tongtianlong, but we called it ‘Mud Dragon’ because its skeleton was discovered in rock that had hardened from ancient mud. It seems that the creature got trapped in the mud and died. Then its fossil remains were found a few months ago when workmen were excavating a site in order to build a school. It is every dinosaur-obsessed child’s dearest wish to discover and name a completely new species. In fact what my colleagues and I did wasn’t that unusual. New dinosaurs are appearing everywhere these days – about 50 each year. And this pace shows no signs of slowing, as different areas continue to open up to fossil hunters and a fresh generation of scientists comes of age. Because of this plentiful supply of new fossils, we now know more about dinosaurs than we do about many modern animals. But there are still many unsolved mysteries. Dinosaurs didn’t start out as huge monsters like Tyrannosaurus Rex. Instead they evolved from a group of angular, cat-sized reptiles called dinosauromorphs. These creatures remained small and rare for millions of years until they developed into dinosaurs. The boundary between dinosauromorphs and dinosaurs is becoming less and less distinct with each new discovery that’s made, but what’s becoming clear is that it took millions of years for these first dinosaurs to spread around the world, grow to huge sizes and become truly dominant. Some discoveries in the 1970s, like the agile and strangely bird-like Deinonychus, proved that dinosaurs were far more dynamic and intelligent than previously thought. Some palaeontologists even proposed that they were warm-blooded creatures like modern birds with a constant high body temperature that they controlled internally, rather than from warming themselves by lying in the sun. A few decades later opinions are still mixed. The problem is that dinosaurs can’t be observed. Palaeontologists must rely on studying fossils. Some results are convincing: we know from studying their bones that dinosaurs had rapid growth rates, just like modern, warm-blooded animals. Other palaeontologists, however, use the same fossils to suggest that dinosaurs were somewhere between cold-blooded reptiles and warm-blooded birds. More studies are needed to provide more clarity. The discovery of Deinonychus with its long arms, skinny legs, arched neck and big claws on its feet, helped to strengthen the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs. In the late 1990s, the discovery of thousands of feather-covered dinosaurs closed the argument. But the fossils raised another question: why did feathers first develop in dinosaurs? They probably originated as simple, hair-like strands — a necessary means of keeping warm. Many dinosaurs retained this basic fluffy coat, but in one group the strands modified. They grew bigger, started to branch out and changed into feathers like those on modern birds. They lined the arms, and sometimes the legs, forming wings. These feathers were probably for display: to attract mates or scare off rivals. They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. Such creatures were too large to fly. Flight may actually have come about by accident when smaller winged dinosaurs began jumping between trees or leaping in the air, and suddenly found that their wings had aerodynamic properties. This is one of the most stimulating new notions about dinosaurs and a fascinating area for further investigation. There’s something else that these feathers can tell us. They allow us to determine what colour dinosaurs were. If you look at modern bird feathers under a microscope, you can see tiny blobs called melanosomes. These structures contain melanin, one of the main colour-producing pigments in animals. Some are round, others are egg-shaped, etc. And that’s important, because different shapes contain different colour pigments. So if you can identify the shape, you can identify the colour. A few years ago, some palaeontologists realised that you could find melanosomes in particularly well-preserved fossil feathers. They discovered that different dinosaurs had different melanosomes, which meant they had a variety of colours. Dinosaurs, therefore, probably came in a rainbow of colours – yet another thing that links them to modern birds. The most enduring mystery of all, which has been argued about ever since the first dinosaur fossils were found, is ‘Why aren’t dinosaurs around today?’ Of course, we now know that birds evolved from dinosaurs, so some dinosaurs do continue in a sense. But there’s nothing like a Tyrannosaurus Rex today. They dominated the planet for over 150 million years, but suddenly disappeared from the fossil record 66 million years ago. That’s when a 10 km-wide asteroid came out of space and struck what is now Mexico, impacting with huge force and unleashing earthquakes, tidal waves, wildfires and hurricane-force winds. Although palaeontologists still like to argue about what part the asteroid played in the dinosaurs’ extinction, there really isn’t much of a mystery left. The asteroid did it and did it quickly. There are few signs that dinosaurs were struggling before the impact. None survived except a few birds and some small furry mammals. They found themselves in an empty world, and as the planet started to recover, they evolved into new creatures, including the first apes, and so the long journey began to the beginning of humankind. Questions 28-32 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet. The discovery of Tongtianlong This species of dinosaur has only recently been found in an area of China. Scientists believe that it was bird-like in appearance and probably no bigger than a 28……………………. . It is thought to have eaten 29……………………. and it used its 30……………………. to get through their hard exterior. The fossil of Tongtianlong was found surrounded by 31……………………. under the ground where the foundations of a new 32……………………. were being dug. Questions 33-37 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet 33   What does the writer suggest about finding new dinosaurs? A   Many scientists dream of being able to do so one day. B   It is probable that most have now been discovered. C   People are running out of places to look for them. D   It is becoming relatively common to dig one up. 34   In the fourth paragraph, what does the writer suggest about palaeontologists? A   They should study the fossilised bones of dinosaurs more closely. B   Their theories are based on evidence that can be interpreted in different ways. C   It is impossible to have any confidence in the proposals they have made. D   It is worrying that they still cannot agree about dinosaurs’ body temperature. 35   When describing the theory of how dinosaurs began to fly, the writer is A   amused that their flight probably came about by chance. B   surprised by the reason for the initial development of feathers. C   excited by the different possibilities it holds for future research. D   confused that feathers were also present on some creatures’ legs. 36   One significance of melanosomes is that they A   provide further evidence of where birds evolved from. B   are only found in certain parts of the world. C   can be clearly seen in most fossilised feathers. D   are only found in certain birds and dinosaurs. 37   Which of the following best summarises the writer’s point in the final paragraph? A   Scientists are right to continue questioning the effects of the asteroid strike. B   Large flightless dinosaurs may have existed after the asteroid hit. C   The dinosaurs were already declining before the asteroid hit. D   The effects of the asteroid strike killed most dinosaurs. Questions 38-40 Look at the following statements (Questions 38-40) and the list of prehistoric animals below. Match each statement with the correct animal, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 38   It may have used its feathers to frighten off members of the same species. 39   This species resembles a large flightless bird that exists today. 40   Finding this species made scientists revise their opinion of the brain power of dinosaurs. List of Prehistoric Animals A     Tongtianlong B     Tyrannosaurus Rex C     Deinonychus D    Ornithomimosaur Answer: Section 1 1   FALSE 2   TRUE 3   FALSE 4   TRUE 5   TRUE 6   NOT GIVEN 7   NOT GIVEN 8   C 9   D 10   D 11   A 12   B 13   C 14   A Section 2 15   expectations 16   concerns 17   report 18   dull 19   targets 20   micromanage 21   flexibility 22   unemployment 23   direction 24   suspicion 25   experience 26   graphics 27   media Section 3 28   sheep 29   shellfish 30   beak 31   rock 32   school 33   D 34   B 35   C 36   A 37   D 38   D 39   D 40   C

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. THE BEST SUITCASES A   Briggs and Riley Weekender A weekend suitcase that’s sophisticated and unusually spacious for its type. The strong nylon outer fabric is water and abrasion resistant, so it should handle any knocks without showing signs of damage. B   Mulberry Scotchgrain Trimmed in brown leather, with gold details, this bag from the renowned fashion house is a truly indulgent buy. If you’re investing this much in a suitcase then you’d better be planning an amazing holiday to go with it. C   Rimova Salsa A design you can trust, this case is built from super light polycarbonate and is incredibly solid. The built-in combination lock offers state-of-the-art security so you can travel with peace of mind. D   Tripp Holiday Simple and affordable, the Tripp range offers a great selection of tough cases. They also come in a huge range of cheerful colours that should go with anything you choose to put on, and you’ll definitely be able to spot it on the luggage carousel at the airport. E   Eastpak Tranverz Holdall For those who want something in between an annual holiday suitcase and a weekend bag, this is a fantastic compromise. With two wheels and a telescopic handle, the bag is guaranteed for 30 years. Did we mention it also comes in colourful leopard print? F   Herschel Parcel From the brand behind some of today’s most popular rucksacks, this suitcase really is a delight. Custom printed, with Herschel’s signature leather toggles this well-crafted case is as cool, stylish and up to date as they come. G   The Diplomat Travel in style with this beautiful suitcase that goes back to the days when trains ran on steam and air travel was leisurely. The leather case, part of the Steamline Luggage range, features roller wheels and a metal frame to hold it in shape. Questions 1-7 Look at the seven reviews of suitcases, A-G. For which suitcase are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   This suitcase is for those who wish to purchase expensive luggage. 2   This suitcase is the right one for people who like to follow the latest fashion. 3   It is easy to choose one of these suitcases to match most clothing. 4   The manufacturer is confident that this suitcase will last a long time. 5   Items in this suitcase will not be affected if it gets wet. 6   This suitcase is of a useful, medium size. 7   Those who want to be reminded of an earlier age of travel will like this suitcase. Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. THE OXFORD SCHOOL OF DRAMA One-Year Acting Course This is an intensive course which is designed for those who have completed their academic studies and have some theatre or film experience already. In order to be accepted, you should be a high achiever, knowledgeable about the industry and determined to succeed. Term One: Technical classes in acting, voice, movement, applied movement and characterisation, music, singing, film, radio and professional development. The term finishes with an internal production given for tutors and students. Term Two: All technical classes continue from term one. There is an internal performance of a one-act play, the recording of an audio showreel at a professional studio and the Showcase Drama in front of an invited audience including casting directors and agents. Term Three: Technical classes continue with additional focus on audition technique, workshops and masterclasses. This term includes a public performance of a play outdoors in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, and the chance to act a short film recorded on location by a professional crew. How to Apply Entry to The Oxford School of Drama is by audition only and there are no academic requirements for any of our courses. Once we have received your application form and audition fee, we will email you with a date for your audition and further details about what to expect when you are here. For your initial audition, you will need to prepare two contrasting speeches from plays, lasting no longer than two minutes. There will also be some group work for which you will need to wear loose, comfortable clothing. If you are applying from overseas, you will be able to submit your first audition by means of DVD, YouTube or link to a secure website. You will be invited to submit this once we have received your application form and audition fee. If you are successful in your first audition, you will be invited to attend future auditions here at the school. The school will provide a free bus from central Oxford for those attending auditions. Questions 8-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 8   Students can begin the one-year course without any previous involvement in acting. 9   Students will act in a performance in front of their classmates at the end of the first term. 10   Family members may attend a performance during the second term. 11   Students are required to make a film on their own in the last term of the course. 12   In their first audition, candidates perform speeches they have worked on in advance. 13   The Oxford School of Drama will send candidates details of local accommodation. 14   Overseas candidates can do all their auditions via a digital link. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. BORDER CROSSING FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES This Border Crossing Guide is designed for drivers and motor carriers operating commercial vehicles at Michigan’s international border crossings. This information will help you cross the border from the US into Canada, and from Canada into the US. Your first point of contact at the border consists of Primary Inspection. The best way to clear customs at Primary Inspection is to make sure Customs gets information about your shipment before you set off, using the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS). When using this you need to provide information about your shipment, and you also need to send proof of a current annual inspection for your vehicle, tractor and trailer. Before you arrive at the border, make sure you have all your paperwork up to date and ready to present at Primary Inspection. You’ll need a photo ID in addition to your birth certificate or passport. Drivers must also turn on interior cab lights and open all interior drapes or blinds to sleeper areas for easy inspection. If all of your paperwork is in order and was processed ahead of time, you will be released at the primary lane and this may be your only stop. If you are not a Canadian or US citizen, a visa is obligatory and you will also be required to complete an I-94 card. I-94 cards are available only at border crossings into the United States. Drivers who clear customs at Primary Inspection will be instructed to report to Immigration to fill out the 1-94 card and receive verbal clearance from a US official to proceed into the United States. The charge for the I-94 card is $6. If your paperwork is not in order, you will be directed to Secondary Inspection. When you get there, look for the signs for Truck Inspection and follow these. Questions 15-20 Complete the flow-chart below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. Procedure for border crossing Before setting off To speed up the border crossing, use PAPS. For this, send your 15………………………… details and current vehicle inspection documents. ↓ Before arriving at the border Check that documents such as 16………………………… and birth certificate/passport are ready for inspection. Make sure the 17………………………… are on inside the vehicle. Check that the 18…………………………  in the vehicle can be easily seen. ↓ At the border (Primary Inspection) This may be the only stop if paperwork is in order. Non US/Canadian citizens must have a visa, and go to the 19………………………… area to complete an I-94 card (there is a small 20………………………… for this) and to receive verbal clearance. ↓ At the border (Secondary Inspection) If there is a problem with paperwork, you will be sent to Truck Inspection. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27. Appendix: Dealing with absence in the workplace This appendix considers how to handle problems of absence and gives guidance about authorised and unauthorised absence of employees from work. The organisation should be aware of the rights of employees and in particular the requirements of the Equality Act 201O when making any decisions about absences of employees who are disabled. In these cases, the employer should consider what reasonable adjustments could be made in the workplace to help the employee. This might be something as simple as supplying an appropriate chair for the use of the employee. In cases where an employee suffers from an allergy caused by something in the workplace, the employer should consider remedial action or a transfer to alternative work. If the absence is because of temporary difficulties relating to dependants, the employee may be entitled to have time off under the provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996. In cases where the employee has difficulty managing both work and home responsibilities, employees have the right to request flexible ways of working, such as job-sharing, and employers must have a good business reason for rejecting any such application. Employers should investigate unexpected absences promptly and the employee should be asked for an explanation at a return-to-work interview. In order to show both the employee concerned and other employees that absence is regarded as a serious matter and may result in dismissal, it is very important that persistent absence is dealt with firmly and consistently. Records showing lateness and the duration of and explanations for all spells of absence should be kept to help monitor levels of absence or lateness. If the employer wishes to contact the employee’s doctor for more information about a medical condition, he or she must notify the employee in writing that they intend to make such an application and they must secure the employee’s consent in writing. Consideration should be given to introducing measures to help employees, regardless of status or seniority, who may be suffering from stress. The aim should be to identify employees affected and encourage them to seek help and treatment. Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. Absence in the workplace Employees’ rights •  help with issues related to disabilities, e. g. provision of a suitable 21………………………… •  provision of arrangements to deal with any work-related 22………………………… •  time off work to deal with short-term problems of 23………………………… •  possibility of arrangements that are 24………………………… to help with domestic responsibilities Recommendations to employers •  make it clear that absence is a possible reason for 25………………………… •  ask employees for consent before contacting their 26………………………… . •  identify employees affected by 27………………………… and provide support SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. A visit to Oymyakon, the world’s coldest town A You don’t need a sat nav to drive to Oymyakon. From Yakutsk, you cross the Lena River and simply follow the M56 almost all of the way before taking a left at Tomtor for the final few kilometres. The journey takes two days of hard driving; two days of glistening landscapes, frozen rivers and untouched snow; two days of endless forest and breathtaking beauty; two days to penetrate the heart of Siberia and reach the coldest inhabited place on Earth. The beauty surprised me. Siberia isn’t known for its pleasant appearance. It’s always billed as a place of hardship. But for hour after hour, the wintry wonderland was bathed in a crisp, clean sunshine, presenting a continuous panorama of conifer trees wreathed in silence and snow. B As we left the flat plain, the road began to twist and turn, leading us into untouched hills and on towards the Verkhoyansk Mountains. Beneath their snow-clad peaks, the slopes became steeper and the valleys deeper. Down in a valley, we stopped to look at a hot spring beside the road. It was immediately obvious against the snow – a spot shrouded in heavy mist. Trees emerged from the strange haze as ghostly silhouettes. C Despite the magical ambience of the Siberian wilderness, its reputation for hardship hit me every time I climbed out of the vehicle. Within less than a minute, the skin all over my face began to feel as if it were burning. If I wasn’t wearing my two sets of gloves, I rapidly lost the feeling in my fingertips. I learned very quickly not to draw too deep a breath because the shock of the cold air in my lungs invariably set me off on an extended bout of coughing. Siberia in winter is a world barely fit for human habitation. This is a place of such searing cold that it bites through multiple layers of clothing as if they aren’t there. D Oymyakon is a quiet little town – the world’s coldest – of about 550 inhabitants, with its own power station, a school, two shops and a small hospital. It probably originated as a seasonal settlement where reindeer herders spent the summer on the banks of the Indigirka River. E The temperature when I arrived was -45°C – not particularly cold, I was informed. A number of factors combine to explain Oymyakon’s record low temperatures. It is far from the ocean, with its moderating effect on air temperature. In addition, the town sits in a valley, below the general level of the Oymyakon Plateau, which, in turn, is enclosed on all sides by mountains up to 2,000 metres in height. As the cold air sinks, it accumulates in the valley, with little wind to disturb it. Oymyakon’s average temperature in January is -50°C. Lower temperatures have been recorded in Antarctica, but there are no permanent inhabitants there. F Day-to-day life in Oymyakon presents certain challenges during the long winters. There are hardly any modern household conveniences. Water is hacked out of the nearby river as great chunks of ice and dragged home on a sledge. The giant ice cubes are stacked outdoors and carried into the house one at a time to melt when needed. The lack of running water also means no showers or baths, or indeed flushing toilets. Since 2008, the town’s school has enjoyed the luxury of indoor toilets, however. It’s one of the small number of civic buildings in the centre of town that are linked to the power station. G The power station provides winter heating in the form of hot water, but many houses lie outside its range and rely on their own wood-burning stove. Fuel is plentiful enough in the surrounding forest, but someone still has to venture out to cut the wood. Everybody in Oymyakon owns good boots, a hat made of animal fur and fur-lined mittens. The boots are usually made from reindeer hide, which is light but keeps your feet very warm – the individual hairs are hollow, like a thin tube with air inside. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, the skin makes excellent winter footwear, and felt soles give added insulation. Hats come in a variety of furs, including fox, raccoon, sable and mink. H Oymyakon’s two shops keep a decent stock of basic foods in tins and packets, but locals also have do-it-yourself options, including hunting, trapping, ice-fishing, reindeer-breeding and horse-breeding. Indeed, being self-sufficient runs in the blood in Siberia. The Oymyakon diet relies heavily on meat for its protein, a primary source of energy in the prolonged winter. Unsurprisingly, given the weather, everyone eats heartily in Oymyakon. A typical meal I was offered consisted of a thick horse soup and huge piles of horse meatballs, all washed down with cloudberry cordial. I Spring is the best season here, I’m told. The snow melts, the river flows once more and the forest is full of wildflowers. But it’s short. In the summer Oymyakon can be uncomfortably hot. Much of the forest becomes boggy, so mosquitoes are a constant presence. Oymyakon’s climate certainly wouldn’t suit me, but residents I spoke to said they wouldn’t live anywhere else. Questions 28-36 The text has nine paragraphs, A-I. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-xi, in boxes 28-36 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i        Various sources of supplies ii       The effects of going outside iii      Oymyakon past and present iv      A contrast in the landscape v       Animals that can survive the cold vi      How Oymyakon is affected by its location vii     Keeping out the cold viii    Not the only challenging time of the year ix      Better than its reputation x       Very few facilities in buildings xi      More snow than anywhere else in the world 28   Paragraph A 29   Paragraph B 30   Paragraph C 31   Paragraph D 32   Paragraph E 33   Paragraph F 34   Paragraph G 35   Paragraph H 36   Paragraph I Questions 37-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. Why Oymyakon gets so cold Oymyakon is a long way from any 37………………………… which would prevent the temperature from falling so low. The town is located in a 38………………………… within a plateau surrounded by 39…………………………  Because there is not much 40………………………… cold air collects in the town. Answer: Section 1 1   B 2   F 3   D 4   E 5   A 6   E 7   G 8   FALSE 9   TRUE 10   NOT GIVEN 11   FALSE 12   TRUE 13   NOT GIVEN 14   FALSE Section 2 15   shipment 16   photo ID 17   (cab) lights 18   sleeper areas 19   immigration 20   charge 21   chair 22   allergy 23   dependants 24   flexible 25   dismissal 26   doctor 27   stress Section 3 28   ix 29   iv 30   ii 31   iii 32   vi 33   x 34   vii 35   i 36   viii 37   ocean 38   valley 39   mountains 40   wind

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-8. The best travel wallets Keep all your bank cards, documents, passports and ID in one of these convenient carriers, which have been selected by Becca Meier. A   Kipling Travel Doc Travel Document Holder This zip-around wallet comes in five different patterns and is made of nylon. It also has a space where users can put a pen, pockets for cards, an ID window and a pocket for change. B   Lifeventure Mini Travel Document Wallet This is a waterproof wallet, which uses anti-RFID (radio frequency identification) material so your financial details will be safe. It is black with smart sky-blue finishing touches and has a small internal compartment, a smartphone pocket and an external pocket. It can fit two passports. C   Cath Kidston Breton Stripe A wallet so slim it could easily pass for a small notebook. The inside compartment labels identifying each separate section all have silver lettering on them. The wallet has a special coating which makes it easy to wipe anything like sand off. D   Ted Baker Voyager’s Travel Wallet This wallet comes in smooth black leather, and is no bigger than a passport, but roomy enough for any insurance documents or flight tickets. A small navy-blue pen is supplied inside. E   Radley Abbey Travel Wallet This plain travel wallet opens up to reveal pockets in various colours labelled ‘cards’, ‘passport’ and ‘tickets’, as well as others left blank for extras. It comes in a handy drawstring bag. F   Gotravel Organiser The black wallet features seven slip-in card compartments, two small interior zip pockets and a load of other slip-in compartments. It can fit at least four passports. G   Gotravel Glo Travel Wallet This is a simple, very reasonably priced wallet. It is made of PVC plastic and will suit those who like a wallet that is easy to spot. It comes in a range of bright colours with a white holiday-related design on the front. It has five compartments that can fit a passport with other cards/tickets. Questions 1-8 Look at the seven reviews of travel wallets, A-G. For which travel wallet are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   This wallet will suit people who prefer natural materials. 2   Users of this wallet do not need to worry about taking it out in the rain. 3   Parts of the inside of this wallet have categories printed on them in one colour. 4   This wallet would suit someone who needs to keep several passports together. 5   Something is provided for writing. 6   This will suit people who want to be able to find their document wallet easily in their luggage. 7   Something to keep this wallet in is provided. 8   This wallet has been specially made to prevent people detecting the numbers on any bank cards, etc. inside it. Read the text below and answer Questions 9-14. UK rail services – how do I claim for my delayed train? Generally, if you have been delayed on a train journey, you may be able to claim compensation, but train companies all have different rules, so it can be confusing to work out what you’re entitled to. The type of delay you can claim for depends on whether the train company runs a Delay Repay scheme or a less generous, older-style scheme. Delay Repay is a train operator scheme to compensate passengers when trains are late, and the train company will pay out even if it was not responsible for the delay. The scheme varies between companies, but up to 2016 most paid 50 percent of the single ticket cost for 30 minutes’ delay and 100 percent for an hour. On the London Underground, you get a full refund for 15-minute delays. Companies that do not use Delay Repay and still use the older scheme will not usually pay compensation if the problem is considered to be out of their control. But it is still worth asking them for compensation, as some may pay out. You are unlikely to get compensation for a delay if any of the following occur: •  Accidents involving people getting onto the line illegally •  Gas leaks or fires in buildings next to the line which were not caused by a train company •  Line closures at the request of the emergency services •  Exceptionally severe weather conditions •  Strike action National Rail Conditions of Travel state that you are entitled to compensation in the same form that you paid for the ticket. Some train companies are still paying using rail vouchers, which they are allowed to do if you do not ask for a cash refund. Since 2016, rail passengers have acquired further rights for compensation  through the Consumer Rights Act. This means that passengers could now be eligible for compensation due to: a severely overcrowded train with too few carriages available; a consistently late running service; and a service that is delayed for less than the time limit that applied under existing compensation schemes. However, in order to exercise their rights beyond the existing compensation schemes, for instance Delay Repay, and where the train operating company refuses to compensate despite letters threatening court action, passengers may need to bring their claims to a court of law. Questions 9-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 9   The system for claiming compensation varies from one company to another. 10   Under Delay Repay, a train company will only provide compensation if it caused the delay. 11   Under Delay Repay, underground and other train companies give exactly the same amounts of money in compensation. 12   An increasing number of train companies are willing to pay compensation for problems they are not responsible for. 13   It is doubtful whether companies using the older scheme will provide compensation if a delay is caused by a strike. 14   Passengers may receive compensation in the form of a train voucher if they forget to request cash. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-19. Vacancy for food preparation assistant Durrant House plc runs restaurants and cafés as concessions in airports, train stations and other busy environments around the country. We currently have a vacancy for a food preparation assistant in our restaurant at Locksley Stadium, serving football fans and concert-goers before, during and after events. In addition, we cater for private parties several times a week. If you have relevant experience and a passion for preparing food to a very high standard, we’ll be delighted to hear from you. You must be able to multitask and to work in a fast-paced environment. It goes without saying that working as an effective and supportive member of a team is essential, so you need to be happy in this type of work. The role includes the usual responsibilities, such as treating hygiene as your number  one priority, cleaning work areas, and doing whatever is required to provide food of excellent quality. The person appointed will carry out a range of tasks, including ensuring all raw food items are fresh, preparing vegetables to be cooked, making sure frozen food products are used in rotation, and throwing away any food products that are near or have passed their expiry date. He or she will be required to familiarise themselves with the storage system, so as to put food product supplies in the proper place and retrieve them in the right order. In particular, we are looking for someone with skill at baking, to play a large role in the production of pies and cakes. Given the nature of the venue, working hours vary from week to week, depending on the events being held, and will often involve starting early in the morning or finishing late at night. You can expect to work an average of around 18 hours a week, although this cannot be guaranteed. You will also have the opportunity to work in another of our sites for one or two days a week, or for longer periods, and will be paid for ten days of holidays a year. Training will be provided in food safety. If this sounds like the job for you, please contact Jo Simmons at simmons.j@durrant-house.com. Questions 15-19 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-19 on your answer sheet. Vacancy for food preparation assistant Location of restaurant: in a 15……………………. Requirements: •  relevant experience •  ability to multitask •  must enjoy working in a 16……………………. Responsibilities include: •  maintaining high standards of 17……………………. and quality •  checking the freshness of raw food •  ensuring no food is used after its expiry date •  learning the procedure for the 18……………………. of food •  doing a considerable amount of the baking Conditions: •  working hours are not 19……………………. •  payment is made for holidays Read the text below and answer Questions 20-27. Setting up a business partnership in the UK Two or more people can go into business together by setting up either a limited company or a partnership. A partnership is the easier way to get started, and simply links two or more people together in a simple business structure. Unlike a limited company, a partnership doesn’t have a separate legal status. The partners are usually self-employed individuals, although a limited company counts as a ‘legal person’ and can also be a partner. In a partnership, you and your partner or partners personally share responsibility for your business. This means, among other things, that if your business cannot afford to pay its debts, you must pay them yourselves. Again, this is not the case with a limited company. Partners share the business’s profits, and each partner pays tax on their share. When you set up a business partnership you need to choose a name. You can trade under your own names, for example, ‘Smith and Jones’, or you can choose another name for your business. You don’t need to register your name. However, you should register your name as a trademark if you want to stop people from trading under your business name. Business partnership names must not include ‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership’, LLP’, ‘public limited company’ or ‘pic’, be offensive, or be the same as an existing trademark. Your name also can’t suggest a connection with government or local authorities, unless you get permission. There is no central database of partnership names in the UK, so to avoid using the same name as another business, it is advisable to search on the internet for the name you are considering. You must include all the partners’ names and the business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, for example invoices. You must choose a ‘nominated partner’ who is responsible for registering your partnership with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the government department responsible for the collection of taxes. This person is responsible for managing the partnership’s tax returns and keeping business records. Alternatively, you can appoint an agent to deal with HMRC on your behalf. All partners need to register with HMRC separately and send their own tax returns as individuals. You must register by 5 October in your business’s second tax year, or you could be charged a penalty. You must also register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover is more than £85,000. You can choose to register if it’s below this, for example to reclaim VAT on business supplies. Questions 20–27 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 20–27 on your answer sheet. 20   A partnership is different from a limited company in not having its own ……………………. as a legal body. 21   The partners are personally responsible for paying all the partnership’s ……………………. . 22   The partnership’s ……………………. are divided between the partners. 23   Registering the partnership’s name prevents others from using that name when ……………………. . 24   The best way to find out if a name is already in use is to use the ……………………. . 25   The names of the partners and the partnership must appear on ……………………. and other documents. 26   You must have a nominated partner, or someone to act as your ……………………., for all contact with HMRC. 27   You will have to pay a ……………………. if you miss the deadline for registering the partnership. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. THE ROLE OF THE SWISS POSTBUS Switzerland’s postbuses are much more than just a means of public transportation. The Swiss PostBus Limited is the largest of the country’s 78 coach companies. Administered by the Motor Services Department of the Post Office, it carries over 120 million passengers each year and is carefully integrated with other public transport services: trains, boats and mountain cableways. The Swiss transportation system resembles a tree, with the larger branches representing federal and private railways, the smaller branches being the coaches, and the smaller branches being the coaches, and the twigs being the urban transit operators running trams, city buses, boats, chairlifts and so on. But the trunk that holds the tree together is the vast postbus network, without which the whole network would not function. There isn’t an inhabited place in Switzerland that cannot be reached by some sort of public transport. Federal law and the Swiss Constitution stipulate that every village with a population greater than 40 is entitled to regular bus services. The frequency of these services is directly related to population density. Timetables are put together four years in advance, and seldom change. If a new route is to be introduced, the population of the area affected is invited to vote in a referendum. At times, postbuses are the main – sometimes the only – links between settlements. These coaches, often with a trailer in two to increase their capacity, are a common sight in high-altitude regions, and their signature sound – part of Rossini’s William Tell Overture, played by the drivers on three-tone post horns with electrical compressors at every road turn – is one of the most familiar Swiss sounds. The three-tone horns can still be used to ‘talk’ to post offices (and each other) from a distance. By altering the combination of the tones, a driver can announce ‘departure of post’, ‘arrival of post’, ‘arrival of special post’, and so on – so much more romantic and often more reliable than radio or mobile phones. This musical ‘language’ started in the mid-nineteenth century, when the coach drivers could also blow their horns a certain number of times on approaching the station to indicate the number of horses needing to be fed, giving the stationmaster time to prepare the fodder. The postbus history goes back to 1849, when the Swiss postal service was made a monopoly. The role of today’s modern yellow buses was, back then, played by horse-drawn carriages (or in winter by sleighs, in order to travel on snow), which were the same colour. By 1914, eight years after the first motor coaches were introduced, there were still 2,500 horses, 2,231 coaches (or carriages) and 1,059 sleighs in service. After the First World War, Swiss Post bought a fleet of decommissioned military trucks which were converted into postbuses, but it was not until 1961 that the last horse-drawn coach was replaced with a motorised version. Today, the Swiss Post Office boasts one of the world’s most advanced coach fleets, including fuel-cell models and the world’s first driverless bus. This was launched in 2015 in the town of Sion, the capital of the canton of Valais, one of the 26 cantons, or administrative regions, that make up the country. Postbuses often go to places that other means of transport cannot reach. Most of the drivers therefore see themselves as educators and tour guides. Although it’s not in their job description, they’re likely to point out the sights – waterfalls, gorges, and so on – and are always ready to pull over for a photo opportunity. Switzerland’s longest postbus journey, and one of the highest, crosses four mountain passes – an eight-hour trip undertaken by a single postbus. The route goes through several cantons; two languages (German and Italian); all four seasons – from burning sunshine to showers and heavy snowfalls; and countless places of interest. One of the passes, the Gotthard, is often described as ‘the People’s Road’, probably because it connects the German-speaking canton of Uri with Italian-speaking Ticino. Like Switzerland itself, postbuses ‘speak’ all four state languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh – and, by law, their automated intercom announcements are given in the language of whichever canton the bus is currently passing through. Irrespective of their previous driving experience, drivers undergo lots of training. During the first year, they have to drive postbuses under the supervision of a more experienced driver. Only after two years of safe driving in the valleys can they be pronounced ready for a mountain bus. Some routes are not at all busy, with the bus often carrying just two or three passengers at a time. But for most people living in small mountain villages, the postbus is of the utmost importance. It not only carries the villagers to town and back, it takes village children to and from school, delivers mail, transports milk from the village farms down to the valley, collects rubbish from the village (Swiss laws do not allow dumping anywhere in the mountains), and brings building materials to households. It takes elderly villagers to shops and carries their shopping up the hill to their homes. More a friend than just a means of transportation, for the dwellers of mountain villages the postbus is an essential part of life. Questions 28-32 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet. 28   When comparing the Swiss transportation system to a tree, the writer emphasises A   the size of the postbus system. B   how competitive the postbus system is. C   how important the postbus system is. D   the threat to the postbus system. 29   What is said about bus services in the second paragraph? A   Villages have the chance to request more buses every four years. B   New routes are often introduced to reflect an increase in population. C   Bus timetables tend to change every four years. D   The number of buses that call at a village depends on how many people live there. 30   According to the fourth paragraph, what were three-tone horns first used to indicate? A   how many coach horses required food B   how long the bus would stay at the station C   how many passengers wanted a meal D   how soon the bus would arrive at the station 31   What point does the writer make about the postbus drivers? A   Many choose to give passengers information about the surroundings. B   Most are proud of driving buses to places without other forms of transport. C   They are required to inform passengers about the sights seen from the bus. D   They are not allowed to stop for passengers to take photographs. 32   What is said about the buses’ automated announcements? A   They are given in the language of the bus’s starting point. B   The language they are given in depends on where the bus is at the time. C   They are always given in all the four languages of Switzerland. D   The language they are given in depends on the bus’s destination. Questions 33-40 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 33-40 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 33   Some postbuses after the First World War were originally army vehicles. 34   The number of driverless buses has increased steadily since 2015. 35   On the longest postbus route in Switzerland, passengers have to change buses. 36   The weather on the longest postbus route is likely to include extreme weather conditions. 37   There is a widely used nickname for part of the longest route used by postbuses. 38   Bus drivers’ training can be shortened if they have driven buses before joining PostBus. 39   In some villages most passengers are school children. 40   Buses carry only rubbish that can be recycled. Section 1 1   D 2   B 3   C 4   F 5   D 6   G 7   E 8   B 9   TRUE 10   FALSE 11   FALSE 12   NOT GIVEN 13   TRUE 14   TRUE Section 2 15   stadium 16   team 17   hygiene 18   storage 19   guaranteed 20   status 21   debts 22   profits 23   trading 24   internet 25   invoices 26   agent 27   penatly Section 3 28   C 29   D 30   A 31   A 32   B 33   TRUE 34   NOT GIVEN 35   FALSE 36   TRUE 37   TRUE 38   FALSE 39   NOT GIVEN 40   NOT GIVEN

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer questions 1 – 7. Your guide to entertainment in Westhaven A     TRAX INDOOR KARTING CENTRE Experience the fun and thrills of indoor racing driving in our mini open-topped karts. No experience necessary. Individuals and groups welcome. Refreshments available in new burger bar. Spectators welcome. All drivers must meet the minimum height requirement of 5 feet (1.52 m), and participate at their own risk. Open: all year daily 10 am to 6 pm (later times by appointment) except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Charges: from £11 per person. B     WESTHAVEN LIFEBOAT MUSEUM The Westhaven Lifeboat Museum is an exciting display illustrating over 150 years of courage — photos with texts of epic rescues, models of lifeboats and video displays. Try our hands-on simulator — take charge of a daring rescue on a stormy sea. Ideal for school groups! A must for all ages. Souvenir shop. No charge for admission but donations welcome. Open: 25th March to 26th October, 10 am to 5 pm. 27th October to 2nd January, 10 am to 4 pm. C     STAR LEISURE CENTRE Exciting leisure complex with four pools, wave machine, two thrilling flumes, bubble pool, fitness suite, special programme for under-fives, organised holiday activities and much, much more. Open: all year daily. Charges: Check our website at www.starfeisute.ca.uk for current rates. D     LLOYD’S LANES 20 fully computerised ten-pin bowling lanes, amusement area, fast food area, large-screen Sky TV — Lloyd’s Lanes is ideal for a whole fun day out! Open: ten-pin bowling daily, 10 am till late — 7 days a week. Charges: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm: non-members £3.50; members £2.50. other times: non-members £4.50; members £3.75. appropriate footgear essential to protect bowling surfaces shoe hire £1.00 at all times E     WESTHAVEN GOLF CLUB Beautiful lakeside course; a pleasant, manageable walk through nine challenging holes. 24-bay driving range, suitable in rain, wind or sun; three golf professionals can give affordable coaching. Restaurant: good food served all day. Visitors welcome. Open: all year from 7.30 am to 10 pm. Charges: 9 holes £10; 18 holes £15. Questions 1-7 The text has five advertisements labelled A-E. Which advertisement contains the following information? Write the correct letter A-E in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   Payment at this venue is optional. 2   Expert instructors are available for lessons. 3   There is a restriction on what you can wear. 4   Some basic information is published in another place. 5   This has particular provision for very young children. 6   It has a feature especially recommended for educational parties. 7   They will open at unscheduled times if you make an arrangement. Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. DO YOU HAVE A MUSIC PROJECT IN MIND THAT MIGHT BENEFIT FROM FUNDING? Music is wonderfully therapeutic! This is recognised by The Dosoco Foundation, which supports local projects that use music for social good. The next round of Dosoco grant funding will shortly be open for applications. Grants are available from £700 to £1,000 (for organisations) and up to £300 (for individuals) in the areas of music education (e.g. working with a talented music student with either physical, social or learning disabilities), music access (e.g. a music club for groups that might struggle to start something on their own), music innovation (e.g. using an electronic device such as Raspberry Pi to help disabled people make music) and music therapy (e.g. an idea for using music to support positive mental health). Case study Dosoco recently awarded a grant to Alexia Sloane, a young composer with sight loss, to enable her to attend the sound-and-music summer-school composition course at the Purcell School. Alexia has since gained a place as a composer with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain – the first blind composer to be appointed – and has also been awarded the title of Young Composer of the Year. She was the first female composer ever to receive this honour in its ten-year history. Organisations, families and individuals can apply by completing a simple form. Dosoco can contribute up to 50% towards project costs. Projects must be locally based and must be new ideas for using music to make a positive impact on people’s lives where help is really needed. For more information please visit www.thedosocofoundation.org Questions 8-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 8   You can apply to Dosoco now for grant funding. 9   You can apply for a grant that will help to educate a musician. 10   Alexia Sloane lost her sight after attending a summer-school composition course. 11   Alexia now plays several instruments with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain. 12   Alexia has received an award for her work in music. 13   Applications can be made by filling in an online form. 14   In some cases Dosoco will cover the full cost of the project. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21. Guide to employees on workplace monitoring What is workplace monitoring? Employers have the right to monitor your activities in many situations at work. For example, your activities may be recorded on CCTV cameras, and your letters may be opened and read. In addition, your employer may use an automated software programme to check the emails you receive at work. Phone calls may be listened to and recorded, and the log of websites you use may be checked. All of these forms of monitoring are covered by data protection law. Data protection law doesn’t prevent monitoring in the workplace. However, it does set down rules about the circumstances and the way in which monitoring should be carried out. Before deciding whether to introduce monitoring, your employer should identify any negative effects the monitoring may have on staff. This is called impact assessment. Monitoring electronic communications at work Your employer can legally monitor your use of electronic communications in the workplace if the monitoring relates to the business and the equipment being monitored is provided partly or wholly for work. Except in extremely limited circumstances, employers must take reasonable steps to let staff know that monitoring is happening, what is being monitored and why it is necessary. As long as your employer sticks to these rules, they don’t need to get your consent before they monitor your electronic communications, but only if the monitoring is for specific reasons. These may be to establish facts which are relevant to the business or to check standards, for example, listening in to phone calls to assess the quality of your work. Monitoring is also allowed if its purpose is to prevent or detect crime. It may be necessary to make sure electronic systems are operating effectively, for example, to prevent computer viruses entering the system. Your employer is also allowed to listen in to any calls you make to confidential helplines, but in this case he or she is not allowed to record these calls. Questions 15-21 Complete the notes below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet. Guide to employees on workplace monitoring Your employer may monitor you at work by checking •  recordings of your activities •  your letters and 15……………………. •  your phone calls and which websites you have visited Rules for monitoring are established by data protection law. This states that employers must carry out a procedure that is known as 16……………………. before introducing monitoring. In general, monitoring is legal if •  it relates to the business •  you are using 17……………………. intended for work •  the worker has been informed Monitoring may be used •  to evaluate the 18……………………. of your work •  to stop of find out about 19……………………. •  to stop the possibility of 20……………………. affecting systems •  to check calls to 21……………………. (these cannot be recorded) Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27. International Experience Canada: application process If you want to travel and work temporarily in Canada as part of International Experience Canada (IEC), your first step is to become a candidate in one or more IEC pools. There are three categories of pool: International Co-op (Internship), Working Holiday and Young Professionals. To apply, first use our questionnaire to see if you meet the criteria to get into the IEC pools. This should take you about ten minutes. You can find it at www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/cometocanada.asp. After completing this, if you are eligible you will be sent a personal reference code, which you should use to create your online account. At the same time, you should fill in any remaining fields in your profile with the required information, including which IEC pools you want to be in. (Some parts will already have been completed for you.) If you are sent an invitation to proceed with your application, you will have 10 days to decide whether to accept this or not. If you accept, click the ‘Start Application’ button. You then have 20 days to complete your application. For International Co-op and Young Professionals categories, your employer in Canada must pay the compliance fee and inform you of your offer of employment number. (This does not apply to the Working Holiday pool.) Once you have received this, you should then upload copies of police and medical certificates, if required. If you do not have these, you should upload proof that you have applied for them. You should then pay your participation fee of C$126 online by credit card. (There is an additional payment of C$100 if you are applying for the Working Holiday category.) Your application will then be assessed. You can apply to withdraw at this stage and will be given a refund if you do this within 56 days. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of introduction which you can show to Immigration when you enter Canada. Questions 22-27 Complete the flow-chart below. Choose ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet. Applying to International Experience Canada Fill in the online 22……………………. to get a personal reference code. ↓ Create your 23……………………., and provide the necessary information for the profile in your application. ↓ If sent an invitation, you must accept this within 24……………………. . You then have a limited time to 25……………………. the application. ↓ Your 26……………………. is required to send you an offer of employment number. ↓ Upload copies of any necessary certificates or proof of application. ↓ Make the payment for participation online. You may receive a 27……………………. later if you change your mind. ↓ If successful, you will receive a letter of introduction to be shown at Immigration. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. RESEARCH ON IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL YIELDS IN AFRICA Three programmes are investigating ways of improving agricultural productivity in Africa. More than, half of the global population growth between now and 2050 is expected to occur in Africa. And more people means a requirement for more food. Ethiopia, for example, has the largest livestock population in Africa but with a growing population, even its 53 million cattle are not enough. And now efforts to develop fanning there are bringing a significant health concern. Professor James Wood from the University of Cambridge explains that new breeds that are being introduced are more vulnerable to bovine TB (tuberculosis) than the zebu cattle which were previously reared there. ‘This may have health implications for those who work with and live alongside infected cattle, and also raises concerns about transmission to areas which previously had low levels of TB,’ he warns. Wood leads a research programme which is looking at the feasibility of control strategies, including cattle vaccination. The programme brings together veterinary scientists, epidemiologists, geneticists, immunologists and social scientists in eight Ethiopian and UK institutions. ‘We need this mix because we are not only asking how effective strategies will be, but also whether farmers will accept them, and what the consequences are for prosperity and wellbeing,’ says Wood. The impact that increasing productivity can have on farmers’ livelihoods is not lost on an insect expert at the University of Ghana, Dr Ken Fening, who is working on another food-related research project. Cabbages are not indigenous to Africa but have become a major cash crop for Ghanaian farmers and an important source of income for traders from markets and hotels. ‘A good crop can bring in money to buy fertilisers and farm equipment, and also help to pay for healthcare and education for the family,’ he says. Recently, however, fields of stunted, yellowing cabbages, their leaves curled and dotted with mould, have become a familiar and devastating sight for the farmers of Ghana. From his field station base in Kpong, Ghana, Fening works closely with smallholder farmers on pest-control strategies. Two years ago they started reporting that a new disease was attacking their crops. ‘It seemed to be associated with massive infestations of pink and green aphids,’ says Fening, ‘and from my studies of the way insects interact with many different vegetables, I’m familial* with the types of damage they can cause.’ But farmers were typically seeing the total loss of their crops, and he realised that the devastation couldn’t just be caused by sap-sucking insects. Despite no previous reports of viral diseases affecting cabbage crops in Ghana, the symptoms suggested a viral pathogen. Together with Cambridge plant biologist Dr John Carr, Fening collected samples of cabbage plants in Ghana showing signs of disease, and also aphids on the diseased plants. Back in Cambridge, Fening used screening techniques including a type of DNA ‘fingerprinting’ to identify the aphid species, and sophisticated molecular biology methods to try to identify the offending virus. ‘Aphids are a common carrier of plant-infecting viruses,’ explains Carr. ‘The “usual suspects” are turnip mosaic virus and cauliflower mosaic virus, which affect cabbages in Europe and the US.’ ‘We found that two different species of aphids, pink and green, were generally found on the diseased cabbages,’ says Fening. ‘It turned out this was the first record of the green aphid species ever being seen in Ghana.’ The pink aphid was identified as Myzus persicae (Sulzer). What’s more, the virus was not what they expected, and work is now ongoing to identify the culprit. The sooner it can be characterised, the sooner sustainable crop protection strategies can be developed to prevent further spread of the disease not only in Ghana, but also in other countries in the region. Another researcher who hopes that eradication strategies will be the outcome of her research project is Dr Theresa Manful. Like Fening, she is a researcher at the University of Ghana. She has been working with Cambridge biochemist Professor Mark Carrington on a disease known as trypanosomiasis. ‘This is a major constraint to cattle fearing in Africa,’ she explains. ‘Although trypanosomiasis is also a disease of humans, the number of cases is low, and the more serious concerns about the disease relate to the economic impact on agricultural production.’ The parasite that causes the disease is carried by the tsetse fly, which colonises vast swathes of sub-Saharan Africa. Carrington says that a lot is now known about the parasite’s molecular mechanisms, in particular the way it evades the immune system of the animal acting as its host by altering the proteins in its coat so as to remain ‘invisible’. ‘But then when you look at the effect on large animals, you realise that there is almost nothing known about the dynamics of an infection, and even whether an infection acquired at an early age persists for its lifetime,’ he says. So Manful and Carrington set about testing cattle in Ghana. They discovered that nearly all were infected most of the time. For Manful, one of the important gains has been the ability to expand the research in Ghana: ‘I now have a fully functional lab and can do DNA extraction and analysis in Ghana -1 don’t have to bring samples to Cambridge. We are teaching students from five Ghanaian institutions the diagnostic methods.’ ‘Agriculture faces increasing challenges,’ adds Carr. ‘Bioscience is playing a crucial part in developing ways to mitigate pest impact and reduce the spread of parasites. We want to ensure not only that every harvest is successful, but also that it’s maximally successful.’ —————— * aphids: small insects which feed by sucking liquid from plants. Questions 28-32 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet. 28   What is the main problem faced by cattle farmers in Ethiopia, according to Professor Wood? A   TB is being transmitted from people to cattle. B   New breeds of cattle have led to an increase in TB. C   The traditional breeds of cattle are being affected by TB. D   TB has spread into places where it was previously unknown. 29   When discussing the cultivation of cabbages in Ghana, the writer says that this crop A   was introduced from outside Africa. B   is not eaten much by local people. C   is not grown correctly by many farmers. D   requires the use of fertiliser and special equipment. 30   Fening believed that the new disease destroying cabbages was A   caused by overuse of pesticides. B   also affecting other locally grown vegetables. C   linked to insect attacks on these vegetables. D   connected with the development of new insect breeds. 31   Fening first suspected that the cabbage disease was caused by a virus because A   evidence of viral disease could be seen on the cabbage leaves. B   pink and green aphids did not commonly attack cabbages. C   viral diseases affecting vegetables had occurred elsewhere in Africa. D   aphids would not have caused so much damage to the crops. 32   When doing further research in Cambridge, Fening and Carr discovered that A   the virus was unfamiliar to them. B   two different viruses were present. C   the aphids’ DNA was more complex than expected. D   one aphid was more harmful than the other. Questions 33-36 Look at the following statements (Questions 33-36) and the list of researchers below. Match each statement with the correct researcher, A-E. Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 33-36 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 33   A particular crop may make an important contribution to the local economy in one African country. 34   Tests will be carried out by local people in the country where the research is focused. 35   Different specialists must work together to ensure the success of a programme. 36   One type of insect attacking plants in Ghana was previously unknown there. List of Researchers A     James Wood B     Ken Fening C     John Carr D     Theresa Manful E     Mark Carrington Questions 37-40 Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. Trypanosomiasis Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasite which is spread by an insect called the 37………………………. The parasite can remain unaffected by the host’s 38………………………. because it is able to change the 39………………………. on its outer covering. It is uncommon among humans but has been found to affect most 40………………………. in Ghana. Section 1 1   B 2   E 3   D 4   C 5   C 6   B 7   A 8   FALSE 9   TRUE 10   FALSE 11   FALSE 12   TRUE 13   NOT GIVEN 14   FALSE Section 2 15   emails 16   impact assessment 17   equipment 18   quality 19   crime 20   (computer) viruses 21   (confidential) helplines 22   questionnaire 23   account 24   10 days 25   complete 26   employer 27   refund Section 3 28   B 29   A 30   C 31   D 32   A 33   B 34   D 35   A 36   B 37   tsetse fly 38   immune system 39   proteins 40   cattle

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. Five reviews of the Wellington Hotel A My husband and I first stayed at the Wellington a few years ago, and we’ve returned every year since then. When we arrive and check in, we’re always treated like old friends by the staff, so we very much feel at home. Our one disappointment during our last visit was that our room overlooked the car park, but that didn’t spoil our stay. B The hotel hardly seems to have changed in the last hundred years, and we prefer that to many modern hotels, which tend to look the same as each other. The Wellington has character! Our room was very comfortable and quite spacious. We can strongly recommend the breakfast, though we had to wait for a table as the hotel was so full. That was a bit annoying, and there was also nowhere to sit in the lounge. C We made our reservation by phone without problem, but when we arrived the receptionist couldn’t see it on the computer system. Luckily there was a room available. It wasn’t quite what we would have chosen, but it was a pleasure to sit in it with a cup of tea, and look out at the swimmers and surfers in the sea. D We’d be happy to stay at the Wellington again. Although there’s nothing special about the rooms, the view from the lounge is lovely, and the restaurant staff were friendly and efficient. Breakfast was a highlight – there was so much on offer we could hardly decide what to eat. We’d stay another time just for that! E The staff all did their jobs efficiently, and were very helpful when we asked for information about the area. The only difficulty we had was making our reservation online – it wasn’t clear whether payment for our deposit went through or not, and I had to call the hotel to find out. Still, once we’d arrived, everything went very smoothly, and we had a delicious dinner in the restaurant. Questions 1-7 Look at the five online reviews of the Wellington Hotel, A-E. Which review mentions the following? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   liking the view from the bedroom window 2   finding the receptionists welcoming 3   being pleased with the bedroom 4   becoming confused when booking a room 5   being impressed by the wide choice of food 6   staying in the hotel regularly 7   finding it inconvenient that the hotel was crowded Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. Come and play walking football or walking netball Walking football and netball have become increasingly popular in recent years, but do you know you can take part in this area? The names make it clear what they are – two of the country’s favourite sports where, instead of running, the players walk. It’s as simple as that. Walking football was invented in the UK in 2011, but it was a 2014 TV commercial for a bank, showing it providing financial support to someone who wanted to set up a website for the game, that brought it to people’s attention. Since then, tens of thousands of people — mostly, though not only, over the age of 50 — have started playing, and there are more than 800 walking football clubs. Both men and women play walking football, but at the moment the netball teams consist only of women. However, men are beginning to show an interest in playing. The two games are designed to help people to be active or get fit, whatever their age and level of fitness. In particular, they were invented to encourage older men and women to get more exercise, and to give them a chance to meet other people. Regular physical activity helps to maintain energy, strength and flexibility. You can start gently and do a little more each session. The benefits include lower heart rate and blood pressure, greater mobility, less fat and more muscle. Many players have given up a sport – either through age or injury – and can now take it up again. They’re great ways for people to enjoy a sport they used to play and love, and keep active at the same time, though people who have never played the standard game before are also very welcome. The local councils Active Lifestyles Team runs sessions at all the council’s leisure centres. Come alone or with a friend, and enjoy a friendly game on Monday or Saturday afternoons, or Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Each session costs £3 per person, and you don’t have to come regularly or at the same time each week. Our aim is to set up netball and football clubs as soon as there are enough regular players. Questions 8-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 8   Walking football became well-known when a club featured in a TV programme about the sport. 9   The majority of walking netball players are men. 10   Most clubs arrange social activities for their members, 11   Players are tested regularly to measure changes in their fitness. 12   People who have never played football are encouraged to play walking football. 13   People can take part in the Active Lifestyles Team’s sessions whenever they wish 14   The Active Lifestyles Team intends to start clubs in the future. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. Dress regulations at work Your contract may state that you need to dress in a certain manner or wear a uniform. Your contract might also state that you need to dress ‘smartly’, rather than specifying any particular garments. As you might well have conflicting ideas of what counts as smart’, you should ask your employer for clarification. Many employers that have a strict dress code choose to provide clothing or a discount on clothing. However, this is not necessarily compulsory for the employer and is a factor you need to consider when taking a job. Protective clothing and equipment Your employer can tell you to put on protective clothing and equipment (such as gloves, a visor, boots, etc.). If you don’t, your employer is entitled to take disciplinary action, which can include excluding you from the workplace. You are required to: •  co-operate with your employer on health and safety •  correctly use work items provided by your employer, including protective equipment, in accordance with instructions •  not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health and safety or welfare. Of course, any protective gear has to fit and be appropriate for the situation. It shouldn’t cause you pain. If it does, you should negotiate alternative equipment or arrangements. Don’t be put off. Sometimes employers can, out of caution, interpret health and safety rules unnecessarily rigidly. And of course, you shouldn’t be required to pay for any protective equipment or clothing that you need. However, if your employer buys the gear, they are entitled to keep it when you leave. The obligation to maintain protective clothing lies with the employer. The employer is also required to provide an appropriate storage space to keep the protective equipment in when it is not being used. And finally, the employer must provide the equipment and service free of charge to the employee. Jewellery Banning employees from wearing jewellery and loose clothing may be justified to prevent a potential hygiene hazard if you work in areas of food production or areas which need to be kept sterile. Likewise, your employer can judge that loose jewellery may constitute a snagging hazard if you operate machinery. If you think restrictions are not justified by health and safety concerns, talk to your workplace union rep if you have one, as they may know of solutions to the problem which other employees have used before. Questions 15-20 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   If employees are unsure what their company wishes them to wear for work, they should request ……………………… 16   Some companies offer their employees a ……………………… when they buy items to wear for work. 17   Employees who fail to wear protective clothing when required could be subject to ……………………… procedures. 18   Employees ought not to be in ……………………… because of protective clothing or equipment. 19   It is the company’s responsibility to ensure that there is a suitable place for the ……………………… of protective equipment. 20   Employees who work with certain types of ……………………… may have to remove jewellery to avoid potential injuries. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27. How to achieve a better work-life balance As more and more employees work from home full time and everyone has 24/7 access to email, balancing work and family may not seem like an easily attainable goal. So how can you juggle the demands of both worlds? Below are some tips to help you get started. It’s easy to get sucked into habits that, make us less efficient without realizing it – like keeping your social media page open at work so you don’t miss something ‘important’. Draw up a list with all the activities that don’t enhance your life or career. Then minimize the time you spend on them. It’s hard to say no’, especially to a supervisor or loved one, but sometimes that powerful little word is essential. Learn to use ‘no’ judiciously and it will become a powerful tool in balancing work and family. Research shows that exercise helps you remain alert. Finding time to hit the gym may be hard, but it will ultimately help you get more things done because exercise really boosts energy and improves your ability to concentrate. Study after study shows that significant sleep deprivation affects your health and well-being. Exposure to electronics can significantly negatively impact your sleep, so try to unplug an hour before you go to sleep. What would you do if you had a whole day to yourself with no demands on your time? While most people don’t have the luxury of a whole day dedicated to relaxation, constantly putting off that downtime and putting everyone’s needs before yours will wear you down. Pick a time to do something just for you. Even just a few minutes of ‘me time’ a day will help to recharge your batteries. Don’t assume your family and manager are aware of your concerns. If you feel you have to adjust your schedule to discover a better work-life balance, then voice that requirement. If that means asking your boss for permission to leave a few minutes early once a week so you can hit that yoga class on the way home, do it. All new habits require time to build, so if you find yourself sneaking your smartphone to bed, that’s okay. Leave your phone downstairs tomorrow night. Tiny steps are the key to finding that balance, so start small, and go from there. Most of all, know your limitations and what works best for you; then decide what really matters, what advice you want to follow, and prioritize. Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. Achieving a better work-life balance How to begin •  Make a complete 21……………………… of things that are not helpful and reduce involvement in them •  Refuse some requests as this can be a useful 22……………………… in gaining a better work-life balance Things that cars help •  Regular exercise – can increase 23……………………… significantly •  Sleep – insufficient sleep can make people ill – avoid focusing on 24……………………… in the lead-up to bedtime Issues that require attention •  Those who see other people’s 25……………………… as more important than their own will suffer •  If the working day is too long, get 26……………………… to shorten it occasionally •  People should learn to recognise their own 27……………………… SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge A For several decades in the nineteenth century, there were calls to connect the rapidly growing metropolis of San Francisco to its neighbours across the mile-wide Golden Gate Strait, where San Francisco Bay opens onto the Pacific Ocean. Eventually, in 1919, officials asked the city engineer, Michael O’Shaughnessy, to explore the possibility of building a bridge. He began to consult engineers across the USA about the feasibility of doing so, and the cost. Most doubted whether a bridge could be built at all, or estimated that it would cost $100 million. However, a Chicago-based engineer named Joseph Strauss believed he could complete the project for a modest $25 to $30 million. After his proposal was accepted, Strauss set about convincing the communities on the northern end of the strait that the bridge would be to their benefit, as well as to that of San Francisco. With population centres growing fast, there was severe traffic congestion at the ferry docks, and motor vehicle travel by ferry was fast exceeding capacity. B The bridge could not be constructed without the agreement of the US War Department, which owned the land on each side of the Strait and had the power to prevent any harbour construction that might affect shipping traffic. In 1924, San Francisco and Marin counties applied for a permit to build a bridge, and after hearing overwhelming arguments in favour of the project, the Secretary of War agreed. Despite the economic benefits promised by its supporters, the project met fierce resistance from a number of businesses – particularly ferry companies – and civic leaders. Not only would the bridge be an obstacle to shipping and spoil the bay’s natural beauty, they argued, it wouldn’t survive the sort of earthquake that had devastated the city in 1906. Eight years of legal actions followed as opponents tried to prevent it from being built. C Meanwhile, Strauss’s team scrapped their original plans in favour of a suspension span capable of moving more than two feet to each side: this would withstand strong wind far better than a rigid structure. They also planned the two towers, and decided on a paint colour they called ‘international orange’. D O’Shaughnessy, Strauss and the Secretary to the Mayor of San Francisco believed a special district needed to be created, with responsibility for planning, designing and financing construction. The formation of this district would enable all the counties affected by the bridge to have a say in the proceedings. This happened in 1928, when the California legislature passed an act to establish the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, consisting of six counties. In 1930, residents voted on the question of whether to put up their homes, their farms and their business properties as security for a $35 million bond issue to finance construction. The outcome was a large majority in favour. However, the District struggled to find a financial backer amid the difficulties of the Great Depression, a problem made worse by years of expensive legal proceedings. Now desperate, Strauss personally sought help from the President of Bank of America, who provided a crucial boost by agreeing to buy $6 million in bonds in 1932. E Construction began in January 1933, with the excavation of a vast amount of rock to establish the bridge’s two anchorages – the structures in the ground that would take the tension from the suspension cables. The crew consisted of virtually anyone capable of withstanding the physical rigours of the job, as out-of-work cab drivers, farmers and clerks lined up for the chance to earn steady wages as ironworkers and cement mixers. The attempt to build what would be the first bridge support in the open ocean proved an immense challenge. Working from a long framework built out from the San Francisco side, divers plunged to depths of 90 feet through strong currents to blast away rock and remove the debris. The framework was damaged when it was struck by a ship in August 1933 and again during a powerful storm later in the year, setting construction back five months. F The two towers were completed in June 1935, and a New Jersey-based company was appointed to handle the on-site construction of the suspension cables. Its engineers had mastered a technique in which individual steel wires were banded together in spools and carried across the length of the bridge on spinning wheels. Given a year to complete the task, they instead finished in just over six months, having spun more than 25,000 individual wires into each massive cable. The roadway was completed in April 1937, and the bridge officially opened to pedestrians the following month. The next day, President Roosevelt announced its opening via White House telegraph. G The Golden Gate has endured as a marvel of modern engineering; its main span was the longest in the world for a suspension bridge until 1981, while its towers made it the tallest bridge of any type until 1993. It withstood a destructive earthquake in 1989 and was closed to traffic only three times in its first 75 years due to weather conditions. Believed to be the most, photographed bridge in the world, this landmark was named one of the seven civil engineering wonders of the United States by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1994. Questions 28-35 The text has seven sections, A-G. Which section mentions the following? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 28-35 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 28   why it was easy to recruit workers to build the bridge 29   a change in the design of the bridge 30   opposition to building the bridge 31   why a bridge was desirable 32   problems with raising funding for the bridge 33   permission being given to build the bridge 34   which records the bridge broke 35   the idea that building a bridge might be impossible Questions 36-40 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet. 36   Building the bridge required a …………………… issued by the Secretary of War. 37   One objection to building the bridge was that another …………………… would destroy it. 38   Construction was delayed when the framework was damaged by a ship and again by a …………………… 39   The last part of the bridge to be constructed was the …………………… 40   The bridge was first used by …………………… in May 1937. Answer: Section 1 1   C 2   A 3   B 4   E 5   D 6   A 7   B 8   FALSE 9   FALSE 10   NOT GIVEN 11   NOT GIVEN 12   TRUE 13   TRUE 14   TRUE Section 2 15   clarification 16   discount 17   disciplinary 18   pain 19   storage 20   machinery 21   list 22   tool 23   energy 24   electronics 25   needs 26   permission 27   limitations Section 3 28   E 29   C 30   B 31   A 32   D 33   B 34   G 35   A 36   permit 37   earthquakes 38   storm 39   roadway 40   pedestrians

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-6. TRANSITION CARE FOR THE ELDERLY What is transition care? Transition care is for older people who have been receiving medical treatment, but need more help to recover, and time to make a decision about the best place for them to live in the longer term. You can only access transition care directly from the hospital. Transition care is focused on individual goals and therapies and is given for a limited time only. It offers access to a package of services that may include: •  low-intensity therapy such as physiotherapy (exercise, mobility, strength and balance) and podiatry (foot care) •  access to a social worker •  nursing support for clinical care such as wound care •  personal care Who provides transition care services? Transition care is often provided by non-government organisations and is subsidised by the government. If your circumstances allow, it is expected you’ll contribute to the cost of your care. Daily care fees are set by the organisation that provides your transition care services (your service provider). They should explain these fees to you, and the amount charged should form part of the agreement between you and the service provider. The fee is calculated on a daily basis. Where do I receive transition care? Transition care is provided in your own home or in a ‘live-in’ setting. This setting can be part of an existing aged-care home or health facility such as a separate wing of a hospital. What if I’m already receiving services through a different programme? If you’re already receiving subsidised residential care in an aged-care home, but you need to go somewhere else for transition care, your place in the aged-care home will be held until you return. Questions 1-6 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 1   Only hospital patients can go on to have transition care. 2   Transition care may be long term or short term. 3   Everyone receiving transition care must contribute to the cost. 4   Transition care at home is only available for patients who live alone. 5   Transition care may be given on a hospital site. 6   You may lose your place in a care home if you have to leave it to receive transition care. Read the text below and answer Questions 7-14. CABIN BAGS FOR AIR TRAVEL If you want a small bag with wheels that you can take onto the plane with you, there’s a wide choice. Here are some of the best. A The Flyer B3 is an ultra-lightweight cabin bag which can withstand some pretty harsh treatment, its nylon and polyester sides won’t rip or burst open if it’s dropped or thrown whilst in transit. However, the trolley handle feels quite thin and flimsy. The top carrying handle is hard and flat, and the side handle isn’t easy to grip. B The Lightglide has two external pockets, both of which are zipped and lockable, but the inside pocket does not zip. In tests, we found the contents remain dry when given a good soaking, even around the zips. The trolley handle has a choice of two heights and the plastic hand grip doesn’t have any sharp ridges that’ll make your hands sore. For carrying there are fabric handles at the top and side. C The Foxton is easy to control across most surfaces. However, the zips don’t always run smoothly especially around the corners, so you may have to give them a good tug, especially if the case is very full. This is definitely one to avoid if you’re going somewhere rainy as it lets loads of water in, and documents in the pockets will also get pretty wet unless they’re in plastic folders. D The Skybag has a single external zipped pocket and another located inside the lid. Your clothes are kept in place by two adjustable straps. The zips are easy to grip and they run smoothly around the case. However, this cabin bag felt a little heavy to pull on all but smooth floors, and it was hard to steer compared with some of the other suitcases. E The Travelsure 35 is available in a huge range of fabric designs including leopard print or lipstick kisses. The retractable trolley handle is comfortable but can’t be adjusted to suit users of different heights. There’s no internal divider, but there are two handy zipped pockets in the lid. We test each bag by letting it fall onto a hard floor – and our results show that you’ll have to treat this bag with great care if you want it to last. The fabric tore so badly at one of the corners that it was unusable. Questions 7-14 The text has five paragraphs, A-E. Which paragraph mentions the following? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 7-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 7   The zips on this cabin bag may be difficult to use. 8   This cabin bag may be badly damaged if it is dropped. 9   The handles of this cabin bag have a number of different problems. 10   This cabin bag is very resistant to water. 11   There’s a good choice of patterns for the fabric of this cabin bag. 12   This cabin bag isn’t very easy to move around. 13   This cabin bag has just one internal zipped pocket. 14   The trolley handle of this cabin bag is adjustable. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. College car parking policy – staff Parking permits and tickets Staff permits are required to park a motor vehicle (other than a motorcycle parked in the cycle bays) on campus between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Annual permits can be purchased from the Hospitality Department. Application forms can be downloaded from the College website. All permits/tickets must be clearly displayed in the windscreen of vehicles during the dates of term time, as published in the academic calendar. Please inform the Services Administrator of any changes to registration details on telephone ext. 406. Annual car parking permits can be purchased from 20th September and are valid for one academic year from 1st October to 30th June. The annual charges for car parking are displayed on the application form. Enforcement The nominated contractor will issue fixed Penalty Charge Notices (see below) on vehicles that fail to display a valid permit and/or parking ticket, or vehicles that are parked on yellow lines or in disabled parking bays without displaying a blue disabled-parking permit. Reductions of parking space availability may arise in order to accommodate College recruitment activities and/or estate development/maintenance projects. Vehicles that are in breach of the policy will be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice. Penalty Charge Notice (PCM) The PCN is £30, increasing to £60 seven days after issue. The nominated contractor is responsible for the collection of unpaid PCNs and may use legal action where necessary to recover unpaid PCNs. If issued with a PCN, appeals must be taken up directly with the parking enforcement company (details included on the notice) not the college. Disabled parking The college has designated car parking spaces for disabled car drivers. The college will make all reasonable efforts to ensure these parking spaces are used only by drivers who display their blue disabled-parking permits, and a valid pay-and-display or annual permit, as appropriate. If issues arise concerning the availability of the parking spaces, those concerned should raise the matter with the Domestic Services Department in order to effect a temporary solution. Visitors The College welcomes visitors and provides parking arrangements through pre-arranged permits, which must be displayed in the vehicle. Please contact the Hospitality Department for further information, On Open Days, sections of car parking on campus may be reserved for visitors. Short-term drop-off/pick-up provision There will be two short-term drop-off/pick-up spaces for users of the nursery, with a maximum of ten minutes’ waiting time allowed. These are located outside Concorde Building. The nursery staff bays may not be used under any circumstances. Questions 15-20 Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   Where can you buy parking permits at the college? 16   Which document shows the dates of term time? 17   What is the start date of annual parking permits? 18   Who is responsible for giving out parking fines if you park in the wrong place? 19   What do visitors need to show when parking? 20   Where can the nursery pick-up point be found? Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27. Maternity benefits If you are expecting a baby, there are a number of benefit schemes that could help you financially. However, eligibility differs for each individual scheme. Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) You may be entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) from your employer. This is a weekly payment, to help make it easier for you to take time off, both before and after the birth of your baby. SMP can be paid for up to 39 weeks. You are entitled to SMP if you have been employed by the same company for at least 26 weeks by the end of the 15th week before your baby is due. You must also be earning an average of at least £87 per week (before tax). The amount you get depends on how much you earn. For 6 weeks, you will receive 90% of your average weekly earnings. Then you will receive £112.75 per week for the remaining 33 weeks. Maternity Allowance (MA) Maternity Allowance (MA) is available to those who are employed or self-employed but not eligible for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). You may be entitled to Maternity Allowance if you have been employed or self-employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before you are due to give birth. You don’t have to work for the same employer for those 26 weeks. You also don’t have to work full weeks (as a part week counts as a full week) during the same period. Maternity Allowance can be paid for up to 39 weeks, and is either paid at the same standard rate as SMP or 90% of your average weekly earnings. You’ll receive whichever amount is the lower. You can find Maternity Allowance forms at antenatal clinics throughout the country. Child Tax Credit If you’re on a low income, over 16, and are responsible for at least one child, you may also be entitled to Child Tax Credit. The amount you get will depend on your personal circumstances and income. When your income is being assessed, any child benefit, maintenance payments or Maternity Allowance payments will not be classed as income. This means that it will not be taken into account when calculating your Child Tax Credit. Sure Start Maternity Payments If you get benefits or Child Tax Credit because you’re on a low income, then you may be entitled to Sure Start Maternity Payments. These are individual grants to help towards the cost of a new baby. Questions 21-27 Answer the questions below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. 21   What is the minimum period you must have worked for an employer in order to be eligible for SMP? 22   For how long is SMP payable every week as a percentage of your average weekly earnings? 23   What sum is payable every week as the second part of SMP entitlement? 24   What is the maximum length of time MA is payable? 25   Where can MA forms be obtained? 26   Apart from income, what else is considered when assessing how much Child Tax Credit is paid? 27   What are Sure Start Maternity Payments? SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. PAPYRUS Used by the ancient Egyptians to make paper, the papyrus plant has helped to shape the world we live in A Libraries and archives are cultural crossroads of knowledge exchange, where the past transmits information to the present, and where the present has the opportunity to inform the future. Bureaucracies have become the backbone of civilizations, as governments try to keep track of populations, business transactions and taxes. At a personal level, our lives are governed by the documents we possess; we are certified on paper literally from birth to death. And written documentation carries enormous cultural importance: consider the consequences of signing the Foundation Document of the United Nations or the Convention on Biological Diversity. Documentation requires a writing tool and a surface upon which to record the information permanently. About 5,000 years ago, the Sumerians started to use reeds or sticks to make marks on mud blocks which were then baked, but despite being fireproof, these were difficult to store. Other cultures used more flexible but less permanent surfaces, including animal skins and wood strips. In western culture, the adoption of papyrus was to have a great impact. Sheets of papyrus not only provide an invaluable record of people’s daily lives, they can also be dated using carbon-dating techniques, giving precise information about the age of the text written on them. B Papyrus is strongly associated with Egyptian culture, although all the ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean used it. The papyrus sedge is a tall grass-like plant. It was harvested from shallow water and swamplands on the banks of the River Nile. Manufacturing sheets of papyrus from papyrus sedge was a complex, messy process. Pith from inside the plant’s stem was cut into long strips that were laid side by side. These were then covered with a second layer of strips which were laid at right angles to the first, then soaked in water and hammered together. The sheet was then crushed to extract the water, dried and then polished to produce a high-quality writing surface, individual sheets could be glued together and rolled up to make scrolls or folded and bound to form books. C In moist climates, the cellulose-rich sheets of papyrus would readily decay, becoming covered by mould or full of holes from attacks by insects. But in dry climates, such as the Middle East, papyrus is a stable, rot-resistant writing surface. The earliest known roll of papyrus scroll was found in the tomb of an official called Hemeka near Memphis, which was then the capital city of Egypt, and is around five thousand years old. in 79CE, nearly 2,000 papyrus scrolls in the library of Julius Caesar’s father-in-law were protected at Herculaneum by ash from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. However, the most famous discoveries of papyrus have come from the rubbish dumps of the ancient town of Oxyrhynchus, some 160km south-west of Cairo, in the desert to the west of the Nile. Oxyrhynchus was a regional administrative capital and for a thousand years generated vast amounts of administrative documentation, including accounts, tax returns and correspondence, which was periodically discarded to make room for more. Over time, a thick layer of sand covered these dumps, andthey were forgotten. But the documents were protected by the sand, creating a time capsule that allowed astonishing glimpses into the lives of the town’s inhabitants over hundreds of years. Collections of documents that record information and ideas have frequently been viewed as potentially dangerous. For thousands of years, governments, despots and conquerors have resorted to burning libraries and books to rid themselves of inconvenient evidence or obliterate cultures and ideas that they found politically, morally or religiously unacceptable. One such calamity, the burning of the Great Library of Alexandria, and the papyrus scrolls and books it contained, has been mythologized and has come to symbolize the global loss of cultural knowledge. D Besides their use in record-keeping, papyrus stems were used in many other aspects of Mediterranean life, such as for boat construction and making ropes, sails and baskets, as well as being a source of food. In 1969 the adventurer Thor Heyerdahl attempted to cross the Atlantic from Morocco in the boat Ra, to show that it was possible for mariners in ancient times to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Ra was made from bundles of papyrus stems and modelled on ancient Egyptian craft. As a marshland plant, papyrus sedge stabilizes soils and reduces erosion, while some investigations show that it has potential for water purification and sewage treatment. E True paper was probably invented in China in the first century CE. Like papyrus, it was constructed from a meshwork of plant fibres, but the Chinese used fibres from the white mulberry tree, which yielded a tough, flexible material that could be folded, stretched, and compressed. The adoption of this paper by western cultures soon rendered papyrus obsolete. Despite dreams of paper-free societies, western cultures still use enormous quantities of paper, often in ways that it would be inconceivable to use papyrus for. As a paper substitute, the role of the papyrus sedge in western cultures has been superseded; papyrus is little more than a niche product for the tourist market. What makes papyrus noteworthy for western societies nowadays is its use as the surface upon which our ancient ancestors recorded their lives, their art and their science. In the words of the ancient Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, it is ‘the material on which the immortality of human beings depends’. ————————— *From Stephen Harris, What have Plants Ever Done for Us?, Bodleian Library Publishing 2015. Reprinted by kind permission of Bodleian Library Publishing. Question 28-32 The text below has five sections, A-E. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i       Solving the puzzle of a papyrus document ii      The importance of written records and different ways of recording them iii     The use of papyrus for a range of purposes iv     Suggestions for future possibilities for papyrus v      How papyrus was cultivated and different manufacturing methods vi     The decline of papyrus use vii    The preservation and destruction of papyrus documents viii   The process of papyrus production 28   Section A 29   Section B 30   Section C 31   Section D 32   Section E Questions 33-37 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet. 33   What was the problem with using animal skins and wood strips for writing on? A   They did not last for a long time. B   They were not easy to store. C   They were insufficiently flexible. D   They could be destroyed by fire. 34   Why did papyrus manufacturers hammer the papyrus? A   to remove water from the pith strips B   to join the layers of pith strips together C   to allow the pith strips to be easily cut D   to position the layers of pith strips at the correct angle 35   When referring to burning libraries and books, the writer is suggesting that A   information can be used for harm as well as for good. B   new ways must be found to ensure information is not lost. C   cultural knowledge depends on more than written texts. D   those in power may Wish to keep others in ignorance. 36   The writer refers to Thor Heyerdahl to illustrate the point that A   papyrus could be used as a food on long sea voyages. B   the ancient Egyptians already had advanced navigation skills. C   papyrus could be used to build boats for long sea journeys. D   the ancient Egyptians knew of the environmental benefits of papyrus 37   What does the writer conclude about papyrus today? A   It is better for the environment than using paper. B   Its significance is restricted to its role in the past. C   It is still the best writing surface for some purposes. D   More efforts need to be made to ensure it stays in use. Questions 38-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet. How papyrus documents have survived Papyrus is rich in cellulose and in some conditions will be destroyed by fungal growths or be consumed by 38…………………… However, it can survive for long periods in an environment that is dry. It has been found in a 5,000-year-old 39…………………… in Egypt, and in Herculaneum many papyrus documents were preserved following a huge 40…………………… in 79 CE. in the town of Oxyrhynchus, unwanted administrative documents were left on rubbish dumps which were covered with sand, preserving them for many years. Answer: Section 1 1   TRUE 2   FALSE 3   FALSE 4   NOT GIVEN 5   TRUE 6   FALSE 7   C 8   E 9   A 10   B 11   E 12   D 13   D 14   B Section 2 15   Hospitality Department 16   academic calendar 17   1st October 18   nominated contractor 19   permits 20   Concorde Building 21   26 weeks 22   6 weeks/ six weeks 23   £112.75 24   39 weeks 25   antenatal clinics 26   personal circumstances 27   grants Section 3 28   ii 29   viii 30   vii 31   iii 32   vi 33   A 34   B 35   D 36   C 37   B 38   insects 39   tomb 40   eruption

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7 New cycle path to Marshbrook Country Park A A new dual-purpose cycle and pedestrian route has been built from Atherton bus station to the country park’s main entrance at Marshbrook. It avoids the main road into Atherton on the south side, and keeps mainly to less busy roads. Once the path leaves the built-up area, it goes through countryside until it reaches Marshbrook. B Funding for the cycle path has come largely from the country and town councils, while almost a third of it was raised through crowdfunding. Maintenance of the path is the responsibility of the county council. The cycle path was completed ahead of schedule – partly thanks to perfect weather for construction – and under budget. C Annie Newcome is the chief executive of Cycle Atherton, the organisation that aims to get people cycling more often and more safely. Cycle Atherton proposed the 12-kilometre-long cycle path initially, and has been active in promoting it. Ms Newcome says she is delighted that all the hard work to achieve the funding proved successful. D Marshbrook Country Park is a very popular recreational area, and the new path makes it much easier to reach from the town in an environmentally friendly way. At 2.5 metres wide, it is also suitable for users of wheelchairs, mobility scooters and buggies, who have not previously had access to the park without using motor vehicles. E Although the path is now open, work is continuing to improve the signs along it, such as warnings when the path approaches a road. New hedges and trees will also be planted along stretches of the path, to provide some shelter from the wind and to benefit wildlife. F Further information and a detailed map of the path including a proposed 5-kilometre extension are available online. The map can easily be downloaded and printed. Visit the county council website and follow the links to Atherton Cycle Path. Questions 1-7 The text has six paragraphs, A-F. Which paragraph mentions the following? Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   what still needs to be done 2   the original suggestion for creating the path 3   a reason why the path opened early 4   people who no longer need to get to the park by car 5   the route of the path 6   the length of the path 7   who paid for the path Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. Study dramatic arts at Thornley If you are hoping for a career in the theatre, Thornley College of Dramatic Arts is the place to come. For fifty years we have been providing top-quality courses for actors, directors, producers, musicians and everyone else who wishes to work professionally in the theatre or related industries. We also have expertise in preparing students for the specialised requirements of TV, film and radio. We’ll make sure you’re thoroughly prepared for the reality of work in your chosen field. Our college-based tutors all have extensive practical experience in the entertainment industry as well as academic qualifications, and we also collaborate with some of the country’s best directors, writers and actors to create challenging, inspiring and exciting projects with our students. We are well-known around the world, with our students coming from every continent. Every year, we receive two thousand applications for the one hundred places on our degree courses. Only the most talented get places, and we are proud that over ninety percent of our students gain professional work within a year of graduating – a figure few other drama colleges in the UK can match. To mark our fiftieth anniversary this year, we are putting on a production of Theatre 500. Written by two staff members especially for this occasion, this multimedia show celebrates five hundred years of drama, and involves all our students in one way or another. Another major development is that the college is about to move. Our new premises are now under construction in the heart of Thornley, next to the council building, which has won a prize for its architecture. For the last two years, we have been developing designs with Miller Furbank Architects for our new home, and one aim has been to ensure the buildings complement the council offices. Work started on the foundations of the buildings in March last year, and we plan to move to the new site this coming September. We have also been talking to cultural organisations in the district, and considering how we can bring cost-free benefits to the local community, as well as to our students. As a result, part of the space in the new buildings has been designed to be adaptable, in order to accommodate classes, performances and workshops for different-sized groups of local people. Questions 8-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write? TRUE             if the statement agrees with the information FALSE            if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 8   The college has introduced new courses since it opened. 9   The college provides training for work in the film industry. 10   Students have the chance to work with relevant professionals. 11   Many more people apply to study at the college than are accepted. 12   Theatre 500 was created by students. 13   The new building and the council building were designed by the same architects. 14   Local groups will be charged for using college premises. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20 How to make your working day more enjoyable Research shows that work takes up approximately a third of our lives. Most of us get so bogged down with day-to-day tasks though, that we easily forget why we originally applied for the job and what we can get out of it. Here are a few ideas for how to make your working day better. Physical changes to your work environment can make a massive difference to how you feel. Get some green plants or a family photo for your desk. File all those odd bits of paper or throw them away. All of these little touches can make your work environment feel like it’s yours. Make sure any screens you have are at a suitable height so you’re not straining your neck and shoulders. Humans need a change of environments every now and then to improve productivity. Go out at lunchtime for a quick walk. If you have the option, it’s a good idea to work from home occasionally. And if there’s a conference coming up, ask if you can go along to it. Not only will you practise your networking skills, but you’ll also have a day away from the office. Use coffee time to get to know a colleague you don’t usually speak to. There’s no point in getting away from staring at one thing though, only to replace it with another; so leave your mobile alone! Another tip is to try and stay out of office gossip. In the long run it could get you in more trouble than you realise. When you’re trying to focus on something, hunger is the worst thing. If you can, keep some healthy snacks in your desk because if you have something you can nibble on, it will make you work more effectively and you’ll enjoy it more. also, if you’re dehydrated, you won’t be able to focus properly. So keep drinking water. Finally, if you’ve been dreaming about starting up a big project for some time, do it! There are so many different things you can do to get you enjoying work more each day. Questions 15-20 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   Bringing a personal ……………… to work will make the place feel more homely. 16   It is important to check the position of all ……………… before use to avoid pulling any muscles. 17   Leaving the office in the middle of the day may help to raise ………………. later on. 18   It is advisable to avoid checking a ……………….. during breaks. 19   Getting involved in ……………….. at work may have negative results. 20   Having a few ……………….. available can help people concentrate better at work. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27 How to get promoted If you’re sitting at your desk wondering whether this will be the year you finally get promoted, here are some tips. It starts with you. You are perhaps the most important part in the ‘promotion process’, so you need to know what you want – and why you want it. Take an honest look at yourself – your achievements and also your skills, particularly those you could exploit to take on a different role. Your boss is the gatekeeper. If you think your boss is likely to be on your side, ask for a meeting to discuss your serious commitment to the organisation and how this could translate into a more defined career plan. If you are less sure about your boss’s view of your prospects and how they may react, start softly with a more deliberate focus on increasing your boss’s understanding of the work you do and the added value you deliver. Think about how you are perceived at work. In order for you to get your promotion, who needs to know about you? Who would be on the interview panel and whose opinion and input would they seek? And once you’ve got a list of people to impress, ask yourself – do they know enough about you? And I mean really know – what you do day to day at your desk, your contribution to the team, and perhaps most importantly, your potential. The chances are that those decision-makers won’t know all they should about you. Raising your profile in your organisation is critical so that when those in charge start looking at that empty office and considering how best to fill it, the first name that pops into their heads is yours. If your firm has a newsletter, volunteer to write a feature to include in it. If they arrange regular client events, get involved in the organisation of them. And so on. If you think your experience needs enhancing, then look at ways you can continue to improve it. If you are confident in your professional expertise but lack the latest management theory, enrol on some relevant courses that fit around your day job. So what are you waiting for? Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. Steps to take to achieve a promotion ●   First step: examine past successes and any 21……………… that would help gain promotion ●   Set up a meeting with your boss to talk about: –  how best to use your high level of 22……………… in future –  or how much extra 23………………. you already bring to the company ●   Focus on the important people in the company: –  find out which ones will be members of the 24……………… who decide on the promotion –  consider how much they are aware of your 25……………… for the future ●   Take steps to raise your profile by: –  offering to create a feature for a company publication –  participating in the 26……………… of events for customers ●   Work on self-development: –  take any 27………………. that fill in gaps in knowledge SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. Animals can tell right from wrong Until recently, humans were thought to be the only species to experience complex emotions and have a sense of morality. But Professor Marc Bekoff, an ecologist at University of Colorado, Boulder, US, believes that morals are ‘hard-wired’ into the brains of all mammals and provide the ‘social glue’ that allows animals to live together in groups. His conclusions will assist animal welfare groups pushing to have animals treated more humanely. Professor Bekoff, who presents his case in his book Wild Justice, said: ‘Just as in humans, the moral nuances of a particular culture or group will be different from another, but they are certainly there. Moral codes are species specific, so they can be difficult to compare with each other or with humans.’ Professor Bekoff believes morals developed in animals to help regulate behaviour in social groups. He claims that these help to limit fighting within the group and encourage co-operative behaviour. His ideas have met with some controversy in the scientific community. Professor Frans de Waal, who examines the behaviour of primates, including chimpanzees, at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, US, said: ‘I don’t believe animals are moral in the sense we humans are – with a well-developed and reasoned sense of right and wrong – rather that human morality incorporates a set of psychological tendencies and capacities such as empathy, reciprocity, a desire for co-operation and harmony that are older than our species. Human morality was not formed from scratch, but grew out of our primate psychology. Primate psychology has ancient roots, and I agree that order animals show many of the same tendencies and have an intense sociality.’ Wolves live in tight-knit social groups that are regulated by strict rules. Wolves also demonstrate fairness. During play, dominant wolves will appear to exchange roles with lower-ranking wolves. They pretend to be submissive and go so far as to allow biting by the lower-ranking wolves, provided it is not too hard. Prof Bekoff argues that without a moral code governing their actions, this kind of behaviour would not be possible. Astonishingly, if an animal becomes aggressive, it will perform a ‘play bow’ to ask forgiveness before play resumes. In other members of the dog family, play is controlled in a similar way. Among coyotes, cubs which are too aggressive are ignored by the rest of the group and often end up having to leave entirely. Experiments with domestic dogs, where one animal was given some ‘sweets’ and another wasn’t, have shown that they possess a sense of fairness as they allowed their companion to eat some. Elephants are intensely sociable and emotional animals. Research by Iain Douglas-Hamilton, from the department of zoology at Oxford University, suggests elephants experience compassion and has found evidence of elephants helping injured members of their herd. In 2003, a herd of 11 elephants rescued antelopes which were being held inside an enclosure in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The top female elephant unfastened all of the metal latches holding the gates closed and swung them open, allowing the antelopes to escape. This is thought to be a rare example of animals showing empathy for members of another species – a trait previously thought to be the exclusive preserve of humankind. A laboratory experiment involved training Diana monkeys to insert a token into a slot to obtain food. A male who had become skilled at the task was found to be helping the oldest female, who had not learned how to do it. On three occasions the male money picked up tokens she dropped and inserted them into the slot and allowed her to have the food. As there was no benefit for the male monkey, Professor Bekoff argues that this is a clear example of an animal’s actions being driven by some internal moral compass. Since chimpanzees are known to be among the most cognitively advanced of the great apes and our closet cousins, it is perhaps not remarkable that scientist should suggest they live by moral codes. A chimpanzee known as Knuckles is the only known captive chimpanzee to suffer from cerebral palsy, which leaves him physically and mentally impaired. What is extraordinary is that scientists have observed other chimpanzees interacting with him differently and he is rarely subjected to intimidating displays of aggression from older males. Chimpanzees also demonstrate a sense of justice and those who deviate from the code of conduct of a group are set upon by other members as punishment. Experiments with rats have shown that they will not take food if they know their actions will cause pain to another rat. In lab tests, rats were given food which then caused a second group of rats to receive an electric shock. The rats with the food stopped eating rather than see this happen. Whales have been found to have spindle cells in their brains. These specialised cells were thought to be restricted to humans and great apes, and appear to play a role in empathy and understanding the emotions of others. Humpback whales, fin whales, killer whales and sperm whales have all been found to have spindle cells. They also have three times as many spindle cells as humans and are thought to be older in evolutionary terms. This finding suggests that emotional judgements such as empathy may have evolved considerably earlier in history than formerly thought and could be widespread in the animal kingdom. Questions 28-32 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 28-32 on your answer sheet. Complex social behaviour in wolf packs Wolves live in packs and it is clear that there are a number of 28……………… concerning their behaviour. Some observers believe they exhibit a sense of 29………………. . The stronger, more senior wolves seem to adopt the roles of the junior wolves when they are playing together. They act as if they are 30………………. to the juniors and even permit some gentle 31……………… . What is even more surprising is that when one of the juniors gets too forceful, it bends down begging for 32……………… . Only when that has been granted will the wolves continue playing. Questions 33-37 Look at the following animals (Questions 33-37) and the list of descriptions below. Match each animal with the correct description, A-G. Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 33-37 on your answer sheet. 33   coyotes 34   domestic dogs 35   elephants 36   Diana monkeys 37   rats List of Descriptions A     often attack peers who fail to follow the moral code B     appear to enjoy playing with members of a different species C     sometimes share treats with a peer D     may assist a peer who is failing to complete a task E     may be driven away by their peers if they do not obey the moral code F     seem unwilling to benefit from something that hurts their peers G     may help a different type of animal which is in difficulty Questions 38-40 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet. 38   What view is expressed by Professor de Waal? A   Apes have advanced ideas about the difference between good and evil. B   The social manners of some animals prove that they are highly moral. C   Some human moral beliefs developed from our animal ancestors. D   The desire to live in peace with others is a purely human quality. 39   Why does Professor Bekoff mention the experiment on Diana monkeys? A   It shows that this species of monkey is not very easy to train. B   It confirms his view on the value of research into certain monkeys. C   It proves that female monkeys are generally less intelligent than males. D   It illustrates a point he wants to make about monkeys and other creatures. 40   What does the writer find most surprising about chimpanzees? A   They can suffer from some of the same illnesses as humans. B   They appear to treat disabled peers with consideration. C   They have sets of social conventions that they follow. D   The males can be quite destructive at times. Answer IELTS General Reading Test 04 Section 1 1   E 2   C 3   B 4   D 5   A 6   C 7   B 8   NOT GIVEN 9   TRUE 10   TRUE 11   TRUE 12   FALSE 13   NOT GIVEN 14   FALSE Section 2 15   photo 16   screens 17   productivity 18   mobile 19   gossip 20   snacks 21   skills 22   commitment 23   value 24   panel 25   potential 26   organisation / organization 27   courses Section 3 28   rules 29   fairness 30   submissive 31   biting 32   forgiveness 33   E 34   C 35   G 36   D 37   F 38   C 39   D 40   B

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7 Young Fashion Designer UK competition Young Fashion Designer UK is an exciting national competition which aims to showcase and promote the exceptional work achieved by students studying courses in textile design, product design and fashion throughout the UK. The competition is designed for students to enter the coursework they are currently working on rather than specifically producing different pieces of work. If you would like to add to your coursework, that is for you and your teacher to decide. You can apply independently or through your school/college. To enter please ensure you follow these steps: 1)   Provide three A3 colour copies from your design folder. You must include: –  initial ideas about the clothing –  a close-up photograph of the front and back view of the finished clothing. 2)   Please label each sheet clearly with your name and school (on the back). 3)   Print off a copy of your registration form and attach it to your work. 4)   Post your entry to the Young Fashion Designer Centre. Once the entry deadline has passed, the judges will select the shortlist of students who will be invited to the Finals. You will be notified if you are shortlisted. You will need to bring originals of the work that you entered. Each finalist will have their own stand consisting of a table and tabletop cardboard display panels. Feel free to add as much creativity to your stand as possible. Some students bring tablets/laptops with slideshows or further images of work but it should be emphasised that these may not necessarily improve your chances of success. The judges will assess your work and will ask various questions about it. They will look through any supporting information and the work you have on display before coming together as a judging panel to decide on the winners. You are welcome to ask the judges questions. In fact, you should make the most of having experts on hand! There are 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners for each category. The judges can also decide to award special prizes if the work merits this. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a glass trophy and prize from a kind donor. Questions 1-7 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write TRUE             if the statement agrees with the information FALSE            if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN  if there is no information on this 1   Participants are required to create a new item of clothing for the Young Fashion Designer UK competition. 2   Participants must send information about the thoughts that led to the item they are entering for the competition. 3   The shortlist will consist of a fixed number of finalists. 4   Finalists can choose how to present their work to the judges on their stand. 5   It is strongly recommended that finalists support their entry with additional photographs. 6   Questions that the students ask the judges may count towards the final decisions. 7   Extra prizes may be awarded depending on the standard of the entries submitted. Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. Which keyboard should you buy? It’s worth remembering that a bad keyboard can significantly affect your entire computing experience. So make sure you pick the right keyboard for your needs. A   Logitech K120 Logitech’s K120 offers a number of extra features. It’s spill-resistant, draining small amounts of liquid if you have an accident. It isn’t particularly eye-catching, but it feels very solid. For the price, it’s a tempting choice. B   Cherry MX 3.0 Keyboard The Cherry MX 3.0 looks simple and neat, thanks to its compact build. It’s solid, durable and you don’t need to push keys all the way down to activate them. It’s also rather loud though, which can take some getting used to. C   Logitech K780 The K780 is a compact, pleasantly modern-looking keyboard. There’s an integrated stand for smartphones and tablets too. It’s quiet to type on, and the circular keys are easy to familiarise yourself with, well-spaced and large enough to hit accurately. For this price though, the lack of backlighting is disappointing. D   Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic The Sculpt’s curved, strange-looking build serves a purpose. It provides wrist support and lifts your forearms into a relaxed position so you don’t hurt yourself from typing for lengthy periods. It feels weird, but it seems to do the trick. E   Microsoft Universal Bluetooth Keyboard Microsoft’s Bluetooth keyboard has one very handy feature – you can fold it in half and carry it around in your jacket pocket or bag, and it feels rather like a large wallet. It has generously sized keys, though the two-piece spacebar takes some getting used to. Another useful feature is that you can get up to three months’ use from a single charge. F   Corsair Strafe RGB Keyboard Corsair’s keyboard is expensive, flashy and extremely impressive. All of its keys are programmable, there’s eye-catching backlighting and the buttons are textured for improved grip. All this is because it’s designed for gamers. However, it’s also silent, meaning it is suitable for everyday office work too. Questions 8-14 Look at the six reviews of computer keyboards, A-F. For which keyboard are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 8   This keyboard may not suit users who prefer the keys to be almost silent. 9   This keyboard is easily portable because it can be made to fit into a small space. 10   This keyboard includes a special place to put small devices. 11   This keyboard is designed to prevent injury to those who spend a lot of time on the computer. 12   This keyboard offers good value for money. 13   This keyboard is primarily aimed at people who use their computer for entertainment. 14   It shouldn’t take long for users to get used to the shape of the keys on this keyboard. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20 Working for a small company may be better than you think Recent research shows that many job-seekers believe their ideal position would be in a large company. However, working for a small or medium-sized business has many advantages that are too easily overlooked. Here are just a few of them. Working in a small organisation with a small workforce means it’s likely to be easy to become part of it. It won’t be long before you’re familiar with the staff and the departments that you need to deal with. This can provide a feeling of comfort that takes much longer to develop in a large company. Departments are likely to be small and have close connections with each other, which helps to make internal communication work well – everyone knows what’s going on. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how your own role fits into the company as a whole. In a small business you’re likely to have considerable variety in your workload, including opportunities to work in different areas of the company, which will allow you to identify abilities that you didn’t know you had. An introduction to new activities could even lead to a change of career. This variety in your work will help to make it stimulating, so you have a good reason for getting out of bed in the morning. There will be plenty of opportunities to show initiative, and you’ll also learn to function well as part of a team. Because it’s much harder to overlook someone within a small workforce than a large one, your efforts are more likely to attract the attention of those higher up. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to show what you can do, and to have your potential noticed. The result is very likely to be that promotion comes to you faster. Small businesses are usually flexible, something that is rarely true of large organisations. This means that if they’re well managed, they can adapt to make the most of changes in the wider economy, which in turn can help you. Don’t dismiss them as a place to work because of the myths about them. Small firms can be ideal places for developing your career. Questions 15-20 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. 15   In a small business it is easy to become ……………….. with colleagues and other departments. 16   You may find you have ………………… you were not aware of. 17   Finding that your work is ………………… will make you enjoy doing it. 18   Other people are likely to realise that you have ………………… . 19   Opportunities for ………………… will come sooner than in a larger business. 20   You can benefit from a small company being more ……………….. than a large one. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27 Starting a new job A Make sure you know when and where you are expected to report on your first day. If the route from home is unfamiliar to you, make a practice run first: the normal first activity in a new job is a meeting with your boss, and it would be embarrassing to be late. Dress formally until you’re sure of the dress code. B You should expect to have an induction programme planned for you: a security pass; visits to whatever parts of the organisation you need to understand to do your job properly; meetings with anyone who could affect your success in the role; and someone to show you where everything is and tell you all the real rules of the culture – the ones that are never written down but which everyone is meant to follow. C It can be a shock to join a new organisation. When you are a newcomer, feeling uncertain and perhaps a little confused, there can be a strong temptation to talk about your old job and organisation as a way of reminding yourself and telling others that you really know what you are doing, because you did it in your previous role. Unfortunately, this will suggest that you have a high opinion of yourself, and that you think your old place was better. It has enormous power to annoy, so don’t do it. D All employers have a core product or service paid for by customers which justifies their existence. If you are not part of this core activity, remember that your role is to provide a service to the people who are part of it. Understanding their concerns and passions is essential for understanding why your own role exists, and for knowing how to work alongside these colleagues. This is why you must see this product or service in action. E When I worked for a television company, all of us, whatever our job, were strongly encouraged to visit a studio and see how programmes were made. This was wise. Make sure you do the equivalent for whatever is the core activity of your new employer. F Don’t try to do the job too soon. This may seem strange because, after all, you have been appointed to get on and do the job. But in your first few weeks your task is to learn what the job really is, rather than immediately starting to do what you assume it is. G Starting a new job is one of life’s major transitions. Treat it with the attention it deserves and you will find that all your work in preparing and then going through the selection process has paid off magnificently. Questions 21-27 The text has seven paragraphs, A-G. Which paragraph mentions the following? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 21   the emotions that new employees are likely to experience at first 22   a warning to be patient at first 23   how colleagues might react to certain behaviour 24   travelling to your new workplace before you start working there 25   an example of observing an activity carried out within an organisation 26   some things that the organisation should arrange for when you begin 27   a division of jobs within an organisation into two categories SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. How animals keep fit No one would dream of running a marathon without first making a serious effort to train for it. But no matter how well they have stuck to their training regime, contestants will find that running non-stop for 42 kilometres is going to hurt. Now consider the barnacle goose. Every year this bird carries out a 3000-kilometre migration. So how do the birds prepare for this? Do they spend months gradually building up fitness? That’s not really the barnacle goose’s style. instead, says environmental physiologist Lewis Halsey, ‘They just basically sit on the water and eat a lot.’ Until recently, nobody had really asked whether exercise is as tightly connected to fitness in the rest of the animal kingdom as it is for us. The question is tied up in a broader assumption: that animals maintain fitness because of the exercise they get finding food and escaping predators. Halsey points out that this may not necessarily be the case. Take the house cat. Most domestic cats spend much of the day lounging around, apparently doing nothing, rather than hunting for food. But over short distances, even the laziest can move incredibly fast when they want to. Similarly, black and brown bears manage to come out of several months’ hibernation with their muscle mass intact – without having to lift so much as a paw during this time. Barnacle geese go one better. In the process of sitting around, they don’t just maintain their fitness. They also develop stronger hearts and bigger flight muscles, enabling them to fly for thousands of kilometres in a migration that may last as little as two days. So, if exercise isn’t necessarily the key to physical strength, then what is? one clue comes from a broader view of the meaning of physical fitness. Biologically speaking, all it means is that the body has undergone changes that make it stronger and more efficient. In animals such as bears these changes appear to be triggered by cues such as falling temperatures or insufficient food. In the months of hibernation, these factors seem to prompt the release of muscle-protecting compounds which are then carried to the bears’ muscles in their blood and prevent muscle loss. Barnacle geese, Halsey suggests, may be responding to an environmental change such as temperature, which helps their bodies somehow ‘know’ that a big physical challenge is looming. In other bird species, that cue may be something different. Chris Guglielmo, a physiological ecologist, has studied the effect of subjecting migratory songbirds known as yellow-rumped warblers to changing hours of daylight. ‘We don’t need to take little songbirds and train them up to do a 6- or 10-hour flight,’ he says. If they are subjected to the right daylight cycle, ‘we can take them out of the cage and put them in the wind tunnel, and they fly for 10 hours.’ Unlike migratory birds, however, humans have no biological shortcut to getting fit. Instead, pressures in our evolutionary history made our bodies tie fitness to exercise. Our ancestor’s lives were unpredictable. They had to do a lot of running to catch food and escape danger, but they also needed to keep muscle mass to a minimum because muscle is biologically expensive. Each kilogram contributes about 10 to 15 kilocalories a day to our metabolism when resting – which doesn’t sound like much until you realise that muscles account for about 40 percent of the average person’s body mass. ‘Most of us are spending 20 percent of our basic energy budget taking care of muscle mass,’ says Daniel Lieberman, an evolutionary biologist and marathon runner. So our physiology evolved to let our weight and fitness fluctuate depending on how much food was available. ‘This makes us evolutionarily different from most other animals,’ says Lieberman. In general, animals merely need to be capable of short bouts of intense activity, whether it’s the cheetah chasing prey or the gazelle escaping. Cats are fast, but they don’t need to run very far. Perhaps a few mad dashes around the house are all it takes to keep a domestic one fit enough for feline purposes. ‘Humans, on the other hand, needed to adapt to run slower, but for longer,’ says Lieberman. He argues that long ago on the African savannah, natural selection made us into ‘supremely adapted’ endurance athletes, capable of running prey into the ground and ranging over long distances with unusual efficiency. But only, it appears, if we train. Otherwise we quickly degenerate into couch potatoes. As for speed, even those animals that do cover impressive distances don’t have to be the fastest they can possibly be. Barnacle geese needn’t set world records when crossing the North Atlantic; they just need to be able to get to their destination. ‘And’, says exercise physiologist Ross Tucker, ‘humans may be the only animal that actually cares about reaching peak performance.’ Other than racehorses and greyhounds, both of which we have bred to race, animals aren’t directly competing against one another. ‘I don’t know that all animals are the same, performance-wise … and we don’t know whether training would enhance their ability,’ he says. Questions 28-30 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 28-30 on your answer sheet. 28   The writer discusses marathon runners and barnacle geese to introduce the idea that A   marathon runners may be using inefficient training methods. B   the role of diet in achieving fitness has been underestimated. C   barnacle geese spend much longer preparing to face a challenge. D   serious training is not always necessary for physical achievement. 29   The writer says that human muscles A   use up a lot of energy even when resting. B   are heavier than other types of body tissue. C   were more efficiently used by our ancestors. D   have become weaker than they were in the past. 30   The writer says that in order to survive, early humans developed the ability to A   hide from their prey. B   run long distances. C   adapt their speeds to different situations. D   predict different types of animal movements. Questions 31-35 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 31-35 on your answer sheet. What is the key to physical fitness? In biological terms, when an animal is physically fit, its body changes, becoming more powerful and 31……………… . For bears, this change may be initially caused by colder weather or a lack of 32………………. , which during 33……………. causes certain compounds to be released into their 34………………. and to travel around the body. These compounds appear to prevent muscle loss. In the case of barnacle geese, the change may be due to a variation in 35…………….. . Questions 36-40 Look at the following statements (Questions 36-40) and the list of researchers below. Match each statement with the correct researcher, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter, A, B, C or D, in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 36   One belief about how animals stay fit is possibly untrue. 37   It may not be possible to train all animals to improve their speed. 38   One type of bird has demonstrated fitness when exposed to a stimulus in experimental conditions. 39   Human energy use developed in a different way from that of animals. 40   One type of bird may develop more strength when the weather becomes warmer or cooler. List of Researchers A     Lewis Halsey B     Chris Guglielmo C     Daniel Lieberman D     Ross Tucker Section 1 1   FALSE 2   TRUE 3   NOT GIVEN 4   TRUE 5   FALSE 6   NOT GIVEN 7   TRUE 8   B 9   E 10   C 11   D 12   A 13   F 14   C Section 2 15   familiar 16   abilities 17   stimulating 18   potential 19   promotion 20   flexible 21   C 22   F 23   C 24   A 25   E 26   B 27   D Section 3 28   D 29   A 30   B 31   efficient 32   food 33   hibernation 34   blood 35   temperature 36   A 37   D 38   B 39   C 40   A

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-6 Harvey’s Storage Harvey’s Storage is a well-established independent company. We are centrally located in the city and provide excellent facilities for all your storage requirements. We provide safe and secure units for both long- and short-term storage dependent on your needs. Our rates are competitive and tailored to your specific requirements and your choice of storage unit. Heavy-duty locks and keys are provided to all of our customers and included in the prices listed. You can hire the unit with the storage capacity you need, for the period of time that the storage is required, in a sound and secure environment, monitored by CCTV. With 24-hour access, customers can deliver and collect items when it is convenient to do so, unrestricted by business or office hours. Tarmac roadways allow customers to park cars and lorries immediately outside their units, minimising the effort required to collect or drop items off. Household storage Self-storage is ideal for families or individuals with either a short- or long-term need to store their belongings. Some of our clients are de-cluttering, or they may be getting their property decorated, or planning to go abroad for a time. Student storage You may be travelling or going home to see family and friends in the vacation, or need time to find a place to stay. You may want to store all your books and personal items, or just a few boxes or a musical instrument. We offer no-nonsense competitive pricing with flexible hire periods and with no hidden extras. We can provide you with short- or long-term affordable hire in a safe and secure environment. You are responsible for organising transport but we can also recommend local van and driver hire companies. Business storage Free up your expensive retail space with affordable self-storage. We have three different business storage centres to choose from so you can choose the location that is most convenient for you. Questions 1-6 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write? TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 1   There is an extra charge for locks and keys. 2   It is possible to arrange to share a storage unit with someone else. 3   You can pick up your property from the storage unit during the night-time. 4   You can drive your vehicle right next to your storage unit. 5   Students’ possessions can only be stored during vacation periods. 6   The storage company will collect and deliver students’ property. Read the text below and answer Questions 7-14. Local museums A   Whittlesey Museum The museum is located in the Old Town Hall, which was originally built to house horse-drawn fire engines. It has eight rooms, and the exhibits cover topics such as archive photographs, costume, domestic life and local celebrities. B   Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House Built in 1740, this is the birthplace of pioneer social reformer Octavia Hill, who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in social housing and the arts, as well as in conservation issues. Visitors are taken on a guided tour and are then free to explore the gardens. C   Chatteris Museum The old market town of Chatteris was largely rebuilt, after two serious fires in 1706 and 1864 destroyed many of the town’s ancient buildings. The museum’s exhibits illustrate traditional aspects of the life of local farmers as well as the railway boom of the 19th century. The museum has a touch-screen kiosk which contains over 9,000 historic photographs and texts, reproductions of which can be made on request. D   March and District Museum Located in the middle of the market town of March, the museum is housed in a former school built in 1851. Its wide-ranging collections include reconstructions of an early 20th-century kitchen, sitting room and nursery. There is also an interesting display of historic cameras and radios, and a medal which was awarded to train driver Ben Gimbert for his bravery in preventing loss of life when a train full of explosives caught fire in 1944. E   Wisbech and Fenland Museum This 19th-century gem holds collections from around the world including Ancient Egypt. Its library, which is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month, contains the manuscript of Great Expectations by the 19th-century novelist Charles Dickens, and the Research Room can be booked for researching local records. Questions 7-14 Look at the five descriptions of museum, A-E, in one area of England. For which museum are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 7-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 7   There are exhibits related to the history of agriculture in the region. 8   Equipment for putting out fires used to be kept in this building. 9   You can find information on the rise of one type of transport. 10   There are things to see both inside and outside. 11   It is possible to obtain copies of old pictures and documents. 12   On certain days you can see an original work by a writer of fiction. 13   Someone who was interested in environmental matters lived here for a time. 14   This museum has an exhibit related to a heroic achievement. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20 Workplace health and safety considerations for plumbers Like many trades, plumbing can be a dangerous job. It is important to take all reasonably practicable measure to keep customers and yourself incident and injury free. Biohazard waste Plumbers regularly come into contact with biohazard waste. It’s the nature of the job, but that doesn’t mean you should be complacent about it. According to Safe Work Australia, communicable diseases from work-related exposures to biological hazards such as sewage have been estimated to cause 320,000 deaths across the globe each year. In addition to this, plumbers are regularly exposed to other biohazards such as mould, bacteria and algae. Don’t risk it – make sure appropriate clothing and equipment is used. Confined spaces Plumbers may spend much of their time working in confined spaces, where they are at risk from contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dusts, that may cause injury from fire or explosion. They may also be exposed to high concentration of airborne contaminants that may be harmful to health. For example, one plumber was fined $220,000 after an employee suffered from carbon-monoxide poisoning. Another potential hazard for plumbers in confined spaces is that of drowning, if water sources are not adequately cut off. The Safe Work Australia confined spaces code of practice outlines the necessary steps and precautions for avoiding illness and injury. Electricity The Master Plumbers’ Association calls electricity ‘plumbing’s hidden killer’. Metal pipes are often conductive and so gloves which provide insulation should form part of a plumber’s tool kit, as should a plumbing voltage monitor and a volt tester. Gloves should be checked prior to every use and replaced every 12 to 14 months. Electrical equipment like bridging conductors should be regularly checked, with appropriate tags on the equipment to verify its safety. The project should be stopped immediately if there is any sign of electricity, so that the power can be disconnected by a qualified electrician prior to continuing work. Questions 15-20 Complete the table below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27 How to manage flexible working with your employees There is no denying that flexible working has grown enormously in recent years. It does, however, require careful management. When it comes to implementing flexible working one word is key: trust. All flexible workers should be trusted and given well-defined objectives from the start and their contribution should be assessed according to their output, as opposed to the time they spend on the job. It can be a big step to implement such as change in your business, so if you are slightly cautious then I recommend perhaps setting up an end-of-the-day review to see how much progress has been made. As all parties find their feet with the new set-up, this contact can slowly be reduced. In my eyes, it is also vital that there is shared calendar access for everyone so that people can see where their colleagues are each day. This way if they need to catch up with someone they can plan when to do so. Technology now exists to enable employees to stay in touch with other members of staff and external partners. iMeet, for example, is a tool which allows all forms of collaboration for remote working, from video conferencing, live chat and file sharing to screen sharing. The new breed of worker is therefore fully equipped to work productively away from the office, and can still feel like they’re in the same room as others when necessary. In my experience, employees are often more productive working at home as they can work the exact hours they want and do not have to cope with distraction caused by other employees. Being outside the confines of the office walls also appears to foster creativity. In addition, we find staff are more motivated as they have a better work-life balance. In terms of the business, we find this helps with top talent recruitment and staff retention, and a happy workforce is a more successful one. Questions 21-27 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. Flexible working How to organise flexible working ●   trust your employees ●   provide them with clear 21……………. ●   base measurements of performance on their output ●   initially, have a 22…………….. of progress each day ●   make sure a 23………………. Is accessible to give details of colleague locations. ●   use a program such as iMeet to encourage different types of 24………………. between workers Benefits of flexibility ●   greater productivity ●   less 25……………… from colleagues ●   increase in 26……………… ●   more motivated staff ●   greater success for the company with staff recruitment and 27……………… SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. Questions 28-33 The text has six sections, A-F. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-vii, in boxes 28-33 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i              Developing an item that appears true to life ii             Extending the project to other endangered species iii            A short but intensive investigation with longer-term follow-up iv            Problems facing sea turtles at a global level v             Collection of eggs and their possible onward routes vi            Intensive and large-scale poaching in one location vii           Why catching the poachers may not solve the problem 28   Section A 29   Section B 30   Section C 31   Section D 32   Section E 33   Section F Preventing the theft of turtle eggs Conservationists and law enforcement have struggled to prevent wildlife trafficking. But could some plastic eggs and GPS trackers change the game? A Humans have been eating sea turtle eggs (and killing adult turtles for meat) for millennia. However, as human populations exploded and as sea turtles began to confront additional threats such as intensive fishing, beach development and climate change, sea turtle populations declined precipitously. Today, all but one of the world’s seven species of sea turtles are considered threatened according to the IUCN* Red List. And the one that’s not – the flatback turtle – is listed as data deficient, which means scientists simply don’t know how it’s doing. B One major problem is that every year millions of sea turtle eggs are illegally taken by poachers for sale on the black market. The situation is particularly serious in Nicaragua, in Central America, which is home to four sea turtle species. Kim Williams-Guillen, who works for conservation body Paso Pacifico, described the poaching of sea turtle nests on the beaches of Nicaragua as ‘uncontrolled, unregulated, extensive and contested’. Even the best-protected beaches are plundered to some extent and it’s not uncommon to see poachers digging up nests just meters from tourists watching sea turtles laying their clutch at night, she said. This poaching becomes particularly frenzied during the arribadas – mass laying events where thousands of turtles nest on the same beach for a single night in a biological strategy to overwhelm natural predators. C ‘Even with armed guards, the numbers of poachers overwhelm military personnel by ten to twenty to one,’ Williams-Guillen said. ‘Although many poachers are locals with limited resources, during these arribadas there are influxes of gangs of poachers from larger cities outside local communities. These are not just local poor people without other options.’ But to protect the country’s sea turtles, Williams-Guillen said conservationists shouldn’t just depend on catching low-level operators. ‘If one poacher decides to stop, another one will just step into his place… we need to know more about the middlemen and people higher up in the distribution chain,’ she said. D Paso Pacifico’s solution is the creation of high-tech sea turtle eggs: fake eggs convincingly crafted to look like the real thing, but which contain GPS tracking devices. These have the potential to reveal the destination markets for trafficked sea turtle eggs. Making convincing sea turtle eggs is not easy, and Paso Pacifico is still working on perfecting a prototype. In particular, it’s proving quite problematic to create the right texture, since sea turtle eggs are not covered in a hard shell like those of birds, but are quite flexible. So Paso Pacifico brought in Lauren Wilde, a special effects artist in the US, to create a convincing outer shell. First, Wilde had to get her hands on the real thing. Since it’s illegal to send sea turtle eggs over the border, Wilde is using land turtle eggs from California. ‘It was really eye opening and important for me to feel these eggs and how the shell bends a little,’ she said. To get the GPS device inside the shell, Paso Pacifico is using 3D printers to make a plastic ball which will then have a GPS transmitter fitted inside. This will take the place of the embryo inside the shell. Lastly the fake shells will be sealed with silicone, waterproofing them. E Sea turtles on average lay around 100 eggs in a nest, and once the fake eggs are finished they will be slipped in with the real ones. Williams-Guillen said it might even be possible to deliver fake eggs into nests while poachers are at work. Wary of tourists, poachers will often back off if strangers come near and then return when they have gone. ‘It would be pretty easy to drop an egg in the dark into a nest they have been digging up,’ she said. Once the poacher picks up the fake egg along with the real ones, conservationists and law enforcement agents will be able to track them. Experts believe most of the stolen eggs eventually make their way out of Nicaragua, possibly to El Salvador or Guatemala. However, there is also growing concern that sea turtle eggs from Central America are actually heading to the USA, from where they are sold on to other countries around the world. F To date, Paso Pacifico has yet to put a single fake egg in a nest. But Williams-Guillen said she isn’t too concerned that publicity for their scheme will result in poachers looking for the eggs. ‘The vast majority of the poaching is happening at night, so already it is hard to tell [the eggs] apart, and at this point, poachers and middlemen are not closely inspecting eggs, but rather shoving them into a sack as quickly as possible.’ Of course, poachers will eventually become aware of the prospect of fake eggs among the real ones – especially when customers try to bite into an egg and break their teeth on the GPS transmitter instead. So, Paso Pacifico plans to do a massive deployment of as many fakes as possible to gather a lot of data before poachers get wise. Knowing where the eggs go will allow conservationists and law enforcement agents to focus their resources on the right places – whether it be through awareness-building campaigns or crackdowns on illegal sellers. And eventually Paso Pacifico hopes to share the technology with interested parties around the world. —— *IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature Questions 34-37 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 34-37 on your answer sheet. 34   What does the writer suggest about the flatback turtle? A   It could be as severely threatened as other turtles. B   It has been neglected by scientists in the past. C   It is in less danger than some other species. D   It should be removed from the IUCN Red List. 35   Williams-Guillen says that the poaching of sea turtle eggs in Nicaragua A   is mainly carried out by local people. B   may be encouraged by the presence of tourists. C   sometimes has a highly organised structure. D   can only be controlled by the use of armed guards. 36   In Section E, Williams-Guillen says that one way to encourage poachers to take the fake eggs is to A   make fake nests and put the eggs into them. B   put them in nests with just a few real eggs. C   distract the poachers after the fake eggs have been put in the nests. D   put them in nests that the poachers have started to dig up. 37   It is planned to use a large number of fake eggs at the beginning because A   some of the fake eggs may be missed by the poachers. B   it may not be possible to continue the project indefinitely. C   some eggs may be hidden in the sand. D   it may not be feasible to fund long-term research. Questions 38-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet. Making convincing sea turtle eggs One difficulty in creating a fake sea turtle egg is to get the appropriate texture for the shell. Unlike a bird’s egg, a turtle’s egg has a shell which is 38……………… . Lauren Wilde has studied eggs from Californian turtles that live on 39……………… to create a realistic reproduction of the shell. A GPS device will then be placed inside a 40…………….. in the fake shell. Finally, silicone will be applied to the shell to make it waterproof. Section 1 1   FALSE 2   NOT GIVEN 3   TRUE 4   TRUE 5   FALSE 6   FALSE 7   C 8   A 9   C 10   B 11   C 12   E 13   B 14    D Section 2 15   sewage 16   poisoning 17   drowning 18   gloves 19   tags 20   disconnected 21   objectives 22   review 23   calendar 24   collaboration 25   distraction 26   creativity 27   retention Section 3 28   iv 29   vi 30   vii 31   i 32   v 33   iii 34   A 35   C 36   D 37   B 38   flexible 39   land 40   ball

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-6 Consumer advice What to do if something you ordered hasn’t arrived If something you’ve ordered hasn’t arrived, you should contact the seller to find out where it is. It’s legal responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. They should chase the delivery company and let you know what’s happened to your item. If your item wasn’t delivered to the location you agreed (e.g. if it was left with your neighbour without your consent), it’s the seller’s legal responsibility to sort out the issue. If the item doesn’t turn up, you’re legally entitled to a replacement or refund. You can ask for your money back if you don’t receive the item within 30 days of buying it. If the seller refuses, you should put your complaint in writing. If that doesn’t work, you could contact their trade association – look on their website for this information, or contact them to ask. You might also be able to get your money back through your bank or payment provider – this depends on how you paid. ●   If you paid by debit card, contact your bank and say you want to use the ‘chargeback’ scheme. If the bank agrees, they can ask the seller’s bank to refund the money to your account. Many bank staff don’t know about the scheme, so you might need to speak to a supervisor or manager. You should do this within 120 days of when you paid. ●   If you paid by credit card and the item cost less than £100, you should contact your credit card company and say you want to use the ‘chargeback’ scheme. There’s no time limit for when you need to do this. If the item cost more than £100 but less than £30,000, contact your credit card company and say that you want to make a ‘section 75’ claim. ●   If you paid using PayPal, use PayPal’s online resolution centre to report your dispute. You must do this within 180 days of paying. Questions 1-6 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write TRUE               if the statement agrees with the information FALSE              if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this 1   You will receive a card telling you if an item has been left with a neighbour. 2   It may be quicker to get a refund than a replacement for a non-delivered item. 3   You are entitled to a refund if the item fails to arrive by a certain time. 4   There is a time limit when using the ‘chargeback’ scheme for a debit card payment. 5   You can use the ‘chargeback’ scheme for a credit card payment of more than £100. 6   PayPal’s online resolution centre has a good reputation for efficiency. Read the text below and answer Questions 7-14. Rice cookers What’s the best rice cooker for you? A   Ezy Rice Cooker This has a 1.8 litre pot and a stainless steel exterior. It has a separate glass lid, and the handle on the lid stays cool. It produces perfectly cooked white rice, but tends to spit when cooking brown rice. There are slight dirt traps around the rim of the lid, and neither the pot nor the lid is dishwasher safe. B   Family Rice Cooker This has a plastic exterior and a flip-top lid. The lid locks when closed and becomes a secure handle to carry the cooker. The aluminium interior pot is quite difficult to clean, and it can’t be put in a dishwasher. It’s programmed to adjust the temperature once the rice is done so that it stops cooking but doesn’t get cold. C   Mini Rice Cooker This has a flip-top lid and a 0.3 litre capacity. The interior pot is made of non-stick aluminium and is dishwasher safe. This rice cooker is ideal when cooking for one. However it does not have any handles at the side, and water sometimes overflows when cooking brown rice. D   VPN Rice Cooker This has a painted steel exterior with a handle on each side and a steel inner pot. It has a lift-off lid and comes with a booklet including a range of ideas for rice dishes. However, the keep-warm setting must be manually selected and the handles are tricky to grip. E   S16 Rice cooker This is simple to use, not spitting or boiling over even when cooking brown rice. The exterior stays cool when in use, so there’s no danger of burning your hand. However, the lack of handles is a nuisance, and a recipe book would have been useful. Questions 7-14 Look at the five reviews of rice cookers, A-E. For which rice cooker are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 7-14 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 7   The handles at the side are hard to use. 8   It cooks brown rice without making a mess. 9   It automatically switches setting to keep to rice warm when cooked. 10   It’s difficult to get the removable top really clean. 11   A selection of recipes is provided with the cooker. 12   It has a handle at the top for carrying the cooker safely. 13   The outside of the cooker doesn’t get too hot. 14   You can put the pot in the dishwasher. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-22 Safety when working on roofs A fall from height is the most serious hazard associated with roof work. Preventing falls from roofs is a priority for WorkSafe New Zealand. Investigation by WorkSafe into falls that occur while working at height show that more than 50 percent of falls are from under three metres, and most of these are from ladders and roofs. The cost of these falls is estimated to be $24 million a year – to say nothing of the human costs that result from these falls. More injuries happen on residential building sites than any other workplace in the construction sector. In order to prevent such injuries, a hazard assessment should be carried out for all work on roofs to assess potential dangers. It is essential that the hazards are identified before the work starts, and that the necessary equipment, appropriate precautions and systems of work are provided and implemented. Hazard identification should be repeated periodically or when there is a change in conditions, for example, the weather or numbers of staff onsite. The first thing to be considered is whether it is possible to eliminate this hazard completely, so that workers are not exposed to the danger of falling. This can sometimes be done at the design, construction planning, and tendering stage. If the possibility of a fall cannot be eliminated, some form of edge protection should be used to prevent workers from falling. It may be possible to use the existing scaffolding as edge protection. If this is not practicable, then temporary work platforms should be used. In cases where such protection is not possible, then steps should be taken to minimise the likelihood of any harm resulting. This means considering the use of safety nets and other similar systems to make it less likely that injury will be caused if a fall does occur. Ladders should only be employed for short-duration maintenance work such as touching up paint. People using ladders should be trained and instructed in the selection and safe use of ladders. There should be inspection of all ladders on a regular basis to ensure they are safe to use. Questions 15-22 Complete the notes below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-22 on your answer sheet. Safety when working on roofs Investigations show that ●   over half of falls are from less than 15………………. ●   most falls are from ladders and roofs ●   falls cost $24 million per year ●   the majority of falls occur on 16………………. Hazard identification should be carried out ●   before the work starts ●   when conditions such as the weather or worker numbers change Controls ●   17 ………………. the hazard at the planning stage before the work begins if possible ●   prevent a fall by using edge protection, e.g. scaffolding or 18………………. ●   reduce the likelihood of injury, e.g. by using 19…………….. Ladders ●   these should only be used for 20……………… which does not take a long time ●   training should be provided in their 21…………….. and use ●   regular 22……………… of ladders is required Read the text below and answer Questions 23-27 Maternity Allowance for working women You can claim Maternity Allowance once you’ve been pregnant for 26 weeks. Payments start 11 weeks before the date on which your baby is due. The amount you can get depends on your eligibility. You could get either: ●   £140.98 a week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for 39 weeks ●   £27 a week for 14 weeks Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks You might get Maternity Allowance for 39 weeks if one of the following applies: ●   you’re employed ●   you’re self-employed and pay Class 2 National Insurance (including voluntary National Insurance) ●   you’ve recently stopped working You may still qualify even if you’ve recently stopped working. It doesn’t matter if you had different jobs, or periods when you were unemployed. Maternity Allowance for 14 weeks You might get Maternity Allowance for 14 weeks if for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due: ●   you were married or in a civil partnership ●   you were not employed or self-employed ●   you took part in the business of your self-employed spouse or civil partner How to claim You’ll need an MA1 claim form, available online. You can print this and fill it in, or fill it in online. You also need to provide a payslip or a Certificate of Small Earnings Exemption as proof of your income, and proof of the baby’s due date, such as a doctor’s letter. You should get a decision on your claim within 24 working days. You should report any changes to your circumstances, for example, if you go back to work, to your local Jobcentre Plus as they can affect how much allowance you get. Questions 23-27 Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 23-27 on your answer sheet. 23   The maximum amount of money a woman can get each week is £……………… . 24   Being ………………. for a time does not necessarily mean that a woman will not be eligible for Maternity Allowance. 25   In order to claim, a woman must send a ………………. or a Small Earnings Exemption Certificate as evidence of her income. 26   In order to claim, a woman may need to provide a ……………….. as evidence of the due date. 27   Payment may be affected by differences in someone’s ………………… , such as a return to work, and the local Jobcentre Plus must be informed. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. The California Gold Rush of 1849 The discovery of gold in the Sacramento Valley sparked the Gold Rush, arguably one of the most significant events to shape American history in the 19th century A On January 24, 1848, James Wilson Marshall, a carpenter, found small flakes of gold in the American River near Coloma, California. At the time, Marshall was working to build a water-powered sawmill for businessman John Sutter. As it happens, just days after Marshall’s discovery, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War and transferring California, with its mineral deposits, into the ownership of the United States. At the time, the population of the territory consisted of 6,500 Californios (people of Spanish or Mexican descent); 700 foreigners (primarily Americans); and 150,000 Native Americans. B Though Marshall and Sutter tried to keep news of the discovery quiet, word got out, and by mid-March 1848 at least one newspaper was reporting that large quantities of gold were being found. Though the initial reaction in San Francisco was disbelief, storekeeper Sam Brannan set off a frenzy when he paraded through town displaying a small bottle containing gold from Sutter’s Creek. By mid-June, some three-quarters of the male population of San Francisco had left town for the gold mines, and the number of miners in the area reached 4,000 by August. C As news spread of the fortunes being made in California, the first migrants to arrive were those from lands accessible by boat, such as Oregon, the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii), Mexico, Chile, Peru and even China. Only later would the news reach the East Coast, where press reports were initially skeptical. Throughout 1849, thousands of people around the United States (mostly men) borrowed money, mortgaged their property or spent their life savings to make the arduous journey to California. In pursuit of the kind of wealth they had never dreamed of, they left their families and local areas; in turn, their wives had no option but to shoulder different responsibilities such as running farms or businesses, and many made a real success of them. By the end of the year, the non-native population of California was estimated at 100,000 (as compared with 20,000 at the end of 1848 and around 800 in March 1848). To accommodate the needs of the ‘49ers, as the gold miners were known, towns had sprung up all over the region, complete with shops and other businesses seeking to make their own Gold Rush fortune. The overcrowded chaos of the mining camps and towns grew ever more lawless. San Francisco, for its part, developed a bustling economy and became the central metropolis of the new frontier. D How did all these would-be miners search for gold? Panning was the oldest way. The basic procedure was to place some gold-bearing material, such as river gravel, into a shallow pan, add some water, and then carefully swirl the mixture around so the water and light material spilled over the side. If all went well, the heavier gold nuggets or gold dust would settle to the bottom of the pan. Gold panning was slow even for the most skillful miner. On a good day, one miner could wash about 50 pans in the usual 12-hour workday. E Another way was to use what was called a ‘rocker’. Isaac Humphrey is said to have introduced it to the California gold fields. It was simply a rectangular wooden box, set at a downward angle and mounted on a rocking mechanism. The dirt and rock was dumped into the top, followed by a bucket of water. The box was rocked by hand to agitate the mixture. The big rocks were caught in a sieve at the top, the waste exited the lower and with the water, and the heavy gold fell to the bottom of the box. The rocker had advantages and disadvantages. The advantages were that it was easily transportable; it did not require a constant source of water; and, most importantly, a miner could process more dirt and rock than with a pan. The primary disadvantage was that the rocker had difficulty in trapping the smallest particles of gold, commonly known as ‘flour’. Some miners added small amounts of mercury to the bottom of the rocker. Due to its chemical composition, it had a facility to trap fine gold. Periodically, the miners would remove and heat it. As it vaporized, it would leave gold behind. F After 1850, the surface gold in California had largely disappeared, even as miners continued to reach the gold fields. Mining had always been difficult and dangerous labor, and striking it rich required good luck as much as skill and hard work. Moreover, the average daily pay for an independent miner had by then dropped sharply from what it had been in 1848. As gold became more and more difficult to reach, the growing industrialization of mining drove more and more miners from independence into wage labor. The new technique of hydraulic mining, developed in 1853, brought enormous profits, but destroyed much of the region’s landscape. G Though gold mining continued throughout the 1850s, it had reached its peak by 1852, when gold worth some $81 million was pulled from the ground. After that year, the total take declined gradually, leveling off to around $45 million per year by 1857. Settlement in California continued, however, and by the end of the decade the state’s population was 380,000 Questions 28-31 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 28-31 on your answer sheet. 28   The writer suggests that Marshall’s discovery came at a good time for the US because A   the Mexican-American War was ending so there were men needing work. B   his expertise in water power would be useful in gold mining. C   the population of California had already begun to increase rapidly. D   the region was about to come under the control of the US. 29   What was the reaction in 1848 to the news of the discovery of gold? A   The press played a large part in convincing the public of the riches available. B   Many men in San Francisco left immediately to check it out for themselves. C   People needed to see physical evidence before they took it seriously. D   Men in other mines in the US were among the first to respond to it. 30   What was the result of thousands of people moving to California? A   San Francisco could not cope with the influx of people from around the world. B   Many miners got more money than they could ever have earned at home. C   Some of those who stayed behind had to take on unexpected roles. D   New towns were established which became good places to live. 31   What does the writer say about using pans and rockers to find gold? A   Both methods required the addition of mercury. B   A rocker needed more than one miner to operate it. C   Pans were the best system for novice miners to use. D   Miners had to find a way round a design fault in one system. Questions 32-36 The text has seven sections, A-G. Which section contains the following information? Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 32-36 on your answer sheet. 32   a reference to ways of making money in California other than mining for gold 33   a suggestion that the gold that was found did not often compensate for the hard work undertaken 34   a mention of an individual who convinced many of the existence of gold in California. 35   details of the pre-Gold Rush population of California 36   a contrast between shrinking revenue and increasing population Questions 37-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. Basic techniques for extracting gold The most basic method used by many miners began with digging some 37………………. out of a river and hoping it might contain gold. Small amounts were put in a pan with water. The pan was spun round, causing the liquid and less heavy contents of the pan to come out. Gold dust, which weighed more, remained in the pan or, if the miners were very lucky, there might even be some 38……………….. too. It was, however, a very laborious method. The rocker was also used. A miner would put some earth and rock into the higher end, together with some water. He would then shake the rocker. Larger stones stuck in the 39……………….. , while gold dropped to the bottom. Unfortunately, the rocker was not designed to catch what was called flour. However, a process was introduced involving 40………………. to ensure no gold was washed out in the water. Answer : Section 1 1   NOT GIVEN 2   NOT GIVEN 3   TRUE 4   TRUE 5   FALSE 6   NOT GIVEN 7   D 8   E 9   B 10   A 11   D 12   B 13   E 14   C Section 2 15   3 / three metres / meters 16   residential building sites 17   eliminate 18   (temporary) (work) platforms 19   safety nets 20   (maintenance) work 21   selection 22   inspection 23   140.98 24   unemployed 25   payslip 26   doctor’s letter 27   circumstances Section 3 28   D 29   C 30   C 31   D 32   C 33   F 34   B 35   A 36   G 37   gravel 38   nuggets 39   sieve 40   mercury

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7. Visitor attractions in southern England A   Blackthorn Castle This famous, historically accurate, reconstructed castle and village enable visitors to travel back in time. Explore the grounds and experience the atmosphere of an ancient lifestyle. In the fields, you can see the type of sheep that the original inhabitants of the castle probably kept. Homemade snacks are on sale. B   Withney Wetland Centre Visitors will enjoy a visit to Withney whatever the season. In winter, for example, they can watch from the centrally heated observatory as thousands of swans feed on the water. Trained wardens give informative talks or lead guided walks round the site. The visitors’ centre may also be hired for private or corporate events. C   Headley Hall Headley Hall is a large seventeenth-century country house, preserved as it was when it was built. Take time to admire the various works of art displayed, and visit the huge kitchen complete with period equipment — demonstrations are given at weekends. In the park, there is space for the younger visitors to run around, and picnic tables are available. D   Lewis House Lewis House is the birthplace of Frank Lewis, a renowned painter of the eighteenth century. More of his works are on display here than anywhere else in the world. Visitors can see Lewis’s studio and some of the articles he used on a daily basis. E   Canford Wildlife Centre At Canford we have a new walk-through exhibit called Island Magic. Here visitors can observe many species from the tropical island of Madagascar and read about some of the urgent conservation projects that are taking place there to save endangered species from extinction. F   Oakwell Museum This is an ideal venue for families. They can visit the childhood gallery with its large playroom, and listen to stories told by actors dressed in the costumes of a hundred years ago. They can also enjoy the popular games and wooden animals of that period. Questions 1-7 Look at the six visitor attractions in southern England, A-F, in the text. For which visitor attraction are the following statements true? Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet. NB   You may use any letter more than once. 1   Visitors can look at animals from another part of the world. 2   People can hold a business conference in this place. 3   Visitors can find out what toys were used in the last century. 4   Activities are available all year round here. 5   You can buy light meals here. 6   Visitors can see how food was prepared in the past. 7   You can visit modern imitations of old buildings here. Read the text below and answer Questions 8-14. Paragliding in Australia What is paragliding? Paragliding is a kind of flying, but instead of the wing being made of metal, wood or plastic, it is made of nylon or polyester. The wing (known as a canopy) is attached to a harness by lines, not dissimilar to a parachute. The harness is where the pilots sit – and they report that it outperforms a parachute in terms of comfort. Is it safe? Like sailing and deep-sea diving, paragliding is as safe as the person doing it. The big advantage is that it’s probably the slowest form of aviation, so if you do crash you’ll hit the ground quite gently! Where do I learn? There are lots of schools, mainly based inland by appropriate hills or mountains, and there are also schools on the coast near spectacular cliffs. These are very attractive, though the prospect of landing in the sea seems to dissuade beginners! All schools will show you within a couple of days how to inflate the canopy, launch and land. They use radio instruction, tandem flying practice and schoolroom theory sessions to help you get the most from paragliding. It takes about seven days to get your basic licence; then you’re free to fly independently at sites across Australia. What do I need? Pilots normally wear warm clothes, in case they get very high up, and a helmet in case they stumble on landing. In terms of gear, schools supply basic training, canopies, harnesses, etc. However, you’ll probably want to buy your own more sophisticated equipment, which you’ll be able to choose much better once you’ve tried some out on your course. Who can do it? There’s no upper age limit provided your instructor deems you capable, but the youngest anybody can paraglide is 14. Anybody with good eyesight and good balance is a potential paraglider pilot. It’s a very relaxed sport as you’re mostly sitting down. You’ll probably experience pain in some muscles you didn’t know you had whilst learning, but many of those will be due to the walk up the training hill to launch. Flying a paraglider is a great sport. We hope to see you in the air with us this season! Questions 8-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 8-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement agrees with the information FALSE             if the statement contradicts the information NOT GIVEN   if there is no information on this 8   A paraglider is more comfortable than a parachute. 9   Most paragliding schools are situated by the sea. 10   Learners must pass a theory test in order to get their licence. 11   Learners are able to paraglide unaccompanied after a week’s course. 12   It is advisable to purchase some equipment before you do your training. 13   Fit people of any age can take up paragliding. 14   The preliminary uphill walk may strain some of your muscles. SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21. How to prepare for an interview Why prepare? There are three main reasons. One:    Although you can’t guess every question you might be asked, if you are prepared you can tailor your answers to fit. Two:    If you’re well prepared, you will have more confidence and this will affect the way you come across. Three:    Attitude matters. Prospective employers will choose a not-quite-perfect but willing candidate over a brilliant one who obviously isn’t bothered. What to prepare? Find out about the organisation •  Visit the website and read any materials that you have been sent. If nothing has been sent, phone the company to ask for any reading matter they may have. •  Talk to anyone you know who works there already. Find out about the job •  Ask for a job description or specification. This will tell you the duties that go with the job. •  Talk to anyone you know who is familiar with the work you may be doing. Find out what the employer is looking for •  Make a list of the skills specified in the job advertisement. •  Think of examples to back up claims that you have these skills. You can then answer most of the questions that will come up, such as ‘Tell me more about how you work in a team’. Add in a few ‘lessons learned’ – what you did and how you might have done it better. You can also outline any voluntary work you have done for a charity, or any experience of paid work in an unrelated sector. Preparing for other kinds of questions Interviewers are also looking for someone who is likely to stay with the organisation and progress within it. Prepare to answer questions about your ambitions for the future. You may also be asked to account for gaps in your career history, if you have any. Be positive and accentuate the learning or experience you gained during these periods. Preparing your own questions •  Do ask technical questions about software, systems and structures and how things are done. •  Do ask about possibilities for training. •  Don’t ask about salary unless you have been offered the job. When you’ve prepared as much as this, you’ve got a good chance of success. Good luck! Questions 15-21 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet. 15   By preparing for your interview, you will gain ………………… which will help you present yourself well. 16   Read through any documents you have received about the company and also go to their ………………… . 17   Check the job description to find out what ………………… are involved in the post you have applied for. 18   Interviewers may be interested to hear about any unpaid help you have given to a ………………… . 19   Be ready to talk about your ………………… for the development of your career. 20   Explain any ………………… that there are in your work record and clarify how you used the time to improve your skills. 21   Questions about ………………… should be delayed until a later stage. Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27. Setting up your own business Here are some ideas about how you should start: Know your market So you know what you want to sell – the most important thing is that it should be something that people want to buy. Start by thinking about who your target customers are. Are they people who live locally? Are they a particular group of people? Now, look at your competitors. What is different about what you will be doing and how will you persuade people to come to you instead of going to someone who is already established? How will you reach the customers? Will you promote your product by phoning people, or visiting local traders, or advertising in magazines or online? Will your delivery system be direct or through shops? How will your business work? Now think about what your business needs to succeed. Do you need to look for premises or can you work from home? Do you need to invest in manufacturing equipment to start with? Is the business something chat you can do on your own, or if you get more work will you be looking to recruit staff? If so, what skills would they need? Whether you’re a sole operator or are looking to recruit a team, effective management is essential. The law regulates how companies are run and you need to set aside the time to see that this is done properly, in relation to issues like accounting, insurance and tax. The money! As you are working our die prices for your products, you need to make sure you build in all your costs. Remember you will probably need help from an accountant at least once a year, so build that in too, and do a forecast of how much money you think will flow in and out of the business. Look at what you expect to happen over the next three years — and work out what you need to do to break even, as well as the turnover that you hope to achieve to give you a profit. If you think you will need to find some funding to help get the business off the ground, how much will you need and who will you approach to get it? Your business plan Now write it all up and call it a business plan. Questions 22-27 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet. Step 1: Decide who you are going to sell to and compare yourself with the 22………………… you are going to have. Step 2: Consider how you will market your product and your method of 23………………… . Step 3: Decide if you will have to find 24………………… to work in, or buy equipment. Step 4: Think whether you will need to take on staff as your business grows. Step 5: Make sure you deal with the accounts and other essentials in accordance with the 25………………… . Step 6: Calculate all the 26………………… involved in your business when deciding how much to charge. Step 7: Calculate the turnover you are aiming for in order to make a profit in the first three years. Step 8: Consider if you require any 27………………… to start your business, and where to find it. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. Understanding hares With its wild stare, swift speed and secretive nature, the UK’s brown hare is the rabbit’s mysterious cousin. Even in these days of agricultural intensification, the hare is still to be seen in open countryside, but its numbers are falling. A Like many herbivores, brown hares spend a relatively large amount of their time feeding. They prefer to do this in the dark, but when nights are short, their activities do spill into daylight hours. Wherever they live, hares appear to have a fondness for fields with a variety of vegetation, for example short as well as longer clumps of grasses. Studies have demonstrated that they benefit from uncultivated land and other unploughed areas on farms, such as field margins. Therefore, if farmers provided patches of woodland in areas of pasture as well as assorted crops in arable areas, there would be year-round shelter and food, and this could be the key to turning round the current decline in hare populations. B Brown hares have a number of physical adaptations that enable them to survive in open countryside. They have exceptionally large ears that move independently, so that a range of sounds can be pinpointed accurately. Positioned high up on their heads, the hares’ large golden eyes give them 360° vision, making it hard to take a hare by surprise. Compared to mammals of a similar size, hares have a greatly enlarged heart and a higher volume of blood in their bodies, and this allows for superior speed and stamina. In addition, their legs are longer than those of a rabbit, enabling hares to run more like a dog and reach speeds of up to 70 kph. C Brown hares have unusual lifestyles for their large size, breeding from a young age and producing many leverets (babies). There are about three litters of up to four leverets every year. Both males and females are able to breed at about seven months old, but they have to be quick because they seldom live for more than two years. The breeding season runs from January to October, and by late February most females are pregnant or giving birth to their first litter of the year. So it seems strange, therefore, that it is in March, when the breeding season is already underway, that hares seemingly go mad: boxing, dancing, running and fighting. This has given rise to the age-old reference to ‘mad March hares’. In fact, boxing occurs throughout the breeding season, but people tend to see this behaviour more often in March. This is because in the succeeding months, dusk – the time when hares are most active – is later, when fewer people are about. Crops and vegetation are also taller, hiding the hares from view. Though it is often thought that they are males fighting over females, boxing hares are usually females fighting off males. Hares are mostly solitary, but a female fights off a series of males until she is ready to mate. This occurs several times through the breeding season because, as soon as the female has given birth, she will be ready to mate again. D But how can females manage to do this while simultaneously feeding themselves and rearing their young? The reason is that hares have evolved such self-sufficient young. Unlike baby rabbits, leverets are born furry and mobile. They weigh about 100 g at birth and are immediately left to their own devices by their mothers. A few days later, the members of the litter creep away to create their own individual resting places, known as ‘forms’. Incredibly, their mother visits them only once every 24 hours and, even then, she only suckles them for a maximum of five minutes each. This lack of family contact may seem harsh to us, but it is a strategy that draws less attention from predators. At the tender age of two weeks, leverets start to feed themselves, while still drinking their mother’s milk. They grow swiftly and are fully weaned at four weeks, reaching adult weight at about six months. E Research has shown that hares’ milk is extremely rich and fatty, so a little goes a long way. In order to produce such nutritious milk, females need a high-quality, high-calorie diet. Hares are selective feeders at the best of times: unlike many herbivores, they can’t sit around waiting to digest low-quality food – they need high- energy herbs and other leaves in order to sprint. This causes them problems when faced with the smallest alterations in food availability and abundance. So, as well as reductions in the diversity of farmland habitat, the decline in the range of food plants is injurious to hares. F The rapid turnaround in the breeding cycle suggests that hares should, in principle, be able to increase their populations quickly to exploit new habitats. They certainly used to: studies show that hares evolved on the open plains and spread rapidly westward from the Black Sea after the last ice age (though they were probably introduced to Britain as a species to be hunted for the pot by the Romans). But today’s hares are thwarted by the lack of rich farmland habitat. When the delicate herbs and other plants they rely on are ploughed up or poisoned by herbicides, these wonderful, agile runners disappear too, taking with them some of the wildness from our lives. Questions 28-33 The following text has six sections, A-F. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-ix, in boxes 28-33 on your answer sheet. List of headings i       The need for population reduction ii      The problem with being a fussy eater iii     Reproductive patterns iv     The need for further research v      A possible solution to falling numbers vi     The fastest runners vii    A rather lonely beginning viii   A comparison between past and present survival rates ix     Useful physical features 28   Paragraph A 29   Paragraph B 30   Paragraph C 31   Paragraph D 32   Paragraph E 33   Paragraph F Questions 34-36 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 34-36 on your answer sheet. 34   According to the writer, what is the ideal habitat for hares? A   open grassland which they can run across B   densely wooded areas to breed in C   areas which include a range of vegetation D   land that has been farmed intensively for years 35   When leverets are living alone they are not visited often by their mother because A   this helps to protect them from being eaten by other animals. B   the ‘forms’ are so far apart. C   they are very energetic from a surprisingly early age. D   they know how to find their own food from birth. 36   What does the writer suggest about the adult hares’ diet? A   They need some plants with a high fat content. B   They need time to digest the plants that they eat. C   It is difficult for them to adapt to changes in vegetation. D   It is vital for them to have a supply of one particular herb. Questions 37-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 37-40 on your answer sheet. Brown hares The brown hare is well known for its ability to run fast, at speeds of up to 70 kph, largely due to the length of its legs as well as the unusual size of its heart. An increased amount of blood also gives it the necessary 37………………… to continue running fast for some time. A running hare resembles the 38………………… more closely than its relative, the rabbit. The hare has some other characteristics that help it to avoid capture. The first is its excellent all-round 39………………… .This means that predators cannot easily creep up behind it. Another feature is its ability to position its massive 40………………… separately, to sense the slightest indication of danger. Answer: Section 1 1   E 2   B 3   F 4   B 5   A 6   C 7   A 8   TRUE 9   FALSE 10   NOT GIVEN 11   TRUE 12   FALSE 13   FALSE 14   TRUE Section 2 15   confidence 16   website 17   duties 18   charity 19   ambitions 20   gaps 21   salary 22   competitors 23   delivery 24   premises 25   law 26   costs 27   funding Section 3 28   v 29   ix 30   iii 31   vii 32   ii 33   viii 34   C 35   A 36   C 37   stamina/energy 38   dog 39   vision 40   ears

SECTION 1 Questions 1-14 Read the text below and answer Questions 1-6. Summer activities at London’s Kew Gardens A Climb up to the walkway among the trees, 18 metres above the ground, for a spectacular experience. Feel as tall as the trees and enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the gardens. B The Nash Conservatory displays stunning images from leading wildlife photographer Heather Angel. Each photograph explores the wealth of biodiversity at Kew Gardens, from foxes to birds, tiny insects to towering trees. C A world of pollination comes to life in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Find yourself in a tropical environment whilst walking through clouds of colourful butterflies as they fly around the Conservatory! Come face-to-face with gigantic sculptures of insects, birds and bats, which will help tell the fascinating stories of how they interact with plants. D An extraordinary sound installation created by Chris Watson. On the hour throughout the day, the Palm House is filled with the sound of the dawn and dusk choruses of birds that live in the Central and South American rainforests. E Come and see the fantastic outdoor exhibition of garden, wildlife and botanical photography. Walk amongst enlarged photographs and admire the wonderful garden photos – all taken by children aged 16 and under from all round the country. If you are in this age category and fancy yourself as a photographer, then you can enter for the next show! F Young explorers can discover the new children’s outdoor play area, shaped like a plant, in Kew’s magical Conservation Area. As you journey through this interactive landscape, discover the functions of every part of a plant. Tunnel through giant roots, get lost among the leaves and hide amongst the large fungi, whilst solving puzzles along the way! G What is biodiversity all about? Did you know that every breath we take and every move we make depends on plants? Take a guided tour to discover what biodiversity means and why it matters so much. H Visit our exciting and colourful exhibition of South American botanical paintings, which brings the continent’s exotic and lush plants to life in works from two hundred years ago and from this century. Questions 1-6 The text has eight sections, A-H. Which sections contain the following information? Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet. 1   learning what all the different sections of a plant do 2   seeing art showing plants from a different part of the world 3   the possibility of having your work exhibited 4   learning about why human beings need plants 5   something that happens daily at the same times 6   learning about the relationship between various creatures, insects and plants Read the text below and answer Questions 7-14. City Park and Ride We have six purpose-built Park and Ride sites serving the city, more than almost anywhere else in the UK. Established for over 40 years, they provide around 5,000 parking spaces for cars. The sites are located on the main routes into the city centre. More than 3,000,000 passengers a year take a bus from a Park and Ride site into the city, reducing congestion and helping to improve the air quality in the city centre. Parking at the sites is available only for those travelling from the site on a Park and Ride or other scheduled bus services, and is free. No overnight parking is permitted. Heavy goods vehicles are not permitted at the Park and Ride site at any time. It’s simple to use. Just park your car and buy your bus ticket from the bus driver, with the correct money if possible. An individual adult daily return purchased prior to 12:30 hrs for use chat day costs £2.40. If purchased after 12:30 hrs it costs £2.10. Up to four children under 16 travel free with an adult or concessionary pass holder. The return fare for unaccompanied children under 16 is £1.10. Cycle and Ride for just £1.10 a day. Just park your cycle, motorcycle or scooter in the allocated space, and buy your ticket from the site office. You may be asked to provide evidence that you have travelled to the Park and Ride site by cycle, motorcycle or scooter. Return tickets for concessionary bus pass holders cost £1 after 09:30 Monday to Friday and any time at the weekend or bank holidays (when open). At other times there is no reduction for holders of concessionary bus passes. Questions 7-14 Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text? In boxes 7-14 on your answer sheet, write TRUE              if the statement is true FALSE             if the statement is false NOT GIVEN   if the information is not given in the passage 7   This was one of the first UK cities to introduce a Park and Ride scheme. 8   The amount of congestion in the city centre has fallen. 9   There is a special section of the car park for heavy goods vehicles. 10   Bus drivers do not give change so you must have the correct money for a ticket. 11   Ticket prices vary depending on the time of day. 12   Children under 16 travelling alone are allowed free travel. 13   The space for cycles, motorcycles and scooters is close to the site office. 14   People with concessionary bus passes must pay the full fare to travel at certain times. Advertisements SECTION 2 Questions 15-27 Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20. HOW TO ORGANISE A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS CONFERENCE To start with Advance planning is the key to a hassle-free conference. The key players of a successful conference are the delegates, so identify the audience and then tailor the programme you are planning to their particular needs. Where and when The date and venue should then be chosen. These are often interdependent, and when choosing the date take into account the timing of similar regular events which may clash. Also, consider holiday periods which may mean that people are away and so will not be able to attend. When choosing a venue, check how easy it is to reach by train and plane etc. and the availability of parking for those driving. Visit the venue personally: consider the size of the main lecture hall and whether it is big enough for the anticipated number of delegates, then look into the potential of having breakout areas for separating into a number of groups for discussions. Then check whether there is a suitable lounge area for the tea/coffee breaks and an exhibition space for display stands if required. Who The next stage is to choose the speakers and invite them, making sure you give them ample notice so they are more likely to be available. Ask only those people that you know speak well. Do not try and speak yourself in addition to organising the conference, as this will be too demanding. Contacting people Let people know the date and venue by an early mailshot. This allows them, if they are interested, to put the date into their diaries. At the same time, contact all the speakers again, confirming their particular topic, the audio-visual aids which will be available and finding out their accommodation requirements. Ask them to provide a written summary of their presentation for distribution to delegates at the conference. Final arrangements Approximately 4-5 weeks before the conference, confirm the provisional numbers with the venue. Contact them again about two weeks prior to the conference to confirm final numbers, decide on menus and finalise the arrangements. Prepare delegate packs to include a name badge, delegate list and programme. The venue should provide pads of paper and pens. Then prepare questionnaires for all delegates to complete at the end of the conference. Their responses will enable you to gauge the success of the conference and start planning the next one! Questions 15 -20 Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet. ORGANISING A BUSINESS CONFERENCE First steps: –  decide who the conference is for –  ensure the programme fulfils delegates’ requirements Venue and timing: –  try to avoid scheduling the conference during 15…………………… times or when other annual conferences occur –  check accessibility by different modes of transport –  choose a place with a large hall and also 16…………………… spaces for smaller meetings Speakers: –  choose appropriate speakers –  give the speakers as much 17…………………… as possible Communication: –  send out a mailshot to potential delegates –  confirm individual details with speakers, check if they will need accommodation and request a 18…………………… of their presentation Final tasks: –  give the venue precise numbers of attendees –  make sure each person attending receives information about the conference and a 19…………………… for identification –  use 20…………………… to get opinions on the conference Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27 How to deal with the annual performance appraisal The annual performance appraisal can help improve your productivity and provide a foundation for your work priorities. It is, however, critical to have the right attitude and approach. Knowing what areas your superiors see as your weaknesses is the most direct way of increasing the likelihood of being considered for promotion, if that is what you are looking for. Preparation Send your boss a summary of your achievements. Reminding your boss of activities, special assignments you did, and projects you were in charge of helps him or her create a more accurate performance appraisal. Consider keeping notes of these on a regular basis to make it easier to provide the data when required. Create a list of questions you would like to discuss during your appraisal. This one-on-one time with your boss is an excellent opportunity to ask him or her about your role in the company, request any additional responsibilities you would like and clarify your priorities. But it is best to focus your attention around personal and professional improvements, rather than financial considerations, such as an increase in salary. During the appraisal Present a positive attitude as soon as you enter the appraisal room. This approach may lead to a more constructive discussion of review items. Avoid taking any negative assessments that are offered as a personal attack, but rather try to take them on board calmly, because if you put the failings right you will improve your performance. A realistic assessment of your strengths and weaknesses can be one of the most beneficial ways of helping you advance in the company. After the appraisal Create a list of personal goals based on your performance appraisal. Make the items detailed and measurable if possible. Send this list to your boss so he or she knows you took the appraisal seriously. Use this list to help achieve higher scores on your next performance appraisal. Six months after the appraisal, ask for a mid-term review with your boss to discuss your progress. This session should be more relaxed and informal than the official review. Ask for more feedback to help you improve. Checking in with your boss helps him or her remember your dedication as far as your job is concerned, and may help remove any criticisms before they become a review point on your next formal appraisal. Questions 21-27 Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet. 21   By learning at an appraisal what areas of work need improving, staff can improve their chances of getting …………………… . 22   It is important to think of some …………………… that can be used during the appraisal. 23   The appraisal can be a good time to ask the boss for extra …………………… . 24   React …………………… to any criticism. 25   It is helpful to identify a number of individual …………………… arising from the appraisal comments. 26   Staff can request a meeting half-way through the year to look at the …………………… which has been achieved. 27   If staff act on any appraisal comments, they will demonstrate their …………………… to their work. SECTION 3 Questions 28-40 Read the text below and answer Questions 28-40. Efforts to save a special bird — the spoon-billed sandpiper Last year an international team of ornithologists devised a bold plan to rescue one of the world’s rarest birds. Gerrit Vyn reports. A At first glance the spoon-billed sandpiper resembles other small migratory birds of the sandpiper family that breed across the Arctic. But it is the only one to have developed a flattened bill that flares out into a ‘spoon’ at the end, and that makes it special. If it becomes extinct, thousands of years of evolution will come to an end, which would be a real tragedy. The bird’s Russian name, kulik-lopaten, means ‘shovel beak’, which is an apt description of a remarkable structure. The bill is 19 mm long and 10 mm wide near the tip and the edges are lined with sharp serrations, called papillae. Theories have varied as to how the bill functions; one suggestion is that the sandpiper sweeps it through the water in a similar fashion to its larger namesake, the spoonbill. But Nigel Clark, a leading authority on the sandpiper, says the comparison is misleading. B Until a few years ago, the spoon-billed sandpiper had never been fully documented, which added to its fascination. But an air of mystery is not helpful if you’re a Critically Endangered species. So the organisation ‘Birds Russia’ decided to produce a photographic and audio record of this imperilled bird with the help of experts round the world. In May of last year, I joined the international expedition to one of the species’ last breeding strongholds in North-East Russia. The primary aim of the two-and-a-half month expedition, however, was to collect eggs from wild sandpipers; those eggs would then be hatched in captivity nearby. Later, the chicks would be flown to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) headquarters at Slimbridge in the UK, in order to establish a small, self-sustaining population there. These birds would provide a ‘safety net’, an insurance policy against the wild birds dying out. C You might wonder why birds like the spoon-billed sandpiper travel such great distances, about 8,000 km in total, from their wintering grounds on the tropical coasts of Bangladesh, Burma and Vietnam in South-East Asia to breed on the low land, commonly called tundra, in North-East Russia, but from the birds’ point of view it is worth it. Though they often arrive to find hostile, wintry weather while they are finding their mates and making their nests, there are relatively few predators there, and the abundance of insects that emerge during the brief but intense Arctic summer creates ideal conditions for raising their chicks. D Two main factors are responsible for the sandpiper’s recent rapid decline: the ongoing destruction of stopover habitat on its migration route and hunting on its wintering grounds. The development of new industrial cities is destroying former tidal areas, where sandpipers and other migratory birds used to rest and refuel. Subsistence hunting is certainly a hazard in some Asian countries, where hunters trap birds for food. Conservationists are targeting this problem with small-scale interventions. For example, hunters from 40 villages have been given alternative sources of income, such as cool boxes in which they can take fish to sell at markets, in return for a halt to the bird-netting. E Once the expedition team had reached its destination, it was seven days before we spotted the first sandpiper. In the following days, more began to arrive and the males’ song was heard, advertising their patches of territory to potential mates. As the sandpipers paired up, the song gave way to the quiet of egg-laying and incubation. In total nine nests were found. The first one was lost to a predator, along with the female attending it. This was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of a tiny population to natural events, such as storms or predation. The team then selected donor nests and transferred the eggs to specially prepared incubators. They collected 20 eggs in all, taking entire clutches each time – it was early in the breeding season, so the females were likely to lay replacements. Then 50 days after our arrival, the moment arrived: I witnessed my first wild spoon-billed sandpipers hatch. I had been lying inside a wind-battered hide for 36 hours when ! saw the first tiny chicks emerge from the eggs. Having hidden a microphone near the nest, I could also just hear their first calls. Later, I watched them stumbling through the 15 cm-high jungle of grasses on comically oversized legs and feet. But my joy was tempered by concern. Difficulties on their migration route and in their wintering areas meant that other tiny creatures like these faced immense dangers. F The complex rescue plan does give some grounds for hope. Young chicks were flown to WWT Slimbridge last year and again this summer. A high-tech biosecure unit has been built for them there, it is divided in two, with the older birds in one section and this year’s chicks in the other. To minimise the risk of infections, staff change into full-body overalls and rubber shoes and wash their hands before entering. Hygiene is crucial: even a single strand of human hair could harm the chicks by becoming twisted round their legs or bills. The rescue plan’s final stage, once the captive flock has built up sufficiently, will be to fly eggs back to Russia, to release the chicks there. It’s a gamble, but when the survival of a species this special is at stake, you have to try. Questions 28-33 The text below has six sections, A-F. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-viii, in boxes 28-33 on your answer sheet. List of Headings i       Gaining public recognition ii      Reasons for continuing to make the long journey iii     A disappointment followed by desirable outcomes iv     The main stages of the plan v      A growth in the number of natural predators vi     increasing threats vii    A very unusual feature of these birds viii   Cautious optimism 28   Section A 29   Section B 30   Section C 31   Section D 32   Section E 33   Section F Questions 34 – 37 Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D. Write the correct letter in boxes 34—37 on your answer sheet. 34   What was the main purpose of the international expedition? A   to add sandpiper eggs to an international frozen egg bank B   to maintain a small group of sandpipers for future generations C   to make an audiovisual record of the Russian sandpiper colony D   to protect a colony of wild sandpipers through a breeding season 35   What do we learn about the drop in the sandpiper population? A   The birds are increasingly being hunted on their way north to Russia. B   Scientists are managing to reduce deaths from netting considerably. C   Efforts are being made to protect some of their coastal habitat sites. D   Economic growth is one of the underlying causes of the decline. 36   Which feeling did the writer express when the sandpiper chicks hatched? A   relief that his long wait was over B   surprise at the sound of their song C   worry about birds of the same species D   amazement that they could walk so soon 37   The writer describes the sandpipers’ unit at WWT Slimbridge to emphasise A   how much care is being devoted to their welfare. B   how much money is being spent on the project. C   his surprise at how fragile the young birds are. D   his confidence in the technology available. Questions 38-40 Complete the summary below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer. Write answers in boxes 38-40 on your answer sheet. The life cycle of the spoon-billed sandpiper In early spring, spoon-billed sandpipers return to their breeding grounds in Russia in the area known as 38………………. . Although the weather there is often very harsh, to begin with, there are obvious advantages to the sandpipers. There is above all a plentiful supply of 39………………. , and this makes it possible for the sandpiper chicks to develop well. The lack of 40………………. is another definite advantage. As a result, a good proportion of the chicks grow up to face the long flight to the South-East Asian coasts. Section 1 1   F 2   H 3   E 4   G 5   D 6   C 7   NOT GIVEN 8   TRUE 9   FALSE 10   FALSE 11   TRUE 12   FALSE 13   NOT GIVEN 14   TRUE Section 2 15   holiday 16   breakout 17   notice 18   summary 19   badge 20   questionnaires 21   promotion 22   questions 23   responsibilities 24   calmly 25   goals 26   progress 27   dedication Section 3 28   vii 29   iv 30   ii 31   vi 32   iii 33   viii 34   B 35   D 36   C 37   A 38   tundra 39   insects 40   predators