IELTS
IELTS
IELTS
02
03
04
10
19
27
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
35
36
38
UNIT 2 READING
The IELTS Reading Test
Instructions for Test Practice
40
Reading Test 1
41
Reading Test 2
42
Reading Test 3
56
Reading Test 4
68
Reading Test 5
80
Reading Test 6
92
Fast Track Reading
104
Learn from your mistakes
How can I improve?
117
Tips from test-takers
119
Sample Answer Page (Listening and Reading)120
122
UNIT 3 WRITING
UNIT 4 SPEAKING
182
184
185
186
190
195
APPENDIX
Answer Key: Listening
Answer Key: Reading
Transcripts: Listening
Transcripts: Speaking Test
199
210
211
213
222
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to IELTS on Track! This test practice and preparation book has complete
IELTS practice test and Fast Track strategy and activity sections. It has been
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written for candidates who are preparing for the IELTS Test (Academic) in order to
enter an academic course in an English-speaking institution. It is designed both
for independent study and for use as a classroom textbook, especially for courses
with a focus on writing and speaking skills. IELTS on Track is not an official IELTS
publication and, like most other practice and preparation books, is not endorsed
officially by IELTS. The IELTS on Track series has its own website
www.IELTSonTrack.com which has other helpful test preparation materials.
IELTS test four performance areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All
candidates receive a test score between 1 (lowest) and 9(highest) Academic
Institution set their own IELTS entry scores
Speaking
The current IELTS material for test applicants, which is available at all times centers
worldwide gives further information about the test. The official website: www.ielts.org also
gives up-to-date information and test data.
4
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The CD recordings offer a wide variety of English accents- British, American, Australian,
Canadian and Scottish. This is consistent with the international nature of the IELTS test and
the need for candidates to accommodate varieties of English spoken at a nature speed.
Topics that are interesting, durable and even controversial have been favored
for inclusion. The aim has been to encourage critical thinking and discussion
in IELTS preparation classrooms. All six tests are at a level comparable to the
actual IELTS but the later test pose a slightly higher level of challenge than
the earlier ones.
The Writing Test Task 1 material covers a wide range of test task type. The
Writing Test Task 2 prompts are usually short and clear. The aim has been to
enable users of this book to focus on their own writing needs.
This new section offers detailed guidance for managing test performance
professionally and improving upon your IELTS score in each of the four
subtests.
FASTTRACK
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SECTIONS
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The FOUR Fast Track sections offer easy to follow strategies, activities and
support.
WRITING
The first part of this section explores the requirement of the IELTS Academic Writing
Test and targets problem areas with hints for improvement. Each of the twelve
Writing task has planning assistance plus a Sample Answer, which generate
language building activities. Notes following the answers provides additional
discourse pointers. Our belief is that IELTS candidates will become better attuned to
the type of writing required for the test if they work analytically and interactively
with whole sample answers. This consistent with an inductive approach
SPEAKING
Two recorded speaking test on CDs are accompanied by listening activities so you
can track in an active way the interview format and content. There are also
teacher comments for the two candidates, examiners suggestions, plus extra test
practice topics and questions.
Use it or lose it
Again we strongly encourage you to try the same test several times to make sure
you can build on what you have learnt about your performance, monitoring and
then demonstrate improvement. This is why we say Use it or lose it GOOD LUCK!
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UNIT 1
LISTENIN
G
WHATS AHEAD IN THE
LISTENING UNIT
The IELTS Listening Test
Instructions for Test Practice
Listening Test 1-4
Fast Track Listening
Learn from your mistakes
How can I improve?
Tips from test-takers
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Questions
There are 40 questions, made up of 7 different question types.
Pauses
Within each section there are two short pauses, one at the
beginning and one in the middle. These give you time to read
questions before listening. There is also time at the end of
each section to finish writing your answers .
Time
The listening test takes 30 minutes. You hear the recording ONCE
only
Test Instructions
There are recorded instructions at the beginning of the test. As you listen, write
your answers on the question paper. At the end of the test you are given
time to transfer the answers to an answer sheet.
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Listening Test 1
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Section 1Questions 1- 10
Questions 1-5
Circle the correct letter A-C
Example
Andrea is feeling happy because
A. Shes seen Harry.
B.
B Shes finished her exams.
C. She can sleep in
[3] Where are Harry going to advertise his books for sale>
A. In the university bookshop.
B. In the student newspaper.
[4] Andrea thinks it is unlikely students will buy the furniture because
A. theyre all doing the same thing.
B. they live at home.
C. Its summer vacation.
[5] Andrea thinks that the second hand shop
A. may not pay well.
B. may not take your goods.
C. may not take free goods.
Questions 6-10
Complete Harrys notes using NO MORE THAN TWO WORD.
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THE CANADIAN
FOOD MARKET
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Understanding
subtle
[21]..
between the Canadian and United States food sectors is
important for successful food marketing
Canada has many different ethnic groups: e.g. Toronto
has large [22] and Asian population
Growth of ethnic specialties of Mediterranean, Caribbean,
South East Asian and [23].
Foods
Therefore supermarkets now offering new [24]..
to prepare these foods, e.g. condiments and sauces
80% of Canadian market controlled by 8 major national
chains
Seminar to compare Canadian food trends with [25]
. And UK
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Questions 26-30
Complete the form below. Write ONE WORD OR A NUMBER for each answer
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SECTION 4
Questions 31-40
Complete the lecture notes using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
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LISTENING
TEST 2
SECTION 1 Questions 1-11
Questions 1-5
Complete the form below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS OR A NUMBER
for each answer.
Questions 6-8
Circle the correct letter A-C.
[6] What time should Anrietta finish work in the hamburger shop?
A 7.00 pm
B 3.00 am
C 11.00 pm
[7] What is the problem with Annetta's pay at the hamburger shop?
A the pay is too much
B the pay is late
C the pay isn't correct
[8] How many children will Annetta have to look after?
A two boys and a girl
B two boys and two girls
C two girls and a boy
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Questions 9-11
Label the map, choosing your answers from the list below. Write the correct letters
A-E on the map.
A Post Office
B Bank
C Primary School
D Petrol Station
E Kindergarten
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[14] Students going on the excursion should look at the list and...
A print their name, telephone number, student number and tick if they have a car.
B print their telephone number and sign their name.
C print their name and tick if they have a car.
Questions 15-16
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR NUMBERS for each answer.
[15] If students do not like eating meat, can they get a cheap meal at the
restaurant in Ironbridge?
[16] What time must the students arrive to catch the bus?
Question 17
Circle the correct letter A-D.
[17] Which building is the bus garage?
Questions 18-21
Write NO MORS THAN FOUR WORDS OR NUMBERS for each answer.
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[18] Name THREE things that Pamela Sutcliffe recommends the students take on
the excursion.
[21] Which three of the following famous tourist sights are mentioned? Write the
correct letters A-H.
A Great Wall of China
E Taj Mahal
B Angkor Wat
F Mt. Kilimanjaro
C Grand Canyon
D Pyramids
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STUDENT BUSINES
NAME
S
DAY
am / pm
STARTIN
G DATE
Theresa
University
Bookshop
Friday Mornings
23/3
Manuel
Mainly Music
Tuesday
Mornings
7/3
ANSWER
EXAMPLE
No change
EXAMPLE
Friday
afternoons
[22]
Henry
Thursday
afternoons
22/3
Jo
Highway Hotels
Monday Mornings
5/3
[23]
Nancy
Explore Travel
Service
Wednesday
Mornings
14/3
[24]
Chris
Gorgeous Gowns
Wednesday
Mornings
14/3
[25]
Gordon
Games to Go
Tuesday
Afternoons
20/3
[26]
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Questions 27- 30
Complete Gordons about his work experience placement usingNO MORE
THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER
EXAMPLE
The speaker has come the Theosophical Society
T
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17
Question 35-37
Circle the correct letter A-C
[35] To remove tea or coffee stains you should use
A. bicarbonate of soda.
B. a vacuum cleaner.
C. milk
[36] If you burn your space saucepan accidentally, you should
A. give it to a friend.
B. wipe it with vinegar.
C. put vinegar and salt in it and bolt it.
[37] If you scratch wooden furniture, you can remove the marks using
A. a salt mixture.
B. sesame oil.
C. olive oil and vinegar.
Questions 38-40
Complete the notes on the bottle label. Write NO MORE THAN TWO
WORDS for each answer
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Questions 7-10
Circle the correct letter A-C.
[7] What happened to Sams car?
A It was replaced by another one.
B It broke down.
C It was stolen.
[8] Why does Jan need a car now?
A She lives too far from the university.
B She spends too much time on the bus.
C She would feel safer at night with a car.
[9] What does Sam recommend?
A check the service records
B avoid buying an old car
C get a mechanical inspection
[10] How are they traveling to Elena's?
A by motorcycle
B on foot
C by bus
SECTION 2 Questions 11-20s
Questions 11-13as you listen, fill in the details to complete the information in the
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map below.
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Questions 14-16
Fill in the chart using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Questions 17-20
Complete the following using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
Advice for Participants on Whale Watching Excursions
For a smooth ride, sit [17] __________ of the boat.
Watch the waves and hold onto the ropes.
Survival suits are [18] __________ in colour for maximum visibility. They are designed
to keep you floating upright in the water even if you [19] ____________ and will
protect you from cold.
For seasicknesses: Place a patch [20] ________________ instead of taking pills.
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Questions 24-26
Complete the summary. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each space.
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Questions 27 and 28
Circle the correct letter A-C
[21] what was Sarah Prices worst experience during the trip?
A She got lost in Mongolia.
B She was homesick.
C She got sick in a remote place.
[28] In which of the following areas does Ray expect to have most difficulty?
A loneliness
B time pressure
C organization skills
Question 29 and 30
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
[29] In what month does the journey begin?
[30] Name 2 things that are provided free of charge to the competitors.
___________ and____________
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Question 40
Circle the correct letter A-C.
[40] Which of these was the main reason why the Dvorak keyboard was never
adopted?
A the Depression of 1939
B bad timing
C resistance to change
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LISTENING- TEST4
SECTION 1 Questions 1-10
Question 1
Circle the correct letter A-C
[1] Jenny's journey began in
A London
B Singapore
C Hong Kong
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Questions 2-4
Complete the form. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Questions 5-7
Circle the correct letters A-C
[5] which of the drawings resembles Jennys bag?
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[24] The total number of films in the festival each year is...
A five
B three
C twelve
Question 25-28
Circle the correct letter A-C.
[25] Who chooses the films for the festival?
A the committee members
B the international Students' Society
C independent distributors
[26] During the intermission, who is interviewed on camera?
A journalism students
B members of the audience
C the organizing committee
[27] Of the films shown in the festival
A none is in English.
B most are dubbed.
C many have subtitles.
[28] The festival did not make a profit last year because of
A poor weather.
B high price of admission.
C lack of publicity
Question 29 and 30
Complete the following using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Planning Overview
Task:
To be completed by:
[29]
1 March
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15 March
31 March
April
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Questions 35-38
Complete the notes below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Environmental benefits of reed beds
-produce good quality! [35]_____ for farming use
-provide a [36] _____ for birds and animals
Advantages over conventional system
-lower [37] _____ costs
-10% cheaper installation
- less maintenance
-efficiency [38] _____ with time
Questions 39 and 40
Write NO MORE THAN ONE WORD for each answer.
[39] Name ONE group which has opposed the introduction of reed bed technology.
_____
[40] Give ONE concern about reed bed systems raised by students in the question
period. _____
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UNIT 2 READING
WHATS AHEAD IN THE READING UNIT
The IELTS Reading Test
Instructions for Test Practice
Reading Test 1-6
Fast Track Reading
Learn from your mistakes
How can I improve?
Tips from Test Takers
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READING
TEST 1
Passage 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-14 which are based on this
passage.
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in describing the flight. On the ground, when they finally locate the crash site, in
dense jungle, Juliane is scientific in her detachment, looking through the debris, now
buried under dense vegetation. She examines a girls purse, the skeleton of a
suitcase. Walking along the stream, she spots the engine which she remembers
passing on the third day. Her arms and legs are covered with mosquitoes, but she
seems to ignore all discomfort. Then, back in the town, standing in front of a
monument erected in memory of the victims of the crash, entitled Alas de
Esperanza (Wings of Hope), Juliane comments simply, I emerged, as the sole
embodiment of hope from the disadter.
Questions 1-14
Questions 1-3 Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE
WORDS from the passage
1 How old was Juliane at the time of the crash?
2 What is her occupation now?
3 What was the cause of the plane crash?
Questions 410 Choose the correct letter AD. [4] What happened to the plane? A
It broke apart in the air. B It hit trees and exploded. C It crashed into a
mountainside. D It hit the ground and burst into flames.
[5] Which of the following did NOT help to slow her fall? A an updraft caused by
storm clouds B hitting vines C the section of seats to which she was attached D a
parachute
[6] Which of the following injuries did she sustain? A a broken foot B a broken arm C
concussion D cuts on her head
[7] What helped her to survive? A knowledge of the jungle B a map showing the
location of the nver C appropriate clothing and Shoes D food supplies from the Plane
[8] What was the biggest threat to her survival?
A infected wounds B sting rays C starvation D crocodiles
[9] How long was she lost in the jungle?
A 3 days B 5 days C 10 days D 15 days
[10] How was she finally rescued?
A search party found her in the jungle. B Native hunters found her. C She signaled to
a plane from the river. D She reached a campsite along the river.
Questions 11-14 Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in
this passage?
Write: YES if the statement agrees wrth the writers Views. No if the statement
contradicts the writers views. NOT GIVEN if the information is not clearly given in
the passage. t5 a.
[11] Other survivors of the crash were found in the jungle.
[12] Juliane was upset when she re-visited the crash site.
[13] Wings of Hope is the name given to a memorial statue.
[14] Juliane suffered nightmares for many years as a result of her experience
Questions 1527
Questions 1519 Classify the following as relating to:
A the silk of bombyx mori B dragline silk of nephila clavipes C capturr silk of nephila
clavipes
[15] forms the framework of a web
[16] most elastic silk
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Questions 32-36
Use the information in the text to match the map projection [M A P] with the
charasteristics listed below.
M Mercator projection
A Aitoff projection
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P Peters Projection
[32] makes Europe seem larger than it is
[33] maximum distortions at the poles
[34] maintains greatest accuracy at 45 degrees latitude
[35] most distorts the position of the equator
[36] more accurately represents country shapes and sizes
Questions 37-39
Choose one drawing (A-D) to match each of the three projection types (3 7-3 9).
There are more drawings than names so you will not use all of them.
[37] Mercator projection
[38] Aitoff projection
[39] Peters projection
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Question 19-22
Complete the table using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from
CENTURY
SOCIAL CHANGE IN REASON
BRITAIN
Mid 17th century
Main drinks were
Hops helped to
.
make beer last
longer
Late 17th century
Gin becomes more Beer becomes
popular, especially expensive because
with poor people
of [19] ..
Early 18th century
[20] ..
Britain starts trade
drinking starts to
with chine
become
widespread
th
Mid 18 century
Decline in urban
[22] . Water
deaths caused by
used for tea and
[21]
beer; antibacterial
qualities of tannin
the passage
EFFECT ON
POPULATION
No significant
change
Mortality rate goes
up
Mortality rate goes
down
Infant mortality
rate goes down by
half
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Questions 26-40
Questions 2632
Complete the summary below. Choose your answers from the box below the
summary. There are more words than you will need to fill the gaps.
Although IT is one of the leading career ................ made by graduates today, the
industrys demand for qualified applicants [26] ......................... the supply of skilled
I'l personnel. Despite the [27] ................................... widespread use of computer
technology in all areas of life, [28] .................................... face difficulties recruiting
people whose education has equipped them to commence worldng productively
without further training. Several business organisations now offer income and other
[29] .................................... inducements to potential employees. They also include
group [30] .................................... in their selection procedures, often inviting up to
forty [31] .................................... to their company for the two-day visit. In this way
the company can demonstrate the reality of the working [32] .....................which is
more
likely to involve challenging co-operative projects than individualised tasks.
List of Words
exceeds extracts choices candidates employees admiration previous financial
employment regularity advantages employers environment activities current
Questions 33-37 Do the following statements reflect the views of the writer of the
passage?
Write:
' YES if the statement refiects the views of the writer. NO if the statement
contradicts the writer. NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks
about this.
[33] The American Intercontinental University includes team-based learning in all its
courses on all its campuses. [34] The composition of teams is changed regularly.
[35] Theoretical problems are the most important team activity. [36] The team
members participate in assessment of other team members. [37] International
students prefer traditional classroom learning to team-based learning.
Questions 3840
Choose one phrase from the list of phrases A-H below to complete each of the
following sentences. There are more phrases than questions so you will not use all
of them.
[38] Students work is assessed... [39] The teams make a joint presentation... [40]
The need to achieve consensus assists
List of Phrases
A to compete with other teams as judged by the facilitator. B by individual tests and
exams. C to see who has the strongest point of view in the group. D individually, by
their peers and as a team. E in the development of communication skills. F to
practise working as a group while putting theory into practice. G to assist
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READING
TEST 3
Passage 1
You should spend about 29 minutes on Questions 1 -13 which are based on this passage
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telecommuting and another forty million working out of their homes full or parttime, office hours are basically as long as you can stay awake. One thing is sure:
longer commutes, more intense, stressful workdays and higher production demands
are taking a toll. So, with Americans sleeping less and working longer hours, some
employers are warming up to the idea that a little nap in the middle of the day can
be good for business.
Questions 1- 13
Question 1
Circle the correct answer A-D
[1]According to the passage, which of the following statements is supported by recent
research?
A. Napping is an indicator of laziness
B. Two thirds of Americans sleep too much
C. Napping in the workplace is a current trend.
D. Short naps at work increase productivity
Questions 2 6
Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer in Passage 1?
Write:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Questions 10-11
Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FROM THE PASSAGE
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A.
B.
C.
D.
less flexible
more exciting
less demanding
more stressful
[13] According to the writer, what is the main reason why employers support the idea of
naps at work
A. for healthy reasons
B. to promote safety
C. to increase productivity
D. To encourage creativity
Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-26 which are based on this passage
Homeopath
A
y
B
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D
E
F
It is this use of high dilutions that gas given rise to controversy. Many
conventional doctors claim that homeopathy functions only as a placebo
because the dosage is so small. However, the clinical experience of
homeopathy shows that this tiny dose can be effective: it works on
unconscious people and infants, and it even works on animals. Controlled
clinical studies performed by medical researchers are demonstrating can
be an effective method of treatment for many diseases.
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Questions 14-26
Questions 14-19
The reading passage has 7 section A-G
Choose the mist suitable headings for sections B-G from the list of headings (i-x).
There are more headings than sections so you will not use all of them.
List of Headings
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(x)
EXAMP
Section A
Answer
vi
[14]
Section B
[15] Section C
[16] Section D
[17] Section E
[18] Section F
[19] Section G
Questions 20 -22
Complete the description below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FROM
THE PASSAGE for each
Answer
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The uses of medication differ also. Many types of conventional medication [24]
____________ but if the medicine is taken away, the illness returns. The intention of
homeopathy is to bring about a complete cure. Homeopathic remedies are [25]
_____________ than conventional and have fewer [26] ___________.
List of words/phrases
cheaper
illness
control symptoms
stronger
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cure
treatments
more expensive
shealthy
heal itself
getting better
side effects
patients
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Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes in Question 27-40 which are about on this passage
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2 to 3 acres of cotton. The fiberis stronger and softer than cotton lasts twice as long
and will not mildew. Cotton grows only in warm climates and requires more water
and more fertilizer than hemp as well as large quantities of pesticide and herbicide.
Hemp can also be used to produce fibreboard that is stronger and lighter than
wood, and its fire retardant. Unlike paper from wood pulp, hemp paper contains in
dioxin, or other toxic residue and a single acre of hemp can produce the same
amount of paper as four acres of trees. The trees take 20 years to harvest and
hemp take single season. In warm climates hemp can be harvested two or even
three times a year. On an annual basis, one acre of hemp will produce as much
paper as 2 to 4 acres of trees. From tissue paper to cardboard, all types of paper
products can be produced from hemp. The quality of hemp paper is superior to tree
based paper. Hemp paper will last hundreds of years without degrading and it can
be recycled many more times than tree-based paper.
Today, industrialized nations around the world are waking up to the enormous
potential of hemp. While some countries, like China and India, have never had laws
against hemp cultivation, others are legalizing industrial hemp after many years of
lumping it together with marijuana. The products and fabrics that are emerging
from the international hemp industry are finding strong demand in an eco-aware
global community. Hemp is indeed and agricultural crop for the twenty-first century.
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Questions 27-40
Questions 27-31
Re-order the following letters (A-F) to show the sequence of events according to the passage. The first one has been
done for you as an example
EXAMPLE
c
[27]
[28]
[28]
[29]
[30]
[31]
Example
A.
B.
C.
D.
Prohibition of marijuana
E.
F.
Questions 32-33
Complete the following using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FROM THE PASSAGE.
Fibre
Hemp
Strong and durable
Marijuana
[32] .
Drug Content
[33]
up to 10% THC
Questions 34-39
From the information given in the passage, classify the following (34-39) as characteristic of:
A. Hemp
B. Wood
C. Cotton
[34]
mildew-resistant
[35]
dioxin is a by-product
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[36]
[37]
[38]
fire-retardant properties
[39]
Question 40
Choose the correct answer A-D
[40] The main purpose of this article is
A.
B.
C.
D.
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READING
TEST 4
Passage 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13 which are based on this passage.
Frogwatch
Frogwatch, a remarkable success story started in Western Australia, is the brainchild
of Dr. Ken Aplin. His work as the curator of reptiles and frogs in the Western
Australian Museum, involved long field trips and he wondered if a community based
frog-monitoring network could help him keep track of frogs. Through such network,
ordinary untrained members of the community could learn about frog habitats,
observe the numbers and kinds of frogs in their local area, and report this
information to the museum.
Launched in 1995, Frogwatch recently gained its 3221 st member, and many people
say that this is the best thing the museum has ever done. Each participant receives
a Frogwatch kit a regular newsletter, an audio tape of frog calls and identification
sheets. Recently, Frogwatch membership increased dramatically when a mysterious
parasitic fungus disease began attacking frogs nationwide. Although research is yet
incomplete, scientists suspect the fungus originated overseas, perhaps in South
America, where frogs have died in catastrophic numbers from a fungus disease
genetically similar to the Australian organism.
Researchers in Western Australia needed to know how widespread the infection was
in the states frog populations. So Aplin sent an F-file (frog fungus facts) alert to
Frogwatch members, requesting their help. He asked them to deliver him dead or
dying frogs. More than 2000 frogs have now been examined, half from the
museums existing collection. Aplin once thought the fungus had arrived in Western
Australia in only the past year or two, but tests now suggest it has been there since
the late 1980s.
Frogwatch has proved to be the perfect link to the public and Aplin has become a
total convert to community participation. Hes now aiming for a network of 15,000
Frogwatch members as the museum cant afford to use professional resources to
monitor frog populations. Much of the frog habitat is on private land, and without
community support, monitoring the frogs would be impossible.
Not everyone is convinced by the feelgood popularity of Frogwatch. While Aplin
believes even tiny backyard ponds can help to significantly improve frog numbers,
Dr. Dale Roberts isnt so sure. A senior zoology lecturer at the University of WA,
Roberts agrees the program has tapped into the publics enthusiasm for frogs, but
he warns that strong public awareness does not amount to sound science.
He argues that getting the public to send in pages of observations is a good thing,
but giving these reports credibility may not be valid scientifically. In addition hes
not convinced that Frogwatchs alarmist message about the danger of fungal
infection is valid either. In Western Australia, for example, there was a long summer
and very late drenching rains that year, following two equally dry years. So, he
argues, there are other things that might have precipitated the deaths. He
questions what could be done about it anyway. If its already widespread, it may not
be worth the cost and effort of doing anything about it. Even if its causing high
death rates, he says he can still find every frog species found ever the past ten
years in the south-west of Australia.
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Roberts argues that Western Australia is different. Unlike most other states, species
are still being discovered there; the disappearances of frog types in Queensland and
New South Wales, are not occurring in Western Australia, although three south-west
species are on the endangered list. Roberts believes that no amount of garden
ponds in Perth will help those species, which live in isolated habitats targeted for
development.
Aplins response is that increasing the number of frog-friendly habitats is important
for the very reason that many West Australian frog species are found in small,
highly restricted locations. He argues that pesticide-free gardens and ponds can
offer a greater chance of survival to animals battling habitat disturbance,
environmental pollutants, climatic variation, and now fungal disease. Aplins opinion
is that they should use the precautionary principle in cases where they dont yet
know enough about the situation. Usually diseases sort themselves out naturally
and some frog fauna will co-evolve with the fungus. Given time some balance may
be restored, but in the shorter term, they are seeing negative impacts.
The nationwide spread of the chytrid fungus is being mapped by Dr. Rick Speare, a
specialist in amphibian disease at James cook University. Speare also tests the
accuracy of Aplins fungus diagnoses and says Frogwatch is an amazing and underacknowledged systemthe best program in Australia for harnessing public interest
in frog biologyThere are a lot of eyes out there looking for dead or sick frogs,
beyond the power of any biologist to collect.
Aplin argues that they should never underestimate the importance of having a
community base, especially when governments want to cut research funds. People
can protest in ways that a handful of scientists hiding in a laboratory cant do. For
just about every environmental problem, community involvement is fundamental. Furthermore Frogwatch is
proving to be a social phenomenon as much as anything else. It seems ordinary people know that frogs are a
measure of the environments health.
Questions 1 13
Questions 1-6
Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer of the passage?
Write:
YES
NO
NOT GIVEN
Questions 7 12
The reading passage describers the opinions of Dr. Ken Aplin, Dr. Dale Roberts and Dr.
Rick Speare in relation to strategies for frog conservation.
Match one of the researchers A-C to each of the statements below.
There may be more than one correct answer.
Write:
A for Dr. Aplin
B for Dr. Roberts
C for Dr. Speare
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EXAMP
Frogwatch is the best Australian program for
Encouraging public interest in frogs.
Answer
A
[7] Although the involvement of large numbers of people is encouraging, this does not
guarantee scientifically valid data.
[8] The development of frog friendly backyards will help to conserve frog species.
[9] Although it is possible that frogs will adapt to fungal and other problems in the long
Term, we should take precautions in case this does not occur.
[10] As there may be many other explanations for recent frog deaths, it is not worth
spending a great deal of time and money studying this fungus.
[11] Because of the unique geography of Western Australia most frog species in the
Stateare not in danger of extinction.
[12] Frogwatch has greater potential for frog observation than is possible by the
scientificcommunity.
Question 13
Write the appropriate letter A-D.
[13] The main purpose of the Frogwatch is...
A
B
C
D
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for people to
for people to
for scientists
for people to
habitat
for people to
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Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-28 which are based on this passage .
Just relax..
A
B
C
D
E
F
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Hypnosis is an intriguing and fascinating process. A trance-like mental state is induced in one
person by another, who appears to have the power to command that person to obey
instructions without question. Hypnotic experiences were described by the ancient Egyptians
and Greeks, whilst references to deep sleep and anesthesia have been found in the Bible and
in the Jewish Talmud. In the mid-1700s, Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician, developed his
theory of animal magnetism, which was the belief that the cause of disease was the
improper distribution of invisible magnetic fluids. Mesmer used water tubs and magnetic
wands to direct these supposed fluids to his patients. In 1784, a French commission studied
Mesmers claims, and concluded that these cures were only imagined by the patients.
However, people continued to believe in this process of mesmerism and it was soon realized
that successful results could be achieved, but without the need for magnets and water.
The term hypnotism was first used by James Braid, a British physician who studied suggestion
and hypnosis in the mid-1800s. He demonstrated that hypnosis differed from sleep, that it
was a physiological response and not the result of secret powers. During this same period,
James Esdaile, a Scottish doctor working in India, used hypnotism instead of anesthetic in
over 200 major surgical operation, including leg amputations. Later that century, a French
neurologist, Jean Charcot, successfully experimented with hypnosis in his clinic for nervous
disorders.
Since then, scientists have shown that the state of hypnosis is a natural human behavior,
which can affect psychological, social and/or physical experiences. The effects of hypnotism
depend on the ability, willingness and motivation of the person being hypnotized. Although
hypnosis has been compared to dreaming and sleepwalking, it is not actually related to sleep.
It involves a more active and intense mental concentration of the person being hypnotized.
Hypnotized people can talk, write, and walk about and they are usually fully aware of what is
being said and done.
There are various techniques used to induce hypnosis. The best-known is a series of simple
suggestions repeated continuously in the same tone of voice. The subject is instructed to
focus their attention on an object or fixed point, while being told to relax, breathe deeply, and
allow the eyelids to grow heavy and close. As the person responds, their state of attention
changes, and this altered state often leads to other changes. For example, the person may
experience different levels of awareness, consciousness, imagination, memory and reasoning
or become more responsive to suggestions. Additional phenomena may be produced or
eliminated such as blushing, sweating, paralysis, muscle tension or anaesthesia. Although
these changes can occur with hypnosis, none of these experiences is unique to it. People who
are very responsive to hypnosis are also more responsive to suggestions when they are not
hypnotized. This responsiveness increases during hypnotism. This explains why hypnosis
takes only a few seconds for some, whilst other people cannot be easily hypnotized.
It is a common misunderstanding that hypnotists are able to force people to perform criminal
or any other acts against their will. In fact, subjects can resist suggestions, and they retain
their ability to distinguish right from wrong. This misunderstanding is often the result of public
performances where subjects perform ridiculous or highly embarrassing actions at the
command of the hypnotist. These people are usually instructed not to recall their behavior
after re-emerging from the hypnotic state, so it appears that they were powerless wile
hypnotized. The point to remember however, is that these individuals chose to participate,
and the success of hypnotism depends on the willingness of a person to be hypnotized.
Interestingly, there are different levels of hypnosis achievable. Thus deep hypnosis can be
induced to allow anesthesia for surgery, childbirth or dentistry. This contrasts to a lighter
state of hypnosis, which deeply relaxes the patient who will then follow simple directions. This
latter state may be used to treat mental health problems, as it allows patients to feel calm
while simultaneously thinking about distressing feelings or painful memories. This can help
recovery from psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression or phobias. Sometimes,
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after traumatic incidents, memory of the events may be blocked. For example, some soldiers
develop amnesia [loss of memory] as a result of their experiences during wartime. Through
hypnosis these repressed memories can be retrieved and treated. A variation of this
treatment involves age regression, when the hypnotist takes the patient back to a specific
age. In this way patients may remember events and feelings from that time, which may be
affecting their current wellbeing.
Physicians also have made use of the ability of a hypnotized person to remain in a given
position for long periods of time. In one case, doctors had to graft skin onto a patients badly
damaged foot. First, skin from the persons abdomen was grafted onto his arm; then the graft
was transferred to his foot. With hypnosis, the patient held his arm tightly in position over his
abdomen for three weeks, then over his foot for four weeks. Even though these positions
were unusual, the patient at no time felt uncomfortable!
Hypnosis occasionally has been used with witnesses and victims of crime to enable people to
remember important clues, such as a criminals physical appearance or other significant
details that might help to solve a crime. However, as people can both lie and make mistakes
while hypnotized, the use of hypnotism in legal situations can cause serious problems. Also
hypnosis cannot make a person divulge secret information if they dont want to. This was
confirmed by that memories refreshed through hypnosis may include inaccurate information,
false memories, and confabulation (fact and fantasy combined).
Questions 14-28
Questions 14-18
The passage has eight section A-H. Choose the most suitable heading for sections B-F from
the list of headings below. Write the appropriate number (i-x).
There are more headings than sections, so you will not use all of them.
EXAMP
Answer
Section A
(x)
List of Headings
[14] Section B
[15] Section C
[16] Section D
[17] Section E
[18] Section F
(i)
(ii)
Questions 19-23
Complete the notes on the history of hypnosis using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FROM THE PASSAGE.
References to hypnotism can be found in both the Talmud and the [19] .Even when Mesmers [20]
were not used, successful results occurred without them. Braid identified hypnosis as a natural [21]
. response, rather than magical or mystical. Early psychological studies showed the difference
between sleep and hypnosis.
Successful hypnosis requires the subjects active [22] . Consequently subjects can speak or move
around and are [23] of their surroundings.
Questions 24-28
Choose the correct letter A-D.
[24] In order to induce hypnosis the hypnotist will
A
B
C
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Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 29-40 which are based on this passage.
Kids and
Sport
Two Italian psychologists, Vincenzo Marte and Giovanni Notarnicola, describe the
traditional spontaneous practice of sport by children climbing trees, riding a
bicycle along quiet roads, racing their friends across the fields as an activity of
freedom, a special activity of discovery and learning. In the case of free sporting
activity, the childs time is given up entirely to the activity, as can be seen in
endless games of football young children play, which may then be followed by
bicycle races and/or a swim in the river, for example.
Today, however, childrens discovery of sport has become very different. It is often
parents who take their children, when they are very young, to the swimming pool or
to the sports grounds or sports halls. Childrens first experience of sport thus takes
place as an organized activity, which they see as organization of their free time. By
organizing sport for children, and often deciding for them, we unfortunately create
an imbalance preventing them from managing their own play/sports time, thus
denying them an opportunity of autonomy and independence as was possible in the
past.
A first possible reason for the imbalance in the practice of sport by children is
therefore linked to the urban society we live in today. We need not regret the past; it
is rather a question of knowing how to recreate this freedom in our towns and in the
country, where sport is increasingly based on organized leisure activities. Doing one
sport is now the rule in clubs. Sports grounds are often on the outskirts of cities, and
are overcrowded and invariably enclosed, while recreational areas such as parks or
hard-packed surfaces, are very few and far between. How can we find the balance
of a varied and spontaneous relationship to sport under such conditions?
Some interesting answers have already been suggested which take into account the
need to recreate this freedom. Marte and Notarnicola have shown that children who
have experienced such freedom were considered by sports trainers to be more
capable when they joined organized sport aged 12-13. Their study concluded that
no formal training, no matter how early in life it took place, could replace these first
experiences.
Measures which would reverse this imbalance include: increasing the number of
sports facilities which encourage self-organisation by the children, and also setting
up unstructured playing areas with little in the way of equipment. Areas where
street sport can be practiced need to be established and sports clubs which offer
multidisciplinary sports training should be supported. Children should be offered
pre-school activity where they can discover different sports.
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For children, sport remains a special kind of discovery and learning, no matter how
much adults limit and control the practice of early intensive training. Here is the
second example of imbalance in childrens sport. Today, sport ispracticed with early
intensive training from the youngest possible age. Sometimes this is even before
the age of six and is usually one specific sport within an organized framework.
When adult-style competitions are introduced at an early age, the condition which
encourage a balanced development of children through sport are no longer
respected.
Today, early intensive training is much more widely on offer. Many sports
organisations claim that they are forced to do this type of training because of what
is called the golden age to acquire the physical skills. It is considered unthinkable
for a young skater or gymnast to miss this period, because if they did so, they
would fall so far behind the best, that they could never hope to catch up. Faced with
this demand for early ability, it is important that a safety net is put in place to
maximize the benefits and minimize the disadvantages of such intensive training.
Why do very young children give up sport? The most common reason for leaving a
sport is to change to another sport, which in itself is no bad thing. However, children
may leave a sport because they believe that they have received too much criticism
and too many negative assessments. We know that young children, up to the age of
eleven or twelve, cannot assess their own level of competence. They believe that if
they are making an effort, then this in itself is a sign of their competence.
We also know that young children are particularly sensitive to criticism from adults
or peers. Trainers must therefore pay particular attention to this and avoid
excessive criticism. They should also avoid any strategies that discriminate against
the child: for example in team sports, naming first choice players and reserves. It
should be remembered that primary school childrens main desire is to have fun and
socialize. The desire to improve and become agood competitor will develop later.
This brief example shows that knowledge of child development is indispensable for
those who take care of children at this ae. It is up to trainers, sports doctors and
psychologists to implement the measure necessary to limit this excessive early
practice of sport by children.
A third source of imbalance which threatens children and sport is parental attitudes.
The American psychologist, Rainer Martens, emphasizes that, too often childrens
joy of sports is destroyed by adults who want glory through victory. Several studies
have shown that parental pressure is high on the list of reasons why children leave
sport. The presence of mothers and fathers can prevent children from considering
sport as their own, where they can learn to master technical difficulties, manage
interpersonal relations, and experience success and failure. As Martens highlights,
adults are solely to blame if joy and sadness become synonymous, to a child, with
victory or defeat.
If the children make the decisions, this ensures that they enjoy being a child in
sport, and are relaxed with their development as human beings. We need only
observe the activity in a school playground, where games are organized on an
improvised playing field, to understand that children show genetic traces of the
hunter instinct, which naturally leads them to physical activity. Sport is included as
something they want, and which they identify both as a means of release and as a
form of self-expression. By acting as a route to self-discovery, sport gives children
both the opportunity to know their limits, and to acquire tools which will allow them
to surpass them. Playing sport is a source of learning, progress and pleasure; and
additional way of enriching life.
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Questions 29-40
Questions 29-36
Complete the summary below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS FROM THE PASSAGE.
Marte & Notarnicola define the spontaneous sporting games of children as activities of [29]
. Because today sport is often decided and [30] by parents, children lose
their autonomy. A first imbalance occurs because [31].. are out of the city and often
crowded, whilst there are a limited number of open recreational areas where children can play
spontaneously.
Children should discover and learn about sports themselves. The second imbalance occurs because they
start early [32] training very young and participate in only [33] specific activity.
Children often give up a sport because of negative [34].. It is important that trainers avoid
excessive criticism of young children may give up sport is the attitudes of their parents. This third
imbalance occurs as parents exer [36] on children to win rather than to enjoy sport.
Questions 37-40
Choose the correct letter A-D.
[37] Childrens expression of this freedom is important because
A
B
C
D
[39] To encourage young children to continue with sport we should give them
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A
B
C
D
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READING
TEST 5
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QUESTION 1-14
Question 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer of the
passages?
Write:
YES
NO
NOT GIVEN
Question 6-8
Choose the correct letter A-D.
6. How do we know that dogs have been more successful in evolutionary
terms than wolves?
A
Dogs can be trained more easily than wolves.
B
Wolves are stronger than dogs.
C
Humans prefer dogs to wolves.
D
There are more dogs than wolves today.
increased.
decreased.
8. What can we infer from the studies of brain size and domestication?
A
Domestic life is less demanding than surviving in the wild.
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B
C
D
Question 9
Choose TWO WORDS FROM THE PASSAGE FOR THE ANSWER.
There are many different types of dogs today, because, in early times
humans began to
9. ___________Their animals for the characteristics they wanted.
Question 10-14
Match one of researchers (A-C) to each of the findings (10-14) below.
A
Dr. Wayne
Dr. Paxton
Dr. Groves
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
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CROP
CIRCLES
The crop phenomenon has puzzled and mystified humanity for many years.
The designs just appear, place carefully in fields of food and grains. Some are
larger than football fields and highly complex in design and construction.
Others are smaller and more primitive. We call them crop circles, but many
of them are not circular. Some are elongated abstract designs, a few
resemble insects or other known forms, and some are mixture of lines,
circles, and other shapes melded into intricate patterns. Most become visible
overnight, though it has been claimed that a few have appeared within a
half-hour in broad daylight.
Crop circles have appeared all over the world about 10,000 instances from
various countries have been reported in recent years. The first modern rash
of crop appeared in Australia in December of 1973. A strange circular imprint
appeared in a wheat field near Wokurna, a community southeast of Adelaide.
Soon seven swirled circles up to 14 feet in diameter appeared in an oat field
nearby. In December of 1989, an amazing set of circles, ranging from a few
inches to a few feet in diameter appeared in wheat belt west of Melbourne.
As many as 90 crop circles were found. The best documented and largest
modern spread of crop circles began in southern England during summer of
1980. By the end of 1988, 112 new circles had been formed, at that time
circles were being reported worldwide, 305 by the end of 1989. The total
grew to an outstanding 1000 newly-formed circles in 1990. In 1991,200 to
300 circles were reported. Crop circles have been documented in over 30
countries, Including Canada, the former Soviet Union, Japan and United
States.
Nine out of ten circles remained simple with broken stems flattened to the
ground and swirled. The stalks around the circles remained completely erect.
But over the years, crop circles have become much more geometrically
intricate. Patterns involved multiple circles, bars, triangles, rings, and spurs.
Pictorial imagery also appeared. Reliable eyewitnesses have reported seeing
unusual lights and hearing unidentifiable sounds while on an early-morning
walk in the countryside where crop circle showed later that day. Highpitched, warbling noises have been recorded at the site of some crop circles.
On several occasions a strange glow or a darker coloring has been seen in
the sky over a crop circle. And in more than one instance, the electrical
power of small planes flying overhead has been cut off abruptly. While the
casual energies do not seem to harm animals or even insects as far as we
can tell, wild creatures tend to avoid the circles. Flocks of birds have been
seen to split apart and fly around the perimeter rather than go directly over a
crop circles formation.
Researchers have spent a great deal of time investigating different aspects
of crop circles. They try to detect traces of human involvement in the circlemaking, test the area of the circles itself for geophysical anomalies, and
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analyze the fields grain both from within and outside the circles, searching
for differences.
Dr. W. C. Levengood of BLT Research in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has
analyzed many grain samples and confirmed, time after time, significant
changes at the cellular level of crop circle plants. The plants from the circles
have elongated cells blown-out growth nodes. Seeds from the circles plants
often show accelerated growth rates when they are sown, and in some
instances, quite different looking plants results. In many instances it appears
that a vortex-like energy causes the plants to swirl down, flattering the
design into the land. Whatever this energy is, it does not generally inhibit the
plants growth. They continue to show normal response to the sun, rising
upward over several days following the appearance of the circle. Michael
Chorost of Duke University found occasions of short-lived radionuclides in the
top layer of soil in some of the formations. A British government laboratory
found diminished nitrogen and decreased nematode populations as well as
decreased water content in the soil of a formation. Researchers have
discovered other anomalies as well, such as curious embedded magnetic
particles and charred tissue. Some of plants stalk within the circles show
evidence of being exposed to rapid microwaves heating.
Scientists have attempted to explain crop circles as a result of natural
processes. One popular theory, accepted by many mainstream scientists and
academics, is known as Plasma Vortex Theory. Developed by Dr. Terence
Mearden, it theorize that electrified air (plasma), on the side of hills, become
mini-tornadoes and screws down onto the ground, creating the circles. The
theory also holds that electrified air would cause a light to appear above the
circle and therefore account for UFO sightings. Although this theory still has
considerable support it has come under fire because of highly intricate and
complex crop circle pattern that have appeared since 1991. Another theory is
that the circles are all hoaxes or practical jokes. Major support came to this
theory when, on September 9, 1991, two Englishmen claimed to have
created approximately 250 crop circles. However, those circles were more
ragged than others, and many were already subjects. It is irrational to
believe that all crop circles are faked for publicity or other reasons. Many
crop circles appeared long before phenomenon gained large recognition from
the public and press. Too many circles and patterns are formed each year in
too many countries for them to have been hoaxes. Many crop circles show
strange mathematical traits when analyzed.
The crop phenomenon is an enigma. Many dollars have been spent by
researchers and their associations in an attempt to find a solution to this
intriguing puzzle which will continue to haunt humanity until explanation is
found.
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QUESTION 15-27
Question 15-19
Do the following statements reflect the claims of the writer of this passage?
Write:
YES
NO
NOT GIVE if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.
15. Crop circles only appear in what fields.
17. The largest number of crop circle reportings in a single year occurred in
1990.
18. The patterns of crop circles have become increasingly complex over the
years.
Question 20-23
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
FROM THE PASSAGE for each answer.
Since the early 1970s, over ten thousand crop circles have been around the
world, the greatest number in [20]_________, where in a single year, over one
hundred circles appeared. Phenomenon such as appearance of strange light
and unusual [22] _____________ sometimes occur around the sites of crop
circles. [22] __________ are not affected but it has been observe that birds
[23] _____________ flying over a formation.
Question 24-27
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Use the information in the text to match one scientist (A-C) with each area
of study (24-27) listed below.
A
Dr. Mearden
Dr. Levengood
Michael Chorost
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It also blinds the public to the urgency and credibility of warnings that an
environmental crisis confronts us.
QUESTION 28-40
Question 28-33
Use the information in the passage to match the people (A-C) with the
opinions (28-33) listed below. There are many be more than one correct
answer.
A
28. Our patterns of consumption are using up the ecological capital of the
planet.
29. Crises beginning in the Third World will spread of developed countries.
30. Scientific progress will enable the planet to sustain increased population.
31. Social and political infrastructure worldwide could collapse.
32. Earths life support systems are at critical risk.
33. Environmental problems are not a threat to progress.
Question 34-36
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Choose ONE phrase from the list below (A-G) to complete each of the
following sentences, there are more phrases than questions so you will not
use all of them.
34. The growth of world trade
35. The relationship between population and standard of living
36. Natural resources and the economy
LIST OF PHRASES
A
Question 37-40
Choose the correct letter A-D
37. Which of the following is NOT stated by Kaplan as key contributing factor
to potential global destabilization?
A
political corruption
collapse of ecosystems
population explosion
economic growth
39. Which of the following can we infer about the views of the author of this
passage?
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LAKE
VOSTOK
Beneath the white blanket of Antarctica lies half a continent of virtually uncharted
territory-an area so completely hidden that scientists have little clue what riches
await discovery. Recently, Russian and British glaciologists identified an immense
lake- one of Earths largest and deepest-buried beneath 4,000 meter of ice
immediately below Russias Vostok Station.
As details have emerged. A growing number of scientists is showing interest, with
dozens of investigators keen to explore the feature, known as Lake Vostok. A thick
layer of sediment at the bottom of the lake could hold novel clues to the planets
climate going back tens of millions of year. By looking at the ratio of different
oxygen isotopes, scientists should be able to trace how Earths temperature
changed over the millennia. NASA has expressed interest in Lake Vostok because of
its similarity to Europa. This moon of Jupiter appears to have a water ocean covered
by a thick ice sheet, measuring perhaps tens of kilometers in depth. If hydrothermal
vents exist beneath the ice, chemical reactions on Europa or places even more
distant, say many scientists. Though cheap compared with a European mission, any
expedition to Vostok would represent a significant investment.
Vostok Station holds the uncomfortable distinction of having recorded the coldest
temperature on Earth. Thermometers there measure -89.6C in July 1983, and the
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average temperature hovers around -55C. Its the thick ice, strangely, that enables
a lake to survive in such a frozen environment. The 4 kilometers of ice acts
effectively as an insulating blanket protecting the bedrock underneath the ice from
the cold temperature above. Geothermal heat coming from the planets interior
keeps the lake from freezing and warms the lowest layers of ice. The tremendous
weight of the ice sheet also plays a role in maintaining the lake. Beneath 4 km of
glacier, the pressure is intense enough to melt ice at a temperature of -4C. These
factors have helped lakes develop across much of the thickly blanketed East
Antarctica. To date more than 70 hidden lakes have been detected in the small
portion of the continent. Lake Vostok is the largest of these. Stretching 280 km from
south to north and some 60 km from east to west. At Vostok station, which sits at
the southern end of the lake, the water depth appears to be 500 m according to
seismic experiments carried out by Russian researchers.
The first clues to Lake Vostoks existence came in the 1970s, when British, U.S., and
Danish researchers collected radar observations by flying over this region. The
radar penetrates the ice and bounces off whatever sits below. When researchers
found a surface as flat as a mirror, they surmised that a lake must exist underneath
the ice. An airborne survey of the lake is being undertaken, the first step toward
eventually drilling into the water. Along with the potential rewards come a host of
challenges. Researchers must find a way to penetrate the icy coveting without
introducing any microorganisms or pollutants into the sealed-off water.
What about life in the depths? If tiny microbes do populate the lake, they may be
some of the hungriest organisms ever discovered. Lake Vostok has the potential to
be one of the most energy-limited, or oligotrophic, environments on the planet. For
the lakes residents, the only nutrients would come from below; Russian
investigators have speculated that the lake floor may have hot springs spewing out
hydrothermal fluids stocked with reduced metals and other sorts of chemical
nutrients. Scant geological evidence available for this region, however, indicates
that the crust is old and dead. Without a stream nutrients seeping up from the deep
Earth, the only potential source of energy lies above the lake. The ice sheet above
the water is creeping from west to east at a rate of roughly four meters per year.
The lowermost layers of ice melt when they come in contact with the lake, liberating
trapped gases and bits of crushed-up rock. If the glacier recently passed over rock
before reaching the lake, it could be supplying organic compounds useful to
microorganisms. It also could be seeing the lake with a continuous source of new
residents. Bacteria, yeasts, fungi, algae, and even pollen grains have been found in
the Vostok ice core samples taken down to depths of 2,750 m three quarters of the
way to the bottom. At least some of these organisms are alive and capable of
growing, according to recent reports. The results of this analysis may indirectly
indicate whether anything survives in the lightless body of water.
Questions 1-13
Question 1-4
The passage has 5 sections (A-E) choose the most suitable heading for
sections B-E from the list of headings below. Write the appropriate numbers
(i-vii). There are more headings than the section so you will not use all of
them.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Cost of exploration
Location and description of the lake
Potential for living organism in the lake
Challenges of exploration
Discovery of the fake
Possible sources of nutrients to support life
Types of organisms in the lake
Scientific interest in Lake Vostok
1. Section B
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2. Section C
3. Section D
4. Section E
Question 5-6
Choose the correct letter A-D
5. Which is NOT given as a reason interest in exploring Lake Vostok?
A
to test technology for space exploration
B
to develop anti-pollution devices
C
to investigate the history of Earths climate
D
to look for living organisms
6. Lake
A
B
C
D
Question 7-13
Do the following statements reflect the claims of the author?
Write:
YES
NO
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ACADEMIC
the researchers realized that nothing in the water was safe from pfiesteria. It
could harm humans too. A mis-directed air-conditioning unit duct from a
room containing the toxins nearly killed one of the researchers. He suffered a
host of symptoms ranging from profuse sweating, tingling hands and feet, to
liver and kidney problems, as well as memory loss.
As the research intensified, some startling discoveries were made. In tanks,
pfiesteria was quite content to behave like a plant and photosynthesize.
However, when fish were added to the tank, a dramatic transformation
occurred. The algae switched to attack mode. In a matter of minutes, it
changed shape and secreted a toxin. The fish quickly became disoriented
and within five minutes, all were dead. Then pfiesteria changed shape again
and devoured the dead fish. When it had eaten enough, it vanished. No one
had ever seen an organism do this before.
Initially scientists thought this was part of a natural cycle, but on closer
examination, realized that pollution was to blame. When the water
containing the biggest fish kills was analyzed, scientists found high levels of
pollution. But pollution is just one of the factors that can boost the
transformation of pfiesteria. Other factors include large numbers of fish
travelling together which feed in stagnant areas with a lot of food to eat.
That is the perfect habitat for pfiesteria. But pfiesteria is not the only
concern. In the oceans around the world similar kinds of algae are now
materializing and turning toxic. In the last decade, algal blooms have
poisoned sea-lions in California, caused catastrophic fish kills in the Pacific,
the Mediterranean and the North Sea, as well as devastating the shellfish
industry in New Zealand. Researchers from forty seven nations met recently
to share the latest information about harmful algal blooms. They heard about
new kinds of toxins and discussed possible links between toxic algae and
whale standings. But what dominated the proceedings was news that toxic
algae are spreading to new shores in ballast water carried by ships.
That may have already happened in Australian waters. A tuna kill in 1996
cost fish farmers an estimated $45 million. The official explanation was that
a storm was to blame. But there were also reports of orange-brown streaks in
the water. When a water sample was examined, it was found to be teeming
with an alga never before seen in Australia, called chattonella. The same
chattonella killed half a billion dollars worth of fish in Japan in 1972. This
toxin was also present in the livers of the dead tuna. Despite this powerful
evidence, the official explanation remains that the storm was the killer.
However, in Japan this was a prime example of an algal bloom induced by
the waste products of the aquaculture industry itself, and of course that is
not something that the tuna industry wants to hear.
It is clear that chattonella is present in Australian waters. But there is little
knowledge of what else may surface or where it may have come from. What
is of greater concern is that, in Australia and around the world, there is a
reluctance to acknowledge that it is human activity which is triggering the
transformation of normally benign organisms into increasingly dangerous
forms. If we continue to mismanage the way nutrients and pollutants are
released into the environment we will have to confront new versions of the
cells from hell.
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Questions 14-26
Question 14-17
Complete the summary below. Choose your answers from the box below the
summary. There are more words than you need so you will not use all of
them.
Conditions, it acts like a [14] _________, but it also developed powerful [15]
_____________ as a defense against being eaten by fish. When the fish are
disabled and killed by the neurotoxins, the organism [16] __________ them.
Then it [17] _____________
LIST OF WORDS
Jaws
grow
animal
Kills
eats
poisons
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Plant
disappears
Bacteria
fish
micro-organism
dies
Question 18-21
Fill in the blanks with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS FROM THE
PASSAGE.
Conditions which favor the growth of toxic algae include high levels of [18]
_________, and [19] _____________ fish feeding together. Research scientist at
the international conference learned about [20] __________ toxic algae and
how they are spreading around the world in water [21] _____________
Question 22-26
Classify the following as:
A
caused by pfiesteria
caused by chattonella
Mysteries of the
Mummies
In 1992, a German scientist made a discovery which was to upset whole
areas of scientific study from history and archeology to chemistry and
botany. Dr. Svetlana Balabanova, a forensic specialist, was performing tissue
tests on an Egyptian mummy, part of a German museum collection. The
mummified remains were of a woman named Henut-Taui who had died over
3,000 years ago. Amazingly, the tests revealed that her body contained large
quantities of cocaine and nicotine. Dr. Balabanova had regularly used the
same testing methods to convict people of drug consumption but she had
not expected to find nicotine and coca in an Ancient Egyptian mummy. It is
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generally accepted that these two plants, naive to the Americas did not exist
on other continents prior to European exploration.
Dr. Balabanova repeated the tests then sent out fresh samples to three other
labs. When the results came back positive she published a paper with two
other scientists. If Balabanova was shocked by the results of her tests she
was even more shocked at the hostile response to her publication. She
received many insulting letters, accusing her of fraud.
There were two explanations that came immediately to mind. One was that
something in the tests could have given a false result. The second was that
the mummies tested were not truly Ancient Egyptian. Perhaps they were
relatively modern bodies, containing traces of cocaine. Dr. Balabanova then
examined tissue from 134 naturally preserved bodies over a thousand years
old discovered in an excavated cemetery in the Sudan. About a third of them
tested positive for nicotine or cocaine.
But something had happened even earlier which should I have initiated
serious discussion. In 1986 the mummified remains or Ramses II arrived in
Paris for repair work. Dr. Michelle Lescot of the Natural History Museum
(Paris) was looking at sections of bandages and within the fibers found a
plant fragment. When she checked it under a microscope she was amaze to
discover that the plant was tobacco. Fearing that she had made some
mistake she repeated her tests again and again with the same result every
time: a New World plant had been found on an Old World mummy. The result
caused a sensation in Europe. Was it possible that a piece of tobacco had
been dropped by chance from the pipe of some forgotten archeologist? Dr.
Lescot responded to this change of contamination by carefully extracting
new samples form the abdomen, with the entire process recorded on film.
These samples, which could not be droppings, were then tested. Once again
they were shown to be tobacco. The discovery of tobacco fragments in the
mummified body of Ramses II should have had a profound influence upon our
whole understanding of the relationship between Ancient Egypt and America
but this piece of evidence was simply ignored. It raised too many questions
and was too far outside of commonly accepted scientific views.
So now question had returned. Could Ancient Egyptian trade have stretched
all the way across the Atlantic Ocean? This was an idea so unbelievable it
could only be considered after all the other possibilities had been eliminated.
Could Egyptian have obtained imports from a place thousands of miles away,
from a continent supposedly not discovered until thousands of years later?
Was it possible that coca-a plant from south America had found its way to
Egypt 3,000 years ago? If the cocaine found in mummies could not be
explained by contamination, or fake mummies or by Egyptian plants
containing it, there appeared to be another interesting possibility: a trade
with links all the way to Americas.
The Egyptians did make great efforts to obtain incense and other valuable
plants used in religious ceremonies and herbal medicines, but to the majority
of archeologists, the idea is hardly worth talking about. Professor John
Baines, an Egyptologist from Oxford University states: I dont think it is at all
likely that there was an ancient trade network that included America. The
essential problem with any such idea is that there are no artifacts found
either in Europe or in America. But other experts arent so sure. Professor
Martin Bernal, and historian, from Cornell University say, Were getting more
and more evidence of world trade at an earlier stage. You have the Chinese
silk definitely arriving in Egypt by 1000 BC. In his opinion, it is arrogance on
the part of modern people to believe that a transoceanic trading network
could only have been set up in recent times.
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The discoveries in the mummies from Egypt and Sudan have challenge
conventional beliefs. It is no longer possible to exclude the hypothesis of
transoceanic trade in ancient times. The tale of Henut Taui and the story of
Ramses II show that, in science, facts can be rejected if their dont fit with
our beliefs, while what is believed to be proven, may actually be uncertain. It
is understandable then, how a story of a scientist, a few mummies and some
routine tests, could upset whole areas of knowledge we thought we could
take for granted.
Questions 27-40
Question 27-29
Choose the correct letter A-D
27. What most surprised Dr. Balabanova about her discovery?
A
28. Which of the following was ruled out by Dr. Lescots investigation?
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29. Why was the discovery of tobacco in the body or Ramses II ignored?
A
Question 30-34
Match ONE of the researchers (A-D) to each of the statements (30-34) below.
There may be more than one correct answer.
A
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this.
[35] There is proof that tobacco was grown in Ancient Egypt.
[36] Trade routes across the Atlantic Ocean may have existed thousands of
years ago.
[37] Ancient Egyptians were great ship builders.
[38] The scientific community generally rejects the idea of contract between
ancient Egypt and the Americas.
[39] The unusual test results could have come from qat, a plant native to
North Africa.
Question 40
Choose the correct letter A-D
[40] What is the main idea of this passage?
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1.
Safely
2.
Animal
3.
Three
4.
Vii
5.
6.
be lucky
Try to analyse each mistake. Whymight
did you
write the
wrong answer?
Only one answer required, so
7.
Not duty
Did you?
8.
Harvest
9.
1
0.
Animals,
Birds
Find out any other meanings when the word(s) is used in a different
context.
Make sure that you will understand the meaning if you read it in
another test.
Collect synonyms.
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Note down words or phrases from the reading, with the same meaning
as different words used in the question.
ACADEMIC
Practice spending no more than 20 minutes per section, aim for less.
Dont waste marks (remember?) so be sure you get all the easier
answers correct.
Dont spend too long on one question, mark it and come back later.
Skim for the part of the passage that seems related to the questions by
looking at headings, sub-headings and topic sentences (usually the
first sentence of a paragraph).
First look quickly at the reading text: its title, sub headings, tables,
diagrams.
What is it about?
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Then look quickly at the first few questions. How many are there? What
kind?
ACADEMIC
Now read the text quickly and then go back to the questions.
First read the topic sentences. These should tell you what the paragraphs
about.
If the topic sentence and the heading seem similar, then read the paragraph
slowly and carefully to check that they go together.
First skim to find which part of the text seems to be about that information.
When you locate that part of the text, scan carefully for the specific detail
you need.
NB there will always be an answer that is wrong, but put into try and tempt
you, (the red herring answer) so double check that youve chosen the right
one!
If the questions ask for the name of a place, city, country, street,
person or organization, theyre quite easy to find because they always
start with a capital letter.
Dont panic! Try to guess from the nouns and verbs around it.
Look for words likely similarly or in contrast to or unlikely which may help
you.
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ACADEMIC
By taking the time to repeat the test, you are developing youre reading
skills, building vocabulary and increasing your understanding of test
strategies. This is time well spent.
22
.
Tips From Test takers
23
.
24
.
25
.
26
.
27
.
28
I was very slow at reading and thought i could never finish the test
.
in one hour. But I made myself do a practice test every weekend.
After a couple of months I began to recognize the kind
29 of
questions and how to find the answers more quickly.. I was always
careful with t easier questions at the beginning of the test. When I
30
did the IELTS exam I got a 6!
31
.
Fall in love
Im in love with my dictionary! I bought a really
good dictionary. It was quite expensive, but I used it
every day so I dont feel guilty about how much it
cost. I try to check everything I dont understand.
32
.
33
.
34
.
In some question types in the IELTS Reading test, answer to the earlier
35 passage,
question are often found nearer the beginning of the reading
and answers to later questions are found in later parts of.the passage, so
sometimes you can use less time searching for answers. 36
.
37
.
IELTS LISTENING AND READING ANSWER SHEET
Module taken:
Version number:
Academic
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
General training
38
.
39
.
40
.
41
.
42
.
6.
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7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
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ACADEMIC
Examiners Suggestions
Writing test 1 6
in other words.
Criteria
Task achievement
without leaving out
Coherence/Cohesion
paragraphs so that information
Grammatical Range
accurate, with a variety of
And Accuracy
sentences?
Task 2
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ACADEMIC
in other words
Criteria
Take response
is your viewpoint developed clearly and
approximately with enough relevant
ideas
Coherence/Cohesion
Have you built and organized your paragraphs so
that overall meaning is easy
to track? Are your ideas connected effectively
from sentence to sentence?
Lexical Resource
and accurate?
Grammatical Range
accurate, with a variety of
And Accuracy
Heres what IELTS examiners have to say about some of the most common
problems they see in writing test along with suggestions for improvement.
Problems
Timing
Task 2 answers unfinished if too much time is spent on task 1.
Too short
If you write less than the minimum numbers of words for either task you will
lose marks
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Off topic
An essay that doesnt address the topic will lose marks, even if it is well
written.
Repetition
Saying the same thing in slightly different ways shows you dont have
enough ideas.
Irrelevant information
Filling out an essay with information unrelated to the question wont get
marks.
Mixed up
Some essays have too many ideas and too little organization. They are
difficult to follow.
Unreadable
It is impossible to give a good mark, if the writing is illegible.
Suggestions
Stop working on task 1 after 20 minutes. Task 2 is worth more marks, so give
yourself the full 40 minutes to complete your task 2 answer.
Practice regularly. Once you learn the essay patterns you will be able to write
the required number of words without wasting time counting.
Keep going back to the task statement while planning and writing to make
sure you relate your argument to the task as it is written.
This is usually a problem of a planning. Think of as many ideas as you can
before you start to write decide on a topic for each paragraph and which
example to include.
Check back to the wording of the task. Is the idea example relevant to the
topic does it answer the question as given if not leave it out.
Stick to one main idea per paragraph stated clearly in the topic sentence.
Use the rest of the paragraph to develop and support that idea with
examples.
Be kind to the examiner:
Write legibly!
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Know the main essay types and what you have to do for each one.
Read and highlight / underline key words related to (1) the topic and
(2) the task.
Essay Types
Task Words
This means
Problem/solution
Explain 2 or 3 aspects
of the issue.(1
paragraph each)
Suggest solution.
Make
recommendations.
What strategies?
Agree or Disagree
Do you Agree or
disagree?
Why?
Explain your position.
Justify your opinion.
Take a position.
Defend it strongly. Give
several
Reasons to support
your argument. (1
paragraph each)
It is useful to
acknowledge the
opposite view (counter
argument) and say why
you dont accept
Two sides of an
argument
Discuss
Compare/contrast
Advantages/disadvanta
ges
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Give a balanced
presentation. This
means you should write
equally about both
sides of the issue. In
the conclusion you can
indicate your position.
ACADEMIC
From options A, B, C, D,
E etc.
Choose 3 most
important.
Justify your choice.
Evaluate an argument
To what extent?
How important.?
What do you think?
KEY WORDS
Idea
Example
Idea
Example
Idea
Or
Using Questions
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ACADEMIC
What evidence?
Who?
What?
Where
When
Why
Key Word
What Example
Advantages/ Disadvantages?
Introduction
(1 short paragraph)
topic followed by thesis
Body
(3-4 paragraphs) Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence
(main idea)
Followed b examples/evidence for support.
Conclusion
(1 short paragraph)
main ideas. Include
A good answer is more important than a fast one, so dont worry about
time at first.
The more you practice, the fast and more proficient you will become.
Remember!
First plan WHAT you want to say:
How many paragraphs
What supporting evidence/ideas to include
What order to put them in
IELTS ON TRACK
ACADEMIC
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TEST 1
ACADEMIC
TEST
Think it through
need.
guide.
Introduction
What kind of diagram is it?
population.
..population.
Description
Where did the most significant
percentage of world
Change occur between 1900
Latin
And 2000?
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ACADEMIC
Conclusion
What was the actual change in
.in the
Population?
TEST
Increase(d)
Decrease(d)
______________________
Show(ed) no change
______________________
World population
______________________
______________________
______________________
2 Connecting words
Find 3 more words/expressions from the sample answer that are use to
connect ideas, sentences and paragraphs.
1. eg on the other hand
2. _________________
3. _________________
4. _________________
3 Prepositions
What prepositions follow each expression from the sample answer?
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ACADEMIC
remaining 5%....
SAMPLE ANSWER
TASK 1
TEST 1
These pie charts show changes in world population between 1900 and 2000.
The major regions are represented as percentages of the total world
population.
(162
words)
Comments
The pie chart and body of the report deal with percentages of
population, not the actual number of people. Be sure you understand
the difference.
The actual change in the number of people in the world between 1900
and 2000 (1,600 million to 6 billion) is only mentioned in the
conclusion.
WRITING
TASK 2
TEST 1
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ACADEMIC
TEST 1
Problem/solution
Move/city/country
Challenges/strategies
Step 2
Generate Ideas
New job/study
Accommodation
Loneliness
New language
No family/friends
Practical
Social
Get advice
Travel guide
Street directory
Join clubs
Practical
Social
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ACADEMIC
TEST
Complete these activites based on the sample answer to build writing skills
for Task 2 questions.
1 Connecting words (who, which, that, where)
Find the sentences in the sample answer that combine each of the following
pairs into one and write the connecting word used in each.
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
2 Before or After?
Do these little words in the sample answer refer to things stated before (B) or
after (A) them?
These might present
B/A
B/A
B/A
it is possible to
it might be helpful
B/A
B/A
3 Synonyms
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ACADEMIC
SAMPLE ANSWER
TASK 2
TEST 1
People today are clearly more mobile than in the past. This is largely due to
modern technology which makes travelling and communicating easier and
quicker. Why do people move? Often people re-locate to large cities for
employment; some people study in English-speaking countries. Whatever the
reason, moving away from home may create many challenges, both practical
and social.
Firstly there are practical problems such as finding accommodation,
managing finances, shopping and so on. These might present challenges to
someone who has not lived independently before. In addition, adapting to a
new city environment includes understanding the public transport system,
possibly in another language, while trying not to get lost! The best strategy
for minimising such anxious moments is to prepare in advance as much as
possible. Thus it might be helpful to get advice from someone familiar with
the area. There are also publications such as travel guides to overseas
countries which give tips and useful information. A city street directory is
also very handy. Ideally, sharing accommodation with someone who is
familiar with the city, or staying in a homestay on arrival in a new country,
may overcome many of these problems. Homestay families or share mates
will provide company and be able to explain aspects of the new city or
culture that may seem strange at first.
There are also social and emotional issues to deal with, like loneliness or
problems with the language Moreover, starting a new job our course may be
stressful at first. Generally, however, there are organisations such as
overseas students associations in an educational institution, or other sports
or hobby clubs where it is possible to meet people and make friends.
In conclusion, although there are many challenges when leaving home for a
new city or country, planning in advance can transform an ordeal into an
adventure!
Comments
words)
(304
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ACADEMIC
Summarize the information by choosing and reporting the key features, and
make any relevant comparisons.
Canada
1970
1990
2000
5.6
11.5
1.9
France
18.7
12.5
Germany
13.8
13.8
Italy
29.5
17.6
Japan
17.6
UK
9.2
USA
8.2
13.6
11.8*
11.4
12.1
13.6
8.2
5.5
11.1
4.0
Think through
need.
guide.
Introduction
What does the table show?
for how many countries?
in 1970,
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ACADEMIC
Description
Which countries show the
.in Italy,
Greatest change?
For 1990?
country
For 2000?
Conclusion
What is the importance of these
.
Statistics?
Complete these activities based on the sample answer to build writing skills
for Task 1 questions.
1 Sequencing statistics
Use these 5 expressions to complete a mini-text about five countries, A to E:
in last place, followed by, leading, next, close behind
Mini-text
A is the country, B. C is .., with D . is E
2 Synonyms
Which expressions in the sample answer have the same meaning?
Expression
Most significant
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ACADEMIC
Variations
Can be seen
Stabilized
Fell considerably
3 most .. OR est
..
Write the superlative form of these adjectives from the sample answer.
Adjective
Superlative form
Dramatic
..
Low
.....
High
Evident
Close
......................
Comments
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ACADEMIC
Do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant ideas from your own
knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words
Agree or disagree
Do you agree?
Climate change
caused by?
developed world
to climate change?
industry
change?
How could political action
industry
be effective?
What are the problems?
Step 3 Think it through Put your ideas in order before you start to write.
Introduction
evidence define climate
change
Paragraph topics
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1. Pollution e.g.
ACADEMIC
2. Consumerism e.g.
3. Political action e.g.
and problems
e.g.
Conclusion
strongly expressed
1. Compressing Information
Academic writing tries to express information economically.
Find the expressions in the sample answer which use fewer words but
mean the same as:
3. Use of This
What does this refer to?
(para 2) This is probably related to This refers to:
..
(para 2) This keeps factories operating This refers to:
.
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ACADEMIC
test 3
task
1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task
The diagrams below show how chocolate is made and how the price of a
chocolate bar is divided up among those involved in the process.
Summarize the information by choosing and reporting the key features, and
make any relevant comparisons.
Write at least 150 words.
How chocolate is made
SUGAR
And other
ingredients
COCOA
GRINDING
CHOCOLATE BAR
INDUSTRIAL CHOCOLATE
COCOA
LIQOUR
COCOA
BUTTER
PRESSING
WASTE
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FOOD
INDUSTRY
COCOA
POWDER
ACADEMIC
test 3
task 1
Think it through
Description
correct order.
(Process diagram)
paragraph 1 structure.
Description
(Pie chart)
a writing guide.
topic sentence
34%.
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ACADEMIC
TEST 3
TASK
Complete these activities based on the sample answer to build writing skills
for Task 1 questions.
1 Use of the passive
Find 6 verbs in the passive voice from the sample answer.
Nite: becomes does not have a passive form
E.g.
__ is used____
_____________ _____________
_____________
_____________ _____________
_____________
___________
___________
___________
10% goes
___________
3 Synonyms
From the sample answer fin synonyms for:
to produce (paragraph 2)
___________
gets (para 3)
___________
goes to (para 3)
___________
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ACADEMIC
SAMPLE ANSWER
TEST 3
TASK 1
The diagrams illustrate the chocolate-making process and the percentage allocation
of the price of a chocolate bar.
The process of making chocolate begins with the grinding of the cocoa beans, to
produce cocoa liquor and some waste products. The liquor is used in two ways.
When pressed into powder it can be sold on to the food industry. Alternatively when
pressed into cocoa butter it is used, along with the liquor to make industrial
chocolate. This is combined with sugar and other ingredients and refined to produce
chocolate bars.
How is the money from the retail price of a chocolate bar divided up? The pie chart
indicates that the farmer, who produces the cocoa bean, receives only 4% of the
retail price. The supermarket, on the other hand receives 34%. A rather small 10%
goes to the chocolate company, while 15% is taken by the government in the form
of taxes. The cost of ingredients and production, make up the largest proportion,
37% of the price of a chocolate bar.
Comments
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Read carefully to
ACADEMIC
Two sides of an
Dogs/cats/pet
Advantages and
Brainstorm
Pet ownership
disadvantages?
For animals
and natural
Respected
Service: guide and guard dogs
more regulations:
Introduction
both sides of issue
Paragraph topics
1 advantages of pets:
for animals
For owners
For community
2 disadvantages: for pets
For community
Conclusion
complex relationship
Restate main idea in a new way.
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Read carefully to
Two sides of an argument
lives
related to the task?
Which terms need explaining?
Discuss
Happy/connected
For animals
loved, cared for, well-fed
and natural
Respected
Service: guide and guard dogs
more regulations:
Introduction
both sides of issue
Paragraph topics
1 advantages of pets:
for animals
For owners
For community
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complex relationship
Restate main idea in a new way.
1. Use of Passives
Put the passive form of these verbs to complete these phrases using
the sample answer:
Feed care for love give restrict keep impose require abandon
pets are f..and c. and I
It is easy to see how much attention is ..
The freedoms are increasingly.
These restrictions have been a
pet owners are .. to clean up
dogs and cats that have been .. by owners
2. Connecting expression
Find the missing connecting expressions indicated for each paragraph.
(NOT and)
(para 1) / ..
(para 2) / in return / not only, but/ /
(para 3) /../ no longer, but/ ../
(para 4) ./
3. Compressing Language
Find the expression in the sample answer for:
Dogs and cats can be wonderful companions but there are also a number of
problems associated with pet ownership, both for the animals and for the
community.
In the best situations pets are fed, cared for and loved as part of a family. It
is easy to see how much attention is given to pets, by the range of products
available in the pet section of supermarkets. In return, cats and dogs
contribute to the well being of the community in many ways. Dogs are useful
for protection and serve as guides for the disabled. People with pets are not
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ACADEMIC
only happier and healthier, but may even live longer. This the animals
benefit individuals and the community as well.
There are, however, also negative aspects for the pets and for the
community. The freedoms of both dogs and cats inside at night to protect
native birds and animals. Dogs can no longer run free in parks and at the
beach but must be kept on leads. These restrictions have been imposed by
the community to protect the public. In addition pet owners are required to
clean up after their dogs. Parks and beaches often provide plastic bags for
this purpose. The community also has to pick up the costs of dogs and cats
that have been abandoned by irresponsible owners.
So the relationship between pets and the community is a complex one. More
and more the community is intervening to force pet owners to restrict the
activities and freedom of their pets. Still, responsible owners, prepared to
give adequate time and attention to their cats and dogs, can give them a
good and happy life. (290 words)
Comments
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ACADEMIC
Writing
test 4
task 1
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ACADEMIC
Test 3
Task 1
Think it through
need.
guide
Introduction
and alcohol
countries.
alcohol
Description (Graph 1)
What is the general trend?
In terms ..smoking patterns, the
general..in
the USA, ..and Holland is
downwards.
Which year to start with and ..had the highest percentage of smokers in
what order?
Description (Graph 2)
How to signal the change
story
..different
comment?
.
trend?
Thereafter..Countries consumption
declined..to around 8
USA in 2000 and
liters..the
10 in Holland.
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Which country has a different The..in Turkey was rather different. Turkeys
pattern?
Conclusion
How to summarize these trends?
TEST 4
TASK1
Complete these activities based on the sample answer to build writing skills
for Task 1 questions.
1 Qualifiers
Write adverb or adjective form the text to complete the notes:
Holland
1960 80_________ decrease in smoking
1960 80_________ alcohol drinking increased __________ . Post 1980
declined__________
Turkey
1960 2000 alcohol consumption rose _________
2 Synonyms odd one out
Which word in each group is not a synonym of the others?
Approximately
about
until around
a little below
well under
declined
dropped
fell
stabilized
rose
went from
went up
well
increased
3 Economical sentences
Using the sample answer, try to write these sentences in a more economical
way.
-
The number of liters per capita which were consumed in Holland and
the USA increased sharply ( save 2 words)
Turkey consumption remained low. Its consumption rose only
slightly..
Between 1960 and 2000 (save 2 words)
Holland experienced the most dramatic decrease. Hollands
percentage fell about 43% in 1980. (save 2 words)
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SAMPLE AMSWER
TEST 4
TASK 1
The two graphs show trends in smoking and alcohol consumption for 19602000 for several countries. Overall, smoking declined dramatically while the
consumption of alcohol witnessed a fluctuating pattern.
In terms of smoking patterns, the general trend in the USA, Japan and
Holland is downloads. Holland had the highest percentage of smokers in
1960 at nearly 60%, followed by Japan at about 47% and the USA at around
40%. Holland experienced the most dramatic decrease, falling to about 43%
in 1980 and then declined at the same steady rate as Japan until 2000. USAs
level fell to below 20% by 2000.
Turning to alcohol consumption, the story is different. The number of liters
per capita consumed in Holland and the USA increased sharply between
1960 and 1980 from around 4 times per person in Holland to about 11 in
1980 and from nearly 8 liters to more than 10 in the USA. Thereafter both
countries consumption declined steadily to around 8 liters in the USA in
2000 and 10 in Holland. The pattern in Turkey was rather different. Turkeys
consumption remained low, rising only slightly from 1 to about 1.5 liters per
person between 1960 and 2000.
(197 words)
Comments
The introduction provides an overview of the most general trends before
going into more detail.
Graph vocabulary trends/downwards/ higher percentage/followed by
dramatic decrease/ falling to/ steady decline
Topic sentences in each paragraph use economical signal expressions: In
terms of /Turning to.
Per capita is a useful synonym for per person.
IELTS on Track ACADEMIC WRITING TEST 4
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ACADEMIC
Writing
2
test4
task
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ACADEMIC
test 4
task 2
*email/internet/chatrooms (easy
electronic age
contact)
*contact with family, friends (old/new)
*technology can overcome isolation e.g.
Finland
Are we happier?
friends?)
Rate of
put your ideas in order before you start
what is happiness? How is it related
connected?
Paragraph topics
hand)
Conclusion
Complete these activities based on the sample answer to build writing skills
for Task 2 questions:
1. Synonyms
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ACADEMIC
Could this be
After this,(Y/N)
For instance (Y/N)
In a similar way (Y/N)
Nevertheless (Y/N)
so (Y/N)
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ACADEMIC
On the other hand it seems to be the case that depression and suicide rates
are high and the divorce rate is increasing. Employees complain of longer
working hours and increased stress levels. There is concern that people are
in fact becoming more isolated, only communicating on-line. On this
evidence they seem unhappier today.
Happiness is hard to measure, as it is subjective and depends on the
particular situation. Perhaps there is more awareness of current problems
because so much information is available through technology and the media.
Even so, it would seem that the quality of our relationships and therefore our
level of happiness is unrelated to modern technology, which is, after all, only
a tool. (299 words)
Comments
Jett
y
Fisherme
ns
Cottages
Lighthou
se
Lighthouse Keepers
house
Cafe
Shop
Ferry
Wharf
Restauran
t
Apartmen
HOTE
L
Car park
Supermar
ket
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Telecommuni
cations
Ferry Wharf
Hotel
ACADEMIC
Sailing
Think it through
Description
Introduction
What do diagrams show?
Diagram 1
What was there in 1950?
Diagram 2
What additional structures are there now?
Diagram 3
What new structures are planned?
Conclusion
What final observation summarize the data?
TEST 5
TASK 1
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A large wharf.. Now supporting a ferry service. A caf and shop are
catering for the daily. of the community.
There are plans for Bright Sea to experience further. The hotel is to be
extended and a sailing club. Alongside the hotel, to the south. A ferry
wharf will be added with a telecommunications antenna and. Shop
replaced by a supermarket and In the northern part of Bright sea, a
restaurant and will be built to supersede the caf.
In. the coast of Bright sea has changed from. A fishing community in
1950 and is expected to become a more significant ferry terminal. The
lighthouse will have been the only constant
BUILD YOUR LAGUAGE SKILLS
PREPOSITION
Write the appropriate preposition for each sentence from the sample answer.
1950 the coastal zone of Brightsea was undeveloped..Further north,
there was a jetty..fishing boatsand a sailing club built alongside the
hotel..the south.
A second ferry wharf will be added.. a telecommunications antennathe
northern part of Brightsea, a restaurant and apartments will be
built.summary, the coast of Brightsea has changed from being
PASSIV
Complete the passive verb forms from the sample answer using
the verbs in brackets()
it can . (see).
roads have .. .. (construct)
The hotel is to . (extend)
A second, ferry wharf will be . (add)
and the shop .. by a supermarket and
SYNONY
area ..
undergo
at present .. important .
day to day.
unchanged
requirements..
ANSWERS: 1 In/ for/ to/ with/ In/ In
2 be seen/ been constructed/be extended/added/replaced/
3zone/currently/daily/needs/experience/
significant/constant.
SAMPLE ANSWER
The diagrams of the coastal area of Brightsea illustrate its development from
a fishing community in 1950 to a ferry terminal, with plans for future
development.
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In 1950 the coastal zone of Brightsea was undeveloped with just a lighthouse
and lighthouse keepers house. There was a jetty for fishing boats, and a few
cottages.
Currently, it can be seen that certain developments have taken place. For
example, roads have been constructed and there is an hotel near the
lighthouse. A large wharf will be added with a telecommunications antenna
and the shop replaced by a supermarket and car park. In the northern part of
Brightsea, a restaurant and apartments will be built to supersede the caf.
In summary, the coast of Brightsea has changed from being a fishing
community in 1950 and is expected to become a more significant ferry
terminal. The lighthouse will have been the only constant landmark.
Comments
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Conclusion
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ACADEMIC
Word groups
In the sample answer find 8 expressions connected to each of the following
topics:
(a) Health
(b)Finance
Whats the next word?
Match the word(s) on the left from the sample essay with one on the right
that follows it.
Straightforward
world
It is questionable
term
whether
The long
issue
Developed
possible
SAMPLE ANSWER
Almost daily there are reports of new advances in medicine. In the developed
world certainly, the prognosis for many medical problems is more optimistic
today than ten years ago and continues to improve. But these developments
in health care are very expensive, and it is questionable whether countries
can afford to continue to increase spending on health. Many believe that it
would be better to spend more preventing people from becoming unwell in
the first place, and reduce the amount spent on curing ill health.
As many modern diseases are a consequence of our lifestyles, one way of
making savings to the health budget would be to educate people about how
to prevent expensive health problems such as diabetes or heart disease.
Most medical doctors today do not have the time to (nor are they paid to)
teach patients how to make these changes to their lifestyle through diet or
exercise.
It is understandable that when people are sick they want the best medical
treatment possible, with access to the latest diagnostic equipment,
expensive MRI scanners, for example. If the problem is life threatening then
we demand complex operations such as open-heart surgery or organ
transplants. Such procedures usually require intensive nursing care and
lengthy periods of hospitalization, which are costly.
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Thus it can be seen that this is not a straightforward issue and depends to
some extent on ones situation. While the health dollar is limited, however,
it would seem rational to direct more resources towards the prevention of ill
health. In this way fewer people would become ill from theses preventable
lifestyle diseases. In the long term this should save the country money and
increase the well-being of the population.
Comments
Milli
ons
of
fish
ers
P
L
A
2. Norway
3. USA
4. China
5. Denmark
6. Canada
7. Taiwan
YOUR ANSWER
Analyze the task
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Think it through
Introduction
ACADEMIC
Description of table
How to signal transition to new topic/ paragraph and identify most significant
data?
What is the logical way to group remaining countries?
Conclusion
How to summarize this trend?
IELTS ON TRACK
Synonym
..
ACADEMIC
Dramatic
..
Remained unchanged
..
Contracting
..
Prominent
..
Summarize
..
..
Thailand
..
USA
South Korea
..
..
Norway
..
China
..
3 Prepositions
What preposition goes with each expression in the sample answer?
Dramatic increases..numbers...
Increasing..about 1.2 million
Returning..0.6 million
Turning . The table of exporters
eight , ninth and tenth spots.
.summarize
Answers: 1 indicate-show/ dramatic-spectacular/ remained unchangedstayed the same/ contracting-reducting/ prominent-significant/ summarise
conclude 2 Denmark- in fifth position, Thailand- the biggest, USA- the third
largest, South Korea- the lowest ranked, Norway- the second largest,China- in
fourth spot, 3 in/to/to/to/in/to
SAMPLE ANSWER
The bar chart and table present statistics about fishing between 1970 and
2000.
The data in the chart indicate that Asia was the region with the largest
numbers of fisher in 1970,1980 and 2000 at 9,13 and 24 million respectively.
No other region witnessed such dramatic increases in numbers. Africas
fishers numbered 1.3 million in 1970, and 2 million in both 1980 and 2000.
South America had steady numbers of fishers, 1.2 million throughout the
period. In North America there were 0.5 million fishers in 1970 increasing to
about 1.2 million in 1980, a number that remained unchanged in 2000.
Europe had the fewest fishers with 0.6 million in 1970 contracting to 0.3
million in 1980 and returning to 0.6 million in 2000.
Turning to the table of exporters for 2000, five of the ten, listed countries are
from the Asian region. Thailand was the worlds top exporter of fish, but
European and North American countries were also prominent. Norway and
Denmark took second and fifth places respectively, while the USA is the third
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ACADEMIC
largest exporter and Canada ranks sixth. China and Taiwan occupy fourth
and seventh places, while Russia, Indonesia and South Korea complete the
table in eighth, ninth and tenth spots.
To summarize, there are more fishers in Asia than in the rest of the world
combined.
Comments
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ACADEMIC
Paragraph topics
Conclusion
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ACADEMIC
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
Y/N
2. Synonyms
Which of the expressions in each group is not a synonym of the others?
Program
Unfortunate
Sedentary
Overweight
curriculum
class
unavoidable
inevitable
uncooperative
inactive
lazy
obese
fat
3. Scrambled phrases
Rewrite theses scrambled word groups from the sample answer:
Answers: 1 N/ N/ Y/ N/ Y/ Y/ N
2 class / unfortunate/ uncooperative/ lazy
3 see sample answer
SAMPLE ANSWER
It is true that there is increasing pressure on schools today to prepare their
students for work in the twenty-first century. As a result, physical education
is losing ground on the school curriculum to employment- related subjects
like business. While many see this shift as inevitable. I would argue that
physical education is a vital part of the school program and should be
maintained. Sport and PE add variety to the curriculum, broaden the
students experience and teach essential life skills.
Within the school day, students need physical activity to balance the long
hours spent sitting at desks. PE provides a break from the mental focus of
academic subjects. A good PE program should include a variety of sports plus
non-competitive activities like dance and aerobics so that students can
experience exercise as both challenging and fun.
There is a growing concern among parents and educators about obesity in
children. Many young people have a sedentary lifestyle that revolves around
TV, computers and being driven in cars. Physical education ensures that all
students get some form of regular exercise during the school day. In addition
they learn about the importance of liking after their bodies.
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ACADEMIC
UNIT 4 SPEAKING
WHATS AHEAD
IN THE SPEAKING UNIT
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The test takes from 11-14 minutes and has THREE parts.
PART 1
4-5 minutes
Your name and ID are checked and then you answer set
questions on 3 familiar topics.
In more detail..
The interviewer will introduce her/ himself and check your name, country and
ID (passport or student card). A cassette recorder will be switched on to
record your interview in case it needs to be checked. The test begins with
the interviewer asking set questions on three topics. There are about 4
questions per topic, which means an average of 25 seconds per question. Try
to say more than yes or no by extending your answers a little.
PART 2
3-4 minutes
You are given a topic, which you have to talk about for 1-2
minutes. You have 1 minute to plan your talk. The interviewer
asks 1 or 2 follow-up questions.
In more detail
The interviewer gives you a card with your topic on it. Be sure to read the 3
or 4 details on the card carefully and answer all of them in your talk. If you
take longer than two minutes, the interviewer will stop you, and then will ask
one or two questions to finish off this part. Just answer them briefly.
Part 3
4-5 minutes
You have a discussion with the interviewer about issues related
to the topic of the talk in Part 2.
In more detail
The questions in Part 3 are, more challenging but the interaction is more
natural. The interviewer will respond to what you say but is testing your
ability to use more complex language and express your ideas clearly and
appropriately. When the test comes to an end, the interviewer is not
permitted to discuss your performance or your score, so dont ask.
In other words.
Criteria
Fluency and coherence Can you speak without pausing or hesitating?
Can you use idiomatic expressions and develop your
ideas using good connecting language?
Vocabulary
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Pronunciation
Amiras tip:
While I was waiting outside the room, I had a snack and a drink to keep my
energy up.
I tried to relax by breathing slowly and doing some stretches. My interview
was a little late.
We had been told not to knock on the door so I just stayed nearby until I was
called into the room by the examiner.
Natalyas tip:
Im quite shy so I got my identification ready to show the assessor before the
test started and
when I gave it to her I made eye contact and smiled. She smiled back so I
felt more relaxed when I started to answer the
questions.
EXAMINERS' SUGGESTIONS
Here are some typical problems and questions that come up when students
prepare for the Speaking Test, along with suggestions for improvement.
What happen if?
... I don't understand a question.
... I don't understand even after the question has been repeated.
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ACADEMIC
Suggestion
Don't remain silent. Ask the interviewer politely to repeat the question. It's
fine to say, 'Sorry?' or 'Pardon?' or 'Could you repeat the question, please?'
These are good speaking strategies.
You can just say Tm sorry, I still don't understand'. The interviewer will move
on to another question.
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ACADEMIC
Hiroshi's tip: 'My problem was that I spoke slowly and had too many pauses.
So, to practice, I recorded my answer to one question again and again until I
could do it without pausing. I also practiced several times with a clock, trying
to give the same answer in fewer seconds. It worked. I got a 7 for Speaking!
FASTRACK SPEAKING
INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEST PRACTICE
There are
TWO
Speaking
sample
Tests
Next...
Go back to the interview questions for Test 1.
Record your answers.
If possible, get a friend to ask you the questions and record the whole
interview.
Read the Quick Guide pages 205-208 for detailed guidance on how to
improve your score in the Speaking test.
Set questions
Topic 1: FAMILY
Do you come from a large or a small family? Do all your family live in the
same town or city? How often do you see your brothers and sisters? (or your
family?) Do you have a lot in common with them?
SHORT TALK
Topic 2: FRIENDS
Do you have lots of friends or just a few special friends? Can you say
something about one or two of them? What kinds of things do you and your
friends like to do together? Are you a person who enjoys spending time
alone?
TOPIC CARD
Describe a favorite shop or store. You should say: where it is and what it
looks like what it sells what you like to buy there and say why you like the
shop so much.
Topic 3: TRAVEL
Which other countries have you visited? Which other countries are you
interested in visiting? Why? What are some of the things you don't like about
travelling?
SPEAKING TEST 1:
Zsuzso immigrated to
Australia from
ZSUZSO
Listening Activities
disabled children.
PART 1
Topic 1: FAMILY
..
..
..
..
..
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F
T/F
Here is Zsuzsos topic card. Imagine you are being interviewed. Write your
notes for each part of the topic during the 1-minute planning time on CD 1.
TOPIC CARD
Your notes
Describe a favorite shop or store.
You should say:
Where it is and what it looks like ________________
What it sells
________________
What you like to buy there
________________
And say why you like the shop so much
________________
Listen to Zsuzoss talk. Match her vocabulary with the appropriate meaning.
Vocabulary
Meaning
Shopaholic
OR
Treasure hunt
OR
Elegant
good value
Browse
Touches my heart
Transform
OR
attractive
OR
OR
She thinks shopping has become a __________ activity for young people.
p.188
Underline theFiller languageZsuzso uses in(A)while she is thinking about what to say. Then
complete the shorter version (B)which makes her expression more direct.
So it wasnt a luxury to sort of shop every day it was a necessary sort of making choices I
suppose was very hard but we had to.
So it wasnt a _______________ to shop every day. It was ______________ to make choices. It was
____________ but we had to do it.
Topic 1: FAMILY
Do you come from a large or a small family? Do all your family live in
the same town or city? How often do you see your brothers and
sisters? (Or your family?) Do you have a lot in common with them?
Topic 2: WEEKENDS
Are your weekends generally busy or relaxed? What kind of things do
you usually do at the weekend? What would you like to do in your time
off if you could choose? Do you ever go away on your days off?
Topic 3: EXERCISE
What kind of outdoor activities or exercise do you like? Are there any
sports you dont like? Why? Do you think its important to keep fit?
What are the best ways to keep fit?
TOPIC CARD
p. 190
SPEAKING TEST 2:
WEN
on study
banking. And is working
Listening Activities
First, read through the activities for Part 1 of the interview.
Then listen and complete each task. Do the same for parts
2 and 3. Finally, check your answers in the transcript.
(Pp.223-224)
________________
Topic 2: WEEKENDS
Complete the missing information.
Wens activities:
1__________________________
______________
2__________________________
3__________________________
What he would like to do_______________ because ____________________
What he does on days of
p.191
2.
by an assessor (e.g. in Part 1, talking about his siblings, we are quite different
because one of my brothers is businessman).
Wens pronunciations is reasonably effective but weaknesses like final consonant
sounds cause problems for the listener (e.g. Hull). His stress and intonation are
serviceable, though affected by his first language.
Grammar is Wens greatest weakness. Regular inaccuracy with articles and tenses
reduces speaking effectiveness and causes strain for the listener. Also, he lacks range
and flexibility of expression.
Wens vocabulary is interesting. He can use complex expressions (e.g. culture shock,
dynasty, evaluate) but sometimes struggles to find the right form of a word (e.g.
makes me health for healthy).
I think Wen has demonstrated a level of performance that is somewhat typical of
students from that regions. His skills at listening, reading and writing have been strong
enough to compensate for a slight weakness in speaking. Given more time on his postgraduate studies, his spoken English should develop further.
P. 194
TOPIC CARD
SOMETHING YOU MADE OR CREATED
Talk about something you have made or created.
You should say:
What is was
Why you decided to make it
What steps you took to complete it and say how you felt about making it.
TOPIC CARD
A MARKET YOU LIKE
Describe a market that you like.
You should say:
Where it is and when its open
What sort of things are sold in the market
What you like to look at and do there
And say why that market is important in the town or city.
p.196
Will markets be replaced more and more by huge shopping malls and big supermarkets?
Are markets good for preserving community spirit?
Is the trend towards huge supermarkets a bad thing for smaller towns and cities?
Are people too concerned about buying and not concerned enough about caring?
Is shopping becoming a disease?
TOPIC CARD
A FAVORITE BOOK FROM CHILDHOOD
Talk about a book that you liked when you were a child.
You should say:
What is it and who wrote it
What it is about
When you are it
And say why you remember that particular book.
KEEP PRACTISING
Find topics from newspapers.
Check EFL online discussion groups.
Make up 1-2 minute impromptu talks and record them.
QUICK GUIDE
TO A HIGHER IELTS SCORE
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Increasing numbers of IELTS candidates are taking the IELTS test for the second, third, fourth or
even tenth time! They need a higher score but dont achieve it.
It is vital to create a many-sided role for yourself that involves becoming a professional test
manager, not a frustrated and powerless test victim.
To manage your test performance efectively:
Analyze your unique profile-your strengths and weaknesses in each subtest (e.g. time
management, certain task types, relating to the interviewer).
Switch roles flexibly to maximize your performance-time keeper, planner, editor, answer
decision maker, emergency officer, public relations manager, and psychologist.
Look for opportunities to demonstrate your full language ability-for example, in the areas of
speaking and writing (self-empowerment).
You are given some time (15 to 20 seconds) to look at each group of around 4 or 5 questions before
listening to each corresponding part of the recording. Use this time well.
TIP 1
TIP 2
TIP 3
TIP 4
Be clear about categories and headings
in any table, map or diagram. If it is a
map, check where you are located at the
start, before the recording tells you where to
move to.
TIP 5
TIP 6
Note any answers that look completely
unlikely choices, before listening, if the
task is a multiple choice type task, or a
task type with a list, for example.
TIP 2
Dont get left behind.
This is a golden rule of the IELTS Listening test.
Keep up with the recording! How can you stop
yourself from getting left behind?
-Focus on what the questions require.
Practice before the test so that you get used to
linking what you hear on the recording to
typical task completions, and then you will
become more and more confident to let some
words pass by without getting anxious.
-Find the rhythm of the IELTS Listening
test. After on questions key information or
word has been heard, there is usually some
time before the next questions key input, so
you know that words needed for two or three
consecutive answers often occur after time
gaps.
-Dont leave an answer empty. Instead,
leave a holding answer on the question
paper and mark the question for more
attention later, then come back to it.
BUILD FITNESS For the reading testa weekly program for busy test takers:
Days 1, 2, 3 Choose one different passage from a full practice IELTS Academic test each day for three
days.
-
Answer all the questions and check the time it took each day (max. 20 minutes).
Then check the answers each day and work out why incorrect answer was wrong.
Day 4 On day 4 repeat the process using the same text from Day 1 but this time complete your
answers in 5 minutes less time that the first time. This repeat practice helps you to get the feeling of
doing a test section faster and more easilythis will motivate you and increase your confidence to
manage & complete things under time pressure.
Day 5, 6
Day 7 Do the whole Reading test, 60 minutes maximumusing passages 1,2 and 3 of the academic
test that you used on days 1-6.
The following week-Start a new sequence of practice with new test material and gradually remove
the repeat element until finally you do a previously unseen, complete reading test in 60 minutes with
no break. Practice and understand all the major reading task types. Test practice books like this
one will include examples of most of these. Work out how each task type functions, what each task
type demands and its difficult aspects. Take control and manage your IELTS fitness training.
Examples: Similarly;Conversely;an
exception to this trend isThis pattern
changed from
Longer
More grammatically complex.
More detailed and therefore more
precise
Written using cautious language
forms (e.g.
may,possibly,perhaps,seem)
2. Avoid using idioms or sayings which
state the obvious or seem out of place
in an essay where a formal viewpoint is
being systematically developed.
Examples: Every coin has two sides.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
3. Avoid using clichs, as they can
communicate too much informality.
Example: With most pets, what you
see is what you get.
4. Avoid using informal expressions
in this formal type of writing.
Examples:
Less formal
more formal
Keeping pets is a very Keeping pets is
a
Hot topic
significant issue
Petrol-driven cars
fast
Past their sell by date
becoming obsolete
.are
5.
The main social task in the IELTS speaking test is to bring both the assessor and
candidate closer together, in a sense of cooperative connection. This means
that each helps the other to make the situation friendly and mutually successful.
Music: The assessor will feel comfortable, the more your spoken English echoes
the music of the language that native speakers are used to hearing, which
means:
Appropriate rises and falls in your voice,
Good stress on the right sounds
Not too fast, not too slow
Appropriate pausing
Very little hesitation or self-correction
Neither too loud nor too soft
Good rhythm and flow of sound
Clear and accurate, individual sounds
Good grouping of chunks of meaning.
Natural pauses are fine, but long silences cause strain for the assessor, and
break flow and connection.
It is a sign of either: trouble finding the right word, or trouble trying to
understand what is required, or trouble trying to explain something
successfully.
In Western cultures, silence is often experienced as more threatening than it
is in some other cultures.
Silence takes up a lot of time and puts pressure on the assessor to fit the
many questions into a small amount of remaining time, especially in part 1 of
the test.
In the speaking test, you cant get a good score for what you dont say! BUT
variety is more rewarded than monotony or repetition. Quality beats
Quantity!
How to connect with the assessor at each stage of the Speaking Test
1) Connecting during the introduction
When the assessor invites you into the room, its useful to put your passport
or test ID on the table so that it is ready.
Dont try to say much while getting seated, just smile and look pleasant
and respond to anything the assessor asks or says (Sometimes test
candidates try to chat to the assessor by saying things like, How are you
today? at this point but really the assessor just wants to get on with the
interview efficiently).
The assessor isnt a police officer, so say your name in a friendly way. If
your name is really difficult for assessors to identify or repeat properly, give
them a short or simple first name to call you during the interview.
While seated, look interested and connected, not nervous or tired. Make
friendly eye contact, smile and be polite when asked for your passport or
other ID.
2) Connecting in PART 1 of the Speaking test
Keep in step and keep in time with the first 12 questions (3 topics)
On average about 15 seconds is an appropriate length for each of your answers in
order to keep in step with the rhythm of this section.
-
If you take a long time answering (either because of hesitation or going into
too much detail) then the assessor feels pressure because there is not
enough time to ask all the other questions.
Similarly, if your answers are too short, the assessor will get to the end of the
questions before the minimum time is up for the 3 topics (4 minutes).
So, keep in step with the time boundaries and make the assessor more
comfortable.
Dont use memorized answers or memorized material at any stage. Why
not?
It is very easy for the assessor to recognize memorized answers and they:
-
Sorry, I didnt quite catch that. Could you repeat the question, please?
If you still dont understand the question after it is read to you again, just say:
Im sorry but I still dont quite follow the question.
Try to extend your answers a little to use the 15 seconds or so.
Why? This makes you seem more interesting, friendlier, and less robotic.
Example:
Assessors question: Were you a good student at school?
Answer A: Yes I was a good student at school. (too brief, repeats question words)
Answer B:Most of the time I was, yes especially at primary school . But at high
school I had a period when I was a bit rebellious and occasionally I got into
trouble for not doing my homework and arriving late.
If you want to start before the one minute has finished just politely
say,
I think Im ready to start now, if thats OK
During your talk, talk about each of the points on the topic cardmany
talks lack structure and are disorganized; the candidate ends up trying to fill
the time and is often repetitive or goes off the point. Plan systematically to
avoid this. Being systematic connects with the assessors expectations.
Make your talk fluent, personal and varied
Your talk is a chance for connection, not just for using English. Connection is
improved by adding variety and personal comment. Use your voices music
to add interest and for extra connection with the assessor.
Use eye contact to connect with the assessor
The little talk is great opportunity to connect with your eyes and to build the
relationship with the assessor. Dont stare at your notesit seems a bit rude
or shy.
Signal to the assessor if you finish before the two minute period ends,
with a simple phrase like, I think thats all. Dont let silence create doubt.
The assessor will ask a rounding of question connected to your talk,
just answer this fairly briefly as the assessor will want to move into the
final part of the interview. Dont go on for too long or the assessor may get a
little impatient.
It can be useful and adds variety to give examples from your own life
occasionally if that makes it easier for you to communicate your
viewpoint.
Example: Ill give you an example from my own experience. One of my close
friends and his partner are not married and have never had a wedding, and
because of this, I dont think they feel as connected to their family.
Dont be either too formal or too informal during this part of the
interview. You should be a little more relaxed now because you know the
assessor just a little better. Its the part of the test in which you can be a little
friendlier and allow your fluency and intonation to communicate this. Avoid
ling silence or long hesitations.
Build precision into your explanation of words or ideas. How?
- Put some variety into your choice of sentence types and vocabulary use.
- Avoid repetition as this rarely adds anything new and doesnt build variety
- Build precision by using expressions which enable you to paraphrase and
extend an idea or viewpoint.
Example: Im a bit anti-weddings. By this I suppose I mean that Ive seen many of
my friends marriages fail so Im a little pessimistic about expensive, showy
ceremonies and what they seem to represent. In other words, today there seems to
be too much emphasis on display and perhaps not enough attention to deep
meaning.
Examples:
i)
ii)
that sort of thing; and things like that: (These are used at the end of
spoken sentences, very occasionally)
Shes some sort of..; Im not sure exactly, but I think hes.; I have a
feeling that its something to do with; (These are used at the front end of
sentences, perhaps a little more often)
If your assessor ofers a comment, respond to it naturally - this
increase the sense of mutual connection. Heres an example :
Assessor: It sounds as though the idea of marriage is changing in your
society.
Candidate:Does it? Maybe youre right. I think its definitely true that
marriage seems more risky these days, as in many societies people appear to
be more selfish, more independent and perhaps less respectful of traditional
commitment
When the interview ends, just thank the assessor and say goodbye
politely and briefly. Dont be too polite the interviewer may sense
that you are trying to leave a favourable impression and are being false. So,
be polite, but genuine.
Be brief- assessors are busy, and under pressure to complete their
candidate list.
Dont ask questions about your performance after the interview has
finished. The assessor cannot discuss this and will not be impressed by your
question, but embarrassed, as it seems inappropriate. It may damage the
cooperative connection you have built up in the previous 11-14 minutes.
APPENDIX
LISTENING
Each question answered correctly score 1 mark.
Note: Slash / indicate alternative answers. Brackets () indicate optional details
TEST 1
Section 1
1. B
2. C
3. C
4. C
5. A
6. Advertise
7. Donate
8. (a) quote
9. Charity
10.Sell
TEST 2Section 1
1.
Johnstone
2.
126
3.
0414 847 749
4.
(about) 10
5.
(Uncles) shop (work)
6.
C
7.
B
8.
C
9.
A
10. E
11. C
Holds over 55 people, and our highly qualified and trained staff can advise you as
to which class might suit you. We are inviting you to a free one week trial period
when you can come and try any of the classes or activities before you make the
decision to join. By the way there is also a large and very well equipped gym, where
we offer free fitness assessments and you can have an individual program designed
just for you. Also cardio vascular room has the latest range of machines which help
you burn fat, increase your fitness or just warm up. Theyre very popular as you can
forget all about the calorie burning by watching your favorite music videos on TV
while you exercise! Right now we have a very special new member joining fee offer,
which allows two memberships for the price of one, a real bargain! So if you can,
bring along a friend whod like to get fit as well, in time for summer. Come along
and try us out. You can meet the staff, try out some of the classes for a week,
absolutely free, and then if you like us sign up for only $110 each for six months.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about the Centre and I hope well see you there
soon. Heidi. Ill put one of our brochures in the mail for you right now. Bye for now
SECTION 3
Two business studies students, Evelyn and Mark, preparing for a seminar
presentation
E Well I think the marketing of food would be a good topic. I read a very interesting
article other day about the Canadian food
market.
M Mm I suppose everybodys interested in food, even if its trying NOT to eat. Why
Canada? I know thats where you come from, but isnt just all North America really?
E No, thats why I thought this article was interesting. Although lots of US
companies are well established in Canada, and vice versa, there are still subtle
differences between the two markets, It says here the Canadian market is definitely
not a northern clone of the US I like that. And it says that if you understand these
differences, it can have a big impact on successful food marketing.
M So I know that Canada has a big French-speaking population in Quebec, is this
what theyre referring to?
E Not only French and English speakers, they are many different ethnic groups in
Canada. Its really quite multicultural. For example Toronto has large Asian and
Italian populations, and Vancouvers got a large Asian population too. And because
Canadas population is small, these groups make quite and impact, introducing new
styles of cooking,. So you can see lots of unfamiliar vegetables and things in the
markets and new restaurants are opening every day. Its great if you love trying out
new foods, as many people do!
Section 2
An Overseas Student Officer talking to some new students about arrangements for
an excursion to Ironbridge, in England.
Hello everyone, my name is Pamela Sutcliffe and most of you already know that Fro
the Overseas Student Officer here at Salopian Technical College. Next Tuesday, the
28th September, we have arranged an excursion for all new students, to the
important historical town of Ir<-' - We are hoping yoi'" -me because nly is thejustory
of Ironbaitge very importdiu ana interesting, but also an excursion like this is a
relaxed and fun way to get' ach other. Ironbridge is abontfiftv-five^itometres
froiB^we and we'll be travelling by the college bus which holds 40 people. If there
are more than that well bring a couple of staff cars as well, though 1 might ask you
to indicate on the list if you have a car and would be willing to take a couple of
passengers. The list Fm referring to is up there on the student notice board, and if
you would like to come on Tuesday would vou please add vnnr name as soon as
possible. Bv the way could vou please print your name clearly I tow some people
have wonderful ^nature? but often Fm afraid I Can't ffad them which cai\ caUSQ
pratto, Sp if we reed extra transport and vou could bring vour car, can you tick the
'car' column next to vour name? Could you also add vour student number and vour
telephone number, just in case there are any last minute changes and we have to
contact you. The other information I need to give you is about lunch. There's a very
nice little restaurant in Ironbridge, which gives a 15% discount to the college when
we bring groups. That means lunch is only about 4, and thev do good vegetarian
meals too, so ifs usually no problem for those of you on special diets. But if you
prefer to eat your own food that's fine too, either on the bus or in the park. But Td
encourage you to try the restaurant. Now talking of costs I should tell you that the
bus will only cost you 10, and if you bring your car well pay for the petrol, so you
get a free trip in return for driving there. Will you please sign up by Saturday at 6pm
at the latest, the list is closed after that We will depart at 9.30am sham on Tuesday
morning, so please make sure that vou arrive at least 15 minutes before so that you
can find a seat and get settled on the bus, (Pause) The college bus garage is behind
the engineering workshop. Ifs quite easy to find. If vow come hre to the Student
Union building, then walk east down the Avenue until vou get to the Childcare
centre pn your left, and then turn left and nalk PflSt the sports centre and the tennis
courts, which are both on your left-Cross over Central Square and opposite von is
the engineering workshop. Walk around to the back and youll see the bus. Please
wear comfortable shoes as well be walking around Ironbridge and be on our feet for
most of the day. Wear a warm jacket and vou might like to bring an umbrella and a
backpack to put them in if the weather's warn and sunny, which we hope it will be,
but of course we can't guarantee that! Certainly bring your cameras and any snacks
or drinks for the bus journey there and back, which should take about an hour and a
half each way. You should all check the notice board on Monday and well also put a
note in your mailbox to confirm arrangements, so don't forget to check it Now why
are we visiting Ironbridge? Well Ironbridge (as the name suggests) has got the
original iron bridge - that is the first ever iron bridge in the world! It was the
birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and for 40 years it led the world - as Britain
changed from an agricultural society into an industrial one. It's hard to imagine
today that this pretty, sleepy little tourist town was one of the most important
places in England for over a century. Just imagine, 209 years ago, people from all
over Europe and even North America came to Ironbridge to learn about what was
then the latest technology! Today it is listed as a World Heritage Site fcy the United
Nations, as they consider the unique collection of industrial monuments rank it
alongside the Grand Canvon. the Pyramids and the Great Barrier Reef. One place
that's fun to visit is Blist Hill, which is a reconstruction of a small Victorian industrial
town, where people are working and living as they did a hundred years ago. I hope
you'll enjoy the day - ifs been a very popular excursion in previous years, so Fm
looking foiward to going again next Tuesday. Now don't forget to put your name on
the list as soon as possible
Section 3
a group of students, Henry, Jo, Nancy and Gordon, discussing changes to their work
experience placement arrangements.
H Yes, and we should also include what we did each week, the different
departments of the company or positions that we observed, and try to relate what
we saw to our studies so far. He gave examples like management style, accounting
systems, information technology, and so on.
G You were right. It sounds like lots of work!
Section 4
A talk from a member of the Conservation Society about 'green cleaning'
Good morning everyone. Ifs a pleasure to be here as a representative of the
Conservation Society, to talk to you about "Green Cleaning", in other words about
ways you can help to save the environment at the same time as savin? money. Fll
start with saving money - as we're all interested in that, especially students who are
living on a tight budget. Probably none of you has sat down and calculated how
much you spend on cleaning products each year - everything from dishwashing
detergent, window cleaners and so on through to shampoos and conditioners for
your hair, and then those disasters - products to get stains out of carpets, or to
rescue burnt saucepans. I can see some nods of agreement, even if vou don't spend
a lot of time on housework you'd end up spending quite a lot of money over a
period of time, wouldn't you? We can save money on products and also use
products which are cheap, biodegradable and harmless to the environment - these I
will call 'green' products. Unfortunately most cleaning products on sale
commercially are none of these, and many of our waterways and oceans are
polluted with bleach, dioxins, phosphates and artificial colourings and perfumes.
Also, think how mapy plastic frptfe each household throws away over a year - thgyll
still be vmA in land-fill when you are grandparents: So we often feel there's nothing
we can do to make a difference, but we can. The actual 'recipes' are on handouts
you can take at the end of the talk: The sorts of ingredients I'm referring to are
things like bicarbonate of soda, eucalyptus oil, ammonia, vinegar, lemons, pure
soap. Lastly many people find they're allergic to modern Nothing in these recipes
should cause vou any problems, an end to itching and wheezino! (Pause) So lets
start with spills and stains. Soda water is wonderful as an immediate stain remover:
mop up the excess spilL don't rub but apply soda water immediately - its great for
tea, coffee, wire-beer and milk - as is salt or bicarbonate of soda, which will While
we are talking about disasters lets quickly look at some others that can be avoided.
Bicarbonate of soda is wonderful for removing smells, especially in the fridge - an
open box in the fridge will eliminate smells for up to three months. And those
terrible burnt saucepans? Either sprinkle with OUT good friend hicaib again, and
leave it to stand, or cover with vinegar and a laver of cool. Much cheaper than a
new saucepan! Then there are heat rings on wooden furniture. Simply nib with a
mixture of salt and olive oil, or for scratched furniture use olive oil and vinegar. Now
lets look at general cleaning - first the floors. If your floor covering is made of slate,
cork or ceramic tiles or lino it probably only needs a mop or a scrub with vinegar in
a bucket of water. Carpets can be shampooed using a combination of pure soap,
washing soda, cloudy ammonia and some boiling water. You put a small amount of
this mixture onto the mark on the carpet, rub with a cloth until it lathers and then
wipe off the excess. A smelly carpet can be deodorized by sprinkling bicarbonate of
soda on the surface, leaving overnight and vacuuming off the next day. Cleaning in
the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, is the next section
LISTENING- TEST 3
Section 1
A conversation between two students about buying a used car
E Hello.
J Hello. Can I speak to Elena please.
E This is Elena speaking. 3 Hi. My name is Jan. I'm calling about the car that was
advertised on the notice board in the student union building. Is it still for sale?
E Yes it is.
J Your ad says it's a 1985 Celica, in good condition.
E It's old but it has been well looked after. My family has had the car for ten years.
I'm just the third owner and my mother had it before me, so we know its history.
We've got all the receipts and records. It's had regular maintenance and the brakes
were done last year. It runs really well, but it looks its age.
J Why are you selling it, by the way?
E Well rm Qoinq overseas next month to study. HI be away for at lea.?* o I have to
sell it, u *ely. Its been a good
J You want S1500? Is tw right?
E I wasking 52000 but since l^teed to sell it quickly, reduced the price. Would you
like to come and take it drive? I don't live fai from the university.
J Yes I'd like to have a look. What time would suit you?
E Any time this evening is fine.
J Well I finish classes at 6 o'clock. How about straight after that? Sav 6:30?
E Great! Fll give you directions. When you leave the main gate of the university,
turn (eft on South Road arid keep going until you get to the Grand Cinema. Take the
first right. Thafs Princess St. I'm at number 88, on the right. 3
J So it's 80 Princess St.?
E it's 88 Princess St. and the suburb is Parkwood. 11 see the car parked in front.
It's the red one with the 'for ' sign on it
J Thanks, Hena. HI see you lata.
E Bye.
(Pause)
Later that day, at the university, Jan meets up with her friend, Sam and tells him
about the car.
J Hi Sam!
S Hi Jan! Whafs happening?
J I'm glad I ran into you. I've decided I have to get a car. S You're going to buy a car?
Do you really need one? I'd probably still be driving except that my car broke down
last year. Instead of getting another one, I just moved closer to the university and
went back to riding a bike - better for the environment, better for my health and I
save a lot of money.
J Did it really cost that much?
S Well when you think of registration, insurance, rising petrol costs, parking, plus
maintenance and repairs, it adds up.
JI know it's going to be expensive but I really need my own transportation. It takes a
half an hour by bus each way to university as it is. But now I'm There's no way 1
want to hang at night then walk 3 blocks home alone.
S Hey, I think you've got a point there. So what kind of car are you looking at?
J Ifs an 85 Celica, same Jrind as I used to have. The owner's asking $1500.
S Thafs pretty old. How many kilometres has it done?
J You know, I forgot to ask. HI have to check tonight when I go to see it. Would you
be able to come with me to have a look? At about 6:30?
S Sure Til come, but I don't know a lot about cars. I do know one thing, though. I
wouldn't buy an old car without having a mechanic look at it first.
J Thafs a good idea but won't it cost a lot?
S Not really. You can get a check done through the Automobile Association for $80
and it comes with a report on the condition of the car. It can save you a lot of money
in the bng run.
J Ill keep that in mind. So we have to get to Parkwood at 6:30. Do you want to take
the bus? It goes straight down South Road every fifteen minutes. Or maybe we
could walk. I don't think ifs that far.
S Actually I could borrow my room mate's motorbike for an hour or so. He's
working all evening in the library.
J Do you think he'd mind?
S No way. He owes me a favour or two.
J OK. Great! See you at six, outside the Student Centre.
SECTION 2
Hello everyone. Glad to see so many happy faces on this wild and windy day. Are
you all ready to go looking for whales? I'm Tony and our other guide today is Dale.
We'll be using these two rubber boats you see here and our trip today will take 3
hours. In a few minutes, well be heading into part of the largest temperate
rainforest of the Pacific Northwest, fll show you our route on the map here. This is
where we are now. Well be leaving the sheltered bay and heading out across the
mouth of the bay toward the open water. As you know, last night there were strong
winds in the area so we can't go out into the ocean as we had planned. Near the
mouth, the water will be quite rough, That's where we are most likely to spot orcas
or killer whales as they are also called. After crossing the where vou took for ipw
whate. Then we will continue up this narrow inlet dose to the shore. You will have a
great view of giant fir and cedar trees that have never been logged- Here is the
place to watch for wildlife. You are likely to see bears along the shore and eagles in
the sky overhead. Right at the back of the inlet, here, are the hot springs where we
will be stopping for an hour. You can have a soothing soak in bubbling hot water
before the return trip. Ill tell you a little bit about the whales now because with the
noise of the wind and the engine you won't be able to hear much out there. As we
head out in the boat, we will probably see dolphins first They are a grey colour and
quite small -1-2 metres long. They will swim right beside the boat, racing along and
sometime jumping out of the water just ahead of us. They swim very fast, and thev
are playful and curious. They're really fun to watch. The next ones we'll see are
orcas or killer whales, which are actually members of the dolphin family. They are 78 metres long, very fast and they have sharp teeth. Some stay in these waters all
year round. We identify them by the distinctive hlarlr and white colour. They feed
mainly on salmon in these waters, but the orca diet can include seabirds, seals,
dolphins and other mammals. They can be fierce hunters and this is why they are
called "killer whales'. We should start watching for them as soon as we get out
towards open water. We're likely to spot the orcas from a considerable distance.
Watch for the black and white marking and mist spouting from the blow holes on
top of their heads. Just outside the inlet is where we will probably see grey whales.
The greys are migratory. They pass through here twice a year, moving from far in
the north where they feed, to the warm southern waters where they breed. You're
very lucky today because several have been reported in the area. Unlike the orcas,
greys are solitary, except when you see a mother with a calf. The grey whales are
much longer and heavier than the orcas -14 metres long and weighing up to 30
tonnes. The grey whales are filter feeders, gathering tiny ghost shrimp from the
sand at the bottom. We recognize greys from their tail fins, because each one is
different. Once we find the whales, well come up as close as we can safely. We are
allowed to approach the whales no closer than 50 meters but that feels pretty close
when you are in the presence of animals this big. Youll see mist coming out of the
blowholes when they breathe out and youll hear a loud hiss. If we are downwind, we
might even be able to smell them - a strong fishy smell (Pause) Now for just a few
words of caution. It will quite bouncy out there, especially in the front of the boat. If
you want a smoother ride, stay in the middle of the boat, close to the engine. Hold
onto the ropes and keep an eye on any big waves. Be alert so you don't get thrown
out of the boat. In case of an emergency, you are all wearing survival suits. They'll
keep you warm and dry in or out of the water. They are bright orange for visibility.
The water temperature is around 8 degrees. Without these suits you would only last
a few minutes in this cold water. With these suits your survival time is increased
dramatically. They will keep you upright in the water even if you can't swim. But we
don't expect anybody to end up in the water so don't worry.
Now, are there any questions?
S
I'm afraid of getting seasick.
Right I was just coming to that. If you think yeu might get seasick, take one of these
patches and put it on vour aim, at the wrist, like this. It works on pressure points of
the body and will relieve seasickness without the drowsiness you can get from pills.
Are there any other questions? Alright then,Jtf start loading up the boats. We leave
in 5 minutes.
Section 3
A student. Penny, talking to two friends. Pay and Louise, about a television
competition Ray has entered, called Travel Documentary'
P Hi. Haven't seen you two in ages. What have you been up to?
L Hi Penny. Ray is really excited. He has just been shortlisted for Travel
Documentary'. He could be off travelling around the world for 3 months.
P Travel Documentary'. Whafs that?
L You've never heard of it? Don't you watch TV?
R Well actually no, hardly ever. Especially since I've started working on my thesis.
1 don't have time to breathe, let alone watch TV. So whafs this all about, Ray?
R Well actually its a competition run by Public TV. It involves my two great loves,
travel and film making.
P Is it that program where people are sent around the world making documentary
videos? I have heard of it. Fantastic! So you've been chosen?
R Not yet. I'm one of 34 selected for an interview next week so I've made it
through the first cut
L Yeah, there were over 200 applicants from around the country. Pretty amazing
heh?
R Well, I've been lucky so tar.
P What is the next stage?
R Thirteen are chosen from the interview to do a 4 week training course in
documentary film-making. Then, the 8 finalists get sent off with a video camera to
travel around the world.
P Sounds incredible. Whafs the catch?
R The catch is that every 2 weeks you have to send in a minute video from a
different part of the world. Ifs broadcast on TV along with the work of three of the
other competitors and judged by a panel of experts and the TV audience. So you're
under a lot of pressure.
P Wow, I guess so. You mean, you're on television every two weeks?
R Yep thafs tight But first I have to be selected.
L Do you have to have arty film-making experience to apply?
R Some background in photography or video-making helps but ou're not supposed
to be an expert In fact you can't apply you have already worked in film-making. We
all get the same 4 week course so we start with the same skills.
P Can you go anywhere in the world you want?
R Each competitor makes up his or her own travel plans and has to get them
approved.
(Pause)
L Have you talked with anyone else who has done it?
R As a matter of fact just last week I met Sarah Price, a girl from here who did it
last year.
L What did she have to say about it?
R She said it was the most amazing experience of her life but it was really tough at
times.
L I think you'd have to be really brave to take off like that alone with so much
responsibility. Ifs not like going on a holiday, is it?
R No. Two weeks in a country, often where yoa can't speak the language to find a
story, film it, organise all the editing. Then you're off to a completely different part
of the world to start all over again. Pretty exhausting, but exciting too!
P What a way to see the world! I What about Sarah Price? Did she have any bad
experiences?
R She said the worst part was when she fever in Mongolia and thought she might
have to be sent home. Fortunately it got better but she said it was scary to feel
really ill when you're alone so for away.
P So what made you want to apply?
R When I saw the program on TV a while ago, I thought, this is for me. I've always
wanted to travel but needed to work for a year before I could even think about it.
Then, a new series started up. I thought now's my chance.
L Don't you think youH be lonely?
R I don't think ITl have time to be homesick. I'm more worried about having too
much to do and not enough time to get things organised.
P So we might be watching you on television in the next few months.
R I hope so. If Tm lucky!
L When will you know for sure?
R They choose the final eight in March. A month later vou'ie on your way.
L So do you have to pay anything?
R Nothing. It's all paid for - course, camera, flights, accommodation and in-country
travel. The budget is pretty tight though. No extras.
P I sure hope you get it. Then ITl be finding time to watch at least one program on
television every week.
Section 4
A talk given by Kate Tomlin on the history of technology, Our talk today in this
history of technology series is about a feat of anti-engineering from the late 19th
and early 20th century that is still very much with us today and that is linked with
the history of the typewriter. It's the QWERTY keyboard. What, you might ask is
QWERTY? Well, have a look at the nearest typewriter or computer keyboard. If you
look at the top row, vou will see that QWERTY are the first 6 letters. Did you ever
think, when you were learning to type, about why the letters on the keyboard are
distributed the way thev are? re's the storyJUUh, io with the histor Typewrite1"
-nsted since the early l7'"v- but the first commerciaUy piacfoal system came into
1873. The typewriter is one of America's greatest unsung inventions. While the
telephone, automobile and airplane sped up communications and transportation,
the typewriter did the same thing for the written word. But few people paid much
attention, possibly because they were too busy reading what the typewriter had
written about all the other inventions. The first typewriters had the keys laid out in
alphabetical order, but this system had problems. Some keys that tended to be
typed together were physically close. This made the typebars hit each other and get
stuck, typewriters in 1873 jammed or got stuck if the keys next to each other were
hit in quick succession. To solve this problem, in 1878, the QWERTY keyboard was
developed, spacing frequent letters away from each other, and Jt was not
specifically designed to slow down typists, as is generally believed, but the
keyboard did create a built-in inefficiency for typists. The most common keys are
scattered all over the keyboard rows, many on the left side. Right-handed
people have to use their left hand, which is the weaker hand. Typewriter technology
improved, doing away with the original rationale for the QWERTY distribution, but
the keyboard remained. In spite of its inefficiency, it is the keyboard we all use
today. (Pause) Already, back in 1932, there was a solution to the problem. Efficiency
expert August Dvorak came up with a new keyboard layout. His home row consisted
of AOEUIDHTNS- which includes all of the vowels as well as the most commonly
used letters. On this keyboard, over three thousand words can be typed using only
the home row. In fact, 70% of all the work can be done on the home row, 22% on
the row above, and 8% on the row below. The QWERTY keyboard allows only about
fifty words to be typed without reaching for other rows. In addition, on Dvorak's
keyboard, the right band handles 56% of the work load and the left handles 44%,
just about the opposite of the division on the QWERTY keyboard. This is an
advantage for most right banders. The Dvorak keyboard, increased accuracy in
typing by almost 50 percent and speed by 15 percent to 20 percent. How much
labour did this Dvorak layout save? In one study, a group of typists was evaluated in
the use of both keyboards. Those using the Dvorak keyboard moved their fingers
just about one mile on an average day, while those who used the QWERTY keyboard
moved their fingers an average of twelve to twenty mite?! The superiority of the
Dvorak keyboard was clearly established. However, it has never been adopted as
the keyboard of choice. Why? First or all, bad luck and bad timing on the part of the
Dvorak team. First there was the Depression, not a good time for introducing
change. But the main factor that worked against the Dvorak system was habit
People were used to the QWERTY keyboard. Computers today could easily switch
the arrangement of letters to the Dvorak layout, but it seems that because of habit,
the QWERTY layout remains dominant. People felt comfortable with the keyboard
they learned on so it was the established patterns of hundreds of millions of typists,
manufacturers, typing teachers and typewriter salespeople that have crushed all
moves toward keyboard efficiency for over 70 years. It looks like QWERTY keyboard
may be with us for a long time yet.
LISTENING TEST 4
Section 1
A comersation m an international airport between a newly student, Jenny Lee, and
an agent at the lost luggage counter
A Ok, who's next, please?
J I think I am.
A How can I help you?
J I just came in on flight 372 from Singapore at 11:30 and my luggage hasn't
arrived, Tve been waiting at the baggage claim for about a half an hour now and
everything seems to have come off the plane. The conveyor belt has stopped and
all the passengers have gone. So I came here to find out what has happened to my
bag.
A Can I see your ticket please? . .
J Here it is.
A So you came from Honp Kong today and changed planes in Singapore, right?
J
Yes the connection in Singapore was a tight one. The plane got in late and I had
to rush to to next flight.
A Thafs the problem right there. There wasn't enough time to get your bags onto
the connecting flight Normally Singapore airport is very efficient. Now, I need you to
fill in these forms. Your name?
J Jenny Lee
A Address?
J I guess you want ray address here. I'm staying with relatives. Just a minute, IH
have to look it up. It looks like 583, no its 533 East 67th St. in Riverside.
A Do you have the phone number there?
J Yes I do. Ifs -Lini 93014269.
A So you came in on Qantas Flight 392. Do you know the number of the flight out
of Hong Kong?
J Let me see. I think it was Cathay Pacific 900 or something. Oh yes, it says here
CX912.
(Pause)
A Right. Now, I need a description of the luggage. How many pieces did you check
in?
J Just one.
A Can you describe it for me? Here is a picture to help you.
J OK. It's a big bag like this one. Rectangular - not hard shell but soft covered and
it has a zipper around the front.
A Is it black?
J No, sort of a grey colour.
A Any identification?
J Just a tag with my name on it.
A Any other features?
J Well, it has wheels, and a retractable handle on the end so you can pull it, as well
as the handle in the middle.
A OK thafs fine. Now, if your bag missed the connection, Tm sure ifll be put on the
next flight. TU email Singapore as soon as I finish here. The next flight comes in at
17:50. thafs ten to six this evening. You can pick it up then.
J Ten to six. Thafs too long to wait. Can I get my uncle to pick up the bag on his
way home from work?
A Sony. You have to be here yourself to clear customs.
J Of course. I almost forgot. Will the bag come here, to this desk?
A Yes. You pick it up here, then take it over to the customs area. By the way, don't
forget to bring your passport. You will also need to have the key plus your ticket
vrith the baggage claim ~
Section 2
A recorded message about buying tickets from a booking agency
Thank you for calling ATS Advanced Ticketing System, the call system for all your
entertainment needs. Our automated telephone service is designed to answer your
questions quickly and easily. The ATS office in the Regency Theatre is open Monday
to Thursdays from lQam-5 pm and on Friday and Saturday till 8 pm. For online
bookings and detailed program Listings check ouj \ website at www.abtjx.com That's
spelled A-T-S-T-I-X. Please listen to the choices available. You may press vour choice
as" soon as you hear it to get more information. For sporting events including the
Weston International Tennis Classic, press 1. < For the Formula 1 Grand Prix, press
2. For classical music including the upcoming Philharmonic Orchestra series, press
3. For theatre and dance press 4. For other enquiries, please hold the line. (Pause)
Ticket prices for the Formula 3 Grand Prix on the 10th-14th March are asfollows:
General Admission
Thursday $27 Concession $10
Friday $37 Concession $15
Saturday $55 Concession $35
Sunday $70 Concession $65
Concession rates apply to children under 14 and to students, seniors and pensioners
on presentation of a valid card. Grandstand seating Four-day tickets covering the 6
main grandstands cost $299. However, Pit Straight tickets are $350 and seats at the
Chicane cost $450 each. Children under 3 are admitted free to the general
admission area and children under 14 are eligible for concession prices. Gates open
at Sam Thursday and Friday and 7:30 Saturday and Sunday. Events begin at 9:00.
Alcohol, ice boxes, cans, bottles and animals are not allowed on site. There are no
refunds or exchanges. On each ticket a $2.50 booking fee applies. To make a
booking you must have a valid credit card. To listen again press l. To make a booking
or to talk to a ticket agent, press 2. You call is in our queue. You can expect to wait
about 3 minutes.
Section 3
A discussion among three students, who are organising an international film festival
at their college
C Thanks for coming to this meeting on such short notice, Anna and Veronica. It
looks like we have just become the organising committee for this year's
international film festival. We've all just met so perhaps we should start by an
introduction with a bit of background from each of us.
A OK. Tm Anna. I finished three years of a Languages degree in Sweden, where I
come from. This year I decided to study overseas to get to know a different part of
the world. Tm also a big fan of European cinema, especially French and Italian.
Those are the languages I majored in along with English. To me, film is a great way
to learn about the rest of the world. I was in the film club at my university so when I
saw the notice asking for volunteers, I thought it would be a good way to meet
people and get involved in something I really enjoy.
V Thanks, Anna. My name is Veronica and I come from Italy. Fm doing graduate
studies in English Literature. I went to some of the films in the festival last year and
enjoyed them. I especially liked the video interviews. That was when I decided to
get involved. I used to do film reviews for our student newspaper back home
C Hi Tm Chris from Scotland and Tm in 4th year Journalism. Cinema is my hobby.
Last year I joined the organising committee, just like you have now, and somehow,
this year I've ended up in chaige. Tm actually able to use mv coordinating work on
the festival towards a credit for one of mv courses. I have to write up a report on the
festival with recommendations so that's an extra motivation for me. So I hope this is
going to be a good experience for us all. OK. Where would you like to start?
A How about a general overview of the festival? I don't really know much about it.
C Well, the film festival was started by International Students' Society five years ago
and has grown every year. It is held over 4 nights during study break. Wednesday to
Saturday. Normally we show 3 films a night. Last year we tried to choose films from
different parts of the world that fit together in some way. Maybe a similar theme. Or
we could feature a type of film like action films or science fiction.
(Pause)
A Who picks the films?
C It's UP to us. on the committee, to decide.
V You mean we get to pick all the films ourselves? What a hard decision! There are
so many to choose from.
C Well that's the fun part. We have this catalogue of independent distributors. The
films are listed by language and have a short summary. We just have to go through
it to find a good combination of films that will attract an audience.
A Veronica mentioned something about interviews. How does that fit in?
C We set up cameras in the foyer of the theatre and did Uve interviews before,
during intermission and after the screening. Anyone from the audience could come
up and talk about the film. The broadcasting and journalism school set it up and ran
the interviews. They were shown on big screens around the lobby and in the
theatre. It went over really well. We had a long line up of students waiting to be
interviewed on TV. Everybody wanted their minute of feme.
A Great idea!
C Yeah, it worked really well. We should certainly do something similar again.
V Maybe even develop the idea further. Like a website with audience reviews and
discussion so we can get as much participation and involvement as possible.
C Hey thafs 7^4 ideal
A Can I ? n, None of the fi "nalish, right? Are they dubbed or subtitled?
C r """-H, we do occasional^ * se. a film in Engb'sh but only from usualwhere Hfl
uialect i^o strong they sometimes need subtitles- tifcTthe Caribbean or even
Scotland! The majority of films in the festival are foreign language, dubbed in
English. We've learned from experience that students don't like reading subtitles.
Maybe they read too much already. Whatever the reason the subtitled films get
smaller audiences so we avoid them as much as possible. V So how large an
audience can we expect and how much does it cost to get in?
C It costs $5 per film or a $20 pass for the whole event * all 12 films for the real
movie fan. We would have broken even last year except for a bad storm on the
Friday night - we almost had to cancel the whole thing. But overall we had a good
turnout -more than 2000 people in 4 days.
V Thafs what I was wondering about - the financial part. Where does the funding
come ftom? What kind of budget do we have?
C The festival is subsidised by the student council. We generate money through
advertising and through admission charges. We'll go over the budget in detail a little
later. But we've got lots of work to do in the meantime.
A I guess we have to start pretty soon.
C Well, I think by the first of March at the latest, we need to select all the films. Then
we have to find some advertisers to sponsor the event - that shouldn't be too hard.
Well just start with last year's list. Our deadline for that should be the middle of
March. By the end of March we need to design the program. Then we can get
posters made up and distributed in ApriL
V Like you said, we need some clever promotion - something to generate interest
and get people talking. We have 4 months to get ready. It should be enough time.
C OK where do we start?
A Let's start by talking about films - since that is the best part - and see what we
come up with. What was the best film you saw last year?
Section 4
A talk given by a lecturer to a group of avil engineering students on the reed bed
system for sewage treatment
Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today about what is now called the reed
bed sewage treatment system. This system uses naturally occurring reeds to treat
domestic and industrial waste. Ifs an environmentally friendly alternative to normal
systems. You all know what reeds are like don't you? - those tall plants with hollow
stems that grow in wet places... like marshes, for example. Here's how the system
works. First of all, an artificial marsh is created. To do this, holes are dug about 1
metre deep and usually rectangular in shape. They are then lined with day or plastic
and the liner is covered with gravel. After that, a system of tubing is laid, with holes
in it and more gravel is added to cover that. Finally reeds are planted in the bed.
The sewage is brought to settling tanks. From there it is distributed to the roots of
the reeds through the tubing. Note that the waste material enters the beds
underground and remains underground. The reeds conduct oxygen very effidently
through their stems to the roots system. Here, bacteria work to reduce the waste
material to basic elements. What comes out of the artificial marsh is water that has
been cleaned through a| natural process. The purified water leaves the reed. a
simple outflow pipe. The water that comes out has to b tested. Sometimes it is he
in a pond until it evaporates or soaks into the gr Sometimes, after testing, the water
is discharged streams and rivers. (Pause) The reed bed system originated in
Germany in the 1970s and installations have been built in a number of countries
throughout the world. To give you an idea of the size and appearance of a reed bed
installation, an area of 3 by 5 metres approximately would be adequate for a single
house. It would look lite a pond overgrown with reeds. There are tities with 150,000
people in Germany whose entire sewage treatment requirements are served by reed
bed installations which extend for 10-20 hectares. There are two wonderful
environmental advantages. First of. reed bed systems are natural composters. As
time passes grade soil builds up in the beds. The soil can be removed used for
agricultural purposes. Soil produced from waste containing heavy metals would, of
course, have to be test the toxic material removed by chemical processes.
An additional advantage is that the reed bed can function exactly as a marsh,
providing a healthy natural home or habitat for waterfowl and other birds, insects,
reptiles and mammals. But there are practical advantages to a reed bed system
over existing sewage treatment plants as well At all levels the cost is lower than for
normal systems. Labour costs are a fraction of the costs of a conventional system.
Typically a large scale reed bed installation will cost 10% less than a mechanical
system. They require little maintenance and unlike mechanical systems, the
effidencv of reed beds increases over time. But before we go any further, you must
have some questions? Maybe this sounds too good to be true.
S1 Thafs exactly what I wanted to ask. If these systems have so many benefits,
why aren't they more popular? Why don't we see them everywhere?
L
As I said, the technology is now almost 40 years old. Demonstration projects of
all types have been built and monitored and are slowly convincing regulators of the
advantages of the system. But you have to understand that regulating authorities
are by nature conservative and resist change. Typically there is a lot of opposition to
these systems - by manufacturers, and by everyone involved in maintaining the
conventional systems. Feed bed systems require fewer staff to operate so there
would be a decline in the workforce. Therefore unions would resist the change as
welL
S2 What happens to reed beds in winter? Does the efficiency decrease?
L
The above ground part of the plants die back in cold weather but the roots
remain alive and active and the system continues to work just as effectively in
winter. As soon as the weather warms up new reeds appear and grow quickly.
S3 Is there a problem with mosquitoes in these ponds?
L
Well, they are not exactly ponds, with standing water. The beds look more like
a field, covered with long grass. The soil is moist but not like a swamp so there
would be no more mosquitoes than in any other field. Remember, the effluent
enters the beds underground and remains underground. Ok let's get into some of
the technical details now and III answer questions as they come up.
SPEAKING TEST 1 ZSUZSO
Introduction
I:
Hellp. Im Jessie, and your name is.?
W:
Zsuzso
Zsuzso. And you're from?
From Hungary.
Hungary. And ... ii this your identification?
Here it is.
OIL Thank yen.
PART 1
OK, flat then, a few questions about you and your Ufa. Left talk about your family:
Do you Mine from a Urge or a smaa faulty? A relatively large family, five members.
Sight And do all your family live in the same town or city? No, I live in Australia and
my family Uve in Hungary. Mm light So how often do you see your brothers and
sisters? Probably once a year. Do you have a lot In common with them? Well we look
the same, urn I suppose our lives are little bit different however. OK. Is it alright to
talk about your frieads? Thafs OK. Do you have lots of friends or just a few special
friends? I've got a few very spedal friends but er I do have lots of people I can call
friends. Oh huh and can you say something about one or two of your friends? Well
I've got a spedal friend called Pat er she always helps me through rough times. I've
got another special friend, Gordon, who is also wonderful and we share lots of
activities together. What kinds of things do yon and your frieads do together? We
like hiking, going outdoors and visiting places and I suppose just even just go
shopping. Mm, are you a person who enjoys spending time alone? Definitely not.
No? Not at alL OK Let's move on to talk about travelling to other countries. What
other countries have you visited? I have visited a few ... I came from Hungary then
um I went to visit um most of the countries in Europe, America um some countries
in Asia and Australia thafs all.
Which other countries are you interested in visiting? I suppose every country has
got a lot to offer, um if a country has got good food and good people, Fm happy to
go there. Uh huh and what are some of the things that you don't like about
travelling? I don't like the inconvenience of the travelling itself, going, taking
aeroplanes, and living out of suitcases. Probably these are the big 'no-nos' about
travel. OK.
Part 2
Now I'm going to give you a piece of paper with a topic on it Please talk about the
topic for 1-2 minutes, but before you talk you have about I minute to plan. You can
write notes if you want to. Is that OK? Yes thafs fine. Here's some paper for your
notes and this & the topic: Please describe a favourite shop or store.
TOPIC CARD
Describe a favourite shop or store.
Yon should say:
where it is and what it looks like
what it sells
what you like to buy there and
say why you like the shop so much.
OK. Don't forget you only have 1 to 2 minutes for your talk so I might stop you when
the time's up. Thafs all right. Ready to start? Yes. Yeah, I have to describe my
favourite shop. It is very hard because tm a 'shopaholic', so I've got many favourite
shops. Amongst the many er favourites there is one special store, ifs a department
store called David Jones. I like shopping there because of the quality and variety of
goods in the store. It is always an experience to shop there ifs almost like a treasure
Part 1
OK, first then a few questions about you and your life. Yeah. Lefs talk about your
family. Bo you come from a large or a smalt family? Well ifs not large or... ifs not a
small but ifs just a medium one. We got six members in my family. OK and um do all
your family live in the same town or city? No, no they separate. Right How often do
you see your brothers and sisters? Well, usually I meet my brother three times a
year and then I meet my sister once a year because of one of my sister now is living
in Canada.
Oh I see. Do you have a lot in common with them?
Oh no I dont think so, especially in in personality we are quite different, because
one of my brothers is a business man.
Right. Is it OK to talk about your weekends?
OK.
Are your weekends generally busy or relaxed?
Oh, relaxed, Sometimes busy for my paper submission.
Umm. What kind of things do you usually do at the weekend?
Well, Watching TV, because that will help me to improve my English, and er.. I play
gold.. and er jogging.
And what would you like to do in your time off if you could choose?
I would like to play golf because here its quite cheap to play golf.
Do you ever go away on your days off?
Sometimes, but most of time I just go to city centre or I just go to beach.
Right. Lets continue by talking about exercise and fitness
(OK) What kind of outdoor activities or exercise do you like?
Well I like er tennis I like to play golf and jogging.
Are there any sports you dont like?
No, I appreciate all kind of sports. For example, cricket. (yeah) then, for example,
soccer.
Do you think its important to keep fit?
Yes, of course its very important to give me energy and to make me health.
What are the best ways to keep fit?
I think the best way is to make a specific time every day in for example in 6pm
you have to go jogging and if its long time, that would become a habbit.
PART 2
OK. Now Im going to give you a piece of paper with a topic on it. Please talk about
the topic for 1-2 minutes, but before you talk you can have 1 minute to plan. You
can write notes if you want to. Is that OK?
Yeah.
Heres some paper for your notes and this is the topic: Please describe an important
year in your life.
TOPIC CARD
Describe an important year in your life.
You should say:
How old you were
What important things you remember from that year
Where these things happened and say why you think that year is so
important.
OK. Dont forget you only have 1-2 minutes for your talk so I might stop you when
the time is up. Ready to start?
Yeah. Well I think the most important year in my life is when I study IMBA degree in
the univerth.. in the university of Hull U.. in UK. That experience give me culture
schock, a real culture shock. I noticed that um Mexican people speak Spanish and
one of, I remember, one of my Spanish classmates she cant differentiation..
differentiate Thailand and Taiwan. And another experience is when I went to a
British family in the Christmas holiday and that family.. didnt know where the
location of Taiwan is and the family. They didnt have an idea about Taiwan. That
give me a real sh.. culture shock because from the American point of view, most of
American or Canadian people they know the Taiwan situation. But form the west
from the European or from a British point of view they are not have the same idea.
That.. so that really give me a culture shock. So I noticed that if we evaluate
different issues we have to judge from the international point of view. Thats very
important for me right now. Thank you. Did you keep a diary, or something in
writing, to remember that year?
Oh, I didnt. That was very pity.
PART 3
OK. You talked about things you remember from an important year la year Ufa. Now
I d like to talk about some general questions connected te memory and the past.
How important do you think It Is to know your family history? Well I don't think ifs mf
important. Well... this, this probably because... my expetknce. U em family, one
family is their history is doing business that would be important for the... for the
other family, the othff members of the family to learn how to doing business but for
mt the.,, the thi study on... in the academic field is just work by myself so I don't
think (he family history would be very important for me. Umm. ITA; i are the smi
ways to keep a family history alive for...piopler for ftihue members of your family, do
you think? Well you say the best way, (MI) oh w*ll if this family has a glory history of
coursi it should be IlirtU hut rr I have two academic vocabulary have to msntlon
heie, Iho i>in> is 1earo'/the other one is
OK. You talked about things you remember from an important year in your life. Now
Id like to talk about some general questions connected to memory and the past.
How important do you think it is to know you family History?
Well I dont think its very important, Well.. this, this probably because.. my
experience. If one family, one family is their history is doing business that would be
important for the.. for the other family, the other members of the family to learn
how to doing business but for me the.. the the study .. in the academic field is just
work by myself so I dont think the family history would be very important to me.
Umm. What are the best ways to keep a family history alive for.. people, for future
members of your family, do you think?
Well'unlearn', which mean to learn a new things and unlearn the past success
because the family history ifs... ifs a kind of past tense (mm} so people should learn
new things and unlearn the past success thafs would be better. And are you not
curious about yonr history? Mo I don't think so because er...my family came from
China but er most of my family didn't haven't ...gone to China so ifs a. it's a not a
big image for me to... to learn and or to learn something from that history Uhuh. Do
you think it is important to study and understand the history of one's country? Yes
of course,... because history give us a lesson that um make us the same situation
won't happen again. Yeah? What, for example? Well ura ..for example,... in now
there's a conflict you know between Taiwan and China. The separation is just only
40 years but um from that long term of view ... they are two very longest long
period of separation in China. Each has four hundred years separation but finally the
dynasty of China has been united. Ah. And why do you think studying history has
become less popular these days? Well I think this is probably because of the
education system, because most of the teacher they just ...cram knowledge into the
brain of the students so they, students don't like history. Ifs because ifs very boring.
How do you think we could encourage young people to become interested in
history? I think the teachers should ... teach the student from the longitudinal
perspective to compare with the different dynasty, to compare with the different
countries, that would be more interesting. And should they only learn abont Chinese
history? No, no of course not, it should learn all the history in the world, for example
Af.. the present, the United States against Afghanistan. Most of people don't realise
the history of, of the. .Afghanistan. Uhuh, well it sounds very interesting but the
interview has ended now so thank you very much for talking to me. You're welcome.