INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI

Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396

E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

Operator de date cu caracter personal nr. 18028

INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ- ETAPA LOCALĂ
CLASA a IX-a, SECŢIUNEA A
2 martie 2024

NOTĂ: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Timp de lucru - 3 ore

SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

I. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark the correct
letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
A new life
It took a few days after the cheque had arrived for me to realize that our life would never be the same
again – it was a dream (1)_____________ true. Like everyoane else, I had often (2)_______________
what it would be like not having to worry about paying the bills and just (3)_______________ ends
meet. My husband, Colin, always (4)________________ to say there would come a day when we
could (5)________________ the lights on without worrying how much it was going to
(6)_______________ us. Colin had been out of work for the last (7)________________ of years and
we had begun to wonder whether things would (8)________________ get better.He had become
depressed and irritable. Suddenly, we were (9)________________ plans to move in to a big, new
house in one of the more fashionable suburbs of town. We knew that we would lose communication
with the neighbours with whom we had shared so much (10)___________ the years, but both of us
felt we needed more space and a proper garden.
1 A made B come C being D become
2 A planned B predicted C imagined D enjoyed
3 A having B doing C putting D making
4 A would B had C used D repeated
5 A let B leave C remember D see
6 A cost B pay C spend D ask
7 A dozen B few C several D couple
8 A hardly B sometimes C ever D rather
9 A making B drawing C looking D having
10 A in B over C at D for

II. Fill in each gap in the following text with only ONE word which fits the meaning of the text. (10
points)
A new kind of school
Vera is the head teacher at a new kind of school that opened a few years ago. She applied (1) ……….
the job when someone told her that only a man (2) …………….be able to (3) ……………a success
of it. The school is called a city technology college. It concentrates on subjects that students will need
in business later in life and has been very successful since it opened. Vera told me she had never had
(4) …………….an interesting job before.
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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
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For the first time in her life, she has had the opportunity to (5) ……….…. her ideas into practice. Her
main aim was that (6) …………. of leaving school (7) ……………early, (8)……….their parents, the
students would find the course so interesting that they would want to stay on (9)...........they were 18.
The secret of the school's success was that everyone enjoyed (10) ………………. together as a team.

III. Read the sentences and use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in the gap. (10
points)
1) The musician....................................(CARE) tuned his guitar, adjusting each string for
perfect harmony..
2) I wouldn’t describe the film as a comedy, but one or two scenes are mildly
.............................................................(HUMOUR)
3) I find it difficult to be............................(OBJECT) about matters that concern me.
4) I was hoping this book would help me with my history project but in fact it wasn’t
very........................(INFORM)
5) Practising vocabulary regularly is essential to ....................... (STRONG) your language
skills and expand your knowledge.
6) His......................(ACCEPT) of criticism helped him improve his writing skills significantly.
7) As we got closer to the village, the .............................(INHABIT) came out to meet us.
8) The giant panda is............................. (DANGER) because its habitat is being destroyed.
9) This job involves taking ..............................( RESPONSIBLE) for the development of new
clothing ranges.
10) The map he drew was............................(ACCURATE), leading us to take the wrong route
during our hike.

IV. Complete the second sentence with TWO to FIVE words using the word given, so that it has a
similar meaning to the first sentence. Do not change the word given. (5x2=10 points)
1. If only I weren’t so poor. WISH
I ______________________________________ money.
2. I fell behind the other students in the class. KEEP
I couldn’t ______________________________________ the other students in the class.
3. I changed my attitude towards immigration after I had seen the TV documentary.
MADE
The TV documentary ______________________________ my attitude towards immigration.
4. I hope he doesn’t arrive too late for the show tomorrow. TIME
I hope he will be ______________________________________ the show tomorrow.
5. You really should be doing some form of exercise. ABOUT
It’s ______________________________________ some form of exercise.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

I. Read the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer: A, B, C or D ( (5 x 2p = 10
points)

Some years ago, a British TV company came up with an idea for a reality TV show. People with, no
experience would be trained in a profession in a very short period of time, then would try and pass
themselves off as the real thing with the general public. The show was called FAKING IT and the format has
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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

since been imitated the world over. One of the first contestants was Gavin Freeborn, a twenty-three-year-
old farmer’s son, who trained with celebrity- hairdresser Trevor Sorbie in London. Gavin remembers the
experience.
‘I was at university studying, for a degree in agriculture, when some friends mentioned that a TV
company had advertised for people to take part in FAKING IT. They were looking for someone who’d
never picked up a pair of scissors or thought of hairdressing as a career which I certainly hadn't. I reckoned
it would be a laugh. Haying spent my school holidays shearing sheep on my parents' farm, I was used to
the idea of haircutting, but obviously it’s harder doing it on people - because they have an opinion about
it'
I’d never been to London before and it was so busy that I felt a bit overwhelmed at first.
Meeting Trevor for the first time, he seemed really strict but once he realised I was taking the challenge
seriously we got on like a house on fire and they often had to stop filming because we couldn't stop
giggling, Fortunately, I didn’t have to do any of the washing or sweeping floors other people new to
the business have to do. I went straight into blow-drying and cutting instead,"
At first, I practised on a dummy's head which was a welcome safety net but I did make a
really bad mistake halfway through filming when I was cutting one real man's hair. I'd been shown
how to use clippers to get a cropped effect, but hadn't been warned to angle the comb. I ended
up shaving off a huge patch of hair! He couldn't see what I’d done, but the camera crew couldn't
stop laughing, so it was obvious I'd made a mistake. Luckily, I managed to rectify the situation
and told the client, who was alright about it, so I forgave them.
'By the day of my final test, I knew I was capable, but I felt sick with nerves. I didn’t want let Trevor down.
But even though I failed to convince the client that I was a real hairdresser, she approved of the haircut
and the judges were impressed by it, too. It didn't worry me at the time but, looking back now, I think it was
a bit unfair that I was penalized for taking too long — an hour-and-a-half - when I’d been taught the most
important thing was to ensure your client walks out of the salon feeling like a million dollars.
'After the programme, I went home for a week but I decided to come back to London because I’d fallen
in love with the buzz of the city. People in town kept stopping and staring at me as if I was famous. I found
this unnerving at first, but with time I got used to it. There were a few comments about me being too full
of myself, but I took no notice.’
‘When I agreed do FAKING IT, I had no idea how much I was signing my life away, but I couldn't say
I have any regrets. The thing is that I've discovered, growing up on a farm doesn't mean I can't work in a
creative field. What's more, I’ve now got choices I didn't realise I had, which is brilliant. Although I still
keep in contact with everyone from Trevor’s salon, and we all go out when I'm in London, I'm hardly a
celebrity anymore’

1 Why did Gavin first apply to be on the programme?

A He thought it would be fun.
B He liked the idea of going to London.
C His friends managed to talk him into it.
D He had some experience of hairdressing.

2 How did Gavin feel about the hairdressing mistake he made one day?
A sorry that the client was dissatisfied.
B relieved that the client didn't notice it.
C pleased that he was able to find a solution.
D annoyed by the reaction of the camera crew.

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 INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI
Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

3 How did Gavin feel on the day of his final test?

A unsure if he was good enough.
B worried that he might not succeed.
C unconvinced that the client was really happy.
D disappointed by the feedback from the judges.

4 Thinking about the final test now, Gavin feels that he

A was too slow in completing the haircut.
B didn't take enough notice of his client's wishes.
C was unjustly criticised for one aspect of his performance.
D should have paid more attention to things he'd been taught.

5 Looking back on the whole experience, Gavin now

A wishes he'd thought more carefully before applying.
B realises that his life is different as a result.
C appreciates his farm upbringing more.
D accepts that it's helped him socially.

II. Based on the reading text about Gavin Freeborn's experience on the reality TV show,
imagine you are a young individual interested in participating in a similar reality TV show where
participants are trained in a profession, they have no prior experience in.
Write a letter of application to the producers of the show, expressing your enthusiasm, explaining
why you would be a suitable candidate, and outlining how you believe this experience could
positively impact your life.
You should write between (180-200 words) - 50points

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 INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI
Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

Operator de date cu caracter personal nr. 18028

INSPECTORATUL ȘCOLAR JUDEȚEAN GALAȚI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
ETAPA LOCALĂ - CLASA a IX-a, SECŢIUNEA B
02.03.2024
Nota: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.
Timp de lucru: 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I - USE OF ENGLISH…………………...……………………………….. (40 points)
1. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question (1-10), mark
the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
Are you a UK employer who is interested in (1) …………… hard-working staff, but are worried about
the added cost of the usual high (2) ……………? If you are, then we can help you, while you help an EU
student to improve their (3) …………… . Here’s how it works: according to current laws, students from
the EU who must (4) …………… work experience as part of their course, are considered trainees and not
employees. This means that you, the employer, can save money because these students ask for (5)
…………… money than a regular employee would. In addition, these students, many who speak several
(6) ……………, can help your UK company develop business in other European countries. There are
thousands of students looking for job placements – temporary and permanent – that can fill almost any
position that you might have for them. At present, we have a wide range of customers that include (7)
…………… that help those in need, information technology companies that set up (8) …………… and
install computer systems, and tourism-based businesses that (9) …………… accommodation for tourists
and travellers.
We’ve got your attention now, (10) ……………? Why not contact us today? We are sure to have the
perfect student for your business!
1. A. applying B. hiring C. quitting D. retiring
2. A. benefits B. perks C. robotics D. salaries
3. A. journals B. horoscopes C. qualifications D. interviews
4. A. own B. win C. do D. make
5. A. less B. least C. more D. most
6. A. traditions B. languages C. cultures D. concepts
7. A. bonuses B. editors C. charities D. bloggers
8. A. web pages B. food banks C. soap operas D. text messages
9. A. exchange B. pack C. renew D. arrange
10. A. shall we B. won’t it C. haven’t we D. isn’t it

2. Fill in the blanks with only ONE word. (10 points)

Recent research (1) ….. revealed that a third of people in Britain have not met their next-door neighbours,
and those who know (2) ….. other barely speak. Neighbours gossiping over garden fences and in the
street was a common sight in the 1950s, says Dr. Carl Chinn, an expert on local communities. Now, (3)
….. , longer hours spent working at the office, together with the Internet and satellite television, are

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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

eroding neighbourhood ties. “Poor neighbourhoods once had strong kinship, but now prosperity buys
privacy”, said Chinn.
Andrew Mayer, a strategy consultant, rents a large apartment in west London (4) ….. two flatmates. “We
have a family of teachers upstairs and lawyers below, but our (5) ….. contact comes via letters relating
to the communal facilities or complaints that we (6) ….. not put out our bin bags properly”, said Mayer.
The breakdown of communities can have serious effects. Concerned at the rise (7) ….. burglaries and
acts of vandalism, the police have relaunched crime prevention schemes (8) ….. as Neighbourhood Watch,
calling on people (9) ….. live in the same area to (10) ….. an eye on each others’ houses and report
anything they see which is unusual.

3. Read the text below and use the words given in capitals to form words that fit in the gaps. The
words in capitals are given in the order you need to use them. (10 points)
From an (1) ……………… point of view, creating a home is all about 1. EVOLUTION
the very basic need to have somewhere warm and safe where you can
raise a family. These days, however, our domestic (2) ……………… 2. SURROUND
are where we can truly find a way to express ourselves. Turning a
house into a home is less about the (3) ……………… itself and where 3. BUILD
4. EMOTION
it is than the (4) ……………… connection and sense of comfort we're
able to establish there. According to experts, making a house a feel-
5. SURE
good space is about (5) ……………… that it reflects both our lifestyle
and our 6. PERSON
(6) ………………, whether that means a shared student house or an
7. LUXURY
absolutely (7) ……………… apartment. Some people, for example, 8. SENSE
are very (8) ……………… to visuals, so they feel disorientated when
things are out of place. For others, having a peaceful spot to sit and
9. REQUIRE
read will be the main (9) ……………… Yet whatever home means to
10. EXPECT
us individually, we all have high (10) ……………… of it, because
many of our most significant memories are created there.

4. Rephrase the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the
word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including
the word given. (5x 2p = 10 points)
1 I’d prefer you not to wear jeans to the office.
rather
I’d __________________________________________ wear jeans to the office.

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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

2 We won’t get there on time without taking a taxi.

unless
We won’t get there on time ____________________________________ a taxi.
3 I regret selling my car.
wish
I ________________________________________________________ my car.
4 A friend is looking after my cat while I’m away.
care
A friend _____________________________________ my cat while I’m away.
5 The film was so funny that I burst out laughing.
a
It was ______________________________________ that I burst out laughing.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SILLS …………………………….…….……... (60 points)

1. Read the text below and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according
to the text. (5 x 2p =10 points)

Food miles: Is buying local food always better?

Recently, campaigners have encouraged us to buy local food. This reduces ‘food miles’, that is, the
distance food travels to get from the producer to the retailer. They reason that the higher the food miles,
the more carbon emissions. Buying local food, therefore, has a lower carbon footprint and is more
environmentally friendly.
However, the real story is not as simple as that. If our aim is to reduce carbon emissions, we must look at
the whole farming process, not just transportation. According to a 2008 study, only 11% of carbon
emissions in the food production process result from transportation, and only 4% originated from the final
delivery of the product from the producer to the retailer. Other processes, including fertilisation, storage,
heating and irrigation, contribute much more.
In fact, imported food often has a lower carbon footprint than locally grown food. Take apples, for
example. In autumn, when apples are harvested, the best option for a British resident is to buy British
apples. However, the apples we buy in winter or spring have been kept refrigerated for months, and this
uses up a lot of energy. In spring, therefore, it is more energy-efficient to import them from New Zealand,
where they are in season. Heating also uses a lot of energy, which is why growing tomatoes in heated
greenhouses in the UK is less environmentally friendly than importing them from Spain, where the crop
grows well in the local climate.
We must also take into account the type of transport. Transporting food by air creates about 50 times more
emissions than shipping it. However, only a small proportion of goods are flown to the consumer country,
and these are usually high value, perishable items which we cannot produce locally, such as seafood and
out-of-season berries. Even then, these foods may not have a higher carbon footprint than locally grown
food. For example, beans flown in from Kenya are grown in sunny fields using manual labour and natural
fertilisers, unlike in Britain, where we use oil-based fertilisers and diesel machinery. Therefore, the total
carbon footprint is still lower.

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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
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It’s also worth remembering that a product’s journey does not end at the supermarket. The distance
consumers travel to buy their food, and the kind of transport they use will also add to its carbon footprint.
So driving a long way to shop for food will negate any environmental benefits of buying locally grown
produce. Furthermore, choosing local over imported food can also badly affect people in developing
countries. Many of them work in agriculture because they have no other choice. If they are unable to sell
produce overseas, they will have less income to buy food, clothes, medicine and to educate their children.
Recently, some supermarkets have been trying to raise awareness of food miles by labelling foods with
stickers that show it has been imported by air. But ultimately, the message this gives is too simple. Lots
of different factors contribute to a food’s carbon footprint besides the distance it has travelled. And even
if we only buy local food which is currently in season, there are ethical implications. What’s more, our
diets would be more limited.

1. According to a study in the USA, 11% is ...

A. the percentage of food that is produced and sold locally.
B. the percentage of energy in food production used to transport food from producer to retailer.
C. the percentage of energy in food production used for any kind of transport.
D. the percentage of food which is imported from overseas.

2. Seafood is given as an example of food which...

A. is transported by air unnecessarily.
B. is expensive and goes bad quickly.
C. people in poor countries rely on for income.
D. is usually transported by ship.

3. According to the text, how are Spanish tomatoes and Kenyan beans similar?
A. They are both grown outdoors.
B. They are both transported by air.
C. They are both grown using natural fertilizer.
D. They both have high carbon footprints.

4. Which of these does the writer NOT support?

A. Supporting farmers in poor countries.
B. Importing apples to Britain from New Zealand in spring.
C. Buying beans imported by air from Kenya.
D. Making a long journey to buy food produced locally.

5. The writer thinks that labelling food which has been transported by air...
A. will raise environmental awareness.
B. helps people to shop more ethically.
C. does not tell a full, accurate story.
D. gives false information about the product.

2. Writing (50p)
You are employed as a reporter for a local magazine. A local shop in your neighbourhood has recently
been renovated and reopened under new management. Write a review of it for the publication,
comparing it to what it was like before and saying whether or not you would recommend it.
(180-200 words)
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 INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI
Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

Operator de date cu caracter personal nr. 18028

INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ- ETAPA LOCALĂ
CLASA a X-a, SECŢIUNEA A
2 martie 2024

NOTĂ: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Timp de lucru - 3 ore

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH …………………………………...…….. (40 points)

I. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark the correct
letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
Going to the theatre brings back happy memories, as it (1)……………. me of my very first
performance on stage, (2)………. was thirty years ago. Parts of that particular night are so vivid that
I can still picture myself as though it were yesterday. The excitement amongst the actors, the
(3)………. applause and the party after the opening night are memories which will remain with me
for (4) …… .
I don’t know how we managed to do so well. The rehearsals were far from satisfactory because we
thought that we could just have two rehearsals a week (5)………….in fact we needed more. The
background (6 )………………to the last act weren’t ready until an hour before the beginning of the
play despite the set builder’s best (7)…………….. . The director was not satisfied (8
)…………….anything and he didn’t even want to show up on the first night. Admittedly, I wouldn’t
have wanted to either. (9)……….. the night finally arrived, we were all a bit worried. I remember
glancing through the curtain ten minutes before the start and being amazed (10)………… the sight
of a full house. Finally, it was time for the curtain to go up. In the end, we proved the director wrong
and everything went like clockwork.
1 A. recognises B. reminds C. recalls D. memorises
2 A. which B. when C. where D. who
3 A. onlookers’ B. viewers’ C. audience’s D. spectators’
4 A. life B. ages C. a while D. time
5 A. where B. when C. which D. whenever
6 A. images B. visions C. scenes D. sights
7 A. attempts B. efforts C. trials D. tries
8 A. by B. in C. at D. with
9 A. when B. after C. while D. until
10 A. in B. at C. on D. for

II. Fill in each gap in the following text with only ONE word which fits the meaning of the text.(10
points)
Variation in English

When foreign learners of English first come to the British Isles, they are usually surprised, and often
dismayed, to discover (1) ... little they understand of the English they hear. For (2) ... thing, people
seem to speak faster (3) ... expected. Also, the English that most British or Irish people speak seems
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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

to be different in (4) ... ways from the English the visitor has learnt. While it is probably differences
of pronunciation that (5) ... immediately strike them, learners may also notice differences of grammar
and vocabulary.

Their reactions (6) ... this experience will vary. They may conclude that most of the English, Welsh,
Scottish and Irish people that they hear do not – or even cannot – speak English correctly. In this they
would find that many native speakers agree (7) ... them. They might even be told that, since learners
of English (8) ... a foreign or second language (9)… usually studied English in a formal way, they
(10)………know better than native speakers what is 'correct'.

III. Read the sentences and use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in the gap in the
same line. (10 points)
1. Playing __________________ (ENERGY) sports helps in weight management.
2. It is __________________(ADVISE) to fasten your seat-belts before take-off.

3. She claimed __________________ (EMPLOY) benefits for over six months.

4. Tax __________________(EVADE) is one of the biggest problems that face the new country.

5. When teaching children, you have to adopt an ______________ (IMAGINE) approach.

6. The __________________ (MANAGE) course is being paid for by the company.

7. We need to find new ways of lowering the crime rate since ______________(PRISON) is no
longer such a deterrent.
8. Emma is a thin woman of medium __________________ (HIGH) at 1.65metres.
9. The police searched the house _______________________ (SYSTEM).

10. He reacted to the crime in shock and __________________ (BELIEVE).

IV. Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. You must use between two
and five words, including the word given.(5x2=10 points)
1. A friend is looking after my cat while I’m away. CARE
My cat………………………………by a friend while I’m away.
2. You can try to open the safe with that key, but it won’t work. POINT
There’s …………………………….. the safe with that key.
3. The accused refused to answer questions without his lawyer. INSISTED
The accused ……………………… present before answering any questions.
4. Mary went to the airport early because she did not want to miss her plane. THAT
Mary went to the airport early………………………………………………….miss her plane.
5. The match couldn’t take place because of a heavy snowstorm. PREVENTED
A heavy snowstorm ………………………………………………place.

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Str.Portului Nr.55 B  0372362000;  0236319396
E-mail: secretariat@isjgalati.ro site: www.isj.gl.edu.ro

SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS……….……………………………(60 points)

I. You are going to read an article about the video games industry. For questions 1-5, choose the
answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text. (5x2=10 points)
Initially populated by computer scientists and the self-taught, the video game design industry used
not to offer many routes into its midst. Often, perhaps unfairly, viewed as just a hobby for young
enthusiasts, the video games industry is now being taken seriously. Surprised?
Industry experts aren’t.
It’s not easy though. Video game spin-offs that rapidly follow any new movie require dozens of team
members and months of incredible skill, perseverance and intricacies. As with almost every industry,
it’s tricky to get into - but it is expanding. Jim Donelly, a spokesman for an online games magazine
says: ‘It’s certainly very difficult to make much headway within big companies, or to influence any
of the really big mainstream games. But the truth is, the industry needs game designers more than
ever. Not just director-level people who orchestrate an entire game, but the lower-level people who
design systems and individual set pieces.’
So how can you get into such a competitive industry? Although many companies prefer people to
have a degree in computer science, Jim disagrees. ‘There is only one route: make games. The tools
are there. You won’t get a job if you haven’t made something, and you won’t get anywhere
independently if you are not making stuff. Game design is less a job than it is a way of life. Like any
creative endeavour it must be done to be real.’ Another industry expert, John Field, sees other options.
‘There’s a lot to be said for “just doing it”, but it’s really more complicated than that. There are lots
of people who want to work line18
in games, but few who measure up to the requirements of the industry these days; even fewer who
have the creative talent, technical know-how, vision and entrepreneurial ability to really contribute to
the ever-changing face of an evolving medium.’
Can you do it on your own? ‘Perhaps, but it’s pretty tricky,’ says John. ‘However, a good postgraduate
course in games can help, plus provide a year or two of top-level support and guidance. Most games
designers start their careers as programmers, or artists, progressing their way up the ladder. They are
interested in all forms of entertainment media, plus have a healthy appetite for all areas of the arts
and contemporary culture. They may or may not have spent a few years in the working world post-
graduation, but have realised that ‘games’ is going to be their “thing”. They are not merely fans, but
are fascinated by the future possibilities of games, and are aware of the increasing breadth and
diversity of the form. And finally, connections can help. This is often overlooked, but in order to get
ahead in games - as in many other areas - you need to network.’

The childish stereotype of the adolescent boy glued to his games console has long been replaced by
the more accurate perception of a grown-up medium, grabbing our attention. Families frequently get
involved on interactive consoles. Smart phones introduce a wealth of new games through apps, as
well as social media. John believes there is plenty of room for expansion. ‘Games have become
pervasive play-things for increasingly large audiences. They are also a great way to learn things and
I see this already big area as an expanding array of possibilities and opportunities.’

1.What is the writer’s main point about the video games industry in the first paragraph?
A It is reasonable to consider making a living in this field.
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B Young people’s contributions to it should be appreciated.

C It offers a relatively limited number of career options.
D Specialists in this area have failed to value its potential.

2.What does Jim tell us about the video games industry?

A It can be hard to decide which idea will prove successful.
B Many designers are required to take charge of each large project.
C It is worth recognising the value of having a long-term strategy.
D There is room for people with different degrees of responsibility.

3. What does ‘that’ refer to in line 18?

A getting a degree in computer science.
B making games.
C being independent.
D seeing other options.

4.What opinion does John express in the third paragraph?

A It is a mistake to believe that the jobs people do in the industry are easy.
B Many people lack the qualities needed to do effective work in the industry.
C The industry could benefit from people who have a strong desire to work in it.
D The industry is changing too rapidly for people to keep up with it.

5.In the final paragraph, we are told that

A video games have not been effectively exploited as learning tools.
B young people are being offered more demanding games to play.
C people used to misunderstand the true nature of video games.
D other technologies have forced the games industry to compete.

II. An English-language magazine called Technology Today is preparing a special edition on

technological innovations of recent years such as new gadgets, applications for mobile phones or
computer software. You decide to send in a review recommending something you have found useful,
briefly describing what it can do, and analysing the reasons why it has become popular. Write your
review. (200-220 words) (50 points)

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OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ- ETAPA LOCALĂ
CLASA a X-a, SECŢIUNEA B
02.03. 2024
Nota: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.
Timp de lucru: 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I - USE OF ENGLISH…………………...……………………………….. (40
points)
1. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question (1-10),
mark the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
Fast fashion has transformed the way we consume clothing. It refers to the rapid production of
inexpensive clothing that is based on the latest trends seen on catwalks during Fashion Weeks. While
fast fashion (1) .…. for affordable and trendy clothing options, it comes at a significant cost to the
environment.
One major issue with fast fashion is its (2) ….. to pollution. The production of fast fashion garments
often involves the extensive use of synthetic materials like polyester, which are derived from non-
renewable resources such as petroleum. These materials take hundreds of years (3) ….. , leading to a
build-up of waste in landfills.
Additionally, the process of (4) ….. fabrics and treating them with chemicals releases toxins into the
air and waterways. This not only pollutes the environment but also (5) ….. health risks to the workers
in the garment industry and those living in nearby communities. (6) …… , the fast fashion industry
is known for its high turnover of clothing items, with consumers constantly discarding old items in
favor of new ones. This (7) ….. in a large amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills or is
incinerated, further contributing to pollution.
To combat the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, there are steps that can be taken.
One approach is to support sustainable and ethical fashion brands that (8) ….. eco-friendly materials
and ethical labor practices. Another way is to practice (9) ….. consumption by buying fewer, higher
quality items and extending the lifespan of clothing through repair and upcycling. By (10) …..
awareness about the detrimental effects of fast fashion on pollution and making more informed
choices as consumers, we can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion
industry.
1. A. denies B. allows C. creates D. requires
2. A. controversy B. retort C. contribution D. rapport
3. A. to divide B. to distort C. to die D. to decompose
4. A. dying B. dyeing C. delving D. deriving
5. A. poses B. posts C. complies D. prevails
6. A. However B. Although C. Nevertheless D. Furthermore
7. A. consults B. results C. disposes D. defines
8. A. procrastinate B. prioritise C. predict D. preview
9. A. mindful B. scornful C. resourceful D. mindless
10. A. rising B. raising C. receding D. relenting

2.Fill in the blanks with only ONE word. (10 points)

With the rise of influencer culture across all social media platforms, teenagers are to look and act
more like (1) ….. other with every passing generation. Every day, social media and influencers
bombard teens with information about how they are supposed to dress or act and about (2) ..... music,
foods or brands to like. Ultimately, evolving one's lifestyle to adhere (3) ..... these trends molds

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teenagers into the same people with the same interests and opinions, leading Generation Z to lack
individuality (4) ..... a whole.
Teenagers are especially susceptible to influencer culture and rapid trend cycles, as they are (5) .....
most receptive to peer influence and pressure. This anxiety and need to belong fuel the never-ending
cycle of trends seen on popular social platforms, (6) ..... as TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest.
Over the past year, trends have spanned (7) ..... students stealing school items to collectively
"cancelling" public figures such as Billie Eilish and Charli D'Amelio. These seemingly absurd
"trends" go full-circle, appearing (8) ..... several platforms until they have captured the attention of
every teenager. So, (9) ..... do teens follow absurd trends (10) ..... thinking critically?

3. Read the text below and use the words given in capitals to form words that fit in the gaps.
The words in capitals are given in the order you need to use them. (10 points)
When people enjoy whatever they are doing, they report some (1) 1. CHARACTER
….. feelings that distinguish the pleasurable moment from the rest
of life. The same types of (2) ….. are reported in the context of 2. FEEL
playing chess, 3. CLIMB
(3) ….. mountains, playing with babies, reading a book or writing 4. JAPAN
a poem. They are the same for young and old, male and female,
American or (4) ….. , rich or poor. In other words, the nature of 5. UNIVERSE
employment seems to be 6. CONSCIOUS
(5) ….. .
We call this state of (6) ….. a flow of experience, because many
people report that doing what they enjoy feels like being carried
away by a current, like being in a flow. 7. EDUCATE
At present, few students would recognize the idea that learning can
be like that. But if (7) ….. invested a fraction of their energy in 8. INFORM
stimulating the students’ enjoyment of learning that they now spend 9. MOTIVATE
in trying to transmit (8) …… , we could achieve better results. 10. FEED
Once students’ (9) ….. is engaged, once they can be empowered to
take control of their own learning and provided with clear (10) …..
on their efforts, then they are on their way to a lifetime acquisition
of knowledge.

4. Rephrase the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the
word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words,
including the word given. (5x 2p = 10 points)
1. It’s not possible that you saw Mary last night, she was with us!
HAVE
You………………………..last night, she was with us!
2.I’d prefer you not to stay out so late.
RATHER
I’d………………………….stay out so late.
3. It was very windy, but we really enjoyed the picnic.
FACT
We really enjoyed the picnic…………………….was very windy.
4. ’I’d like to know who thought of that horrible name for the new company?”
CAME
Who………………………..name for the new company?
5. ”You played your music too loud last night’’ Jan said to Ben angrily.
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ACCUSED
Jan…………………………his music too loud the previous night.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SILLS …………………………….…….……... (60 points)

1. Read the text below and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best
according to the
text. (5 x 2p =10 points)
All the guests were going to be there soon, but Jade hadn’t finished yet. She had been preparing this
wedding for a while and wanted everything to be perfect. Although it wasn’t her wedding, she felt
just as nervous as a bride – it was her first project as a wedding planner. She could hardly contain her
excitement in spite of everyone’s doubt. Her family members had never believed that she would
actually leave her stable 9-5 job to pursue such a financially unpredictable career until she announced
it.
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon at her parents’ house. Jade knew they would have all been there at
that time. She and her brothers were chatting while watching TV; their mum and dad were playing
cards, enjoying each other’s company. Suddenly, Jade stood up and shyly but proudly shared her
news: she had resigned from her well-paid job as a personal assistant to dedicate herself to becoming
a wedding planner.
The whole family stood still. They all just sat there, staring at her and shaking their heads in
disapproval. Her mother had a worried look in her eyes, while her father was clearly disappointed.
Jade’s brothers broke the silence by asking questions: Do you know what you are doing? How are
going to find clients? Why do you think this is a good idea? Their reaction didn’t come as a surprise
to Jade. Her family had never been supportive of her dreams and ambitions. They thought that work
was all she cared about, but they wished she had a conventional lifestyle. She was 37 years old and
not only did she have no intention of getting married, but she also had no wish to become a mother.
Jade had rejected all the goals that her parents had set for her.
But at that point, their opinion didn’t matter. After all, they had never pushed themselves out of their
comfort zones. None of them had ever tried anything new in their life because they had always played
it safe. Her parents’ disappointment, her brothers’ disbelief, her ex-employer’s doubts were a distant
memory. She knew what she wanted and she was going to achieve it. It wasn’t going to be easy, and
there were going to be ups and downs, but she was confident that her business would be a success. In
that moment, all that mattered was the outcome of that wedding that Jade had been planning – together
with the bride and the groom – for months. The flowers had already been arranged on the tables and
all around the room by the florist, the delicious food was ready to be served by waiters wearing
impeccable uniforms, and musicians, who were tuning their instruments, were ready to entertain the
guests.
Only the cake was missing … The wedding cake hadn’t been delivered yet! Jade immediately called
the bakery to find out what had happened. There had been an accident on the road that slowed down
the traffic – the cake was on its way. While she was on the phone, the delivery van arrived at the
venue. There it was! The cake had finally arrived and Jade heaved a sigh of relief. She couldn’t even
begin to imagine what would have happened if the cake hadn’t turned up. Without a doubt, the bride
would have been in tears, the groom would have been extremely angry and Jade’s career would have
ended in a flash.
Everything was finally ready. As the musicians started to play their cheerful music, the guests began
to arrive. Everyone was talking, but the atmosphere was tense. Some seemed shocked, some seemed
upset, in contrast with the music. Something must have happened at the ceremony and she hadn’t
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been informed. Jade had desperately tried to find the bride and groom, but there was no sign of either
of them. There was the mother of the bride, crying on her husband’s shoulder. There was the father
of the groom shouting at his one and only son. Something must have gone terribly wrong. Selfishly,
Jade thought about the effect that might have had on her business. Would they have recommended
her services to other clients? Luckily, they had already settled the payment, so she didn’t need to
worry about the money.

1. In the first paragraph, why is Jade nervous?

A. Because she is the bride.
B. Because she has left her job.
C. Because she is starting her own business.
D. Because her family don’t support her financially.

2. Jade makes her announcement on a Sunday afternoon because

A. her family members hardly ever see each other.
B. her family members are all together.
C. her brothers are in a good mood.
D. her mum and dad aren’t busy.

3. Jade’s family don’t support her dreams as they

A. want Jade to have a traditional lifestyle.
B. want Jade to spend more time with them.
C. think Jade works too much.
D. believe Jade is too ambitious.

4. In the fifth paragraph, why does Jade call the bakery?

A. To defend her reputation.
B. To reassure the bride and the groom.
C. To find out who was involved in the accident.
D. To assess the location of the cake.

5. As they arrive, the guests look

A. as cheerful as the music.
B. unhappy and confused.
C. tired from the long ceremony.
D. ready to eat the delicious food.

2. Writing (50p)
Your school has decided to organize a charity event to be held in the school hall or on the outdoor
playground. Write a report for the headmaster, describing the advantages of both these options, and
recommend where the charity event should take place.
(200-220 words)

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INSPECTORATUL ŞCOLAR JUDEŢEAN GALAŢI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ- ETAPA LOCALĂ
CLASA a XI-a, SECŢIUNEA A
2 martie 2024

NOTĂ: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Timp de lucru - 3 ore

SUBIECTUL A – USE OF ENGLISH …………………………………...…….. (40 points)

I. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark the
correct letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)

The camera often lies

Technology has come a (1) ___________ way since the days of the first moving pictures. We
can now watch films on our mobile devices, in 3D or using virtual reality. While these
technological (2) ______________ are all positive for our viewing experience, they may also
raise issues which we will need to (3) ______________ in the future. One of these is the
ability to change people's faces on screen, in particular their facial (4) _______________ . It
might allow film-makers to (5)__________ their films more realistically, making the actor
look as if they're actually speaking one of tens of different languages. (6) ______________ , it
might also provide (7) __________________ for less honest behaviour. The (8)
_________________ could be used to put words into our mouths that we never actually said
in order to influence others, commit crimes or change people's opinions. This could have a
serious (9) _______________ on the spread of fake news online, and ultimately our ability to
trust anything that we see. (10) ________________ are the days when we could honestly say
that the 'camera never lies'.

1 A good B significant C long D great

2 A advances B progresses C movements D boosts
3 A focus B address C undertake D batle
4 A aspects B expressions C looks D characters
5 A dub B copy C publish D label
6 A However B Despite C Then D But
7 A opportunities B convenience C incidents D freedom
8 A system B technique C appliance D facilities
9 A affect B outcome C development D effect
10A Seen B Been C Gone D Had

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II. Fill in each gap in the following text with only ONE word which fits the meaning of the
text. (10 points)
Childhood will never be the same again. Remember Saturday mornings spent lounging on the
sofa, hour (1)………………….hour, watching your favourite cartoons? (2)………………
there have been a better reward for the long school week that had had to be endured? Bugs
Bunny, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse brought virtually life into (3)………………….living
rooms. But then, they were in black and white, and back then, they were meant to amuse, to
entertain.

It seems (4)…………………..has changed – and definitely (5)………………….the worse.

Now when you turn the television on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you do (6)…………….at
your own risk! Be prepared to confront violence in all its animated glory: exploding bombs,
falling buildings, blazing weapons, and bad guy after bad buy. I don’t see (7)……………….is
funny about this warped vision of our times and our society. (8)………………….do I see
what’s worth watching on these programmes with (9)………………..gruesome caricatures of
good and evil. Who is responsible (10)……… children’s programming these days?

III. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits the
gap in the same line. (10 points)

What makes a great waterfall?

One of the world’s best-known waterfalls is Niagara Falls,

on the border of Canada and the US, which has been a
major tourist attraction for over a century. The (1)……thing ASTONISH
about Niagara’s fame, however, is how (2)…..it is. Niagara RATED
is nowhere near the biggest waterfall in the world. Nor
is it even the tallest waterfall in the US. So what is it that
makes a waterfall the best? It isn’t its (3)……….. . There are HIGH
many immensely tall waterfalls, some cascading thousands
of feet, such as Norway’s Strupenfossen or the Mutarazi
Falls in Zimbabwe, but these aren’t the most visited.
It seems that when (4)………go to see a waterfall, they ENTHUSE
expect to see a seriuos amount of water. And Niagara
is (5)……….the biggest waterfall in North America in terms DISPUTABLE
of volume, and this perhaps explains its appeal. Tourists
who appreciate waterfalls for their sheer (6)……….beauty, BREATH
however, know that Niagara’s continental neighbour,

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Iguacu Falls, on the border between Brazi land Argentina,

is by far the most (7)……….. . Iguacu’s SPECTACLE
pristine (8)……….setting makes it one of the planet’s great TROPIC
natural phenomena. Visitors are rewarded not only by
an (9)………….display of raw water power, but also by AWE
the (10)………..rainforest in which no fewer than 275 separate ROUND
waterfalls burst over Iguacu’s three-kilometre-wide rim.

IV. Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. You must use between
three and six words, including the word given. (5x2=10 points)

1. The pupils are living temporarily in a hotel. BEING

For ……………………………… , the pupils are living in a hotel.
2. This book is so awful that I’m about to give up on it. VERGE
I am……………………………………………………..up on this awful book.
3. Do not lend your identity card to anyone. CIRCUMSTANCES
Under…………………………………..borrow your identity card.
4.I regret not contacting my dentist when I first felt my tooth ache. TOUCH
I wish I…………………….......................................my dentist when I first felt my tooth ache.
5.Famous people are always recognised no matter where they go. AVOID
Famous people ______________________no matter where they go.

SUBIECTUL B – INTEGRATED SKILLS……………………………………(60 points)

I.Read the text below and choose the right answer for each question. (5x2p = 10p)
USING SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES TO FIND A JOB

Having secured her own first job recently, Patty Meissner looks at young people’s use of social
networking when looking for work.

In many countries, a growing number of people in their twenties are turning to social media in
the hope of finding work. Services like social networking site Twitter and the professional
networking sites Linkedln offer the chance for more direct contact with would-be employers
than has previously been the case. But with greater access comes a greater chance to make
mistakes.

Take the case of a young jobseeker in the US who contacted a senior marketing executive via
Linkedln. The marketing executive in question had an impressive list of influential people in
her contact list; people whom the young jobseeker felt could help him land a job. The marketing
executive, however, had other ideas. Indignant at the suggestion that she would willingly share

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a list of contacts painstakingly built up over many years with a complete stranger who’d done
nothing to deserve such an opportunity, she not only rejected his contact request, but sent a
vicious and heavily sarcastic rejection note that has since gone viral. Those who saw the note
online were appalled, and the sender probably now regrets the tone of her note, if not the
message it conveyed. But if the incident makes young people think more carefully about how
they use social media in a professional capacity, she may have actually ended up doing them a
favour. She has drawn attention to an unfortunate truth. Social media is a potentially dangerous
tool for job hunters who don’t know how to use it. And a worrying number are getting it wrong.

There’s a horrible irony here, because in many countries social networking sites like Facebook
or Twitter have been the bread and butter of twenty-somethings’ social lives for years. When
my generation were teenagers, social media was our escape from the prying eyes of parents and
teachers. It was a cyber extension of the playground pecking order- a place to impress, to
embellish and experiment. It was a world based largely on fantasy. You could find yourself in
a three-hour conversation with someone online and then completely ignore them at school. With
careful picture/song selection for your Facebook page, you could become a completely different
and much more intriguing person overnight. And if you couldn’t be bothered with conversation,
‘poking’ people on Facebook was a legitimate alternative.

However, when it comes to using social media for professional networking, our very knowledge
and experience of sites like Facebook may actually be a hindrance. Using social media in a
professional capacity is a completely different ball game, but for some twenty-somethings, the
division is not clear cut. We first earned our online presence by being bold and over-confident,
which could explain why some of us still come across like this. Just because a lot of people
‘liked’ your posts on Facebook, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to use Linkedln to show potential
employers that you’re someone worth employing. We need to realise that what we learned about
social networking as teenagers no longer applies, and we must live up to employers’ standards
if we want to get in the world of work.

One of the most common complaints from employers regarding young jobseekers on
professional networking sites is that they’re over-familiar in their form of address, and appear
arrogant. This serves to perpetuate older generations’ perceptions of us as an ‘entitled
generation’. In fact, we’re very far from this; in many countries we’re increasingly desperate
about finding employment, which is why many of us are turning to social media in the first
place. This impression of arrogance hurts the employment prospects of young people who-
despite their communication errors- actually possess the skills and drive to become a valuable
part of the workforce.

So what’s the right way to contact someone on a professional networking site? Firstly, explain
clearly who you are, and let the person you’re writing to know what’s in it for them- maybe you
could offer to do a piece of research for them, or assist in some way. This approach gives you
a much better chance of getting a useful reply. Refrain from sending impersonal, blanket emails,
and keep the tone humble if you want to avoid leaving a sour taste in the recipient’s mouth.
Remember- social media can be a great way to make useful contacts, but it needs careful
handling if you don’t want the door slammed in your face.

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1. How did the senior marketing executive feel about the jobseeker who contacted her?
A. Annoyed by the timing of her message.
B. Regretful that she had to reject his request.
C. Furious at his assumption of her cooperation.
D. Surprised that he offered her nothing in return.

2. What does the writer say about the senior marketing executive?
A. Her note was an attempt to gain publicity.
B. Her attitude is not unusual on social networking sites.
C. She has unintentionally helped those looking for work.
D. Someone of her experience should treat jobseekers better.

3. What point does the writer make about social networking sites as used by her own
generation?
A. They gave teenagers the impression that real conversation wasn’t necessary.
B. Teenagers used them to avoid having to engage with people they didn’t like.
C. They gave teenagers the chance to escape from their boring lives.
D. The personalities and relationships teenagers had on them didn’t reflect reality.

4. As regards professional networking, the writer believes that many people of her
generation
A. Have exaggerated opinions of their own employability.
B. Over-estimate the use of social media in the world of work.
C. Fail to distinguish between social networking for pleasure and for work.
D. Are unaware of the opportunities that professional networking sites can offer them.

5. What does the writer advise jobseekers to do?

A. Tell prospective employers what they may gain in return.
B. Research the recipient carefully before they make contact.
C. Give careful consideration to the type of work they are seeking.
D. Approach only people they have a real chance of hearing back from.

II. You work for an international company. The manager of your department would like to
improve the ways in which the department recruits new staff. Write a report for your manager
in which you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the current recruiting process and
suggest how it could be improved. Write your report in 220-250 words. (50points)

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OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
ETAPA LOCALĂ - CLASA a XI-a, SECŢIUNEA B
02.03.2024

Nota: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Timp de lucru: 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I - USE OF ENGLISH…………………...……………………………….. (40 points)
1. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark
the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
The Yorkshire shares its ancient … (1) with all dog breeds, … (2) back to a creature that looked like
a cross between a weasel and a fox, called Hesperocyonines. This primitive animal evolved in North
America about 40 million years ago. Hesperocyonines gave … (3) to many canine species before it
became … (4) 15 million years ago. … (5) the several million years that followed, prehistoric canids
eventually developed into the first wild dogs and later, some differentiated …(6) terrier types.
At the time of the Roman invasion of England in 54 BCE, Julius Caesar’s legions observed small
terriers …(7) used by hunters to chase …(8) into underground dens and …(9) and remain underground
to fight and kill their quarry. This instinctive terrier behaviour is called “going to earth” or “going to
ground”. the word terrier comes from the Latin word terra, meaning “earth”. Terrier-type dogs
developed into different strains and were highly prized by their owners -and for good … (10).

1. A. ancestry B. inheritance C. legacy D. heritage

2. A. running B. going C. coming D. tracking
3. A. rise B. raise C. in D. away
4. A. departed B. extinguished C. extinct D. exterminated
5. A. Past B. Over C. Across D. Beyond
6. A. like B. into C. by D. between
7. A. making B. coming C. having D. being
8. A. culprit B. casualty C. prey D. victim
9. A. layers B. lairds C. lairs D. liars
10. A. aims B. reasons C. targets D. purposes

2. Fill in the blanks with only ONE word. (10 points)

Watching paint dry
'Watching paint dry' is a term used to describe the witnessing of an incredibly boring event or
situation. Typically, paint (1)____________ hours to dry, (2)____________ which time absolutely
nothing appears to be happening. When painting the walls of a room, the paint should have dried
enough for a second coat to be applied by the (3)__________ all the walls have received one coat of
paint. Actually, depending on the type of paint used, the length of the drying process varies
considerably. Oil-based paint, (4)____________ consists of pigment particles suspended in a drying
agent, (5)____________ as linseed oil, is slow-drying and can be manipulated (6)____________
brush many hours after it first touches the canvas or wall. Water-based paint, (7)____________ the
other hand, dries quickly, as (8)________________ synthetic paints, which are most commonly
used for painting interior walls. Paint is stored as a liquid and dries as a solid, and the conversion
process (9)____________ these two physical states involves the chemical combination of a resinous
binding agent and a diluent, like water. It is clear (10)____________ the expression is used to
describe observing a very boring and uneventful process.

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3. Read the text below and use the words given in capitals to form words that fit in the gaps.
The words in capitals are given in the order you need to use them. (10 points)
Blogging in the modern day

Back in the days when social networks were not particularly

widely used and the social media (1) ….. had yet to happen, the 1. EXPLODE
average man or woman in the street didn’t know what a tweet
was. 2. CONCEIVE
To those people it would seem (2) ….. that there might one day 3. POPULAR
be too many platforms to choose from. Although the (3) ….. of
Facebook still trumps that of other sites, platforms like 4. VARY
Instagram
and Twittter provide the user with a (4) ….. of ways of engaging 5. PRIMARY
with other people online.
Instagram is (5)….. about the images, whereas Twitter enables 6. VALUE
users to create polls and write short text messages. However,
does 7. TAKE
this mean that pictures are now as (6) ….. as words online ? 8. OVERWHELM
It would seem so because in the last few years, the number of
Instagram users has (7) ….. the number of Twitter users. Young 9. ROOT
people are (8) ….. choosing to share photos and updates on 10. GENERATE
Instagram rather than Twitter. This seems to be due to the way
in
which Instagram has become (9) ….. in the life of the younger
(10) ….. .

4. Rephrase the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using
the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words,
including the word given. (5x 2p = 10 points)
1.We were never aware at any moment that something was wrong.
TIME
At …………………...............……………..that something was wrong.

2.If Gary hadn’t had that accident, he would have become a professional football player.
FOR
If it ……………….......…………., Gary would have become a professional football player.

3.This wardrobe is so big that I don’t believe only one person assembled it.
HAVE
This wardrobe is so big that it …..............................................…….. together by only one
person.

4.Someone snatched Sue’s bag at the concert.

HAD
Sue …………………………………. at the concert.

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5.This novel stands a very good chance of winning the book prize.
HIGHLY
It is ……………………………………… win the book prize.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SILLS ……………………………………..…... (60 points)

1.Read the text below and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according
to the text. (5 x 2p =10 p)
A new visitor centre for a major British tourist attraction
The mysterious ring of huge and ancient stones has stood at Stonehenge in the countryside of the west
of England for between four and five thousand years. One of the most famous prehistoric monuments
in the world, Stonehenge had long been the object of some criticism for the prefabricated units that
served to greet the thousands of sightseers that visit the site. When the long awaited new visitor centre
opened its doors in December 2013, people came face to face with a tall man who has been at
Stonehenge for a very long time. He arrived long before a century of debate over what and where the
visitor centre should be, before the endless red tape over the closing or rerouting of roads, before
designs created were scrapped, funding plans announced and abandoned. He arrived before a
succession of project supervisors all vowing that the issue of satisfactory visitor facilities would
finally be solved.
He came to Stonehenge before the stones themselves. He was buried in the earth nearby around 5,500
years ago, proving that the area was already a special place at least 500 years before the first circular
chalk ditch was dug out with deer antler picks, creating the circular enclosure in which the iconic
stones would later be erected. His skeleton, with a reconstruction of his face based on the skull, now
stands in the new visitor centre, along with jewellery and pottery beakers for drinking, animal bones
from midwinter feasts, a flint knife and a bronze axe - the first time the evidence for the lives of the
people who built the monument and knife and a bronze axe - the first time the evidence tor the lives
of the people who built the monument and lived nearby has ever been displayed at the site.
Simon Thurley, chief executive of the organisation in charge, admits the problem of what to do about
Stonehenge has occupied many of his waking hours. 'I think this building is elegant, beautiful, and
above all fit for purpose,' he said. 'I think it is a great work of art. But amazingly, it is also reversible:
if somebody thinks we got it all wrong in 30 years, it could be dug up, taken away and rebuilt
somewhere else, or crunched up and sold off as scrap - and the field would be again as it was.'
The visitor centre is a grey glass, steel and timber structure 2.4 km west of, and invisible from, the
stones; and declining to draw attention to itself, is barely visible from a few hundred yards away. It
offers a café, ticket office, shop, car park, exhibition on the history of the site and museum displaying
priceless artefacts, including the earliest manuscripts depicting the stones. It cost £27m: the many
elaborate schemes drawn up, lavishly launched and then abandoned, along with innumerable planning
and roads enquiries, have cost many times that.
Visitors are collected by an efficient system of four-wheel drives drawing passenger carriages to take
them to the stones, and in high season one of these should be heading down the road every four
minutes. The shuttles will stop halfway at a little wood - one of the countless abandoned alternative
sites for the centre - offering visitors the option of walking across fields to the monument, or
continuing on to be dropped a short stroll from the stones. The hideous high security fence has gone,
the former road which previously brought traffic within metres of the stones has been turfed, and is
already becoming greener. However, after much discussion and to the inevitable disappointment of
visitors charmed by artists' images of families wandering happily among the stones, the centre of the
circle will still be closed off, except to specially booked groups outside normal opening hours.
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The permanent exhibition in the visitor centre includes many objects found at the site and never
exhibited before. The most spectacular single object is the skeleton, excavated in 1863 from a burial
mound, displayed beside its recreated face. He was a pitiable-looking specimen when she first saw
him in the stores of the Duckworth laboratory at Cambridge University, says archaeologist Sara Lunt,
who prepared the exhibition. 'Isn't he gorgeous?' Lunt exclaims. 'The skull is very fine, and I was
determined that the reconstruction should show that grace. Obviously when the hair and colouring
were added he could have easily been made to look like some horrible shaggy caveman dragging his
knuckles along the ground, but instead there is a delicacy to him - when he was still bald, before the
hair was added, he looked like any commuter you'd meet on a train in London.'
1. In the first paragraph, the writer gives the impression that the new visitor centre
A. may obstruct visitors from entering the facilities easily.
B. may require patient queuing on the part of its visitors.
C. has had inadequate commitment from its designers.
D. has been the object of significant disagreement.

2. The writer's references to the 'tall man' in the first two paragraphs are intended to reflect
A. how pointless many discussions of the site have been.
B. how his remains suggest something very different from the modern buildings.
C. how frequently the site has been excavated.
D. how detailed the understanding of prehistoric man has become.

3. According to the third paragraph, Simon Thurley claims that the building
A. has a suitably rural appearance.
B. will eventually have to be demolished.
C. can be removed without leaving any trace.
D. mirrors its current environment.

4. In the fourth paragraph, the writer says that the visitor centre
A. is constructed of elaborate materials.
B. contains extremely precious objects.
C. offers an impressive variety of activities.
D. has cost more than previous schemes.

5. In describing the journey from the visitor centre to the stones, the writer
A. indicates his dismay about the route chosen for the path.
B. expresses surprise at the site transport for visitors.
C. reveals disapproval of the dropping off point for walkers.
D. shows his appreciation for the removal of less appealing structures.

2. Writing (50p)
A magazine with an international readership has asked for contributions to a special edition about
places which are of significance to its readers. Write an article in which you describe such a place.
Mention the first time you went there and how it always makes you feel. (220-250 words)

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OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ- ETAPA LOCALĂ
CLASA a XII-a, SECŢIUNEA A
2 martie 2024

NOTĂ: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.

Timp de lucru - 3 ore

SUBIECTUL I – USE OF ENGLISH (40 points)

I. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question, mark the correct
letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
The ‘safety bicycle’ of the late 19th century (1) …………. a much closer resemblance to a modern
bike than its predecessors. The ‘Penny Farthing’, which gained its name due to its giant front wheel,
its rather tiny rear wheel, and their comparative sizes being similar to the penny and farthing coins
in the UK at the time, was for all (2) …………. and purposes a vehicle designed for racing. A brave
rider would (3) ……………….. at the top of the 150cm-high front wheel. This device had in turn
(4)…………… Pierre Lallemont’s ‘Velocipede’, a vehicle that featured a rotary crank mechanism
to turn the wheels, according to his American patent in 1866. (5) ……………………, it still lacked
a chain drive and a ‘true’ gearing system, and, rather worryingly, any kind of brake.
(6) ………………. the Penny Farthing had been ridden almost exclusively by daring young men,
the safety bike could be used by anyone and quite a scandal was (7) ……………. up by one
newspaper around the time of the bike’s commercial launch when it reported on young women
riding the bikes, unchaperoned, around the city of New York. What is more – these trailblazing
ladies had also dared to wear trousers – a (8)……………….outrage in some parts of society. In fact,
Susan B. Antony, a 19th-century women’s activist, claimed that bicycling had done more to
emancipate women than any one thing in the world.
The bicycle has continued (9) ………… an understated symbol of innovation and evolution, if
nothing else (10)………….. the way to ease of movement for many, and in an undoubtedly
environmentally friendly way.
1 A. takes B. gives C. bears D. makes
2 A. intends B. intents C. insights D. intakes
3 A. clamber B. perch C. climb D. swing
4 A. superseded B. circumvented C. overcome D. overhauled
5 A. However B. Despite C. Moreover D. Besides
6 A. Additionally B. Whereas C. Whenever D. Since
7 A. stirred B. twisted C. mixed D. shaken
8 A. doubtless B. veritable C. factual D. genuine
9 A. been B. to be C. to being D. having been
10 A. beginning B. starting C. opening D. launching

II. Fill in each gap in the following text with only ONE word which fits the meaning of the text. (10
points)

Navigating the Media Maze

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The media landscape is a pressure cooker. Journalists, 1) ………. pressure from deadlines and
competing narratives, must respond quickly, often with limited resources. 2)………… view of the
fact that information travels at breakneck speed, the need 3),…..… immediacy can trump
thoroughness, leading 4).…………………. inaccuracies and sensationalism. As a result, responsible
consumers must be critical thinkers, demanding more from media outlets.
We must insist on context, questioning the "who," "what," "when," "where," and "why" behind every
story. We should 5)…….. people's attention to biases, 6)…………….. explicit and implicit,
recognising that agendas and narratives shape coverage. Fact-checking has 7)….……….crucial,
seeking diverse perspectives and verifying information before sharing.
The media's role is 8)…………………just to inform, but also to educate and empower. 9)………..
responding to immediate events is important, responsible outlets should also invest in investigative
journalism, in-depth analysis, and diverse voices. Remember, the media is a tool, and
10)……………… any tool, its effectiveness depends on the user. Let's be responsible users, wielding
our critical thinking skills to navigate the media maze with awareness and purpose.

III. Read the sentences and use the word given in brackets to form a word that fits in the gap. (10
points)
Whitby
Whitby is a seaside town on the north - eastern coast of
England, which (1) ............... has a charm and character not DOUBT
found in many places. (2) ............... in the harbour are relics STAND
of the past that help illustrate its (3) ............... history. REMARK
On the West Cliff stands the arched upper jawbone of a whale,
(4) ............... of Whitby’s strong fishing tradition and the still REFLECT
evident community of (5) ............... . On the East Cliff, you can FISH
climb 199 steps to visit the ghostly ruins of Whitby Abbey and the
magnificent St Mary’s church and graveyard, which stand side by side,
silhouetted against the (6) ............... clifftops and the stunning DRAMA
Yorkshire moors.
Indeed, it is here that Bram Stoker’s (7) ............... vampire Dracula FAME
is said to have first landed on English soil. This is commemorated
by a tourist attraction which includes exhibits that (8) ............... COUNT
his story and legend.
No visit to Whitby would be complete without having fish and chips,
making it a place (9) ............... worth visiting. DEFINE
Newer (10) .................. to the town, loved by tourists and locals alike, ADD
are an eclectic mix of vintage shops and cafes.

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IV. Complete the second sentence with THREE to SIX words using the word given, so that it has a
similar meaning to the first sentence. Do not change the word given. (10 points)

1.I'm disappointed with the Fisher's new album when I compare it to their previous one.
COMPARISON
I think the Fisher's new album is .................... their previous one.
2. I am sure that my book is better than yours. MIND
There is…………………………………………. that your book is not as good as mine.

3. Meeting everyone was the most important thing for her. LENGTHS
She….……………………………………………………. sure to meet everyone.
4.Although my flight was cancelled, I was able to get on the next one. SUBSEQUENT
I managed to get …………………………………mine was cancelled.

5.Jane had a nose operation because she didn’t like the way it looked. IT
Jane didn’t like the look of her nose so she ……………………………….

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SKILLS (60 points)

I. Read the text below. For each question, choose the correct answer: A, B, C or D (5 x 2p = 10
points)
THE FUTURE OF NEWSPAPERS
Anybody who says they can reliably forecast the future of newspapers is either a liar or a fool. Look
at the raw figures, and newspapers seem doomed. Since 2000, the circulation of most UK national
dailies has fallen by between a third and a half. The authoritative Pew Search Centre in the USA
reports that newspapers are now the main source of news for only 26 percent of US citizens as against
45 percent in 2001. There is no shortage of prophets who confidently predict that the last printed
newspaper will be safely buried within 15 years at most.
Yet one of the few reliable facts of history is that old media have a habit of surviving. An over-
exuberant New York journalist announced in 1835 that books and theatre ‘have had their day’ and
that the daily newspaper would become ‘the greatest organ of social life’. Theatre duly withstood not
only the newspaper, but also cinema and then television. Radio has flourished in the TV age; cinema,
in turn, has held its own against videos and DVDs. Even vinyl records have made a comeback, with
online sales up 745 percent since 2008.
Newspapers themselves were once new media, although it took several centuries before they became
the dominant medium for news. This was not solely because producing up-to-date news for a large
readership over a wide area became practicable and economic only in the mid-19th century, with the
steam press, the railway and the telegraph. Equally important was the emergence of the idea that
everything around us is in constant movement and we need to be updated on its condition at regular
intervals- a concept quite alien in medieval times and probably also to most people in the early modern
era. Now, we expect change. To our medieval ancestors, however, the only realities were the passing
of the seasons, punctuated by catastrophes, such as famine, flood or disease that they had no reliable
means of anticipating. Life, as the writer Alain de Botton puts it, was ‘ineluctably cyclical’ and ‘the
most important truths were recurring’.

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Journalism as a full-time trade from which you could hope to make a living hardly existed before the
19th century. Even then, there was no obvious reason why most people needed news on a regular
basis, whether daily or weekly. In some respects, regularity of newspaper publication and rigidity of
format was, and remains, a burden. Online news readers can dip in and out according to how they
perceive the urgency of events. Increasingly sophisticated search engines and algorithms allow us to
personalise the news to our own priorities and interests. When important stories break, internet news
providers can post minute-by-minute updates. Error, misconception and foolish speculation can be
corrected or modified almost instantly. There are no space restrictions to prevent narrative or analysis,
and documents or events cited in news stories can often be accessed in full. All this is a world away
from the straitjacket of newspaper publication. Yet few if any providers seem alive to the new
medium’s capacity for spreading understanding and enlightenment.
Instead, the anxiety is always to be the first with the news, to maximise reader comments, to create
heat, sound and fury and thus add to the sense of confusion. In the medieval world, what news there
was usually exchanged amid the babble of the marketplace or the tavern, where truth competed with
rumour, mishearing and misunderstanding. In some respects, it is to that world that we seem to be
returning. Newspapers have never been very good- or not as good as they ought to be – at telling us
how the world goes. Perhaps they now face extinction. Or perhaps, as the internet merely adds to
what de Botton describes as our sense that we live in ‘an unimprovable and fundamentally chaotic
universe’, they will discover that they and they alone can guide us to wisdom and understanding.

1. In the first paragraph, the writer is presenting

A. His interpretation of a current trend.
B. Evidence that supports a widespread view.
C. His prediction on the future of print journalism.
D. Reasons for the decline in newspaper readership.

2. What point is the writer making in the second paragraph?

A. Existing media are not necessarily replaced by new ones.
B. The best media technologies tend to be the most long-lasting.
C. Public enthusiasm for new types of media is often unpredictable.
D. It is inevitable that most media technologies will have a limited life.

3. In the third paragraph, the writer stresses the significance of

A. A shift in people’s attitudes towards the outside world.
B. Certain key 19th century advances in mechanization.
C. The challenges of news distribution in the pre-industrial era.
D. The competition between newspapers and more established media.

4. What does the writer suggest is the main advantage of online news sites?
A. The flexibility of the medium.
B. The accuracy of the reporting.
C. The ease of access for their users.
D. The breadth of their potential readership.

5. What does the writer suggest about newspapers in the final paragraph?
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A. They still have an important role to play.

B. They can no longer compete with the internet.
C. They will have to change to keep up with the digital age.
D. They will retain a level of popularity among certain types of readers.

II. Social media has evolved a lot from where it started out, and in less than 20 years it has gone from
not existing, to touching almost everyone’s lives in some way. How do you think it will be in 20
years’ time? Write your article for the school website in 220-260 words. (50p)

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Operator de date cu caracter personal nr. 18028

INSPECTORATUL ȘCOLAR JUDEȚEAN GALAȚI

OLIMPIADA DE LIMBA ENGLEZĂ
ETAPA LOCALĂ - CLASA a XII-a, SECŢIUNEA B
02.03.2024
Nota: Toate subiectele sunt obligatorii.
Timp de lucru: 3 ore
SUBIECTUL I - USE OF ENGLISH…………………...……………………………….. (40
points)
1. Read the text below and choose the correct word for each space. For each question (1-10),
mark the correct letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet. (10 points)
The internet, as a (1) ..... , is actually older than most of its users; born, as it was, in the sixties. While
there is no doubting that the Net’s (2) ..... to fame today is the quantum (3) ..... in global
communications it has fostered, the idea of the Net was not, in fact, (4) …… in a bid to make new
information easily accessible to everyone, but rather in a contest for world domination.
Following the Soviet successes in beating the US into space, the US Department of Defence formed
the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). Twelve years later, the ARPA (5) ..... ARPAnet, the
world’s first decentralised computer network.
The driving (6) ..... behind decentralisation, ironically, was bomb-proofing. Hit a mainframe and the
system goes (7) ..... But bombing a network would, at worst, only remove one or two nodes. The
remainder could be (8) ..... around it unharmed. At the time of its inception, its creators would likely
have been greatly perturbed at the (9) ..... of its anarchic extension into the public (10) ..... .

1. A. fact B. whim C. rule D. concept

2. A. claim B. path C. right D. inclination
3. A. rise B. branch C. growth D. leap
4. A. hailed B. maintained C. swapped D. hatched
5. A. thrived B. extended C. incubated D. spawned
6. A. rate B. force C. wheel D. push
7. A. up B. off C. down D. over
8. A. routed B. shuddered C. flowed D. jammed
9. A. principle B. prospect C. sincerity D. disposition
10. A. domain B. field C. place D. patch

2. Fill in the blanks with only ONE word. (10 points)

As a result of the recent discovery of lunar water, the moon has suddenly become a far more
interesting place for investors, (1) ….. must now view the long-term prospects with optimism. The
last manned mission to the moon drew (2) ..... a close in 1973, when two astronauts from Apollo 17
climbed back into their lunar module, having collected a lot of moonrock, but bereft (3) ..... any future
plans. Now the moon shines brighter for astronauts and scientists alike, thanks to the existence of (4)
..... might be billions of tonnes of water at (5) ..... poles. There is (6) ..... high-tech substitute for water
in space exploration. To support the international space station, (7) ..... has cost at least $100,000 a
day to send water into orbit. Not only would lunar water cut these costs, but it would additionally be
used for rocket fuel, (8) ..... two components, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, are the elements
found in water. Scientists are particularly excited, (9) ..... lunar water has never been recycled and
they believe, therefore, that it (10) ..... very well hold clues to the formation of the solar system itself.

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3. Read the text below and use the words given in capitals to form words that fit in the gaps.
The words in capitals are given in the order you need to use them. (10 points)
Dieppe’s (1) ..... to Paris makes this much-loved seaside resort an 1. CLOSE
attraction for weekend holiday breaks in winter and summer alike. The
(2) ….. new marina enables sea-goers to make a 2. SPECTACLE
(3) ..... in the heart of the town, which is right next to the fishing 3. STOP
harbour. Within easy reach of Paris, it has been designated as a town of
art and history. The (4) ..... white-brick buildings remind one that
Dieppe was entirely (5) ..... after the great fire in 1649. The restoration
4. CHARACTER
of the town centre, (6) ..... respecting the original architecture, lends a 5. BUILD
special charm. The castle museum, (7).... the town, seemingly watches 6. STYLISTIC
over its people. Its views across the valley are particularly (8) ….. . 7. DOMINATE
Dieppe has an intense cultural life and is the birthplace of ‘Coast to 8. IMPRESS
Coast’, a Franco- British meeting of (9) ..... and dancers. “I can
recommend without (10) ….. a visit to this wonderful town!” 9. CHOREOGRAPHY
10. HESITATE

4. Rephrase the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the
word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words,
including the word given.
1. Helen’s report is rather unclear in places.
LACKING
Helen’s report .......................................................... in places.
2. I really enjoy reading, but sometimes I feel like doing something more active.
TIMES
Much ........................................................... I prefer to do something more active.
3. Did the football team play any better last weekend?
IN
Was there any ......................................................... last weekend?
4. Do phone us when you arrive at the airport, even if it is late.
HOW
No ........................................................................ is when you arrive at the airport, do
phone us.
5. William tried to remain impartial in the quarrel between his two cousins.
SIDES
William tried .................................................... in the quarrel between his two cousins.

SUBIECTUL II – INTEGRATED SKILLS …………………………….…….……... (60 points)

1. Read the text below and choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best
according to the text. (5 x 2p =10 points)

To say the least, Alexander Trevozhov’s was an unusual interpretation of the ballade’s
beginning. He did not play the opening chords forte and pesante, as is written, but so softly that
they were almost inaudible. In any ordinary concert they would have been, but his unexpected
use of understatement, along with his formidable presence, had commanded absolute silence in
his audience. I began to understand the praise of him I had heard.
I did not open my eyes, but I listened intently. It was impossible not to: the music caught and
bound me as it had caught and bound the entire house. The anxiety accrued during Mr.
Trevozhov’s long delay may have shifted as he began to play, but it had not abated. It seemed
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that the tension his presence had unfurled was slowly weaving into the music, becoming so
ingrained that the familiar score sounded entirely alien.
Technically, he was perfect. But the pain emanating from every note he played was something
significantly more potent than the regretful melancholy Chopin had written into the piece. Each
note was askew, its emotion turned inward on itself to reverberate as something close to horror.
I wanted the music to end but also to go on forever. My intense desire to run away had not
dissipated, but equally strong was the ridiculous desire to run to him. I was unaware of having
heard the final chords until I realized that we had been sitting for several moments in absolute
silence – a sound I had never heard in that hall in my life, and which I doubt will ever be heard
there again.
The hush dangled, as unresolved as the music had been. Then, all at once, it was filled with
uproarious applause, a standing ovation. But I could not clap, nor stand; I could only sit staring
at the light-box of the stage, for once completely unaware of myself I did not even sense the
tears streaming down my face. My grandfather looked down at me with troubled eyes. At his
side, Mary looked hazily triumphant.
“Still think it’s only the best that a dying man could do, love?” she asked.
Although I knew it was only her way of telling me that I did not yet know everything there was
to know, I shook my head. “No,” I said softly, but with more vehemence than her mild gibe
deserved. “It’s not the music. He could have played scales, and it would have been the same.
That’s no ordinary man on that stage. His music isn’t human.”
Before either of them could answer, Mr Trevozhov was playing again, this time Debussy. Again
I was listening to a sound that transcended, even ridiculed the lines and notes composing the
music spilling from beneath his fingers. All too soon the incredible sound had been swallowed
again by applause.
When the concert ended, I insisted on meeting him, but the crowd around his dressing room
was impenetrable. Mary and my grandfather wanted to go, she complaining of weariness, he of
an ache in his arms and chest; grudgingly I agreed. I turned once, though, as we retreated, to
have a last look at Mr Trevozhov. By fate or chance he turned as well. His eyes snagged for a
moment on my grandfather’s fragile form, then moved on to me. Recovering from what seemed
a great surprise, he smiled. He gestured as though to move towards us, but at the same moment
my grandfather stepped between us, blocking my view of him.
“The car’s waiting, Eleanor,” he said. There was no question of contradicting the steely
authority in his voice; it was a tone he used with me seldom, and never without good cause. I
looked at him, puzzled, but he wouldn’t meet my eyes. Mary tugged gently at my hand, urging
me toward the lobby, and though I tried again to catch the pianist’s eye, the crowd had closed
around him once more, sealing him off from me as effectively as my grandfather could have
wished.
“Do you know him?” I asked, as we made our way out into the snowy night.
“No,” he answered shortly, looking straight ahead.
“He seemed to know you – or to have something to say to us, anyway.”
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He didn’t answer, nor look at me. Mary smiled sympathetically as we climbed into the car, but
the truth was, I had nearly put the incident out of my mind again, turning instead to more
frivolous thoughts. I had not begun to examine the intricacies of the feeling the foreign pianist’s
eyes had stirred in me. It seemed enough, at the time, that he had noticed me. Yet I would find
myself replaying the scene many times in the months to come, sometimes with regret, sometimes
with pleasure, but always with a recondite feeling of emptiness and longing.

1. When Trevozhov began to play, absolute silence prevailed because

A. he himself had insisted on it.

B. he interpreted the music in such an unusual way.
C. the audience were awed by his charisma and style.
D. the audience had to strain to hear the music.

2. The narrator noted that Trezovhov’s interpretation of Chopin’s music

A. was far superior to the composer’s original intentions.

B. caused the audience to feel increasingly tense.
C. contained barely perceptible musical flaws.
D. was infused with so much raw emotion that it unsettled her.

3. When Trevozhov had finished playing the first piece, the audience

A. immediately began cheering and clapping enthusiastically.

B. made no sound whatsoever.
C. leapt to their feet in unison.
D. stood and clapped after a moment of stunned silence.

4. The narrator clearly felt

A. that the music had not ended properly

B. that she had overreacted to Mary’s comment.
C. jealous of Trevozhov’s extraordinary talent.
D. that Trevozhov had superhuman powers.

5. The narrator was unable to meet Trevozhov after the performance because

A. there were too many people around him

B. her companions wanted to leave early.
C. their car was about to leave.
D. her grandfather forbade it.

2. Writing (50p)
Your town has been shortlisted to host a major international festival of folk music and dance next
year. You have been asked to write a proposal for the festival organizers, stating why your town
should be chosen from the list. You should include relevant information about accommodation,
transport, concert venues and other leisure and entertainment possibilities. (250-280 words)