(B1+) Middle-Course Test_ROADMAP

Listen to an advert for Costa Rica. Put the topics in the order that you hear them.

Listen to the book reviews and choose the correct answer.

The first book is about

Book 2 is about a

Book 3 is about two people who

Book 4 is about a man who

Book 5 is about a woman who

The final book is about some teenagers who

Listen again and decide if the sentences are true (T) or false (F). Write only the first letters - T or F.

1. Archie is the youngest of three children.  

2. Alex and Leila work for the same company.  

3. Pierre Lauront is taking a winter holiday.  

4. Annabel Havers was born in South Africa.  

5. The children follow a criminal to his home  

Choose the correct alternatives.

1. In this country, you                 [have to, are supposed to] drive on the left.

2. Lucy would love a new car, but she doesn’t have               [near enough, nearly enough] money to get one.

3. When I was young, I         [used to, would] live in France.

4. The food here is great, but               [unfortunately, basically] the service is very slow.

5. You         [should, must] finish this report by 2 p.m. as I need to read it before the meeting.

6. I’ve         [still, already] done my presentation, but I haven’t started preparing for the meeting       [even, yet].

7. I             ['ll go, 'm going to] Brazil on holiday next month.

Choose the correct answers to complete the text.

Hi Lily, How are you? Guess what? Last week I met up with Chris Cook. Do you remember him? He was the student in the year above us       [where, who, which] got a job in a bank in New York. I remember how jealous we all were at the time! He still looks just the same, except he’s got          [lot, slightly, bit] less hair than he          [used to, would to, use to] have. We went to a great restaurant near Leicester Square,       [whose, which, who] specialises in seafood, and we talked about the old days. He told me he             [has seen, saw, hadn't seen] you for ages and said he         [loved, loves, 'd love] to see you again. So I was wondering if you’re free next Friday

Match the sentence halves.

Complete the sentences with the words below.

destination fine force forgot guarantee packed research storage

1. We love our new house, and there’s lots of         for all our things.

2. You shouldn’t       children to eat things they don’t like.

3. Last month I drove through a red light so I had to pay a      .

4. My sister has done a lot of          into solar power.

5. I        to lock the door when we went on holiday, but luckily no one got in.

6. My new computer has developed a fault, but it's fine because I’ve got the           for it.

7. We can’t agree on a             for our next holiday!

8. Our local market is always        on a Saturday, so we tend to go on a Thursday instead.

Choose the correct alternatives.

1. After the cinema, we          [went out, went on] to a new Thai restaurant and had dinner.

2. I don’t like doing                        [night shifts, flexible working hours] because it means I can’t go out in the evenings.

3. House prices have                        [increased dramatically, been falling steadily] over this year, which is good for buyers.

4. Robbers            [broke into, attacked] our shop last Sunday night and stole a lot of money.

5. We’re going to        [expand, launch] some new cleaning products in the autumn.

6. We’ve asked our daughter’s teacher for more          [feedback, pressure] on her progress this term.

7. Let’s go to the Indian restaurant – they have                  [a set menu, plenty of choice] which is good value.

Choose the response that is not possible.

Sorry, but I’m in a rush. My train leaves soon.

Choose the response that is not possible.

I don't know the word ‘timid’. What does it mean?

Choose the response that is not possible.

I can’t come out this evening. I’ve got the flu.

Choose the response that is not possible.

I think politicians have lost touch with ordinary people.

Choose the response that is not possible.

I think I’d rather work with younger children.

Choose the response that is not possible.

She’s too young to get married. She’s only 21.

Choose the response that is not possible.

I’ve dropped my CV off at the restaurant.

Choose the response that is not possible.

I think she’s the best manager we’ve ever had.

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

A Town that Lives in One Building

Located in the beautiful state of Alaska, a little town called Whittier is tucked away in a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and the ocean. This hidden gem is hard to reach: the only ways to and from Whittier are either by ferry or through a one-lane tunnel that cuts through the mountains. This tunnel is unique because it is shared by both vehicles and trains, necessitating a precisely managed schedule to accommodate both modes of transportation and both directions of traffic.

Whittier’s economy thrives on its port, the town’s main source of employment, where cargo ships drop off their containers for rail transportation across Alaska. The town also has a grocery store, a museum, two hotels, and various other job opportunities for all its citizens: police officers, municipal workers, educators at the local school, and marina staff. Tourism has grown over the last few years to become an alternative source of income, drawing visitors to attractions such as the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, glacier jet ski tours, and scenic boat excursions that offer breathtaking views of marine wildlife and icebergs.

But the most fascinating aspect of Whittier is perhaps the fact that nearly all of its 200-odd residents live under the same roof. The Begich Towers, a 14-story building, is more than just an apartment complex; it’s a self-contained town! The harsh winter weather helps to explain the convenience of this unusual way of living. Whittier’s winter months are known for their heavy snowfalls and fierce winds. By having all the necessary facilities and services in one building, the residents don’t have to brave the cold weather every time they need to run an errand or go to church. Not even the children need to step outside to attend school, which is in an adjacent building connected through a tunnel. It’s an ingenious solution that makes life in such an extreme climate much more manageable.

However, the origins of Whittier’s unique living situation date back to the early last century when the area was chosen for a military base. Shielded by towering mountains and situated by a bay with unfreezing waters, this location offered an ideal strategic position. Initially, wooden camps housed the soldiers, but as the need for more permanent structures grew with the increasing population, two significant buildings were erected: the once largest building in Alaska, the Buckner Building, and the Begich Towers. The construction of the tunnel in the 1940s, intended to provide railway access, marked Whittier’s transformation into an essential cargo and passenger port. After the military left in the 1960s, the Buckner Building was abandoned, and the Begich Towers became the main residential and communal space for the town’s inhabitants.

Nowadays, Whittier’s residents just need to hop on the elevator to go grocery shopping, visit the police station, or eat ‘out’—though in this case, ‘eat in’ might be more accurate. There’s even a health clinic, which is far from being a hospital but more than enough for minor ailments. In essence, everything the residents may need is a few steps away from their homes. Living in Begich Towers offers a sense of community and convenience that is hard to find elsewhere. The close proximity of homes and businesses fosters a strong bond among the residents. Whether they’re sharing a cup of coffee at the café on the ground floor or attending a community meeting, the people of Whittier have created a unique and supportive environment.

Whittier might be small, but it’s a remarkable example of adaptability and community spirit. Its single-building town, surrounded by Alaska’s breathtaking landscape, is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

Which adjective would better describe Whittier?

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

If you are going to Whittier through the tunnel...

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

Most people in Whittier work in...

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

According to the text,...

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

The towers were built...

Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for the questions, choose the correct answer.

Which of these can you NOT find in Begich Towers?