NMT 2026 test 4

Five Ways to stop being lazy!

"I'm going to take a lazy day today." Okay, there's nothing wrong with this. It's called a day off, and it's a magical thing. But when every day is a "lazy day," there's a problem. Here are 5 ways to stop being lazy and become more productive!

1. ..........

Are you burned out from working 27 hours a day, 9 days a week for as long as you can remember? This is a signal that you need a rest or a change. Human beings are not supposed to work all the time. Maybe you feel upset or are afraid to fail at the task, or you just don't want to do the task; these are problems with separate solutions. Finding out the root cause of your laziness can help you make the changes you need to make in order to be a more effective and energetic person.

2. ..........

People work more efficiently when they have a little rest time. Working in short, focused bursts is far more effective than trying to get through the task all at once. Not only will you be happier with the end product, but you'll feel better and more energized after completing it.

3. ..........

When possible, work smarter instead of harder. If you can find a better way to do the task, you're more likely to enjoy it because you're not simply performing the task like a robot, but rather, using your creativity and imagination to their best effect. This will make you feel better about the job and you'll probably enjoy it more, too.

4. ..........

Sometimes, we just need a little extra backup. There's nothing wrong with asking for help from a more motivated colleague, friend, or family member. This is a useful way to get you up and moving, because they will motivate you to do the task. At the same time, you may be doing them a favour by motivating them to work harder. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!

5. ..........

Sometimes there's just no getting around it. All the good advice and wishes in the world won't make the job look any better. In these cases, you need to remember you're an intelligent, mature member of the Homo Sapiens, and then get down to work. While it may not be fun at the time, you can look back on the task you did later and say, "Yeah. I did that." You shouldn't have to force yourself out of bed every morning (this is a warning sign of depression that you should NOT ignore), but every once in a while, we need to force ourselves to do something we just don't want to do. Believe it or not, you'll be proud of yourself once the task is done.

A Make yourself perform the task.

B Think of how to act more efficiently.

C Schedule everything you do.

D Start with a small step forward.

E Learn to reward yourself.

F Establish the reasons for being lazy.

G Break up your work time.

H Find somebody to support you.

Read the text below.

For questions 1-5 choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

It's all been done before

This year I've seen headlines saying: "The youngest person to sail the Atlantic alone", "The youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest", "The first person to cross the Pacific Ocean on a windsurfing board", and "The first people to fly around the world in a hot-air balloon". Why do they do it? Don't they have better things to do with their time and money? And why should I be interested anyway?

Human beings have already climbed the highest mountains, sailed across the oceans and flown around the world. People have already reached the most remote parts of our planet. Many of these things were done a long, longtime ago. There just isn't anything left to explore nowadays. I suppose there's still a lot of the universe left, and the bottom of the oceans is still a bit of a mystery, but you need a lot of technology to explore areas like that. So, those people who feel the need for adventure can only do things that have been done before. Therefore they have to try and do it in a new way, or be "the fastest" or "the youngest" or "the oldest" - to do something that isn't really new at all.

In May this year, a British man became the first person to walk alone from Canada to the geographic North Pole. The problem was that he went in the spring, when the ice begins to melt and break up. So, he got stuck on an isolated piece of ice and a plane had to be sent in to rescue him. It's very difficult to land a plane on breaking ice and the people who risked their lives to do it weren't very happy. They called the timing of the expedition "a bit stupid".

Talking of taxpayers, many Australians are getting a bit fed up with record breakers. A lot of people trying to break sailing or rowing records get into trouble in the seas around Australia, so the Australian military has to send ships to save them.

There have been a lot of difficult, time-consuming rescue missions in recent years costing the Australian government millions of dollars. I suppose we can't just leave them to drown, but personally, I think we should give the bill to the people who are rescued. Perhaps they would think twice about doing it if they had to pay for expensive insurance premiums. Then I wouldn't have to read about them in the newspapers either.

What do you think? Are these explorers heroes or a danger to other people? Examples of courage and determination which should inspire the rest of us? Or a waste of time, energy and money?

1. What is the author's attitude to the record breakers?

A He admires their courage.

B He takes an interest in them.

C They make him wonder.

D They inspire him to join in.

2. What does it in line 13 refer to?

A setting a record

B exploring the universe

C studying the ocean

D becoming wealthy

3. What went wrong with the British man's Arctic expedition?

A He failed to get off a remote island.

B He was too weak to continue his journey.

C He was stopped by the warm weather.

D He realised it was a mistake to walk alone.

4. What is the problem with the Australian record breakers?

A They don't have personal insurance.

B They lack the necessary equipment.

C They don't know the seas around Australia.

D They make other people pay for them.

5. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text?

A Newspapers are full of articles about record breakers.

B It's hard to find a completely new record to set.

C Record breakers put others in dangerous situations.

D You can make a lot of money from setting records.

Read the texts below.

Match choices A-H to the texts 1-6.

There are two choices you do not need to use.

BRITISH PUBLIC ATTRACTIONS

1. ..........

Snape Makings

Snape Makings is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is surrounded by one of Britain's most spectacular areas of reeds, water and vast open skies. Snape Makings is a place where you'll find inspiring concerts and festivals throughout the year, from the flagship Aldeburgh Festival to the folk, world and jazz of the Snape Proms. Snape Makings has a collection of twelve independent shops situated in specially adapted Victorian industrial buildings, providing a completely different experience to shopping on the high street. Snape Makings is a delight to visit for its interesting architecture.

2. ..........

Debach Airfield Museum

Debach was one of the last 8th Air Force heavy bomber stations to be occupied by the American 8th Army Air Force. Debach is situated 3 miles north-west of Woodbridge, although some of the sites are located in the nearby village of Burgh. The Control Tower Museum will be open on the last Sunday of the months of April, May, June, July, August and September from 11am to 4pm. Entrance is free but donations are appreciated. Group visits are welcomed by appointment.

3. ..........

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, affectionately known as the 'Middy', is a fine example of rural English history, now resurrected as Suffolk's only railway museum and ironically busier now than it ever was before. A section of the railway at Brockford has been recreated with original station buildings. In 2012, the MSLR was awarded the Heritage Railway Association's Interpretation Award. In October 2014, the 'Middy' was voted Suffolk Museum of the Year in competition with 40 other Suffolk museums. Today's 'Middy' is not only a museum but also runs regular steam trains together with a programme of carriage and wagon restoration complementing its efforts to recreate this piece of Edwardian England.

4. ..........

Alton Water Park

Set in 400 acres of beautiful countryside, Alton Water Park provides the perfect location for walks, cycle rides, wildlife spotting and family picnics. Activities include an eight-mile walking route and an eight-mile cross-country cycle track. Bikes are available to hire from the Visitor Centre. Alton Water also boasts a wide range of water sports, including excellent sailing and windsurfing facilities. Fishing is also available. Day and season permits can be obtained from the visitor centre. For those interested in wildlife, Alton Water Park hosts a variety of interesting waterfowl, especially in winter. New conservation zones and bird hides have been established to increase biodiversity with the help of local conservation volunteers.

5. ..........

The Barn Assington

The village of Assington is located between Sudbury and Colchester just off the road that leads from Colchester to Sudbury the A134. Come and say hello to our farm, animals, which are a real favorite with all the family. We have a lovely play area for the children to explore while you relax with a cup of tea in our wonderful Country Kitchen and gardens. Browse our lovely gift shop Little Gems Interiors, which sells home interiors and has its own furniture barn. We also stock Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and welcome you to come and have a look around while the children play. The Farm Shop is a real gem and offers a wide range of local produce and delicacies such as homemade bread, jams, pickles, create-your-own hampers and freshly made scones.

6. ..........

Framlingham Castle

Once a fearsome fortress, gather your courage and explore Framlingham Castle's towering walls. It was behind these walls that Mary Tudor was announced as Queen of England. Discover more of Framlingham's stories in our exhibition, and walk the walls of the castle to enjoy its breathtaking views. Enjoy the spectacular views of Framlingham's nature and the surrounding countryside. Take the opportunity to count our chimneys - these are the oldest surviving collection of 12th century and Tudor chimneys in the country! Grab a snack from our kiosk and play knights and princesses on the lawn inside the castle walls. Or you can bring a picnic and just relax and enjoy the views. Families with energy to burn can grab an audio trail designed for the kids and go out to explore the grounds.

Which public attraction ...?

A doesn't close the play area for children in winter

B offers self-guided tours for children accompanied by parents

C has given new life to old facilities

D invites parents to have a rest while their kids have fun

E organises live shows in any season

F holds cycling and water sports competitions

G provides a rental service for its visitors

H doesn't charge for admission