On Screen B1+. Reading Test . Term 1

You are going to read a text about an island. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Forbidden Hawaii

When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km² in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.

A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.

The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.

One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists.

What is the purpose of the text?

A to promote Hawaiian culture

B to describe an unusual place and people

C to explain the problems a community faces

D to recommend a holiday destination

  [A, B, C, D]

You are going to read a text about an island. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Forbidden Hawaii

When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km² in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.

A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.

The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.

One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists.

Why are tourists not allowed to visit Niihau?

  [A, B, C, D] A in order to protect the lifestyle of the people there

B in order to protect the island’s sensitive ecosystem

C because the owners of the island don’t like outsiders

D because the natives are afraid of visitors

You are going to read a text about an island. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Forbidden Hawaii

When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km² in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.

A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.

The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.

One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists.

What is the writer trying to show in the second paragraph?

  [A, B, C, D]A how difficult it is to live on the island

B how unique the islanders’ way of life is

C how cheap it is to live on the island

D how the islanders don’t care about being on time

You are going to read a text about an island. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Forbidden Hawaii

When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km² in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.

A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.

The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.

One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists.

What does the writer say about education on the island?

A It focuses only on Hawaiian traditions.

B It teaches about solar energy and the environment.

C It tries to balance tradition with technology.

D It tries to prepare students for life away from the island.   [A, B, C, D]

You are going to read a text about an island. For questions 1-5, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

Forbidden Hawaii

When we think of the Hawaiian Islands, they often bring to mind a thriving tourist destination with white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. However, on one of the most northern islands, you will not find any tourists or holiday activities. The island of Niihau is 180 km² in size with an extinct volcano, a delicate wetland and thriving forests. It is also the home to various endangered species such as the Hawaiian monk seal. The island belongs to the Robinson family who bought it from the King of Hawaii back in 1864 with the promise to preserve the traditional Hawaiian culture and language of the natives living there. In order to keep this promise, the family over time began to limit visitors to the island. Today, contact with the native Niihauans on the island is forbidden except by invitation. Therefore, until recently, the natives knew very little about the outside world.

A walk through the main village of the island shows how Niihau appears to be frozen in time. There are no cars, shops, restaurants or police. The only means of transport are horses and bicycles. There is no running water, power or telephone lines. All of the 130 permanent residents are native Hawaiians and speak Hawaiian as their first language. They don’t pay rent and live by fishing and farming. It’s a lifestyle far different from residents on the other Hawaiian islands.

The children of Niihau may not have TV or electronics like other children, but they do attend a small school that relies entirely on solar power for electricity. The school is one of the few schools in the USA that is completely solar powered. The school teaches the Hawaiian traditions and values of living off the land and ocean, and at the same time offers the children the opportunity to learn how to use computers and connect with the outside world.

One way outsiders can connect with Niihau is to purchase the islanders’ handicrafts such as their shell jewellery. These products are on sale in other islands. During the winter months, unusual tiny shells wash up onto the beaches of the island. Talented artists make unique jewellery from these shells, which are popular with tourists. Although few have the chance to visit this forbidden land, its mystery continues to fascinate tourists

What might the writer tell a visitor to Niihau?

A Be prepared for a difficult stay.

B Enjoy this rare opportunity.

C Make sure to buy handicrafts there.

D Don’t expect the natives to be welcoming.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

ALL 33 OF THEM

On the afternoon of 5 August 2010, disaster struck a copper and gold mine in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, 45 km north of Copiapo, the San Jose Mine caved in on itself, leaving 33 men trapped underground with little hope of escape.

The 121-year-old mine was a famously dangerous place to work and there had already been a number of fatal accidents there before. Actually, it was so dangerous that soon before the accident in 2010, experts advised the owners to close the mine down. However, they ignored the warning, and miners continued to work there. Then, while a group of 33 employees were on their lunch break in the mine, the roof of the mine collapsed. Buried 700 metres underground and 5 km from the mine’s entrance, the men were trapped in an emergency shelter with very little food, water and air, and no way of contacting the outside world.

The Chilean government organised a rescue mission immediately. At first, nobody knew whether the miners were still alive or where their exact location was in the mine. So, the rescue team started drilling narrow holes deep into the mine hoping to find some signs of life. Seventeen days later, the drill came back with a note attached to the end of it. The note read “We are all well in the shelter, the 33 of us.” Family and friends were delighted to hear the news and the rescue workers hurriedly brought in equipment to drill a hole wide enough for the miners to come up to the surface.

Over the next month, the miners received food and water, as well as messages and books through the drilled holes. The rescue team also lowered a video camera into the shelter, so that the miners could show the rescue team the conditions they were living in. It was obvious that the miners were trying to maintain their mental health by keeping themselves occupied with jobs, such as cleaning the shelter and organising their supplies. Also, they gave each other emotional support, so that no one gave up hope of surviving.

Soon, the rescue team managed to drill a hole big enough for the miners to emerge from the mine and on 13 October, 69 days after the accident, all 33 men were above ground again. Over 1 billion people from around the world watched the survivors appearing, and family, friends, and all Chileans celebrated their survival.

Today, people remember the 2010 Copiapo mining accident as a time when 33 men showed amazing courage to survive, helped by the efforts of a whole nation above them.

What is the writer’s purpose?

  [A, B, C, D] A to report the events of a mining accident

B to describe the working conditions of miners

C to persuade people to avoid dangerous mines

D to explain how to survive when trapped underground

Reading

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

ALL 33 OF THEM

On the afternoon of 5 August 2010, disaster struck a copper and gold mine in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, 45 km north of Copiapo, the San Jose Mine caved in on itself, leaving 33 men trapped underground with little hope of escape.

The 121-year-old mine was a famously dangerous place to work and there had already been a number of fatal accidents there before. Actually, it was so dangerous that soon before the accident in 2010, experts advised the owners to close the mine down. However, they ignored the warning, and miners continued to work there. Then, while a group of 33 employees were on their lunch break in the mine, the roof of the mine collapsed. Buried 700 metres underground and 5 km from the mine’s entrance, the men were trapped in an emergency shelter with very little food, water and air, and no way of contacting the outside world.

The Chilean government organised a rescue mission immediately. At first, nobody knew whether the miners were still alive or where their exact location was in the mine. So, the rescue team started drilling narrow holes deep into the mine hoping to find some signs of life. Seventeen days later, the drill came back with a note attached to the end of it. The note read “We are all well in the shelter, the 33 of us.” Family and friends were delighted to hear the news and the rescue workers hurriedly brought in equipment to drill a hole wide enough for the miners to come up to the surface.

Over the next month, the miners received food and water, as well as messages and books through the drilled holes. The rescue team also lowered a video camera into the shelter, so that the miners could show the rescue team the conditions they were living in. It was obvious that the miners were trying to maintain their mental health by keeping themselves occupied with jobs, such as cleaning the shelter and organising their supplies. Also, they gave each other emotional support, so that no one gave up hope of surviving.

Soon, the rescue team managed to drill a hole big enough for the miners to emerge from the mine and on 13 October, 69 days after the accident, all 33 men were above ground again. Over 1 billion people from around the world watched the survivors appearing, and family, friends, and all Chileans celebrated their survival.

Today, people remember the 2010 Copiapo mining accident as a time when 33 men showed amazing courage to survive, helped by the efforts of a whole nation above them.

2 What does the writer say about the mine?

A It had failed to meet safety standards.

B Only 33 people were employed there.

C The emergency shelter had a lot of supplies.

D Its roof had collapsed on previous occasions.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

ALL 33 OF THEM

On the afternoon of 5 August 2010, disaster struck a copper and gold mine in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, 45 km north of Copiapo, the San Jose Mine caved in on itself, leaving 33 men trapped underground with little hope of escape.

The 121-year-old mine was a famously dangerous place to work and there had already been a number of fatal accidents there before. Actually, it was so dangerous that soon before the accident in 2010, experts advised the owners to close the mine down. However, they ignored the warning, and miners continued to work there. Then, while a group of 33 employees were on their lunch break in the mine, the roof of the mine collapsed. Buried 700 metres underground and 5 km from the mine’s entrance, the men were trapped in an emergency shelter with very little food, water and air, and no way of contacting the outside world.

The Chilean government organised a rescue mission immediately. At first, nobody knew whether the miners were still alive or where their exact location was in the mine. So, the rescue team started drilling narrow holes deep into the mine hoping to find some signs of life. Seventeen days later, the drill came back with a note attached to the end of it. The note read “We are all well in the shelter, the 33 of us.” Family and friends were delighted to hear the news and the rescue workers hurriedly brought in equipment to drill a hole wide enough for the miners to come up to the surface.

Over the next month, the miners received food and water, as well as messages and books through the drilled holes. The rescue team also lowered a video camera into the shelter, so that the miners could show the rescue team the conditions they were living in. It was obvious that the miners were trying to maintain their mental health by keeping themselves occupied with jobs, such as cleaning the shelter and organising their supplies. Also, they gave each other emotional support, so that no one gave up hope of surviving.

Soon, the rescue team managed to drill a hole big enough for the miners to emerge from the mine and on 13 October, 69 days after the accident, all 33 men were above ground again. Over 1 billion people from around the world watched the survivors appearing, and family, friends, and all Chileans celebrated their survival.

Today, people remember the 2010 Copiapo mining accident as a time when 33 men showed amazing courage to survive, helped by the efforts of a whole nation above them.

How did the rescue workers react to the note they found on the drill?

A They started celebrating.

B They realised the mission was hopeless.

C They moved on to the next stage of the mission.

D They continued drilling small holes into the mine.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

ALL 33 OF THEM

On the afternoon of 5 August 2010, disaster struck a copper and gold mine in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, 45 km north of Copiapo, the San Jose Mine caved in on itself, leaving 33 men trapped underground with little hope of escape.

The 121-year-old mine was a famously dangerous place to work and there had already been a number of fatal accidents there before. Actually, it was so dangerous that soon before the accident in 2010, experts advised the owners to close the mine down. However, they ignored the warning, and miners continued to work there. Then, while a group of 33 employees were on their lunch break in the mine, the roof of the mine collapsed. Buried 700 metres underground and 5 km from the mine’s entrance, the men were trapped in an emergency shelter with very little food, water and air, and no way of contacting the outside world.

The Chilean government organised a rescue mission immediately. At first, nobody knew whether the miners were still alive or where their exact location was in the mine. So, the rescue team started drilling narrow holes deep into the mine hoping to find some signs of life. Seventeen days later, the drill came back with a note attached to the end of it. The note read “We are all well in the shelter, the 33 of us.” Family and friends were delighted to hear the news and the rescue workers hurriedly brought in equipment to drill a hole wide enough for the miners to come up to the surface.

Over the next month, the miners received food and water, as well as messages and books through the drilled holes. The rescue team also lowered a video camera into the shelter, so that the miners could show the rescue team the conditions they were living in. It was obvious that the miners were trying to maintain their mental health by keeping themselves occupied with jobs, such as cleaning the shelter and organising their supplies. Also, they gave each other emotional support, so that no one gave up hope of surviving.

Soon, the rescue team managed to drill a hole big enough for the miners to emerge from the mine and on 13 October, 69 days after the accident, all 33 men were above ground again. Over 1 billion people from around the world watched the survivors appearing, and family, friends, and all Chileans celebrated their survival.

Today, people remember the 2010 Copiapo mining accident as a time when 33 men showed amazing courage to survive, helped by the efforts of a whole nation above them.

How did the miners cope with their situation?

A They read books all day.

B They kept busy by doing small tasks.

C They carried on working in the mine.

D They tried not to show their emotions.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D.

ALL 33 OF THEM

On the afternoon of 5 August 2010, disaster struck a copper and gold mine in Chile. Located in the Atacama Desert, 45 km north of Copiapo, the San Jose Mine caved in on itself, leaving 33 men trapped underground with little hope of escape.

The 121-year-old mine was a famously dangerous place to work and there had already been a number of fatal accidents there before. Actually, it was so dangerous that soon before the accident in 2010, experts advised the owners to close the mine down. However, they ignored the warning, and miners continued to work there. Then, while a group of 33 employees were on their lunch break in the mine, the roof of the mine collapsed. Buried 700 metres underground and 5 km from the mine’s entrance, the men were trapped in an emergency shelter with very little food, water and air, and no way of contacting the outside world.

The Chilean government organised a rescue mission immediately. At first, nobody knew whether the miners were still alive or where their exact location was in the mine. So, the rescue team started drilling narrow holes deep into the mine hoping to find some signs of life. Seventeen days later, the drill came back with a note attached to the end of it. The note read “We are all well in the shelter, the 33 of us.” Family and friends were delighted to hear the news and the rescue workers hurriedly brought in equipment to drill a hole wide enough for the miners to come up to the surface.

Over the next month, the miners received food and water, as well as messages and books through the drilled holes. The rescue team also lowered a video camera into the shelter, so that the miners could show the rescue team the conditions they were living in. It was obvious that the miners were trying to maintain their mental health by keeping themselves occupied with jobs, such as cleaning the shelter and organising their supplies. Also, they gave each other emotional support, so that no one gave up hope of surviving.

Soon, the rescue team managed to drill a hole big enough for the miners to emerge from the mine and on 13 October, 69 days after the accident, all 33 men were above ground again. Over 1 billion people from around the world watched the survivors appearing, and family, friends, and all Chileans celebrated their survival.

Today, people remember the 2010 Copiapo mining accident as a time when 33 men showed amazing courage to survive, helped by the efforts of a whole nation above them.

Which would be the most appropriate headline?

A WORKERS SURVIVE SAN JOSE HORROR

B MEN BUILD SHELTER IN CHILEAN MINE

C 33 LOST IN COPIAPO MINING ACCIDENT

D CHILEAN MINE CLOSES AFTER ROOF COLLAPSE.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading 3

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D

WELCOME TO FORBIDDEN ISLAND

The island of North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands of India has all the features of a tourist paradise, from white sandy beaches to lush green forests. However, this island’s inhabitants aren’t very welcoming to visitors. The people who live there are one of the last known tribes that have not made contact with the outside world, and they attack anyone who tries to approach the island. There are around 250 Sentinelese living on the island, mostly in groups of around 30-40, and they live very simple lives. They are hunter-gatherers and live off the land and sea by hunting, fishing and collecting wild plants. There is no evidence that they farm and they don’t seem to even know how to produce fire! They do, however, use simple tools like bows and spears.

Scientists believe that the Sentinelese have lived on the island for approximately 60,000 years and since their language has no similarities with other tribes in the Andaman islands, it seems they have never had any significant contact with outsiders in all that time. This means that they are descendents of primitive stone-age tribes and this link to the past makes them very interesting to anthropologists, the scientists who study people and societies.

It is very interesting, for example, to compare the Sentinelese with tribes from the other nearby Andaman Islands, who are generally living in modern society. For example, while the Sentinelese appear physically healthy and are thriving, some other Andaman tribes are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to contact with the outside world. This contact has resulted in widespread disease among tribes, and many of the areas where they lived have been destroyed by property developers from abroad. In fact, you could say that the Sentinelese’s aggressive behaviour towards strangers has probably saved them from extinction.

Fortunately, the Indian government has understood this, and tries not to interfere with the island or its natives. There is even a law that states that it is illegal to travel to the island. So, other than occasionally monitoring the island from far away, no contact has occurred in recent years. What the future holds for the Sentinelese people is uncertain, but for now their home remains the forbidden island.

What is the purpose of the text?

A to encourage people to visit an island

B to describe the daily life of a primitive tribe

C to explain the importance of protecting a tribe

D to complain about how people have treated a tribe   [A, B, C, D]

Reading 3

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D

WELCOME TO FORBIDDEN ISLAND

The island of North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands of India has all the features of a tourist paradise, from white sandy beaches to lush green forests. However, this island’s inhabitants aren’t very welcoming to visitors. The people who live there are one of the last known tribes that have not made contact with the outside world, and they attack anyone who tries to approach the island. There are around 250 Sentinelese living on the island, mostly in groups of around 30-40, and they live very simple lives. They are hunter-gatherers and live off the land and sea by hunting, fishing and collecting wild plants. There is no evidence that they farm and they don’t seem to even know how to produce fire! They do, however, use simple tools like bows and spears.

Scientists believe that the Sentinelese have lived on the island for approximately 60,000 years and since their language has no similarities with other tribes in the Andaman islands, it seems they have never had any significant contact with outsiders in all that time. This means that they are descendents of primitive stone-age tribes and this link to the past makes them very interesting to anthropologists, the scientists who study people and societies.

It is very interesting, for example, to compare the Sentinelese with tribes from the other nearby Andaman Islands, who are generally living in modern society. For example, while the Sentinelese appear physically healthy and are thriving, some other Andaman tribes are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to contact with the outside world. This contact has resulted in widespread disease among tribes, and many of the areas where they lived have been destroyed by property developers from abroad. In fact, you could say that the Sentinelese’s aggressive behaviour towards strangers has probably saved them from extinction.

Fortunately, the Indian government has understood this, and tries not to interfere with the island or its natives. There is even a law that states that it is illegal to travel to the island. So, other than occasionally monitoring the island from far away, no contact has occurred in recent years. What the future holds for the Sentinelese people is uncertain, but for now their home remains the forbidden island.

What does the reader learn about the Sentinelese tribe from the text?

A They are skilled farmers.

B They are afraid of outsiders.

C They live in one large group.

D They want to remain isolated.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading 3

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D

WELCOME TO FORBIDDEN ISLAND

The island of North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands of India has all the features of a tourist paradise, from white sandy beaches to lush green forests. However, this island’s inhabitants aren’t very welcoming to visitors. The people who live there are one of the last known tribes that have not made contact with the outside world, and they attack anyone who tries to approach the island. There are around 250 Sentinelese living on the island, mostly in groups of around 30-40, and they live very simple lives. They are hunter-gatherers and live off the land and sea by hunting, fishing and collecting wild plants. There is no evidence that they farm and they don’t seem to even know how to produce fire! They do, however, use simple tools like bows and spears.

Scientists believe that the Sentinelese have lived on the island for approximately 60,000 years and since their language has no similarities with other tribes in the Andaman islands, it seems they have never had any significant contact with outsiders in all that time. This means that they are descendents of primitive stone-age tribes and this link to the past makes them very interesting to anthropologists, the scientists who study people and societies.

It is very interesting, for example, to compare the Sentinelese with tribes from the other nearby Andaman Islands, who are generally living in modern society. For example, while the Sentinelese appear physically healthy and are thriving, some other Andaman tribes are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to contact with the outside world. This contact has resulted in widespread disease among tribes, and many of the areas where they lived have been destroyed by property developers from abroad. In fact, you could say that the Sentinelese’s aggressive behaviour towards strangers has probably saved them from extinction.

Fortunately, the Indian government has understood this, and tries not to interfere with the island or its natives. There is even a law that states that it is illegal to travel to the island. So, other than occasionally monitoring the island from far away, no contact has occurred in recent years. What the future holds for the Sentinelese people is uncertain, but for now their home remains the forbidden island.

Why are the Sentinelese important to scientists?

A They use an undiscovered language.

B They aren’t affected by deadly diseases.

C They are a connection to prehistoric man.

D They are the world’s only un-contacted tribe.   [A, B, C, D]

Reading 3

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D

WELCOME TO FORBIDDEN ISLAND

The island of North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands of India has all the features of a tourist paradise, from white sandy beaches to lush green forests. However, this island’s inhabitants aren’t very welcoming to visitors. The people who live there are one of the last known tribes that have not made contact with the outside world, and they attack anyone who tries to approach the island. There are around 250 Sentinelese living on the island, mostly in groups of around 30-40, and they live very simple lives. They are hunter-gatherers and live off the land and sea by hunting, fishing and collecting wild plants. There is no evidence that they farm and they don’t seem to even know how to produce fire! They do, however, use simple tools like bows and spears.

Scientists believe that the Sentinelese have lived on the island for approximately 60,000 years and since their language has no similarities with other tribes in the Andaman islands, it seems they have never had any significant contact with outsiders in all that time. This means that they are descendents of primitive stone-age tribes and this link to the past makes them very interesting to anthropologists, the scientists who study people and societies.

It is very interesting, for example, to compare the Sentinelese with tribes from the other nearby Andaman Islands, who are generally living in modern society. For example, while the Sentinelese appear physically healthy and are thriving, some other Andaman tribes are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to contact with the outside world. This contact has resulted in widespread disease among tribes, and many of the areas where they lived have been destroyed by property developers from abroad. In fact, you could say that the Sentinelese’s aggressive behaviour towards strangers has probably saved them from extinction.

Fortunately, the Indian government has understood this, and tries not to interfere with the island or its natives. There is even a law that states that it is illegal to travel to the island. So, other than occasionally monitoring the island from far away, no contact has occurred in recent years. What the future holds for the Sentinelese people is uncertain, but for now their home remains the forbidden island.

What does the author use to support his view that the tribe should not be contacted?

A their violent nature

B the fate of similar tribes

C their inability to communicate

D the poor treatment of the tribe in the past   [A, B, C, D]

Reading 3

Read the text and for each question, choose the correct answer A, B, C or D

WELCOME TO FORBIDDEN ISLAND

The island of North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands of India has all the features of a tourist paradise, from white sandy beaches to lush green forests. However, this island’s inhabitants aren’t very welcoming to visitors. The people who live there are one of the last known tribes that have not made contact with the outside world, and they attack anyone who tries to approach the island. There are around 250 Sentinelese living on the island, mostly in groups of around 30-40, and they live very simple lives. They are hunter-gatherers and live off the land and sea by hunting, fishing and collecting wild plants. There is no evidence that they farm and they don’t seem to even know how to produce fire! They do, however, use simple tools like bows and spears.

Scientists believe that the Sentinelese have lived on the island for approximately 60,000 years and since their language has no similarities with other tribes in the Andaman islands, it seems they have never had any significant contact with outsiders in all that time. This means that they are descendents of primitive stone-age tribes and this link to the past makes them very interesting to anthropologists, the scientists who study people and societies.

It is very interesting, for example, to compare the Sentinelese with tribes from the other nearby Andaman Islands, who are generally living in modern society. For example, while the Sentinelese appear physically healthy and are thriving, some other Andaman tribes are on the verge of extinction, mainly due to contact with the outside world. This contact has resulted in widespread disease among tribes, and many of the areas where they lived have been destroyed by property developers from abroad. In fact, you could say that the Sentinelese’s aggressive behaviour towards strangers has probably saved them from extinction.

Fortunately, the Indian government has understood this, and tries not to interfere with the island or its natives. There is even a law that states that it is illegal to travel to the island. So, other than occasionally monitoring the island from far away, no contact has occurred in recent years. What the future holds for the Sentinelese people is uncertain, but for now their home remains the forbidden island.

What does the text say about the role of the Indian government in connection with the tribe?

A It doesn’t do enough to protect the tribe.

B It continues to try and contact the tribe.

C It is planning to develop the island.

D It prohibits contact with the tribe.   [A, B, C, D]