Reading Test

Read the text below. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (16–21). There are two choices you do not need to use.

Choose a Small Pet

By Ginny Morris When choosing a small pet, consider how much time you have to dedicate to the upkeep of your new companion. Many small mammals are physically easy to care for (1) ______ .

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

A lower-maintenance small pet is the fancy rat, which lives about 3 years. Rodents are very social and it’s good to get a pair at a time; just make sure they are the same gender! Rats need grains and meat protein, which can be provided with dry dog food or mealworms. Domestic rats usually aren’t aggressive; (2) ______ .

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

Rabbits are also gentle and low-maintenance but they can live at least 10 years, (3) ______ . Rabbits generally eat pellets and plenty of green vegetables; they will also eat hay.

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

They like to be held but shouldn’t be handled too much the first few days after purchasing, in order to adjust. Rabbits need plenty of out-of-cage exercise; many pet stores carry rabbit leashes, (4) ______ .

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

Even small mammals need plenty of space. For any small mammal, choose a cage with a solid bottom rather than a wire one, to prevent injuries to the paws. A rabbit needs a cage or hutch of at least 1 ½ feet wide by 2 ½ feet long, by 2 feet deep. Rabbits can be kept outside but make sure their hutch is well-sheltered. Small mammals need bedding for their homes; shredded paper or paper towels work best. Wood shavings work as well, (5) ______ . Bedding needs to be changed about 3 times a week.

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

When choosing a small pet always be sure to look for alert, bright-eyed animals with smooth coats; (6) ______ , that’s a good sign too.

Aso you can keep your pet close by when outside

Bbut require a lot of attention and affection

Cbut avoid cedar or pine chips because of the oil they contain

Dif brushed with a baby’s hairbrush

Eif an animal also expresses interest in you

Fso as social animals they do better in pairs

Gso they are a serious commitment

Hhowever, make sure you choose a pet from a reputable store or breeder so as not to get bitten

I used to be in a school band called Wolfhead. We started two years ago and at one point we (7)_______ school concerts almost every month.

a. were organising

b. organised

c. are organising

All five of us were very (8)______ about our music and most of the students loved us. It was so much fun.

a. dedicated

b. interested

c. passionate

Then, our lead singer, Gavin, (1)____ is my best friend’s cousin, (2)___ leave us because his family was moving away.

1. a. that b. who c. whose

2. a. must b. might c. had to

As a (10)________ , the band broke up.

a. matter of fact

b. result

c. conclusion

(1) _____of us could believe it. It was a real (2)_______ !

1. a. Neither b. None c. All

2. a. fault b. nonsense c. shock

We’ve (1)_____ some efforts to find another singer, but we haven’t found anyone as good (2)____ .

1. a. made b. done c. taken

2. a. already b. since c. yet

(1)----- my point of view, Wolfhead can’t exist without Gavin.

a. In

b. By

c. From

But if Gavin (1)__ back, we will definitely get together again and who knows… we (2)_____ become a real band some day.

1. a. comes b. came c. will come

2. a. must b. may c. ’d rather