Reading test B1

Match the event to a description.

Carla and Tom’s anniversary

Our anniversary was special this year – we’ve been married for ten years. We decided it would be best to have a more formal celebration. First, we thought we’d have a sit-down dinner with three courses. But we quickly realized it was too expensive. Instead, we had a simple reception with starters that we made ourselves and served on plates we borrowed from friends. Tom’s parents let us use their wonderful garden for the event. It was beautiful!

Match the event to a description.

Sarah’s reward dinner

I was surprised when my university decided to hold this dinner for me. They gave me a prize for the best scientific research and invited my colleagues and other scientists in my field. It was a grand evening. The room was decorated beautifully, the waiters were smart and the food was delicious. There was a seating plan and speeches. I’ll certainly never forget it – other events I’ve attended were always more casual.

Match the event to a description.

Samuel’s birthday party

I love the James Bond films, so I decided to ask everyone to come dressed up as their favourite James Bond character for my 18th birthday party. I have some mad friends and they really made an effort with their costumes. My family was there too, and we played music from the movies. Even though everyone was dressed in formal suits and dresses, it was a relaxed party. People didn’t leave until 3 a.m. – we had so much fun dancing.

Match the event to a description.

Raheem’s graduation

I recently got my PhD in Physics. This is a huge achievement, not only for me but also for my parents who helped me along the way. A lot of the day was spent taking photos of me in my cap and gown. We then went to a fancy restaurant. It was more expensive than the places I normally go to, but I really liked it. There were only a few of us – my siblings, two of my cousins and my parents.

Match the event to a description.

Katerina’s holiday party

I love Christmas – the tree, the decorations, the biscuits. Last year I was away from home and I decided to throw a Christmas party for my friends. Many of my friends come from different parts of the world and don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas, so I called it a holiday party and asked all my guests to bring a dish they love. It was a great night – lots of food, music and laughter. We were all singing carols by the end.

Read the text below. Choose from (A-G) the one which best fits each space. There is one choice you don’t need to use.

Queen Elizabeth Voted Greatest Living Briton

The British public has voted for Queen Elizabeth II as the Greatest Living Briton for 2007. She beat former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, ex-prime minister Baroness Thatcher, and pop superstar Robbie Williams to the top spot.    [A, B, C, D, E, F, G]   at the star-studded ceremony to collect the award in person. However, her youngest son Prince Edward made a special tribute to his mother Via a video link.   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G]  among her people in recent years. She has been on the throne since 1953 and is one of the few British royals to escape scandals.   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G]  after Diana, Princess of Wales, died in Paris in 1997, but she remains a much-loved figure today.

The award for Greatest Living Briton is a new one.    [A, B, C, D, E, F, G], one of Britain’s most popular television companies. Guy Freeman of ITV said: “The Great Britons 2007 was a fantastic ceremony [showing] all that is so great about the United Kingdom.”   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G]  set to become an annual event. The first winner, in 2005, was Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web.   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G]  for soccer star David Beckham, who picked up the Award for Global Achievement. This is for his performance on the soccer field, his charity work and his efforts around the world to promote Britain and British culture.

A He added that the awards ceremony is

B Her popularity declined

C The Queen has enjoyed great popularity

D It is given by ITV

E The Queen was not present

F Another award given at the ceremony was

G He was the first to be awarded