Reading test (Special Days)

Read the texts. For questions 1-4, choose the correct answer (A, B or C).

Sally, I have forgotten to buy balloons! Would you mind picking some up for me on your way? Also, could you try to get here before 5pm to help me set things up? Thanks so much!

Ella

Jeju Fire Festival

8th-10th March

There’s something for everyone, including:

• a traditional performance on the opening day.

• games and competitions throughout.

• an amazing light show on the closing night.

Come and join in the fun!

SALE at Costume Palace

Saturday 26th October

Are you looking for the perfect dress costume for your school performance? Then come to Costume Palace! We have a wide range of costumes and wigs to choose from, with a special half-price discount on all masks! This fantastic offer lasts for one day only, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Hi Nigel,

Just a reminder about tomorrow night. Everyone is arriving at 7pm so please don’t be late. Mike is coming at 7:30 and I want everybody to be ready when he arrives. I can’t wait to see the look on his face; he just loves surprises! Anyway, email me back to tell me if you can make it.

George

Read the text below. For every paragraph (1-3) choose the right heading. One heading is extra and does not match any of the paragraphs.

The Carnival

of Venice

The city on the water becomes a mysterious

playground with its traditional carnival.

1                             [MAGIC ON THE WATER, FUN SPOTS AROUND TOWN, THE HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL, GET READY TO DRESS UP]

Every spring the streets and waterways of Venice, Italy turn into a scene from its past with people wearing glamorous costumes and colourful masks. The Carnival of Venice is an event that lasts for almost two weeks. During this time the city hosts a variety of costume parties and masquerade balls.

2                             [THE HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL, GET READY TO DRESS UP, FUN SPOTS AROUND TOWN, MAGIC ON THE WATER]

The evenings may be for dancing, but the days are full of entertainment. The city’s many squares come alive with music, theatre and street performances. One of the highlights of the carnival is the Flight of the Angel in St. Mark’s Square. In this amazing show an acrobat flies high in the air across the square tied only to a rope.

3                             [MAGIC ON THE WATER, FUN SPOTS AROUND TOWN, GET READY TO DRESS UP, THE HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL]

After all the excitement of parties and shows, the final day of the carnival is a chance to enjoy the city’s true beauty. Crowds gather along the Grand Canal to watch the incredible candlelit parade as decorated boats and traditional gondolas glide across the water. The day ends with a spectacular fireworks display that shows off this charming city on the water.

Read the text below. Complete the gaps (1-5) with appropriate words from the box in the correct form.

I have just come back from my friend 1)        [Paul, Paul's] graduation dinner. All the kids from 2)     [we, our] class were there as well as some friends from the neighbourhood. There were colourful 3)          [balloons, balloon] all over the house and in the garden. I 4)           [have been, be] to four events so far this month but this was the 5)       [first, one] event I liked most! It was great!

I can send you some pictures tomorrow.

Take care,

Brenda