Reading. Use of English 3

Read the text. For questions 1-5 choose the correct answer.

Learning at home

Have you ever thought about leaving school and learning at home? thousands of young people do exactly that. It's called 'home-schooling' or 'home-education'. So why do parents make the decision to do this? Some parent take their children out of school due to bullying or other serious problems, but there is a growing number of British parents who choose home-schooling for their children from the start.

We spoke to Erin Morgan, who chose home-schooling for her children. 'We took our children out of school when my son Joseph was six and my daughter lily was eight. There were no problems with teachers and neither of the children was being bullied - in fact they were quite popular - but they were simply bored. With large class sizes, little money and other problems, it's too difficult for teachers to give some children the individual attention they need.'

When we started home-schooling, I was worried the children wouldn't fit in socially, so they have a few organized activities a week. Joseph is learning the trumpet and plays in a band. Lily goes to ballet classes and they both have swimming lessons. This means they learn skills and enjoy the company of other children at the same time. In addition, I belong to a home-schooling network so we often get together for trips with other home-schoolers.'

'We don't have a set timetable, but negotiatewhat we're going to do every day. Morning activities include using computer, writing, spelling, reading, maths and science. After lunch, we generally choose something more creative like art, sewing or gardening. I have to admit that some activities are more popular than the others, but in my view, it's important to get through every subject in order to get a good general education.'

'People ask what happens when home'schoolers get to secondary school age. I have friends with teenage children and most of them have decided to follow a syllabus and take GCSE exams. This has meant a more organized day, but the young people still take a great deal of responsibility for their own learning. One boy I know is planning to stop home-schooling when he is 16, do a part-time-college course and then go th university.'

'Whatever the age of your children, home-schooling is a challenge, but in my opinion the worst thing to do is to turn the home into a formal school. Learning should be fun, and children and young people need to feel happy in order to achieve.

1. The writher says that home-schooling in Britain ...   [A, B, C, D]

   A is a serious problem.

   B only happens when children are unhappy at school.

   C must start at a very early age.

   D is becoming more common.

2. Which of the following is NOT a reason why Erin decided to home-school her children?   [A, B, C, D]

   A The classes had too many students.

   B Her children didn't get on with other students.

   C The teachers couldn't give the students enough attention.

   D Her children were not interested in the material.

3. What does the word 'THIS' in paragraph 3 refer to?   [A, B, C, D]

   A Lily's swimming lessons.

   B Joseph's music classes.

   C Lily and Joseph's after-school activities.

   D The parents' meetings with other home-schoolers.

4. According to Erin, Lily and Joseph ...   [A, B, C, D]

   A especially enjoy the creative activities.

   B can decide what activities to do every day.

   C will not take GCSE.

   D will go to a regular school when they're 16.

5. Why did the author write the article?   [A, B, C, D]

   A To convince parents to do home-schooling

   B To warn parents about the problems with home-schooling

   C To describe home-schooling and the reasons for choosing it

   D To point out the need for improvements to local schools.

Read the text. Choose from (A-H) the one which best fits each space. There are two choices you do not need to choose.

Living the high life

Have you ever dreamed of living in a top-floor flat? There are several cons and pros to think about before moving to a sky-high residence.

One scientifically proven advantage is that the top floor is warmer in winter. Heat rises, so if you are in a cold climate you'll probably pay less for the heating bills. Just turn down the thermostat and let the downstairs neighbours keep you warm. Also the higher you live, the brighter it is, so apart from 1)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H] ..., letting in the sunlight will help warm your flat and keep the heating bills lower. Of course, an advantage in winter can come a disadvantage in summertime. Your place may feel like an oven, while those living lower floors are feeling cool.

But there is another advantage. If you're looking for peace an quiet, a top-floor flat may be the best choice. At least 2)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H]... stomping around over your head, or early risers falling out of bed at 5 a.m. The downside of this is that you have to be careful not to make much noise yourself. You'd be surprised what your downstairs neighbours can hear, 3)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H] ... or hoovering the floors at the time when your neighbours may still be sound asleep.

One more plus of living high up is the fact that you are safer from break-ins. most burglars are looking for a quick way in and out and 4)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H]... . Living higher up can protect you from other dangers as well. For example, floods - which can definitely affect lower floors and sometimes cause extensive damage - will never reach your place. On the other hand, 5)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H]..., it will probably be more difficult for you to escape, and rescuers may have a harder time getting to you.

There is one more thing to consider before deciding to live a top-floor apartment. People who suffer from a fear of heights might not want to live too high up. You may think you'll get used to it, but there is evidence that people who live in places 6)   [A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H]... tend to suffer more from anxiety than those on the lower floors. And what's the point of having a great view if you're unable to look out of your windows because of your nervousness?

A so think twice before starting to exercise

B giving you a lighter, more careful space

C which can increase heating and cooling costs

D in the case of the building catch fire

E where solid ground is many storeys away

F you won't hear the sounds of adults and children

G providing more privacy and peace of mind

H that makes the lower floors ideal for them

Read the texts below. Match choices (A-H) to (1 -5). There are three choices you do not need to use.