Test 1

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

HOW TO LEARN ENGLISH

Here are some tips which may help you to master the English language.

1. 1. The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won’t say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don’t talk at all. Don’t do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything, learning English requires practice. Don’t let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.

2. 2. Even if you study English at a language school it doesn’t mean you can’t learn outside of class. Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster. There are many different ways you can improve your English, so don’t limit yourself to only one or two. The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect.

3. 3. The absolute best way to learn English is to surround yourself with it. Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English language radio broadcasts, watch English news, movies and television. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The more English material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin “thinking in English”.

4. 4. Some good English teachers had to learn English as a second language before they could teach it. However, many of the best schools prefer to hire native English speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of English should try to imitate. The closer ESL/EFL students can get to this rhythm or flow, the more convincing and comfortable their speech will become.

5. 5. This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching English films (especially those with English subtitles) you can expand your vocabulary and get used to the flow of speech from the actors. If you listen to the news, you can also learn to understand different accents. Music can be a very effective method of learning English. In fact, it is often used to improve comprehension. The best way to learn, though, is to find the lyrics to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings. This way you can practise your listening and reading at the same time. And if you like to sing, fine. And finally, have fun!

Read the text below. For questions (6-10) choose the correct answer (A,B, C or D)

CREATING THE MODERN OLYMPIC GAMES

According to legend, the ancient Olympic Games were founded by Heracles (the Roman Hercules), a son of Zeus. Yet the first Olympic Games for which we still have written records were held in 776 BCE (though it is generally believed that the Games had been going on for many years already). At this Olympic Games, a naked runner, Coroebus (a cook from Elis), won the sole event at the Olympics, the stade - a run of approximately 192 meters (210 yards). This made Coroebus the very first Olympic champion in history.

The ancient Olympic Games grew and continued to be played every four years for nearly 1200 years. In 393 CE, the Roman emperor Theodosius I, a Christian, abolished the Games because of their pagan influences.

Approximately 1500 years later, a young Frenchmen named Pierre de Coubertin began their revival. Coubertin was a French aristocrat born on January 1, 1863. He was only seven years old when France was overrun by the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Some believe that Coubertin attributed the defeat of France not to its military skills but rather to the French soldiers' lack of vigour. After examining the education of the German, British, and American children, Coubertin decided that it was exercise, more specifically sports, that made a well-rounded and vigorous person.

Coubertin's attempt to get France interested in sports was not met with enthusiasm. Still, Coubertin persisted. In 1890, he organized and founded a sports organization. Two years later, Coubertin first pitched his idea to revive the Olympic Games. At a meeting of the Union in Paris on November 25, 1892, Coubertin stated, “Let us export our oarsmen, our runners, our fencers into other lands. That is the true Free Trade of the future; and the day it is introduced into Europe the cause of Peace will have received a new and strong ally.” His speech did not inspire action.

Though Coubertin was not the first to propose the revival of the Olympic Games, he was certainly the most well-connected and persistent of those to do so. Two years later, Coubertin organized a meeting with 79 delegates who represented nine countries. At this meeting, Coubertin eloquently spoke of the revival of the Olympic Games. This time, Coubertin aroused interest.

The delegates at the conference voted unanimously for the Olympic Games. The delegates also decided to have Coubertin construct an international committee to organize the Games. This committee became the International Olympic Committee and Demetrious Vikelas from Greece was selected to be its first president. Athens was chosen as the location for the revival of the Olympic Games and the planning was begun.

6. The very first champion of the Olympic Games was                 [an ordinary man, a Roman emperor, a son of God, A Greek God]

7. The ancient Olympic Games were banned because of                          [the wars, the religious influences, the political changes, the cultural influences]

8. Pierre de Coubertin believed that French soldiers lacked          [freedom, desire, stamina, practice]

9. When Pierre de Coubertin first presented his idea of the revival of the Olympic Games                               [it didn't arouse interest, it inspired action, it became popular, it was accepted with interest]

10. The Olympic Games were revived because of                                        [people needing more exercise, people voting, the government's proposal, the persistence and efforts of one man]

Read the text below. Match choices (A-H) to (11-16)). There are two choices you do not need to use.

INCREDIBLE TRIPS

11. Thailand

If you have the time, this exotic nation has what it takes to please urban seekers as well as those who crave a more rural or nature-inspired vibe. We advise an 11-day itinerary spent visiting the cities of Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok gives you the big-city bustle, Phuket is known for its white-sand beaches perfect for a romnantic stroll, and Chiang Mai boasts the best of Thai culture, including the chance to ride elephants.

12. Greek Isles

Soak in the natural beauty of this mystical region, tailor-mnade for honeymooners or any couple seeking the ultimate in romantic ambience. To experience several facets of the country, spend three nights in Athens, three in Santorini and another three in Crete, Nelson says. Here you can find many beautiful beaches, art galleries, fantastic food and friendly people. Oia, Santorini, has long been credited with the most beautiful sunsets in the world - with a good reason.

13. Napa Valley

Romance and wine go hand in hand, and very few places in the world represent this duo better than Napa Valley. This world-famous wine region boasts some of the finest vintages, stunning scenery and haute-cuisine locales. «With all the wineries and gorgeous views, the Napa Valley is an ideal destination for any couple while travelling domestically., said Sarah Nelson, project manager at Travel Leaders in Mesa, Arizona. «Another great part of Napa Valley is being able to take an afternoon hiking the region hand in hande.

14. Hawaii

Learn how to surf, snorkel with exotic fish, tour historical sites and dine on celebrity chef cuisine on the island of Oahu. Home to the state's capital of Honolulu, the island offers picturesque beaches and waves on the east side and north shore, museums and art galleries, the famous snorkelling playground of Hanauma Bay and elegant restaurants. There's also the

nightlife of Waikiki's bars and clubs, and if you want a dose of rural island life, unspoiled Kauai is a 30-minute plane ride away.

Foodie fans can appreciate seeing a city from a slightly different yet delicious perspective.

15. Portland Food Tour

Foodie fans can appreciate seeing a city from a slightly different yet delicious perspective. Among the best are the Forktown Food Tours in Portland, Oregon, which offer culinary escapades through the city's most charming and historic neighbourhoods, including downtown, the Alphabet District and North Mississippi Avenue. These tours are locally driven and combine city history along with small bites from five to seven hot spots. The Forktown Food Tour in Portland can be customized for just two guests to amp up the romance and fun.

16. Pacifie Coast Highway

If you prefer to do some driving, motor along the most picturesque portions of California State Route 1. Start in Los Angeles and meander through worthy sites like Morrow Bay, tour the historic Hearst Castle and do a tasting at a vineyard or two en route to San Francisco. There are plenty of places to stop along the way and there is such beautiul scenery. It's just gorgeous and can easily be done in a week.

You will visit this place if________________________________.

Read the text below. Choose from (A-H) the one which best fits each space (17-22). There are two choices you do not need to use.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

While many infectious diseases were once all but eliminated from the United States, there's an evidence that climate change is a factor (17)_________________ and make a comeback.

Mosquitoes capable of carrying and transmitting diseases (18) _________________now live in at least 28 states. As temperatures increase and rainfall patterns change and summers become longer- these insects can remain active for longer seasons and in wider areas, greatly inereasing the risk for people who live there.

The same is true on a global scale: increases in heat, precipitation, and humidity can allow tropical and subtropical insects (19)______________ into new places. This, coupled with increased international travel to and from all 50 states, means that the US is increasingly at risk for becoming home to these new diseases.

Nearly 4,000 cases of imported and locally-transmitted dengue fever were reported in the US between 1995 and 2005, and that number rises to 10,000, (20)__________ In Florida, 28 locally transmitted cases were reported in a 2009-2010 outbreak, the first there in more than 40 years. 31 Dengue fever, also known as "Breakbone Fever", is characterized by high fever, headaches, bone and joint aches, and a rash. Recurrent infection can lead (21)________________.

Lyme disease transmitted primarily through bites from certain tick species - could expand as temperatures warm, allowing ticks to move into new regions.

West Nile virus, which first entered the US in 1999, expanded rapidly westward across the country. By 2005, (22)________________. Warmer temperatures, heavy rainfall and high humidity have reportedly increased the rate of human infection.

Read the text below. For questions (23-32) choose the correct answer (A, B,C or D).

Every summer when I was a kid, my mother (23)__________           [led, sent, took, travelled]me to visit her parents, who lived on the shore of a lake in east Texas. When we arrived, we always (24)_____________          [left, came, headed, followed] straight to their grapevines to pick and eat the fresh, juicy grapes. This was not a fancy grape-growing enterprise, just a couple of purple Concord grapevines climbing a metal trellis in a (25)__________         [vacant, blank, empty, unknown] lot. These grapes got very little attention between our visits. My grandparents (26)___________         [planted, pruned, cleaned, grew] them and tied on new strips of flash tape to keep the birds away, but (27) _________            [apart from, apart for, apart by, apart with]that, the grapes were on their own.

A (28)_____________            [native, dear, indigenous, local]mix of weeds and wildflowers served as cover crops. A (29) __________               [various, multinational, different, diverse]population of insects pollinated the flowers. The (30)_________________       [river, creek, sea, marsh], running into the lake kept water available to the roots. Disease must have struck from time to time, but the vines seemed to shrug it off and keep bearing bunches of the fruit that brought us back each visit.

As a gardener now, I know that the secret to growing grapes (or anything else) without a lot of fuss or toxic treatments is to grow plants that will (31)_________            [in blossom, flourish, flower, bloom] in my climate, just as those grapes did in east Texas. Whether you have room for a small vineyard or just a few vines climbing over the patio, you and your family can enjoy homegrown grapes. The secrets to success are simple and manageable for even a (32)________________________          [novice, new, newcomer, young] gardener

Read the text below. For questions (33-42) choose the correct answer (A, B,C or D).

MAY 5 IS CINCO DE MAYO

Today is Cinco de Mayo! Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo (33)______________                  [commemorate, commemorated, is commemorating, commemorates]the Mexican (34)___________________         [army's, army', armys', armys's]victory at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. (Mexico declared (35)_________       [their, it's, his, its]independence over 50 years earlier. This battle was over unpaid debts owed (36)______________       [for, to, of, about]European governments.)

Cinco de Mayo is actually a fairly minor holiday in Mexico. Celebrations (37)____________                      [were usually limited, usually are limits, are usually limited, was usually limit] to the Puebla region and (38)_____________            [consist, consisted, consisting, consists]mostly of military parades. For Mexican-Americans (39)__________            [lived, had lived, living, was living]in the United States, it is a different matter. Over the years, Cinco de Mayo (40)____________             [evolved, will evolve, evolves, has evolved] into a huge festival that celebrates Mexican culture and heritage. People mark the occasion (41)________________        [along, within, with, for]elaborate family feasts, parties, mariachi music, and traditional folk dancing.

To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, mix up a delicious margarita recipe and host (42)______________________     [-, a, an, the]party for friends and family!