1220983583 olympiad preparation

BASIC PREPARATION TECHNIQUES

For multiple choice items, if a student does not know the answer, have them choose the same answer every time. This way they will have a better chance of randomly choosing the correct answer. The same for True/False: if the student does not know the answer, have them choose the same answer every time.

If the student does not know the answer, have them look for the answers they know are incorrect. It is better to choose between three possible answers than between four.

LISTENING COMPREHENSION

PREPARATION SUGGESTIONSRead through the answers with the students and have them determine why the false answers

are false, and why they were chosen as “distractors.” Are they based on students mishearing information, misunderstanding, or hearing in the wrong place?

Have students discuss why they know an answer is correct, or even why they know an answer is incorrect. Understanding why an answer is wrong can be just as valuable as understanding why an answer is correct.

One source of new listening materials is on the internet: podcasts. These are audio files you download from the Internet. After you download it, you can listen to it on your computer or on an MP3/portable music player, such as an iPod. You can even subscribe to them, as you would a magazine or newspaper and have them automatically downloaded onto your computer. Podcasts are available in every subject imaginable: religious sermons, the news, sports, medicine, and even grammar!

Searching for podcasts for your students is easy! Simply go to www.google.com and type in: Podcast ESL. You will find many links available free! Here are some good ones:

www.betteratenglish.com Here, there are natural dialogues between native speakers, one from England and one from America.

www.eslpod.com These are podcasts which cover a range of topics and slang and are intended for non-native speakers, so they aren’t spoken as fast as most native speakers talk.

http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ This is not for ESL speakers, but the woman who does this uses a very clear voice and explains grammar points that most native English speakers get confused.

If you’d like more suggestions for Podcasts, either for you or your students, please contact me, Julia Johansen, at [email protected]

Listening Comprehension 9th Form

The Heron

Half a mile from home, at the far edge of the woods where the land was highest, a great pine tree stood. The top of this ancient tree towered above all the others and made it visible for miles and miles. Sylvia had always believed that whoever climbed to the top of it could see the ocean. Now she thought of the tree with a new excitement. Why, if she climbed at dawn, would she not be able to see the whole world, and discover where the white heron flew, and find its hidden nest?

What an adventure! As she lay awake in her bed, she thought of the glory and triumph of telling everyone the secret of where the heron hid. Sylvia knew her mother and her guest were fast asleep, so she crept out of the house and followed the path through the woods. The air was filled with the sleepy songs of half-awakened birds.

There was the huge tree, seeming to sleep in the fading moonlight. Sylvia bravely began to climb, the blood racing through her veins, her bare hands and feet gripping the bark. First she had to climb the oak tree that grew alongside. Sylvia felt her way easily. She had often climbed there before, and knew that higher up one of the oak’s upper branches rubbed against the pine trunk. When she had reached it, the way was harder than she had thought. The sharp twigs scratched her, and the sticky pine sap made her little fingers clumsy and stiff.

The tree seemed to grow taller as she climbed, and she began to doubt if she could reach her goal before dawn. But Sylvia passed the last thorny branch, her face shining with triumph as she stood at the very top, weak and shaking with exhaustion.

There was the sea, dazzling in the first morning light. Two hawks flew east, so far below her she felt she, too, might fly away among the clouds. The birds sang louder and louder until the sun came up.

This beauty almost overwhelmed little Sylvia, but she did not forget her mission. Where was the white heron? She looked down to the green marsh where she had seen him before. There he was, rising and sweeping towards the great pine tree. He landed, and Sylvia froze as she watched the heron, perched two branches below, calling to his mate, cleaning his feathers for the new day.

Test 1: True/False

1. Sylvia wanted to climb the tree to see the ocean.2. No one knew Sylvia was going to climb the tree.3. Sylvia was wearing shoes.4. Sylvia had to climb the oak tree before she could climb the pine tree.5. Sylvia had climbed the pine tree before.6. Sylvia hurt herself while she was climbing the tree.7. The tree was taller than Sylvia thought.8. The sun was not totally up when Sylvia reached the top.9. The birds Sylvia saw were flying west.10. Sylvia saw the heron with its mate.

Test 2: Multiple Choice

11. Where was the pine tree located?a. at the bottom of a hillb. next to Sylvia’s house.c. at a high point near Sylvia’s house.d. in the middle of a forest.

12. What made the pine tree so special to Sylvia?a. It was Sylvia’s hiding place.b. Sylvia had built a tree house in it.c. Sylvia was fascinated by its height.d. Sylvia dreamed of it every night.

13. Why did Sylvia decide to climb the pine tree?a. Because it seemed an easy thing to do.b. Because she had climbed it before.c. Because it was used to an oak tree she used to climb.d. Because she wanted to know where the white bird hid.

14. Sylvia wanted toa. keep the heron’s hiding place a secret.b. tell everyone where the heron was.c. be triumphant.d. have someone help her.

15. Who was at Sylvia’s house when she left?

a. her motherb. her mother and her fatherc. her mother and a guestd. her mother and her brother

16. When did Sylvia climb the pine tree?a. at nightb. in the morningc. in the afternoond. at sunset

17. How did she feel while climbing the pine tree?a. She thought she might never make it in time.b. She thought of giving up because she was hurt.c. She felt disgusted because of the sap.d. She was terrified of falling.

18. How did she feel when she reached the top?a. She was so frightened of falling that her body shook.b. She was delighted but felt very tired.c. She was delighted, but disappointed that the bird’s nest was not there.d. She was so delighted that she did not feel tired.

19. What did the bird do when he reached the tree?a. He sat down next to her.b. He shouted for help.c. He settled on a lower branch.d. He flew past her.

20. After the bird reached the tree, what happened to Sylvia?a. She got very cold.b. She stopped moving.c. She called to him.d. She smiled.

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. True3. False4. True5. False6. True7. True8. True9. False10. False11. C12. C13. D14. B15. C16. A17. A18. B19. C20. B


Fear of Swimming

As the water reached her waist, Helen felt herself starting to panic. It was ridiculous, she told herself. Here she was a fully grown woman wearing armbands and a buoyancy aid around her waist and grasping a float. But she was still terrified of water.

At 43, and married with two children, Helen was deeply ashamed of the fact she couldn’t swim. She hadn’t had swimming lessons at school as there had been no facilities. As she’d gotten older, her natural distrust of water turned into a phobia.

“I was okay as long as my feet were touching the bottom, but the moment I floated free, I’d panic. My heart began racing, my stomach would tighten and I couldn’t bear anybody near me.”

In 1975 when she enrolled for lessons at her local swimming pool it was a disaster. The instructor did get her to do a few strokes, but she remained absolutely terrified.

When her two children – Daniel, now 19 and Laura, 17 – were young, Helen tried again, but her progress was slow and she soon gave in, thinking there was no point carrying on.

And that was exactly how things would have stayed if it hadn’t been for the Splash school of swimming in Leeds, near Helen’s home. When one of the school’s leaflets dropped through her letterbox one day last March, Helen was inspired to give swimming one more go.

“In the past, whenever I said I was starting lessons the whole family would say ‘Oh no, not again,’ so this time I didn’t tell anybody. I just phoned up Splash and booked a course.”

At first Helen was as scared as ever but gradually, with the teacher’s help, she began to make progress. The school taught Helen as part of a small group and the instructors stayed in the water with her. They were very patient and that was what she needed. Other instructors at other schools had bullied her and so she’d become discouraged. At Splash, however, they were very understanding.

After a few months, Helen was able to take off the armbands and started going to another class at her local sports center. Soon she could swim a whole length of the swimming pool.

Then, just when things were looking up and Helen was able to swim half a dozen lengths, she suddenly lost her nerve again. One day, out of the blue, she had a panic attack and started shaking and shivering with fear.

Determined not to let this defeat her after she’d come so far, Helen went to a hypnotherapist who gave her subconscious suggestions to help her overcome her fears. She was soon back in the water with renewed assurance.

And now Helen can swim 64 lengths of her local swimming pool, which is much more than a mile. To celebrate her success, she hired the pool at her local sports center for a birthday celebration. Helen shows the rest of us anything can be achieved if you want to do it badly enough.

Test 1: True/False

1. Helen felt ridiculous because she couldn’t swim.2. Helen had never trusted the water.3. Helen was afraid in water when her feet weren’t touching the bottom.4. In 1979, Helen enrolled in swimming lessons.5. Helen tried to learn to swim when her children were 19 and 17.6. Helen lived in Leeds.7. Helen could swim without help after one month.8. The instructors at Splash helped Helen.9. Helen was able to swim 6 pool lengths when she had her panic attack.10. Helen had her birthday celebration at Splash.


11. Helen knew her fear wasa. logical.b. unreasonable.c. based on past experiences.d. quite common.

12. Why hadn’t Helen learned to swim?a. She had always been terrified of water.b. She hadn’t had the opportunity.c. She had distrusted her instructor at school.d. The school pool had been too deep.

13. What happened the first time Helen had lessons?a. She didn’t get over her fears.b. She was afraid of the teachers.c. She managed to swim a reasonable distance.d. She nearly drowned.

14. What happened the second time Helen had lessons?a. She tried for a long time before quitting.b. She couldn’t swim at all.c. She didn’t learn very quickly.d. She couldn’t carry on.

15. Helen decided to give swimming one more go whena. she found one of Splash’s leaflets dropped on the ground.b. Splash put one of their leaflets in her letterbox.c. someone from the school dropped by.d. she received a letter from Splash.

16. How did Helen’s family react to her repeated efforts to learn to swim?a. They criticized her.b. They supported her.c. They were patient with her.d. They made fun of her.

17. At the Splash school the instructorsa. made her learn at the group’s pace.b. bullied her.c. didn’t rush her.d. explained her fears to her.

18. Why did Helen go to a hypnotherapist?a. She realized she would never be able to swim.b. She suddenly lost her courage.c. She suddenly forgot how to swim.d. She wanted to forget her past fears.

19. Which of these phrases best sums up the article?a. Fear can be useful.b. Not everyone can do everything.c. You should never give up.d. Everyone is different.

20. The tone of the article was:a. comparative.b. persuasive.c. informative.d. encouraging.

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. True3. True4. False5. True6. True7. False8. True9. True10. False11. B12. B13. A14. C15. B16. A17. C18. B19. C20. D


Sweet-Chestnut Fair

“A rainy day can be a blessing in disguise” was the judgment of one of the organizers of this year’s sweet-chestnut fair in the tiny French village where I live. Because of almost uninterrupted rain, “only” about 10,000 people turned up. Had it been sunny, there would have been total traffic chaos.

Some visitors came out of curiosity – the fair is only five years old. For others, it has become an annual journey down memory lane; until fairly recently, the chestnut was a central part of the diet here in Chataigneraire (literally, the chestnut grove).

The air was fragrant with the smell of roasting chestnuts – at least until the downpour soaked the grill. There were stands selling cakes made with chestnut flour and open sandwiches of mashed chestnuts, cheese and bacon. There were also articles made of chestnuts wood, such as baskets, furniture and walking sticks.

One of the highlights of the fair was a cookery competition for original recipes incorporating chestnuts. The president of the panel of judges was the chef Michel Bras, who owns the best restaurant in the region. Bras has written a massive cookbook of inventive recipes, many of which call for the wild plants and mushrooms he comes across as he goes on his daily jog.

People packed into the village hall as the competition started, partly because they wanted to see the famous Bras, and partly because it was pouring down outside.

The crowd watched calmly as the judges sampled mouthfuls of seven dishes and gave them marks for appearance, taste, balance, and so on. The winning recipe was a delicious charlotte of chestnut puree and cream, served with a bitter orange sauce.

At that point the audience, already deeply frustrated at not being allowed to taste the dishes themselves, stared in amazement as Bras made a harsh summing-up speech. “I couldn’t find the taste or texture of the chestnuts of my youth,” he said, before running off to his car.

There was a jollier atmosphere at the aligot evening. Aligot is a local dish consisting of cheese, mashed potatoes, cream, butter and garlic. A huge iron pot of the kind used for cooking pig food was carried in it. Three well-built young men stirred the mixture vigorously with what looked like canoe paddles, then, to cheers from the 340 diners, they announced it was ready.

An hour later, after everyone had eaten their aligot (made from 145 kg of potatoes, 42 kg of cheese, 12 liters of cream and 4 kg of butter) the waltzing began. It was a proper village dance where anyone was free to invite anyone else for a spin around the floor.

Test 1: True/False

1. There was total chaotic traffic during the sweet-chestnut fair.2. The fair is only nine years old.3. The chestnut is the main part of the diet in Chataigneraire.4. Michel Bras has the best restaurant in that area in France.5. The crowd sampled the recipes.6. Michel Bras ran to his car.7. The recipe that won contained mashed potatoes.8. People were happier at the aligot evening.9. The aligot was stirred with canoe paddles.10. During the waltz, anyone could ask anyone else to dance.


11. Why was the rainy day “a blessing in disguise?”a. It allowed them to have a sweet-chestnut fair.b. The rain kept people from interrupting the fair.c. Fewer people came to the fair.d. They wanted to make themselves feel better.

12. Some visitors came out of curiosity while others came because a. they enjoyed the trip through the country roads.b. the chestnut fair brought back memories of the past.c. they wanted to go on a diet.d. chestnuts are healthy.

13. Why did the smell of roasting chestnuts disappear?a. There were no chestnuts left.b. People were selling other things.c. The heavy rainfall put the fires out.d. It was late in the day.

14. The cookery competition was for recipes which a. Michel Bras had written in his book.b. were very old.c. included chestnuts.d. were used in the best restaurants.

15. Michel Brasa. finds ingredients for his recipes when he goes out running.b. uses only chestnuts in his recipes.c. looks for chestnuts when he goes out running.d. invented the idea of cooking with chestnuts.

16. The village hall was packed because some people wanted to see Bras and some wanted toa. take shelter from the rain.b. have a rest.c. learn the recipes.d. cook chestnuts.

17. Which did the judges NOT give marks for?a. How the food looked.b. How the food tasted.c. How the flavors were balanced.

d. How the food smelled.18. How did Michel Bras sum up the competition?

a. He thought the food was excellent.b. He was disappointed with the recipes. c. He said he didn’t like the chestnuts when he was young.d. He was amazed by the high standard of the recipes.

19. What did the aligot NOT contain:a. potatoesb. creamc. oild. garlic

20. What was the dance like?a. formalb. boringc. informald. confusing

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. False3. False4. True5. False6. False7. False8. True9. False10. True11. C12. B13. C14. C15. A16. A17. D18. B19. C20. C


The English Channel

Recently I was offered the chance to travel by train through the channel tunnel between England and France. I went on the shuttle that carries cars. The site is not beautiful. There is a huge railway complex with tracks disappearing into a large hole, and a brand-new exhibition center.

The location of trains is indicated by signs saying “France.” Cars must stop at the toll booths and French immigration points, where passports are shown. (Dealing with formalities here means you can drive straight off the train at the other end).

The double-decker carriages are brightly lit, air-conditioned and very hi-tech. Loudspeaker announcements from the “Chef de Train,” an Englishman speaking very slow French, welcomed us aboard. A crew member with a walkie-talkie said the crossing would take about 35 minutes and

passengers were expected to stay in or by their cars. He told me the shuttle employed several female drivers. “The most important requirement for the job is that they know about computers and learn French, especially the numbers. They practice by playing bingo.”

Then we started. We slid into the tunnel and hit our traveling speed of 80 mph. The ride was so smooth, one was barely aware of any movement. It was, predictably, about as interesting as a ride round the London underground. Somewhere to sit and have a coffee would have been welcome, but a crew member said: “With the numbers we expect to carry, it just wouldn’t be practical.”

After half an hour we shot back into the French daylight, had lunch, then came back. The return trip, however, did not go so smoothly. Halfway across, a fire alarm went off. We were all moved to a neighboring carriage. Moments later, a young man appeared and said calmly: “Just practicing. You can all go back.”

Then without warning, the train stopped. We found out that a lorry had fallen over during boarding. After half an hour we were still waiting. People were becoming mildly irritated, and the only person still smiling worked for a cross-channel ferry company.

Then, all at once, we moved off. Disembarking was swift and easy and within minutes, we were driving on the left again through a wet English night. It had been an interesting day. I had enjoyed the experience of what will undoubtedly become routine in the 21st century; but for me, the attractions of the sea and the cry of gulls will always win in the end.

Test 1: True/False

1. There is more than one shuttle to France.2. Cars must stop at two points.3. The carriages have three levels.4. The shuttle has a cook.5. The crew members need to know how to use a computer.6. The author thinks the London underground is interesting.7. People were very angry for waiting.8. The ride back took about an hour.9. It was simple to leave the ferry.10. The author enjoys the sea.


11. Why did the writer make the trip?a. Because he was given the opportunity.b. Because he wanted to go to France.c. Because he had an important date.d. Because it was the only method available.

12. What is the English Channel train entrance like?a. badly constructedb. large and ugly c. small and quietd. bright and cheerful

13. Why is the French Immigration office in England?a. So passengers can get straight on to the train in England.b. So passengers can drive off the train as soon as they get to France.c. So non-European citizens can be separated from Europeans.d. So French citizens don’t have to show their passports.

14. The channel crewa. were expected to stay by their cars.b. were walking and talking.c. needed to speak in French.

d. were all from France.15. Why do the crew play bingo?

a. To improve their French.b. To pass the time.c. To decide who will drive the train.d. To practice communication skills.

16. What was the crossing to France like?a. It was alarming.b. It was calm.c. It was impractical.d. It was interesting.

17. On the ride to Francea. there is nowhere to sit and have coffee.b. you can sit and have coffee.c. there are too many people to have coffee.d. it isn’t a good idea to drink coffee.

18. What happened on the return trip?a. There was a fire in their compartment.b. They ate lunch on the train.c. They had to move into a different compartment.d. Halfway across, the fire alarm stopped making noise.

19. What does the author think will happen to channel travel in the future?a. The trains will stop running.b. The trains will not be used by the very rich.c. There will be a lot of technical problems.d. The trains will become the usual method of transport.

20. Why won’t the author use the channel tunnel train in the future?a. Because it’s too expensive.b. Because it takes too long.c. Because he has no reason to travel to France.d. Because he prefers going by boat.

ANSWER KEY

1. True2. True3. False4. False5. True6. False7. False8. True9. True10. True11. A12. B13. B14. C15. A16. B17. C18. C19. D

20. D


Paul Cezanne

There are few visitors to the countryside around Aix-en-Provence who do not see its dramatic forms through the eyes of its most famous inhabitant, Paul Cézanne. Day after day for the last 20 years of his life the artist set up his easel to paint Mont Sainte-Victoire and the surrounding countryside.

Sadly, Cézanne’s effort’s frequently left him dissatisfied as he felt he was not achieving the high artistic goals which he had set himself. Nor was his dedication appreciated by the townspeople of Aix, where Cézanne had been born in 1839. The painter was very much disliked, and lived alone and isolated – a classic case of misunderstood, awkward and unconventional genius.

He had retired to Aix partly because he had not done well in the artistic world of Paris. His work took much longer to gain acceptance than that of the Impressionists – an injustice for which Cézanne bitterly resented his former artistic colleagues.

Cézanne had first gone to Paris in 1861. He met Camille Pissaro at the Académie Suisse, and the violent subject of his early work gave way to the subjects and style of Impressionism. But he soon felt the need to go beyond this, to “make of Impressionism something solid and lasting, like the art of the museums.” He wanted to add intellect to the sensations that lay behind the work of artists like Monet.

Like the Impressionists, Cézanne was part of a movement away from the museums as a source of artistic inspiration and towards the direct observation of nature. “One must make a vision for oneself,” he wrote. “One must see nature as no one has seen it before.”

Cézanne’s efforts lasted a lifetime. “I must carry on – I simply must paint from nature,” he wrote in 1906. By this time, his work was beginning to be recognized. He had had his first successful exhibition in 1895, and was beginning to attract a few young followers. Despite this, his death certificate identifies him as a man of private means and not as an artist.

His works were not shown in the town museum until some years after his death. Aix is now embarrassed by this late acceptance of its artistic son, and today one can get a map which leads one to Cézanne’s favorite places for painting. Although much has changed, you can still see landscapes which are very much the same as those seen in the paintings. You can also visit Cézanne’s studio, where objects made famous in Cézanne’s still lifes are on display.

Test 1: True/False

1. Not very many people visit Aix-en-Provence.2. People in Paris did not like Cézanne’s paintings.3. Cézanne visited Paris in 1851.4. Cézanne’s early paintings were very violent.5. Cézanne and the Impressionists stopped going to museums.6. Cézanne continued painting until he died.7. By the time he died, Cézanne had become popular.8. Cézanne’s death certificate did not say he was an artist.9. Cézanne’s works are now shown in the town museum.10. The landscapes in Aix are similar to when Cézanne lived there.


11. Most people who visit the countryside around Aix-en-Provencea. do not believe it is dramatic.b. compare it to Cézanne’s artwork.

c. think Cézanne’s artwork was emotional.d. think it is not as beautiful as Cézanne’s artwork.

12. Cézanne was dissatisfied with his work becausea. it was not popular.b. it was disliked by the people of Aix.c. it did not satisfy his own ambitions.d. it did not make him much money.

13. The people of Aixa. accepted the artist.b. thought he was a genius.c. behaved awkwardly towards him.d. thought he was odd.

14. Cézanne resented the Impressionists becausea. they treated him unfairly.b. they did not accept him.c. their work was more popular than his.d. they did not understand his work.

15. During Cézanne’s first trip to Paris,a. he painted violent works.b. he changed his painting style.c. he studied at the Académie Suisse.d. he met his wife.

16. Cézanne was not satisfied with Impressionism becausea. it dealt only with feelings, not intelligence.b. it was too solid.c. it was too much like the work in museums.d. it did not inspire him.

17. What did Cézanne have in common with the Impressionists?a. He worked in museums.b. He painted from nature.c. He was observant.d. He saw nature as they did.

18. By 1906,a. Cézanne was very successful.b. Cézanne’s artwork was very well known.c. Cézanne had some supporters.d. Cézanne had finally been accepted.

19. The people of Aixa. wish Cézanne had never lived there.b. are embarrassed by their acceptance of him.c. have restored the landscapes Cézanne painted.d. regret their previous attitude to Cézanne.

20. What is NOT mentioned as something you can see in Aix?a. Places where Cézanne loved to paint.b. The landscapes that Cézanne used to paint.c. The apartment where Cézanne lived.d. Items featured in Cézanne’s still life paintings.

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. True3. False

4. True5. False6. True7. False8. True9. True10. True11. B12. C13. D14. C15. B16. A17. B18. C19. D20. C

Listening Comprehension Additional Text 1

Thatching: A Traditional British Craft

Thatching, which is the use of straw, reeds or grasses to make a roof for a building, goes back to the Bronze Age. In Britain especially, thatched cottages and farmhouses were a common sight in rural areas for more than a millennium. Thatch was used because it was cheap and lightweight. Houses were not built to take a lot of weight and so a thatched roof was the bets option.

The materials used varied from region to region according to what was available in the area. For example, in areas such as the south of England where wheat was grown, wheat straw was used. The wheat had to be threshed and the grain removed and then it was trimmed, combed and cut before it was used for the roof. A straw roof would last for about twenty years. In other areas, such as East Anglia and Norfolk, sturdy reeds were used. Reeds took less preparation and these roofs lasted for a lot longer, about sixty or seventy years. Over the years thatching became a specialised trade performed by skilled craftsmen who developed a variety of individual styles. Many craftsmen would finish off the roof with an ornament such as a bird or a “dolly” made from straw.

Thatched houses were at their most popular in the late 18th century and were the subject of many famous paintings at that time. However, the craft started to decline when Britain entered the industrial era. Modern building techniques and the growing railway network made other materials more available. Nevertheless, owners today recognise the value of keeping their cottages thatched. Modern thatch is fire retardant and wire netting can be used to protect it from birds and rodents. So, a thatched roof is much more than just a roof; it is a traditional, picturesque and eco-friendly way to cover your house.

Test 1: True/False

1. All houses in Britain have thatched roofs.2. Thatching is an old craft.3. In Britain, thatched houses were common for more than 1000 years. 4. In the past the same materials were used to make roofs.5. Of the materials mentioned, straw is the easiest to prepare.6. People in England used thatch because it could be easily found.7. A thatched roof lasts about sixty or seventy years.

8. The introduction of the railway system meant thatching became more popular.9. Thatching is still practiced nowadays.10. Thatched roofs are in many paintings from the late 18th century.


11. Which was NOT mentioned as an advantage of thatched roofs:a. They were not heavy.b. They were inexpensive.c. They were common.d. They were beautiful.

12. Wire netting helps protect against birds and a. cats.b. rats.c. mold.d. damage.

13. A thatched roof is traditional, beautiful, and good fora. the environment.b. the economy.c. tourists.d. sound.

14. The phrase “owners today recognize the value of keeping their cottages thatched” means: a. Owners understand how much money it costs to keep their cottages thatched.b. Owners believe it can save money to keep their cottages thatched.c. Owners see the worth of keeping their cottages thatched.d. Owners understand there are good reasons to keep their cottages thatched.

15. Thatched roofs were mostly found:a. in the countryb. in the cityc. by the sead. in southern England

16. The late 18th century was around:a. 1080-1099b. 1775-1799c. 1875-1899d. 1975-1999

17. The best material for thatching, according to the passage, is: a. straw.b. grass. c. reeds.d. wire netting.

18. An ornament is something:a. necessaryb. decorativec. made by a skilled craftsmand. to play with

19. In the sentence: The materials used varied from region to region, varied means:a. movedb. rangedc. grewd. changed

20. The tone of the article is:a. informative.

b. persuasive.c. descriptive.d. comparative.

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. True3. True4. False5. False6. False7. False8. False9. True10. True11. C12. B13. A14. D15. A16. B17. C18. B19. D20. A


Hands-On Science Down Under

“Scienceworks” is a museum with a difference. It’s an educational, adventure playground that aims to explain to visitors the workings of science and technology by allowing them to look, touch, and play with the exhibits.

One of the main differences between Scienceworks and other museums, is its location. While most museums are generally located in the city amongst modern office blocks, this one is in a working class suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Factories surrounded the museum like an industrial theme park. There’s even a disused sewerage processing plant within the Scienceworks complex.

The museum is home to both temporary and permanent exhibitions. The four permanent exhibitions are called Inventions, Energy, Travel and Materials. The displays in each section are accompanied by information about how the technology works, the story behind its invention and the ways in which it has affected people’s daily lives both at home and at work. The museum’s curator, Richard Gillespie, believes the museum works because its exhibits are well-chosen examples of technology that are familiar to visitors. “Having this kind of connection with exhibits, helps simplify science instead f complicating it like so many other science museums do,” says Richard.

Scienceworks also encourages its visitors to interact with the exhibits. The Inventions exhibition is real “hands-on” stuff. You can press buttons, pull levers and watch in amazement as engines start and models come to life. The Energy exhibition challenges you to provide the energy for a hand-powered washing machine and an old-fashioned hand saw. If that doesn’t tire you out, move on to Sports Works where you can have your physical fitness levels tested while racing a virtual Olympic sprinter.

When your body wants a rest, but your mind’s hungry for more, head to the Scienceworks Planetarium. A unique digital computer and projection system takes you on a journey through space and time. From the comfort of a reclining chair you will travel to the moon and stars and beyond to the other galaxies and the dawn of the universe. The planetarium also hosts a special sleepover package for kids during school holidays where they get to go on a scary ghost tour and observe the stars through telescopes.

Whether you’re five or ninety-five, a visit to Scienceworks is definitely a must. It’s fun, it’s informative, and everyone should go!

Test 1: True/False

1. Scienceworks is surrounded by an industrial theme park. 2. None of the exhibits at the museum change. 3. Scienceworks wants people to touch things. 4. Children can stay overnight. 5. Richard Gillespie created the museum. 6. Scienceworks has telescope. 7. Scienceworks has a gymnasium. 8. The museum has mail for children. 9. The computer shows the beginning of the Universe. 10. The museum is located under Melbourne, Australia.


11. The museum’s location is unusual becausea. it is inside a factory.b. it is surrounded by office blocks.c. it is not in the city center.d. it is next to a sewerage plant.

12. The curator believes the museum is popular becausea. the exhibitions change often.b. the exhibits were invented by ordinary people.c. visitors understand how the technologies work.d. other science museums are boring.

13. Most of the exhibits area. things people see every dayb. things people never seec. simpled. complicated

14. Most other museums make sciencea. difficultb. simplec. connectedd. different

15. At the Energy exhibition visitors cana. do choresb. touch the exhibitsc. have a restd. challenge someone

16. At the Sports exhibit visitors cana. have a rest. b. do their washing.c. get some exercise.

d. touch the exhibits.17. If you get tired, the writer recommends

a. going home and sitting in a comfortable chair.b. taking a virtual tour of the galaxy.c. eating something at the Planetarium café.d. leaving your children overnight at the museum.

18. A the Planetarium you cana. sleepb. exercisec. traveld. look at stars

19. Holidays are the only time children cana. look at starsb. tell ghost storiesc. stay the nightd. bring their telescopes

20. The writer expresses that a trip to Scienceworksa. should be taken by those in a particular age group.b. should be a one-off event.c. is highly recommended.d. is a tiring but necessary activity.

ANSWER KEY

1. False2. False3. True4. True5. False6. True7. False8. False9. True10. False11. C12. C13. A14. A15. B16. C17. B18. D19. C20. C


TV Broadcast

So here’s the pick of tonight’s TV.At 7:10 on BBC2 there’s the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. This week, while Lois is out of

town, Malcolm and Hal have a fight, which ends up with Malcolm getting thrown out of his home.

Then straight after that at 8:00pm – an earlier time than usual – you can see what happens to a family who decide to move to Sweden in Get a New Life. Trevor and Cathy Muir think they’ve found the ideal place to bring up their children in a small Swedish town, but is it too small for them to find work, even with some help?

Next, over on BBC1 at 8:30, you can see the award-winning documentary series Massive Nature. This week’s episode is called The Falls. Every year 300 million salmon migrate up rivers across Alaska, but they’re swimming into a trap. At waterfalls upstream, the fish are attacked by bears and bald eagles.

Tonight’s film is U-571 [2000] at 9 o’clock on Channel 4. This is a wartime action drama starring Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi. An American submarine crew are on a mission to seize an Enigma machine and manage to take over the enemy’s boat. The film continues after News at Ten.

Or if you’d rather watch a comedy, Channel 5 is showing Meet the Parents [2000] at 9:45, starring Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. Greg is about to spend his first weekend with his girlfriend’s parents and he’s pretty nervous about it. Although he tries very hard to please her difficult dad, his attempts result in very comic situations.

That’s all from me for today. I’ll be back tomorrow at the slightly later time of 6:45 so that cricket fans don’t miss the last half hour of the test match.

Test 1: True/False

1. Malcolm in the Middle is on BBC2.2. Get a New Life is usually shown at 8pm.3. In Get a New Life, the town is too small for them to find work.4. Massive Nature has won awards5. Massive Nature is a comedy.6. The Falls is a television series.7. The Falls is set in Alaska.8. Meet the Parents stars Jon Bon Jovi.9. In Meet the Parents, Greg is meeting his wife’s parents.10. There is a cricket game the next day.


11. Malcolm in the Middle is on at:a. 7b. 7:10c. 10d. 17

12. Which character is not mentioned in Malcolm in the Middle:a. Halb. Malcolmc. Joand. Lois

13. In Get a Life, the family wants to move to:a. Switzerlandb. Swedenc. Spaind. Singapore

14. Every year _____ salmon migrate up rivers:a. 3 hundredb. 300 thousandc. 3 milliond. 300 million

15. The Falls is about salmon in:a. Arizonab. Alabamac. Appalachiad. Alaska

16. At waterfalls, salmon are attacked by:a. bearsb. wolvesc. cougarsd. beavers

17. The film on Channel 4 at 9 o’clock is:a. U-751b. U-715 c. U-571d. U-517

18. The film on Channel 4 at 9 o’clock is about:a. an Enigmab. a submarinec. a boatd. seas

19. In Meet the Parents, Greg is ____ about meeting the parents.a. funnyb. nervousc. difficultd. happy

20. Tomorrow’s program will happen: a. earlierb. at the same timec. laterd. during the cricket game

ANSWER KEY

1. True2. False3. False4. True5. False6. False7. True8. False9. False10. True11. B12. C13. B14. D15. D16. B17. C18. B19. B20. C


UK Public Telephones

Okay class, we’ve gone over how to use the public transport system and now I’d like to make sure that you all know how to use the public telephones while you are in the UK. Their public phones are similar to ours but there are a few differences. There are written instructions next to the phone, in English of course, but there are also drawings to show you what to do.

To use a public phone you need coins, or a phonecard. I recommend you get a phonecard because these are much more convenient to use. You can buy a phonecard from any newsagent, and I suggest you do that at the airport as soon as you arrive. To make a phone call from a public phone box do the following: First, pick up the receiver and listen for the dial tone. If there is no dial tone, that means the phone isn’t working and you should find another one. When you hear the dial tone, insert your phonecard. There is a screen on the phone that will tell you how much money you have left on your card, and you can see if your phonecard is running out. Then, just dial the number. Remember that if you are making an international cal from the UK, you have to dial 00 before the number. You will also need to know the country code of the number you want to call. For us the code is 30. If you have any problems making the call, you can get through to the international operator by dialing 155.

In case of an emergency you . . .

Test 1: True/False

1. The woman has already spoken about public transportation.2. The woman speaking is talking to people from the UK.3. To use a phone you must have coins or a phonecard.4. You can buy a phonecard at the airport.5. The woman gives instructions for using a home phone.6. If there is no dial tone, you should hang up and try again.7. You should insert your phonecard before you hear a dial tone.8. A screen shows how much money is on your phonecard.9. You must dial 00 to call locally.10. The speaker does not tell how much an international phone call costs.


11. Public telephones in the UK are ____ our phones.a. likeb. very different fromc. the same asd. nothing like

12. The public phones do NOT include:a. instructionsb. drawingsc. screensd. country codes

13. The speaker says that phonecards are:a. cheaper to useb. more convenient to usec. more challenging to used. quicker to use

14. To use the phone:

a. First, insert the phone card, then listen for a dial tone, then dial the number.b. First, listen for a dial tone, then dial the number, then insert the phone card.c. First, listen for a dial tone, then insert the phone card, then dial the number.d. First, insert the phone card, then dial the number, then listen for the dial tone.

15. To find out how much money is on your card:a. dial the operatorb. look at the screenc. dial the numberd. ask the newsagent

16. For us the code is:a. 3b. 13c. 30d. 33

17. The number for the international operator is:a. 515b. 551c. 115d. 155

18. The speaker does NOT tell you:a. how to add money to your phone cardb. how to make a phone callc. where to buy a phonecardd. how to use a public phone

19. The speaker most likely:a. works for the phone companyb. works for the governmentc. works for a travel agencyd. works as a teacher

20. If you have trouble making a phone call, you should:a. call the operator.b. change phonesc. buy a new phonecardd. hang up and try again

ANSWER KEY

1. True2. False3. True4. True5. False6. False7. False8. True9. False10. True11. A12. D13. B14. C15. B16. C

17. D18. A19. D20. A

READING COMPREHENSION

PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS

Students should skim through the entire text. Then, read the questions and search for those answers. Answer the simplest ones first, and the harder ones last, which will ensure they get credit for the answers they know, even if time runs out.

Text 1

Sport is Big Business

A. George Harris, ex-footballerFootball has become an international marketplace. Players are being bought and sold for

enormous sums of money otherwise known as transfer fees. Players come from and go to overseas clubs, attracted by higher salaries and their share of the transfer fee. Directors will sell any player but only for the right price. The more well known and talented a player is, the more expensive the price tag is likely to be. There is no club loyalty anymore and serving a full contract or even a season is becoming increasingly rare. People like me used to play for love of the game, but now I feel it is the love of money which is more important.

B. John Perry, amateur tennis playerThere has been much reaction to the fact that some lower ranked tennis players earn more

from their sponsorship deals than they do playing on the court. It seems unimportant that players who earn a high income from deals with leading companies have never actually won a tournament. The names of such players appear more on front page headlines than on the sports pages. Even top ranking players at the height of their careers don’t get as much attention from the media as those below them. It’s all about being seen in the newspapers and on television wearing a smile and the right logo. Skill and athletic ability are not essential anymore to be a success on the tennis court.

C. Steve Daley, magazine editorThere was a time when sport celebrities used to advertise food and drinks, like milk and

cereals for example, that would help us to become fit and strong. This s not the case anymore, and sports stars nowadays also appear in adverts for footwear and shampoo. What is worst of all, though, is that sport celebrities appear in adverts that suggest that we should eat snacks or drink fizzy drinks. It doesn’t seem to matter whether these products are healthy or unhealthy for young people! To me, it’s not right that sports celebrities suggest that we buy or consume products that are not good for us. Perhaps sports stars do not follow such a healthy diet as we believe.

D. Jack Murray, sports commentatorIt is certain that snooker players have to spend hours and hours practicing in order to be good

enough to take part in competitions. There is no guarantee of success and any injury to either hand or arm could mean the end of a career. What is hard to believe though, is the amount of prize money that is offered for winning a major snooker competition. A good player can easily earn £500,000 a year. There is no need to win a trophy to earn money either, thanks to the media. The player that makes the highest break (the score made from one turn in a snooker game) while the games are being recorded, gets a prize of up to £20,000, but if the break is not televised, the amount drops to around £2,500. It’s not just winning that counts, it’s what players do in front of a TV camera.

1. Which person states that awards are not only given for first place?

a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

2. Which people state that money can be earned without appearing in a game? Choose 2a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

3. Which people state that business deals are more important than playing the game? Choose 2a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

4. Which people state that athletes benefit from promoting products? Choose 2a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

5. Which person states that sports people are not concerned about their influence on others?George Harrisa. John Perryb. Steve Daleyc. Jack Murray

6. Which person states that champions do not always earn the highest salaries?a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

7. Which person states that talent does not guarantee success?a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

8. Which person states that nutrition may be ignored by some sports people?a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

9. Which person states that journalists are not always interested in winners?a. George Harrisb. John Perryc. Steve Daleyd. Jack Murray

ANSWER KEY

1. D2. B, D3. A, B4. B, C5. C6. B

7. B8. C9. B

Text 2

Transylvania Tours

Almost everyone has read, seen or heard the story of Count Dracula, but have you ever wanted to visit “The Land of the Vampire”? Transylvania has always been a mysterious country, hidden by the Carpathian Mountains and the Transylvanian Alps. In recent years, however, tourists have been traveling to Transylvania, hoping to find out more about the country’s most famous resident.

Transylvania Tours have become the most popular way to see Dracula’s country, as we offer an all-inclusive package, complete with a tour guide who can provide any information you may need. What could be more relaxing than knowing that an experienced tour director has planned all the details of your trip for you, and all you have to do is sit back and relax?

With Transylvania Tours you can visit Bran Castle, tour the old towns of Brasnov and Tirgu Mures, stay in the Dracula Castle Hotel, have lunch in the house where Vlad the Impaler was born and much, much more. There are many wonderful activities included in the trip. Transylvania Tours have been touring Dracula country for years, so you can be sure that we have thought of everything!

Transylvania Tours are extremely popular with people who have always wanted to have a holiday which is truly out of the ordinary. The tours are greatly enjoyed by those who love history, literature, or great scenery. For those of you who are looking for a thrill, our tour director has arranged a few surprises which might make your hair stand on end! In fact, we guarantee that Transylvania Tours offer something for everyone.

To book an 8-day Transylvania Tour, call 0271 302 1783 or e-mail us at [email protected]. If you’ve been searching for a holiday with a difference, this could be just the break you have been looking for.

1. Transylvania is surrounded bya. vampires.b. mountains.c. castles.d. residents.

2. With Transylvania Toursa. the details are unplanned.b. tourists receive a parcel.c. tour guides aren’t always experienced.d. everything is included in the price.

3. Transylvania Toursa. know how to help you relax.b. let you plan your own holiday.c. have little experience in arranging trips.d. need to know information about you.

4. With Transylvania Tours you willa. visit many old castles.b. stay in Dracula’s castle.c. visit Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace.d. tour several old towns.

5. Transylvania Tours are suitable for people who a. enjoy fairly average holidays.b. like reading books and exploring the past.

c. hate excitement or mysteries.d. don’t like surprises.

ANSWER KEY

1. B2. D3. A4. C5. B

Text 3

Pesca’s face and manner, on the evening when we met each other at my mother’s gate, were more than enough to inform me that something extraordinary had happened. However, it was useless to ask him for an immediate explanation. I could only guess, while he was pulling me inside by both hands, that (knowing my habits) he had come to the house to make sure of meeting me that night, and that he had some news to tell me that was particularly good.

We both bounced into the lounge in a very rude and undignified manner. My mother sat by the open window laughing. Pesca was one of her special favourites, and his strangest behaviour was always forgivable in her eyes. Poor dear woman! From the first moment when she found out that the little Professor was deeply and gratefully attached to her son, she opened her heart to him, and took all this puzzling foreign peculiarities for granted, without even trying to understand them.

My sister Sarah, with all the advantages of youth, was, strangely enough, less tolerant. She admitted that Pesca had a good heart; but she could not accept him, as my mother accepted him, for my sake. Her narrow ideas about what was “proper” contracted sharply with Pesca’s natural lack of respect for appearances; and she was always openly astonished at her mother’s familiarity with the eccentric little foreigner. I have noticed, not only in my sister’s case, but in others as well, that we of the younger generation are not nearly so cheerful and so impulsive as some of our elders. I often see old people get wide-eyed and excited at the promise of some anticipated pleasure which totally fails to upset the calm of their grandchildren. Are we, I wonder, such genuine boys and girls as our seniors were when they were young? Have we been, in these modern days, just a little too well brought up?

Without trying to answer these questions, I can at least say that I never saw my mother and my sister in the company of Pesca, without finding my mother much the younger woman of the two. On this occasion, for example, while the old lady was laughing at the boyish way we stumbled into the room, Sarah was anxiously picking up the broken pieces of a teacup which the Professor had knocked off when running to meet me at the door.

1. How did the author know that he was going to receive good news?a. His friend had come to meet him.b. His friend told him immediately.c. It was obvious by the way his friend held his hands.d. The way his friend looked and acted made it clear.

2. Pesca knew the author would be at his mother’s house that night becausea. he knew the author’s routine.b. the author’s mother had told him.c. the author went there every night.d. they had arranged to meet at the gate.

3. How did the two boys enter the lounge?a. Calmly and discreetly.b. Unhappily.c. Loudly and clumsily.d. In a calm and stately manner.

4. For what reason did the author’s mother like Pesca so much?a. His behaviour was very strange.b. He liked her son.c. He was foreign.d. She found him amusing.

5. Why does the author call his mother a “poor dear woman”?a. He thinks she is kind but naïve.b. She doesn’t have much money.c. He thinks she is easily deceived.d. She likes all foreigners without thinking.

6. The fact that Sarah was of the younger generation meant that shea. could not tolerate Pesca.b. had an advantage over Pesca.c. didn’t like Pesca as much as her mother did.d. thought Pesca lacked respect.

7. What surprised Sarah about her mother’s attitude to Pesca?a. How informal she was with him.b. How little respect she showed him.c. The way she always laughed at him.d. How eccentrically she behaved with him.

8. What has the author noticed about the difference between the generations?a. That young people are more relaxed than old people.b. That old people are calmer than young people.c. That young people are better brought up than old people.d. That old people are more youthful than young people.

ANSWER KEY

1. D2. A3. C4. B5. A6. D7. A8. D

Text 4

I crept to the door and listened; they were snoring, so I tiptoed along and got down the stairs safely. I couldn’t hear a sound. I looked through a crack in the dining room door and saw that the men who were watching the body were all asleep in their chairs. The door of the parlour, where te corpse was lying, was open, and there was a candle in each room. I went past, but the front door was locked and the key was missing.

Just then I heard footsteps on the stairs behind me. I silently ran into the parlour and cast my eyes about the room. The only place I could see to hide the bag was in the coffin. The lid was pushed along, showing the dead man’s face with a wet cloth over it. I tucked the money-bag in under the lid, just below where his hands were crossed. That sent a shiver down my spine; his hands were so cold. Then I ran back across the room and hid behind the door.

The person coming was Mary Jane. She went to the coffin, knelt down and looked in. Then she put her handkerchief to her face and I sensed that she had started crying, although I couldn’t hear her and her back was turned. I slipped out. Looking back into the dining room, I saw that the watchers were still all asleep and I hadn’t been seen.

As I climbed back into bed, I was a little shaken after all the risks I had just taken. I thought to myself it would be alright if I stayed where it was because when we had gone another hundred miles or two down the river I could write to Mary Jane and she could dig him up and get it. But that’s not going to happen because they’ll find the money when they screw the lid on. The king will get it back and no one else will get their hands on it again. Of course, I wanted to sneak back down and get it, but I didn’t dare to try. Every minute it was getting later now. Soon some of the watchers would start waking and I might get caught—caught with six thousand dollars in my hands. How could I explain that?

1. Why didn’t the narrator leave the house?a. He heard someone coming before he reached the door.b. He wanted to hide the bag.c. He was locked in.d. He wanted to pay his respects to the dead man.

2. What was the first sound the narrator heard?a. People talking quietly.b. Someone walking down the stairs.c. Mary Jane crying.d. Sleeping people breathing noisily.

3. Where was the corpse?a. Below the stairs.b. In the parlour.c. In the dining room.d. In a morgue.

4. Who did the author hear on the stairs?a. The dead man.b. A watcher.c. Mary Jane.d. The king.

5. How did the author know Mary Jane was crying?a. She dried her eyes.b. He saw her tears.c. He heard her crying.d. Her back was shaking.

6. What is “it” in the phrase “she could dig him up and get it”?a. The corpse.b. The money.c. The coffin.d. The letter.

7. Who did the money belong to?a. The author.b. The watchers.c. The king.d. Mary Jane.

8. What time of day was it?a. The early hours of the morning.b. Mid-afternoon.c. Late evening.d. The middle of the night.

ANSWER KEY

1. C

2. B3. B4. C5. A6. B7. C8. A

WRITING COMPREHENSION


Make sure students answer the question completely! It should be answered in the introduction as well as restated in the conclusion. Any of the speaking situations can be adapted to a writing situation.

Students should show a range of vocabulary. Instead of just saying “cuisine” three times, they should say “cuisine,” “food,” or even name the type of cuisine.

A great way to include enough detail in your students’ writing is to teach them RENNS:REASONS (why something happened)EXAMPLES (show it!)NAMES (of people, places, buildings, etc)NUMBERS (instead of saying “a lot” or “many” include real numbers)SENSES (describe something instead of just saying “it was beautiful” or “delicious”)

overall, though, make sure students include examples—real life examples.

Writing Comprehension 9th Form

1) You are taking part in an exchange program. You will spend two weeks staying in the house of an English student living in Chester. Write a letter to the English student describing yourself and asking for details about his family and the town he lives in. Do not write any addresses.

2) An educational magazine has invited students to submit articles explaining why they started learning English. Write a short article for the magazine.

3) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition describing two of your family’s most importation possessions and explaining why they are important to you. Write your composition.


1) An international young people’s magazine is investigating the question: Do young people today use their free time wisely? Write a short article for the magazine on this topic based on your own experience.

2) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition discussing the advantages and disadvantages of keeping animals in zoos. Write a composition for your teacher.

3) Write a letter to a friend telling him or her about a party you have recently been to, describing an interesting person that you met there. Do not write any addresses.


1) An international young people’s magazine is investigating the question: Would one international language unite or divide us? Write a short article for the magazine on this topic.

2) Your teacher has asked you to write a composition discussing the question: Are newspapers necessary nowadays? Write an essay on the topic.

3) You had an unpleasant experience while traveling abroad. Write a letter to a friend describing your experience and explaining why you will think twice before going abroad alone again. Do not write any addresses.

Additional Writing Tasks (taken from the TOEFL)

1) It has been recently announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

2) What are some important qualities of a good teacher? Use specific reasons and details to explain why these qualities are important.

3) In some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details.

4) A person you know is planning to move to your town or city. What do you think this person would like and dislike about living in your town or city? Why? Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.

5) People work because they need money to live. What are some other reasons that people work? Discuss one or more of these reasons. Use specific examples and details to support your answer.

6) What change would make your hometown more appealing to people your age? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.

7) What do you want most in a friend—someone who is intelligent, or someone who has a sense of humor, or someone who is reliable? Which one of these characteristics is most important to you? Use reasons and specific examples to explain your choice.

8) If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

9) Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

10) What is the most important animal in your country? Why is the animal important? Use reasons and specific details to explain your answer.

11) Some young children spend a great amount of their time practicing sports. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

12) Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

13) People listen to music for different reasons and at different times. Why is music important to many people? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

14) Many students choose to attend schools or universities outside their home countries. Why do some students study abroad? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

15) Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your generation different from your parents’ generation? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

SPEAKING TASKS


Make sure students answer the question completely! It should be answered in the introduction as well as restated in the conclusion. Any of the writing situations can be adapted to a speaking situation.

Students should show a range of vocabulary. Instead of just saying “cuisine” three times, they should say “cuisine,” “food,” or even name the type of cuisine.

A great way to include enough detail in your students’ writing is to teach them RENNS:REASONS (why something happened)EXAMPLES (show it!)NAMES (of people, places, buildings, etc)NUMBERS (instead of saying “a lot” or “many” include real numbers)SENSES (describe something instead of just saying “it was beautiful” or “delicious”)

overall, though, make sure students include examples—real life examples. Students are most comfortable when they talk about things they are very familiar with.

Have students practice speaking about both sides of the situation. First have them argue one side, then have them argue the other side. Have debates and have the students ask each other questions.

Students should NOT prepare by memorizing large chunks of text. Doing so means they will be less likely to handle variation and unable to answer questions. They are also more likely not to answer the question they are given, and rather the question they think they have been given. Plus, it doesn’t sound natural!

Speaking Tasks 9th Form

1. Is it always best to tell the truth? When is it important to tell the truth? When is it better to tell a lie? If your friend wrote a poem that wasn’t very good, would you tell him/her?

2. Tell about someone you know. Describe his/her character. How has this person influenced you? How would your life be different if you had never met him/her?

3. Your country wants a new holiday. You have been selected to design this holiday. Describe this new holiday (the date, the reason for the holiday). What will it be called and why? How will people celebrate this holiday?

4. You live in a different country and have not seen your family in one year. You will be returning home in one year. Your friend offers to buy you a plane ticket to anywhere in the world. Would you visit your family or go on a vacation somewhere else?

Why did you make this choice? What would make you change your mind? If your family visited you would it change your answer?

5. Television is becoming more and more popular. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? How has television influenced people for good or bad? How has television influenced society? What would you change about television?

6. Would you rather: a) be very smart but look stupid b) be very stupid but look smart? Which is more important—what people think or what you know? How would people treat you differently? What advantages and disadvantages would there be to both situations?

7. Your city, town, or village wants to make an improvement. They can improve their roads, build a new library, or put in a beautiful new park. Which would you choose?

How would this improve where you live? What do you think most people in your city/town/village would want?

If someone disagreed with your choice, what would you tell them?8. Describe the perfect friend.

Tell about his/her character. Talk about your friendship with this person. In what ways are you or are you not like this perfect friend?

9. Would you ever consider living permanently in a different country? Which country would you consider living in? What would you miss most about Ukraine? Would this decision be easier if there were a job or love taking you there?

10. You are famous. Tell why you are famous. What do you do for fun? How do you spend your money? What are some disadvantages of being famous? What do you like best about being famous?

11. A “time capsule” is a box that is buried and intended to be opened many years later. In the box are items that help give information about a country and people.

What three items would you choose to represent your country? Do you feel these items represent you personally? Why or why not? What do you imagine you’d find in a time capsule from 100 years ago?

12. Think about a class you had where you had a good time and you learned a lot. What activities did you do? What were you learning about? Did other students have as good a time in the class as you? Why or why not? What made this class different from your other classes? What did the teacher do differently?

13. If you could be the best in the world at any one thing, what would it be? What would you do with your ability? Would you use it in your study? In your free time? Could it be used to help people? How? Would you do it?

14. You just came back from a scientific trip. You discovered a new animal. What is the name of your animal? Describe your animal (appearance, habitat, food, habits) Why had no one discovered it until now?

15. If you and a friend were going to a place very far away, what method of transportation would you prefer?

Why do you prefer this way of travelling? What are the disadvantages of this method? If your friend didn’t want to travel this way, how would you convince them to change

their mind?16. What are the qualities of a good son or daughter?

Do you consider yourself a good son or daughter? Why or why not? What kind of children would you like? Has this changed since your parents or grandparents were young? Give examples.

17. Tell about your favourite room in your house. Describe the room. Why do you like it? What is your favourite thing to do in that room? Why? If your parents let you change the room, how would you change it?

18. Imagine that next week you have an important exam. You don’t know the materials very well. Describe how you would prepare for this exam (when would you study, how would you

study). Do you prefer to study alone or with other people? Describe the perfect study place for you (is there music? What kind? Do you like to have

snacks?).19. You want to watch television. You may choose a documentary, a cooking show, or the news.

Which would you watch? Why?

Do you turn the television off if there is nothing interesting to watch? Why or why not? If you are in a house and people are watching television, do you usually watch with them?

If you don’t like the program, do you still watch? Does television hurt or help friendships? How?

20. Would you rather play a sport or watch a sport? Why? If your team lost every game, would you want to change teams? Which sports are most fun to play? Why? Which sports are most fun to watch? Why?


1. Tell about your favourite food. How do you make it? What are the ingredients? Where and when do you normally eat it? When did you first try it? How often do you eat it?

2. Do you think the world will be better or worse in 100 years? What problems will we have solved? What problems will still be there? Will advances in technology make things better or worse? Why? How is the world better or worse than it was 100 years ago?

3. How would your life change if there were no cell phones or computers? Would it be more difficult or would it be easier? How would it affect your friendships? Would you have less stress or more stress?

4. Your friend is from America and has never eaten Ukrainian food. Which Ukrainian food would you want him or her to try? Describe this food to them (remember, they’ve never seen it before!). Which Ukrainian foods do you think they might not want to try? Why?

5. What is the most difficult for you to do: eat healthily, exercise regularly, or keep good hygiene? Why is this difficult for you?

Which is easiest for you? Why? Your friend eats unhealthy food, never exercises, and wears dirty clothes. How would you help your friend be healthier? During which season are you usually healthiest? Why?

6. Describe an environmental problem in your neighbourhood (your city, town or village). How did this problem develop? Why is it a problem? Are people trying to fix it? Why or why not? How can you help?

7. “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” What do you think this proverb means? Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not? Assume it is true. Give a situation where you were part of the solution, and give a solution where you were part of the problem. How would you change things?

8. Describe an American holiday that is not celebrated in Ukraine. How do people celebrate it? What do you think is the best part about this holiday? Would this holiday be successful in Ukraine? Why or why not?

9. Imagine your friend gave you a sweater for your birthday and you think it is horribly ugly. You think it would offend your friend if you told them the truth.

What would you say to your friend? Would you wear the sweater? Where would you wear it? If you knew your friend would never know, would you throw away the sweater or give it

away? Why or why not?10. Who is your favourite English writer? What is your favourite writing by them?

Describe his or her writings. What is most difficult about reading his or her writing? If you could ask this writer three questions, what would you ask?

11. You will be visiting Australia and New Zealand next month. What do you want to do while you are there? What do you want to see? What do you think is most interesting about these countries? What do you think will be difficult for you while you are there?

12. You have been quarrelling with your friend. He is very angry with you, but you did nothing wrong. What would you do?

When you quarrel, do you usually apologize first, or do you wait for an apology? How do you act physically when you quarrel with family or friends? When you quarrel, do you say mean things? What do you do after you quarrel? How do you make things okay between you?

13. You must design a new sport. This sport must combine baseball, hockey, and soccer. Describe your sport (rules, equipment) What did you use from baseball, hockey, and soccer? Do you think your game would be fun? Would it be difficult?

14. Reality television shows, like Dom Dva or Survivor, are becoming more popular. What would be most difficult about being on a reality show? Would you want to be on a reality show? Why or why not? How do you think reality television shows affect the lives of the people on them after they leave the show?

15. Many people do not want to visit the doctor. Why do you think this is? Tell about a negative experience you had with a doctor. What happened? When is it important to go to the doctor? Imagine your friend doesn’t want to go to the doctor, but needs to go. What would you say to your friend?

16. Imagine you have discovered a new disease. Describe this disease (symptoms, how you get it). Can this disease be cured? How? Tell how this disease can be prevented.

17. Which environmental issue is most important to you? Why? Is this a problem in your city, town or village? Is it a problem in Ukraine? What do you think will happen in 50 years if nothing changes? What can you do to help? How would you convince your friends to help?

18. Imagine the electricity in your town, city or village is turned off every night at 10pm. How would this affect your life? What would be different? Would things be easier or harder for you? What would you do at night?

19. What game do you enjoy playing? How do you play this game? When did you learn to play this game? Who taught it to you? Who do you now enjoy playing it with? What is the most difficult thing about this game? What do you like most about it?

20. Your friend wants to visit either Ireland or Canada. She is asking your advice. Give her information about both countries—what can she do there? What is the weather like? What are some things to see? Tell her the negatives about visiting the countries so she can make a good decision. Which do you suggest for her and why?


1. Nowadays, it is becoming more popular in America to adopt children.

Should adoptions be between people of the same race and/or culture? Should adopted children have the right to know their biological parents? What if the biological parents want their identity kept secret? Who are the “real” parents? The adoptive parents or the birth parents?

2. Television has a negative effect on people and society. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not? What reasons would those people who argue the other opinion give? What effect would removing television have on a society?

3. People are often told to “think globally and act locally.” What does this phrase mean to you? How does this phrase relate to the environment? Politics? Give examples of how you can think globally and act locally. What are some reasons people don’t act locally?

4. What is the relationship between drugs and music? How do music videos add to or take away from this relationship? Does a country have a right to censor musicians who promote drug use? Why or why not? Which kinds of music tend to be associated with drugs and drug use? If your friend listened to these kinds of music, would you be worried?

5. If you were to invent something right now, what kind of invention would you create? What would it look like? Who would use your invention? What would it be used for? How much would it cost and how would you advertise for it?

6. You are involved in the theatre. Which role would you pick: director, actor, or theatre staff? Why would you prefer this job? Why would you be good at it? Which job would you like the least? Why? Are all the roles equally important or is one more important? How do you know?

7. You are starting your own business. What kind of business would you have? Why? Where would you have your business give? Who would work with you?

8. The world loves celebrities. They love looking at pictures of them, reading stories about them, and talking about them.

Why are celebrities treated differently than regular people? Should celebrities be given special treatment by restaurants, stores, and the law? Why or why not? If you were in a restaurant and your favourite celebrity were there, what would you do?

9. If you lost one of your senses (seeing, hearing, speaking), which would be the most difficult for you? Why?

What would life be like for you? How would your friends and family react? What would you do differently in your life?

10. You work for a fitness company. Your job is to design the newest popular exercise. Who would do your exercise? How would they do it? Describe your exercise. Where would people do it? What equipment would they need? How much would it cost? Would they need a teacher?

11. You are given the ability to save one animal from extinction. Which animal would you pick? Why? How would you defend your choice against people who want to save a different animal? If you had to spend a lot of your own money to save this animal, would you do it? How much would you be willing to spend?

12. Imagine that you work for a television station. You must now think of an idea for a new television show, popular with people your age.

What is the show about? When will it show? Which station? Who will star in this show? What will the first episode be about?

13. Your friend from America is coming to your country for one day. He or she asked you to plan your day together. Your friend really wants to experience your culture.

Which foods would you have him or her try?? What would you show your friend? What would you both do that day? Who would you introduce your friend to?

14. At most universities in America, every student is required to take the same basic classes, such as science, art, psychology, and literature.

Would you want an education like this? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages of every student having to take courses like these? Do you think this creates a well rounded student? Why or why not?

15. You were selected to go on the first trip to Mars. It will be safe, but the trip will take 50 years, and when you get back, you will have aged only 5 years. You would spend the whole time in a small spaceship with three other people.

Would you go? Why or why not? What would be most difficult about the trip? Why? What would be the best thing about the trip? Why?

16. How have Ukraine and Ukrainians changed in the past 20 years? Tell about three things that have improved, and three things that were better 20 years ago. Is it easier or harder to be a teenager in Ukraine now? Why? What is something you hope never changes, and what is something you hope will change very soon?

17. Recall a time when you had to overcome a difficulty. Describe the situation. How did you overcome it? What did you learn from this? How did it help you become a better person?

18. If you had a superhuman ability, what would you want it to be? Describe your powers. What would your weaknesses be? Would you use your powers for good or for evil? How would having a power change your personality?

19. While you are at a store, you see someone stealing jewellery worth 15 hriven. What would you do?

Would you do the same thing if the jewellery were worth 5000 hriven? Why? If the person stealing the item were your friend, what would you do? If you knew the person needed money to feed their family, how would this change your

answer?20. Many young teenagers drink alcohol these days. Why do you think this is?

Do you see this situation as a problem? Why or why not? If you were trying to stop young people in Ukraine from drinking so much, what would

you do? What kinds of laws might help? Do laws generally help problems like this? Why or why

not?

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