KTU 27.02.20102009-2010 ACADEMIC YEAR PROFICIENCY EXAM

FOR THE CANDIDATES OF LLP/ ERASMUS PROGRAMME

GROUP A

Mark the best choice to fill in the blanks

The planet Venus crosses directly in front of the sun only twice a century – and on June 8, 2004, this event happened for the first time since 1882. The transit always takes only about six hours. In 1627, the great German astronomer Johannes Kepler first 1) …………. a transit of Venus, but he died 2) …………….. he could witness the 1631 event. In 1769, the explorer Captain James Cook – just a lieutenant at the time – made his first voyage to the South Pacific 3) …………… to view that year’s transit from Tahiti. Moreover, more than 50 expeditions 4) …………… from the U.S., Britain, Russia and other nations to every corner of the earth to see the 1874 transit. There was an important reason to make such efforts: 5) ……………… the moments a transit began and ended from different points on Earth, astronomers could use trigonometry to 6) ………… calculate the distance from Earth to the sun. That was 7) …………… in theory than in practice, though, and nowadays astronomers use other methods to measure the distance to the sun. Last June, the world was watching out of 8) ……………….. and wondered at seeing a planet 9) ……… across the face of the sun – first hand proof that the seemingly two-dimensional sky is anything but. A transit is coming June 6, 2012. The people who miss that one are out of luck because there 10) ………. be another transit until 2117.

1. a) managed b) positioned c) established d) predicted e) succeeded 2. a) before b) unless c) until d) while e) during3. a) so that b) in case c) as well as d) in order e) because of4. a) are launched b) launched c) were launched d) have launched e) were launching5. a) having been recorded b) that recorded c) being recorded d) by recording e) recorded6. a) frequently b) precisely c) ultimately d) absolutely e) normally7. a) easier b) easily c) easiest d) more easily e) the easier8. a) complexity b) determination c) curiosity d) decision e) need9. a) move b) to move c) moved d) being moved e) had moved10. a) needn’t b) will c) could d) won’t e) should

Mark the best choice to complete the sentence correctly and meaningfully.

11. A: Did we pay the electric bill last month?B: We _______. We got a second notice today.a) could have c) can’t have e) should haveb) shouldn’t have d) must have

12. Now, Don wishes he _______ studying English years ago.a) had started c) could have started e) were startedb) might have started d) started

13. Tell me about the city _______ you grew up.a) that c) in which e) on whichb) which d) at which

14. The cords attaching the computer to _______ printer need to be replaced before _______ wear down any further. a) mine / it c) my / it e) their/ usb) her / they d) us / they

1

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

15. The judge made the witness _______ the question.a) answer c) answering e) to be answeredb) answered d) to answer

16. A: I'll make a cake for the party.B: I'm responsible _______ the drinks.

a) of c) with e) forb) from d) to

17. Ten years ago, Tanya told John that she _______ to him again.a) had never spoken c) could never speaks e) might speakb) never spoke d) would never speak

18. Ann’s friends all asked her why _______ that job.a) she was not accepting c) would have accepted e) she is acceptingb) she had accepted d) she could have accepted

19. _______ a lot of fruit that birds eat, they’re still welcome in my garden.a) Despite c) In spite of e) Becauseb) Although d) For

20. I was very sick, but I've been feeling better since I _______ the doctor. a) have visited c) was visiting e) visited b) had visited d) am visiting

21. A: How tall is Jack?B: He's about _______ as I am.

a) as same height c) as higher e) the same height b) as tall d) so tall

22. A: Why did you send me only twenty dollars?B: Sorry. If I had had more money, I _______ given you more.

a) may have c) would e) should haveb) would have d) was going to have

23. It was wrong of you. You _____ your father's car without asking him first. a) shouldn't have borrowed c) mustn't borrow e) can’t borrow

b) can't have borrowed d) couldn't borrow

Mark the sentence which is closest in meaning to the given one

24. It took Canan a little less than two years to write her autobiography.

a) Canan has been writing her autobiography for two years now.b) Canan finished her autobiography in just under two years.c) It has now been two years since Canan wrote her autobiography.d)Canan will have finished her autobiography in two years’ time.e)Canan should have written her autobiography two years ago

25. People know that the police chased the suspects along the street.

a)The suspects who were caught by the police had been chased down the street.b)There are some people watching the police running after the suspect up the streetc)The police are said to have caught the suspects while they were running down the street.d)It was certain that the police had seen the suspects running down the street.e)The suspects are known to have been chased down the street by the police

2

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

26. I was going to have a long walk yesterday, but it was freezing.

a)I wouldn’t have gone for a walk if I had known it was so cold yesterdayb)I didn’t go for a long walk yesterday because of extremely cold weatherc)I enjoy going for long walks, unless the weather is very coldd)Yesterday it wasn’t very cold, so I was able to have a long walke)I didn’t want to go for a walk yesterday.

27. It is against the rules to open your book the moment the test has started.

a)As soon as the test had started, the students opened their books, which was against the rules.b)When the test starts, the students can open their books if they want to.c)You mustn’t open your book once the test has started.d)They shouldn’t have opened their books when the exam started.e)The examiners always warn the students not to open their books when the test has started

28. France hasn’t won a gold medal in this sport for a long time.

a)No other country has won as many medals as France has in this sport.b) France has never won a gold medal in this sport.c)France last won a gold medal in this sport a short time ago.d)The last time France won a gold medal in this sport is not known.e) It is a long time since France won a gold medal in this sport.

29.The town has all kinds of facilities except a theatre.

a)The only thing the town has is a theatre. b)There are no facilities in the town but a theatrec)Among all other facilities in the town, the theatre is the most populard)What the town lacks is just a theatre e)The town has got every kind of facility, including a theatre

30. He stood no chance of getting the job.

a)It was a chance for him to get the job but he missed it.b)He has been looking for a job for some time but he hasn’t found one yet.c)There was no likelihood of his getting the job.d)He stood there waiting to get a chance to be employed.e)I didn’t doubt for a minute that he would get the job

Find the incorrect sentence that disturbs the meaning of the paragraph31. (I) I have spent most of my life in cities so I’m not sure if I made the right decision to move to the village. (II) The people here are friendly enough but the lack of entertainment is a bit boring. (III) A friend has opened a gift shop in a small town not far away. (IV) The only actions here are the ones you expect to find in a typical farming community. (V) If I can make some new friends, I may be able to enjoy life more.

a) I b) II c) III d) IV e) V

3

32. (I) The fame of a valuable painting makes it difficult for thieves to sell it. (II) A famous stolen painting is not the kind of thing that a buyer could display openly. (III) Therefore, thieves try using such stolen works of art as a means of making other deals.(IV) Meanwhile, museums can barely afford enough guards to protect these artworks.(V) For example, they can exchange these paintings for people kept in jails.

a)I b)II c)III d)IV e)V

33. (I) One of the last discovered elements, plutonium is a good source of energy. (II) It is made in large amounts by nuclear reactors. (III) Since it is easy to produce, it is used a lot in nuclear weapons. (IV) It was named after the planet Pluto.(V) An amount of Plutonium about the size of an orange is enough to fuel a nuclear reactor.

a)I b)II c)III d)IV e)V

34. (I) The cheetah is the fastest moving of all the land animals. (II) The cheetah usually prefers to hunt alone, but the males sometimes hunt in packs. (III) lt is capable of reaching a speed of 70 kilometres an hour in just 2 seconds. (IV) When in pursuit of prey it can travel at a speed of 100-127 kilometres an hour. (V) Moreover it can keep up this speed tot between 200 and 600 metres.

a)I b)II c)III d)IV e)V

35. (I) Sir Walter Raleigh was an outstanding example of the versatile Renaissance man.(II) Though he was a famous seaman, his real importance lies in other accomplishments. (III)As the Renaissance developed in Italy and other European countries, it began to take on added dimensions. (IV)He was a poet, a musician, a scientist, a historian, an explorer and even a pirate.(V)He also took an active part in the colonization of America.

a) I b)II c)III d)IV e)V

Fill the blanks in the dialogues below with the suitable response

36. Mandy: Do you know where Steve is? John :………………………. Mandy:Do you think he will be back? John: No idea. Do you want me to pass a massage on to him in case he returns?

a) He is over there, can’t you see? b) He was here a minute ago but he suddenly disappeared.c) He has gone to Holland for the weekend.d) Why do you always expect me to know Steve’s whereabouts?e) He hasn’t arrived late. He must be stuck in the traffic.

4

37. Alex: Have you ever tried to cheat in the exam? Barbara: Only once. Alex: When? Barbara: ………………………….. .

a) How long ago was it? b) I was in the supermarket. c) During a chemistry exam at university.d) When I was a student, I used to cheat. e) Nobody saw me.

38. Boss: Will you please book me on the morning flight to Hamburg tomorrow? Secretary: …………………………….. . Boss: That’s not certain yet. I can arrange the return flight myself. Secretary: Very well, sir. Would you like me to order a vegetarian meal, too?

a) Sorry, but I have more important things to do b) Unfortunately all the seats are full.c) Of course, sir. When will you be flying back? d) Are you taking me, too?e) I thought you were flying to Stuttgart.

39.Jim: Have you heard the weather forecast for tomorrow? Bob: Yes. It’s supposed to rain, and there will be thunderstorm as well. Jim: That’s bad news. I was planning to take the kids for a picnic. Bob: …………………………………. .a) We might join you since it is going to be a nice day. b) Then, it is supposed to clear up on Monday.c) How old is your oldest kid? d) Well, in that case you will have to think of something else.e) I’m sure you will have a wonderful outing. Don’t forget to take some pictures.

40.Antonio: How much Money did you spend on this shirt? Sarah: …………………………… Antonio: Why not? Sarah: It is for your birthday.a) It is too much money. Would you like to try it on? b) Would you like to buy it for me?c) Why? Do you like it? d) Why do you try it on? e) Don’t you want to buy it?

Mark the choice which completes the given sentence correctly and meaningfully.

41. If we had been in a hurry to catch the train, _______.a) the others would have warned us about the heavy trafficb) we couldn’t have gotten to the library before it closedc) we might have attend the lectured) it wouldn’t have been necessary to take a taxi

e) they wouldn’t go without us now.

5

5

10

42. _______ unless you are interested in psychology, a field that requires a deep understanding of human behaviours.a) He’s thinking of going to a psychiatristb) There is no point in reading that book c) You could not solve your psychological problemsd) This is the book you have suggested on psychology

e) Don’t go to a psychiatrist

43. The moment we arrived home _______.a) I realized that I have forgotten to buy the bread.b) I had expected my mother to arrivec) I had to start getting the evening meal ready d) the telephone was already ringing

e) they were waiting for us

44. ............................................ , the fear of crossing bridges is less well known.

a) While fear of flying is widely accepted b) When the truck was moving towards the other sidec) Since so many people suffer from the disorder d) As the wooden bridge started to swinge) By the time the car stops in the middle

45. Astronomers have discovered a newborn planet........................................ .a) how planet formation can occur quickly b) that is still in the process of formingc) which have formed within the last 10 million years d) while they were doing experimente) if it weren’t too small to be seen with modern instruments

Mark the sentence which is closest in meaning to the given one

46. On sunny days I always feel more cheerful and so, I think, do most people.

a) I’ve often noticed that on sunny days you see a lot more cheerful people.b) I think most people are like me and feel more cheerful when the sun shinesc) I can’t understand why people feel more cheerful when the sun shines.d) Once the sun comes out I am sure we shall all start to look more cheerful.

e) I feel cheerful only on sunny days and most people are like me.

47. We can't possibly make a good job of it with this little money.

a) If we had more money, it would be possible for us to make a good job of it.b) It was impossible for us to do the job with so little money.c) In order to be able to do this job, we need some money.d) We could have done a better job of it if we had had more money.

e) We couldn’t make a good job, because we didn’t have enough money.

48. We should have tried harder to persuade them to act together with us.

a) Although we tried hard to persuade them to co-operate with us, they refused to act together.b) Although we tried hard, we couldn't persuade them to join us.c) If we had spent more effort, we might have persuaded them to co-operate with us.d) I don't think we can persuade them to join us with this little effort.

6

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

e) We didn’t try hard to persuade them to co-operate with us.

49. She was able to do the job so successfully thanks to your assistance.

a) She was so successful that she didn’t need your help.b) She was able to do the job successfully only when your assistant helped her.c) You should have helped her so that she could do the job successfully.d) She should have thanked you for your assistance in performing the job so successfully.

e) She couldn't have done such a successful job without your help.

50. Many students have the mis-belief that British English is somehow more pure and perfect than American English.

a) As many students believe, British English is beter than American English.b) Most of the students mistakenly believe that American English is more pure and perfect than

British English and this is surprising.c) When American English and British English are compared, no people believe that British English

is better.d) More students incorrectly believe that American English isn’t as pure and perfect as British

English.e) Students have a strong belief that British English is better than American English in some ways.

Choose the correct word to complete the text

Nursing is a job which demands great 51______ of character. Most 52______ nurses work long hours and are underpaid. They make the 53______ to become nurses in the 54______ that the job will never make them wealthy; all they can hope for is the 55______ that comes from helping people who need them. 56______, nurses’ employers often seem to take advantage of this 57______ attitude, and make them work as many hours as possible for very little money. So it is not surprising that nurses sometimes become 58______ with their bosses, and decide to take action to improve their working conditions.

51. a) strong b) strongly c) strength d) strengthen e) stronger52. a) professional b) profession c) professionall d)professionalism e)professionality53. a) decide b) decision c) decisive d) decidedly e)decisiveness54. a) knowledgeable b) know c) knowledge d) knowingly e) well-known55. a) satisfy b) satisfactory c) unsatisfied d)satisfyingly e) satisfaction56. a) unfortunately b) unfortunate c) fortunate d) fortunately e) fortuitously57. a) ideal b) idealize c) idealist d) idealistic e)idealized58. a) patient b) patience c) impatience d) impatient e)patiently

Choose the answer closest in meaning to each underlined word

59. People who enjoy eating wild mushrooms must know which ones are poisonous. If a person eats a deadly mushroom, he or she may die.a) harmless b) priceless c) useful d) lethal e) delicious

60. Great admiration of his boss made David strive to do a good job.a) forget b) fear c) forbid d) regret e) try hard

61. Because my handwriting isn’t legible, I always type my homework and letters.a) easy to see b) easy to read c) easy to find d) easy to hear e) easy to understand

7

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Answer the questions according to the dialogue

Man: I can’t believe we have to read this entire book by Monday.Woman: Some teachers think you have nothing else to do besides prepare for their class.Man:Well, my boss thinks the same thing about my job — that it’s the only thing I have to do.Woman: Oh, I didn’t know you were working. What do you do?Man: I do bookkeeping work for a small company on Saturdays. This weekend, I have to prepare end of the quarter reports to give to the accountant on Monday.Woman: You’d better start reading soon.

62. What does the man imply about the assignment?

a) It is too much to read in such a short time.b) He has already read the material.c) He can read at work.d) The teacher knows that he has a job.e) It is very easy.

63. What does the man imply about some teachers?a) They are understanding.b) They give thought-provoking assignments.c) They act like taking their class is the only thing a student has to do.d) They are unprepared.e) They are rude

64. What does the woman suggest that the man do?a) Skip workb) Begin work on the assignment as soon as possiblec) Quit the classd) Change your schedulee) Stay up all night

65. What does the man say about his work?a) He does manual labor.b) He likes his job. c) He dislikes his job.d) His employer is very understanding.e) He works with figures.

Find the most probable questions for the following answers

66. It is not certain yet, but Samuel is the most probable candidate a) Whose painting seems to be the best?b) Where will you hold the meeting ?c) How many candidates are there for the elections?d) Who will represent your company in the next fair?e) Have you decided what to do at the weekend

67. It is not obligatory, but it would be a jest if we dida) Why do you always refuse his proposal?b) How many books should they read before choosing a subject for their theses?c) Have you understand what to do to pass the exam?d) Are you supposed to explain why you leave the work?

8

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

e) Must we take permission to give a party in our flat?

68. Well, I did not want to disturb you with my problems.a) Where did you learn that he intended to leave the school?b) did you get enough support from you family ? c) Why did not you tell me that you were in need of money?d) How could you achieve to finish that work without any help?e) Are you ready to go out dear?

69. Yes they are. Take them from my drawer?a) Are her explanations about the accidents satisfactory?b) There are not any message for me, are there?c) Which book will you use to teach English to the new students?d) Are the books about the extinction of animals here? e) Are the pencils on the desk?

70. ‘No, it’s just because of the lovely weather.’a) Don’t you think it’s a little too hot to wear a pullover? b) What about going for a picnic on the beach?c) You are not planning to go swimming despite your flu, are you?d) Is there a special reason for your looking so happy today?e) Why don’t we have a break and go out for some fresh air?

71. Unfortunately Alice’s, but mine was bettera) Do you know who has been chosen as the manager?b) Why haven’t you informed me that she is here?c) Whose project won the prize?d) To whom should I deliver these packages?e) Who did you prepare the project with?

72. I must count them first, but half a dozen I think.a) Where will the workers carry these goods ?b) How many candidates applied for the post?c) Why didn’t you announce the results of the contest? d) Do the candidates ready for the interview?e) Are the people applied for the vacancy qualified enough?

73. I can not forget it. It was the day before Christmas.a) Is she really good at typing?b) When do you plan to visit your parents?c) Were they informed about your travel?d) When did you see him last, Mr. Murphy? e) Whose program is being watched most?

74. No. But I intend to in a very short period of time.a) Have you read the book named ‘Metal Fırtına’b) Will you pass the book to me after you read?c) When can I hear your ideas about the new book?d) Do you think that her last book is as good as the previous one?e) Who did you recommend you to read that book

9

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

75. ‘Yes, it’s a big problem all over the world’a) Have you seen the anti-globalisation demonstrations in Seattle on TV?b) Did you read the article about pollution in the paper?c) Aren’t you fed up with working for environmentalist groups for nothing?d) Is it true that your father used to be a prominent political activist?e) All the nuclear bombs in the world should be destroyed, shouldn’t they?

Read the following passages and mark the correct answer according to the information given in each

FAIR TRADE

10

5

10

15

The fair-trade movement aims to help protect the rights and working conditions of producers in developing countries. Because they buy products directly from the people who grow or make them, fair-trade organizations can return up to forty percent of the retail price of an item, or product to the producer. In addition, fair-trade guarantees stability – unchanging conditions for producers, protecting them against changes in the market through secure, long-term prices.

When they join fair-trade organizations, producers agree to use democratic principles to ensure that working conditions are safe and comfortable. They also give producers a say in how their products are created and sold. Producers with employees are encouraged to provide benefits such as health care, child care, and access to loans. Producers are also encouraged to reinvest their profits into the communities, by building hospitals, schools and improving facilities.

The fair-trade movement is not restricted to food. Crafts, clothing, jewellery, and furniture are fairly traded in the same way – and the movement is growing throughout the world. Business which is generated by fair-trade organizations in Europe and the U.S. now accounts for about $400 million. Although that’s just 0.01% of all global trade, it’s an important first step.

Maybe one day, all products will be traded fairly. Meanwhile, simply by choosing to buy products that are traded fairly now, you can offer producers in the world’s poorest countries a secure future.

1

5

10

15

76. The word ‘them’ in line 3 refers to ______.a) developing countriesb) producersc) the people d) productse) productions

77. The word ‘They’ in line 7 refers to ______.a) fair-trade organizationsb) democratic principlesc) working conditionsd) producerse) products

78. The word ‘say’ in line 7 means ______.a) a piece of writing about a particular subjectb) the process of changec) the right to take part in deciding somethingd) the use of money to get a profite) money in exchange for the products

79. The word ‘restricted’ in line 12 means ______.a) invested b) created c) earned d) limited e) decided

80. Up to what percent of the retail price can producers get if they sell to fair-trade organizations?a) 25% b) 50% c) 40% d) 30% e) 35 %

81. How can fair-trade organizations offer a good price to producers?a) by buying at forty percent of the retail priceb) by buying a variety of productsc) by buying in developing countriesd) by buying from them directlye) by buying from poor countries

82. What can fair-trade organizations guarantee their producers?a) to buy all their goodsb) to provide schools and hospitalsc) to offer a fixed price for a long periodd) to reinvest profits into communitiese) to pay on time

83. What does the fair-trade movement encourage producers to do?a) to use profits to help the communityb) to export morec) to grow and employ more workersd) to specialize by producing one thing onlye) to sell more products

84. How powerful is the fair-trade movement?a) It has a lot of political power and can influence governments.b) It’s huge, and controls trade with the developing world.c) It’s small, but growing continuously.

11

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

d) It is limited only to food.e) It is an important first step.

Find the incorrect one from the underlined words below.

85. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, after receiving his 1882 Nobel prize for literature, he appeared on the cover a b c d e of Time magazine.

86. Considering their vast numbers in the seventeenth century, not much sheep are raised in Spain today. a b c d e

87. Some industrial plants they help to create acid rain with the sulphur dioxide which they emit. a b c d e

88. Though both cats and dogs existed before man, without man neither one group and the other a b c d would have developed so many varieties. e

89. Because computers are capable of storing, erasing and retrieve data easily their use is becoming a b c d more and more widespread e

90. If England had won the revolutionary war, the whole history of the English - speaking world a b c d had been different. e

Find the sentences that are most suitable to the situation given

91. While studying for the university entrance exam at school, you get bored and want to go out to get some fresh air. But when you try to do so, the teacher comes over and warns you:

a) Do you need a holiday? b) Are you sure you want to miss the lessonc) It is not the time to go out. You should be more willingd) Why don’t you go home and rest? e) Are you studying for the next year’s exam?

92. One of your roommates is always inviting her friends to your house that you share. One day she invites ten people to have a party. You have an important exam on the following day. They are dancing and singing loudly so you get badly furious and scream.

a) What are you doing here with my books?b) I’m sorry to hear that you have to study?c) Go and enjoy at a club instead of my house you crazy dancersd) Let’s go to the new pub together and dance theree) I Prefer dancing to studying

12

5

10

15

20

25

30

93. One of your friends has financial problems as he is jobless. He hasn’t been able to pay the rent and he has problems with his wife, too. Moreover he has been depressed greatly, so you want to encourage him to be patient and take things easy.

a) There is nothing to do at the moment b) That won’t do any goodc) Everyone experiences such things, it will all work out in the long term.d) Keep your problems to yourself e) You can solve your problem, so you don’t need me

94. You graduated from high school two years ago and got a job. One day, you are walking to work past your old high school when a school official who is standing outside sees you and, thinking you are a student, asks where you are going. Angry, you rightly refuse to answer and instead say:

a) I had a lot of good times at this school. b) Oh, I’m just going to work, sir.c) I’m just taking a break between classes. d) It’s absolutely none of your business.e) No, actually, I’m not a student here.

95. You are sitting on a crowded bus. A man gets on the bus with his hands full of packages and stands next to you. You can see he is having a difficult time standing and holding the packages. Not wanting to get out of your seat, but wanting to help the man, you say:

a) You seem to have a lot of stuff there. b) This bus is always crowded at this time.c) I can hold some of those if you like. d) I think you should have taken a taxi. e) It’s going to be hard to stay on your feet with all these bag.

Fill in the blanks with the sentences that are most suitable to the given meaning

96. After a couple of minutes a man sat down opposite me. There was nothing special about him, except that he was very tall. In fact he looked like a typical city businessman. ……………… .I didn’t say anything and I carried on with my crossword. Suddenly he reached across the table, opened my biscuit, took one, dipped it into his coffee and popped it into his mouth.a) I always do my crosswordb) I felt very relieved and decided to wait for two minutesc) I didn’t make noised) He was staring at me angrilye) You know dark suit, black suitcase and umbrella

97. One of the most important natural resources is soil. Like air and water, soil is necessary to life on Earth. ……………….. .Civilizations depend on the quality of their soil to grow their food and to serve as a living filter that purifies the wastes they produce.a) Scientist studied the soil b) For agriculture the quality of soil is important. . c) After much rain the holes under the ground filled with waterd) Without it plants could not grow and plant eating animals couldn’t live.

13

e) It is important for the production of crops.

98. ………… .But holidays are also a time for wondering whether burglars have helped themselves to your valuables in your absence, and whether your neighbour has remembered to feed the cat. Companies such as, Homesitters and Housewatch aim to reduce the worry of leaving your home for any length of time.a)However, some householders have other reasons for using the service.b)So what is the attraction of doing the household chores for a stranger when you hate doing them in your own home?c) People use holidays to rest and to get better, as a time to relax on a foreign beach or track up amountain.d) When they go on holiday, a lot of people have builders or decorators in and employ a homesitter to keep an eye on things.e) People think that holidays are wasting time rather than resting and relaxing

99. In recent years there has been a lot of discussion about how to improve the American educational system, because the shocking fact is that many young Americans leave schools even without the ability to read or write. One idea has been to try to copy from Japan, where students always score highly on international tests. ..........................Traditionally, for example, Japanese respect their teachers greatly, whereas in the United States, teachers are not highly regarded.

a) If this works, it could save money as well, since class sizes are much larger in Japanb) Yet, this idea ignores the simple fact that the Japanese educational success is largely based on cultural standardsc) Parts of Britain, especially the inner city areas, have also experienced a decline in educational standardsd) One flaw in this argument is that Japan is a largely homogeneous society, while the US is increasingly multi-culturale) Perhaps it is simply because the Japanese language is so difficult to read that the students need more self-discipline

100. Mobile phones are used by one in five people in Britain. They are an accepted part of life in the1990s. However, mobile phones are now beginning to suffer from an image problem after a series of scare stories linking them with cancer and short-term memory loss. Researchers are rushing to complete studies of the effects of mobiles on human brain tissue. ...................... . The truth is that nobody really knows as yet because research has not been completed.

a) They are probably even more popular in the Far East than in Britain and the USb) Manufacturers are trying to give their product a more stylish image to detract from the scare stories c) One wonders how people communicated in the days before the invention of the mobile phoned) But once people have got used to their comfort, it is so difficult to do without theme) There is now the question of how safe mobile phones are.

GOOD LUCK

14

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50