REVISION FOR GRADE 11 STUDENTS

I. Choose A, B, C or D that best fits each blank in the sentences

1. I am in the ______ as to where Chris was last night.
A. shade B. dark C. pink D. black
2. Breaking his leg dealt a ______ to his chances of becoming a professional footballer.
A. thump B. strike C. hit D. blow
3. Let’s make a dash for the train now as the rain seems to be ______ off.
A. easing B. slowing C. reducing D. running
4. Our firm is so successful because it is at the cutting ______ of computer technology.
A. limit B. fringe C. verge D. edge
5. Monsoon Wedding was described as a cinematic jewel when it hit the _____________ screen.
A. golden B. silver C. bronze D. diamond
6. For busy people in today’s society, lifestyle management is gaining ______ .
A. points B. speed C. ground D. terrain
7. We at Buyrite throw down the ______ to competitors to match us for price, quality and service.
A. mitten B. gauntlet C. sword D. hat
8. This time she's leaving for ______. She will never return.
A. all B. always C. good D. once
9. The old house was ______ furnished and we had to buy almost everything new.
A. thinly B. sparsely C. mildly D. rarely
10. Sometimes, we don't appreciate the ______ pleasures of life such as a beautiful sky, a cup of coffee with a friend
or seeing a good film at the cinema.
A. sheer B. simple C. normal D. plain
11. That old house hasn't been lived in for nearly thirty years, hence the fact that it looks so ______ .
A. decrepit B. trashed C. rotten D. derelict
12. Despite harsh criticism, she's sticking to her ______ on this issue.
A. weapons B. guns C. thumb D. neck
13. If traffic increases beyond a certain level, the city grinds to a ______
A. halt B. stop C. pause D. end
14. Various ecological issues have come to the ______ since the discovery of the hole in the earth's ozone layer.
A. front B. back C. side D. fore
15. I've seen her perform on television, but never in the ______.
A. meat B. flesh C. blood D. vein
16. The full horror of the war only hit ______ when we started seeing the television pictures of it.
A. base B. down C. home D. back
17. She's always ______ to me about how badly she's treated at work.
A. grumbling B. whining C. objecting D. complaining
18. I didn't mean to leave her name off the list; it was a(n) ______ .
A. neglect B. disregard C. insult D. oversight
19. The most important parts of your job may seem difficult now but they will become second ______ to you within a
couple of weeks.
A. instinct B. thought C. nature D. mind
20. The winning team were roundly criticised by the local media for the way in which they had ______ over the losing
team. It was considered very unsporting.
A. gloated B. relished C. showed up D. dominated
21. Jack was disappointed not to be promoted as he was given to ______ that the job would be his.
A. know B. understand C. realize D. say
22. I retired three years ago and didn't know what to do with myself. Getting this dog has given me a new ______ of
life.
A. burst B. loan C. lease D. extension
23. I found the last scene extremely ______ and particularly well - directed.
A. pathetic B. sympathetic C. pitiful D. moving
24. I'm about to start my long-planned swimming regime. But I've got really terrible cellulite, which makes me feel
rather ______
A. self-assured B. self - centred C. self-conscious D. self-evident
25. What can we do to persuade drivers that alcohol can turn a car into a ______weapon?
A. lethal B. fatal C. mortal D. venal
26. Large UK-owned companies are ______ their European rivals when it comes to creating wealth, a study has
concluded.
A. outstripping B. catching up C. overrunning D. exceeding
27. Donald Trump’s pledge to rip up existing trade deals with Mexico would ______ substantial damage on the US
economy and kill the region’s competitiveness on the world stage, according to the Mexican economist who led the
country’s trade talks with the US.
A. induce B. inflict C. impose D. wreak
28. Another, perhaps inspired by the nursery rhyme, is that a(n) ______ for sweet things during pregnancy makes you
more likely to be having a girl, while a boy will make you crave savoury, salty foods, meat and cheese in particular.
A. inspiration B. affinity C. predilection D. propensity
29. The inconsiderate driver was ______ for parking his vehicle in the wrong place.
A. inflicted B. harassed C. condemned D. confined
30. The proposal would ______ a storm of protest around the country
A. spark B. sparkle C. ignite D. trigger
31. She refused to answer questions that ______ her private affairs
A. infringed on B. imprinted in C. impinged on D. indulged in
32. The book is such a ______ that I can not put it down
A. page-turner B. best-seller C. duvet-cover D. mind-reader
33. The European Parliament has called for a humanitarian conference to be ______ to discuss how to tackle the
growing crisis.
A. gathered B. collected C. assembled D. convened
34. The rates of extreme poverty have halved in recent decades. But 1.2 billion people still live ______
A. on the house B. on the tenterhooks C. on the breadline D. on the cards
35. From football to fashion, from TV to stage, we name the ______ stars whose careers are likely to rocket in the
future.
A. out and about B. up and coming C. down and out D. in and out
36. Obama expressed regret as a US drone strike has ______ killed innocent hostages.
A. incongruously B. vehemently C. inadvertently D. graciously
37. You never know whether to take Vic seriously or whether his remarks are tongue in ______.
A. cheek B. mouth C. tooth D. face
38. Applications for the course are coming in thick and ______.
A. thin B. quick C. fast D. skin
39. Mike ______ the tone of the formal dinner by appearing in a pair of ripped jeans and an old T-shirt.
A. set B. lowered C. degraded D. put
40. The exercise routine works in ______ with the diet.
A. tandem B. league C. hand D. cooperation
41. The audience were in ______ as they watched the latest Aykebourne comedy.
A. stitches B. pleats C. tears D. shreds
42. Do not mention work to Ray, as it is a sore ______ with him at the moment.
A. finger B. point C. place D. thumb
43. It is hard to get back into the ______ of things after a long holiday.
A. pace B. way C. swing D. rhythm
44. The trouble with socializing with colleagues is that they usually end up talking ______
A. sense B. shop C. back D. safe
45. Take your mobile phone with you just to be on the ______ side.
A. sunny B. secure C. straight D. safe
46. Dealing with the failed waste incinerator project is a ______ issue in west Norfolk
A. burning B. heating C. boiling D. firing
47. With the amount of traffic nowadays, even a trip across town is ______ with dangers.
A. beset B. surrounded C. assaulted D. devoid
48. He was forced to ______ control of the company.
A. discard B. relinquish C. quit D. surrender
49. Getting up at 8 o’clock was early by her ______.
A. reasons B. standards C. limits D. levels
50. He kept telling us about his operation, in the most ______ detail.
A. elaborate B. knotty C. graphic D. burning
II. Give the correct forms of provided words to complete the sentences
1. A portion of the proceeds will be ______________ for providing school fees for poor children for the coming
academic year. (mark)
2. The administration ropes in all educational institutions, government offices, public sector ________________ and
universities for the purpose of mobilising funds. (take)
3. Contraception is less _______________ or affordable in South America. (procure)
4. Both toxic and _________________ potentials are properties of all drugs. (cure)
curative: chữa bệnh
5. While learning has changed for students in this new century, we are _________________ by the boundless
opportunity presented in our lifetime. (bold)
6. It does not become an economic ___________________ but it does become a ‘newly industrialized country’, like
Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea. (power)
7. We believe that the most effective enforcement tool is self-policing and __________________ (strain).
8. It is possible to humanely raise and slaughter a variety of food animals, including _________________ poultry and
beef cattle. (range)
9. Most of this feature includes behind-the-scenes video _______________ of the crew working and goofing off. (foot)
10. Together they forged a(n) _________________ intellectual climate that has profoundly shaped my career. (vigor)
11. We will investigate the tradeoffs among data ____________________, data hiding capacity, and probabilities of
extraction errors in different applications. (perceive)
12. This is a(n) __________________ thriller that promises to deliver. (page)
13. Death, from this perspective, seems unproblematically universal, a simple, irreducible fact of our nature,
_________________ the same across all societies and throughout time (yield)
14. Of course there is a(n) ___________________ between such advantages of large cells and the disadvantages of
slower cell multiplication. (trade)
15. Today we look at claims that in Queensland, the regime that looks after the most vulnerable people, the infirm
elderly, and _________________ adults, is failing. (capacity).
16. Scholars have tried to make a case for __________________, competitiveness, and selfishness as innate human
trait. (acquire)
17. The judge ruled that Newman's comments were not a(n) ___________________ offense. (act)
18. She was a very selfish, ________________ bad-tempered little girl. (agree)
19. Before creating this sculpture, she studied all the masterpieces of classical ________________ (antique).
20. He claims that the laws are __________________ and have no contemporary relevance. (antique)
21. I fretted and sweated as they stalked in and stared around with that _________________, accusatory look of all
cops everywhere. (approve)
22. A good teacher can encourage ____________________ creativity. (art)
23. She's ___________________________ and knows how to get round her parents. (art)
24. Most ______________________ or totalitarian regimes are nonconstitutional. (authority)
25. One encouraging feature of period-instrument performances in recent decades has been a growing concern with
reliable and _______________________ editions. (authority)
26. It is essential that there is a(n) _____________________ (author) use of the confidential information.
27. He thought back to the ____________________ days of his childhood. (care)
28. They gave him a(n) _____________________ assurance that he would not be hurt.(category)
29. They are taking ___________________measures to safeguard their forces from the effects of chemical weapons.
(caution)
30. Their ________________________ greetings did not seem heartfelt. (ceremony)
III. Give the correct forms of provided words to complete the passage
It must seem an (0. credit) ________________ long time ago indeed that critically (2. claim) ________________
author J.K. Rowling found herself sitting (3. thought) ________________ in her local café writing the first book in the
Harry Potter series, a series which has since, as we know, gone on to enjoy (4. precedent) __________________
success.
It is fascinating to track Rowling’s development as a writer throughout the series. She appears to have (5. instinct)
__________________ recognised the (6. come) ____________________ of her earliest offerings and improved her
style from one novel to the next. The last book of the original seven is truly (7. stand) ___________________ as a
result.
Indeed, Rowling's fantastical world of magicians has (8. deny) __________________ captured the imagination of
millions of readers across the world. Perhaps that is why the mighty Potter franchise continues to go from strength to
strength. (9. Cinema) __________________ success followed the original book releases, and now there have been
(10. follow) _________________ plays, prequels and sequels - all enjoying (11. thunder) __________________
receptions.
There seems to be no end in sight to our (12. satisfy) ________________ appetite for Rowling’s world of (13. wizard)
__________________ and magic. And, as. to the oft-asked question of whether magic really exists, to this I would say
the evidence in the (14. affirm) ________________ can be found in Rowling’s very own prolific wand. Let us hope she
continues to write with it for many years to come.
IV. Choose A, B, C or D that best fits each blank in the following passage
Hope and the human condition
Today Vincent Vạn Gogh is widely regarded as one of the greatest painters of all time. During his lifetime, however, he
was a (1) ____ unknown. Indeed, in the commercial sense, he was a total failure and managed to only ever sell one
painting, tragically just months before his own (2) ____ for the paltry sum of 400 francs.
However, Van Gogh’s struggles were not solely financial. His was a life full of (3) ____ and for most of it he was deeply
unhappy and troubled. An aloof child, he was a disappointment to most of his relatives, although he (4) ____ the
support of his beloved brother, Theo, who financed his training and development through most of his active years as
an artist. Adulthood, however, would not prove a happy phase of life for Van Gogh either; he was laid off from his first
job as an art dealer, and, in his own (5) ____ considered himself inadequate in future roles as a teacher and
bookseller, too, whether or not this was wholly true.
Desperate to find his (8) ____ in life, he. later became a minister and missionary, but this only prompted him to
disavow religion and despair at the extent of poverty in the microcosm of the world in which he operated. He loved
passionately, too, but his advances were seldom welcomed by those he wooed. He became, in time, more and more
(7) ____ and experienced multiple breakdowns and depressive episodes.
What is remarkable, however, is how, amidst all the misery and sadness, he was able to (8) ____ as an artist
creatively and produce some truly beautiful, inspiring and uplifting work. One can only therefore marvel at the human
condition, for which hope, it seems, burns long and intensely. Fittingly perhaps, then, although Van Gogh’s own candle
burned out prematurely, his legacy candle remains alight today and bums as vigorously as ever.
(1) A firm B constant C regular D virtual
(2) A termination B advance C fatality D passing
(3) A dimensions B turbulence C merit D provocation
(4) A detained B pertained C retained D sustained
(5) A estimation B impression C regard D valuation
(6) A calling B mission C function D aspiration
(7) A exclusive B reclusive C inclusive D conclusive
(8) A spring B enlarge C blossom D multiply
V. Fill in each blank with a suitable word to complete the text
TREE ENERGY
Renewable energy is a key focus of most nations’ energy programmes today, and with countries like Portugal and
Costa Rica (1) ____________ the way in disproving those naysayers who claimed that it would never be sufficiently
reliable or commercially viable to provide power on a grand (2) _________, it has received even more attention (3)
________ late. As the level of interest peaks, innovative new ways of generating renewable energy are also being
explored. Of course, wind energy has been around for a very long time now, (4) ____________, researchers in Iowa
have been examining it from a very different perspective outside the box and they may yet prove that it is possible to
(5) _____________ the wheel, so to (6) ____________ – or the turbine – after all.
Inspired by the rustle of the leaves (7) ________ the trees on a casual stroll one day. It (8) _________ to one Iowan
scientist called Eric Henderson that it might be possible to harness low-to-ground wind energy in a way that traditional
wind turbines simply cannot by replicating the conditions he observed. Indeed.- the idea became (9) ____________ of
an obsession and he grappled (10) ________ the notion for some time, researching in-depth the shapes, dynamics
and oscillations of tree leaves with the help of two colleagues he recruited from his university. Together, they
conceived of the concept of a faux forest, (11) ___________ artificial trees replace woody ones and harness the
unexploited energy potential of low-level winds.
However, the concept (12) _________ far more complex in actuality than in principle, demanding the application of
very advanced physics. As their research continued, the scientists encountered the expected obstacle of reliability:
wind is not, after all, guaranteed and weather conditions are highly inconsistent. To maximise conversion rates, the
scientists' faux trees would, therefore, have to (13) ____________ their natural cousins. However, they also soon
identified a phenomenon (14) _________ as parasitic capacitance as acting on the energy conveyed to the leaves.
This, is something (15) __________ to a leech sucking the lifeblood out of its hapless victim because while, in (16)
___________, wind induced leave oscillation can generate a lot of energy, much of this is lost through various parasitic
effects, such as the leaves wiggling in different directions.
(17) __________ the identification of this and other problems, researchers have worked relentlessly to try to overcome
them, but, though they have made tangible (18) _____________, the road to commercial application is still a long one.
However, just as they have unearthed unforeseen complications, so too have they identified additional (19)
_____________ of harnessing energy from faux trees. For instance, another research group is looking to (20)
_____________ the scope of exploitation and increase the capacitive potential of faux trees by focusing on solar and
heat energy as well as wind. The technology and science is somewhat lagging at the moment, though, and until it
catches up, faux trees look set to remain little more than a novel concept for (21) _________.
Besides, question marks must remain for reasons (22) _________ than practicality and commercial viability, too; after
all, the supposed attraction of renewable energy is that it is cleaner and greener, yet this is another assertion that is
heatedly debated. For instance, wind turbines, while providing clean energy in one (23) _________ represent an
unacceptable visual blot on the (24) ____________ to many, particularly as they tend to be most suited to placement
in remote areas of natural beauty, necessitated by the fact that wind speeds and conditions simply are not conducive
(25) ______________ - remote locations are, by default, very raw and wild. Additionally, the infrastructure required to
construct turbines can permanently alter the dynamics of the surrounding natural habitat and ecosystem, (26)
_______________ when transport systems must be built. Indeed, nature itself must (27) ________ way for this type of
technology to be erected and the impact on the local habitat can, therefore, be very significant. Would forests of
artificial trees, then, be (28) _______ less invasive and damaging to the natural word? Besides, it is doubtful even if
(29) ________ that they would be any (30) ___________ of an eyesore.
VI. You are going to read an article about coral reefs. Seven parts have been removed. Choose from the
paragraphs A-H the one which fits each gap. There is one extra paragraph you don’t need to use.
CORAL BLEACHING
Coral bleaching is hardly a new phenomenon, but it has hit the headlines of late, on account of the serious effect it is
having on one very famous stretch of coral in particular, the Great Barrier Reef, more on which later, But what exactly
Is coral bleaching, how does it occur and how does it impact on the coral habitat?
In layman’s terms, it is the loss of a particular type of algae from the coral ecosystem. That dirty phrase global warming
is what scientists attribute to the recent upsurge in the phenomenon, for bleaching is directly linked to above-average
water temperatures., an effect which global warming is thought to induce.
(1) _____
In one sense, you could think of coral as parasitic, for it lures the algae to live amongst it with the promise of a steady
supply of the nutrients essential for the process of photosynthesis to occur. It is the algae, incidentally, that give coral
reefs their unique colouration, so bleached coral Is not necessarily dead coral, just coral that is no longer able to
sustain this relationship.
(2) _____
The reason for this is simple; the algae play a key role in the relationship by providing the coral with.
Apart from water temperature, other triggers that result in bleaching are similarly attributable to human activities. For
instance, other key stress factors include the increased presence of freshwater (linked to global warming) or harmful
chemicals (linked to pollution).
Different types of coral can withstand the shock of exposure to these triggers with different rates of success. Large
corals, for example, are better adapted to dealing with temperature changes in the water. Contrariwise, fragile
branching corals feel the effects of this trigger very badly indeed.
(3) _____
There are natural threats to coral welfare, too, but these tend to be less detrimental. Infectious diseases can and do
attack algae living in coral tissue. Sadly. the likelihood of such attacks increases with water temperature, which takes
us back full circle again, though, to the human influence and global warming.
(4) _____
This sense of trepidation is not without its merits, either, as studies show that the reef has reduced ' in size by more
than half since 1985. That said, not by any means all of the reduction is attributable to bleaching, with intense cyclones
and indeed predators such as starfish also playing a significant role.
(5) _____
Regeneration and regrowth is, of course, very possible, indeed, after the bleaching events of the summers of 1998 and
2002, which were very significant, resulting in places in a mortality rate of more than 50%, this is precisely what
occurred. But conditions must be conducive to regeneration and they are becoming less and less so as water
temperatures continue to rise.
(6) _____
Fishermen could suffer economically from very low yields and local populations reliant of seafood for their sustenance
could be hit particularly badly, too. There could even be localised famine. Another way fishermen would be impacted is
in the sense that they would be set a greater challenge in many cases just to catch fish. You see, coral reefs make
excellent and comparably easy, fishing grounds. Without them, fishermen would be forced to look elsewhere and the
deep ocean is not a simple place to operate.
However, despite all the doom and gloom and the damning ignominy, humanity should feel for its inaction and apathy
towards this serious issue, there is still cause for hope.
(7) _____
Indeed, reefs have a surprising capacity for recovery in any case, and, so long as conditions become more conducive
again, algae will return and recolonise bleached stretches of reef, prompting growth and regeneration. Nature is
nothing if not resilient, after all.
Nonetheless, this cause for hope should not allow us to become more complacent . In fact, we have exhibited far too
much complacency in relation to this issue already. Rather, we should start doing everything we can to make our
oceans as conducive as possible to sustaining the rich sources of sea life that they presently do in the long-term, and
not simply leave things to chance.
A. Indeed, bleaching has been described as a kind of self-preservation mechanism, for, once the coral cannot sustain
its symbiosis with the algae, it must rid itself of them altogether to stave off total starvation in the short term. However,
long-term, this is not a viable solution as the coral itself can only prosper with the algae living harmoniously within its
tissues.
B. As mentioned already, bleaching is not a new phenomenon. Indeed, going back to the case of the Great Barrier
Reef, such events are recorded as having occurred there more than once in each of the past three decades; however,
the' 2016 bleaching event was particularly damaging and this gave scientists great cause for concern.
C. However, given that the ecosystem is clearly very fragile and vulnerable, as these statistics emphasize, bleaching is
unquestionably yet another and an unwanted complication, when corals are already battling against stiff odds.
D. Contrary to popular belief, though, bleaching in and of itself does not lead to the total decay of the coral bed.
Indeed, the corals continue to survive. However, their relationship with the algae is symbiotic, with the algae providing
an estimated ninety percent of the coral’s energy. Therefore, with the algae gone, the coral effectively begins to starve.
E. Indeed, a recent study of coral in the Andaman Sea proved a source of much optimism. There, corals
were found to be attracting an unusual type of algae better suited to higher temperatures, and thus were thriving in the
warm waters of this part of the Indian Ocean. This suggests other reefs may, in time, also be able to develop a higher
tolerance towards increased water temperatures, meaning the decline of the world's corals might not be as
catastrophic as once feared.
F. Locational factors also come into play. For instance, if the coral is located in a shady or clouded area, it tends to
have the capacity to withstand shocks with a higher degree of success. A fast current and a rich supply of nutrients can
also play to the advantage of corals battling such triggers, and aid their recovery in the aftermath of a shock episode.
G. But that cause for hope is fast disappearing with the algae which supply corals their lifeline. As more become
victims of starfish, the situation is growing alarmingly bleak. This has prompted some experts to suggest that a mass
culling of starfish may be both justified and necessary.
H. The results of a permanent loss of significant, stretches of our coral reefs are potentially much more far-reaching
than most people would imagine, because the coral ecosystem sustains a rich variety of sea life and, without it, such
creatures would also be in jeopardy. This could have repercussions all the way up the food chain.

W.A. MILROY - AN ARTIST CUT OFF IN HIS PRIM

Wallace Arthur Milroy was born in 1951 to a middle-class family, the youngest of three children. His early years were
idyllic: as the baby of the family, he never lacked attention or affection. His father was a somewhat distant figure, usu-
ally working long hours attending to his manufacturing business. He had patented a new type of rivet and this was the
only source of income for the family.
(1) ______
As he grew older, Wallace realised that his mother cherished the ambition of becoming a published poet - hence the
constant jottings when an idea came for a phrase or expression that might complete or begin a poem, It was in this
kitchen that he first began his artistic career. His mother was making a cake, while writing distractedly in her book,
when he accidentally (or perhaps because he was seeking attention) knocked over a bag of flour. He carefully spread
the white powder over the floor and began making patterns, using his index finger.
Wallace visited a museum with his father when on holiday at the age of four, and recalls being mesmerised by a partic-
ular object: the beautiful face of a black bull which also had a practical use. It had been used as a goblet by the
ancients.
(2) ______
His school career passed in a haze of mediocrity, although he did pass two examinations, in Maths and Art, despite the
fact that his art teacher hated most of his work. To pass exams, Wallace had to curb his own distinctive style and paint
as he'd been taught, using perspective and creating more generally accepted works.
(3) ______
After graduating from college, he adopted a Sartrian philosophy and horrified his mother when he did. nothing but
pontificate on life, the universe and everything, whilst his father threatened to cut him off without a penny unless he
made an attempt to look more conventional and find a
(4) ______
One of his more malleable friends managed to find Wallace some freelance work at the advertising agency in which he
was rapidly scaling the ladder, which at least meant Wallace could buy either drugs or his materials. Which he chose
depended on his mood, but more often than not he chose the former, virtually abandoning his creative talent,
especially since, because of his erratic behaviour and inability to meet their deadlines, the advertising agency didn't
give him many commissions.
(5) ______
This turned his life around. Apart from occasional bouts of depression and drunken sprees, he developed a new
attitude to the society in which he was living. During his drying-out period, one of the friends with whom he had left
some paintings threw a party, and a gallery owner discovered one of Wallace's works leaning against a wall in the
kitchen.
(6) ______
The following three years saw him at his most innovative and prolific; he produced what are now considered to be his
masterpieces. Unfortunately, he is not alive to wallow in the acclaim, as he died at the age of 48, of cirrhosis of the
liver. A tragic waste of a life, which is a common sentiment of biographers who choose artists as their subjects.
Wallace was slightly different, however, since he did achieve some success in the few years before he died.
A. Indeed, this combination of art and function was to become a feature of Wallace's, art. When interviewed about his
style of art, Wallace always stated that what he did was not new or innovative - it was just that, in a more utilitarian
age, people were used to the concept of WYSIWYG - computers peak for "what you see is what you get".
B. Mrs Milroy was hardly the practical type. Indeed, Wallace Arthur's early recollections of her were of an affectionate
mother who was always leaving what she was doing to write something in ajournai, which was perpetually open on the
kitchen table. This was for her convenience, as the hub of the family home was the kitchen, normally the warmest
room in the house, where she practised her other recreational pastime, creative cooking.
C. The rest is history. Wallace was commissioned to mount an exhibition of his art, a retrospective of his earlier works.
It was extremely successful, with critics extravagant in their praise of a new 'young' artist, although by this time Wallace
was 45 and looked older, his face made haggard by over-indulgence.
D. He would have been perfectly at home with the bohemian set of international artists, writers and philosophers of the
Paris of the 1920s who lived similar lifestyles, experimenting with new forms of art and philosophising in the street
cafés. Unfortunately for him, .he was living in a less enlightened environment, where laws were strictly enforced and
where people were expected to earn a living.
E. He then went on to Art College, moving from the north to the capital, his first taste of freedom and the bright lights.
Here he was in his element, surrounded by artists and wannabes, immersed in a totally bohemian culture with all that
that entails. He produced works that were regarded as astounding, and basked in the praise of his tutors, whilst his
friends enjoyed the kudos of his reflected glory.
F. Rejections from advertising agencies and galleries made him regret his adolescent response, because he was now
;
totally reliant on state benefits, which were not enough to buy materials or, of course, drugs, alcohol and cigarettes,
although his rent was paid for. He stubbornly refused to alter either his appearance or his attitude, and no-one wanted
to employ an artist with dubious talent.
G. Instead of being angry, his mother latched on to his latest experiment and, while complimenting him on his
ingenuity, gently drew him away, producing crayons and paper from a barely-used kitchen cupboard, where they had
been abandoned by one of his sisters. In her usual motherly fashion, she cooed over his attempts, which naturally
pleased Wallace. But it was his father who recognised his son's talent and began to nurture it.
H. Eventually, the inevitable happened: he lost his flat because of unpaid bills. So he gathered up his canvases and
took them to more conventional friends for safe keeping. By this time, his drug-addled brain told him his works were
more important than he was himself. He was picked up by the police, slammed in a cell, and had to endure the
torments of cold turkey before his long-suffering parents prevailed upon the authorities and had him transferred to a
rehabilitation centre.
VII. You are going to read a review of different types of holiday accommodation. For questions 1-10, choose
from the sections (A-E). The extracts may be chosen more than once.
According to the reviewer, which accommodation option
1… is in the centre of an urban settlement?
2... benefits from its proximity to the owner's dwelling?
3... is in the most remote location?
4... offers the best value for money?
5... does not suit its surroundings?
6... is reasonably priced given its charm?
7... is most suited to a long-stay vacation?
8... is suitable as a stopover en route to another destination?
9... may require the use of a good map to locate?
10... is a country getaway in name only?
A. FAIRVIEW COTTAGE
Fairview Cottage boasts generous grounds that will initially lure you into a false sense of isolation, albeit one quickly
dispelled by the sounds of urbanity whistling around you, it must be said. However, such nuisances detract surprisingly
little from the artificially leafy ambience and so it makes for a very pleasant overnighting option on the way to the real
thing, particularly given its proximity to the main transport hubs. Absentee ownership is a bonus as you are left feeling
like this place is, well, all yours - truly home from home. Though perhaps that is the very problem for urbanites
yearning for an authentic breakout from familiarity, and it is certainly also what precludes a fuller endorsement from this
reviewer. Reasonably good bang for your buck, though, provided you are not here for the long haul.
B. TOTTERSDALE LODGE
Seldom has the word remote taken on such a literal meaning as it does at Tottersdale Lodge, though your first
challenge is pinpointing exactly where this hidden gem is. SatNav directions are misleading and will fire you, bizarrely,
into the heart of the county town, a hefty drive away, so avoid a repetition of this reviewer’s mistake and rely on
alternative more traditional means of navigation. Were it not for the presence of the owners’ abode barely a stone’s
throw away, the sense of isolation from the world would be complete. Personally, though; I found the luminescence of
this alternative habitation very reassuring in the sense that wasn’t completely cast off, abandoned in paradise. If you
need to get lost, or found for that matter, then an extended stay here might just be the ticket, though there is a not
inconsiderable price to pay for a taste of paradise, which might be a concern for more budget conscious travellers.
C. HATTERS FARMHOUSE
I must confess to initially feeling an overwhelming sense of ignominy when I made this booking, for two reasons: firstly,
a stay at Hatters Farmhouse is excessively, almost garishly Indulgent. As a consequence, you may well have to
refinance your mortgage! Particularly if you intend to base yourself here for any significant length of time. Secondly,
this is the plastic version of the countryside lifestyle, not the return to true simplicity many urbanites crave. So, if it’s
back to nature you want, look away now. While technically a greater distance removed than any of the other options
featured from a town or village, the farmhouse is not what its title implies and boasts every mod-con and facility you
could wish for, which has put this place well and truly on the exclusivity map. My advice would be to park your
conscience in the driveway and leave it there for the duration if you decide to come and stay in this eyesore: You are in
the lap of luxury and self-gratification is the (only) order of the day.
D. ABERSVALE CABIN
Abersvale Cabin is situated at the bottom of an old quarry, and it is not the only thing that's rock-bottom when it comes
to this accommodation option, so there is little preventing you from using up literally all your outstanding holiday days!
What's more, the surrounds are a classic example of nature’s resilience and this originally artificial, man-made
construct has been totally reclaimed, to such an extent that an all-terrain vehicle is required to gain access (which is
the only logistical challenge, though, it must be stressed, as transport options for getting to the quarry itself are
multiple). It is, as intimated, an idyllic location and, indeed, for that reason, you might very well-be justified and tempted
to do as I've suggested. And they would be days well spent for you really do feel very remote and far removed from the
everyday world you're looking to escape here, blissfully ignorant of its presence a mere stroll up top away from your
hidden wonderland.
E. EL CAMINO
El Camino borrows its name from the famous Spanish route of pilgrimage, and the architect who designed it was
certainly preoccupied with Mediterranean influences at the time, and clearly unconcerned with blotting the landscape
with quirky designs. Oddly, however, rather than appear garish, this little lodge somehow blends right in and, with its
ample grounds, it is as beguiling a little country haven as you could ever wish for. Accounting for its allure, it is keenly
priced, I would say, though will still leave a not insignificant hole in your wallet should you avail of the minimum booking
duration of a fortnight. However, half that would be ample, it must be said, to explore the idyllic surrounds, and the
owners ought to re-think their position on this point. Probably the most balanced site, location wise; just the right
distance away from civilization without feeling excessively remote.
VIII. Read the text and choose A, B, C or D to answer the questions below it
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. J.R.R: Tolkien as he is better known, was born into a relatively comfortable existence in
South Africa to an English family, but the family's, means soon became very limited indeed, once they returned to
Britain after Tolkien’s father passed away. In Birmingham, where they set up residence, he was taken under the wing
of a local priest, Father Morgan, who became more and more influential in his life subsequent to the passing of his
mother, when Tolkien was aged just 12. Father Morgan took Tolkien under his guardianship in an official capacity
thereafter, placing him first in the care of a distant relative and then in a boarding house for orphans.
It was there at the age of 16 that he met his first love interest, Edith Pratt. Although Edith became Tolkien’s obsession
for a time, their relationship at such a young age was generally frowned upon, not least by Father Morgan, who was
determined to pry the two apart. However, it ultimately look a failed entrance exam Tor Oxford University to prompt
Tolkien to swear, off his love, and he resolved to refocus his attentions on his studies thereafter, successfully obtaining
a scholarship at the second time of asking.
Clearly, Edith had never been completely vanquished from his thoughts, however, because he looked her up again
whilst still at university, seeking her out to propose marriage. Her acceptance of his proposal was somewhat
complicated by the fact that she had already said yes to another’s; however, her keenness" to withdraw from that
agreement was such to suggest that she, too, had failed to ever completely repress . thoughts of the two of them
together. They were reunited as quickly as she could unravel herself from the other matter and got married just two
years later.
University was where Tolkien cultivated his love of language, majoring In Philology. He took great inspiration from the
Icelandic, Norse and Gothic myths and legends, and this would heavily influence his own later compositions, in which
he frequently borrowed place and character names from his most beloved works of study. War, specifically The Great
War as it became known-also had a profound impact on him and he would permanently surrender many friends to the
cause and pick up an injury of his own on the frontline that would prevent him from taking any subsequent part in
World War One.
It was during his recuperation, however, that he would begin creating his world of mythology. His interest in language
had been such that he had already developed several of his own based on Finnish and Welsh, and he delved into the
realms of fiction in order to put these to use. What’s more, he dearly lamented his country’s dearth of folklore and this
inspired him to envision and fashion his own as a sort of substitute. He spent much time and .went into great detail
crafting this other world before his novels actually began to materialise.
Indeed, success in the ranks of academia would precede that of his fictional work, as he went on to accept a
professorship at Leeds and then Oxford University. During his Oxford tenure, the manuscript for The Hobbit was
completed and he submitted this to Allen and Unwin publishers. Unwin paid ten shillings for his son’s review of the
book, which was pushing in its praise, and this prompted him to take the punt; and of course. The Hobbit went on to
become a huge commercial success.
However, more than a decade would pass before Tolkien submitted the sequel, set in the same mythical land but with
a-new-and-ambitious target readership. It was this rather than the standard of authorship which gave his publisher
cause for concern. However, Unwin’s son, now employed by his father’s company was again a staunch defender of
Tolkien and personally requested to be allowed to take on the project, a request which Unwin senior reluctantly
relented to.
1. What does the first paragraph suggest about Tolkien's childhood?
A. his family suffered a radical change of fortune when he was very young
B. he spent most of it in the direct care of a priest
C. his father and mother passed away after the family moved to another country
D. his mother passed him to a priest to care for because she couldn't look after Tolkien herself
2. Why did Tolkien part ways with his early love, Edith?
A. he wanted to concentrate on his studies B. he was forced to by a priest
C. it coincided with him entering university D. he was affected by the opinions of wider society
3. What is said of the time when Tolkien and Edith reunited?
A. she agreed to his marriage proposal immediately B. a third party made matters more complex for Edith
C. it happened after her then relationship began to unravel D. Edith was initially keen to move on from Tolkien
4. How did the Great War affect Tolkien?
A. he grieved because many of his friends were injured
B. it influenced him heavily to an extent reflected in his later literary works
C. he took inspiration from the exploits of Scandinavian soldiers
D. he was fortunate that injury prevented him from playing any part in it
5. Tolkien's motivation for creating an intricate fantasy world stemmed from
A. his desire to showcase his multilingualism.
B. his long-held ambition to write a series of fantasy novels.
C. a desire to find a practical application for Welsh and Finnish.
D. sadness at a lack of mythology in his own country's traditions.
6. What role did Unwin Junior play in the publication of Tolkien's books?
A. he project managed their publication
B. he reviewed the books favourably driving their commercial success
C. he convinced the publishing company to have faith in Tolkien
D. he influenced Tolkien's choice of target readership
IX. Fill in each blank with a suitable preposition
1. What's ____________ the agenda for today's meeting?
2. He is worried about making a mistake, so he does everything ____________ the book.
3. Although the boss is polite to me, it's obvious that I'm ____________ a cloud because I lost that deal.
4. I think the accountant and the manager were ____________ collusion - otherwise the accountant would have found
the discrepancy.
5. Since she told me about it ____________ confidence, you don't expect me to tell you, do you?
6. I have a file of all our correspondence with that firm ____________ date.
7. When the night watchman saw flames, he realised the warehouse was ____________ fire.
8. I haven't got any money, but I'll pay you ____________ kind; you can have half the olives you pick.
9. The witness testified ____________ oath that she had seen him set fire to the car.
10. People were chosen ____________ random for the survey.
11. We never sell all our oil - we always keep some ____________ reserve.
12. The way she speaks about her colleagues, you'd think she was ____________ war with them.
13. Don't take him at his word. Get him to put it ____________ writing.
14. Once the train had left the station and the journey was ____________ way, I began to relax and feel safe.
15. Avocados are not sold ____________ weight; you pay so much per avocado.
16. My aunt works out at the gym twice a week to keep ____________ shape.
17. Do you realise what's ____________ stake here? Your whole future!
18. Newspaper editors must sense when the public's interest in a story is ____________ the wane.
19. University tutors have been warned to be ____________ the watch for plagiarism when assessing students'
assignments, now that students can download material from the Internet.
20. What with the wedding only a few days away, we are all ____________ a whirl finalising the arrangements.
21. For once, the sports commentator was lost ____________ words and couldn't continue the commentary.
22. Although, at first glance, the terms of the contract seemed favourable, ____________ scrutiny, they turned out to
be disadvantageous.
23. As far as I'm concerned, that deal is ____________ the bag and we needn't spend any more time or effort on it.
24. The children were enthusiastic about the beach-cleaning project and tackled the task ____________ a will.
X. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition(s)
1. Now that all our children are ___________ our hands, we can have a holiday whenever we want.
2. I learnt of the atrocity ___________ first hand, from a survivor.
3. My son has too much free time _________ his hands during the school holidays, so I send him on summer courses.
4. She rejected the offer ___________ hand, saying it was an insult.
5. It's always a good idea to have a dictionary ___________ hand when you are learning a foreign language.
6. There isn't time to send the parcel through the post, so it will have to be delivered ___________ hand.
7. We've plenty of time ___________ hand, so why don't we browse around the duty free shops?
8. Immigrant groups complain about their rough treatment ___________ the hands of the police.
9. She grabbed the nearest object ___________ hand to ward off her assailant.
10. There will be a representative of our firm ___________ hand to help you with any difficulties.
11. He concentrated on the job ___________ hand and tried not to worry about the future.
12. Fortunately the decision is now ___________ our hands, so we will not bear the responsibility.
XI. Fill in each blank with one of the provided phrases
bottom out ● flare up ● get up ● hem in ● level off ● move over ● notch up
patch up ● pep up ● perk up ● shore up ● tone down
1. We needed some stout props to ________________ the old stone wall after the earthquake.
2. Our little cottage has been ________________ by all the big housing developments going up in our neighbourhood.
3. The children ________________ when their teacher said they were going to plan a class excursion.
4. The flow of customers away to rival businesses ________________ when we started giving our remaining
customers more personal treatment.
5. It's about time they did something to ________________ their failing marriage.
6. I eventually ________________ the courage to tell her what \ really thought of her.
7. A nasty riot ________________ when the police started beating the protesters.
8. Ruth hadn't been an executive in her grandfather's business empire for long before asking him to
________________ and let her be chief executive.
9. Most of the people concerned ________________ their complaints when they were asked to put them in writing.
10. The sales of the new gadget ________________ when its novelty value wore off.
11. They've ________________ the local music festival by getting a couple of world famous rock bands to take part.
12. A runner from our local athletics club has ________________ three gold medals at this year's Olympic Games.