Reading
Reading
Reading
València,
PART 1:
READING COMPREHENSION
TIME: 60 minutes
Instructions
• In this booklet you will find four texts, their set tasks and examples for each one. Read all of them
carefully and complete the tasks as required.
• Incorrect answers are not deducted from the final mark for the assessment of this part of the exam.
• You have 60 minutes to complete this part of the exam. All exam materials will then be collected
and additional time is not permitted. Please manage your time well.
• You may use this booklet to make notes. However, it should be noted that these answers will not
be assessed under any circumstances.
(7) ________________________
Never show up unannounced—or, even worse, with a puppy, child, significant other or friend (even if it’s a
mutual friend), unless you’ve cleared it with your host beforehand. You may call it spontaneous and fun…your
cousin and her husband may call it inconvenient.
(8) ________________________
Proper guest etiquette requires a present. But you don’t want your hosts to feel pressured to put your present
on display once a year for your benefit. Try a delicious delicacy from your hometown, a flowering plant or
something a vacation house can never have too much of: beach towels, mugs that keep their drinks frosty, a
book or a tote bag.
(9) ________________________
When you arrive, gently ask how things are done to avoid any misunderstandings. What time do you usually
wake up and go to bed? Anything I should know about your children or pets? You should pick up on other
aspects—like whether you should take your shoes off or whether it’s OK to smoke—by being in tune with your
hosts.
(10) ________________________
You should offer to: cook; set the table and do the dishes; drive everyone around in your car; occupy the kids
while Mom or Dad takes a well-deserved nap; fix a little something around the house if you have the skills; or
take the dog for a walk. Even if you’re turned down, your hosts will appreciate the gesture. Don’t even ask
before you: clear the dishes when you’re done eating; buy some groceries; get your own kids out of the house
for an hour or two; and fill up the tank if you borrow the car.
(11) ________________________
Your hosts might be excited to see a Broadway show or the Space Needle for the third time, but they also have
a life that may include working during the day. If you are staying for more than three days, call up other friends
who live in the city or do some exploring on your own. Let your hosts know your plans and when you think you
will get back.
(12) ________________________
Don’t expect to use any of your hosts’ toiletries or other items. If you realize you’ve forgotten to pack
toothpaste, ask where you can buy a new tube. They will probably be happy to lend you theirs, but you’ve
demonstrated that you are not living at their expense. Also, don’t eat the leftovers or finish the milk.
Adapted from http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/work-life-etiquette/manners/houseguest/more
POSITION IN THE
TEXT
D Help out
E Be honest
F No surprises, please
H Entertain yourself
Maybe I’m biased as it’s my hometown, but there’s something so special about London. To the uninitiated, this city,
packed with more than 9 million people, is a mystery. There are so many things to do and places to see in London that
it can be a boggle. Well, worry no more – I’ve written a guide to the best areas to stay in London and where to stay in
London to help you choose the perfect spot to suit your travels.
The simplest way to get around in London is the Underground (what Londoners call The Tube). London’s subway
system is old but very reliable, with stations at every landmark, tourist attraction, and area that you might find yourself
in. You can also take a taxi, if you prefer. London’s black cabs are iconic and their drivers know London’s streets better
than anyone.
If it’s your first time in London and you’ve got the money, you’ll want to be as central as possible, and surrounded by
all the best sights and things to do. For that, you’ll want to stay in the West End or Westminster. In London’s West End
you have all the best theatres, shopping and shows at your fingertips, and Westminster features most of the must-see
sights of London. This is absolutely the best area to stay in London for tourists.
That depends on what you’re looking for but, as a London native, I don’t think there’s a better neighbourhood in
London than Shoreditch. The hipster capital of London is where all the young Londoners like to hang out. There, you’ve
got the best bars and cafes, cool street art, and awesome food markets to explore. Far removed from the glamorous
tourist attractions of Westminster, Shoreditch is what you could call the ‘real London experience’.
Question 0 is an example.
Trying a new sport or activity can be a great way to get out of the house and challenge your mind and body. With
this in mind, we’ve put together a list of different sports and activities to give you some inspiration…
A Yoga
The benefits of yoga are extremely powerful. It’s especially good for increasing strength and flexibility, but it’s also
considered one of the most beneficial activities for the brain. Yoga is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve
sleep and increase energy.
Plus, the other great thing about it is that absolutely anyone can do it. It’s gentle and low-impact, but can also be
seriously challenging if you want it to be. But with the many different types of yoga out there, which one should you
try?
B Martial arts
Aside from the physical benefits, like improved strength and agility, learning a martial art can also boost your
confidence, improve focus and stillness, and teach important morals and values. Many martial arts have a strong
focus on mental wellbeing and are deeply linked to eastern culture and history, and there’s lots of emphasis on
mutual respect.
If you want a gruelling, physical workout, kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) will certainly be a challenge.
Alternatively, karate and taekwondo focus just as much on self-discipline and self-control as fitness and strength, and
jiu-jitsu can be a tough, close-contact combat sport, with a focus on self-defence.
C Dancing
Some people are lucky enough to be born with natural rhythm… while others are a little rustier on their feet.
However, the great thing about dancing is that you don’t have to be good at it to reap the benefits and have a great
time.
Dancing improves your physical health and fitness, alleviates stress, and boosts confidence. Going to a group dancing
class could also be a great way to widen your social circle. It’s worth remembering that you don’t have to go to
classes to learn how to dance – you can work on your steps from the comfort of your own home.
D Tennis
Tennis has serious health benefits. It increases your aerobic capacities, lowers resting heart rate and blood pressure,
improves metabolism, increases bone density and improves muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. It’s also a racquet
sport that can be played outside or inside – so you can keep playing all year round.
You don’t need much fancy gear to play tennis – you just need a racquet and some balls. If you don’t want to invest
in all the gear for your first few games, then it’s also worth enquiring as to whether wherever you’re playing hires
out balls and racquets.
Adapted from https://restless.co.uk/health/healthy-body/different-sports-and-activities-to-try/
Task 1
1. a
2. a
3. b
4. b
5. c
6. b
Task 2
7. F
8. B
9. G
10. D
11. H
12. C
Task 3
13. b
14. a
15. a
16. b
17. a
18. a
Task 4
19. A
20. B
21. C
22. D
23. C
24. D
25. B