UNIT 1 Skills Test Name: .................................................... Mark: .....................

READING (20 points)

You are going to read an article about a young man who has a large collection of graphic novels. For
questions 1-5, choose the answer (A, B, C or D) which you think fits best according to the text.

Simon James, Tintinologist

Simon James introduces himself as Britain’s greatest Tintinologist. This doesn’t mean that he is a renowned scientist;
it simply refers to someone who is a fan of the graphic novel character Tintin. You may be familiar with Tintin from
the movie, but the first stories appeared in France before the Second World War and were translated into English in
the 1950s. Although the comics were originally intended for children, they are popular with people of all ages.
Simon’s obsession with all things Tintin means you can probably visualise him without too much effort. His hair is
cut short with a small quiff at the front, and he likes to dress in the young reporter’s trademark blue jumper over
line a white
shirt, with rust-brown trousers. His home is filled from floor to ceiling with display cases, bookshelves and
8 framed prints. With over 5,000 items in his collection, it must take exceptional organisational skills to keep
everything in order. Simon shows an encyclopedic knowledge of every item and can recall the exact origin and value
of each one.
Simon’s passion began when his uncle gave him some comics after his 12th birthday. Simon, who had never shown
much interest in reading, was hooked immediately and read them all from cover to cover. His parents were less than
keen to encourage his comic reading habit, believing that he would be better off reading proper novels. But he was
not to be discouraged. He searched in markets and old bookshops for anything he could find featuring his new
favourite character. By the time he was 20, he had an impressive collection of printed material and turned his
attention to other kinds of memorabilia like coins, stamps and character figures.
Simon has been all around Europe in search of rare and unusual items to add to his collection. There are shops
devoted entirely to Tintin merchandise and special auctions are held regularly. The most recent of these that Simon
attended was at the Chateau de Cheverny in the Loire valley, which was the inspiration for one of the places featured
in the stories, Captain Haddock’s home, Marlinspike Hall. Just a decade ago, he says, he was able to pick up items
for just a few pounds. Nowadays, it’s more likely to be hundreds. In 2008, original artwork for a cover was sold for
over half a million pounds!
This means that Simon’s collection is quite valuable, but he isn’t likely to be parting with it any time soon. Friends
have often suggested that he could afford to retire if he sold it, but they have probably realised by now that he is not
interested in this. For Simon, building up his collection is a lifelong challenge, a goal that he is constantly working
towards. There’s also the thrill when he comes across a piece he doesn’t already have or when he beats a rival
collector and walks away with his prize.
1. According to the writer, comics featuring Tintin
4. Why did Simon go to Chateau de Cheverny?
A have only become popular recently.
A He was looking for an idea for a story.
B have been analysed by scientists.
B A sale of Tintin items was taking place there.
C were based on a character from a film.
C It is mentioned by his favourite character in
D appeal to adults as well as children. the comics.
2. In line 8, the writer uses the word “exceptional” D He knew it was a good place to get items cheaply.
to show that she
5. What do we learn about Simon’s attitude to
A admires the size of Simon’s collection. collecting?
B thinks Simon looks very unusual for a collector. A He regards his collection as an investment.
C is impressed by the way Simon arranges the B He would like to give up work to focus on it.
items in his collection.
C He feels he is close to completing it.
D is surprised by Simon’s choice of subject.
D He enjoys the process of collecting.
3. How did Simon’s parents react when he first
became interested in Tintin?
A They weren’t impressed by his choice of
reading material.
B They were glad he had found a new way to
spend his free time.
C They were worried he was spending too much
time reading.
D They encouraged him to start his collection.

1
UNIT 1 Skills Test

2
 UNIT 1 Skills Test

WRITING (10 points)

Read the task below.
In your English class, you have been discussing the advantages and disadvantages of shopping for clothes online
or in shops. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework.

Is it better to shop for clothes online or in shops?

Notes
Write about:
1. convenience 2. enjoyment 3. ...................................... (your own idea)

Write your essay in 140-190 words, using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.

LISTENING (10 points)

You will hear five people talking about their experiences related to art. For questions 1-5, choose from the list
02
(A-H) what each person discusses. Use the letters only once. There are three extra letters which you do not
need to use.

A being a museum guide Speaker 1

1
B designing shampoo bottles Speaker 2
2
C benefits of using illustrated books in schools Speaker 3
3
D studying art history Speaker 4
4
E book cover design Speaker 5
5
F writing a graphic novel
G doing pottery
H pet portraits

SPEAKING (10 points)

The photographs below show different forms of dance.
Student A: Compare the photographs and say which kind of dance you think is more interesting to watch.
A B

Student B: Why do you think so many people enjoy dancing?

The photographs below show people posing for pictures.

Student B: Compare the photographs and say what you think each of the people are going to do with the pictures.

3
 UNIT 1 Skills Test
A B

Student A: Do you like being photographed? Why?

chana 13 January 2022 570168340.doc