Part 5 Test 1
You are going to read an extract from an article. For questions 31–36, mark the
appropriate answer (A, B, C or D) that you think fits best according to the text.
The Lost Art of Diplomacy
What it can do for you and why society needs to harness its values
The twentieth century has frequently been labelled as the age of opinion, and not necessarily in a positive
way, as any quick glance at social media will demonstrate. In fact, look more closely into the insults
traded on social media platforms and the sensationalist ways in which the media presents differing public
opinions as polarising, and the situation starts to look even worse. The modern world can often feel rude,
and people often behave as though they are totally unwilling to consider, or even listen to, views that are
not aligned with their own. It appears that a change is long overdue, and perhaps diplomacy could be the
answer to turning this situation around.
Developed over millennia as a way to mediate between grumpy leaders hell-bent on inflicting their own
ideas on the world, diplomacy was once thought of as an art, in the same vein as public speaking, polite
conversation and negotiation. It grew out of trade interactions in the Middle East, China and India, and
incorporated a variety of skills, philosophies and cultural nuances as it went. Throughout the majority of
history, the role of the diplomat was to convey information and messages and negotiate in less
inflammatory ways than their leaders might have done. These leaders could quite easily justify starting
wars in the heat of the moment due to a perceived personal attack from an enemy. In short, they sought
to ensure any interaction with another state or power remained on an even keel and avoided conflict at
all costs.
Although the word ‘diplomacy’ conjures up a long-gone age of stuffy meetings between politicians and
civil servants in palaces and embassies, there is little difference in the goal of diplomacy nowadays. For
example, in the complex relationships of modern society, whether in our personal lives, in the workplace
or matters of international negotiation, bringing back the art of diplomacy could be invaluable. It is a
highly specific skill that requires people to put aside their personal desires and work towards a common
good. In this respect it is extremely challenging insofar as it involves putting forward a case for something
strongly and effectively enough for it to be considered by another party, but not in such a way as to cause
offence or irritation. As the British journalist and writer David Frost once said, “Diplomacy is the art of
letting somebody else have your way.”
We are inclined to view diplomacy as an innate ability, something that only a select few are blessed with.
Yet, with some hard work and determination it is actually straightforward to learn. For people who make
a special effort, the benefits will very soon become apparent. There are, as one would expect, certain
tricks of the trade that can be useful starting places for novices. The greatest of these is the ability to
understand the fragility of human nature and the need for acceptance and for an attentive audience. This
is often the underlying cause of arguments as well as being a plausible explanation for much of the verbal
abuse found online today. Being diplomatic means acknowledging the feelings of others, taking time to
demonstrate empathy, and casting aside emotion for logic and reasonableness. It means being patient and
versatile in interpersonal communication, and, above all, a commitment to agreement and collaboration
rather than individuality and division.
Having said this, there are people who seem to naturally excel at diplomatic negotiation and perhaps they
are the ones who can shed light on its benefits. These individuals are people who have already understood
the human condition in all its frailty. Diplomats are in essence realists who know full well that
relationships, families, jobs and nations will face countless problems. They have accepted this with an
air of optimistic resignation and believe that compromise is the only antidote to an imperfect world. As
such they represent an alternative route to happiness and shared understanding. Despite the outward
appearance of pessimism and negativity, they aspire to create a better world and see great progress in
small adjustments. They are the undeniable evidence that diplomacy has a lot to offer in illuminating a
path to better communication for all of us.
4
Part 5 Test 1
31 What is the writer’s purpose in the first paragraph?
A To suggest that the media is manipulating people.
B To provide examples of intolerance in modern society.
C To outline the problems caused by social media.
D To encourage better manners in public places.
32 In paragraph 2, what is the writer’s opinion of diplomats?
A Their influence used to be excessive.
B They have become less important.
C Their role is not easy to justify.
D They have always been extremely valuable.
33 In paragraph 3, what does the writer imply about diplomacy?
A It’s beneficial for interpersonal communication.
B It’s an out-of-date mode of interaction.
C It’s not a worthwhile skill for modern society.
D It’s an effective technique for political negotiation.
34 In paragraph 4, the writer says that developing our diplomatic skills is:
A easier for more emotional people.
B something everyone should aspire to.
C too time-consuming for modern life.
D well worth investing the time and effort.
35 In paragraph 5, according to the writer, how do successful diplomats view the world?
A They are optimistic about the human condition.
B They believe that people should try to overcome suffering.
C They approach life from a practical perspective.
D They think that the search for happiness is pointless.
36 What is the main point that the writer wants to make in the article?
A A reintroduction of the art of diplomacy would create a more equal society based
on tolerance.
B Diplomacy is probably the best approach to resolving the fractured nature of society.
C Interpersonal skills related to diplomacy could have a positive impact on society.
D While diplomacy has positives, people should be wary of its appropriateness
in all contexts.
Part 6 Test 1
You are going to read an extract from an article. Seven paragraphs have been
removed. Select from the paragraphs (A–H) the one that fits each gap (37–43).
There is one extra paragraph that you do not need to use.
More to History than Books
Most young people are far more interested in
their social circles and the latest fashion and D
technology crazes than they are about hearing
about the past, but for me, local heritage has “That’s not to say it wasn’t an impressive sight. I
always been something I’ve found fascinating. It think the upkeep was just too much to be honest.
also, in my mind, holds great importance simply It’s a shame really. I seem to remember there were
because if we don’t make efforts to unearth plans to auction it off to whoever would pay the
experiences of the past from others, they will end most, which kicked up quite a fuss at the time with
up being lost in the mists of time. local residents, as you can imagine.”
E G
“I remember it as if it were yesterday. There we For me, this is perhaps one of the saddest
all were, standing outside in our slippers and elements of all. Although added to keep the history
dressing gowns, watching the flames dance in of the palace alive, it attracts very few people and
the night sky over the rooftops. The whole area is located in a somewhat obscure area of the park.
was lit up like a Christmas tree, and we could feel Apart from the odd school visit and a few local-
the heat from over a mile away. That night I history fanatics, this great treasure is frequently
watched the great building whose shadow I’d overlooked by locals and visitors alike.
lived under all my life disappear before my very
eyes. By morning, there was nothing.”
C
H In my mind, social first-hand histories are so
important for this very reason. While even my
Originally situated in Hyde Park, it was erected grandmother can’t recall the glory days of the
temporarily as a celebration of the Industrial Crystal Palace, her mother would have been alive
Revolution, but, due to its overwhelming to witness them, and if these recollections had
success, the exhibition was later relocated to a been passed on and properly documented, we
park in south London, where it remained until the would be able to paint a more vivid picture of a
great fire of 1936 razed it to the ground in just a place that was fundamental in the development of
few hours. Today, there are few signs that this the local area.
incredible building ever existed.
A F
After all, we can learn facts and figures from public
Londoners in the 1800s had little time for such records and textbooks, but these cannot convey
preoccupations, but the Crystal Palace gave what it was actually like to live though such events.
people a wonderful opportunity to explore ideas Only with the people who experienced them, who
of the past and future, as well as to experience for the first time could travel around the world
the wonders of modern industry. Standing over without ever leaving home and could wonder at
40 metres tall and around half a kilometre wide, marvels of modern industry beyond their wildest
the glass megastructure housed many different dreams.
types of museum exhibits from around the globe
as well as a music hall, a park and a theatre.
6
Part 6 Test 1
A The only remnants of this one-time marvel F Our parents and grandparents should be
are the dinosaur replicas that still exist encouraged to tell their histories and to
around the lakes within the park. Of write them down. Historians are not just
course, these days they look a little quaint academics; they are everyday people like
and aren’t exactly true to life, but we have you and me. History books may tell us
to remember that they were built around about dates, names and major events, but
150 years ago when relatively little was we maintain the richness of feeling that
known of natural history. comes from personal accounts.
B The cost of maintenance and depressed G Fortunately, the Earl of Plymouth acquired
admission prices meant that in the 1900s the palace and grounds in order to protect
maintenance was unattended to and the it and the site is now a public park, still used
palace was in financial dire straits. It was by many throughout the year for numerous
restored by the Earl of Plymouth who sports events as well as much smaller-
bought the structure in the 1920s in order scale music and cultural festivals. Within
to preserve it. This brought back visitors the grounds there is even a small museum
and renewed profit, through events such as telling the history of the great palace.
‘Thursday evening fireworks’ and motor
shows.
C Perhaps this is due to a lack of general H My entire family hails from a suburb that,
awareness of the true scale and greatness by its very name, still brings to mind past
of the palace. After all, it was thriving at a glories and that fateful evening. These
time when film was in its infancy, so we days, Crystal Palace is just like any other
cannot even imagine what it might have busy commuter area, swallowed up by the
been like inside, and still photos don’t give greater London sprawl, but it used to be
us the sense of atmosphere that we can home to one of the largest glass structures
get from video and narratives. in the world, the Crystal Palace.
D My grandmother’s recollections were a far
cry from this though: “All of that was long
gone by the time I was little. We’d still go
up there as a family, but the building and
grounds were getting a bit run down. I think
its prime was in the late 1800s, before I
was born.”
E Mindful of this, the long chats I had with my
grandparents will always remain dear to
my heart, specifically my grandmother’s
recollections of her youth. Despite being in
her nineties by the time I was of an age to
fully understand and ask about her life, she
was still sharp as a pin and could answer
in such a way that brought the past to life.
Part 7 Test 1
You are going to read an extract from an article about science awards. For
questions 44–53, choose from the sections (A–E) using the separate answer
sheet. The sections may be selected more than once.
In which section are the following mentioned?
New awards could have a more significant impact if they were given to 44
scientists who have a greater need for financial investment.
Funding popular science communicators rather than prizes may be 45
more worthwhile for society.
The new science awards are backed by a different type of elite. 46
Some scientists are unhappy about the unequal distribution of 47
investment in science.
Scientists are suspicious of the principles underlying the new science 48
awards.
New science awards have largely been funded by private rather than 49
public enterprise.
The system of awarding scientists for their discoveries has not kept 50
pace with changing scientific practices.
The impact that generous financial incentives will have on the direction 51
of future research.
The newer science awards are rooted in cooperation rather than 52
individuality.
The likelihood of prize-winning scientists needing substantial financial 53
funding is low.
8
Part 7 Test 1
The New Science Awards Redefining Success
A challenge to tradition, but not without their problems
A plenty of celebrity scientists boasting millions of
For a little over a century, in a somewhat staid and dull followers worldwide, such as Brian Cox or Michio
ceremony in Stockholm in January, the Nobel prizes Kaku. Funding that aims to bring science to the general
have been awarded to worthy scientists by the King of public should probably be diverted to the people who
Sweden. But, as in all walks of life, times change and have proven track records in engaging people in
science awards are no different. The new awards or science.
‘new Nobels’, as they have been dubbed, are no longer
the preserve of prestigious institutions like the D
Swedish Academy. Instead, they are paid for by
Despite the scepticism surrounding these new science
celebrity CEOs such as Mark Zuckerberg and other
awards, benefits do exist. In order to present a fair and
tech millionaires, with multimillion-dollar prizes and
balanced analysis of the positive impacts of such
ceremonies that are glamorous affairs reminiscent of
awards, these benefits should be highlighted. In recent
the Oscars. And this is something that scientists
times a key criticism of the original Nobel prizes has
generally tend not to view in a particularly positive
been the fact that they do not fully represent the way in
light. British astronomer Martin Rees says that many
which science is carried out in modern times.
scientists are undecided about the new awards. He
Nowadays most scientific inventions and discoveries
believes that these more recent awards are steered
are collaborative. This means that they rely on the
towards showcasing the wealthy donors as much as
cooperation and shared knowledge and expertise of
the scientists themselves. He is not the only award
dozens of scientists working in cross-cultural teams
cynic and others have joined him in voicing concerns,
across several academic communities around the globe,
including American physicist Frank Wilczek who
rather than individuals working in isolation. Since the
wonders about the virtues of awarding large prizes in
Nobel prizes can only be awarded to three people each
the advancement of science.
year, many hard-working scientists go unnoticed,
receiving little or no recognition for their contributions
B to research and discoveries that simply could not have
There are indeed some serious concerns about all this. happened without them. Contrary to this system, the
The most worrying of which centres around the world Breakthrough Prize and others have been designed to
view and associated power of the funders, be they reward entire teams and are therefore much wider in
individuals like Zuckerberg or large global their scope and inclusivity.
corporations. The problem is that these elite minorities
are predominantly Western with a specific shared E
world view of the value of knowledge, as well as the
aspects of science that are deserving of investment, be However, there is a danger that these prizes could be
that time-based or financial. Many people are anxious seen as paying lip service to the principles of inclusivity
that younger researchers trying to cut their teeth in a and diversity. Although there are some non-Western
world where funding is increasingly competitive prizes such as the Tang Prize, awarded to those working
could easily adapt their research to the visions held by in Asian institutions, most winning teams are located in
the funders of these new awards, visions which may Western nations, and global inclusivity remains a
or may not have the interests of humanity as a whole challenge. Scientists such as Bob O’Hara, who works
at their heart. Oversight is a key aspect of research in at a research centre in Frankfurt, warn of the widening
a way that it is not seen in business, especially the tech gap between the rich and poor among the scientific
giants who prize innovation over all other things. This community. Instead of talking about awards and large
shift in the motivations of those who are the guardians financial prizes, he cites as a concern the funding
of science awards should raise alarm bells for us all. allocated to the search for treatments and cures for the
diseases of the rich, rather than those that are
widespread amongst developing nations. Many
C scientists strongly believe that the West must not just
The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences is an be allowed to dominate and marginalise other nations
excellent example of this. The list of donors reads like that have much to offer in terms of knowledge and
a who’s-who of celebrity tech CEOs and the price tag research potential. These glamorous new science
attached to each prize is $3 million. Most winners are awards are a prime example of how scientists in
highly regarded scientists with glittering careers and developing nations might be able to benefit from the
enviable publishing records. These huge prizes tend to prize money far more than their western counterparts
go to scientists who are already extremely well- might.
funded, and it could easily be argued that they are the
least in need of such exorbitant sums. Furthermore, if
these new awards and their glamourous ceremonies
are designed to bring a new breed of celebrity science
to public attention, they may be wasting their time. A
quick YouTube search will show that the world has
Answer sheet
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Part 5
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Part 6
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Part 7
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