TEST 1

Amazing facts about teenagers brain

The problem isn’t teenagers – it’s their brains.We know that being a teenager is the most
difficult time in your life. It’s also the most stressful time for parents! But don’t blame the
teenagers. Blame their brains.
Teenagers sleep a lot. They need about 9–10 hours’ sleep a night, while adults need 6–8 hours.
But they are not staying in bed because they are lazy. It’s because the levels of the ‘sleep’
hormone, melatonin, increase in teenagers later at night than in children or adults, and these
hormone levels decrease later in the morning for teenagers. That’s why teenagers fall asleep later
than adults, and wake up later.
Teenage boys have lots of little accidents. They drop things. They knock over cups of coffee.
Teenagers are often really clumsy. This is because they are growing so quickly. Sometimes boys
can grow 3 centimetres in 3 months. And when the body grows quickly, the brain doesn’t know
how to control it. It has to learn, and that takes time.
Teenagers do dangerous things. They go climbing, or they go swimming in dangerous water.
This is because their brains are changing. The front part of the brain plans things. But in a
teenager’s brain, there are few connections between different parts of the brain. So, teenagers
don’t plan before they do something. They just do it. It’s also because the ‘pleasure centre’ of the
brain is very large when you’re a teenager. That’s why music sounds so great when you’re 15. It
also means you look for pleasure and enjoyment more, and that can be dangerous. But this
pleasure centre can also be very positive for learning. A recent study at Leiden University in the
Netherlands shows that teenagers are very sensitive to positive feedback in class. This means that
the teenage years are the best time to acquire and process information.
Teenagers have lots of emotions. They shout, they cry. They walk off and slam doors. The
problem is an important part of the brain called the limbic system. It creates memories and
emotions, and it grows when you’re a teenager. So teenagers are more likely to feel strong
emotions. They are often angrier, or more frightened, than younger children.
Teenagers worry about people’s opinions. They want to be cool. They want their friends to like
them. When teenagers’ brains grow, they develop new skills. They can understand other people’s
opinions better than younger children. They can see themselves from the viewpoint of others,
especially their friends. And so the opinions of their friends become more important.
But the teenage years soon end, and you become an adult. You start to need less sleep. Your
body stops growing, and your brain learns how to control it. The ‘pleasure centre’ becomes
smaller when you’re an adult too. And the front part of your brain is closely connected to the rest
of it. And then you’re an adult. And life becomes easier – and maybe a little more boring!
Are the statements true or false?
1 Teenagers sleep a lot because they are lazy. F
2 Teenagers have lots of accidents because their brains are growing. F
3 Teenagers do dangerous things because they can’t plan. T
4 Teenagers have lots of emotions because they have more memories. F
5 The brain’s pleasure centre makes teenagers enjoy music more than other age groups. T
6 Teenagers worry about their friends’ opinions because their friends have new skills. F
7 Teenagers’ brains change when they become adults. T
8 Adults need to sleep as much as teenagers . F
9 There are some connections between different parts of the brain in a teenager’s brain . T
10 When you’re an adult, life always becomes easier. F

Answer key
1.F 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.T 6. F 7.T 8. F 9. T 10 F

TEST 2
Computer games as tools for play and social interaction
Most children enjoy playing computer games. However, parents often worry that if their children
play computer games they will interact less with friends. Many people see this as a greater
problem with boys than with girls. This is because boys often seem to enjoy games with non-stop
high-speed action on the screen. The games in this category, which have been on the market for
over 35 years, seem simple and repetitive, and many adults notice the violent elements in many
of them. However, computer games are, after all, still games, and should be compared with other
games. For example, look at table tennis. It is fast moving and repetitive, but very few people
play it simply to win or to beat others. People play because it is a fun way to spend time together.
In other words, it is all about play. If you watch a group of children playing a computer game,
you will see that their interaction and behaviour are not all that different from those you will see
around other games. The group closely follows the game and comments on its development and
the performance of the player(s).
Children sometimes play computer games on their own – in the same way as they watch TV and
read books on their own – as children often use media to pass the time when they are bored, just
like adults. But there are very few children who would rather play computer games, watch TV or
read books than spend time together with their friends and playmates. For children today, it is not
a question of ‘either …, or …’. Using media does not necessarily mean choosing to ignore
friends – quite the opposite, in fact.
When children play computer games it is typical for them to do so in a group, and unless the
surrounding environment prevents it, this group will consist of children of different ages – as is
ofen the case in computer clubs. One reason these games are popular is that interest in them
brings together different age groups. In this context, young children have the opportunity to have
conversations with older children.
It is interesting that the age aspect is not only based on cognitive differences between the
children. Young children can play very complicated computer games that were originally
designed for much older children and so should be above their level. However, as the children
consider it important to be part of the group, they develop the skills and knowledge necessary.
Similarly, games intended for their own age group are often considered ‘childish’ and therefore
of little or no interest. The phenomenon of ‘the group around the computer’ also occurs with
other media. Children often get together after school to watch online videos. They go to the
cinema together, or they use TV series as the basis for games or as subject matter for
conversations and social interaction. These activities do not prevent contact with other children;
they are integrated into children’s games and social interaction. As we have seen, the media
often become the ‘tools’ for games and are important for generating play situations
Are the following statements True or False?
1.Most children are into playing computer games. T
2.Many people see playing games as a greater problem with girls than with boys. F
3. Parents often worry that if their children play computer games they will interact with their
friends. T
4 Children sometimes play computer games to pass the time when they are bored. T
5 Some parents don’t like boys’ computer games because they’re often violent. T
6 Most people play table tennis to have a good time together. T
7 Children of different ages rarely play computer games together. F
8. Most children prefer to play computer games alone. F
9 Younger children usually find complicated computer games interesting and fun. T
10 Computer games are like other kinds of media because they give children opportunities for
being together. T

Answer key
1T
2F
3T
4T
5T
6T
7F
8F
9T
10 T

TEST 3:
Read the text about Charlie Chaplin's early life and decide the following statements are
True or False.
He was believed to have been born on April 16, 1889. There is some doubt whether April 16 is
actually his birthday, and it is possible he was not born in 1889. There is also uncertainty about
his birthplace: London or Fontainebleau, France. There is no doubt, however, as to his parentage:
he was born to Charles Chaplin, Sr. and Hannah Harriette Hill (aka Lily Harley on stage), both
Music Hall entertainers. His parents separated soon after his birth, leaving him in the care of his
increasingly unstable mother.
In 1896, Chaplin's mother was unable to find work; Charlie and his older half-brother Sydney
Chaplin had to be left in the workhouse at Lambeth, moving after several weeks to Hanwell
School for Orphans and Destitute Children. His father died an alcoholic when Charlie was 12,
and his mother suffered a mental breakdown, and was eventually admitted temporarily to the
Cane Hill Asylum at Coulsdon (near Croydon). She died in 1928 in the United States, two years
after coming to the States to live with Chaplin, by then a commercial success.
Charlie first took to the stage when, aged five, he performed in Music Hall in 1894, standing in
for his mother. As a child, he was confined to a bed for weeks due to a serious illness, and, at
night, his mother would sit at the window and act out what was going on outside. In 1900, aged
11, his brother helped get him the role of a comic cat in the pantomime Cinderella at the London
Hippodrome.
In 1903 he appeared in 'Jim, A Romance of Cockayne', followed by his first regular job, as the
newspaper boy Billy in Sherlock Holmes, a part he played into 1906. This was followed by
Casey's 'Court Circus' variety show, and, the following year, he became a clown in Fred Karno's
'Fun Factory' slapstick comedy company.
According to immigration records, he arrived in the United States with the Karno troupe on
October 2,1912. In the Karno Company was Arthur Stanley Jefferson, who would later become
known as Stan Laurel. Chaplin and Laurel shared a room in a boarding house. Stan Laurel
returned to England but Chaplin remained in the United States.Chaplin's act was seen by film
producer Mack Sennett, who hired him for his studio, the Keystone Film Company.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the
Original Wikipedia article.
1 Chaplin might have been born some years earlier than is currently believed.
2 His parents got divorced soon after his birth
3 Chaplin first performed on the stage after he arrived in the United States.
4 His first serious job was delivering newspapers.
5 His first partner ,the actor,Stan Laurel shared a room with him in a boarding house
6 He was discovered while working for a British organisation in the United States.
7 Charlie first took to the stage at the aged of five
8 His father died an alcoholic when Charlie was 12 years old
9 Chaplin's mother died before her son was successful.
10.Charlie went to the United States with the Karno troupe on October 20,1912

Answer key
1.T
2.T
3.F
4.F
5.T
6. T
7.T
8. T
9. F
10 F

Test 4

Part 3

Questions 1-10

Look at the sentences below about two students’ profiles. Read the text to decide
if each sentence is correct or incorrect.

If it is correct, write T for True

If it is not correct, write F for False

1. The mother of Galina is Italian.

2. Amato has never before instructed youngsters in art at a school.

3. Galina is interested in learning about how to instruct kids.

4. A lot of experienced educators are eager to meet Galina and learn

from her.

5. Galina performs in a band only for fun.

6. This year, Bruno began studying education.

7. Bruno is the family's eldest kid.

8. Finding new things is Bruno's greatest passion.

9. The majority of his students are under the age of ten.

10. Bruno assists in teaching English to secondary students after school.

Galina Amato
• Tell us about yourself…
Hi, everyone. I'm Galina, but my friends call me Gallia. I'm Italian, but my
mum's from Russia. I'm studying both art and education. I hope to be an art
teacher one day. I've done volunteer work teaching children art, but I've never
taught at a school before. I really love it here in the US, but I miss spending
time with my family. However, I've made some really good friends.
• How do you feel about this course?
I'm very excited about this course – I can't wait to learn more about how to
teach! I enjoy spending time with children, although I haven't done much real
teaching. I want to meet more experienced teachers, so I can learn from them.
And I have to start somewhere. If I don’t try, I'll never learn how to be a good
teacher!
• What do you do when you're not studying?
I do a lot of painting in my flat. I also play guitar in a band with some friends
here at the university. Sometimes we get paid to play shows, but usually we
do it just for fun.
Bruno Silva
• Tell us about yourself…
Hello, I'm Bruno, and I'm from São Paulo, in Brazil. I'm studying education.
This is my last year, and I've learnt so much. I live here in São Paulo with my
parents and my little sister. My father is a chef at a local restaurant, and my
mum works at a hotel. My sister is still at school. She's only 14.
• How do you feel about this course?
I've got a lot of teaching experience, but I'm always interested in learning
new ways to do things. As my father says, we never stop learning! I've been
teaching primary-school students for five years in Brazil. Most of my
students are between seven and ten years old. If I get a degree, I might get a
job at a private school. Private school teachers earn a better salary, so I'm
taking this course.
• What do you do when you're not studying?
I teach English to children in my town after school, and sometimes I help
secondary-school students with their homework at a homework help centre at
the weekend. I also look after my little sister a lot, because my parents work
long hours.

Answer: 1F, 2F, 3T, 4F, 5T, 6F, 7T, 8T, 9T, 10F

Test 5 – Reading

Part 3

Questions 1-10

Look at the sentences below about two students’ profiles. Read the text to decide
if each sentence is correct or incorrect.

If it is correct, write T for True

If it is not correct, write F for False

1. The online course Mr. Lockwood was taking had an issue.

2. The Office of Student Affairs was unable to fully restore Mr. Lockwood's work.

3. Mr. Lockwood will receive a tuition offer of 50% off if he decides to continue
his education.

4. Jenny is unable to make it to this afternoon's sales meeting.

5. Due to Jenny's damaged leg, Jenny's sister must take care of her.

6. Tarik concerned about the sales reports Jenny has been working on.

7. Frida, Nick, and Carolina all had ski-related injuries over the weekend.

8. For the rest of the week, Jenny can stay at home with Carolina.

9. As soon as Carolina can walk again, she'll be back.

10. Carolina is actually fine and everyone shouldn't be concerned about her.

Dear Mr Lockwood,

Thank you for your email about the problem you had with your online course. We
are writing to apologise about the program losing your homework. Recently,
we've had a few problems, but we're working to fix them. I've found your work,
and it's attached to this email. I've also spoken to your teacher, and she said I
could pass on her email so you can send your work to her. Her email address is
elaine.scott@bestteacher.edu.
We really hope you will continue to study with us, so we're offering you 50% off
your next course. Please write to me if you have any questions or need anything
else.
Yours sincerely,

Jenny Coles

Student Affairs Office

Dear Tarik,

I'm writing to let you know that I need to leave early today, and can't go to the
meeting with the sales team this afternoon. I'm very sorry about this.
Unfortunately, my sister fell and broke her leg when she was skiing at the
weekend. They took her to the hospital and she's OK, but I need to look after her
until she can walk again. I'm going to work from home for the rest of the week so
she can stay with me. Our boss said it was OK, and I've already handed in the sales
report we were working on, so you don't need to worry about that.
Please let me know what happens at the team meeting, and if there is anything
the team needs me to do.

Best wishes,

Jenny

Hi Frida and Nick,

A quick message to say that Carolina fell while she was skiing at the weekend. Her
leg is broken, but she'll be OK. The doctor says it's not that bad. I'm working from
home for the rest of the week so she can stay with me.
I'm really sorry to tell you this in an email, but I couldn't find your phone number.
Carolina wants me to pass on the message that she really is fine, and not to worry
about her.
All the best,
Jenny

Answer: 1T, 2F, 3T, 4T, 5F, 6F, 7F, 8T, 9T, 10F

Test 6 – Reading

Part 3

Questions 1-10
Look at the sentences below about two students’ profiles. Read the text to decide
if each sentence is correct or incorrect.

If it is correct, write T for True

If it is not correct, write F for False

1. Chinese students made up the largest number of international students in the

UK.

2. In the UK, there are three popular courses: psychology, business and
engineering.

3. A recent study predicted that by 2024, there will be 80,000 fewer overseas
students.

4. The three students' majors are literature, medicine, and psychology.

5. Li Qing made the decision to pursue his long-held desire of studying in Britain.
6. The city of Edinburg is welcoming.

7. Mushtaq has traveled to the UK frequently and his family is based in Pakistan.

8. Mushtaq has already finished three lengthy essays.

9. Andreas is an English-only speaker.

10. German food is comparable to English food.

Studying in the UK

Over 485,000 foreign students from nearly 200 countries study at universities in
the UK, with the largest number, over 120,000, coming from China. Only the USA
takes more foreign students.

The most popular courses for foreign students are business studies and
engineering. Around 130,000 of those students do a degree in business and more
than 50,000 study engineering in the UK.
A recent report by the British Council (a UK government organisation interested in
British education and culture) suggests that by 2024 an additional 83,000
international students will come to the UK to study. What makes the UK such an
attractive place to study?

Li Jing, 19, Hong Kong

I decided to study in Britain because I love reading English novels and I've always
dreamed about coming here. I applied to five universities in Britain and got a
place at Edinburgh to study medicine. I'm really happy with the course and I've
met lots of students from all over the world. Edinburgh is a friendly city and I've
already told my friend who would like to study abroad next year how good it is.

Mushtaq, 20, Pakistan

I studied at a British school in Pakistan and I've been to the UK many times. I have
family in Manchester so it seemed to be a good choice for me. I'm doing a degree
in law. I have to write a lot of essays. At the end of the year I need to hand in
three long essays and also pass my exams. I hope I manage to do everything.
Failing the exams means repeating the year. I don't want to do that!

Andreas, 23, Germany

I wanted to study abroad and because English is the only foreign language I speak
I decided to come here. I'm happy I came to England. It's close to Germany, and
the culture and the food are similar. The countryside is beautiful and English
people are quite friendly. I'm revising for my final exams in psychology at the
moment. If I pass, I'll probably stay here and look for a job.
KEY
1-T; 2- F; 3- F, 4- F, 5-T; 6- T; 7-F 8 – F, 9-T; 10- T

Test ̃7
Science fiction through the years
Robur the conqueror by rules verne
Writen in 1986 and set at the end of the 19 th century, this novel is not as well known as Vernes’s
other books, such as Around the world in Eighty Days . The title character, Robur , is an inventor
who has built a new kind of heavier than air flying machine with probellers. His invention, the
Albatronss, is more powerful than traditional lighter than air airships and can move quickly
through the sky . Angry that people doubt him, Robur kidnaps three members of a flying club
and takes them on a trip around the world in the Albatronss to show them what a great machine it
is . However , the club members set fire to the Albatronss and escape. They think that Robur is
dead and his invention has been destroyed. When they return home , they build their own airship.
On its first flight, it flies too high and drops out of the sky. Robur arrives in his rebuilt
Albatronss and saves the crew . Everyone agrees that he is the master of the air
Star Trek
Star Trek started as a TV series in 1986 and lasted for three years. The series is set in 23 rd
century . It tells the story of captain James T. Kirk and his crew on the starship USS enterprise
as they explore space and travel to different planets. Together, they face danger and have many
strange adventures. The starship enterprise had a lot of futuristic inventions that seemed amazing
in the 1960s. For example, there was a machine called a replicator which could make food and
small objects very quickly, and another called a communicator which let the crew talk to each
other directly when they were away from the starship. Since the 1960s, many different Star Trek
TV series and films have been made.
Blade Runner 2049
This was the second Blade Runner film – the first came out in 1982. Both films are based on a
short story written by Philip K. dick in 1968. The main character in Blade Runner 2049 is K,
played by Ryan Gosling. K is a replicant – a person that looks like a human being, but is part
robot. K works for the Los Angeles Police Department as a blade runner- a replicant whose job is
to track down other replicants that out of control. In the film, K discovers an important secret
that is a danger to society, and he has to find a replicant child to hide secret. The films show what
Los Angeles might look like in the future, which a crowded, high-tech environment, flying cars
and images of products shown in the sky. It also questions whether human memory is more
important than digital memory
Look at the sentences below. Read the text on the page to decide if each sentence is correct or
incorrect
If it is correct , mark T on your answer sheet
If it is not correct , mark F on your answer sheet
11. Star Trek appeared as a TV series in 198́8 and lasted for five years. The series is set in 23 rd
century .
12. His colleague rebuilt Albatronss and saves the crew
13. People want to discover the old history in Star Trek.
14. The main character in Blade Runner 2049 works as policeman.
15. The main character wants to show he has the best job in Robur the conqueror .
16. Four of these inventions were predicted in the stories .
17. The first Blade Runner film came out in 1982.
18. Robur kidnaps four members of a flying club in order to take them on a trip around the
world in the Albatronss .
19. Many different Star Trek TV series and films have been made since the 1960s.
20. K is a real machine that looks like a human being and works for the Los Angeles Police
Department as a blade runner .

Key test 7
11F 12F 13F 14T 15F 16T 17T 18F 19T 20T

Test 8
The careful traveller
Steve potter travels all over the world, as cheaply as possible . To explain why he does this, he
talks about the time he travelled to Havana, cuba and played a musical instrument called the
“bagpipes” Tourists visiting Havana often head for one of its elegant hotels to enjoy this
fascinating city. The problem , according to Steve, is it can be hard to see the real culture of the
city from a hotel. When Steve visited Havana , he stayed with a Cuban family, and although he
couldn’t order room service, or enjoy views over the city from his bedroom window, he felt part
of the community by having coffee with them in the morning and practising his Spanish. The
family introduced him to neighbours , and within days had taken him to poetry reading , to watch
Cuban baseball games, and even see a bagpipe performance. Afterwards he talked with the
performers who showed him how to play the bagpipes, discovering a side of Havana most people
don’t see. For him , this shows how cheap travel can offer a closer look at life, and has
unexpected benefits.
Travelling cheaply is interesting for any kind of trip. When Steve visited the Czech Republic
with his parents, they all checked into a youth hostel. His parents are in their 60s, but the
bacpackers there treated them just like everybody else, and offered some interesting suggestions
for places to see. They spent three days exploring the city by public transport and as well as
visiting the usual city hightlights, they saw jazz performed by children in a public square, and
admired the architecture of post offices and pizzerias. A guidebook is an essential source of
information for many tourists, though according to Steve you can miss some treats if you just
follow that too closely instead of getting recommendations from people you meet.
Steve’s style of travelling developed after leaving college, when he set off on his first major
journey. His savings were meant to be enough for a three month trip, but he decided to try and
cross three continents, and managed to make his money last for another three years.
How to spend so little is no secret according to Steve. He just avoids rushing around new cities
trying to do everything. He travels on foot, sleeps out under the stars and sometimes even dines
for free when invited by generous people . The money saved goes back in to more travelling and
it is worth it for all his amazing experiences. However, Steve says that the attraction of travel is
learning to be imaginative with his plans, and making the most of any situation rather than just
trying to live as cheaply as possible.
Look at the sentences below. Read the text on the page to decide if each sentence is correct or
incorrect
If it is correct , mark T on your answer sheet
If it is not correct , mark F on your answer sheet
11. Steve says hotels in the city centre are suitable places to start learning about a city
12. Steve asked his Cuban friends if he could perform at a local concert.
13. Steve thinks that being careful with money actually means you learn more while you are
travelling.
14.Steve’s parents were shown great respect because of their age by other travellers they met.
15. In the Czech Republic , they avoided the typical sightseeing areas popular with tourists.
16. Steve advises travellers to get a good guiderbook to learn about the places they visit
17. On his first big trip, Steve was able to use his money to travel much further than expected
18. Steve thinks it is obvious how to find ways to save money while travelling
19. Steve likes to buy meals for kind local people who have helped him
20. For Steve, using his time well is even more important than saving money.
Key test 8
11F 12F 13T 14F 15T 16F 17T 18T 19F 20T

Test 9
Ocean Research
Tessa Watt’s biology teacher was delighted when Tessa told him she was joining a special
project. She had seen on biology website. The project offered young people the chance to take
part in sea-life research in a specially protected area around an island in the indian Ocean for a
month during the summer.
The place was known for its beauty, but the work was challenging . However , part of it involved
going diving daily , so though Tessa’s parents had to pay a lot for her flight there , it still wasn’t
as much as a week’s holiday in any diving resort. To join , a diving certificate was essential , and
though Tessa already had one, she hadn’t done any diving for a while , so had to spend time in
the water before her adventure.
The project she joined was solving a real problem. The level of ocean coral – a hard pink or
white structure made up of millions of tiny sea creatures – had reduced by up to 90%, following
unusual weather in previous years, possibly caused by global warming. The project’s divers had
to discover how many different coral types were present in the sea and how healthy they looked .
This information was sent to international scientists to help them learn about the effects of rising
temperatures on these creatures.
Tessa’s home for a month was an old camp now used by project’s professional staff, and people
who like Tessa, were working there as students rather than employees. Tessa and other group
members quickly learnt the camp rountine , which in addition to tasks like putting information
onto the computer and checking the boats, included housework . Several people tried to avoid
this, complaining that they were just there to help with research, but the organisers soon
explained what was expected. There was also studying to do, with everyone needing to prove
they could identify different coral before being allowed out to sea without a staff – member.
It wasn’t all work though : Tessa’s group explored parts of the jungle with experts and made
visits to a nearby school where they were taught more about the island by the children
themselves. Trips futher out were limited to weekends , and although Tessa and her friend
occasionally hired cars to enjoy the Island’s beaches, they generally caught crowded local buses
into the island’s capital, as there was little time to do more.
A lot of work was needed to keep the camp running and everyone supplied with meals . They
had very simple ingredients, and preparation wasn’t helped by having a basic kitchen. For Tessa,
however, the whole experience was incredible . She learnt that she could do more than she
thought possible, and made many new friends.
Look at the sentences below. Read the text on the page to decide if each sentence is correct or
incorrect
If it is correct, mark T on your answer sheet
If it is not correct, mark F on your answer sheet
11. Tessa found out about the ocean wildlife project from her biology teacher at school.
12. Tessa’s trip cost considerably more than a holiday in a diving resort
13. Tessa had to collect information that would help researchers studying climate change.
14. The place where Tessa stayed was specially built for people working on the project
15. Some group members were unhappy about certain activities that they were asked to do
16. Group members were tested on their knowledge before they could collect information for the
scientists
17. Tessa’s group were pleased to spend some of their time teaching local schoolchildren
18. Tessa’s group visited other parts of the island by car and bus
19. Tessa took advantage of the many opportunities to relax on the beach at weekends.
20. Tessa found it difficult to deal with the limited range of food available at the camp.
Key test 9
11F 12F 13T 14F 15T 16T 17F 18T 19F 20F

Test 10 reading
Sally keeping wasn’t the first person in her family to sail around Britain on her own but, for a
while, she was the youngest. Last March, 17- year- old- Sally, who lives in Penzance in the south
of England, set off in her10 metre sailing boat, and arrived home again three months later. Once
year after that, her 15- year-old cousin Mark did the same thing!
As you can imagine , Sally comes from a family of keen sailors. Her father has built and repaired
boats all his life, and her mother was a sailing champion. In fact, Sally’s first home was a sailing
boat!
Although she grew up in Penzance, and attends secondary school there , her family have gone
on long sailing trips all over the world. At one point, just before Sally was old enough to go to
school , they took a six- month cruise of the Pacific islands. When she became a teenager, Sally
started to save money to buy her own boat. She ended up with an old 11- metre yacht, which her
father helped repair. Sally also managed to get financial assistance when she found a sports
company willing to give her money in return for advertising their product on the side of the boat.
Sally set off from Penzance on 29 March 2015 , and headed east. Her father had arranged for her
to stay with an old friend of his in Aberdeen- roughly half way through her journey . His friend
had been a keen sailor in his younger days, but no longer took part due to an accident. Sally was
glad to sleep in a house for a couple of nights!
When she set off, Sally still had some schoolwork to finish, so she carried on studying while she
was away . She took a labtop and her schoolbooks with her. In the evening, she ‘d send her work
to her father by email, and she ‘s check it to make sure she was doing okay.
The trip was not without problem. A faulty pump prevented the fuel from flowing to the engine.
What is more, there were several occasions when she had to deal with two – metre waves. Also ,
a complete lack of wind meant that she couldn’t land in Aberdeen to see her father’s friend as
soon as she would have liked to.
On June 30, after three months at sea, Sally arrived back in Penzance harbour. At the party put
on for her, Sally’s cousin Mark- who was only 14 at the time- was so excited by her stories that
he decided to copy her. From that day on , Sally did everything she could to encourage him to do
that.
Look at the sentences below. Read the text on the page to decide if each sentence is correct or
incorrect
If it is correct, mark T on your answer sheet
If it is not correct, mark F on your answer sheet
11. Sally is the youngest person in her family to sail around Britain alone
12. Sally’s father was interested in boát before sally was born
13. Sally started school later than most children
14. Sally paid for her own boat with financial help from her parents
15. Before beginning her trip, Sally made money by appearing in advertisments for a sports
company
16. Sally’s father ‘s friend had some personal experience of Sally’s sport
17. Sally’s father emailed work she had completed to her school for checking
18. A part from the problem with the fuel pumb, everything on Sally’s boat worked well
19. Sally’s arrival in Aberden was delayed because of the weather conditions
20. Sally was annoyed that her cousin wanted to do the same thing as her.
Key test 10
11F 12T 13F 14F 15F 16T 17F 18T 19T 20F