ROUND II.

Reading Comprehension Test for 11th form

Students
Directions:
In this Test, you will read four texts. Each text is followed by 5-
10 tasks. You should do the tasks following the text based on what is
stated or implied in that text. For each task, you will choose the best
possible answer from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D) or two
symbols (+ or -) as specified before each task. Choose the best
answer and write down the letter or symbol of your choice on the
answer sheet.
Questions 1 through 5 refer to Text 1.
Text 1
Nkosi Johnson was an AIDS victim activist, who became a martyr and
iconic figure in South Africa's battle against the epidemic. When he
was refused admission to school because he had HIV, Nkosi hit the
headlines. His foster mother, Gail Johnson, gave him her name and in
return took his, opening up Nkosi's Haven, a Johannesburg refuge for
those facing death from AIDS. Despite his dwindling health, Nkosi
remained a vocal activist in the war on AIDS, even publicly rebuking
President Thado Mbeki in July 2000 for his controversial stance on the
causes of the disease. "Babies are dying very quickly", said Nkosi on
that occasion. Nkosi had to be one of them.
Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A,
B, C or D)
1. Nkosi became an activist:
a) because he had AIDS;
b) because his mother had AIDS;
c) because he was not allowed to go to school;
d) because he did not agree with the president.

2. When Nkosi was refused school admission he:

a) stayed at home and did nothing; b) studied with a private tutor;
c) publicly rebuked the president; d) told his story to the local media.
3. What is Nkosi's Haven?
a) an animal shelter; b) a home for AIDS victims;
c) a school; d) a community centre.
4. Nkosi rebuked President Mbeki because:
a) he disagreed with him;
b) the president had helped him;
c) he liked the president's stance on the disease;
d) the president said that people with AIDS are bad.
5. Where is Nkosi now?
a) in Johannesburg; b) at Nkosi's Haven;
c) in school; d) dead.
Questions 6 through 15 refer to Text 2.
Text 2
Ask anyone where they plan to celebrate at least part of the annual
Kyiv Days Festival on the last weekend of May, and their answer will
be — Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew's Descent) of course! Over the
centuries, this twisting 850-meter street has wound its way up
between the lush hills of the capital into the cultural and spiritual
heart of Kyiv. Its collection of several dozen picturesque buildings is
soaked in history that stretches back a thousand years. Intellectuals,
craftsmen and artists have gravitated towards Andrew's Descent for
generations.
Like many historic places, the origin of Andrew's Descent is part myth
and legend. Today's Descent was first mentioned in the 11th century.
Then it was the main road between several towns. However, Saint
Andrew blessed the surrounding hills and foretold the future glory of
Kyiv while visiting during the first half of the 1st century. The place
where Saint Andrew put a cross in memory of his vision is now the
location of the magnificent Baroque style Saint Andrew's Church.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it
is false)
Andrew's Descent is a flat 850-meter long street.
6 +-
Many people come to Andrew's Descent to celebrate May 1.
7 +-
Andrew's Descent has many beautiful historical buildings.
8 +-
Intellectuals, craftsmen and artists have lived on Andrew's
Descent for many generations.
9 +-
1 The history of Andrew's Descent is known exactly.
0 +-
1 Andrew's Descent used to connect several towns.
1 +-
1 Saint Andrew blessed the church and told of the glory of Kiev.
2 +-
1 Andrew's Descent was first written about in the 11th century.
3 +-
1 Saint Andrew's Church was built in a classical style.
4 +-
1 The Kyiv Days Festival happens every year.
5 +-
Questions 16 through 20 refer to Text 3.
Text 3
On a giant stage in London, England, three young actors take their
places on a chessboard. Smoke is pumped onto the set, creating an
eerie mist. Giant chess pieces tower over Daniel Radcliff Rupert Grint
and Emma Watson. They are playing three of the best-loved
characters in children's literature today; the brave young wizard Harry
Potter, his best friend, Ron Weasley, and their brainy friend Hermione
Granger. All of them are actors in the new film "Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer's Stone". The richly decorated set has cast a spell on the
actors. "I really did believe I was playing with giant chess pieces",
Daniel later said. "The sets are truly amazing", he adds. In the fall
of 2001, the world had a chance to see Daniel as Harry. That's when
the film based on J. K. Rowling's best-selling book finally came to
theatres.
Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it
is false)
1
6 Many parts of the film are being made outdoors in London. +-
1
7 Harry Potter is not very popular among children. +-
1
8 The scene discussed in this text takes place on a chessboard. +-
1
9 Daniel Radcliff is being played by Harry Potter. +-
2 The film is based on the book "Harry Potter and the Sourcerer's
0 Stone". +-