10th form

Listening Comprehension Text for 10^th form

When Faye Pattison, a penniless 21-year-old student, checked her bank 

account recently, she was surprised to find a very healthy balance…

I: Was finding all that cash a shock?

You bet. I’m a typical student, struggling on a part-time job at Woolworth’s. It was 

two weeks before my next statement was due to be sent out from the bank. I 

was checking my balance at the cashpoint machine, just in case my wages had 

already been paid in.  Then up came all these zeros. My first reaction was panic – I thought it was an overdraft – although I soon realized my account was actually in credit 

by a massive amount.

I: How much was in there?

The balance the first time was 34,000 pounds.  As I stood there, visions of 

touring Australia flashed through my mind.  But I knew it wasn’t mine, so I went 

into the bank and told them they made a mistake.

I: Were they pleased at your honesty?

I thought they would be, but they just sat me in a corner and ignored me for half

 an hour. They took it back in the end, explaining it was from another bank. 

One number was keyed incorrectly, so the money ended up in my account.

I: Was that the end of the story?

Two weeks later, I again checked my balance to be sure they’d sorted it out. Up

 popped 500,000 pounds.  I felt like a lottery winner, though without the ticket.  

 When I told the bank this time, they said that because their computers were 

down I would have to leave it with them. I did, but within the week, the sum

 had doubled!

I: How much was in there?

Over a million! I was falling about laughing at the cashpoint; the people behind 

me must have thought I was on drugs or something. It was brilliant looking down

 at those figures and imagining it was really mine.

I: Hadn’t the bank noticed by this time?

Apparently not. Since my boyfriend John worked for another bank, he knows

 how banks operate.  He couldn’t believe what had happened.  After a few weeks,

 my friends started saying I should move the money abroad and take off!  Even my 

dad, who’s a retired policeman, said I should start withdrawing 300 pounds a day

 – that’s the interest, so I wouldn’t have been touching the capital.

I: Were you surprised that they did nothing?

I was, and annoyed as well. I gave up on my local branch, and contacted the head 

office in order to sort it out once and for all. But in spite of phoning them 

numerous times, it still took a while before anyone would deal with the matter. 

 And even then, their attitude was amazing. They seemed very ungrateful 

considering all the hassle they caused me.

I: Was that the end of the story?

Not quite. The day after the 1 million pounds was finally removed from my 

account, 300 pounds appeared.  It was part of the interest earned.  I know 300 

pounds isn’t a fortune to some people but for me it was a lot.  I did tell the bank 

about it but eventually they said I could keep it. I’m spending it on a trip to Turkey.

Listening Comprehension Test For 10^th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed by 

20 tasks. You should do tasks 1 through 10 following the first reading of the text on

 the basis of what is stated or implied in the text. The text will be read a second time, 

and you should do tasks 11 through 20 following the second reading of the text on the 

basis of what is stated or implied in the text. For each task you will choose from 

four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to 

each task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or symbol of your choice on

 the Answer Sheet.

Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true,

 - if it is false).

1	Faye Pattison is a young woman who works part-time.	+	-
2	Faye Pattison tries to fix a large mistake.	+	-
3	At one point, Faye Pattison becomes a millionaire.	+	-
4	By the end of the story, Faye is annoyed with her bank.	+	-
5	John, Faye’s boyfriend, works for a bank.	+	-
6	In order to correct the mistake, Faye had to spend several weeks working with her local bank.	+	-
7	Faye’s father is a retired policeman.	+	-
8	Faye thinks that her reaction when she sees her balance on the screen of the cash machine causes people around her to think she is on drugs.	+	-
9	At the end of the story, Faye has received 34,000 pounds to keep.	+	-
10	Faye is upset because the bank doesn’t let her keep the money.	+	-

 

 

STOP. WAIT FOR THE SECOND READING OF THE TEXT

Questions 11 through 20 (choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

11.  Faye Pattison experiences all these emotions except

a.     Panic

b.     Annoyance

c.      Loneliness

d.     Happiness

12. At the end of the story, Faye ends up with

a.     1 million pounds

b.     34,000 pounds

c.      300 pounds

d.     500,000 pounds

13. Faye’s friends advise her to

e.      Keep the money and retire

f.       Move the money to a new account

g.     Go on a trip around the world

h.     Tell the bank about the money

14. John tells Faye that

i.       Banks shouldn’t be able to make such big mistakes

j.       The account number was probably wrong

k.     The bank can’t find out that she has the money

l.       They should go to Turkey on vacation together

15. Faye becomes irritated with her bank because

m.  They keep her in the office for hours

n.     They don’t seem to want to fix the mistake

o.     They don’t give her a reward for her honesty

p.    They make her change her account number.

16.Faye’s father gives her advice. He tells her

a.     To take the money

b.     To take out the interest on the money

c.      To tell the bank

d.     To keep her money in cash, not in the bank

17.We learn all of these facts about Faye except

a.     She is honest

b.     She is planning a trip abroad

c.      She has a boyfriend

d.     She is an economics student

18.Faye says that the bank’s “attitude was amazing.” She probably means that

a.     The bank really worked hard to fix the situation

b.     The bank offered her a reward for her honesty

c.      The bank acted as though the mistake was Faye’s fault

d.     The bank didn’t seem to care about fixing the mistake

19.The last act of the story occurred when

a.     The money was finally removed from her account

b.     She decided to take her father’s advice

c.      The amount of money in the account doubled overnight

d.     She got an interest payment on 1 million pounds

20.Faye says that finding lots of unexpected money in her account was

a.     Hilarious

b.     Frightening

c.      Brilliant

d.     A shock

Reading Comprehension Test for 10th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will read three texts. Each text is followed by 10 tasks. You should do the tasks following the text on the basis of 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 prior to 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

Men at Work: Men on the Side of the Road, South Africa        

Training courses and job placements have improved the quality of life for 

roadside laborers. It’s a familiar sight in South Africa: hundreds of men 

standing alongside the road, waiting to be hired for work. An estimated 

100,000 people per day can be found seeking work this way. With 

unemployment (no jobs) at 45%, their wait is often in vain (useless).

         “Men on the Side of the Road” is an organizational project that works to improve

 the job possibility and quality of life of the “roadside” workers. A registration 

system looks at the skills of individuals as they wait for work. Training courses and

 jobs are offered to help them improve their skills. The project started a 

tool-lending scheme to enable the unemployed to set themselves up in various businesses.

Some 50,000 new and re-cycled tools had been donated in response to a 

public campaign. Tools received in poor condition were repaired by the 

unemployed men themselves. Those men who remain without work are 

encouraged to improve conditions at their waiting sites by building roadside

 toilets, shelters, and wells. The achievements of the project have been recognized 

by the United Nations, which awarded “Men on the Side of the Road” a 

special prize.

Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

1.  In South Africa there are ___ men standing on the roads looking for work every day.

a.  1000

b.  10,000

c.  100,000

d.  1,000,000

2.  A _______________system assesses the skills of individuals as they wait for work.

a.  roadside

b.  response

c.  raising

d.  registration

3.  In a public campaign, donated tools are:

a.  new

b.  re-cycled

c.  repaired

d.  all of the above

4.  While waiting for work, men are encouraged to build:

a.  toilets

b.  shelters

c.  wells

d.  all of the above

5.  Achievements of the project have been recognized and given a special prize from the:

a.  South African government

b.  Ford Foundation

c.  United Nations

d.  Roadside Workers of the World

Questions 6 through 16 refer to Text 2.

Text 2. KILLER WHALES

These mammals are absolutely beautiful. They have a very distinctive 

black-and-white colouration. Over 600 killer whales live along British Columbia

’s coastline. They make up some of the most complex communities we have seen 

in mammals. They always travel in groups called pods. There are between five 

and thirty animals in each pod. The whales live and travel with their mothers

 even after they are fully-grown, forming strongly matriarchal whale societies. 

Over its lifetime, the group will never separate and a female will always act as 

the leader of the group. Killer whales are very successful hunters due to the

ir cooperative hunting, where all animals within the pod participate.

Female killer whales usually give birth every three to ten years. Killer whales 

have no natural predators (they are the top predators of the oceans) and can live 

for about fifty to eighty years. They are not considered endangered.

Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)

6	Killer whales have no natural enemies in the ocean.	+	-
7	Because there are only 600 killer whales in British Columbia, they are considered endangered.	+	-
8	Killer whales maintain a very strong social structure.	+	-
9	Dominant male whales are the leaders of their society.	+	-
10	Killer whales travel, hunt, and spend their lifetimes in their own pods.	+	-
11	The whales have a very long lifespan.	+	-
12	Killer whales are difficult to identify because of their unremarkable colouring.	+	-
13	All killer whales are vegetarians.	+	-
14	Usually female killer whales give birth to between three and ten young.	+	-
15	Killer whales are excellent hunters as they usually go hunting alone.	+	-
16.	Probably in the nearest future there won’t be killer whales left on the Earth.	+	-

Questions 17 through 22 refer to Text 3

Text 3

AUBERGINE MOUSSAKA

Ingredients: 600 grams aubergines 300 grams minced meat half a minced onion parsley a little tomato puree breadcrumbs olive oil or butter for frying

Sauce: 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 3-4 tablespoons flour 2 cups milk 1 egg salt and pepper 1 tablespoon grated cheese

Method:
Slice the aubergines, sprinkle them with salt, and leave them to dry.  Fry them in butter

 or olive oil.  Fry 300 grams minced meat in butter or oil, with half minced onion, 

parsley and a little tomato puree. Grease a baking dish and coat it with breadcrumbs.   

Put in it a layer of aubergines, then the minced meat.  Add the remaining aubergines 

and cover with the thick sauce (recipe below).  To the sauce add a few breadcrumbs and

 a little melted butter.  Brown in the oven.

Sauce:

Melt the butter.  Add the flour little by little and stir until dissolved.  Remove the pan 

from the stove, add the milk and stir till all the flour dissolves and it is cooked thoroughly.  Stir the sauce continuously until it becomes like custard; add cheese and egg. 

Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

17.      To “sprinkle” the aubergines means:

a)     cover them completely with salt

b)    place them in the oven with salt

c)   shake a small quantity of salt over them

d)    place them in the refrigerator with salt

18.All of the following should be fried with the minced meat except:

a) onion

b) tomato puree

c) parsley

d) breadcrumbs

19.The phrase “grease a baking dish” means:

a) spread butter or oil around the dish

b) place it in the oven for a few minutes

c) place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes

d) let in stand overnight in a warm place

20.The sauce is a mostly a mixture of:

a) meat, onion and parsley

b) flour, milk, cheese and egg

c) aubergines, butter and salt

d) custard, cheese and egg

21.After the dish is assembled, it should be:

a) heated in the oven until it is brown

b) left on the stove until it is brown

c) placed in the refrigerator overnight

d) served immediately

22.When the sauce is finished it will be:

a) thin and watery

b) thick

c) frozen

d) minced

Questions 23 through 30 refer to Text 4

Text 4

MANAGER WANTED

Herbal Health, Madrid

Herbal Health is one of the world’s leading companies in health and dietary products.

Applications are invited for the post of Manager at our Madrid store.

Applicants must speak English, be computer literate, have administrative experience and an interest in health and lifestyle issues.  An ability to speak Spanish is an advantage, although language training will be provided.

Responsibilities include day-to-day running of the store together with recruitment and training of new staff.  The manager acts as representative for the company and is expected to provide excellent service to customers.

Contact Sue Jones on (00 44) 181 744 1243 for more information.

Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

23)           Based on the information provided, the position of Manager appears to be:

a)     an entry-level job

b)    a higher-level position involving some responsibility

c)     a job that requires a lot of travel

d)    a job that requires a university degree

24)           People who apply for the job as Manager:

a)     Will not need to speak Spanish on the job

b)    Need to prove they can speak Spanish at the time of the interview

c)     will be given instruction in Spanish once they are hired

d)    need to have a university degree in Spanish

25)           The products Herbal Health offers might include:

a)     Vitamin tablets

b)    Travel accessories

c)     Computer equipment

d)    Wines from Spain and Portugal

26)           The phrase “administrative experience” means the applicant:

a)     must have worked for government agencies

b)    must have used the company’s products in the past

c)     should have experience in working with large amounts of data

d)    should have experience working in an educational environment

27)           The phrase “running of the store” means:

a)     the store will be very busy

b)    the operation of the store

c)     the store will be open seven days a week

d)    the products of the store will also be available on the internet

28)           According to the text, all of the following will be functions of the Manager except:

a)     speaking Spanish

b)    hiring new employees

c)     training new employees

d)    setting prices of new products

29)           Based on the text, one can conclude that Herbal Health is:

a)     a small business conducted from someone’s home

b)    a fairly large store

c)     an online business

d)    a mail-order business

30)           The position of Manager is appropriate for someone who is interested in:

a)     exercise

b)    nutrition

c)     weight loss

d)    all of the above

           Writing Comprehension Test For 10th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait until your test materials will be collected.

1.     What do you consider to be a family? How important is family life in today’s world? There are more and more divorces and single-parent families; how is this affecting today’s youth? If you could make some changes to strengthen the family in today’s culture, what would you do?

2.     Right now, the world is becoming more and more polluted, greenhouse gasses are being blamed for causing global warming, and our world population is growing. What do you consider to be the most important environmental issue? What can we do to improve this environmental problem? How much should the government interfere in order to make these changes happen?

3.     Most people think that high education should be available only for the most capable students. Others think that everyone should have higher education. Write what is your opinion.

SPEAKING COMPREHENSION TEST FOR 10TH FORM STUDENTS

Directions:

In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. Take a deep breath and begin.

1.     Celebrities have a lot of influence nationally and internationally.

a.     What Ukrainian celebrity are you most proud of?

b.     What are some of this celebrity’s accomplishments?

c.      How does this person bring pride to your nation and culture?

2.     The choices we make in our youth can greatly affect our adult lives.

a.     What decision have you made in your life that you think will be the most important to your future?

b.     If you could, would you change the decision you made? Why? Why not?

c.      What future decisions do you foresee needing to make?

3.     Change is a fundamental part of life and an essential part of the development of a community.

a.     In your community, what are the most notable changes you have seen in the last year?

b.     Have these changes been positive or negative?

c.      What do you think should be changed? Why?

4.     Tell about an ethical person you know.

a.     Why do you say that he or she is ethical?

b.     What has this person done or not done that gives him or her special integrity?

c.      Would this person be a role model you wish to follow? Why or why not?

5.     Ukraine is a nation made up of different traditions and cultural styles.

a.     Describe these differences briefly to a person who knows little of Ukraine’s diversity.

b.     What traditions are you most proud of?

c.      Please describe them and explain why they are important to you.

6.     The 20^th century was dominated by advances in technology, most notably the invention of the computer and its widespread use across the planet.

a.     What do you think about technology and modernization?

b.     What advantages and disadvantages of modernization do you see and foresee?

c.      Where is technology taking us and what can we expect in the future?

7.     Art has long been described as the truest form of self-expression and depicting the complicated world around us.

a.     What form of art means the most to you and why?

b.     What specific work of art especially reflects something about you and how you think and feel?

c.      Describe how it represents you and your thoughts.

8.     You are now in the tenth form. In a year you will graduate from school. Looking back,

a.     What advice would you like to give to younger pupils about school life?

b.     What would you like to see changed about your school or the system of education in Ukraine?

c.      What are your goals to improve yourself in your future life at university or in your career?

9.     A Greek proverb says that “Nothing is permanent except change.”

a.     How do you interpret this proverb?

b.     Do you agree with the statement or not? Why?

c.      Give some examples from life that support your opinion.

10.  You will be stranded alone on a deserted island. You have time only to take one thing with you before the ship sinks.

a. What one thing will you take and why?

b. How will it help you survive alone on the deserted island?

c. What would be your first steps to prepare for an uncertain time on the island?

11.                       Holidays are special times when people give and receive presents signifying their love for one another.

a.     What do you think is better, to give or to receive presents? Why?

b.     What presents do you especially wish for? Why do you want these things?

c.      If you had the money or ability to give one person in the world anything, to whom would you give it, what would you give, and why?

12.                       Many people disagree about the secret of having a healthy body. Different food diets, exercise routines and vitamins are just some of the things that are recommended.

a.     What do you think are the keys to a healthy lifestyle and a long life? Why?

b.     How could you present your advice to get people to follow it?

c.      What are currently the biggest threats to the health of Ukrainians? Why?

13.                       Many people believe that violence on television and in the movies is the cause of many of today’s problems.

a.     What is your opinion on this subject?

b.     What effects does violence have on viewers?

c.      What solutions could you propose that would make both sides on this argument happy?

14.                       It is hard to imagine a world hundreds of years ago without the modern conveniences we are accustomed to.

a.    What do you think has been the most influential invention of all time? Why?

b.    Where would we be without this invention today?

c.           If you could invent anything you wanted, what would it be, what would it do and how would it help us?

15.                       You want to run for the position of class president at your school.

a.     What issues are of interest to the students?

b.     What promises will you make to the students to get elected?

c.      What are your personal motives for wanting this office?

16.                        Imagine that there is something that you have been wanting to buy for a really long time.

a.     Would it be really expensive, something such as a car or a computer?

b.     Would it be something „valuable” in different way?

c.      Under what circumstances would you spend the money on your purchase and under what circumstances would you not spend the money?

17. ”Fast food” is coming to Ukraine.

          a. What is “fast food”? What has your experience of it been?

          b. Do you agree that it is bad for your health?

          c. How would you react if you learned that McDonalds was opening in your home town?

18. Television shows and movies from America are everywhere in Ukraine.

a. Describe the picture of American life a Ukrainian would learn from these shows

b. Discuss American cities, families and homes as you see them on American shows

 c. Based on what you have seen, what aspects of American life are most different from yours?

19. An American visitor has come to spend six weeks in your town.

a. Give the American some information about your town, its history and features

b. Tell the American some good places to shop, to eat, and to relax.

c. Warn the American about the ways your town is different from his home in America.

20. Pollution may be a problem in your community and others in our oblast.

             a. Describe any problems with pollution in the area where you live

             b. Talk about the effects of pollution on the people, the crops and the animals

             c. Tell what you think should and could be done to make the situation better.

Listening Comprehension Text for 9^th form

In America, we celebrate many holidays during the year.  I will tell you about three

 of my favorite holidays, when they occur, why they are important and how 

we celebrate them.  These three holidays are the Fourth of July, Halloween, 

and Thanksgiving.

  On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of the United States.  This holiday 

is not only called the Fourth of July, but also Independence Day.  On July 4, 1776, 

the people of the American colonies declared their independence from England.  Many people, including George Washington, helped the early Americans gain 

their freedom and independence.  Today, Americans celebrate the Fourth of July

 in different ways.  Many families gather to enjoy a special meal outdoors in the 

warm weather.  Some families go to the beach to relax.  Some families watch 

sports such as baseball. And all over America, people watch a beautiful show

 of fireworks. 

  Another one of my favourite holidays is Halloween.  We celebrate Halloween on

 the 31^st of October.  Children all over America love Halloween.  They dress up 

in costumes, looking like ghosts and witches.  They ask people for candy and 

other sweet things to eat.  They go to parties and try to scare one another.  Even 

adults love Halloween, because it is a time to dress in costume and pretend to 

be someone else.

  My third favourite holiday is Thanksgiving.  We celebrate Thanksgiving on the 

last Thursday in November.  Children do not go to school and adults do not go

 to work on this special day.  Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to 

express their thanks for the fall harvest.  Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving to 

take time to be thankful for all the wonderful things we have, such as family, 

food, good health and freedom.  On Thanksgiving, families gather and enjoy a 

special meal of turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.  In New York City, there is a special parade with music and dancing.  Many Americans watch the Thanksgiving

 parade on television to make the day special.  I have been to the parade and 

have enjoyed seeing how happy everyone is to celebrate this special day.

                        Listening Comprehension Test For 9^th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will carefully listen to a text read aloud twice. The text is followed by 20 tasks. You should do tasks 1 through 10 following the first reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the text. The text will be read a second time and you should do tasks 11 through 20 following the second reading of the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the text. For each task you will choose from four possible answers (A, B, C, or D), or two symbols (+ or -) as specified prior to each task. Choose the best answer and mark the letter or symbol of your choice on the Answer Sheet.

Questions 1 through 10 (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true,

- if it is false).

1	The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day.	+	-
2	The American colonies declared their freedom from Spain.	+	-
3	Many Americans watch sports such as basketball on July 4th.	+	-
4	The story also discussed Halloween, which falls on October 30th.	+	-
5	It is customary for children to ask people for flowers on Halloween.	+	-
6	Both children and adults like dressing up in costume on Halloween.	+	-
7	The third holiday mentioned, Thanksgiving, occurs in August.	+	-
8	One of the traditional foods of Thanksgiving is macaroni.	+	-
9	Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for good health and freedom.	+	-
10	In New York City, there is a big parade every Thanksgiving Day.	+	-

 

 

STOP. WAIT FOR THE SECOND READING OF THE TEXT

Questions 11 through 20 (choose the cor­rect letter A, B, C, or D)

11)    All of the following holidays are mentioned in the passage except:

a)     the Fourth of July

b)    Christmas

c)     Thanksgiving

d)    Halloween

12)    The Fourth of July commemorates:

a)     U.S. independence from Spain

b)    U.S. independence from France

c)     U.S. independence from England

d)    U.S. independence from all foreign powers

13)    The weather on the Fourth of July is described as:

a)     cool

b)    hot

c)     warm

d)    moderate

14)    America declared its independence in the year:

a)     1876

b)    1772

c)     1676

d)    1776

15)    Halloween is celebrated on:

a)     October 31^st

b)    October 13^th

c)     October 30^th

d)    October 3^rd

16)    The speaker mentions that on Halloween children dress up as:

a)     movie stars

b)    baseball players

c)     ghosts and witches

d)    animals

17)    Thanksgiving is celebrated on:

a)     the first Friday in November

b)    the last Thursday in November

c)     the third Thursday in November

d)    the last Tuesday in November

18)    Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express thanks for:

a)     the winter harvest

b)    the fall harvest

c)     rainfall

d)    peace with their neighbors

19)  The speaker mentions all of the following foods except:

a)    pumpkin pie

b)    corn

c)     sweet potatoes

d)    turkey

20)           In New York City on Thanksgiving there is a special:

a)     football game

b)    political demonstration

c)     parade

d)    fireworks show

Reading Comprehension Test for 9th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will read four texts. Each text is followed by 5-12 tasks. You should do the tasks following the text on the basis of 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 

prior to each task. Choose the best answer and write down the letter or symbol of your choice on the answer sheet.

Questions 1 through 8 refer to Text 1.

Text 1

BLACK AND RARE WHITE BEARS

Along the coast of British Columbia lives a population of between 120,000 

and 160,000 black bears. Adult male black bears range from about 130 to 

190 centimeters in length and 60 to 300 kilograms in weight.

The bears are generally vegetarian. Their diet consists of roots, berries, nuts,

 fish, insects and sometimes other animals.

Female black bears become mature at the age of three and usually give birth to two or three cubs. Cubs remain with their mothers for a year and a half. Consequently, the 

most often that female black bears can give birth is every two years. An amazing

 fact about black bears is that they can produce beautiful bears that are white in color!

Except for females with cubs, black bears spend most of their time alone. During 

the breeding season, a male and female may remain together for several days at a 

time. Their life expectancy in their natural environment is twenty to twenty-five 

years. The Canadian Government realises that these black and white bears are 

very special. As a result, some steps have been taken to protect them. For 

example, there is a law that prevents people from hunting the bears.

Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)

1.	Canadian black bears are always vegetarian.	+	-
2.	Except for mothers with their young, black bears are solitary animals.	+	-
3.	Canadian black bears can be observed in two different color varieties.	+	-
4.	An average black bear may measure 160 centimeters in length and 200 kilograms in weight.	+	-
5.	A black bear is not considered an adult until it is at least ten years old.	+	-
6.	Hunting season for black bears occurs every spring.	+	-
7.	The population of British Columbian black bears along the Pacific Ocean is approximately 120,000 – 160,000.	+	-
8.	Most black bears have the same lifespan as most people.	+	-

Questions 9 through 15 refer to Text 2.

 

Text 2

“So you think I’m courageous?” she asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“Perhaps I am. But that’s because I’ve had some inspiring teachers.  I’ll tell you

 about one of them.  Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at 

Stanford Hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liza who was suffering 

from a rare and serious disease.  Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a 

blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived 

the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. 

 The doctor explained the situation to her little brother and asked the boy if he 

would be willing to give his blood to his sister.  I saw him hesitate for only a

 moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save Liza.”

“As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, as 

we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks.  Then his face grew pale and 

his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked in a trembling voice, 

“Will I start to die right away?”

Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to

 have to give her ALL his blood.

“Yes, I’ve learned courage,” she added, “because I’ve had inspiring teachers.”

Questions (on your answer sheet circle + if the statement is true, - if it is false)

9.	The speaker tells us that she has learned to be brave from the examples of others.	+	-
10.	The speaker was at Stanford Hospital because she was a doctor.	+	-
11.	A family member is the only person who can save Liza because her brother has the needed antibodies in his blood.	+	-
12.	A “transfusion” is probably taking blood from one person and giving it to another.	+	-
13.	An “antibody” is probably protection from a disease.	+	-
14.	The little brother turns pale because Liza has stopped breathing.	+	-
15.	The speaker learned courage from a five year old.	+	-

Questions 16 through 20 refer to Text 3.

Text 3

Rechargeable batteries are restoring coral reefs in the tropical island of Vanuatu.

 The tiny Pacific Island of Vanuatu has no main supply of electricity – inhabitants 

rely on batteries for their electrical energy. Batteries are expensive and account 

for a large proportion of most families’ monthly income. They are also difficult to dispose of as they release acids and toxic chemicals as they decompose (decay, rot).

         In Vanuatu, most households solved this problem by dumping used batteries into

 the sea. This was severely damaging to the island’s finest asset (benefit): its coral 

reefs. Chemicals seeping from the sunken batteries were poisoning fish and killing the 

coral.

         Vanuatu’s Marine Protected Area Group decided to tackle the problem by 

encouraging the use of rechargeable batteries. The “Nguna-Pele” Rechargeable 

Battery Project purchased a powerful 600W solar panel, a battery charger, and 

900 rechargeable batteries. In the tropical sunshine, this array is capable of 

recharging around 60 batteries per day. Charged batteries are rented to the population

 at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

         The benefits to the coral reef are already being seen. Dead batteries are no 

longer being found within the Marine Protected Area and the fish populations appear to be returning.

Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

16.      Vanuatu is: a.     a mountain area b.     an island c.      a river d.     a lake area
17.      Vanuatu’s finest asset is its: a.     working animals b.     beautiful birds c.      rare pigs d.     coral reefs
18.      Vanuatu’s solar panels: a.     provide cooking fuels b.     heat their homes c.      provide hot bath water d.     recharge their batteries
19.      Vanuatu inhabitants rely on: a.     electricity b.     coral minerals c.      batteries d.     solar heat
20.      A problem for Vanuatu was: a.     finding food b.     electrical wires c.      disposing of batteries d.     marine fish

Questions 21 through 30 refer to Text 4.

Text 4

         Georgian cooking has something in common with other regional cuisines but is on 

the whole unmistakably distinctive.  The ingredients are usually very fresh (different 

dishes are cooked in different seasons), and the recipes elaborate.  Many dishes 

involve grated walnuts, garlic, and a range of herbs and spices.  West Georgian cooking

 in particular can be quite hot, as it employs the use of a lot of chili.

         Georgian cuisine is good news for vegetarians, as there are many delicious 

vegetarian specialties such as lobio (red or green beans with herbs and spices), pkhal

i (a spinach or beetroot paste with walnuts and garlic), aubergines, mushrooms and 

salad.  The table is usually covered with a great variety of dishes, some meat, 

some vegetable, from which you can take your choice. 

         Fish is not eaten much, but there are many excellent meat dishes.  There 

are mouthwatering combinations such as lamb with tarragon and wild plums, chicken 

with tomatoes and herbs, lamb stew with aubergines, and tomatoes and turkey or chick

en eaten cold in a walnut sauce.  Other tasty sauces include the wild plum tkemali and 

the hot chili ajika. 

         Georgians generally like their food salty, and many people would say that some

 of their cheeses suffer from this, though sulguni and gudis kveli, two of the more 

famous types, deserve their reputation.  The Georgian variety of yoghurt, matsoni, is 

very good.

         Dessert usually means cakes, typically laden with cream and sugar, and fruit, 

which the country has in great abundance.  In the autumn in eastern Georgia,  

churchkhela is made by coating strings of nuts in wine juice and flour.

         People eat at any time of day, and often the food dished up for breakfast may

 be similar to what you get at dinner (including the wine or vodka if you are a house 

guest).  However, the most typical breakfast fare is bread with cheese, omelettes, honey 

and jam.

Questions (on your answer sheet choose the correct letter A, B, C or D)

21. Georgian cooking is characterized as: a) simple b) bland c) elaborate d) unimportant to people

22. The use of chili in many dishes makes them taste: a) salty b) hot c)sweet d)like chocolate

23.The Georgian diet is characterized as: a) having great variety b) very limited c) using a great deal of fish d) using few herbs and spices

24. All of the following are mentioned as ingredients in Georgian vegetable dishes except: a) mushrooms b) aubergines c) spinach d) zucchini

25. Georgian cheeses are sometimes criticized as being too: a) rich b) creamy c) salty d) soft

26. Wild plums are an ingredient in: a) tkemali b) matsoni c) ajika d) pkhali

27. Fruit is characterized as being: a) in short supply b) available only in the summer months c) rarely eaten with cake d) very plentiful

28. Meal times among Georgians: a) Are set by strict tradition b) Vary from family to family c) Are not fixed d) Vary according to region

29. Wine and vodka may be served: a) At dinner only b) At breakfast and dinner c) At lunch d) if a house guest asks for them

30.Foods eaten at breakfast may be: a)     similar to foods eaten for dinner b)    bread, cheese, or omelettes c)     honey and jam d)    all of the above

            Writing Comprehension Test For 9th form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel 

 you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen, and wait for us

 to collect your test materials.

1.  Think about dating. What does the phrase “to date someone” mean? Where do people go on dates? What do they do? Why is it important to date someone?

2. In the 1920s, a family in Florida was digging a hole on their property when they

 hit something metal with their shovels. It was a chest filled with 3,700 Spanish coins

 dating from the 1740s to the 1760s. The coins were worth around $150,000 USD. If 

you found $150,000 USD, what would you spend it on?

3. Every culture has stories. Stories serve different purposes. Some entertain. Others 

teach history or help people understand their own culture. In many cultures, stories are 

used to teach the difference between right and wrong behaviours. What kinds of stories

 are traditional in your culture? Describe a story that teaches a lesson.

                                   Speaking Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students

Directions:

In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic. Take a deep breath and begin.

1.     Which person has had the greatest influence on your life?

·        Was this person in your family or outside of your family?

·        Why was this person influential?

·        What did this person teach you?

2.     What is the value of learning English?

·        Do you think English will be important in your professional career?

·        Do you think it is important for other reasons?

·        Do you think English should be required of all students in Ukraine?

3.           A friend is visiting you from another city and you have only three hours to show him or her your city or town. 

·        Which places would you show your friend?

·        What would you tell your friend about your city or town?

·        Would you encourage your friend to visit again?  Why or why not?

4.     An important person is visiting your school and has only one hour to spend there.

·        What would you show this person at your school?

·        What would you tell this person about your school?

·        What would you like this person to remember about your school?

5.     What makes a person a good leader?

·        What personal characteristics should a good leader have?

·        What kinds of ideas should a good leader have?

·        How does a good leader communicate and work with other people?

6.     If you could live somewhere else in the world for one year, where would you like to live?

·        Would you live in your own country or in a foreign country?

·        Would you live in a city or country where another language is spoken?

·        Would you live in a place that is similar to your home or different?

7.     Whom do you most depend on when you need advice?

·        Do you depend on someone in your family, or someone outside of your family?

·        Do you ask someone older than you or someone your own age?

·        Do you usually follow the advice or just listen and then make your own decisions?

8.     What is your favorite room in your house?

·        Describe the room in as much detail as you can.

·        Why is this room your favorite?

·        What special memories do you have in this room?

9.     Who is your favorite author or poet?

·        Why is this author or poet your favorite?

·        When did you begin reading works by this author or poet?

·        What are your favorite works of literature by this author or poet?  Why?

10.      If you could raise children anywhere in your country, where would you do so?

·        Would you raise children in a city or in a small town or village?

·        What things would be important to you and your children?

·        What would you like to give your children that you did or did not have when you were a child?

11.      Do you think students should be given more choice over what subjects they study?

·        What would be the advantages of giving students more choice?

·        What would be the disadvantages of giving students more choice?

·        If you were given a choice, what subjects would you study?

12.      How much television should children be allowed to watch each day?

·        Is watching television good for children?

·        What types of programs are good for children?

·        What do children learn from watching television? 

·        What problems do children have as a result of watching television?

13.      You have an opportunity to go anywhere in the world for one month.  Where would you go?

·        You may choose more than one place to go to.

·        Why did you choose to go there?

·        Would you go for pleasure, to spend time with someone you know, or to learn something?

14.      What is the biggest problem in your town or city?

·        How does this problem affect people’s lives?

·        How would you address the problem?

·        How would you ask other people to help you address the problem?

15.      What is your favorite family tradition, something that is unique to your family?

·        Why does your family follow this special tradition?

·        How did this tradition get started in your family?

·        Would you like to continue this tradition in the future, when you have a family of your own?

16.      How important are extra-curricular activities?

·        Do they help students learn, or do they take time away from academic studies?

·        How much time should a student devote to extra-curricular activities?

·        What is the purpose or value of extra-curricular activities?

17.      You are moving to a new house and cannot take everything with you.  Choose three things from your childhood that you feel you must take with you.

·        What items would you take?

·        What is the significance of these items?  What memories do they bring up?

·        Be specific and share stories or memories that you associate with these items.

18.      You have just moved into a new neighborhood and do not know anyone.

·        Who would you try to meet first in order to learn your way around the neighborhood?

·        How would you try to make friends?

·        How would you try to become part of your new community?

19.      You will be spending the summer (three months) in a country where you do not already know the language.  You will take language classes for three hours a day.

·        In addition to classes, how would you go about learning this new language?

·        What resources would you use to help you learn?

·        How important are listening, speaking and reading to learning a new language?

20.      What do you consider your best accomplishment?

·        What did you do, and why do you consider it your best accomplishment?

·        Was it something you did in school or outside of school?

·        What did you learn from this accomplishment?