People who stay in education for longer appear to be better able to compensate for the effects of dementia on the brain, a study suggests. A UK
Over the past decade, studies on dementia have consistently shown that the more time you spend in education, the lower risk of dementia. Nevertheless, studies have been unable to show whether or not education- which is linked to higher socio-economic status and healthier lifestyles- protects the brain against dementia.
The researchers in this study examined the brains of 872 people whose ageing process had been monitored. Before their deaths, they had also completed questionnaires about their education. The researchers found that more education makes people better able to face changes in the brain associated with dementia. Besides, those with more education are better able to compensate for the effects of the condition. Ruth Sutherland, chief executive of the Alzheimer´s Society, said: “This is the largest study ever to confirm that books could help you fight the symptoms of dementia in later life”.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer´s Research Trust, added: “This research suggests that education is not able to stop the damage of the cells in the brain but enables it to cope better and alleviate its impact”.
COMPREHENSION
Answer questions 1-3 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1. What did the UK
2. How did researchers carry out the study?
3. What did the study of Alzheimer´s Society conclude?
Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text, or use your own words.
4. “Educated people have fewer probabilities of showing symptoms of the illness”
5. “This is the first research ever done connecting education and dementia”.
USE OF ENGLISH
6. Find in the text the opposite for “higher” (adjective)
7. Find one synonym for “consistently” (adverb) as it used in the text.
8. Give a noun with the same root as “strong” (adjective)
9. Fill in the gap with the correct option: His sister is very _________. She has a lot of common sense.
Sensitive/Sensible/Decisive
10. Fill in the gap with a correct form of the verb in brackets
Sometimes it doesn´t stop ________ for days in England
11. Join the following sentences using a relative. Make changes if necessary.
That´s the girl. I told you about her.
12. Rewrite the sentence without changing its meaning. Begin as indicated.
She won´t be able to live a normal life if you don´t help her.
Unless
13. Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence. Use all and only the words in the boxes without changing their form.
enough | party | it | have | warm | a | beach | wasn´t | To |
PRODUCTION
14. Write a composition of approximately 120 words. Choose one of the following options, and focus strictly on it. Specify your option.
a) Avantages and disadvantages of being retired.
b) How important is education in a person´s life?
KEY:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BkJztk36WQs2zwgQQn67O0NQecIe9WMf42DMMFCo8cU/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=COXNnYoB
PLASTIC SURGERY: BEAUTY OR BEAST |
Some psychologists are worried about the psychological impact on those who undergo drastic cosmetic surgery— and also on those who don't and, consequently, may feel inadequate. Although radical transformations are rare, some psychologists plan to investigate the surge in cosmetic procedures and whether these surgeries have any lasting psychological consequences. The number of cosmetic operations increased by 44 percent from 2003 to 2004, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeons conducted a record 11.9 million procedures last year, both non-surgical (like Botox) and surgical (like breast augmentation or liposuction).
How do such practices affect patients psychologically? Social workers have made a recent analysis of 37 studies on patients' psychological and psychosocial functioning before and after cosmetic surgery. It suggests positive outcomes in patients, including improvements in body image and possibly a quality-of-life increase too. But the same research— published in April 2005—also found several elements of poor outcomes, especially for those who hold unrealistic expectations or have a history of depression and anxiety. The researchers found that patients who are dissatisfied with surgery may request repeat procedures or experience depression and adjustment problems, social isolation, family problems, self-destructive behaviours and anger toward the surgeon and his or her staff.
(A) COMPREHENSION (4 points)
a) ANSWER QUESTIONS 1-2 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT. USE YOUR OWN WORDS. (1 point per answer)
1) How may plastic surgery affect patients?
2) Are all patients psychologically prepared for plastic surgery?
b) ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH THE PRECISE WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE TEXT. (0.5 points per answer)
4) Botox is a cosmetic technique used by surgeons.
5) Plastic surgeons conducted the analysis of 37 studies on patients’ psychological reactions.
6) People suffering from depression usually react well after surgery.
(B) USE OF ENGLISH (3 points)
8. Give one opposite for AUGMENTATION (noun)
9. Find in the text a synonym for RESULT (noun)
Request, solicit, implore, beg…
11. Join the following sentences using a relative pronoun. Make changes if necessary.
Martin´s mother is Spanish. She speaks both Spanish and English fluently.
Someone (hit) _________ me as I came into the room.
whole | with | infected | the | her | she | enthusiasm | class |
(C) PRODUCTION (3 points)
15) WRITE A COMPOSITION (80-100 WORDS). CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS. SPECIFY YOUR OPTION.
a) What is your opinion about changes in physical appearance?
b) The importance of being beautiful. Discuss.
KEY: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p_RVOjn2_8zclXy8InSL3EKtJf41mtYi-cYN0rcizd4/edit?hl=en_US&authkey=CO-fgPgJ
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN |
Inside the family there is a historical tradition ignoring violence. Abuse by a male relative is the most general form of violence against women. This abuse is directed at women who are wives or partners, and who are classified by society as male property. According to a survey, between one quarter and one third of women from different countries report physical abuse within their families, and even more report emotional or
psychological abuse. This is a large number, especially when one considers that many incidences of domestic violence are often silenced.
For women, there is a greater risk for violence in the home than anywhere else. Both physical violence and intimidation result in health problems. By repeated violations of their physical and mental autonomy, basic human rights are taken away from women.
Domestic violence against women must be perceived as a global problem rather than a private matter. It must receive appropriate attention from the international community as an issue affecting women’s health and their ability to participate fully in society.
(A) COMPREHENSION (4 points)
a) ANSWER QUESTIONS 1-2 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT. USE
YOUR OWN WORDS. (1 point per answer)
1. Is there violence inside the family? Why?
2. Why must the international community pay attention to violence against women?
b) ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE? JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH WORDS OR
PHRASES FROM THE TEXT. (0.5 points per answer)
3. Less than one quarter of women report having been physically abused.
4. Public opinion is not informed of all cases of domestic violence.
5. Women are mainly abused at work.
6. Women suffering intimidation may have health problems.
(B) USE OF ENGLISH (3 points)
7. Give an adjective with the same root as HEALTH (noun) (line 8). (0.25 points)
8. Which word does not have the same meaning?
INVESTIGATE EXAMINE PERCEIVE SURVEY (0.25 points)
9. Find in the text a word meaning: (0.25 points)
“a danger, something that may have a bad result” (noun)
10. Find in the text one opposite for PUBLIC (adjective). (0.25 points)
11. Turn the following sentence into the passive voice: (0.5 points)
The international community is not paying enough attention to this issue.
12. Join the following sentences using an appropriate linker (do not use AND or BUT). Make changes if
necessary: (0.5 points)
Domestic violence is a global problem. It must receive more attention from the community.
13. Fill in the gap with a correct preposition: (0.5 points)
My cousin is very good _____________ golf but he practises many other sports.
14. Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence: (0.5 points)
ARE |
(C) PRODUCTION (3 points)
15) WRITE A COMPOSITION (80-100 WORDS). CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS. SPECIFY YOUR OPTION.
a) Violence at school.
b) Is this a man’s world? Why?
KEY:
COMING DOWN TO EARTH |
A hot shower and a new wife helped two astronauts come down to earth Thursday after six months in orbit. Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and
Lu said the exciting life on the 16-nation orbital platform had amply compensated for not enjoying common comforts. "It's a small price to pay not to be able to eat your favorite food or take a shower if you have the opportunity to live and work in space," he told a news conference. "But that being said, that first hot shower felt really good."
Having married his fiancée Ekaterina Dmitriev in August via a satellite video link from space, Malenchenko went straight into married life enthusiastically. "Life continues on earth and we've got lots of plans," he said.
The astronauts said they had been able to keep in touch with their families from the station via e-mail and video telephone. "I missed my family and fiancée, but we had very good communications on board and we were able to talk," said Lu. "I didn't feel very much separated from my loved ones on the ground."
COMPREHENSION
A) Answer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1) How different was daily life on board the Space Station?
2) How did the astronauts manage not to miss their families very much? (Give two reasons)
b) Are these statements true or false? Justify your answer with words or phrases from the text.
3) Pedro Duque was in orbit for six months.
4) The orbital platform was exclusively a Russian and American enterprise.
5) Living in the orbital platform was so stimulating that astronauts could manage without ordinary comforts.
6) The Russian astronaut got married while in space.
USE OF ENGLISH
7) Give one opposite for EXCITING (adjective)
8) Give one synonym for CONTINUE (verb)
9) Find in the text the word which has the following definition:
“a group of people working on a spaceship” (noun)
10) Give an adjective with the same root as ENJOY (verb)
11) Give a question for the underlined words:
Edward Lu met his fiancée after Christmas.
12) Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence. Use all and only the words in the boxes without changing their form.
station | had | a | Malenchenko | walk | the | around |
13) Turn the following sentence into passive:
The astronauts are giving the journalists a lot of information 14) Complete the following conditional sentence: If I ever went to space…
COMPOSITION
15) Write a composition (80-100 WORDS) Choose ONE of the following options. Specify your option.
a) Are dangerous professions attractive for young people today? Why?
b) Do you like science fiction stories/films? Why?
NATURAL DISASTERS |
NATURAL DISASTERS
First it was Katrina, which left New Orleans U.S. Caribbean . Also in 2008, the Pacific area suffered the vast impact of Nargis, a tropical storm that killed 100,000 people in the Southeast of Asia.
All these hurricanes in such a short period of time raise the question of wether storms are getting stronger and, if so, what is causing them. According to a recent article in the scientific journal Nature, the answer is yes, and global warming seems to be responsible. Researchers have analysed the data of tropical storms since 1981 and have found that the maximum wind speeds of the strongest storms have increased in the last few years. They believe that rising ocean temperatures, due to global warming, are one of the main causes behind that change; they argue that warmer sea temperatures will result in stronger storms.
Not everyone agrees because the records of past hurricane strength are insufficient, so it is difficult for scientists to determine if this increase in stroms´intensity is due to global warming or if it had started before. And the weather, as we all know, is quite complicated and it is difficult to predict how future warming might affect the formation of storms.
Wether or not warming will create more superstorms, we know that hurricanes will happen and they will strike again. The question is, are we prepared for them? We know that natural disasters will undoubtedly continue happening, so we need to be prepared: Gustav caused far less damage than Katrina because it was a weaker storm, but also because people were ready this time.
COMPREHENSION
Aswer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1. What happened in New Orleans
2. According to scientists, what role do oceans play in the formation of storms?
Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text, or use your own words.
3. It has been proved that storm winds have increased their speed lately.
4. There is a general agreement that global warming causes tropical storms.
5. It is hard to determine if future catastrophic storms will be caused by global warming.
6. Katrina was more damaging than Gustav only because it was a stronger storm.
USE OF ENGLISH
7. Find in the text one opposite for "WEAKNESS" (noun)
8. Which word does not have the same meaning? Principal/ main/ major/ trivial
9. Find in the text one word meaning "DESTROY" (verb)
10. Give an adjective with the same root as "PREDICT" (verb)
11. Turn the following sentence into reported speech:
"The journalist asked: Will global warming create more superstorms?"
12. Fill in the gap with the correct option
"Scientists ________ precise data only for the last ten years"
Use/ have been using/ should be using/ has used
13. Fill in the gap with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
"If the instructor ________ (teach) them to swim, they would have saved their lives"
14. Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence. Use all and only the words in the boxes without changing their form.
just | told | to | they | wait | been | have |
PRODUCTION
15. Write a composition of approximately 120 words, choose one of the following options, and focus strictly on it. Specify your option.
a) Advantages and disadvantages of living in a beautiful tropical area like the Caribbean .
b) Do you think people should pay more attention to the environment in order to prevent natural disasters? Give reasons.
THE TOWER OF LONDON |
Ghosts are said to appear in James’s home repeatedly, but he hasn’t seen one yet. “People have died here,”
says the 15-year-old boy from London Tower of London
Today the Tower serves as a tourist attraction as well as a home to the guards and their families. The Tower
5 is most famous for the prisoners who lost their lives there—and who supposedly still appear on the Tower grounds. At just 16, Lady Jane Grey was dethroned in 1553 after only a nine-day reign, and then her head was cut off by the new queen. In 1483 two young princes named Edward and Richard mysteriously disappeared. Almost 200 years later bones of two children were found near the White Tower
The Tower of London
10 ravens living there. Despite looking a bit frightening, the ravens are an important part of the Tower’s legends. “If the ravens leave the Tower,” says James, “then the White Tower
But while the ravens are real, James still isn’t convinced ghosts live in the Tower.
COMPREHENSION
a) Answer questions 1-2 according to the informatioin given in the text. Use your own words.
1) Why does the Tower of London
2) What is the connection between the bones found near the White Tower
b) Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with words or phrases from the text.
3) Most of the Tower fame is due to its old age.
4) Nowadays the Tower is only used as a tourist attraction.
5) According to a legend, ravens living in the Tower are related to the monarchy.
6) James is not certain that ghosts really inhabit the Tower.
USE OF ENGLISH
7) Give one synonym for REPEATEDLY (adverb)
8) Find in the text one opposite for EARLIER (adverb)
9) Give a noun with the same root as APPEAR (verb)
10) Find in the text the word which has the following definition:
“remove a king/queen from their position of power” (verb)
11) Turn the following sentence into reported speech:
James said: “People have died here.”
12) Turn the following sentence into the active voice:
Two children were found near the White Tower
13) Join the following sentences using an appropriate linker(do not use AND or BUT). Make changes if necessary.
Lots of tourists visit that old building every year. It is one of the major attractions in London
14) Give a question for the underlined words:
The Tower of London
PRODUCTION (3 points)
15) Write a composition (80-100 WORDS) Choose ONE of the following options. Specify your option.
a) Should criminals go to prison? Why?
b ) Do you like horror stories? Explain why.
THE BIG BOTTLE |
The big bottle
In Spanish cities, at night crowds of young people wander the streets in search of a party, meeting their friends and stopping to drink. When a large mass of people get together, a party spontaneously breaks out. This phenomenon, translated into English as booze-up or binge-drinking, is perceived by local governments as a social problem because it is impossible to predict where it will take place and because drinkers are as young as 12.
In addition, now it has become fashionable to compete for the biggest national drinking party, as cities from Málaga to Madrid and Barcelona to Bilbao try to outdo one another by organizing the largest gathering. Word is spread by e-mail and text messages, and teenagers crowd into city centres, armed with bottles of soft drinks generously mixed with alcohol.
City councils are very cautious about calling in the police for fear that drunken youths will turn to violence. The Government has tried to introduce emergency legislation but this is unlikely to have much impact, because, across Spain, regional authorities have set different minimum ages to buy alcohol.
Despite Spain's reputation for civilised Mediterranean drinking habits, "the big bottle" leaves city centres full of rubbish, and residents, who have been kept up all night, furious. Under-age drinkers claim that this way they can enjoy a night out for as little as 6 euros a night, whereas bars are too expensive.
COMPREHENSION
A) Answer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1) Why is "the big bottle" an informal party? (Give two reasons)
2) How do these parties affect residents?
b) Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text.
3) Local authorities think very favourably of "the big bottle".
4) Drinking parties of this type have been organized by Spanish cities for many years.
5) The police are afraid teenagers will become violent
6) There is a single policy regarding “the big bottle" in Spain.
USE OF ENGLISH
7) Find in the text the word which has the following definition:
"to walk around without a particular destination" (verb)
8) Give one opposite for BREAK (verb)
10) Complete the series with another word of the same semantic group:
CROWD, PARTS, GATHERING,
CROWD, PARTS, GATHERING,
11) Join the following sentences using an appropriate linker (do bot use AND or BUT). Make changes if necessary.
The Government has a good reputation. It has not solved the problem yet.
He shouldn't (go) ____________ to that party yesterday.
13) Rewrite the sentence without changing its meaning. Begin as indicated.
It is quite unlikely that she will pay for the drinks.
It is not...
14) Give a question for the underlined words.
My friend drank three beers last night
PRODUCTION
15) Write a composition (80-100 WORDS) Choose ONE of the following options. Specify your option.
a) Are you for or against “the big bottle"? Why?
b) What alternatives can the Government offer young people to encourage a healthy life?
b) What alternatives can the Government offer young people to encourage a healthy life?
KEYS:
STOP SMOKING OR WE MAY NOT OPERATE ON YOU |
Patients will have to try to give up the habit if they want to get treatment, such as knee replacement. Posters with "Those who don´t, may not be treated" are all over hospitals. The Health Service in Britain is millions of pounds in debt and this strategy will help save money on care. Hospital managers say smokers are at greater risk of complications when having operations, they take more time to recover, and they have no longer and more expensive stays in hospital.
Critics accuse them of putting finances before the health of patients, but the hospitals are giving an opportunity to smokers, proposing that if they need surgery they must undergo therapy for three months in order to get out of the habit. If they have made a strong effort to stop smoking but have failed, they may still get surgery, but if it is believed that they have not tried hard enough, then they may not be operated on.
The National Health Service is following guidelines from the Government,which allows them to consider patients´lifestyles when deciding if a treatment would be effective. Smokers, however, say that they are being discriminated against. The pro-smoking pressure group Forest says: "Smokers pay their taxes like everyone else, they have the right to free healthcare". Last year, health authorities in Suffolk stopped obese people from having operations until they tried to lose weight.
COMPREHENSION
A) Answer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1) Why do critics say that hospitals put money before health? (Give two reasons)
2) How does the British Health Service want to solve its financial problems?
B) Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with words or phrases from the text.
3) Hospitals warn patients.
4) If you have smoked for less than three months, you may be operated on.
5) Smokers say they are put at a disadvantage.
6) Smokers are not the only patiets who are not allowed to have surgery.
USE OF ENGLISH
7) Give an adjective with the same root as CARE (noun)
8) Find in the text one synonym for CHANCE (noun)
9) Give one opposite for FAIL (verb)
10) Find in the text the word which has the following definition:
"advice on what to do about something" (noun)
11) Join the following sentences using a relative pronoun. Make changes if necessary.
Medicine is a complicated subject. I know very little about it.
12.) Turn the following sentence into reported speech.
"I´ll pay for the operation", he said.
13) Complete the following sentence: If I were a smoker....
14) Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence. Use all and only the words in the boxes without changing their form.
make | heavy | can | ineffective | Smoking | treatment |
C) PRODUCTION
15) Write a composition (100-120 words). Choose one of the following options. Specify your option.
a) What do you think about the prohibition of smoking in public places?
b) Is health the most important concern for people?
KEYS:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R6vovd_GYzu3ulKiSUDmL1svspy3MadEGZzhc7VK9xQ/edit?hl=en
SOCIAL CARE FOR GRADUATES: COMPASSIONATE EMBRACE |
"Social care for graduates: compassionate embrace"
You may not need a degree to work in social care, but many graduates with a desire to help the vulnerable are finding rewarding careers within the sector. Being a carer comes with emotional pressure and demanding challenges, but for some graduates working in social care has proved the most satisfying step they have evver taken.
"I was going to do my master´s, but then I realised I needed to do something real", says Colette Lotscher, 24, a graduate with a degree in literature who now works as a personal care assistant in Greenwich, London. At present, Lotscher is working with children with mental or physical disabilities and their families, helping parents and burntout mother to cope with the day-to-day reality of caring for a child with special needs. "It is tough, but you grow so much, you learn how to be tolerant and to become a better person", she says.
Social care workers are often confused with social workers, but the two are distinctly different; you need a degree to practise as a social worker, but you don´t need any particular qualifications to go into social care as a carer. Social work usually deals with case-by-case scenarios, where a situation is complex enough to involve local authorities, the NHS (National Health Service), the police or probation services, whereas social care involves delivering practical and emotional support to the vulnerable, elderly or ill- either in residential homes or to families in need.
Over the next few years, the Department of Health is expected to advertise 200,000 job vacancies in the social care sector- providing opportunities for graduates and career changers. Phil Hope, care services minister says: "As the number of people who may need help with day-to-day continues to grow, this sector will offer an increasing number of opportunities for those looking for jobs. Workers in social care have a big, positive impact on the people the work with".
I. COMPREHENSION
1. Why is working in social care so satisfying?
2. What is the difference between working as a social worker and working as a social carer?
3. Why is the government going to advertise so many jobs in the social care sector?
Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text, or use your own words.
4. If you want to become a social carer, you have to go to university.
5. Social carers do not influence the people they work with.
II. USE OF ENGLISH
6. Fill in the gap with the correct option: "Social carers ________ people with special needs"
Look up/ Look for/ Look after/ Look on
7. Find in the text the word which has the following definition: "a physical problem that makes someone unable to use one part of their body properly"
8. Fin in the text one synonym for "hard" (adjective)
9. Which word is not an adverb? Actually/ often/ elderly/ usually
10. Give a question for the underlined words: "Social workers need a university degree"
11. Fill in the gap with a correct form of the verb in brackets: "By this time next year, I ________ (finish) my studies".
12. Complete the following conditional sentence: "If you gave up smoking, you __________"
13. Join the following sentences using a relative. Make changes if necessary: "Many graduates feel the need to do something different when they get their degree. Many graduates decide to become social carers".
III. PRODUCTION
14. Write a composition of approximately 120 words. Choose one of the following options, and focus strictly on it. Specify your option.
A) "Old people should live in residential homes". Discuss.
B) If you had to do some work in social care, who would you like to take care of? Give reasons.
MARRIED OR SINGLE? |
Married or single?
The health benefits of being married are so large that single men are at greater risk of dying than smokers, says a study. This study looked at comparative risks over a seven year period but experts warned that the lifetime risks of smoking were much higher. Scientists have frequently found that married men and women tend to be in better health than their single counterparts. This is partly because of the "social support" of having a wife or husband and perhaps because both single men and women have a worse lifestyle and no-one to take care of them.
Moreover, the latest study by researchers at the University of Limerick showed that, even when the effects of smoking, drinking and other poor lifestyles were taken into account, married men had a much lower risk of death. Professor Martin Smith, who led the research, suggested that male smokers should get married as soon as possible to avoid the risk. He said: "It is clear that a ring of gold, rather than money, is what keeps people alive". Howeverm while over a seven year period, the risks of smoking compared to single life are similar, over a lifetime period the risks of smoking are much higher. Scientists think a long-term smoker has a one in two chance of dying prematurely.
COMPREHENSION (4 points)
a) Answer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1) Why could marriage be good for your health?
According to the text, marriage could be good for our health because we have a "social support", a person to take care of us. It seems that married people have a better lifestyle as well.
2) What is the risk of lifetime smoking?
The risk of lifetime smoking is very serious: it is probable that we die sooner.
b) Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with words or phrases from the text.
3) Married people are usually healthier than single people.
TRUE. ""Perhaps because both single men and women have a worse lifestyle" Line 5.
4) Money can make you live longer.
FALSE. "It is clear that a ring of gold, rather than money, is what keeps people alive".
5) Recent studies confirm that the effects of smoking and drinking are worse in married men than in single men.
FALSE. "Even when the effects of smoking, drinking and other poor lifestyles were taken into account, married men had a much lower risk". Lines 7-8.
6) Lifetime smokers have the same possibilities of dying as single people.
FALSE. "while over a seven year period, the risks of smoking compared to single life are similar, over a lifetime period the risks of smoking are much higher". Lines 11-12.
USE OF ENGLISH (3 points)
7) Find in the text a synonym for PROBABILITY (noun)
Chance (Line 12)
8) Find in the text the word which has the following definition:
"Someone who knows a lot of a particular subject"
Experts (Line 2)
9) Give a noun with the same root as WARN (verb) (line2)
Warning
10) Give one opposite for LARGE (adjective) (line 1)
Small
11) Turn the following sentence into Reported Speech:
My aunt said: "Single men should drive slowly if they want to live longer"
My aunt said that single men should drive slowly if they wanted to live longer.
12) Give a question for the underlined words:
I´ve been married for twenty years.
How long have you been married?
13. Complete the following sentence:
I would give up smoking if....
my doctor told me to give up smoking.
14. Join the following sentences using an appropiate linker (do not use AND or BUT). Make changes if necessary.
That man talks a lot. He has more chances to become a politician.
That man talks a lot SO he has more chances to become a politician.
PRODUCTION (3 points)
15. Write a composition (100-120 WORDS). Choose ONE of the following options. Specify your option.
a) Smoking as a social problem nowadays.
b) Married or single? Advantages and disadvantages.
CAN AFRICA BE SAVED? |
2. Can Africa be saved?
Africa is the earth´s second-largest continent. With a population of approximately 1 billion, it is also the
world´s second most crowed continent, accounting for 15 percent of the global population.
Those who travel to Africa are captivated by its beauty. From majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, to the exotic savannas of the Serengeti, to the giant Great Rift Valley, to beautiful Lake Victoria, to the mighty Nile River, to the imposing pyramids, to the beaty of Table Mountain, Africa leaves a permanent mark on many visitors. It has both the world´s longest river and largest desert. Dozens of animals not typically found elsewhere abound in Africa. It is simply a unique continent.
Furthermore, Africa is fabulously rich in natural resources, more than any other continent. It has 50 percent of the world´s gold and diamonds, along with large unexploited oil reserves. Its fertile fields have the potential to feed not only itself, but also many other countries. Its lakes and rivers are capable of producing 40 percent of the world´s supply of hydroelectric power. Moreover, Africa´s massive rainforests have the potential for maintaining or destroying the equilibrium of the earth´s atmosphere and ecology. For example, massive deforestation could destroy the world´s ozone layer and affect negatively Earth´s climate.
Yet, despite these riches, most Africans live in societies troubled by war, instability, corruption, poverty, hunger, disease and early deaths. The United Nations said that Africa has the largest number of poor countries of any continent. Tragically, as many as 50 percent of Africans live on less than 1,25 a day. Wars devastate the continent. Since 1981, at least 28 natios in sub-Saharan Africa have been at war. Deadly diseases like AIDS and malaria cause devastation throughout nations.
The world´s richest countries have provided billions of dollars in aid, but with no effect. Indeed, Africa is poorer now than when it first achieved independence from the colonial powers some 5o years ago. As the international community considers the dilemmas of this troubled continent, the question must be asked: "Can Africa be saved?"
COMPREHENSION (4 points)
1. Enumerate at least three natural resources which can be found in Africa.
Three natural resorces which you can find in Africa are gold, wonderful lands for crops, and and incredible water supply thanks to its rivers and lakes.
2. In what way can Africa affect the planet´s environmental balance?
Africa can affect the planet´s environmental balance in both a positive and negative way. This continent has a lot of rainforests which contribute to maintain our atmoshpere, but at the same time the deforestation of these rainforests can put an end to the world´s ozone layer and make climate worse.
3. Which major problems are mentioned in the text about Africa? Mention at least three.
A lot of problems are mentioned in the text. One of them is that people do not have anything to eat so they suffer from hunger. Moreover, they do not have money and there are diseases which make people die.
Are these statements ture or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text, or use your own words.
4. Africa´s lakes and rivers could produce 40 per cent of the continent supply of hydroelectric power.
FALSE. "Its lakes and rivers are capable of producing 40 percent of the world´s supply of hydroelectric power". Lines 10-11.
5. After its independence, Africa has increased its economic development.
FALSE. "Indeed, Africa is poorer now than when it first achieved independence from the colonial powers some 50 years ago". Lines 19-20.
USE OF ENGLISH
6. Find in the text the word which has the following definition: "to give food, to provide nourishment"
FEED. Line 10
7. Which word does not have the same meaning? moreover/ beside/ in addition/ furthermore
BESIDE
8. Fill in the gap with a correct preposition: "I am looking forward ______ finishing this exam"
TO
9. Find in the text one opposite for "temporary".
PERMANENT. Line 5.
10. Complete the following conditional sentence: "I will not lend you any money unless..."
You find a job
11. Turn the following sentence into reported speech: "Can Africa be saved?", the journalist asked.
The journalist asked if Africa could be saved.
12. Turn the following sentence into the passive voice: "The richest countries have provided billions of dollars in aid".
Billions of dollars have been provided in aid by the richest countries.
13. Join the following sentences using an appropiate linker (do not use AND, BUT, or BECAUSE). Make changes if necessary.
"We give money to charity. We want to help people in Africa".
We give money to charity in order to help people in Africa.
PRODUCTION
14. Write a composition of approximately 120 words. Choose one the following options, and focus strictly on it. Specify your option.
A) Would you like to go to Africa and help people there? Give reasons.
B) "The first world shoud contribute to finding a solution to Africa´s problem". Discuss.
INDIAN WOMAN GIVES BIRTH AT AGE 70 |
Indian woman gives birth at age 70
Rajo Devi, who married 50 years ago, gave birth to a baby girl on November 28, and is now the world´s oldest new mother. Adriana Iliescu, a retired university lecturer in Romania, was the previous oldest woman to have given birth. She had her child at the age of 66 in 2006. Maria Del, a Spanish woman, gave birth at the age of 67. And now, Rajo Devi has given birth in her seventies, becoming the oldest woman in doing so.
Devi´s husband-aged 72- was first married to Devi´s sister. Ten years later, after she failed to have any children- something widely considered to be a stigma in India´s family- orientated society- Ram married Devi´s younger sister hoping that she would give an heir. Situations like this one, though illegal and punishable by law, are not uncommon in rural India even today and enjoy a broad social acceptance in agrarian communities where women have few or no rights. But their new attempt also failed and the three of them lived childless for decades they finally got in touch with a nearby fertility centre for treatment. Dr Anurag Bishnoi, a doctor at the fertility centre, said: "Infertility is no longer a social taboo or a divine punishment. It can be treated scientifically". On April 19 the embryo transfer was successfully done and both mother and child are now in good health.
The new mother said: " We have wanted to have a child for years and now we are very happy to have one in the final years of our life." Her husband said he wasn´t worried about who would take care of the child if they died. "As we have a big family, the education and upbringing of the child are not a problem," he said. The couple also said that they had been feeling socially humiliated for not being able to have children, and after the treatment their social status has risen in the village.
I. COMPREHENSION (4 points: questions 1-3, 1 point each 4-5, 0,5 points each)
ANWER QUESTIONS 1-3 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT. USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
1. Why did Ram marry Devi´s sister?
Ram married Devi´s sister because his previous wife wasn´t able to have children and he really wanted to become a father.
2. To Ram and Devi, what is the advantage of belonging to a big family?
They think that belonging to a big family has the advantage of having people to take care of their children when they die.
3. Did the couple have problems for not having children?
Yes, they did. Since not having a baby was considered to be something negative, people criticized them.
4. Not having children is well considered in the Indian society.
FALSE.
"She failed to have any children-something widely considered to be a stigma in India´s family-orientated society"
"The couple also said that they had been feeling socially humiliated for not being able to have children"
5. RajoDevi is the second oldest mother to give birth at the age of 70.
FALSE.
"The world´s oldest new mother"
"Becoming the oldest woman in doing so"
USE OF ENGLISH (3 points; questions 6-9, 0.25 points each; 10-13, 0.5 points each)
6. FIND IN THE TEXT ONE SYNONYM FOR "wed" (VERB):
married
7. GIVE A NOUN WITH THE SAME ROOT AS "fail" (VERB; LINE 5)
failure
8. WHICH WORD DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME MEANING? : habit/ costume/ custom/ tradition
9. FILL IN THE GAP WITH A CORRECT PREPOSITION: "My brother apologized______ being late"
For
10. TURN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE INTO THE PASSIVE VOICE: "The police are investigating him"
He is being investigated
11. TURN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE INTO THE DIRECT SPEECH: "The teacher told us not to mock our classmates"
The teacher told: "Don´t mock your classmates"
12. GIVE A QUESTION FOR THE UNDERLINED WORDS: "I travel to London twice a month"
How often do you travel to London?
13.FILL IN THE GAP WITH THE CORRECT OPTION: "Devi_______ (be married) for fifty year now" Married/ is married/ has been married.
PRODUCTION (3 points)
14. WRITE A COMPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 120 WORDS. CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS, AND FOCUS STRICTLH ON IT. SPECIFY YOU OPTION.
A) Would you mind having your children after fifty
B) "Young people nowadays don´t want to have children. Discuss
FIRST LANGUAGES FEAR SECOND PLACE |
First language fear second place
The Scandinavian´s adoption of English as an everyday language is beginning to worry authorities, as their mother tongues are progressively less used in business and universities, where English is replacing them. In business, all the top international Scandinavian firms already use written English for their communications. In universities, most classes are taught in English, so they can attract international students and instructors.
Few countries voluntarily adopt a foreign tongue as one of their main languages, but Norway has been doing it for years with English. "I tried to learn Norwegian when I came here. But when they hear you´re a foreigner, Norwegians switch languages," says Tom Jackson, a scientist from England who moved to Oslo some years ago to work in a research institute. "I knew before I moved that Scandinavians were good at English, but I was amazed at their level of fluency".
English has become so predominant that the government says it is threatening the existence of Norwegian, which in 30 to 40 years´time might not be used in higher education any more. To solve this situation the Minister of Culture is going to present a report to parliament declaring that the survival of the Norwegian language, especially in its written form, is becoming a political priority. This concern is generalized in Scandinavia, and both Sweden and Denmark are also creating initiatives to protect and promote their national languages.
All these initiatives might seem to indicate that the Scandinavian countries are fearful of the development of English, but this is not the case. The educational authorities of these countries declare that the protection of their own languages is essential, but at the same time they admit that Scandinavians have to be strong in English if they want their countries to be internationally competitive.
COMPREHENSION 4 POINTS
ANSWER QUESTIONS 1-2 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT. USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
1. Are Scandinavian authorities worried about their own languages?
Yes, they are. English is increasing its influence and is becoming a widely used language so they fear that their languages will disappear.
2. Why do authorities believe that people must be fluent in English?
They believe that because this language is used all over the world in business and universities so they must know this language in order to be competitive.
ARE THESE STATEMENTS TRUE OR FALSE JUSTIFY YOUR ANSWERS WITH THE PRECISE WORDS OR PHRASES FROM THE TEXT, OR USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
3. Jackson could often practise spoken Norwegian when he was in Norway.
FALSE. "I tried to learn Norwegian when I came here. But when they hear you´re a foreigner, Norwegians switch languages". Lines 7-8
4. It is not common for a country to adopt a foreign language for everyday communication.
TRUE. "Few countries voluntarily adopt a foreign tongue as one of their main languages" Line 6
5. There´s a risk that Norwegians will stop using English at universities in the future.
FALSE. " In universities, most classes are taught in English" Line 4;
"English has become so predominant that the government says it is threatening the existence of Norewegian, which in 30 to 40 years´time might not be used in higher education any more. Lines 11-12
6. Norwegian is the only Scandinavian language threatened by English.
FALSE. " This concern is generalized in Scandinavia, and both Sweden and Denmark are also creating initiatives to protect and promote their national languages" Lines 15 -16
USE OF ENGLISH
7. FIND IN THE TEXT ONE EXPRESSION MEANING "lecturer" (noun)
Instructor
8. GIVE ONE OPPOSITE FOR "higher" (adjective)
lower
9. FIND IN THE TEXT THE WORD WHICH HAS THE FOLLOWING DEFINITION:
"money charged for a service" (noun)
10. GIVE A VERB WITH THE SAME ROOT AS "classification"
classify
11. FILL IN THE GAP WITH THE CORRECT FORM OF THE VERB IN BRACKETS:
"If he (speak) ___________ a foreign language, he would get a better job"
SPOKE
12. JOIN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES USING A RELATIVE. MAKE CHANGES IF NECESSARY.
"My cousins are French. Their daughter speaks English fluently"
My cousins, whose daughter speaks English fluently, are French.
13. TURN THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE INTO THE PASSIVE VOICE:
"They say that English is easier than Spanish"
It is said that English is easier than Spanish.
English is said to be easier than Spanish.
14. REWRITE THE SENTENCE WITHOUT CHANGING ITS MEANING. BEGIN AS INDICATED:
"Although he is intelligent, he doesn´t do well at school"
Despite being intelligent, he doesn´t do well at school.
Despite his intelligence, he doesn´t do well at school.
Despite the fact that he is intelligent, he doesn´t do well at school.
PRODUCTION
15. WRITE A COMPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 120 WORDS. CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS, AND FOCUS STRICTLY ON IT. SPECIFY YOUR OPTION.
a) What English-speaking coungtry would you like to visit to practise your English? Give reasons.
b) The importance of English today
CLIMATE CHANGE |
Climate change
The effects of climate change will be felt sooner than scientists realised and the world must learn to live with the outcome.
Professor Martin Parry, a climate scientist, said destructive changes in temperature, rainfall and agriculture were now forecast to occur several decades earlier than thought. He said vulnerable people such as the old and poor would be the worst affected, and that world leaders had not yet accepted their countries would have to adapt to the likely consequences.
The professor was speaking in London
Today professor Parry, co-chair of the IPCC working group that wrote the report said: “We are all used to talking about these impacts coming in the lifetimes of our children and grandchildren. Now we know that it’s us”. He said the international response to the problem has failed to grasp that serious consequences such as reduced crop yields and coastal flooding were now inevitable. “Mitigation has got all the attention but we cannot mitigate this problem. We now have a choice between a future with a damaged world or a severely damaged world “.
COMPREHENSION (4 POINTS)
a) ANSWER QUESTIONS 1-2 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT. USE YOUR OWN WORDS. (1 point per answer)
1 Will developed and underdeveloped countries be affected by climate change in the same way? Why/why not?
They will be affected by the climate change but not in the same way. Underdeveloped countries may be more affected due to its poor population although it is obvious that developed countries will also suffer for climate change.
2 What consequences will climate change bring?
According to the text climate change will bring several consequences such as big changes in temperature, natural disasters and lack of food.
3 Destructive changes won’t happen earlier than expected.
FALSE. “The effects of climate change will be felt sooner than scientists realised” Line 1.
4 World leaders are already aware that their countries would have to adapt to the probable consequences.
FALSE. “World leaders had not yet accepted their countries would have to adapt to the likely consequences” Line 4
5 These impacts will occur in future generations.
FALSE. “We are all used to talking about these impacts coming in the lifetimes of our children and grandchildren. Now we know that it´s us” Lines 9-10
6 Serious consequences seem unavoidable.
TRUE. True. "The international response to the problem has failed to grasp that serious consequences such as reduced crop yields and coastal flooding were now inevitable"
USE OF ENGLISH (3 points)
7 FIND IN THE TEXT THE WORD WHICH HAS THE FOLLOWING DEFINITION:
“easily harmed or hurt emotionally, physically, or morally” (ADJECTIVE).Vulnerable
8 FILL IN THE GAP WITH A CORRECT PREPOSITION: “Your health depends .......... your diet”. (0.25 points)
On
9 FIND IN THE TEXT ONE SYNONYM FOR “published” (ADJECTIVE). (0.25 points)
Released
10 WHICH WORD DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME MEANING?: Shortage / surplus / lack / deficit (0.25 points)
Surplus
11 COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONAL SENTENCE: “Millions of people will face natural disasters unless ...” (0.5 points)
unless world leaders do something to reduce the effects of climate change.
12 REWRITE THE SENTENCE WITHOUT CHANGING ITS MEANING. BEGIN AS INDICATED:
“It is reported that a lot of people are homeless after the flood.” | “A lot of people ...”
(0.5 points)
A lot of people are reported to be homeless after the flood.
13 GIVE A QUESTION FOR THE UNDERLINED WORDS: “The effects of climate change will be felt sooner than expected.” (0.5 points)
What will be felt sooner than expected?
14 FILL IN THE GAP WITH THE CORRECT OPTION: “It is not always easy .......... the environment ”.
To avoid polluting / to avoid to pollute / avoiding to pollute / avoid polluting
(0.5 points)
to avoid polluting
PRODUCTION (3 points)
15 WRITE A COMPOSITION OF APPROXIMATELY 120 WORDS. CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS, AND FOCUS STRICTLY ON IT.
SPECIFY YOUR OPTION.
SPECIFY YOUR OPTION.
a) How will climate change affect your daily life? Give your opinion.
b) What must governments do to reduce the consequences of climate change?
First it was Katrina, which left New Orleans U.S. Caribbean . Also in 2008, the Pacific area suffered the vast impact of Nargis, a tropical storm that killed 100,000 people in the Southeast of Asia.
All these hurricanes in such a short period of time raise the question of wether storms are getting stronger and, if so, what is causing them. According to a recent article in the scientific journal Nature, the answer is yes, and global warming seems to be responsible. Researchers have analysed the data of tropical storms since 1981 and have found that the maximum wind speeds of the strongest storms have increased in the last few years. They believe that rising ocean temperatures, due to global warming, are one of the main causes behind that change; they argue that warmer sea temperatures will result in stronger storms.
Not everyone agrees because the records of past hurricane strength are insufficient, so it is difficult for scientists to determine if this increase in stroms´intensity is due to global warming or if it had started before. And the weather, as we all know, is quite complicated and it is difficult to predict how future warming might affect the formation of storms.
Wether or not warming will create more superstorms, we know that hurricanes will happen and they will strike again. The question is, are we prepared for them? We know that natural disasters will undoubtedly continue happening, so we need to be prepared: Gustav caused far less damage than Katrina because it was a weaker storm, but also because people were ready this time.
COMPREHENSION
Aswer questions 1-2 according to the information given in the text. Use your own words.
1. What happened in New Orleans
2. According to scientists, what role do oceans play in the formation of storms?
Are these statements true or false? Justify your answers with the precise words or phrases from the text, or use your own words.
3. It has been proved that storm winds have increased their speed lately.
4. There is a general agreement that global warming causes tropical storms.
5. It is hard to determine if future catastrophic storms will be caused by global warming.
6. Katrina was more damaging than Gustav only because it was a stronger storm.
USE OF ENGLISH
7. Find in the text one opposite for "WEAKNESS" (noun)
8. Which word does not have the same meaning? Principal/ main/ major/ trivial
9. Find in the text one word meaning "DESTROY" (verb)
10. Give an adjective with the same root as "PREDICT" (verb)
11. Turn the following sentence into reported speech:
"The journalist asked: Will global warming create more superstorms?"
12. Fill in the gap with the correct option
"Scientists ________ precise data only for the last ten years"
Use/ have been using/ should be using/ has used
13. Fill in the gap with the correct form of the verb in brackets.
"If the instructor ________ (teach) them to swim, they would have saved their lives"
14. Use the words in the boxes to make a meaningful sentence. Use all and only the words in the boxes without changing their form.
just | told | to | they | wait | Been | have |
PRODUCTION
15. Write a composition of approximately 120 words, choose one of the following options, and focus strictly on it. Specify your option.
a) Advantages and disadvantages of living in a beautiful tropical area like the Caribbean.
b) Do you think people should pay more attention to the environment in order to prevent natural disasters? Give reasons.
